REINER - A WAY TO BELONG

“I see…” I mumbled. This is the property of Nô-velDrama.Org.

“It’s just like any service provider company. The company has sales, marketing, accounting, and all

that,” Queen explained as we talked along a long corridor.

I could see endless rows of office desks and their busy owners working away. I never knew that an

agency handing mercenary missions was run out of a regular office like this. Frankly, I found the whole

thing very surprising but very interesting.

After we were done with the office building tour, Queen drove me quite far from the city center. We

stopped at a large set of buildings surrounded by a thick forest. I looked around at the building and the

surrounding thick trees when we got out of the car.

“This place is huge…” I mumbled to myself in amazement.

“This is the training facility and training grounds. Agents employed by the agency train here for their

missions. Just like what you see in the spy movies,” Queen announced proudly.

“Wow…” I said in complete amazement.

“I’m sorry but we can’t go in and see everything because most parts have restricted access, but I can

show you enough so that you get the general idea of what happens in there,” Queen said before

motioning for me to follow her inside.

The training facility was large, and it was a good idea on Queen’s part not to show me everything

because it would have needed more time than we had. However, she did give me a very good general

idea just as she had promised. There was everything in there from shooting ranges, obstacle courses,

a swimming pool, weapon storages and other facilities that I didn’t know much about.

“The forest here next to the training facility is also used as a training ground for outdoors training and

battle simulations. Precisely because of that, we’re not allowed to wander this forest without prior

clearance. You could end up shot or killed and things like that…” Queen explained casually.

We got back in the car where we would be heading to the final destination of our tour. By that time, it

was already late in the afternoon and the sun was about to set. The excitement of the trip ate up quite a

lot of my energy and I found myself feeling a little tired as I sat next to Queen in the passenger seat of

her car.

“Just one more destination. I’m sure you’ll find this place entertaining. It’s my favorite as well,” Queen

said merrily.

It was quite a long drive considering that the training facility seemed to be out of everyone’s way.

Queen drove us back closer to the city center and I found myself in the middle of what looked like the

entertainment district. Sure enough, it was as Queen had said, this place was entertaining.

“Let’s go. I’ll take you to my favorite bar!” Queen announced proudly as she dragged me by the hand

along after her.

It was clear that Queen came here a lot because so many people knew her and greeted her. Bars,

restaurant, shopping malls, shops and stalls lined both sides of the long road. Since the sun had set by

this point, all the light decorations and signs were on, and it served as a very impressive display.

“Most of the people living on this island and employed by the agency are men. Well, we’re not being

sexist but that’s just the nature of the job. There are women who work in the office roles though. Then

there are women who work here in the entertainment district,” Queen explained as we walked along.

“I see…” I said.

“Mind you, not everyone women here can be bought for a price and not every man is here looking for

company for the night. Men and women come here to relax and enjoy. Especially, after a mission and

when they get their paycheck, this place becomes ultra-popular,” Queen explained before laughing.

After hanging out with Queen for almost a day, I had to say that she didn’t act anything at all like normal

people her age. She seemed younger and she acted younger…and freer. She dragged me into a bar,

and we took our seats. I didn’t have to do anything because Queen quickly ordered a drink for herself

and one for me.

“You’re back. Always good to have you here, Queen,” a middle-aged man greeted Queen before

beaming a smile at me.

“This is Natalia. She’s my guest. So be nice to her please…” Queen said teasingly.

“Hi. I’m Natalia,” I said before I offered him one of my best smiles.

“Always good to have more pretty girls around here,” the man said with a wink before he disappeared

behind the bar counter.

“That’s Jamie and he owns this place. Before starting this place, he worked at the agency. Made a lot

of money during the peak of his career there and decided to settle here for his retirement,” Queen

quickly explained to me.

“Wow. No wonder he looks very fit,” I replied with an amused laugh.

“All muscles and very little brain…haha!” Queen replied with a laugh.

Our drinks arrived and while I sipped on my pink-colored cocktail, Queen made small talk. It was

getting later, and the bar was getting busier as more customers arrived.

“I used to work here…” Queen said softly.

“Really?” I asked in slight amazement.

“Yes. Right when Jamie first opened this bar. He hired me because he said that I had a pretty face and

long legs. Those were the fun days,” Queen replied as she reminisces on the past.

Is this how she found her place on this island?

“This was after you moved here?” I asked.

“Correct. I had given up my job and I was jobless. I had some money though, but I needed to find

something to do to fit in. So, I started working here,” Queen said before smiling at me.

It was then that I fully understood why Queen took me on a tour today. If I wanted to stay, I have to

figure out something for myself just like she did back in her younger days. But like…what am I

supposed to do? Just randomly become a waitress or a bartender?

--To be continued…