…
Tracing the paintings became Amon's priority, and so three days later, after gathering more information, it became Joerdan Merritt's sole mission. As the investigator of none other than the esteemed Amon Midas, he's being paid handsomely in order to satisfy all requests, no matter how hard or absurd the request is.
Although he was curious about Amon's reason for tracing the painting, it was not in his personality to do so. Besides, even if he wouldn't ask him, he would be the first one to know the answer, anyway.
But sometimes, he does get curious… about Amon Midas' love life, specifically, his odd relationship with Juliane Johara. What happened between the young master and his assistant in Oseanna Town, and what caused their awkward exchange, remains a mystery to him.
Joerdan Merritt was sent to Vaulinhorn City, following a lead on the painting. While the hardworking investigator made his way to the city, Amon and Juliane were left in Grythwill City to handle matters regarding the establishment of the Fruits and Vegetables Trading Center.
Amon went to the library to speak with Juliane regarding their site visit that day. But when he slightly opened the door and saw her staring intently at the hardbound book, he paused, deciding to watch her first.
That clueless lady, she just finished the basic etiquette, and she's raising her foot on the chair?
How unladylike, yet cute.
Wait, cute? What was he thinking!
Snapping out of it, Amon finally opened the door wide. "Ms. Johara… Good morning."
Juliane widened her eyes in shock, immediately straightening her legs. She stood up and bowed slightly, responding, "Good morning, Mr. Midas."
"Do you remember what happened in Oseanna?" he asked with a curious expression.
"Oh… that," Juliane shook her head, "I can't recall a thing…"
"Let's not bring up anything that happened that day and just… move on," the young master uttered in a serious tone, "After all, I don't want to affect our relationship… as boss and assistant."
"You're absolutely right… Thanks for being the first to approach me, you know how shy I am as a person, right, sire?"
"Shy? You?" Amon replied sarcastically, "Yes, you're definitely a shy person-- so shy that you even managed to trespass my home and yell my name in front of the maids and butlers."
"I was desperate that time, okay?!" Juliane responded, rolling her eyes, "It's because of my father's farm, that I can push myself to the limits."
"Ah, now that you've mentioned it… I'm here to tell you that we're going there later."
A site visit was scheduled that day, and as soon as the clock struck 10 that morning, Amon and Juliane prepared themselves for a journey to the Eastern Farmlands. Donning lightweight attire suitable for the rural landscape, they eagerly boarded the automobile.
Juliane murmured, "I'm quite excited… It's been days since I set foot on my father's farm," her voice filled with nostalgia.
Amon, overhearing Julinae, corrected her, "It's no longer your father's farm, Ms. Johara. It's mine now."
Amon meant it as a light joke, but a flicker of sadness passed over Juliane's face, quickly masked by a forced laugh. Deep down, however, she clung to a resolute determination—that the farm would become even more productive in Amon's hands. Besides, the young master had also given her sickly sister Adelfa the best health care. Once her father returned, she hoped he'd understand why they had given it up.
As the wheels of the automobile turned and the cityscape gradually gave way to vast open fields, a calm silence settled between them. The bustling noise and towering structures of the urban landscape were replaced by the soothing whispers of nature and the expansive beauty of the countryside.
The journey through the winding roads was accompanied by the gentle hum of the engine and the rhythmic swaying of the vehicle. They watched as the landscape unfolded before their eyes, with clusters of trees and golden fields stretching as far as the eye could see.
Finally, the Eastern Farmlands came into view, their arrival marked by the sight of endless fields laid out like a patchwork quilt. Nestled amidst the agricultural expanse stood the Eudaemora Windmill, an iconic structure that bridged the Eastern and Western Farmlands, serving as both a landmark and a vital water-pumping station, drawing from the flowing Eudaemora River.
The automobile came to a smooth halt, and Juliane stepped out, her heart fluttering with both excitement and unease as she set foot on familiar ground. However, her anticipation quickly turned to shock as she beheld the farm transformed. Barbed wires now encased what was once an open expanse, and huge, steam-powered machines loomed where her cherished childhood memories had been made.
Overwhelmed by the sight before her, Juliane stayed quiet. Confusion clouded her thoughts as she questioned whether it had been the right decision to let Amon take the farm, but then again she thought of Adelfa's condition improving in the expensive hospital. She sighed. Yes, there was no choice but to accept the fate of the land where she had grown up.
Amon, seeing her reaction, handed her a folder containing detailed plans—a blueprint for a grand project. The pages unfolded to reveal the layout of a state-of-the-art facility:a processing and trading center for fruits and vegetables. Strategically positioned near the Eudaemora Windmills and the flowing waters of the Eudaemora River, held the potential to harness the power of steam.
As Juliane absorbed the significance of the proposal, Amon provided a simplified explanation, ensuring she understood his intentions. He also told her that as promised, a portion of the land would be set aside for growing the Joharas' giant potatoes, and he wanted Juliane to handle the matter.
Seeing Juliane's unimpressed expression , Amon guessed she was still dwelling on the farm's sentimental value rather than the benefits it would hold in the future.
He further explained, "Farmers from both the Western and Eastern Farmlands will have the opportunity to sell their bountiful produce to me. I will oversee the processing and distribution of the fruits and vegetables across the Eudaemora Region, while also expanding our reach to other regions through exports."
As Amon concluded his explanation, Juliane silently nodded, her heart heavy with a mixture of emotions. To Amon, the farm may have represented an opportunity for investment and growth, but for Juliane, it was a sacred promise. It was the land her father had asked her to take care of, a cherished inheritance that resonated with memories of her childhood.
With every area of the farm she viewed at a distance, her senses were greeted by fragments of the past—a gentle breeze carrying the scent of earth, the golden hues of sunset that painted the fields, the sound of her father's voice guiding her through the rhythms of life on the land. Though time had passed and circumstances had changed, the connection between Juliane and the farm remained unbreakable, woven into the very fabric of her being.
In that moment, as the sun cast its warm embrace upon the land, Juliane vowed to do her best in making sure Amon would not neglect the land, and honor the labor that had breathed life into every seed sown.