Yutan's home is located in the urban area of Kamega. It occupies a very large area with green grass and colorful flowers. The house is located in a large garden and is surrounded by iron railings. The houses in Kamega are very special. The poor ones are just made of wood, bark and grass, but the houses of the rich are made of stones, plastered with lime mud, and large and small shells are glued to the walls. , the roof is made of a local specialty tree bark, which is warm in winter and cool in summer, and has special textures.
Yutan's daughter got the news early and stood in front of the house waiting. She is a ten-year-old girl, wearing a white quilted robe and skirt embroidered with colorful patterns. She has fluffy curly hair, two round and big eyes, a delicate face, small thick lips, and a very sweet voice. It's pleasant to the ear. As soon as she saw her father, she threw away the nanny's hand and rushed forward to hug Yutan: "Dad, I miss you so much!"
Youtan hugged her tightly and kissed her: "Daddy misses you too, my poor baby. Are you lonely at home alone? Don't worry, daddy will stay at home for a while longer this time. Daddy must spend time with my little one." Baby." After that, he kissed his daughter's little face a few more times.
Ming Na saw it from behind and couldn't help but think of her father. Although Anlong loved her very much, he had never shown such enthusiasm. She was slightly envious, wondering when her father would stop going out to work and stay at home with her and her mother.
After Yutan finished making out with his daughter, he turned around and said to his old friend with a smile: "I lost my temper for a moment, don't be surprised. This is my daughter Sibylla. She is ten years old this year, a few months older than your Minna. Sibylla, this is dad’s good friend Earl Xiao, and his little granddaughter Ming Na.”
Sibylla stared at Xiao Tianjian curiously: "Are you the Earl Xiao that dad mentioned? The top master and the richest man on the mainland? You look so young."
Xiao Tianjian smiled and teased her: "Yes, then you are the Sibylla that Yutan said, the little princess cuter than an angel? You look so...petite."
Sibylla raised her head proudly: "I am!" After a pause, she added: "I am not petite, I am cute!"
You Tan and Xiao Tianjian both laughed, and Ming Na found it very interesting. Her grandfather once taught her that if others praise her, she should be "modest". Although this approach is different from what her parents said, she has become accustomed to it. The little Kamega girl I met now is really not "humble". Even if she looks cute, she doesn't need to shout loudly everywhere.
I don’t know if it was because Ming Na’s eyes revealed a little bit of her thoughts, but Sibylla looked at this little girl who was quite cute to her but half a head taller than her, and felt a little unhappy: "What's your name?" Mingna? Why are you looking at me like this? Don’t you think I’m cute? "
Ming Na hurriedly waved her hands: "No, no, of course you are cute. I keep looking at you because you are cute." She quietly glanced at her grandfather, wondering if this was right.
Xiao Tianjian winked at her and said to Yutan: "Come in quickly, it's very windy outside." Although the climate in Kamega was warm, it was already late autumn after all, and the sea breeze was somewhat chilly.
His words reminded Yutan: "You're right, my little baby, come in quickly, don't catch a cold." After saying that, he picked up his daughter and invited Xiao Tianjian's ancestors and grandchildren into the house.
The house is not big, and looks similar to Ming Na's home in Qedun. It just has a few more rooms and the outer walls are covered with shells. Ming Na thought there would be a fishy smell in the house, but after entering, she found that it was no different from the houses on the mainland, except that the windows were not opened wide and the house seemed a little dark. However, a servant soon brought an oil lamp.
Ming Na noticed that the clothes worn by the servants were all short and simple. They were just a piece of thick cloth with a hole dug in it, pulled over the head, and then tied with a straw rope around the waist. Those with cloth belts or dress hems were more elegant. They are more respectable housekeepers or senior servants, and Sibylla's nanny, perhaps because she specializes in taking care of her little master and is highly favored, has an extra turquoise necklace than other senior maids, and wears clothes like Dress, also with simple embroidered trim.
As for the oil lamps brought by the servants, Ming Na initially thought they were no different from those on the mainland. Later, when she smelled the faint aroma, she realized that they were not ordinary lamp oil, but something a bit like grease. She had seen a lot of materials from Potion Professor Sauron, and after just a brief recollection, she remembered that it was the fat of some kind of deep-sea fish. It could be used to light lamps, but it seemed that only royal palaces and noble families could afford it. ? But she quickly thought that this kind of oil was valuable on the mainland because of its small amount, but on an island like Kamega, it probably wasn't valuable, right
She was thinking wildly here, and Xiao Tianjian and Yutan had already finished discussing the room allocation during their temporary stay. The grandparents and grandson each occupied a room. In order to allow the children to be closer, Mingna's room was arranged in Sibylla's room. edge. Sibylla stared at Minna, pouted and acted coquettishly to her father: "That room is mine too, why should I let someone else live in it?"
Youtan smiled sheepishly at Xiao Tianjian and coaxed his daughter in a low voice: "My dear, don't you often say that it's boring to be at home alone with no one to play with you? You also said that other children are stupid and slow and are not worthy of being Your friend. Mingna is very smart, has been to many places, and is the granddaughter of dad’s good friend. You can be good friends with her. "
Sibylla thought for a while and nodded reluctantly: "Okay." She stretched out her hand to Minna: "Then I will be friends with you." Minna looked at her grandfather's expression, smiled and held her hand. , but there was some reluctance in my heart. This Sibylla is so annoying! Who wants to be her friend
Yu Tan said to his old friend with some shame: "I'm so sorry, my child rarely sees outsiders and doesn't know the world, but she is a good child."
"It's okay, it's okay." Xiao Tianjian waved his hand and didn't take it to heart. He knew that this old friend had been working out for a living all year round, so he would inevitably pamper his daughter. In fact, he had seen many children who were more willful than Sibylla. Even his eldest son Yunlong had many bad habits when he was a child. In comparison, Sibylla It's already considered good, and his little Mingna is the most well-behaved child.
Grandpa has expressed his opinion, so the good boy Ming Na naturally doesn't want to say anything else. She had been studying in the Magic City for two years and had a lot of experience getting along with peers. Although she was not happy, she still got along well with Sibylla. Probably because she had just come to Camecca and didn’t know many things on the island. She always asked Sibylla endlessly. The latter thought that this new friend was really stupid and didn’t know anything, even though she acted very well. I was impatient, but in fact I was very proud of myself. After this back and forth, the two little girls actually became good friends.
When Xiao Tianjian saw this, he felt relieved and quietly said to Yu Tan: "I have something to investigate. I will leave for a while and I will ask you to take care of the child." Yu Tan had long heard him tell him about the clues about meeting a fellow villager. (Although he didn't know where that township was), he hurriedly responded: "Don't worry, leave it to me. My nanny is very reliable, and Ming Na will be well taken care of." Xiao Tianjian then left with peace of mind.
Minna and Sibylla were busy chatting and didn't notice him leaving at all. Yutan has been in the study instructing his men to distribute the goods brought back, and even eats lunch in the room. Mingna thought her grandfather was with him and didn't become suspicious. When she learned that her grandfather went out alone to investigate the girl who stole the boat, it was already dinner time, and she felt very angry when she was left behind by her grandfather again.
Bad grandpa! He actually left her alone again, huh! She followed him all over the continent, how often did she hold him back? He had important things to do, how could he leave her behind? She is not a baggage, she can throw it away whenever she wants!
Mingna secretly made up her mind that she would not let her grandfather succeed no matter what next time.
Yotan was eating with his daughter at the other end of the table. Sibylla kept putting her favorite food on her father's plate, while Yutan simply took a few bites from the child's hand and fed her some nutritious and delicious meat.
Ming Na looked at the scene of them loving each other, and poked at the roasted conch meat and flatbread pieces on her plate with some depression. Although Sibylla repeatedly said that their food was the most delicious on the island, Minna still felt that Kamega’s food was strange. The bowl of kelp and fish fillet soup actually had cream in it, and it smelled strange. She wasn't used to the fishy smell.
"Master, master..." Someone at the door lowered his voice and called Yutan. Ming Na heard the sound and went over, recognizing that it was the first mate on the ship. What could happen
Yutan was a little unhappy when his meal was interrupted, but seeing that his men seemed very anxious, he still coaxed his daughter a few words and walked out of the restaurant.
Ming Na saw him from a distance listening to what the first mate said outside the door, and her face became ugly. When she returned to the restaurant, she didn't even smile at all in the face of her daughter's coquettishness.
Minna asked curiously: "Uncle Yutan, what happened?"
Yutan forced a smile and said, "It's nothing. There was a small incident on the dock and it has been resolved." Then he comforted his daughter who was having a tantrum because of his cold reaction just now. Mingna didn't quite believe what he said and pretended to continue eating, but kept looking up at him.
After dinner, the two little girls played for a while, and Xiao Tianjian came back. Mingna glanced at him sideways, snorted disdainfully, and turned her head to ignore him. Xiao Tianjian touched his nose and touched her head with a smile, but she dodged him. He walked to Yutan's side somewhat sarcastically and coughed twice: "Excuse me, is this child naughty?"
"How is that possible? Mingna is very obedient." Youtan smiled, "How is your place? Do you have any clues?"
Xiao Tianjian nodded: "I found a family who took her in for a few days. It is said that she came down from the Holy Mountain. Later, she was separated from her companions and could not make a living on the island, so she went back. I don't know if this is true. Fake, I’m going to go over there and check it out.”
"Holy Mountain? Where is that place?" Ming Na heard the word next to her and became curious. She forgot about what she was going to be angry with her grandfather about.
Sibylla said: "The Holy Mountain is on the sea north of Camecca, only three kilometers away from the island. It was the family cemetery of the former king and a place where sacrifices were held, so it is called the Holy Mountain. Do you understand?"
Ming Na nodded, but she was a little confused: "Is grandpa talking about the girl who stole the ship? Why did she go to the sacrificial place? Is she the daughter of the previous king?"
Yutan smiled and said: "The Presbyterian Council now makes the decision in Kamega. The royal family has been extinct for hundreds of years. How can there be a king's daughter? There is nothing but trees and stones on that holy mountain, and some strange things are heard from time to time. It is said that there are also will-o'-the-wisps, so few people usually go there. Could it be that Xiao's fellow countryman came to live there because he couldn't survive on the main island? But although there are caves there, he can't find food. There is no fresh water, so it may be difficult to survive.”
Xiao Tianjian deeply agreed with this. He had been to that holy mountain once out of curiosity. Apart from some miscellaneous trees, rocks and graveyards, there were not even wild fruits on the whole mountain. The only edible things were grass roots and fish. If that girl doesn't know how to survive in the wild, it might be difficult for her to survive. Counting the days, she went to the Holy Mountain about two or three days ago, and he could probably make it in time now.
After thinking about it, he said to Yutan: "I'm going to the Holy Mountain, and I'm afraid I have to borrow a boat and people from you again."
"Why are you so polite? I'm glad I can help you." Yutan turned around and ordered the steward to find a few capable crew members, and added: "A medium-sized sea-going ship is too big. I have a smaller ship at home. Just take that one. It's very fast, and it only takes one day to reach the Holy Mountain."
Xiao Tianjian thanked him happily. Ming Na was eager to give it a try: "Grandpa, grandpa, I want to go too!"
"What are you going to do? There is nothing interesting in that holy mountain, and the sea breeze is cold. You should stay here and play with Sibylla."
"No!" Ming Na pouted, "You didn't call me when you went out today. There was obviously no danger... How could Grandpa do this? I came to Kamega to play, not to stay in the house!"
Sibylla was a little unhappy when she heard what she said: "My house is the most comfortable. If you can live in it, what else are you dissatisfied with?"
Mingna ignored her and just stared at her grandfather. Xiao Tianjian was sweating a little, but he still said bravely: "The Holy Mountain is difficult to climb, and it is also haunted. Why are you, a child, going to a place like that? Even the crew sent by Uncle Yutan, I only plan to keep them on the ship. Wait. That's too boring, you might as well stay here and play. At most, grandpa promises you that when I come back, I will take you to interesting places on Kamegaben Island. I know several places. We can Go catch big fish, as well as beautiful starfish and crabs as big as a basin. Have you never eaten lobster? Let me tell you, it is really delicious."
Mingna looked at him suspiciously for a while, then said slowly: "Grandpa, please come back soon."
"No problem! You can come back in three days at most!" Xiao Tianjian was quite confident about this. After all, he had been to Holy Mountain Island before and knew where to hide people.
The housekeeper came to report that the crew was already waiting outside, and Youtan hurriedly asked Xiao Tianjian to go out and select people.
In fact, Xiao Tianjian didn't care about this matter at all. The people under his old friend were naturally capable. He just wanted to sail along the seaside, and the requirements were not high. But Yutan persisted, so he no longer shied away. However, when he saw that the first person waiting outside the door was Corbin, his face sank slightly and he glanced at Yutan, but in the end he didn't say anything and just randomly selected the two people next to Corbin. crew.
After choosing the person, he returned to the house with Yutan. The crew members dispersed, and the chosen person rushed to the ship to make preparations. Corbin stood quietly in front of the house, his face a little pale.
Ruel... was one of the selected people... who had planned to go to the ship with another crew member. When he saw this, he stayed and comforted Corbin: "Are you okay? Don't worry, the boss can trust you and won't let anyone else do it." I’ll fire you after just one or two words.”
"But that man is a noble gentleman, and I heard he is the boss's benefactor." Corbin said dullly. Ruer also became a little worried after hearing this. The former smiled upon seeing this and said, "Forget it, as long as I don't appear in front of that master for the time being, I'll be fine once he leaves. You go to work and be careful not to offend him." Ruel nodded seriously.
After bidding farewell to his friends, Corbin set out on his way home again. Because he lived in the city and was friendly with the butler's assistant, he got the news in time to get this job. Most of the other crew members went home, which gave the crew members living in the boss's shop an advantage.
As we walked along the street, the environment became darker and darker as we walked, and the buildings along the road gradually changed from shell stone houses to wooden houses, and then to simple sheds made of bark and hay. By this time he had returned to the Lower City. In an alley not far from home, he met two sisters, one nine and one thirteen years old, who came to pick him up.
The two girls came forward happily: "Brother, have you received the job?" Seeing Corbin shaking his head, their faces were full of disappointment. His eldest sister was a little anxious: "What should we do? Those debt collectors came again just now and took away all the family's money."
Corbin was shocked: "All of it? Even the money to buy medicine for my mother..."
The eldest sister nodded: "The gold coins and wages my brother just brought home are all...Brother, what should we do now? We have paid back one gold coin, but we still owe nine. Mom's medicine money is gone, and my brother has not received it." Live..." She couldn't help but burst into tears: "The man just now said that if he gives us another month, if we don't pay back the money, he will... sell my sister and me..."
The little sister also cried loudly: "Brother, I don't want to be sold..."
"Don't cry, don't cry." Corbin gently hugged his two sisters and comforted them, "Brother will find a way and will never let those people capture you!"
Although he said this, Corbin felt his heart became heavier when he heard his mother's cough faintly coming from home.
(Corbyn's name means "crow", and he is a figure who has an important influence on Minna's fate.)