Be crowned king

Chapter 0003: Small Town Clerk

The light rain in the early morning was annoying, and the mud on the streets made women in their favourite dresses reluctant to go out, standing in the doorway, uncertain.

In the town of Shanjin, the shop window was already open, heralding the start of a new day, and the owner, standing outside the shop, kept complaining. All the bigwigs in Shanjin know how to do is build skyscrapers to show off their achievements, but they can't spare a little money to repair this damn road?

The door of the tavern next door creaked open and the owner came out, oiling the door's bearings and rubbing the stubble that had grown overnight. Only the tall buildings can be seen by the arrogant officials whose eyes only look up. They never look down at the road because they sit in their carriages and don't get a speck of mud on them,' the grocer prayed.

prayed the grocer. Perhaps only Lord Carver can give us hope. He is a great benefactor.

Fosster, who lived in a small wooden house on Shanjin's main street, was impeccably dressed in a linen suit, his head covered with wax.

While others could stay at home, he had to go out and earn a living, because no one would bring him bread and milk if he stayed in bed.

And today there is something very important. The great Count Calpho will be in the town square of Shanjin to announce some exciting news to the townspeople. He is going to invest in a great project to improve the lives of the people, so that the poor people living in the slums can move out of the slums and into spacious, light houses and be free of malaria.

Count Carver is the richest and most powerful nobleman in Shengjin Town, but he is not arrogant like other nobles. He always puts himself on the same level as the poor. Letting go of one's pride is not something that every big shot can do, such as those high and mighty city officials.

As an employee of the city government, Foster has to be there to applaud this charity. He hopes to become a big shot like Count Carver one day, so he has to work hard.

On his way out, he saw the muddy road. Foster felt a little sad for the cheap leather shoes on his feet, on which he had spent half a month's savings. But he had to go out. With a firm heart, Foster stepped carefully around the mud puddles and walked slowly.

A horse-drawn carriage came up behind him and Foster could not avoid it. Mud splattered on his clean suit, which he loved, and he wondered how he was going to attend the big ceremony like that. Hey, you've got mud on my suit,' he shouted angrily, quickening his pace to avoid the fleeing carriage, but his shoes suffered as well.

Seeing that the coach was about to flee, Foster had given up hope and stopped, cursing as he bent down and tried to scrape the mud off the top of his shoe with his finger.

But unexpectedly, the coach stopped twenty paces away and someone stuck their head out of the window. 'Sir, I'm very sorry for what's happened to you.

Foster heard the voice and looked at the head sticking out of the window. It was a very handsome face, with an apologetic expression, and his hair was slicked back, the standard gentlemanly type.

He got up and walked over. Foster spread his hands, still angry. You have soiled my clothes and I have an important ceremony to attend.

The gentleman apologised very earnestly. I'm very sorry for my behaviour. How about this: please get in the car, I'll pay for a new suit and take you away.

Foster was not expecting such a response and instead felt a little embarrassed. His face turned red. Logically, these upper-class people who could afford to ride in a horse-drawn carriage would not feel guilty about soiling the clothes of a small person.

I appreciate your kindness, but I'm a little upset. Apart from the mud on my clothes, it's no big deal.

Foster stood aside, waiting for the carriage to leave, but it did not. The man inside got out, the polished boots on his feet also stained with mud. The white shirt under the brown jacket had a Lorimar rose embroidered on it, which was very noticeable.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Downing, Downing Stewart. I'm sorry to have soiled your clothes. If you don't grant my request, I will feel guilty.

Downing placed his right hand on his chest and bowed to express his apology.

The carriage was lavishly decorated with animal skins. Foster had never ridden in such a luxurious carriage before and still looked very constrained.

Downing looked at Foster, who was a little unnatural at the moment. "Sir, what are you going to do? I know it's rude to ask, but I hope you don't mind because we need to find something to talk about to make the atmosphere less awkward.

Faust smiled bashfully. 'Mr Downing, I'm going to a ceremony in town. The Count de Carfort is building a home for the poor. He is such a good man.

He was not shy about praising his idol, even in front of strangers, and did not mind singing his praises.

Downing was a little excited. I think he must be the incarnation of an angel. Such a good man must be blessed and protected by God.

Foster liked to hear his idol praised like that, and he became very enthusiastic, describing Carver's good deeds and talking non-stop. Mr Downing, aren't you from around here?

Downing pointed to the sword on the side of the carriage. 'I'm an adventure lover, and I've only just arrived here. I can't wait to write about such a good deed in my travelogue.

Foster believed him because he had no need to lie, and it was clear from his words and actions that he was not a bad person. In that case, I can tell you more about Count Carver's good deeds.

That would be great.

Suddenly Downing's face became a little embarrassed. 'I don't know if my next request is too presumptuous, but I must say that if I don't see the face of such a great benefactor in person, I'm afraid my adventure will be somewhat regrettable.

Count Carver's ceremony would be attended by many government officials and nobles, but it would not be easy for commoners to get in. Besides, he was only a minor government official, usually carrying clothes and briefcases for the bigwigs.

But Foster felt he could not refuse the other man's kind request. A young man who admires the famous wants to meet the great benefactor, and this kind of request should be granted as far as possible, at least the great benefactor, Mr Carver, would not.

With that in mind, Faust nodded.

Having bought a clean suit, the suit was worth a full 30 Caesars, compared to the suit he had exchanged for it, which was worth only 3 Caesars, Faust felt he had made a great bargain, so if he could not let this enthusiastic young man meet Mr Carver, he felt it was his fault.

The majestic baroque building was solemn and dignified, with a huge statue of the king standing at the entrance. Every part of the building was meticulous, for it represented the enforcer of the law. It was second only to the town church in architectural importance, and it was also the seat of government. The church was above the magistrate, and this was an iron rule that no one dared violate, for the king was also personally appointed by the Pope.

In front of the huge and solemn building was a huge square, paved with marble by countless craftsmen. This was another of Carver's generous gestures.

The sexy moustache of the mayor trembled with his lips, and there were countless other important people, the first prosecutor of the city, the head of the security department, the priest of the church, and the most dazzling protagonist, the kindly old man Cafu in a suit, all holding wine glasses and getting to know each other, talking about the great event that was about to take place.

A sheriff standing in the corner bowed to the director, then nodded. The warden waved his hand and walked over to Cauf.

Count, it's all taken care of. You can make your speech later, it's absolutely foolproof. The people will applaud your good deeds and you'll gain an unprecedented reputation.

Carver's face flushed. As the most respected nobleman in Shengjin City, he liked to be called the noble angel, the messenger sent by God to save mortals. Although his original wealth had not come from a glorious source, he had overthrown a great figure called Anubarak, a great banker, and ended up with a thousandth of the banker's wealth. He had gone from being a small clerk in a bank to becoming a wealthy man.

With the wealth he gained, he moved to a place called Shengjin Town, and used some dishonourable means to increase his wealth, and also gained a lot of fame. This is what he is most proud of. This time, his wealth will grow even more because of this slum.

Tambor, my sincere and kind friend, thank you for your help. Let's drink to that. Carver raised his glass and clinked it with Tambor, the head of the sheriff's department.

Foster stood in the doorway and explained to the sheriff, who was keeping order. This Mr Downing is a good friend of mine. He has heard of Count Carver's good deeds and would like to see Count Carver in person. It would be great if you could agree.

The little sheriff looked at Downing and smiled contemptuously. 'Only people of high society are allowed in here, and unless you can prove that your friend is not a vulgar thief, I don't think a small government clerk like you can bear the responsibility if the precious belongings of the nobles are lost.

Fosster's face turned red, he was humiliated in front of Downing, he felt embarrassed and wanted to explain to the Sheriff, but Downing opened the small case he was carrying and took out a one hundred Caesar note.

Sir, I think you've misunderstood. I'm from the Stewart family of Blott City. This is a small gift for you. Please accept it. I'm an adventurer, and meeting Mr Carver will be an important part of my adventure. Please be kind.

Blott City was a large city 500 miles away, nothing like Shining Gold.

The little sheriff saw that the small box, exquisitely inlaid with a few precious stones, contained neatly stacked bundles of banknotes. This was not something a thief or a small person could possess. A small gift of 100 Caesars was only the handwriting of those wealthy nobles who were generous with their gifts. Obviously, this nobleman's identity was beyond doubt, although he had no idea if there really was a Stewart family in Blot City, and most of those wealthy nobles liked some kind of adventure.

His attitude immediately became very respectful. Dear Mr. Downing, of course you can attend this event in your capacity. Please come in.

Downing entered the government meeting room, followed by Foster, who looked a little surprised. He had not expected this adventurer to be a nobleman of high society who had once generously bought him a suit worth 30 Caesars. He thought he was just a young man with some savings.

Mr Downing, this is Mr Carver, and with him is Mr Tamber, head of security for Shengjin. Foster followed close behind, raising his hand to introduce them.

Downing glanced over and thought to himself, 'Uncle Anubarak, I think you'll like how this ends.