Chapter 86: Cape Heimya

Cape Heimya, situated at the southwestern extremity of the Kingdom of Prue, was a renowned port city nestled along the shores of the sparkling Gem Sea. Owing to its thriving maritime trade, it stood as the second most prosperous city in the realm, eclipsed only by the capital, and was unquestionably a city of immense significance.

The harbor of Cape Heimya witnessed a ceaseless parade of ships. While many hailed from Myron and the various nations bordering the Gem Sea, occasionally, vessels traversed the vast oceans from distant continents, adding an air of exoticism to the bustling port.

Richard's primary objective in arriving at Cape Heimya was to embark on a ship bound for an uncharted continent, leaving the familiar shores behind to explore uncharted territories. This was not driven by a thirst for adventure or the marvels of the unknown, but rather by a profound sense of confinement he felt on the current continent.

Over the past ten-plus years, Richard had come to understand that this continent was vast – spanning nearly ten million square kilometers, roughly equivalent to the expanse of modern-day Canada. Yet, over 80% of this land remained uninhabited, a barren expanse of deserts and wild wastelands. Human settlements were confined to less than 20% of the land, primarily along the shores of the Gem Sea, with nations like Myron, Prue, and Sys as notable examples.

To Richard, this situation evoked the isolation of Oceania in the modern world. In such a desolate and secluded land, one was fated to uncover but a fraction of the world's wonders. Thus, after fifteen years of meticulous preparation, Richard felt an irresistible compulsion to depart. For, to unravel the mysteries of the world, one must first comprehend the nature of the world itself.

A little over a month had passed since then. Richard and his young maid, Lucy, found themselves in Cape Heimya. They took up temporary residence in a modest inn and ventured onto the streets, immediately immersed in the city's distinctive medieval ambiance.

The salty breezes from the Gem Sea carried a sense of freshness, and the streets of Cape Heimya exhibited a cleanliness and orderliness that set them apart from most cities of the era. The ground was paved with expansive white stone slabs, their surfaces gleaming brightly, devoid of dirt or debris. As people tread upon them, the sensation was akin to stepping on polished glass.

Towering lofts and shops lined either side of the street. The windows of the lofts were typically high and narrow, designed to prevent prying eyes from the street below. In contrast, the shop windows were wide and low, almost merging with the ground-floor doors. The shop attendants stood at the entrance, offering "warm" greetings to the passersby. In the distance, the faint sounds of merriment and the aroma of ale wafted from a tavern. Further afield, the rhythmic clang of metal from a blacksmith's forge echoed through the air.

Richard and his maid strolled along the street, observing the vibrant scene...

Suddenly, a loud "gurgle" emanated from Lucy's stomach. She clutched her abdomen, gazing at Richard with a pleading expression. "Master, I'm so hungry. Can we eat something?"

"What do you desire to eat?" Richard inquired casually, his gaze drifting towards a somewhat forlorn-looking shop in the distance.

At Richard's question, Lucy's eyes sparkled with anticipation. Hesitantly, she asked, "Can... can I eat anything I want?"

"Of course... not," Richard replied without hesitation. "You may choose between bread or... pie."

"Why not?" Lucy pouted, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

"Because we lack the funds," Richard responded bluntly. "I am no longer a noble. We did not bring much money on this journey – only a few silver coins. After covering the expenses of the journey and the inn, we have little left, so we must be frugal."

"But I'm so hungry. I want meat," Lucy protested stubbornly, pouting even more. Though she was not usually particular about food, the hardships of their journey to Cape Heimya had awakened a yearning for meat like never before.

At that moment, Lucy extracted a tightly wrapped handkerchief from her garments. Unfurling it revealed five gleaming silver coins – coins she had diligently saved over the years of serving Richard.

Lucy presented the silver coins to Richard and asked, "Master, may I use my own money to buy some meat?"

"No," Richard refused instinctively, snatching the "private savings" from Lucy's hand.

"Master, how can you do this?!" Lucy exclaimed, her displeasure evident.

Richard's hand descended once more, gently patting her head. "Behave! Cease your thoughts of food. We have a task to attend to first."

"Ow, that hurts," Lucy complained, clutching her head, then tilted her head inquisitively. "What are we going to do?"

"Earn money," Richard replied.

"Earn money?" Lucy looked puzzled.

"Yes, earn money," Richard confirmed, his expression resolute.

At this juncture, Richard's mind was clear. Their journey to Cape Heimya was intended to lighten their load, so aside from important scrolls, they had brought little else. The silver coins they possessed were barely sufficient for food and lodging in Cape Heimya. However, to board a ship to another continent and procure the necessary provisions, they required far more wealth. Even a few hundred silver coins would be insufficient.

Thus, they must earn money. With adequate funds, every challenge could be overcome. Without them, every obstacle would be insurmountable.

Richard was steadfast in his decision and proceeded towards the jewelry shop he had noticed earlier.

Lucy followed, her confusion mounting. "Master, are we going to earn money at a jewelry shop? But how can we earn anything there? You possess no jewelry, and..."

Slap. Richard's hand landed once more on Lucy's head, and his voice resonated: "Remember: to earn money, one must first project the air of affluence. Only then will opportunities to come into contact with great wealth arise, and ultimately, to earn it. As for the method, simply observe."

"Ah," Lucy nodded, rubbing her head, then clenched her small fists in protest. "Stop hitting my head! I'll become a fool at this rate, Master!"

"Is that so?" Richard replied nonchalantly, continuing his stride into the jewelry shop.

Within the jewelry shop, the décor was magnificent. The marble floor was immaculate, and behind a tall counter stood sturdy redwood shelves. The shelves were divided into hundreds of compartments, each housing wooden boxes filled with precious jewelry – silver bangles, gold pendants, gemstone headpieces, diamond rings, pearl necklaces...

A capable-looking attendant stood behind the counter, extending a warm greeting to Richard. In the two corners near the shop's entrance stood two burly men, clearly positioned to deter any foolish notions of robbery.