Imperial Calendar, December 15th, 1447, early morning.
Marjor, with the latest issue of the "Mast Newspaper" tucked under his arm, walked into the tea restaurant next to the Branded City exchange.
As soon as he sat down, a familiar attendant expertly handed him a cup of black tea and a list from the exchange.
Marjor was in no hurry to read it; he leaned back against the velvet cushioned chair, his gaze wandering from the expensive glass window to the outside.
The exchange, transformed from the Knight Castle, stood amidst the low street houses, with a few beggars huddled under the corners.
The "T"-shaped intersection in front of the exchange was quiet, a row of street trees swaying their branches.
The sea breeze blew away the leaves, and the bare branches waved, as if saluting Marjor.
Indeed, he was the first to arrive.
Though arriving early or late made no difference before the exchange opened, Marjor nevertheless felt proud of his diligence.
