George's Experience (I)

"George! Stop spacing out at your desk, it's almost lunchtime!"

The young man called "George" felt a heavy pat on his shoulder. He turned around as if waking from a dream and looked at his coworker Howard, who was holding a stack of this morning's 《Kingdom Morning News》 in his hand.

Howard laughed and said, "Come and see what's new today."

George nodded in agreement and followed behind him, while many workers stood up from their workstations, their faces beaming with expectant smiles.

Poor workers like them naturally didn't have the spare money to buy newspapers. Moreover, the 《Kingdom Morning News》 was the most expensive newspaper in the country, a publication that only wealthy citizens could afford. A single copy cost several copper coins, which was almost half a day's wages for George.

This was Howard running errands for the factory manager, buying newspapers.

As a reward, these workers were allowed to listen attentively as the Scribe Officer read the newspaper.

"Hurry up!"

"Do you want me to come down and get it myself?"

A rough, deep curse came from upstairs.

The workers' supervisor was naturally the manager of the food factory, but this supervisor's identity was somewhat peculiar—he was an Ogre named "Da Tou," supposedly a close subordinate of Chief Minister Lang Pu. Everyone in the factory revered him, though "fear" far outweighed any respect for him.

When George first arrived, he was so terrified by the Ogre supervisor that he almost lost control of his bladder, fearing that the supervisor would eat him up in a fit of rage.

But as time went on, he gradually got used to it and didn't even find it strange that a three-meter-tall Ogre appeared in the factory. Instead, he thought it was a matter of course.

Da Tou is enjoying big meals all day long, so why would he want to eat his own skinny body?

George often thought this way.

"Sir, here is today's newspaper."

"Get out!"

Howard bowed and scraped as he delivered the newspaper to the supervisor's office, only to be kicked out.

However, he showed no anger on his face, but stood there expectantly, listening intently. The other workers did the same, gathering in a group at the door.

"Stop pushing."

"I was here first, and he even saved it for me."

George quickly squeezed in as well, and with Howard's help, managed to get a good spot.

Soon, the Scribe Officer's clear reading voice came from the office, and everyone immediately perked up their ears.

The 《Kingdom Daily News》 was rich in content, covering domestic policy changes and strange and interesting stories from various places. What they loved most were the jokes in the columns, which often made them laugh heartily and exclaim how satisfying it was. This was one of the few forms of entertainment in the workers' stagnant lives, and listening to the newspaper was the time they looked forward to most each day.

"Commander Dolo conducted joint exercises on the outskirts of the city."

"The kingdom's economy has reached a record high."

"Lord Lang Pu has given important instructions to further integrate magic with industry."

Howard complained, "Why is today's so long? I really hope those adults who write newspapers will write less of this kind of boring stuff."

George whispered a reminder: "It's good enough that you can hear something, don't disturb the supervisor."

Sure enough, before he could finish speaking, the Ogre's impatient roar came from inside the office, "Do you want to hear more? Make another sound and I'll kick you all out!"

George shrugged and continued to listen intently.

"Yesterday, two citizens acted bravely and reported a spy from the Bosque Duchy to the Kingdom, and were personally commended by Lord Lang Pu."

"As a reward for loyalty, they will receive fifty Gold Coin, a luxurious residence in the center of North Wind Fortress, and the opportunity to receive the precious Dragon Vein Blessing. Fellow citizens, this newspaper hereby solemnly reminds you that it is everyone's responsibility to defend the kingdom!"

Howard exclaimed, "Tsk tsk, look at these lucky people. I heard that people who obtain the dragon vein can live to be over a hundred years old. Compared to this, even Gold Coin and houses are nothing."

The workers were also talking about it, their words revealing undisguised envy.

"Yes, I wish I could catch the spy too."

"If I were that person, I wouldn't be working here anymore. I'd use the Gold Coin to buy a shop and start a business!"

"Hehe, don't daydream."

George did not participate in this fantastical discussion, but simply kept the news to himself.

Soon, the workers' favorite segment began, and they quickly forgot about their previous conversation and listened to the jokes with great excitement.

"The boy was possessed by a demon and went to the Rackman Dynasty church for Exorcism."

The priest said, "Damn devil, get out of this child's body!"

The devil said, "You're the one who should get out!"

Hahahaha!

The workers burst into laughter, and the Ogre's rude laughter and curses echoed from inside the office. This was a rare moment when the workers could let loose.

Howard laughed so hard he almost fell over, slapping the floor repeatedly.

"These adults in the church are really inconsiderate! No wonder they were kicked out!"

George was still savoring the story he had just heard and didn't hear what the Scribe Officer had said. He could only laugh along with his fellow workers and join in the lively atmosphere.

The workers worked until very late, and could not leave until it was completely dark.

George bid farewell to several familiar coworkers and walked alone on the road, exhausted. There were very few pedestrians on the street.

Another day has come to an end.

George licked his lips, seemingly savoring the taste of the "paste" he had eaten that evening.

He lived in the most basic basement in the city, a tiny room of just a few square meters that could fit more than ten people, but that was the only place he could afford to live.

George was one of tens of thousands of freed serfs who came to North Wind Fortress three years ago and is still all alone.

His mother had frozen to death in a harsh winter ten years ago, and his father had starved to death in a famine six years earlier—he felt little grief over this, as it was commonplace on the plantation. He was merely an insignificant "Gray Livestock," living a numb existence, worrying about his own survival.

Now, he has come to North Wind Fortress, seen many new things, filled his stomach, and has some new expectations.

Da Tou Head once said something profound, "When you're full, you start thinking about women."

George agreed with this and wholeheartedly agreed.

He secretly peered into the houses on both sides of the road. In the brightly lit windows, he could see people sitting opposite each other, as well as the small figures of children—a family enjoying a wonderful candlelight dinner.

George longed to have a home in North Wind Fortress.

But this only remained in my mind.

He knew perfectly well that for someone with such a meager salary, this was simply wishful thinking.