00016 <-- Episode 16 When the world changes, humans change too (1) -->
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The Kingdom of Zexengard was a landlocked nation centered around the Teron Mountains and Senvelt Basin, where the West Villaen River originates in central Terranor.
Sexengard Rattenberg, one of the Seven Heroes of the Revolution, established a nation in this land that was also his homeland and made a promise to the people.
No more harsh oppression and tyranny.
There will be no more starving people, no more dying unjustly, no more being forced into slavery.
The people cheered and gave their boundless support to the great revolutionary hero.
And now, ten years later… … .
The hero’s promise was not fulfilled.
***
It was a splendid palace. A large hall was spread out beneath marble walls and a granite roof.
In fact, it is not as luxurious as marble or granite.
The Teron Mountains, where the Kingdom of Zexengard is located, are vast mountains of marble and granite.
In other kingdoms, marble buildings would be a sign of wealth and luxury, but here, they are nothing more than stones dug from the ground beneath one’s feet.
But if the marble is adorned with glittering gold and is paired with expensive tapestries to create a dazzling spectacle, then it is certainly luxurious.
Inside the luxurious hall, a man laughed heartily.
“Hahahaha!”
He was a healthy man in his early 40s.
With his dark brown hair, dark eyes, broad shoulders, solid bronze muscles, and old scars etched across his massive body, he proved that he was a tough warrior who had been through a lot.
In front of him was a table filled with all sorts of delicacies. The man drank continuously in front of the dinner.
“This liquor is exceptionally delicious!”
The blonde beauty sitting next to me was acting cute.
“It is a pearl from the Kingdom of Saparan, Your Majesty. It is said that it was given as a special gift this time to commemorate our old friendship.”
“Really? Heh heh! That guy Saparan, he used to be so picky, but he seems to have become a lot more mellow these days.”
The man, Zexengard, the king of this country and one of the Seven Heroes of the Revolution, stroked his brown beard. Then he looked at the beauties sitting next to him.
“Pretty things, would you like a drink too?”
There were women of various appearances. There were blonde-haired Brians, Slocus people from the western part of the continent, Lahan people from the south, and even rare dark-skinned beauties from the Nekan people.
About thirty women in seductive attire were attending to Zexengard. They were all his concubines.
“Your Majesty, I am very grateful.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The beauties all flirt with each other in a charming voice. Beautiful music flows in harmony with the women’s voices. It is music played by the royal musicians located on one side of the hall.
Zexenguard was even more delighted.
“Haha, good!”
There is delicious alcohol, delicious food, beautiful women, and beautiful music.
Could there be a happier moment than being born as a man?
Zexengard muttered, tilting his glass.
“Haha, that moment of being chased by the Empire feels like a dream.”
Then a voice broke the labor pains.
“Your Majesty, did you have a party today?”
A man in his sixties, dressed in neat white clothes, entered alone. Zexengard frowned at him.
“What is it, Your Majesty?”
The attendant sighed as he looked at the chaotic atmosphere in the hall. Then he opened his mouth cautiously.
“I wonder if you drink too often… … .”
Zexengard blinked and asked.
“Did you run out of alcohol?”
“That’s not it, but… … .”
“Did you run out of money?”
“That’s not it either… … .”
“Then what’s the problem?”
The Sexeguard returned to their banquet with relief. The old chamberlain sighed once more.
“Ugh… … .”
I wanted to shout at him loudly, but the person I was talking to was the king. He was not a good king who would listen to the truth, but a violent king who would respond to harsh words with big, beautiful fists.
But he couldn’t just sit back and watch. The chief steward risked his life to give some advice.
“I am worried that you have been enjoying too much luxury and neglecting state affairs lately, Your Majesty. I am worried that if you continue like this, the foolish people will see the image of a mad emperor in you… … .”
He was the chief of the guard who spoke indirectly because he thought his life would be at stake if he spoke openly. And unfortunately, because of that caution, he did not get the result he wanted.
“Hmm? Gwangje? Hahaha! Don’t worry! I’m not that kind of foolish monarch!”
That foolish King doesn’t understand when you speak indirectly. The chamberlain sighed inwardly.
The superhuman swordsman Zexenguard was someone who was fit to become a hero in troubled times.
He was more specialized than anyone else in cutting down enemies, leading soldiers, and destroying anything that stood in his way.
He was clearly a great warrior and general.
But all these talents had nothing to do with becoming a great king.
For ten years, the hero became a tyrant. Like the Emperor, Zexengard attracted beautiful women, imposed excessive taxes, suppressed rebellious subjects, and built a grand palace.
However, Zexengard had no doubt that he was walking the right path as a king, one that was completely different from Gwangje.
‘You say you don’t have enough money? Then what kind of luxuries do I enjoy?’
Of course, there was no shortage of it. After all, the Kingdom of Zexengard was collecting taxes amounting to half of its citizens’ wealth.
Even by historical standards, this is a considerably heavy tax.
But he genuinely thought that he was being generous and merciful in collecting taxes, because during the time of the mad emperor Rustanad, he had been taking more than 60 percent.
‘They gave me a whopping 10 percent discount.’
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It was the same with everything else.
Gwangje had as many as 10,000 concubines, but he only had about a thousand.
The Gwangjae burned hundreds of villages and cities, but he only punished a few dozen.
While Gwangje forced hundreds of thousands of people into forced labor, he conscripted only tens of thousands.
‘Isn’t he a good enough king?’
If you can’t even do this, why did you become a king? Wasn’t all that hard work to get to this position and rule over others just to live in luxury?
The people’s discontent was growing, but Zexengard ignored it.
‘Anyway, the kids don’t even know how cruel the old days were and they just keep talking nonsense.’
There was some basis for this. The older people still supported Zexengard.
But it’s better now than it was in the past.
There are still people who are hungry, there are still people who are dying unjustly, and there are still people who are living in misery, but their numbers have decreased ‘a little’ compared to before.
“I understand, so you may step aside, Your Majesty.”
Zexenguard waved his hand as if it was annoying. Realizing that it was useless, the old man also gave up.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As the party continued, another man in his forties appeared in the large hall. He was a rather short, thin man with a goatee.
He fell face down on the floor and shouted.
“I present to you His Majesty the Great Hero of the Revolution, Zexengard!”
“Oh, Lord Kelteron. What is it?”
“I have something important to tell you, so I apologize for being rude. Please forgive me.”
Kelteron asked for forgiveness without raising his head. Even in front of the king, his attitude was too humble.
But Zexengard was satisfied. As expected, a subject standing before a king should show such an attitude. That old man is too picky.
‘Should we retire that guy soon?’
While he was lost in thought, Kelteron handed him a document. Zexengard glanced at it and frowned. It was some kind of complicated-looking administrative document.
‘Why bother doing something like this?’
Without even looking through it properly, Zexengard threw the documents back.
“You handle it yourself.”
He was a great king. He was a hero among heroes who saved the world. Why would he care about such a ‘menial’ task?
‘The duty of every king is to protect the weak people!’
So there was no need to worry about such miscellaneous documents. Zexengard was satisfied with his own judgment.
Kelteron, who had received the documents, bowed his head once again.
“I will do as you command, Your Majesty the Great King of Zexengard!”
***
It has been 15 days since they left Kagon City. The group, who continued to move north, finally arrived at Latensel, the capital of the Kingdom of Zexengard.
Located within the Senveldt Basin, the city was a true natural fortress.
An ironclad defense line with rugged terrain and narrow access roads, if another country were to attack La Tencel, it would require at least 100,000 troops.
Shihan clicked his tongue as he looked at the high walls, the rough watchtowers, and the streets and buildings spread out within them.
“… … It’s smaller than I thought for a country’s capital?”
In the first place, the fact that it is difficult for the enemy to invade also means that it is difficult for people and goods to move around.
For a city to grow, it needs to actively interact with the outside world, but how can it grow if it’s locked up and stuck in a corner?
A sensible administrator would not necessarily have designated it as the capital. However, the deadline was understandable.
‘Well, in that ignorant Zexenguard’s head, the only concept that he has is a place where people live = a fortress.’
However, as it was still the capital city, there were a considerable number of people coming and going through the city gates. Shihan and his party entered the city, mingling with the crowd.
Shihan muttered as he looked around the streets.
“Kagon City is much more befitting of a nation’s capital.”
The size of the Royal City of La Tencel was only about one-tenth of Kagon City. Alita shrugged.
“Hey, there are few cities on the continent larger than Kagon City.”
Kagon City is one of the four provincial capitals of the former South Clunium Empire, and has been expanded over hundreds of years. It is a bit odd to compare Kagon City with a new city that has only been around for a decade.
Zenon also added:
“Currently, in Terranor, only Delstrey, the capital of the Kingdom of Lilstein, the Lizatherium of the Church of Inasius, and Aolad of the Kingdom of Sapharan are comparable in size to Kagon City.”
“Oh, so those cities are as big as Kagon City?”
Shihan, who had been listening, looked surprised. In just ten years, had another country built such a large city?
Alita shook her head.
“That’s because those are the old West Clunium, East Clunium, and North Clunium.”
“Oh, so they just changed the four existing imperial cities into capitals?”
“It may have been burned symbolically as the Imperial City, but there was no reason to completely destroy the other cities as well, right?”
While talking like that, Shihan and his party continued walking down the street. Suddenly, Zeno asked.
“Shall we take the inn, Hier Sihan?”
Shihan shook his head.
“If possible, I would like to find a quiet place to live.”
To regain the strength lost while crossing dimensions, a quiet training place is needed.
Given Alita’s status, being noticed by others is not a good thing. However, if you stay at an inn for a long time, you will inevitably encounter unspecified numbers of people.
“I would like to find a place to stay in a relatively remote area.”
“That is correct.”
Zeno also agreed with that opinion, and made an awkward expression.
“But, what do outsiders usually have to do to find a house?”
“… … I don’t know either?”
Zeno blinked. Shihan blinked too.
When would Zenon, who lived as a knight of the Kingdom of Rilstein, ever have the opportunity to purchase a house in a foreign country? And of course, Shihan had a lot of experience in his past, but he had never officially purchased real estate.
Because my other colleagues took care of that.
“Oh, what should I do?”
“well?”
Surprisingly, Alita showed her resourcefulness. Keran had trained her since she was young, so she never knew when she would have to run away and find a new home.
“First, find a broker. There will be someone who deals with traders.”
***
Thanks to Alita, the group purchased a shabby house on the western outskirts of Latensel. She wondered as she recalled her dealings with the broker.
“It ended more cleanly than I expected. I thought they’d try to rip me off because I’m an outsider.”
The broker who introduced this house to the group only asked for a reasonable price. He did not try to raise the price or use the contract to ask for additional money.
Shihan smiled bitterly.
“That would be neat.”
The reason the broker acted like that was simple. Behind Alita, a two-meter tall, muscular warrior wearing thick steel armor and carrying a huge sword on his back was glaring.
“I’m not going to make a fortune and run this city, so why would I want to create problems?”
So the amount decided was 50 gold coins, which is not a small amount of money, but it is very cheap for a house in the capital. However, considering the street where the house is located, it is also a reasonable price.
The surrounding streets are filled with small, old buildings. The people walking around are also shabby. This is the poorest and most backward area in La Tencel.
Zenon lamented as he looked around the street.
“Oh, that His Majesty the Higher must stay in such a wretched place!”
On the other hand, Shihan was rather happy.
“I’m good. I feel like I’m back home.”
It was a time when he was living at the bottom. Even after joining the revolutionary army, he always lived in the shadows. Even when he was called one of the Seven Heroes of the Revolution, he had no memory of enjoying luxury.
In those limited memories, Terrano’s residence always had this kind of atmosphere.
During the time I was living in shabby and run-down accommodations, I had a trustworthy colleague and a woman I loved… … .
“Umm… … .”
A corner of his heart ached, and Sihan unconsciously clenched his fist. Alita looked at him.
“Time limit?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
Sihan raised his head, trying hard to control his expression.
Anyway, I like the house quite a bit. It’s a wooden building with two rooms and an attic. It’s small, but it has a yard at the back and the view isn’t blocked by other buildings, so it’s a good location for practicing.
Well, it seems like Xenon is still dissatisfied.
“If I had known this would happen, I would have sold my house. Then I could have provided a nicer place for you, Mr. Heyer.”
It must have been a house that he had worked hard to build, but his tone of voice seemed to show no sign of regret. Sihan waved his hand.
“Hey, there’s no need to do that.”
Anyway, the Kingdom of Lilstein was a place I had to go to someday. It wasn’t a bad thing since I had already established a base there.
Shihan walked towards the front door.
“Then shall we go in?”
The inside of the house wasn’t as dirty as I thought. So… … there was mold on the walls, cobwebs on the ceiling, rat droppings on the floor, and a lot of dust, but is that acceptable as a compliment?
If you were a Korean looking for a rental house, this would be an abandoned house that would make you run away in fear, but by Terranor standards, this is a decent place to live. Alita said as she looked around the house.
“Would it be okay if I just do a little cleaning?”
“Right? I’m not going to live here my whole life.”
Anyway, this is just a temporary accommodation until the matter with Zexenguard is resolved. Shihan and Alita smiled with satisfaction.
But Zeno groaned.
“Ugh… … .”
As he groans, his face turns bright red. The veins on his forehead also appear.
Zeno burst into a scream.
“Eww!”
“What, what is it?”
“Why are you suddenly like that?”
Shihan and Alita looked at him in surprise. But Zenon didn’t react. He glanced around the house with a murderous look on his face… … .
“What a cursed place!”
I just ran out of the house naked.
“… … ?”
Shihan and Alita followed suit, looking bewildered. Zenon was already running furiously down the street. Shihan muttered blankly as he looked at his back.
“What’s wrong with that guy?”
The reason for Zeno’s furious outburst was soon revealed.
When he reappeared a moment later, his hands were full of a mop, a duster, and other cleaning supplies.
“Get out of here, Shihan! Alita! We can’t just leave this place alone!”
Then he puts on gloves, covers his mouth with a cloth, and immediately takes out a broom. You can tell at a glance that he is going to clean up, but somehow the aura he gives off is comparable to that of a general facing a large army.
“No, what’s the big deal about cleaning… .”
Despite their disbelief, Shihan and Alita each picked up a duster. Since we bought it, we should clean it together.
But Zenon glared at the two.
“Get out! Outsiders are just a nuisance!”
It was a voice that was extremely firm. It even gave off an air of unapproachable energy.
The two nodded without realizing it and went out of the house. Then they looked inside and were astonished.
“What kind of outsider are you? So you’re an expert?”
“What are you talking about, you knight?”
***
Zeno stood in the center of the house, catching his breath. Then he let out a roar and raised his fighting spirit to the max.
“Taaaaat!”
A gust of wind blew, blowing away all the dust in the house. Clouds of old dust rose up through the windows and doors. Alita, who was looking inside from outside, said in disbelief.
“Where on earth did the idea of dusting off the world with an explosion of speculation come from?”
“But the effect is really good, right?”
Sensing Zeno’s speculation, Shihan stuck out his tongue. Even though the gust of wind was blowing, there was almost no damage to the house itself, and only the dust was blown away precisely. This is proof that the speculation control is very detailed.
‘Somehow it feels so familiar, like it’s not something I’ve done once or twice.’
Then a loud bang rings out. Thunder rumbles, lights flash in windows, dust flies, and a gust of wind blows.
I can see trash constantly flying outside the window, so it looks like they’re definitely cleaning up…
“What kind of cleaning is accompanied by such harmony?”
For some reason, Sihan and Alita were afraid to interfere, so they headed to the backyard. There, they waited for the cleaning to be finished while stretching their bodies. After half a day, Zenon finally gave them permission to enter.
“Come in, Higher Sihan, Alita.”
The two of them went back inside, dumbfounded. Then, as they looked around the house, they became even more dumbfounded.
“Hey, this?”
“wow…….”
Zenon made an embarrassed expression at the two who were speechless with their mouths wide open.
“It’s still a bit shabby, but it’ll be enough to lay down.”
Although he spoke humbly, his face was filled with pride. He seemed to be proud of his skills. And Shihan and Alita had no intention of complaining about that pride.
The ceiling was clean without a single trace of dirt, the walls were pure white, the floor was smooth, and there wasn’t a single speck of dust, let alone a cobweb, in any corner. What had been an abandoned house half a day ago had turned into some kind of model house!
Alita let out a heartfelt exclamation.
“You really are an expert, Mr. Zenon… … .”
I don’t know why a swordsman and a knight of the nation has expert-level cleaning skills, though.
The house has changed so much that it’s truly terrifying. In particular, the walls and ceiling, which were so dirty with old stains, are beyond my imagination as to how they were cleaned.
In Korea, we would have put up wallpaper or painted it, but how could we do it without that?
“I sanded the surface with a sandblaster, wiped it with a rag, and finished it with metal tree sap.”
“Is that okay?”
Alita was startled. Zenon answered as if asking why she was surprised.
“Just do it with the feeling of shooting a cannon with a sword. It’s not that difficult.”
“It’s incredibly difficult to even open a cannon with a throwing sword!”
Anyway, it was a great feat. And it was a truly useless feat.
Shihan had a dejected expression on his face.
“No, it’s not a house I’m going to live in for the rest of my life, so why are you doing this… … .”
After all, this is a temporary residence. However, Zeno is still looking around every corner of the house, as if he is not satisfied with the castle.
“Xenon, do you have obsessive-compulsive disorder?”
“I just hate mess. Oops! There’s a stain over there that hasn’t been wiped off yet?!”
He even ignores the words of the time he worshipped so much and runs furiously to the window to start mopping. After all, didn’t he just kick out the hero and Nabal from the house earlier?
The deadline was acceptable.
“… … You really are obsessive-compulsive disorder.”
Alita was also convinced.
‘Oh, so that’s it!’
Now she knew why Zenon had been distracted by the amount of blood she had vomited. Alita smiled inwardly.
‘If I ever have a fight with Mr. Zenon in the future, I’ll have to spit on him first.’
Alita, a young girl in her twenties, was quite capable of coming up with dirty tactics. Zenon, who had just finished mopping the floor, looked around the house, not knowing whether he knew the dark insides or not.
“Now that you have some household items, you will have no shortage of things to live in for a while.”
“I see. Thanks for your hard work.”
Shihan smiled pleasantly.
It actually felt good. It was my first base after returning to Terrano. And it was incredibly clean and refreshing!
“Is this a good start?”
Shihan smiled, caressing his chin.
“So how should we approach Zexenguard now?”
