Exploring Technology in a Wizard World-Chapter 1404 - 1402: Welcome, Junior

Ken closed his eyes and thought for a while. Suddenly, he felt the rickshaw’s speed slowing down, and his heart instantly became alert.

This big rickshaw driver, could he be one of those cunning types, deliberately prolonging the ride to earn more fare... But Ken wasn’t a novice; he’d seen such tricks before. No way he was going to let anyone earn an extra copper coin from him. After all, that money was meant for taking pretty ladies out to dinner. Ken opened his eyes, ready to bluntly urge the rickshaw driver to speed up.

But as soon as he opened his eyes, he couldn’t help but be stunned.

He saw that the rickshaw driver wasn’t deliberately slowing down. Instead, the broad street suddenly became crowded. Hundreds of people, attracted by something unknown, blocked the way, becoming obstacles the rickshaw driver had to slow down to maneuver around.

As the rickshaw driver pulled the rickshaw forward for another hundred meters, the faint sound of merchants selling their goods drifted in. Ken suddenly realized something, couldn’t help but slap his forehead.

"Today is... the first day of the Atlantis City’s Merchant Exchange Fair," Ken couldn’t help but say.

Yes, today is the start of the Merchant Exchange Fair.

Ken was familiar with the Merchant Exchange Fair.

Because Atlantis City had been developing its commercial trade and producing various novel goods, similar fairs were held periodically, attracting merchants and speculators from across the Main Continent.

Held in June, this fair was the Merchant Exchange Fair. Last year was its first edition, and this year was the second. Ken knew about it, but since he had been staying at the university, he hadn’t paid attention and ended up in this bad situation.

"The timing of this Merchant Exchange Fair, it’s really something..." Ken sighed.

"Actually, it started yesterday." The tall rickshaw driver, without turning his head, corrected him, complaining a bit, "I noticed you seemed in a hurry and wanted to take you along Seventh Avenue. Although some roadwork is happening there, it wouldn’t have caused much delay.

Or, I could take a detour via Ninth Avenue. But you insisted on taking Eighth Avenue and even wanted to pay by the hourglass. I had no choice but to bring you here."

Ken: "..." After hearing the rickshaw driver’s words, he wanted to slap himself in his heart.

But that would be too embarrassing, so he maintained his composure, pretending not to care much about the Merchant Exchange Fair.

"The Merchant Exchange Fair, it’s nothing... But aren’t these fairs supposed to be held in designated areas? Why are people flooding Eighth Avenue?"

"Why else? It’s all because of the crowd. Some of the other rickshaw drivers said this year’s fair is much larger than last year’s, and the designated area wasn’t enough. Some of the booths are now on Eighth Avenue, so it’s best to avoid it while pulling carts," said the rickshaw driver.

He paused, stopped the rickshaw in front of a crowd, and wiped his sweat with a towel around his neck. He said to Ken, "You see, sir, it’s bound to become harder to go forward, and it’ll take quite some time. If you can’t wait, we can turn back, go through the alley near the bakery, and head to Seventh Avenue."

If I did that, wouldn’t it mean admitting I was wrong in the first place... Ken pursed his lips, waved his hand to the rickshaw driver and said, "No need, just keep going forward."

"About the fare..."

"Same as I said before... According to the hourglass!"

"Alright, please sit tight." The rickshaw driver said, leaving this remark behind, pulled the rickshaw forward, and navigated the crowded streets with difficulty.

"Please make way, please make way..."

...

Taking almost half more time than initially expected, Ken finally arrived at East City Horse Station.

Getting off at the station entrance, Ken, with a bit of a dark expression, watched the rickshaw driver as he took off the hanging hourglass.

The driver’s fingers slowly slid over the hourglass marks, seriously counting: "One notch, two notches, three notches... Eleven notches, twelve notches, twelve and a half notches."

After finishing the count, the driver looked down, smiled brightly at Ken, and said, "Sir, look, a total of twelve and a half notches. You’ve made a big deal here, thank you for your business. I’ll waive half a notch for you—just pay twelve copper coins."

No need to thank me, I could give you thirteen copper coins... Ken’s facial muscles twisted slightly, but he didn’t utter such classy words aloud. He simply said dryly, "Alright."

After speaking, he took out his money bag, carefully counted twelve copper coins, and handed them to the rickshaw driver.

"Thank you. I’ll be waiting at Atlantis University if you need me again, and I’ll waive half a notch for you." The tall rickshaw driver said, took the money, and quickly left with his empty rickshaw.

My money! I ended up spending four extra copper coins... that’s a twenty-fifth chance to take a pretty lady out for dinner... Ken couldn’t help but groan inwardly, but he didn’t dwell on it long, remembering what was important.

A few seconds later, he took a deep breath, composed himself, and stepped into the station.

Because he had set off early to avoid unexpected delays, even after getting held up by the Merchant Exchange Fair, he was still on schedule.

Walking into the station, Ken, familiar with the surroundings, headed towards the canopy against the wall. After waiting for a few minutes, he saw a four-wheeled carriage pulling in, with its starting and destination points written on the carriage: Anka City → Atlantis City.

The carriage was pulled by two tall horses. Due to the hot weather, their coats were sweaty, and the bell around their necks rang crisply. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Jingle, jingle... Ding!"

As the bell’s sound faded, the carriage stopped, a long bench was placed down, and a dozen people stepped out of the sauna-like carriage one after another.

Ken watched closely and saw the last person getting off, his eyes lighting up.

It was a young girl with beautiful long golden hair and bright green eyes like a gemstone. Her face showed traces of sweat, her bangs were damp, but it only added to her charm. Besides, she wore a blue checkered outer garment, with an Atlantis University badge pinned to her chest.

Seeing her, Ken immediately knew the person he was waiting for had arrived.

She looks even prettier than her picture... Ken couldn’t help but marvel but remained respectful and didn’t show any hint of desire, fully aware of the boundaries between work and leisure.

He took a deep breath, stepped forward, stopped a meter away from her, extended his hand, and greeted with a smile, "Hello, junior, welcome to Atlantis City."