Chapter 66: Revisiting an Old Place

Chapter 66: Revisiting an Old Place

Outside Coim Company in the Cherwood Borough.

Klein stepped down from the carriage and glanced left and right, as if he had never come here before and felt a strong sense of novelty.

In truth, however, he was not at all unfamiliar with the area. He knew that across the road was the Gardley Department Store, rather popular among the middle class, and that not far away was a famous Sinn’s Desi Pie shop.

He had once staked out Doragu Gale here, following him to search for clues to his affair!

Withdrawing his gaze, Klein brought his personal valet Richardson toward Coim Company’s entrance. Madam Mary and her personal maid were already waiting there.

In the relatively conservative Loen Kingdom, a lady’s personal servant had to be of the same sex. Otherwise, her reputation would suffer, affecting both social life and marriage. Therefore, even though Madam Mary’s personal servant was, to some extent, also equivalent to her secretary—requiring social etiquette, business knowledge, and a certain negotiating ability—she could only be sought among well-educated women or women with corresponding work experience, and men could not be considered.

Likewise, gentlemen’s personal servants and business secretaries had to be of the same sex.

Of course, even with that being the case, people unable to control themselves still engaged in immoral conduct. In Backlund, incidents occurred every year of servants and employers becoming involved. Among those harmed, maids were the majority. They were either deceived, coerced, or seduced into becoming the lovers of their male employers, only to be ruthlessly dismissed once discovered, losing their jobs. Then, because their reputations were damaged, they could no longer work as servants. A large portion had no choice but to become streetwalkers.

“Good afternoon, Dawn.” Madam Mary smiled and came forward.

Klein bowed.

“Good afternoon, madam. This place is truly quite bustling.”

Such words were roughly equivalent to discussing the weather.

Mary responded with a few polite remarks. While leading Dawn Dantes into Coim Company, she smiled and said, “Later, a professional will explain things to you and show you around.

“In about half an hour, we will go upstairs. I have prepared a cold buffet and invited some friends from different fields.”

Friends from different fields… She is expanding my social circle for me. Quite sincere…

Klein nodded gently.

“As an outsider who has not been in Backlund long, I am always looking forward to meeting more friends.”

“No, you do not seem like an outsider at all. In my eyes, you are a true Backlund gentleman who has received an excellent education,” Madam Mary politely replied.

As they spoke, they passed through the main doors and entered a reception area with excellent lighting. A sturdy man in formal attire, with two handsome little mustaches, was waiting there.

“This is Luke Sammer, Coim’s First Manager,” Mary introduced to Dawn Dantes.

In truth, I know him…

Klein looked at Luke and nodded with a smile.

In his heart, Luke Sammer was a fairly composed and highly professional gentleman. He loved machinery. At dinners, he had the bearing of a host, neither looking down on a poor detective who had not yet made his name, nor deliberately flattering the mid-level Backlund municipal employees living on Minsk Street.

“This is my friend, Dawn Dantes. He is very interested in smokeless coal and high-quality charcoal. Please give him a detailed explanation.” Mary turned and spoke to Luke.

Luke, who had long since received instructions, took a step forward. Looking at the wealthy man from Desi Bay, he revealed a gentle smile and respectfully said, “Mr. Dantes, this is Coim Company’s headquarters… We have signed long-term agreements with several smokeless coal mining regions… The smokeless coal and high-quality charcoal we supply to the Cherwood Borough, Hillston Borough, North Borough, and West Borough account for thirty…