5 The Apprentice meets the Soldier – Unexplainable Part 2 (1/2)

Saleen took the gold coins and put on the robe that Jason had prepared for him. This robe had not been tailor-made. Although Saleen had been eating well, he was still just a twelve-year-old child and was not that tall. Even if the hem were to be cut off, it would still not fit Saleen well.

The six gold coins that he had with him were a large sum of money. In the past, he would not have spent this much even in an entire year.

There had been no change to Ceylon City. The lazy soldiers guarding the city gate did not even bat an eyelid at Saleen. Even though he had not visited in the last six months, the soldiers were still able to recognize him. Collecting an entry tax from a beggar? They would be a laughing stock if the other cities got wind of this.

Saleen walked along the road and stopped at a restaurant. Since it was still early in the day, he was not in a hurry to go to the grain store. Even when he had been penniless, he had always wanted to dine here. With the six gold coins on him, his dream could finally come true.

It was not a small restaurant. To its right, there was a courtyard for horse carriages to be docked. Although Ceylon City was no longer in its prime, there were still a few nobles and businessmen left. Sikeqinya was an empire of trade; its four main trades could be found throughout the Myers Mainland. Ceylon City, being a port city, had not diminished completely. Even though it was declining, it still had some life left in it.

The restaurant enjoyed high patronage, as the wealthy in Ceylon City often chose it as a venue for entertainment.

Saleen was no longer illiterate. He looked up at the inscribed board above him. Written on the board above the main door was a line in the Myers language – The Whale of Ceylon.

When Ceylon City had been flourishing, the signature dish in this restaurant had been whale meat. Now that few fishermen were willing to fish for whales, the restaurant had hired a chef from Qin Empire to hold the fort. However, this board had not been replaced for hundreds of years. If one were willing to fork out a sufficient number of gold coins, there would be fishermen willing to risk their lives at sea.

Saleen could not afford whale meat, but it would not cost him more than two silver coins for two dishes on the first floor.

He walked into The Whale of Ceylon, found himself an empty seat, and sat down. To his surprise, the server saw him, hurried to his table, and hollered at him loudly, ”Beggar, get out of here quickly. There is nothing for you to eat.”

Saleen fumed, his whole face turning red. He had previously been a beggar, but now he was an apprentice learning magic. Even an apprentice had dignity. He fished out a gold coin from his pocket and slammed it hard on the table. He looked at the server from the side of his eye and asked, ”Who were you calling a beggar?”

The server was astounded, and quickly put a smile on his face. He bowed as he nodded his head and said, ”Oh, young master, I must have mistaken you for someone else. There was a young boy that did not pay for his food yesterday. That certainly was not you. Please pardon me, I shall bring you the menu now.”

He turned and walked off, fearful of hearing Saleen's reply. Saleen did not feel appeased, but since the server had apologized, it would be uncivilized of him to continue to rant.

Saleen did not notice that a few patrons had come down from the second floor. Leading the way was that one plump businessman, and next to him was the servant who had previously nearly killed him with his kick.

The businessman was surprised at the sight of Saleen, especially the gleaming gold coin on his table. At one glance, he could tell that it was a genuine Sikeqinya Empire oak gold coin.

The businessman maintained his composure and left The Whale of Ceylon. After he had stepped out of the door, he said to the servant next to him, ”That lad looked like he was that jinx from the Metatrin clan. How is he still alive?”

”Master, I am puzzled as well. If no one helped him, he should have starved to death by now. I thought I saw a gold coin with him just now,” replied the servant, his brows furrowed.

”Strange. He is a beggar; where did he get the gold coin?”

”Master, I heard that there has been a gang of bandits in the city recently, and they have adopted some children. Do you think that…”

”So what if he was? Worm, go to the city guard department and call for a few soldiers. Inform them that we have lost money, and get this lad arrested and killed off. Take this gold coin with you, and do as I told you…” the businessman told him carefully. Then, with a few other servants, he returned to The Whale of Ceylon.

Saleen had no idea of the catastrophe that was ahead of him. He ordered two inexpensive dishes costing less than two silver coins altogether. As he was still underage, he did not dare consume alcohol. Hence, he ordered a pot of tea, and enjoyed it immensely. Then, he realized that his attire was not all that suitable for The Whale of Ceylon, as he saw that the other diners were well-dressed. Some were even dressed in clothes tailored-made with silk from the Qin Empire.

His robe looked like it had been picked up somewhere. It was no wonder that the server had wanted to chase him out. He decided that he would buy himself proper attire once he had the money to do so, so that he would not be so looked down upon.

The first dish that Saleen had ordered was served. Before he even managed to pick up his cutlery, four soldiers dashed in through the door and held him down at once. Without a word, they chained him up.

”What are you all doing?!” Unable to fight back, Saleen was both terrified and livid.

”What? Lad, you have committed a crime and still have the nerve to dine here. Bring him back!” The soldiers who seized him were behaving savagely like wild tigers and wolves. They were from the city guard department, and were responsible for maintaining the security of Ceylon City. As there was rarely additional revenue to be made and someone had lodged a report today, they had kept the gold coin, regardless of the truth. They had not had such an unusual transaction for the last two years.

”Bullsh*t!” Saleen's face was pinned to the hard table top, and he began to lose his composure. He had done nothing, and struggled to resist. A city guard soldier lifted his leg and gave Saleen a kick in his ribs.

”Ouch!”

Saleen made a sound that did not sound human. This kick had been so harsh that his bones had cracked. That kick brought back memories of his days as a beggar. Back then, he had felt nothing when he was hurt by such random kicking. But now, Saleen felt humiliated. He turned his face to the side, and spat hard at the other soldier's face.

The soldiers retaliated with a series of punches and kicks. The vicious soldiers resorted to using an iron chain to bridle Saleen's mouth. The four soldiers then dragged Saleen out. The businessman sneakily followed behind them. The server pursued them, shouting, ”Master, that person has not paid.”

The soldier laughed, ”His money is stolen. Do you want stolen money?”