Back To the Beginning
Monte Rosa's

Just a few steps away from the entrance gate, we could already hear the excitement ahead there.

The sound of musical instruments is united, with dancers dancing traditional dances in this city.

Although it is called a city, this place as large is still a green grass with a small river bordering.

Shady trees seem to enliven the atmosphere.

From a distance, you will be able to see two twin mountains that seem to greet everyone who sees them.

Although the grass is a little wet because of the rain that occurred earlier, it is not a barrier from dancers to dance on it.

Noland and I decided to watch the dance show for a while.

The audience was very enthusiastic to watch the dance, they sat down to relax and enjoy the dance in a place that had been prepared before.

Dancers consisted of several small groups, they all wore dresses and suits typical of this area.

The dress used by the women is bright blue which covers some of the white clothes inside that sticking out the dress.

After the red-faced man with a hat on it.

The one who dances there is not only adults, there are also children who dance with joy.

By looking at the excitement and the scenery behind it, will give a feel full of inspiration.

What about the temperature? the temperature is almost the same as the Alps, but here it feels warmer.

After watching for a moment, Noland and I continued our journey towards the merchant association.

on the way...

"Well Noland, we didn't expect to be in this town, did we? what a wonderful little accomplishment!" I opened the topic.

"You're right Arthur.I never thought we'd be in this city of joy and excitement, I feel comfortable here." replied Noland.

"Yes, but we have to stay vigilant, we still don't know what's going to happen in this city. So just in case, let's just say everyone here is ready to harm us at any time."

"Woah Arthur... You suspect everyone here...?"

"Yes..take it. just in case..."

"Haha! yes. I understand Arthur!"

It seems like Noland has understood since the beginning of our conversation, he has changed a lot huh...

"Noland by the way, how about we stop by the diner first? before we go to the merchant association" take me.

"Good idea Arthur!" said agreed.

"Alright, Come!"

We went around and looked left and right to find a place to eat that we could stop by.

After a while we finally found him.

The place to eat is like a stall in general, in which there are already many chairs waiting to be occupied.

Noland and I agreed to eat there.

When Noland and I wanted to get to the chair in there, there was a boy who hit me, the collision wasn't too hard.

The boy looked very thin once, with as the bones already visible.

He apologized to me and just left.

If said the merchant who sells food in this place, the little boy often comes here to ask for food. Although sometimes not given, the boy kept coming here and...

Somehow often hit the customers who want to sit in this place to eat.

Of course the merchant was able to provide that information because Noland asked him.

Huh..I still suck at opening topics with others.

Noland and I finally decided to sit on one of the chairs that was provided inside here.

I chose to sit on the chair behind which there was a wall, so that I could lean as I pleased.

We both put our backpacks under the table.

On the menu list there are foods in the form of meat, porridge, vegetables, and a variety of drinks.

I ordered a warm porridge and a glass of tea, and so did Noland.

There is a unique story of the discovery of tea.

Tea was first discovered accidentally around 2737 BC. At that time the green tea leaves fell into the hot water cup belonging to the Emperor of China, Shen Nong.

The emperor decided to drink it, after which he liked the tea.

What a coincidence, right?

After recalling the story I got from the book in Alphen, I felt a gaze when someone was in front of me.

It means from Noland.

Noland looked at me, like he wanted to ask something.

"You've been aware of it since the beginning, haven't you?" ask Noland to the main topic.

"About what?" ask for more clarity.

"... About that skinny boy who hit you earlier" Noland said.

"Oh about the boy... The boy who tried to pick me up earlier?"

"Yes... calm him down.. Why don't you follow up on that?"

"Why didn't I follow up on that? hmm.. first I do not feel lost, because my wallet or all kinds of important things have been secured in the bag in this coat. Second, I don't have the strength to do that, we're both lower castes. And third, there's no point in me doing that" I explained.

I've added a few bags inside this coat that I'm using, to secure valuables.

"But Arthur, many people have been his victims..."

"Yes you're right, but if I follow up on that, the boy won't be able to survive."

"Can't survive?"

"When he tried to grab my wallet or something in my coat pocket, it moved so fast and it looked so natural. He's been doing this for years..."

"... Therefore, I get a conclusion or a provisional guess.." I continued.

"What is Arthur?"

"... that the merchant who owns this eatery, conspired with the little boy."

"...!"

"The little boy got the food by picking up the customer's valuables at this diner and depositing it to the merchant. If I follow up, it's possible that the boy won't get the food."

"So... How is this Arthur...?"

"Leave it, just think of it as an initial hurdle before entering the real world. So we have to be smart to take care of something and ourselves."

"... well Arthur, I agree."

The world is the same as the jungle.

Anyone who is off guard will be attacked by predators.

After the conversation, our food and drink arrived.

Noland and I immediately ate the food!

...****************...

We have gone from that place of eating, and are looking for a map of this city.

We do not know the exact location of the merchant association, so we will look at the map of the city that may be available around here.

After several turns to the right and left, we saw the map of the city stuck next to the notice board.

We rushed to the map.

The size of the map was quite large, the map had its own board to stick with.

I and Noland searched carefully where the merchant association was located.

Why not just ask the locals around? that might be a good idea, but we will make a backup when it turns out there is no city map around here.

After observing for a few minutes, Noland found him.

The location of the trade association is located in the center of the city, to the north of here.

We finally found it! just walk for a few minutes and we're there!

From that moment we were looking at the map in front of us, our attention occasionally moved to the board next to it, the notice board.

On the notice board, there was a very striking poster.

Inside the poster, there was a face of a little girl the same age as us who was holding a guitar with great joy.

Below the picture the boy is written...

［ This child artist is ready to thrill you on the stage of downtown later! at spanking... ］

"A's thethur! there's Artists! This is a famous artist today!" noland said with excitement.

You could say Noland is very fond of this artist. child artist who suddenly captivated the hearts of several places with her beauty and voice.

Hmm. artist yes...

"Noland, how about when we're done from the merchant association, we pay a short visit to the stage?"

"Certainly Arthur?! I totally agree!"

"Be excited!"

"I'm excited!"

Noland and I started walking north, towards the city center.

Soon we will be able to go to the merchant association, our original destination.