Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 276: An Unexpected Encounter

Chapter 276: An Unexpected Encounter

TL: Etude

Mond’s worldview was indeed slightly shaken, but only slightly. After all, the person he was speaking to was just a young noble who had grown up in a remote area. If Paul’s words had come from Mond’s mentor, the impact might have been much greater, possibly even shattering his worldview.

“A novel perspective,” Mond commented.

“I’ll boldly summarize your view—if I may—heroes are merely executors of the people’s will, and it is ultimately the masses that shape history.”

Paul nodded, “Exactly. You speak like a true scholar from the Tower of Scholars.”

Although Mond didn’t fully agree, he had to admit that this young lord’s view of history was insightful.

“You really should join me back in the Gabella Empire. In the Tower of Scholars, you, as a count, could definitely expand your horizons. I speak frankly, please don’t mind me. If you continue your historical studies, perhaps you could establish a new school of history.”

Paul kept emphasizing that these were others’ ideas, but Mond knew better. Without naming anyone specifically, it was likely Paul was referring to himself.

“Me? Ha, I don’t think so.”

Paul waved his hand in embarrassment, laughing, “I enjoy reading a variety of books in my leisure time, but to immerse myself in academic research? That would be the end of me!”

Besides, he had more important things to do back home. Compared to dwelling on the past, Paul preferred to look towards the future.

Mond stood up, “Then, Count, I apologize for taking up so much of your time. I should be going now.”

He felt it was time to end the conversation; his objective had been achieved, and Kevin’s parents were anxiously waiting at home for news of their son.

“Not at all, I enjoyed our conversation. You are always welcome to visit again.”

Paul stood to see his guest out, calling a guard and giving a few instructions.

“Mr. Landon, let him take you to the cells to fetch your person. And don’t forget the bail.”

“Ha, rest assured, Count. Thank you again for your kindness.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Mond followed the guard out.

Just then, a voice rang from outside, “Paul, here’s my preliminary coding scheme. Take a look.”

The voice, bell-like and proud, clearly belonged to someone showing off her achievements.

It was immediately obvious who it was. Sure enough, the next moment, Miss Betty’s elegant figure appeared in the doorway.

Then she froze…

So did Mond Landon, who was walking out and now face-to-face with her.

Both wore expressions of disbelief.

“Your High…”

Before Mond could finish, a few seconds later, Eileen interrupted him, her face suddenly brightening with surprise and joy, “I, Betty Dias, didn’t expect to meet someone from home here! How did you come to be here, Mond Landon, my senior?”

“Betty Dias?”

Muttering under his breath, Mond was puzzled but then noticed her signaling him with her eyes.

He quickly caught on, laughing and scratching the back of his head, “Oh, I didn’t expect to run into you here either, Betty. Ha, I’m here to retrieve a child my mentor is interested in.”

Paul, who had been puzzled by their reaction, now understood, “You two know each other? What a coincidence. Oh, right, you’re both from Gabella.”

Mond Landon called Betty his junior, so did that mean this female scholar also came from the Tower of Scholars in the Gabella Empire’s capital?

“Wow, I had such an impressive person under my command? It’s like a small-town business owner suddenly discovering they’ve hired a top graduate from Tsinghua or Peking University.”

Paul’s view of Eileen changed in an instant. Previously, he had only seen her as a noble lady with some knowledge of linguistics, and had appointed her as the acting head of education simply because there was no other suitable candidate.

“Yes, we know each other,” Eileen explained proactively. “I was fortunate enough to study at the Tower of Scholars under the same mentor as Mond.”

Paul nodded, “I see. So, what about now…?” He glanced between Eileen and Mond.

Eileen’s smile faded, and she returned to the serious expression she had maintained over the past few days. “Business first. Let me report to you about work.”

Then, she turned to Mond, “If you’re not in a hurry, Senior, maybe you could wait for me. I’ll find you after I’m done talking with the Count about work.”

“Uh… Okay, then I’ll just take a walk on the main street outside.”

“You can wait for me at the restaurant on the street named ‘Flying Dragon Pavilion’ in an hour.”

After agreeing, Mond left, still looking a bit dazed.

Eileen then approached Paul and handed him a document.

“Count, please take a look at this draft.”

As Paul’s eyes were fixed on the draft, he asked absentmindedly, “I mean, Betty, your relationship with him… with Mr. Mond Landon, is it just… just senior and junior?”

Eileen, puzzled, replied, “Yes, we are just senior and junior…”

Realizing the implication behind Paul’s question, she blushed and said with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, “Count Grayman! When did you become so interested in gossip? Please focus on the task at hand and don’t think about unnecessary things.”

“Ah! Sorry, I’ll concentrate on this now!”

…

An hour later, Eileen arrived at the Flying Dragon Pavilion.

The proprietress, Cierra Sertia, greeted her, “Oh! Isn’t this little Betty? I heard from my daughter Ladi that you’ve been very busy these last few days.”

Since arriving in Lakeheart Town with her daughter, Mrs. Sertia had reopened the restaurant, continuing the name “Flying Dragon Pavilion” from their hometown in Messiah. The residents of Lakeheart Town and the merchants passing through had never tasted Horn Bay cuisine before. The unfamiliar cuisine, coupled with affordable prices, made the restaurant incredibly popular.

Eileen and Ladi, being of similar age, female, scholars, foreigners, and working together at the Lord’s mansion, became close friends in private. Eileen often visited Ladi’s home, and over time became very familiar with Cierra as well.

“Good day, Aunt Sertia,” Eileen greeted politely.

She explained her purpose, “I’m here today to meet a friend… someone from my hometown.”

Then she described Mond Landon’s appearance and attire.

“Oh, so the scholar gentleman waiting is for you,” Cierra realized, leading Eileen to a private room where a young man in a simple blue robe was sitting. It was Mond Landon, who had visited Paul earlier.

“You two fellow countrymen can have a chat,” said the proprietress as she closed the door behind her.

“Your Highness, what brings you to the Northwest Bay?”

Mond’s face still showed a hint of surprise.

Thank you so much to ce05, azuron, janaby, Drakonus_, roriconknight, and jplauy for leaving reviews on Novel Updates!!!!

Asking for more reviews/ratings plss /series/steel-guns-and-the-industrial-party-in-another-world/

Liked it? Take a second to support etudetranslations on Patreon!