"Thank you! Thank you so much!" The commoner exclaimed once more, his heart swelling with anticipation as he left the letter courier shop. As he stepped out into the bustling street, he couldn't help but imagine the expressions on his family's faces when they received the letter he had sent home. Surely, they would be utterly astonished—perhaps even a little proud—that he, a simple farmer, could now communicate with them across such vast distances. The thought brought a wide grin to his weathered face, and he walked away with a spring in his step, his mind filled with dreams of a brighter future.
"Next, please!" The proxy writer, a young woman with a kind smile, called out to the commoner seated nearby, her voice cutting through the hum of activity in the shop.
"Coming right away!" The man replied eagerly, rising from his chair and hurrying toward the counter, clutching a crumpled piece of paper that likely held the details he wished to include in his letter.
The letter courier shop, though not particularly large, was a marvel of efficiency and innovation. Beyond the main office area, where letters were processed and dispatched, there was a small storage room for holding outgoing mail and a cozy reading room tucked away in the back. The rest of the space was dedicated to the main hall, where a dozen or so wooden chairs were arranged in neat rows. These chairs were meant for commoners waiting their turn, offering a place to rest their weary legs as they anticipated the chance to send word to loved ones far away. The air was filled with the faint scent of ink and parchment, mingled with the occasional whiff of hot resin used to seal envelopes.
One of the shop's most remarkable features was the reading room, a space specifically designed to cater to the needs of the illiterate. Here, individuals who could read and write were employed to assist commoners by reading aloud the letters they received. For many, this was a lifeline, as the majority of commoners outside Sedona City—and even some within—could neither read nor write. The reading room also offered the service of writing reply letters on behalf of those who needed it, much like the proxy writers at the front counter, but with the added benefit of reading assistance. It was a thoughtful touch, one that made the shop accessible to all, regardless of their education.
Of course, this service was likely to be in higher demand in other cities, where literacy rates were far lower. In Sedona City, however, the rapid rise in literacy meant that the need for the reading room would likely diminish over time. Bryan couldn't help but marvel at the foresight of Lord Lucas, who had anticipated such changes and planned accordingly. It was yet another example of the city lord's ability to think several steps ahead, ensuring that his innovations would remain relevant even as the city evolved.
Bryan exchanged a knowing glance with Ryan and Liza, the three of them finally understanding why the letter courier shop was so crowded. With such considerate and comprehensive services, it was no wonder the commoners flocked here. How could they not? This shop wasn't just a place to send letters; it was a bridge connecting families, a beacon of hope for those separated by distance, and a testament to the ingenuity of their city's leader.
"This is the charm of Lord Lucas," Ryan said, his voice filled with admiration. "He has this incredible ability to take something small, something seemingly insignificant, and turn it into something grand, something that changes lives. It's all about vision—standing at a height where you can see things others can't."
Bryan nodded in agreement, his mind drifting to the implications of Ryan's words. If an ordinary noble had conceived of a letter courier service, they would likely have limited it to serving the aristocracy, delivering perfumed letters between lords and ladies without a second thought for the common folk. The idea of hiring proxy writers to assist the illiterate or setting up reading rooms to ensure everyone could participate would never have crossed their minds. But Lord Lucas was different. He saw the potential in every citizen, no matter their station, and worked tirelessly to uplift them all.
"That's what makes Lord Lucas truly extraordinary," Bryan said, shaking his head in awe. His thoughts turned briefly to Sakura City, his hometown, which now seemed a shadow of its former self. The decline there had been stark, and Bryan couldn't help but wonder if things had grown even worse in recent months. Meanwhile, Sedona City was flourishing, its streets alive with energy and opportunity. The contrast was almost painful to contemplate.
"I'm going to send a letter," Liza said softly, her gentle voice pulling Bryan from his reverie. "I need to write to a friend in Lockwood City."
Bryan brightened at the idea, a spark of inspiration igniting within him. "In that case, I think I'll write a letter to my father as well," He said, turning toward the proxy writing counter. The opportunity was too good to pass up. Sending a letter back to Sakura City to check in—and perhaps avoid another scolding from his father for being out of touch—seemed like the perfect way to make use of this remarkable service.
As he approached the counter, the proxy writer looked up at him with a polite smile. "Good afternoon, sir. How may I assist you today? If you're here for proxy writing, I'll need you to join the queue first."
Bryan shook his head, returning her smile. "No, no, I'd like to write the letter myself. Could you provide me with a pen and some paper, please?" He prided himself on his literacy, a skill that set him apart from many of his peers, and he preferred to pen his own words rather than dictate them to someone else.
The young woman's smile widened, and she gestured toward the other side of the room. "Of course, sir. For self-written letters and parcel dispatch, please proceed to the counter over there. This area is reserved for proxy writing services."
"Thank you very much," Bryan replied, nodding appreciatively as he made his way to the dispatch counter. The simple act of saying "thank you" to a commoner was something that would have felt foreign to him in the past. Back in Sakura City, he might have dismissed such courtesies, perhaps even avoided speaking to commoners altogether. But life in Sedona City had changed him. Here, the lines between noble and commoner seemed to blur, and Bryan found himself naturally shedding the rigid class distinctions of his upbringing. It was as if the city's harmonious atmosphere had seeped into his very being, encouraging him to embrace a more egalitarian way of life.
At the dispatch counter, Bryan was handed a few sheets of crisp parchment and a quill pen, along with a small inkpot. He settled into a corner of the room, his mind buzzing with thoughts as he began to write. The letter quickly grew to several pages, filled with detailed accounts of his experiences in Sedona City, his reflections on its remarkable progress, and his deep admiration for Lord Lucas. Beneath the surface, however, there was a subtle undercurrent to his words—a hope that Sakura City might learn from Sedona's example and begin to change for the better. Bryan dreamed of a day when his father, a prominent noble in Sakura City, might forge a partnership with Sedona City, sparking a revival in their struggling hometown. The past year or two had left Bryan with the distinct impression that Sakura City was spiraling downward, its streets growing emptier and its people more despondent with each passing month.
When he finished writing, Bryan carefully folded the pages and slipped them into an envelope, addressing it to his father's estate in Sakura City. He blew gently on the ink to dry it, then handed the letter to the clerk at the counter. As he did so, a sudden, impulsive thought struck him, and he found himself blurting out a question. "By the way, aside from sending letters, is it possible to send other items through your service?"
The clerk, a young man with a serious demeanor, blinked in surprise, clearly caught off guard by the question. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded. "Yes, sir, it is possible. However, we're not yet able to handle large volumes of items at this time."
Bryan's eyes widened. He had asked the question almost as a jest, not truly expecting a positive response. "Really? You mean I can actually send objects?"
The clerk nodded again, his tone measured as he recited the official policy. "Yes, sir. However, please note that the fees for sending items are considerably higher than for letters. Additionally, our parcel service is still in a trial phase, so we can only accept a limited number of orders each day."
Bryan listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities. He later learned that these restrictions were part of Lord Lucas's careful planning. The courier service was still in its infancy, and there simply weren't enough trained personnel to handle a full-scale operation. Transporting goods, especially valuable ones, required a certain level of security—armed escorts, to be precise—to protect against bandits and highwaymen who roamed the roads. Using regular soldiers for such tasks would be impractical, even absurd, as it would divert them from their primary duties. The ideal solution, Bryan overheard later, would be to employ retired soldiers, whose experience and discipline would make them perfect for the job. If such a workforce could be assembled, the courier service could expand far beyond Sedona City, perhaps even reaching other nations. But for now, the service remained limited, a cautious experiment in a world fraught with risks.
Bryan's thoughts snapped back to the present as an idea took hold. "Could I, for instance, send a bottle of perfume?" He asked eagerly, picturing the perfect gift to send to his father.
The clerk nodded, though his expression grew more serious. "Yes, sir, that's possible. However, perfume is considered a valuable item, so the shipping fee will be higher than for ordinary goods."
"That's fine," Bryan said without hesitation, waving a hand dismissively. He understood the logic—precious items required extra care, and he was more than willing to pay for the privilege. "I'll head to the Realm Perfume Shop right after this to buy a bottle and have it sent back to Sakura City. It'll be a nice surprise for my father—maybe it'll stop him from calling me an unfilial son for once." He chuckled at the thought, though deep down, he knew there was no chance of returning to live in Sakura City, no matter how much his father insisted.
The last time his father had visited Sedona City, he had tried to persuade Bryan to come home, arguing that it was unbecoming for a noble of Sakura City to reside permanently in another lord's domain. "What kind of message does that send?" His father had grumbled, his tone laced with frustration. But Bryan knew the truth—his father was envious of Sedona City's prosperity, its vibrant streets and thriving markets a stark contrast to the stagnation of Sakura City. To his father, Bryan's decision to stay in Sedona City felt like a rejection, a denial of his hometown's worth. And in a way, it was. The harsh reality was that Sedona City was superior in every measurable way, a fact that Bryan could no longer ignore, no matter how much it pained him to admit it.
"Master Bryan, are you finished?" Ryan's cheerful voice broke through Bryan's thoughts, pulling him back to the present. "How about catching a play? I hear there's a new one showing today."
Bryan blinked, then shook his head with a rueful smile. "Ah, I actually saw it yesterday. Want me to tell you how the story unfolds?"
"No, no, stop right there!" Ryan interrupted, holding up his hands in mock horror and rolling his eyes. "Don't you dare spoil it! I want to experience it for myself."
Bryan laughed, raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, my lips are sealed. But I'm afraid I'll have to pass on the play today anyway. I need to stop by the bank to withdraw some money and do a bit of shopping."
Ryan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh? You've started keeping your money in the bank too, Master Bryan?"
"Of course," Bryan replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "I've heard the bank is planning to open branches in other cities soon. Imagine that—being able to travel with just a banknote instead of lugging around heavy bags of copper coins. It'll be incredibly convenient." He sighed wistfully, his mind drifting to the future. "I just wonder how long it'll take to become a reality."
The idea of a bank in Sakura City was particularly appealing to Bryan. If steel coins—Sedona City's innovative currency—could be introduced there, it would revolutionize trade, making it easier to buy and sell goods without the hassle of bartering or handling cumbersome coinage. But such changes seemed a distant dream, given Sakura City's current state.
Ryan nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard that many merchants are petitioning Lord Lucas to establish banks in other cities. They see the potential, just as we do."
"I hope it doesn't take too long," Bryan said, his tone tinged with impatience.
"It shouldn't," Ryan reassured him. "Though I imagine it'll require some negotiations—deals with other city lords, agreements on security, that sort of thing. But if anyone can make it happen, it's Lord Lucas."
Bryan smiled, comforted by Ryan's confidence. As they stepped out of the letter courier shop and into the bright afternoon sun, he felt a renewed sense of optimism. Sedona City was a place of endless possibilities, and perhaps, just perhaps, its influence could one day reach even the struggling streets of Sakura City, bringing light to the shadows of his past.
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