Industrial Revolution of the Mage Lords

Chapter 595 Belonging
The brick and wood houses are warm and cozy. Even though spring has arrived, the central heating in the entire city has not stopped.

This made Shik, who was used to walking barefoot at home, feel extremely comfortable... He had been walking barefoot in the mining area for the past twenty years, which caused his toes to suffer from frostbite repeatedly. Wearing the brand new military boots issued by the army for a long time actually made his toes itchy and uncomfortable.

Perhaps he could take some time to go to the military clinic and ask the military doctors for some ointment to treat scars, which would completely cure this old problem that has plagued him for most of his life.

As he thought about it, he picked up the leather boots that were neatly placed at the door and carefully cleaned the dust off them with the small brush provided.

If the living environment in Spark City was a "paradise on earth" that far exceeded his expectations, then the days after joining the army made him truly understand the responsibilities and morals that a human being must possess.

Being loyal to His Majesty the Emperor and fighting bravely against foreign races...is not to satisfy the power-hungry desires of the noble lords and supreme rulers, but to protect the common people of the same origin as them, and to protect their hard-earned comfortable life and paradise home.

These principles were initially instilled into the minds of the new recruits by the political instructors in the nighttime ideological classes that their superiors forced them to attend... But as time went on, Shick obviously learned and understood more from the veterans and comrades around him.

Such a home, such people, such a life... are indeed worth everyone giving everything for it, fighting and defending at the cost of their lives.

There was a sudden bang on the door.

When he opened the door, he saw several young children, no taller than his waist, standing outside, pushing and shoving each other...

"Brother Shik! I knew you were going home on vacation today!"

The children looked at the young man with a smile on his face, and rushed into this small room of less than 20 square meters, playing and laughing.

"Where's your magic spear? Didn't you say you would let us see the legendary spear that could kill alien monsters?"

In the open room, apart from the bathroom whose interior space is clearly visible, there is only a simple wardrobe, a desk, and a single bed against the wall.

The windows were tightly closed, and the occasional cold wind in early spring could not penetrate the tightly sealed gaps in the window frames to enter the room and dissipate the warmth.

The heating copper pipe embedded in the wall turns a corner and sticks directly to the bed board, transferring some of the heat directly to the bed, making the quilt the warmest area in the entire room.

"The magic gun is a soldier's most important combat weapon. It cannot be taken out of the barracks at will, and it is even more impossible for you to use it as a toy."

The children obediently lined up to enter the bathroom, turned on the brass faucet and washed their feet one by one, then climbed onto the single bed and sat cross-legged side by side.

"Well, since there are no big guns to show us, you should at least tell us about the battle with the monsters on the city wall not long ago!"

Shike couldn't help but smile dotingly, took out a parcel wrapped in oil paper from the hanging cupboard, and distributed the cheese that had been cut into pieces to the children.

This was the "supplementary food" rationed to ordinary soldiers by the defense forces, allowing them to quickly replenish calories during cross-country marches. Shik saved a lot of it and secretly brought it back to feed the children who also came from Lanjing City.

Almost all of the slaves brought back to the capital by the Northern Army were illiterate and could not read a single word. Even though they were sent to night literacy schools one after another, not many of them successfully graduated and could read and write... This resulted in most people having no choice but to go to the eastern basin and do some simple physical work in the pioneer base.

Those who stayed in the royal capital could only find jobs in farms and forest areas with relatively low recruitment standards.

But fortunately, His Majesty really fulfilled his promise. Everyone has a job that is enough to feed and support their families. At the same time, they have completely washed away the shameful status of slaves and have never encountered any obvious discrimination or differential treatment in the royal capital.

This was a gift not from the gods, but also a blessing they could never have anticipated in their lifetime. "I've already told you about the monster war. Now let me test your academic performance in elementary school," Hick suggested with a wink.

The children suddenly burst into wailing.

"No! Studying is just too painful. The only reason we can still persevere until today is because Teacher Sophia is so gentle and beautiful!"

"Not bad! For students who persevere in completing their homework, she even privately rewards us with some candy! It's no worse than the cheese you brought back!"

Hick had heard that school teachers often used snacks and pastries to reward and support these children of slave origin... Most of the children's parents had relatively low-paying jobs, and many even relied on temporary construction site work to support their families. They had no problem filling their stomachs, so naturally they could not provide their children with any extra enjoyment.

Looking at the children's gradually rounder and fairer faces, Shike touched the pouch on his chest and said with a smile: "Since cheese can't bribe you, why don't we take you out today and have a big meal at the convenience restaurant in the market area?"

The children's eyes widened as they asked in disbelief, "A convenience restaurant? Is it the one our local classmates always tell us about? The one with golden and crispy schnitzel, unlimited cream of mushroom soup, and white bread with honey and jam?"

The youngest child timidly counted on his fingers and said, "That's probably not cheap, is it? Dad told me... if I could successfully graduate from junior high, he would save enough money for our whole family to enjoy a celebration."

Shik shook his head, pulled out a stack of banknotes from his pocket, and waved them in his hand. "No need to wait until then. My current salary is more than enough for you to enjoy it in advance!"

The children immediately jumped out of bed, cheering...

……

There was no time to change into his civilian clothes which had not yet dried completely, so Shike could only wear the standard uniform issued by the Defense Force and walk to the market area with the children, laughing all the way.

Whether they are officially run or privately opened, most restaurants in the market area are packed with customers in the evening. On the one hand, this is because the people in the capital have enough money, and on the other hand, it is because of the strict price limits on consumer goods.

High-end restaurants like "Honey and Bear" are naturally not Shick's first choice. The "Harvest Ale" that he often heard local comrades mention in the army is more affordable.

This is a privately run convenience restaurant. Most of the customers who come here to dine are local "middle-class" people living in communities near the market area. Although there are not many dishes, they are large in quantity and delicious.

The middle-aged boss, who was a bit overweight, even served as a waiter. He looked at Shick who came in with a group of children, and just took one look at his neat military uniform, then he showed an unusually kind smile.

"Young soldier... Oh! And those lovely children, what would you like to order for dinner?" The fat boss winked at Hick and suggested gently, "If you choose the pork chop set meal, we'll provide an extra berry pancake. This is a privilege only available to soldiers who dine here. Don't worry about not having enough for the children... I'll personally provide you with double portions!"

Shike was stunned for a moment, and he adjusted his uniform somewhat stiffly. He opened his mouth but didn't know how to answer... This was also his first time dining out. Facing the boss's eager gaze and the kind eyes of the people dining around him, he only felt that the scars on his face that had long since healed were slightly warming up.

"Then... let's have the set meal. Thank you for your generosity!"

The fat boss nodded and patted the young soldier's shoulder with his broad hand. "No, we should thank you. Thank you, the soldiers who fought bravely and defended our precious homeland and kingdom."

The guests all raised their glasses, looked at Shik with smiles, and said in unison: "Cheers to His Majesty! Cheers to the brave warriors who fought and defended our homeland!"

(End of this chapter)