80 Banquet Invitation (1/2)
After having dinner, a satiated Klein casually lounged on the living room sofa. He used a small letter opener to open the letter he received from his mentor.
Melissa was sitting by the dining table at the time, working hard on a textbook problem, with the gas lamp for illumination. Benson was cradled in a single seater, reading Accountancy for Beginners.
Klein found three pages in the letter that he read with both fear and anticipation.
”...very happy to receive your letter. It reminds me of the good old days over the past few years. Unfortunately, Welch and Naya have left us forever...”
”I attended their burials separately and could feel their parents' anguish. The two of them were young adults who were supposed to have beautiful, bright futures ahead of them...”
”Fate is always so unpredictable. No one can know what will happen to you next. I've experienced more as I've grown older, and I can increasingly sense the weakness and helplessness of humanity.”
”...Regarding the historical information revolving around the Hornacis main peak, I recall that the archaeologist, Mr. John Joseph, once published a monograph detailing it. It includes his accounts of his time at the Hornacis main peak. He discovered a few ancient buildings that are more than a thousand years old.”
”What shames every historian and archaeologist is our inability to precisely date the era. We can only make a crude estimate based on the architecture style, the characteristics of the murals, and a few of the texts that we can decipher.”
”It's quite unbelievable that such a tall mountain peak would have humans living there. Mr. Joseph has ample evidence to prove that those humans developed a civilization that they can call their own. As for the details, it is hard to fully describe them in this letter. I suggest you try borrowing this monograph from the Deweyville Library. Trust me, Sir Deweyville's donation to this library makes it have more books in its collection than the one built by the city government.”
”The monograph's title is Research of the Hornacis Main Peak's Relics. It is published by the Loen Publishing Firm.”
”In addition, there are some papers that discuss something of relevance. They are published in the journals—New Archeology, Archeology Summary. The exact issue and journal volume is...”
...
Klein read every word, and repeated the names of the monograph and paper names silently.
Immediately afterwards, he found some paper and an envelope, as well as a fountain pen before penning his gratitude.
”Melissa, help me send this letter out. This is the money for the stamps.” Klein placed the sealed envelope and more than enough money for the stamps on his sister's desk.
Melissa took a glance and curled her lips.
”Klein, stamps don't cost that much.”
”Yes, stamps don't, but a girl should have some allowance.” Klein replied with a smile. ”I believe Selena has mentioned this to you before.”
Noticing that Melissa was about to protest, he quickly added, ”It can be used to buy the materials and tools you need.”
”Tools...” Melissa repeated softly again and again before casting her gaze back onto her books. ”Alright,” she said as she nodded imperceptibly.
The corners of Klein's mouth immediately curved upwards as he briskly walked back to the sofa.
”Excellent persuasion skills. You precisely pinpointed Melissa's weakness.” Benson gave a thumbs up as he said with a suppressed laugh. Klein cleared his throat and said in all seriousness.
”Then how shall I persuade you? Your self-study should emphasize language and ancient literature. Of course, basic mathematics and logic are equally important.”
According to the curriculum of the public schools and grammar schools, as well as the material tested for in college admissions, Klein was very confident about the general direction in which the upcoming 'civil servant examinations' would focus on.
Benson touched his hairline and said with a self-deprecating smile, ”I feel like a curly-haired baboon in front of those books.”
”But they're really useful,” Klein said with a determined smile.
At that moment, Melissa put down her fountain pen, stood up, and walked to the sofa.
”Benson, Klein. This Sunday is Selena's birthday. She and her parents wish to invite all of us to their place for a banquet. Are both of you free?”
”Should be fine for me,” Klein said after some thought.
He could take the opportunity to be acquainted with his sister's friends. It could prevent him from being utterly clueless whenever something happened to her.
”Me too,” Benson said as he combed his hairs with his fingers. ”It looks like we'll have to think of a birthday present for Miss Selena.”
Klein smiled.
”This should be left to Melissa. She knows Miss Selena better than us. Besides, what we need to do is what a gentleman ought to do—pay for it.”
”This is the first time I've heard someone describe laziness in such a pleasant manner,” Benson said as he shook his head and chuckled.
Klein returned with a smile.
”This is the purpose of language and ancient literature.”
”...” Benson never expected Klein to return to the subject at hand; it left him momentary speechless.
...
The next day, Klein wore his cheap formal suit and held his black inlaid silver cane as he climbed up the stairs and arrived at the Blackthorn Security Company's entrance. His tuxedo had already been sent to the tailors.
Klein was just about to greet Rozanne when he saw Captain Dunn walk out of the partition.