Now Helena and I had set out toward the Central District harbor sitting in a carriage. The atmosphere inside the carriage was a bit tense. Because Historia was also present with us in the carriage, and why she was with us—actually, when we were leaving the house and Historia came to me, there was clear concern in her eyes. She had softly asked me, "Master, where exactly are you going right now with Madam Helena?"
Historia's question was justified, because I had already told her everything Helena had said the day before yesterday. That's why she was worried about my safety, and for that reason she also agreed to come with us. But because of this, Helena now definitely knew that Historia was also a Paragon and works for me. However, she still hasn't realized that Historia has also become an official Royal Knight.
But I fear that this fact won't stay hidden for long from a cunning woman like Helena, because on the day of Historia's interview she had seen her entering the Royal Knight Headquarters. Because she herself was present there too.
Anyway, for now my concern was something else. As we were getting closer to the Central District harbor, the moisture and salty smell of the sea in the air began increasing. The sound of waves was now clearly audible. Again and again the thought kept coming to my mind about what kind of circumstances we would have to face after reaching there.
On the other side was Helena, who looked very excited today. There was a different kind of sparkle in her eyes, as if she was sure that today we would definitely find some big clue about that kidnapper woman. She was humming while looking out of her window, while Historia and I were drowned in anticipation of coming danger.
After some time I was standing in front of the Central District harbor—a harbor that could also be called a strong pillar of the Guptis Empire. Then Historia began telling me about the importance of this harbor, that this Central District harbor is the busiest part of Magadh city. From here large ships depart for other empires, including many passenger ships and many cargo ships.
But before Historia could tell me anything more, I myself sensed the situation of the harbor. Today the liveliness here was somewhat different. Today some very strange kinds of people were spread all around, who were probably stationed there for security.
Then the three of us began walking toward the harbor gate. In my mind I was thinking whether we would be allowed inside so easily. As soon as we approached the main gate, Helena said to me in a low voice, "Jona, remember, we are here only to gather information. If we see people from the Churches or Royal Knights, we must stay away from them."
Hearing her, I thought to myself—yeah, I know that very well, and this advice is more necessary for Helena herself than for me.
While walking we reached right in front of the harbor's main gate. There on the wall beside the gate a board was fixed on which was written "The Court Harbor," which was the name of this harbor. But today security at the harbor was far tighter than usual. The police weren't letting anyone enter without checking, because of which four very long lines had formed at the gate. Most of them were passengers who had to go to different places.
The line was so long that seeing it I said irritably, "Do we also have to stand in such a long line? I absolutely don't like standing in lines."
At the same time I was worried about my weapons too. I have a gun and also my tarot cards and paper knife. Well, a normal person wouldn't suspect anything seeing a paper knife, but what about the gun? And if some Paragon saw the paper knife in my hand, they would immediately understand that I am a Thunder Nature Paragon.
So I quietly asked, "Is there any place here where we can enter by paying extra fees?"
But the smile on Helena's face showed that she had already come fully prepared with a plan for how we would get inside.
Helena gestured for Historia and me to follow her, and she began leading us away from the crowd toward an empty path. Neither Historia nor I understood where we were going, but after walking for a while we reached the back door of a large warehouse of the harbor. That door opened directly from the inner part of the harbor to the outside.
But there a man was also standing who was wearing a uniform like sea pirates. As soon as we got close, that man smiled seeing Helena and greeted her in a "doffing the hat" manner. But his way was a bit strange; usually people remove their hat and bow while doffing, but this man instead of removing his hat placed his right hand on it and his left hand on his chest and bowed.
Seeing this I began thinking how different the etiquette of my world and this world are. My thoughts had barely begun when that man said, "Welcome Madam Helena, welcome to your own harbor!"
Hearing this my mouth remained wide open. What? Is Helena the owner of this huge harbor?
But Helena immediately read my face and clearing my misunderstanding laughed and said, "Oh Jona, you don't need to be so shocked. This harbor isn't completely mine. This man is just favoring me a little."
I breathed in relief and calming down slightly asked, "What do you mean this harbor isn't completely yours? Does that mean you own some part of this harbor?"
To which Helena replied, "Many rich and noble families and clans together own this 'Court Harbor.' And my St. Claire family owns more than 3% shares of this harbor. That's why I somewhat own this harbor. And why are you so shocked? Some shares of this harbor belong to your father too, and you must know that. So you should have understood immediately after hearing me."
Hearing Helena's words I became nervous and hurriedly replied, "Oh no… I thought maybe your family had bought more shares of this harbor, so maybe you had become its complete owner, that's why I reacted like that."
Helena simply said, "Oh, I see. Alright."
Hearing that, my life returned to me. The truth is I don't fully know what status Jona has in this world and what all he possesses. Although I have his diary in which he wrote every detail and event of his life, I still haven't read it completely. I understood that in many places I should keep my mouth shut, otherwise people might become suspicious of me.
Then Helena began telling us about the man standing before us. She said, "Jona, meet him. He is the dockmaster of my family's ships."
I muttered in confusion, "Dockmaster?"
But Historia heard my voice and came near my ear and softly explained, "Master, if he stays only at the dock and is stationed there, managing the schedule of ships and the workers, then he is called a dockmaster."
Hearing Historia, I understood. After that Helena told us his name—Marcos.
As soon as we heard the name Marcos, Historia and I folded our hands and greeted him with namaste. Inside the Guptis Empire this is the most common way to greet someone. In return Marcos also folded his hands and greeted us.
Then he said to us, "Come Madam Helena, I have made all the arrangements for you."
Helena again gestured for us to follow her, and we followed behind her as we began entering the harbor through that warehouse door.