Lon frowned and strained his mind, trying to recall a worker named Pafner, but after several dozen seconds, he failed.
He simply didn't know such a person!
Even though he had worked at Air Technical Maintenance — Seon for about three years. And while the acquaintances he'd made there were significant, he couldn't claim to know everyone. But at least half of them — for sure.
He was even familiar with the supervisor! They'd even gone to a bar together.
But someone named Pafner Edragol — he was hearing this name for the first time.
Giving up, Lon asked the girl:
— Unfortunately, I don't know this person… Maybe he's new? — he said hopefully.
The girl looked confused at first, but then smiled and shook her head.
— Sorry. You probably don't know him… My brother is a Woven, and he works in the department for the Woven.
— A Woven?.. — Lon asked, his mouth slightly open.
A Woven!
The Woven were people Renvel had never had to deal with. At work, he barely saw these guys — they had their own team they stuck to.
Only the higher-ranking employees — like Gredorik — had the opportunity to interact with them. Not that others didn't have the chance — they did. It's just that, according to rumors, the Woven were arrogant and looked down on everyone else.
Naturally, Renvel was skeptical of this. After all, he had never interacted with them himself and didn't know their true character. Lon also couldn't say anything definite — his knowledge of the Woven was limited to newspapers and Renvel's incomplete memories.
So he couldn't judge the Woven or evaluate them — without proper information, it was difficult to understand them.
The girl giggled and said:
— Everyone I tell that my brother is a Woven is always surprised and has the same expression as you.
Lon smiled awkwardly and had a brief urge to look in a mirror to see what his expression was. But the feeling passed quickly.
— Since your brother is a Woven, it must be really good for your family. Edragol... unfortunately, I'm hearing your surname for the first time. — Lon said with a sigh.
The girl shook her head.
— No-no, it's okay. Our family isn't wealthy enough for everyone to know us… But my brother really helped the family rise… Though, he's changed a bit… — she trailed off, seemingly unsure of what to say.
Lon gave a crooked smile at her words and, with a sigh, decided to change the subject:
— You seem quite young. Are you still studying? I have a younger brother about your age.
The girl nodded.
— Yes. This year I'm planning to apply to the Economic University. If he's studying there too, maybe we'll meet.
— What a coincidence! He's also planning to apply to the Economic University. His name's Santi Habott. Maybe you two will meet someday. — Lon said with a smile and adjusted his top hat.
The girl nodded and added:
— If the chance comes, then sure!
Lon simply nodded without saying anything and slowly continued on his way to the "Pigeon Pool."
The girl watched Lon's fading figure and sighed, picking up her book. She resumed reading her favorite novel.
===
Lon continued walking along the shaded path — completely closed off from sunlight by dozens of trees. There was not a single spot where sunlight could peek through. Yet, he still felt a bit of heat.
He occasionally adjusted his collar, as a bit of sweat had started to form and was bothering him.
But that didn't help much.
It was probably due to his heavy clothing. Who would wear a coat over a suit in hot weather? Of course, him! But he didn't want to take it off — it would ruin his gentlemanly image.
After all, beauty required sacrifice…
But for Lon, enduring heat was no big deal. He could already feel the humidity in the air from the nearby lake he was heading toward.
Yes, he was already quite close to the "Pigeon Pool".
Taking small steps, Lon finally saw the end of the path ahead.
That gave him hope — this "hell" was almost over. He could no longer keep a straight face in this unbearable heat.
Though the air now felt more humid — in stark contrast to the dry air at the beginning of the path. It was fresher, like taking a sip of cold water after a long trek through the desert. That's how Lon would describe his current feeling.
Still, it didn't ease the dryness in his mouth or the cracked state of his lips. He desperately needed a drink — he couldn't think straight otherwise.
He was already imagining himself gulping down cold water bought at the nearest store — if there was one at the "Pigeon Pool". If not… he had a backup plan.
Finally escaping the shaded path, Lon found himself on a small square with a fenced-off pond in the center.
The square had various benches and rest zones for visitors.
But the most unusual sight was the large steam-powered vehicle, covered in bronze and copper pipes.
The steam vehicle was quite large. At its front was a steam engine that produced a network of pipes — from thin ones, less than a centimeter thick, to massive ones the size of a human arm.
Behind the engine was the driver's cabin — tall, with two large windshield panels divided by a central structure. On the roof corners of the cabin were thick pipes releasing gray smoke.
The rear of the vehicle was built like a food stall. A large rectangular window was open where a vendor stood, listening to customers and nodding occasionally.
The entire beast stood on eight enormous wheels of impressive size.
Lon had never seen anything like it. It reminded him of Earth's trucks — but with its own twist: a steam engine and a web of pipes wrapping it from all sides.
To his surprise, Lon knew nothing about these steam trucks. Even though he had merged with Renvel, who was an engineer, he remained ignorant on the matter.
He suspected that memories of steam trucks were among those lost.
Sighing, Lon thought:
«If I hadn't come here, I wouldn't have seen this unusual beast… First that girl, now this machine… This is definitely not an unlucky trip.»
With a bright smile, Lon approached the steam vehicle, wanting to get a closer look.
«That bronze body… Those steel pipes… This is true beauty. A real work of art. I wish I could ride it.» — His heart beat faster at the thought.
Unfortunately, he didn't have the chance — maybe someday.
He walked up to the rectangular window and looked at the small menu nearby, where dishes and their prices were listed.
After making his choice, Lon looked at the vendor, who wore a white shirt and a black-and-white apron, and said:
— I'd like a bacon sandwich for five Gors, and a mug of cold water for two Gors, please.
The vendor quickly prepared Lon's order and, after a few minutes, said:
— Here you go, sir. Your bacon sandwich and mug of cold water. — He handed it over.
Lon took them and paid the vendor seven Gors. The vendor accepted them and remained at his post, waiting for new customers.
Lon sat at the nearest table and began his meal, watching the park around him.
«Life really is beautiful…» — he thought, taking a bite of the sandwich.