Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic

Chapter 313 Princess Diary

Miss Princess was quite decisive and straightforward about discussing Gold Pounds. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire

"How about a base pay of 5 pounds?"

He stretched out five fingers and wagged them:

"I'll give you 3 pounds before we leave, and 2 pounds at the end of the night, with potential for additional pay depending on the situation. As for my goal, I just want to stroll around Coldwater Port City and meet a few trustworthy people involved in the black market trading of special items."

Although 5 pounds seemed a lot, if she could really introduce Shard to places like Black Raven Library or Old John's Pawnshop, then the broker's fee was quite low.

The girl with blonde hair and green eyes looked at Shard, tapped the armrest of the chair, and shook her head gracefully:

"A flat rate of 10 pounds, 3 pounds upfront, and 7 pounds in the evening. If you're not satisfied, we can discuss the remaining payment tonight. I've already brought you to my usual residence in this city, so you needn't doubt me."

The price was acceptable, and Shard had already planned to make Coldwater Port his regular trading spot:

"No problem."

Miss Princess's smile flickered across her face but only for a moment.

Afterward, Miss Princess brought out a very expensive-looking silver-gray metal case with a handle from the bathroom. The box was rectangular, the surface covered with patterns of branches and flowers. The patterns were golden, as if gilded. But considering Miss Princess's income level, Shard probably thought too much.

She slowly pulled the handle, opening the case. As the lid rose, shelves inside unfolded layer by layer, allowing Shard to see the cosmetics arranged inside.

Metal screws connected the different metal layers, with brass-colored nuts, springs, and bearings ensuring the smooth unfolding of the shelves inside the case. Although no high-end steam technology was used in this makeup case, the era's clever mechanical craftsmanship was evident.

"Don't move, I'm going to apply some makeup on you."

The young lady had already started taking out bottles and jars from the makeup case. It seemed she did not mind sitting face-to-face with a stranger during the makeup process. This was not to say that Miss Princess was a very casual girl, but Shard felt she had a particularly high regard for him, familiar with his facial features as she began applying his makeup.

It took her only ten minutes to complete Shard's disguise. Looking in the bathroom mirror, he could still recognize himself. However, for those unfamiliar with him, the subtle adjustments made using simple makeup techniques would make it difficult to equate John Watson with Shard Hamilton.

"Ladies' makeup skills are indeed impressive."

He touched his face in the mirror:

"Why does she trust me so much? Does this lady not have any guard up? Or does she want to gain my trust this way?"

[Why not other possibilities?]

A whispered voice rose at his ear, tinged with amusement.

"Like what?"

[She likes your face.]

"Is this the first time you are joking with me?"

Her laughter seemed to intend to end the conversation, though she never greeted before speaking. Except for the day Shard first arrived in this world, she always spoke at just the right moment without seeming abrupt.

"In the future, you can't do this to strange ladies. I am a person with a good temper, but if you encounter someone with a bad temper, you could be in trouble."

She then raised her right hand to hold her naturally hanging left arm and asked shyly:

"Mr. Watson, what do you think about my appearance now that I've made myself look uglier?"

She really was a girl with a pleasant personality.

Without lingering much in the city, they took a carriage back to the Dock Area. On the way, with nothing better to do, Miss Princess discussed some political topics with Shard.

This also proved to be the best pastime during a dull moment. Seeing Shard looking out at the street scenes, the young lady asked:

"Mr. Watson, what do you think of Coldwater Port City?"

"Although the maritime trade has made this city earn a lot, the current mode of development is not very sound,"

Shard said, looking at the children running outside, barefoot, chasing after an iron hoop:

"This city appears prosperous, but relying solely on maritime trade as the main source of profit is too one-dimensional. The current prosperity is based on the premise of developing the New World, which I know could continue for hundreds of years, but Coldwater Port's position is not irreplaceable. It has seized the bonus of an era but merely borrowed the status of the old times. If the city's administrators do not realize this, it's really hard to say how long this chaotic prosperity under the city can last."

The management of the Dock Area by Coldwater Port City Hall was actually very negligent. Smuggling, illegal immigration, and dangerous goods trading were rampant in the Dock Area. The chaotic flow of people and the interference of nobles and wealthy businessmen in maintaining order made the port management of Coldwater Port extremely disorderly. This was certainly a boon for ambitious individuals looking to venture out to sea but not a good thing for the city's development.

"Oh? That's quite a fresh perspective. What do you think Coldwater Port should do then?"

Miss Princess asked again.

Shard shook his head:

"I'm just an ordinary person, and I don't have any specific opinions. I guess it would involve leveraging the convenient transportation conditions to develop some other industries, allowing transportation, fishing, and finance... cough, I mean banking, to integrate. Perhaps the Draleon National Bank could take advantage of the seasonal nature of fish and commodity trade... I don't have much of an opinion."

Realizing he had spoken too much, he smiled sheepishly. Miss Princess also laughed, her serene smile without showing teeth making a strong impression:

"Mr. Watson, did you study urban management or something similar in the past?"

"Certainly not."

"But you are quite outstanding."

Miss Princess's voice was very soft.

After a short trip, the two got off at a cobblestoned street next to the docks. The lady, seeming very familiar with the area, led Shard into the "Seven Brooms Tavern" with a sign hanging a freshly bleeding pig's head.

Signaling Shard to speak less, Miss Princess, wrapped tightly in her relatively neutral black coat, walked ahead through the rowdy tavern crowded with sailors and idlers to the bar. Tapping the counter with her finger, she threw out a red coin that Shard had never seen before:

"I've brought a new friend."

The bartender, spinning the coin on the countertop and looking at it under the gaslight, pushed the coin back to the woman who spoke:

"Entrance fee, 1 shilling for you. He's a stranger, 5 shillings."

Miss Princess looked back at Shard with a nod, and Shard conscientiously pulled out his wallet, extracting a banknote and placing it on the bar.