Chapter 174.1 (1/2)

Santiago is a thirteen year old boy. He has a typical surname of people in the southern coastal areas of the mainland. However, because he is a little smart guy, people who know him call him ”Sandy”. Of course, those who hate him will also call him ”Sandy little liar” face to face.

Sandy, who was born in the slums of the imperial capital, certainly could not have the same money as the children of those rich families to hire any teachers to receive orthodox education. At the age of 13, he only studied with a theological teacher for half a year in the religious institute set up by the temple. He could barely learn to write and calculate. Among the children around him, he was smart. At least he could write his name correctly in the common language of the mainland, and he could recite the first chapter of the temple's Scripture, genesis.

Unfortunately, three months ago, he could not continue to study in the shrine. Because although the religious center claims to let the children of poor families ”free” to receive some education, but this kind of free education has a price. All the children who study in religious centers have to serve in the temple for three years free of charge when they grow up. Some of them directly become clergy and are not allowed to marry and have children all their lives.

As a typical southerner, Sandy's parents don't want their home cut off, and Sandy has no interest in becoming a clergyman. As a 13-year-old, he has a little insight into men's and women's affairs. He would often lie on the wall and peep at Ellie next door.

Maybe in two months, he can read and do some simple calculation skills. He can be an apprentice in a nearby grocery store or an apprentice with an old tailor on the street.

But these are the things to come. Now, Sandy has a good way to get rich.

He would go around the slave market every day. He is a real little snake. His brother is a little gangster in this area. Unfortunately, he stole a noble housekeeper's purse last year. He was arrested by the security office and then sent to a mine in the northwest as a laborer.

Sandy is different from his brother. He is not a thief and can't do anything bad. But every day he could bring back a few copper horns from the slave market.

The slave market in the imperial capital gathers tourists from all over the country. Many of these foreigners from all over the mainland come to the slave market in the imperial capital for the first time. They are not familiar with the land and need a local snake to guide them. Help them to bargain with the slavers. Introduce some ”rules” in trading.

Because of this situation and Sandy's cleverness, his income is quite good. Almost every day, he can put a few copper horns in his pocket. Even if sandy stutters and says a few good words when he meets such a rich guy, his income will be more. Sandy's biggest wish now is to save enough money to buy an old pair of leather boots. Next door, Ellie's brother served in the local garrison. He often shows off his army boots in front of these boys, which makes them envy him very much.

Sandy is not only smart, more importantly, his eyes are very accurate. He can often tell which sheep are fat in the bustling crowd on the street at a glance. Who are the veterans.