With the quill continuing to write on the paper, my open mouth released white dew due to the cold temperature.
Sitting at the table with all the contents of the store that I bought not long ago. I try to balance my energy and mind so that the time efficiency for me to write more data is not disturbed by trivial problems.
Data in written records is proof of a civilization. Without writing, how could humans now be able to create accumulative intelligence that has been accumulated over hundreds of thousands of years.
The science from the time I lived has brought humanity to a level where technology has become less valuable. With the existence of the six basic elemental forces of anemo, pyro, cryo, electro, hydro and geo, all of which are actually quantum reactions, people no longer have the opportunity to see the development of research and technology as an aspect that must be considered. This results in low human resources that do not see rationality as an obligation, making skilled personnel who can count and write very difficult to obtain. Even when they still have some of the culture of the past, the results are still not much different.
This became a problem because I couldn't possibly write down all the data with my own two hands while also having to create a strong foundation for the business I was starting. Simply put, it was a matter of lack of members.
I looked over at Roland briefly before looking down again to write.
"Three people..."
"I'm sorry Miss White, most of my colleagues have returned to the south."
"Did you tell them that the payment is one gold coin?"
"Yes, they should all realize that you are being generous."
I was thinking whether it would be too much if I paid one gold coin? So I was considering giving fifteen large money bags for free to hold 15 silver coins and 2000 copper coins as their reward. But it looks like this idea will have to be thrown in the trash, all because my guards refuse to work for me. This is very unfortunate.
Is it because the cost of living in the big city is so expensive? This city was different from the ones in the south and was even under the control of a different kingdom, so it was only natural that rural people like them would not feel comfortable.
"Never mind."
I commented quietly while signaling to my other employees to prepare the food.
The shopkeeper who was here then came towards me while placing a plate full of bread and meat steak. They also prepared three more servings for my three bodyguards.
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I cut one of the cuttings and devoured it. The delicate flavor on my tongue made me feel that the decision to invest a small portion of my money in this shop was not a bad choice.
"This is quite delicious."
Through a low-interest loan from the merchant guild, I tried to invest my money into two shops. A food store and a clothing store.
Luckily, as someone who was considered to have some sort of relationship with Mr. Gustaf, the people from the merchant union tried to be friendly to me, they also made me a part of the executive.
But as someone who prioritizes rationality, how could I innocently believe that this might just be luck.
I wrote the data back into the book. There were brief observations of everything I had seen so far. After pausing, I then looked at my subordinate who was currently devouring food.
"Roland."
"Yes, Miss White."
"Can you write?"
"Of course."
"Then, before I get a proper employee you will be the temporary secretary. Your job is simple, you just need to take down what I say."
"I understand, but may I ask a question? Why do you need employees, is there a shortage of people in your company?"
Actually there wasn't at all, and I had even just thought of registering it with the merchants' union.
In a rather slow pace, I fiddled with the quill in my hand and placed the back of my hand to support the smooth white cheeks that were exhausted.
The white hair with black highlights on the bangs was slightly raised. All of that made me look like a woman with a serious expression.
"Didn't you see that? My subordinates that Mr. Gustaf brought in have all perished. I currently don't have a single employee. That's also the reason why I dared to pay you quite a lot to accompany me."
"...Ah!?"
Roland opened his mouth speechlessly.
For some reason, he was now silent as if trying to pretend that he did not understand what I was saying as if the problem I was facing was none of his business. I didn't mind that attitude, as long as he could work well, that was enough.
Looking back at Roland, although he was a mature man who had a lot of life experience, he didn't seem to know that some people were able to see through people's psychology just from their body language. He did not have the slightest suspicion or attempt to hide what he was thinking.
Roland with a slightly downcast face and an expression that showed worry, doubt mixed with fear now began to open his mouth and ask me.
"Miss, please tell me who you are offending."
"What do you mean?"
"No, I mean, if there is someone who has hatred for you or perhaps you hate someone, you can tell me everything, that way, we can at least prepare everything necessary to protect your life."
"Including killing others?"
Roland's subordinates sitting around me then stopped all their eating, the sound of forks and knives being placed on plates left a brief silence. Roland, who represented the silence, continued.
"Perhaps. If you want it, we'll try to get rid of anyone who gets in your way."
"How many people have you killed?"
"I don't know, mostly bandits and a bunch of wild monsters."
"Including people you thought were innocent?"
"Yes."
Roland answered hesitantly. Seeing that, I then smiled slightly as I replied.
"You don't have to worry, I don't plan to do anything aggressive like that or at least for now..hahaha..."
I then grabbed the small book on the table and quickly put it away under the white suit.
Really? Even when I tried to become an ordinary businessman by opening a few shops or selling and buying commodities in a peaceful age. Circumstances once again led me to become a mafia man. Is that really necessary? Why is the world around me always covered in darkness? Yet I am a devout believer in rationality and logic. I would even believe in science if it were a religion.
I envy most people when they enjoy a world that is actually propped up by decay, cruelty, injustice and abomination, while looking at everything as if it were a field of roses in spring. The shadow of darkness proves to be more dominating than the source of light. The majority of people don't realize that when they live a comfortable life, including the residents of this city.
Fortunately rationality has brought me far enough where I always try to come out on top. Times have changed since long ago, but as a woman born from a competitive generation, solving problems with perfect efficiency is the first thing I always think about.
While thinking that, it didn't take long for the last piece of steak to be swallowed.
The store employee who saw the clean plate then approached me and Roland.
The employee stopped and bent down, bringing his lips to my ear, this person seemed to want to whisper something. I pricked up my ears briefly to hear what he was saying.
"Ms. White, there are two gentlemen who wish to see you."
"Let them in."