Etranger

Chapter 105

Episode 3. Book 1: Happiness Chapter 4

Whats your opinion? Dongyoung asked.

Im not sure yet. There are so many things I cant tell through simple observation alone. Actually I cant understand this place. Their actions, rules, and ways of thinking are so different. I feel like Im in a completely different world. Honestly, I think the data Ive been collecting and researching recently is meaningless, Dongha answered. 

Dongha was an intelligent woman with cool, sharp eyes. She wore a sleek blue hat, a wide shawl wrapped around her shoulders, and a sky-blue chiton gown down to her ankles. The two stood on a hill with a panoramic view of the Counts estate. Dongha gazed outward at the vast landscape below. It was like a large garden and playground.

Small wooden buildings and towers were piled up everywhere, and equipment of unknown purpose was being installed everywhere. The waterways connected to more waterways upstream and downstream. Small boats and rafts could be seen moving along the various network of waterways.

Many people were organizing and doing construction work. The construction speed was unusually fast. During their half-day of observation, three or four buildings were erected. The whole scene resembled a child assembling toys with wood. Various pieces were moving around. A house was built in no time, and a watchtower spanning ten meters was erected during their half-day of observation.

Definitely not ordinary. If these methods were used for military use, it could be really intimidating for any enemy. What did the Han-Sung Clan and the Dark Guilds see in this area to invest so early on? Theres something more about this weird place what the hell is going on Dongyoung muttered as he rolled some metal beads in his hand. The beads, which became deadly weapons during an emergency, collided with each other in his hand, making a rumbling noise.

I think wed have to stay for a longer period of time to find out, no? Its not something we can figure out in just a day or two. Look over there! That construction is likely to be residential homes and workshops. The inn were staying at and the nearby homes also seemed to be recently built.

What does this large-scale construction mean?

It probably means that theyre preparing for a rapid increase in population

Dongha raised her head and looked up at the sky while frowning.

Yeah well have to stay, but its going to be a headache, no? Its not just the Dong-Myung Clan thats interested in this area Dongyoung said as he scratched his head.

Anyway, the Han-Sung Clan and Dark Guilds have already established a working relationship with the Count and with each other. Thats already something to be concerned about, right? Who would have expected that a traditional Absolute Clan, who dominates the empires political power, and the representative savagery of the non-traditional Dark Guilds would work together!

The problem is Dongyoung said in a low voice. 

Its that the Dong-Myung Clan is not very friendly with the Han-Sung Clan or Dark Guilds. There seems to be something going on here, but what does it mean when one doesnt know or understand whats going on even when one sees whats happening with ones own eyes? Its strange They dont seem to be hiding anything, rather, they seem like theyre showing off. What do you think this means? Dongha said as she finished off Dongyoungs sentence. She then sighed.

In the end, I think its a situation where we have to follow elder Dongyes advice. Still I dont really understand why we need to create a friendly relationship with these people, Dongyoung said bitterly, flipping his long hair, which ran down to his shoulders, behind him.

He told us to find those two people and try to cooperate, right? Dongha asked.

He also said to be polite

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We dont know their social status, but we presume theyre at least high-class aristocrats, but elder Dongye said that theyre at least Awakened Warriors. A man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s? Awakened Warriors at that age Theres a lot of evidence to support his claim, but Does it make sense? Can you believe it?

Its the words of elder Dongye, so I have to believe it. Still, we need to check it for ourselves. Were not sure of their background, so theres no reason we should approach them with our heads down from the start. We still hold the pride of the Dong-Myung Clan.

Alright. If its confirmed that theyre Awakened Warriors, it wouldnt be too late to treat them with the appropriate level of respect then 

The two agreed with each other in this way.

The Dong-Myung Clan was the most concerned organization regarding the sudden northern expansion conducted by the Han-Sung Clan and Dark Guilds.

These two Dong-Myung clansmen were selected as the Dong-Myung Clan representatives to discover what was going on in this area and to create a relationship with the Count. They had risen to Dark Warriors and were on the fast track to becoming Awakened Warriors. Also, they were the fastest and most intelligent agents in the Dong-Myung Clans information gathering division. 

However, what they didnt know was that they were about to face a fate they would never have expected... an unforgettable experience.

***

Explain what you saw, Gibin asked, picking his ear. 

He looked off into the distance with a frustrated expression on his face.

Its amazing, Giyoung replied carefully while gulping. 

Gibin was usually a carefree and kind person who liked to play and joke around, but one had to be careful when he exhibited this kind of tense atmosphere. Countless egos lurked in his mind during these times. No one knew which Gibin would pop out whenever he acted this way. Some of his crazier outbursts during these times brought great damage and destruction.

The various egos and characters within Gibin made him a genius. Like the Han-Sung Clans martial genius, Hanjung, Gibin had also become an Awakened Warrior by the age of twenty-nine.

His name was still relatively unknown to the wider world...

What did you see that made you think it was amazing?

Gibin looked at Giyoung with an interested expression. Although their mothers were different, she was the most reliable and smartest person among his clan siblings. Giyoung turned twenty-four this year, six years younger than himself, but he could talk with her comfortably. At the least, she understood his questions and personality. So, he brought her along on this assignment.

Everyone is literate. Every person can read and write. 

Ho good observation. What else?

Their system of weights and measures are unified. In addition, the application of their system is very strict. Measurement methods and tools are also thoroughly unified.

Interesting and?

The children are being educated.

I like it more and more. Go on.

Theyve laid down roads all the way to the outskirts of their territories. The width was over three steps. And all the kids are wearing shoes.

Hmm

All of the children are wearing nametags as well.

Only the children?

Adults also wear nametags, but not with their names on them.

Do outsiders also wear these tags?

Yes.

This is sounding scarier and scarier, no?

And decisively 

Decisively what? Im looking forward to your conclusions.

Gibins gaze was fixed on Giyoung. He had a light smile on his lips.

There are stores that they sell clothes. 

The smile disappeared from Gibins mouth.

Eh? For adults?

Both adults and children.

Finished products?

Yes.

This Im starting to shake all over.

Yes Im also scared.

So what does this mean, all put together? Gibin asked as he got up and brushed his behind.

The possibility of a military and economic powerhouse appearing in the north within three years is more than 30%.

Is that all?

Gibins seemingly indifferent gaze was peering into Giyoungs eyes. Giyoung got goosebumps from his gaze.

Fool

Gibin laughed. He came close to her in an instant and whispered into her ears. Giyoung fluttered at the sudden itchy sensation of his breath landing on her ear.

Youll probably have to study another ten more years, our Guiding Star of the Battlefield, Miss Giyoung.

Yes

Gibin stretched out a finger and pushed Giyoungs forehead.

I think

?

Its a good place to fish 

Gibin quickly walked away.

Where are you going? Giyoung asked while gathering her stuff and quickly trying to follow behind him.

To see a fisherman

The two wandered down the hill while the spring sunset cast its last rays of sunlight.

***

Its time for them to start biting

San was yawning while staring at the casted fishing line. A red sunset was majestically setting in front of him as he stared with a lazy gaze into the water.

On the shores of the lake, dyed red with the evening sunset, gentle reddish waves slowly rippled towards the shore. Fresh blue buds had started blooming at the waters edge, but overall, the vast cover of yellow reeds swayed without knowing whether it was spring or autumn. On the left and right mountain ridges, radiant pink flowers were in full bloom, claiming that it was not autumn but a bright spring afternoon.

Children are getting smarter these days, so it wont be easy to talk with them. Would you like another drink?

A clear but slightly drowsy voice came from behind him. Biyeon, dressed in simple clothes, was writing something while leaning against his back. Her shoulders were comfortably supported by his back, her right foot stretched naturally in front of her, and her left knee was raised to comfortably support her notebook. Her toes were exposed. They were exceptionally white between the leather straps of her sandals.