"It's been a pleasure meeting you, lovely Miss Catherine, but all good things must come to an end. I believe it's time for me to take my leave."
As the train pulled into Bacchus Station, Davey stood, tipped his hat, and addressed Catherine.
The trip from Valentine Station to Bacchus Station wasn't far—just a three-hour train ride.
During that time, Davey and Catherine had grown closer.
As a soul from a later era, Davey's knowledge far exceeded that of most people in this time.
From scenic landmarks and local customs to fashion, politics, and visions of the future—these were all things Catherine had never encountered before.
Davey's insight left a lasting impression on her heart. She had never met a man so well-informed, polite, and refined.
"I'm also very glad to have met you, Mr. Callander. Will we see each other again?" Catherine's heart was filled with reluctance. She truly wanted to follow Davey off the train, but her sense of propriety held her back.
"I'm sure we will, Miss Catherine. I won't forget the wonderful time I've spent with you," Davey said with a warm smile.
"Will you write to me?" she asked, unwilling to let their connection fade. Out here in the vast West, who knew when they might cross paths again?
"If Miss Catherine would be so kind as to give me your address," Davey replied, lifting his suitcase.
"Henry Manor, Saint Denis, Lemoyne. I'll look forward to your letter, Mr. Callander," Catherine said, her eyes full of anticipation.
Hearing that, Davey paused, setting aside the walking stick he had been about to pick up. He turned toward her, took a step closer, and gently lifted her left hand, pressing a courteous kiss upon it.
A faint blush colored Catherine's cheeks.
"I'll remember this, always. It's been an unforgettable encounter, Miss Catherine Montoya. I look forward to the day we meet again."
After the kiss, Davey picked up his walking stick, gave her one last smile, and stepped out of the carriage.
Catherine leaned against the window, watching him walk toward the back of the train until he disappeared from sight.
Woo—woo!
The whistle sounded. Bacchus Station was only a transfer stop, so the train wouldn't stay long.
As it began to move, Catherine kept looking out the window, searching for Davey's figure—but he was nowhere to be seen.
Just as disappointment began to weigh on her heart, a familiar figure appeared outside the window—Davey, on horseback.
Her eyes lit up with joy.
Davey waved at her as he rode alongside the train for a while before gradually fading into the distance.
His departing figure lingered in Catherine's sapphire-blue eyes…
The remaining two gold bars were both near Bacchus Station, so it wouldn't take long to retrieve them.
Since the train was still moving, Davey decided to head for the statue first to collect the three gold bars hidden there.
The statue's location hadn't been clearly marked on the game map from his past life, but players who had finished the game knew it was near the mysterious mountaintop cabin—where Arthur was buried.
Though the landscape had changed somewhat in this world, luck was on Davey's side. It didn't take him long to find the narrow cave.
Inside, surrounded by stone figures, he activated a hidden mechanism and successfully obtained three gold bars.
After all his recent expenses, the $500 he'd exchanged earlier had dwindled to just over $200.
The biggest cost had been the $200 bounty to clear the charges for the fake medicine peddler, Benedict Allbright.
Now, he had finally earned back what he'd lost.
Leaving the cave, only the wrecked train carriage remained on his list.
It was easy to find—under the railway bridge near Cotorra Springs. Following the tracks led straight to it.
Though a bit of a hassle, he managed to secure the last two gold bars without issue.
It was time to return to Valentine.
After exchanging all the gold bars for cash, he finally had his first real fortune in hand.
This train ride, however, lacked the charm of his encounter with Catherine.
Night had fallen, and the luxurious carriage was quiet—Davey was its only passenger.
As the train rattled on, he couldn't help but think back to the time he'd spent with her.
By the time he arrived in Valentine, it was already nine o'clock.
Davey headed straight to the Helton Inn. Arthur and Micah had already returned to camp.
He enjoyed a long, luxurious bath, washing away the dirt of the road.
Davey had a habit of bathing daily—after all, his soul came from a later, more civilized era where going a day unwashed felt unbearable.
Back in Colter Village, that hadn't been possible, but now that it was, he intended to treat himself properly.
That evening, he made a trip to the black market and successfully exchanged all his gold bars for cash—this time, in large denominations.
With money finally in hand, the moonshine operation could begin.
But before that, he needed to make one more trip back to camp.