3 days after the previous chapter.

[13th of June 1835 | 8:00AM] King’s Square, Central Barline.

Hotaru walks in the city’s large and busy boulevard. As he walks he goes to kiosk selling various items. He walks to the shopkeeper to buy items. “Can I get a box of cigarettes, a box of matches and a newspaper.” Hotaru says to the shopkeeper as to purchase the goods. “That’ll be 2 crowns.” The shopkeeper says while giving him the items. Hotaru nods and gives the payment to the shopkeeper. “Thank you and have a good day sir.” The shopkeeper says while Hotaru leaves.

As he walked along the boulevard along rows of shops and houses. Hotaru sees a coffeehouse and to his interest enters the café. “Sir; Welcome to Café Wilhelm. May I take you to your seat?” A man welcomes Hotaru. “Of course.” Hotaru says as he is ushered to his table. “Would I take your order?” The waiter asks Hotaru. “Can I get a cup of coffee and what kind of pastry do you have?” Hotaru asks the waiter. “We have dough nuts.” The waiter offered to Hotaru. “I’ll take that.” He replies to the waiter. “Sir, I’ll have it served soon.

Alone in the table Hotaru pulls out the cigarettes and the box of matches. He opens the box and pulls out cigarette and with a strike of a match; A fire is lit and is used to light a cigarette. As Hotaru puff his cigarettes a man comes and sits down near to his table.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

“You Hotaru right?” The man asks. “Yes I am what do you want from me.” Hotaru answers as he becomes suspicious to the man. “I have some information you’d want.” The man says. “What do you want from me?” Hotaru responds with further suspicion. “Kazuya Hotaru; Age 37. Born in Yokohama, Japan” The Man confidently says. “A bewildered Hotaru too shocked went silent. As he tries to formulate a rebuttal to the man he speaks once more. “That made you listen now. Let me introduce myself call me the Delegate.” The man makes himself. “How do you know about that well the delegate?” Hotaru asks the Delegate. “Let’s say that I have connections in high places.” The delegate says to the bewildered Hotaru. “I’ll tell you something Hotaru; Things aren’t free.” The delegate remarks as he stood up and left. “Sir your coffee and pastry is here.” The waiter says as he serves his meal. “Thank you.” Hotaru says as he thanked the waiter.

[The Same Day Kolner Estate | 9:24PM]

A door screeches as it opens, a man walks inside. “Friedrich; I have some news about Hotaru.” Alfred says to a Friedrich writing and signing in his desk. “Alfred what is the news?” He says while continuing to sign documents. “Halstedt has made their move and has contacted Hotaru.” A nervous Alfred declares to Friedrich. As he heard the news he suddenly stops his work; Friedrich put down his pen and leans back on his chair. “It has started Alfred; The war has started.” Friedrich imparts in a serious but saddening tone. “May god have mercy upon us all.” Friedrich muttered under his breathe.