Chapter 59
Dream’s Boundary (14)
Contrary to Yena’s earlier worries, the peaceful scenery gives no hint that this city is at the very frontier, bordering the uninhabited zone.
Scattered across the plains surrounding the city walls are tall structures, each with several people working diligently atop them.
“What are those?”
“They’re towers used for weather magic to water the crops. Even now, they’re setting up large-scale magic formations that will take days to complete. If you’re unlucky, you might get caught in the rain on your way out.”
Responding to a student’s question, Manager Chun Hwaseong answered with a friendly smile.
Passing through the shadow of the city walls and the enormous gate, a wide avenue and the open cityscape unfolded before them.
Although some buildings and facilities appeared a bit old, the distinct atmosphere and traditions, different from the capital, were well-preserved and integrated.
The most unusual thing was the presence of bakeries on almost every corner of the alleys.
The overwhelming smell of butter and baking bread caused the weary travelers’ eyes to sparkle as they looked around.
“Wow…”
“Impressive…”
“Jinryeong has been famous for its bread since the old civilization. There’s even a joke that the most powerful person in Jinryeong back then was a bakery owner. If you’re interested, I recommend taking a related tour.”
Manager Chun’s continued explanation made the freshmen’s eyes shine even brighter. The second-year students made hissing sounds through their teeth to hold them back.
In the plaza ahead, another group of people was lined up, ready to welcome them.
An elderly man at the front stepped forward and greeted Yeon Minha with utmost courtesy.
“Welcome. I am Yang Jeongcheol, Governor of the South. It is truly an honor to meet the young lady of Jeokhwa.”
Yeon Minha received his polite greeting as if it were only natural. As the Governor of the South, there would be no one higher than him in this city.
Hadn’t Jeokhwa recently been losing influence due to the pressure from Paechun? Yet, for her to receive such treatment indicated the immense power of her background within the five families.
Reflecting on my own treatment of her, I felt a slight sense of unreality.
“Young lady of Jeokhwa, rest assured. I, Yang, am dealing with the rebels decisively. Just relax with your party and head back up once the final shipment is ready.”
The old man puffed out his chest and boasted. Despite being at an age where most would retire, he wore a particle arranger on his wrist, suggesting he was a confident wizard.
Perhaps that’s why he held the position of governor in such a place.
As dusk approached, we concluded the welcoming ceremony and moved to the quarters prepared for us.
Children ran around with balloons, and rows of traditional houses and alleys stretched endlessly.
Except for the double walls erected toward the uninhabited zone and the tight security atop them, it was a surprisingly peaceful scene for a frontline area.
But increasingly, I felt a sense of unease from the way people looked at us.
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Fear, terror, hatred. Or perhaps all of them.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one sensing this, as a female student ahead cautiously spoke to Manager Chun who was guiding us.
“Excuse me…”
“What is it… Ah.”
Realizing the atmosphere, he awkwardly smiled.
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“They’re likely the original residents. They don’t particularly like people from the capital. Your attire probably makes you stand out even more.”
Our group, equipped with the lavish gear sponsored by various companies rather than Cradle’s standard equipment, did indeed look conspicuously like outsiders.
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“Why is that…?”
“The original residents here suffered greatly during the rebel purge a few years ago. Almost every other household had someone executed for treason by the central army. Though the administration has been stabilized and security improved, such resentment will take more time to quell.”
Another male student continued the questioning.
“As far as I know, that was because many actively collaborated with the rebels. There were also many who became dark mages, weren’t there?”
“Of course, the rebellion can’t be denied. But as you’ll learn later, life in the frontier is extremely tough for ordinary people. Benefits and policies are concentrated in the capital, increasing their sense of isolation. The development of the agricultural district is also seen as a central project, not beneficial to the natives. The rebels exploited that sentiment to incite the populace.”
The man looked increasingly troubled.
“The rise in dark magic practitioners follows the same logic. While it’s said that wizards are chosen by the gods, dark mages can be born simply through ‘transference.’ Although 80% end up disabled or mutated, the immediate hardship means that people don’t consider those risks. If the lives of the people at the bottom aren’t improved, dark mages will keep popping up no matter how many are caught…”
Listening to his explanation, we finally saw our accommodation in the distance. It was a particularly clean and modern-looking building, its exterior decorated with white marble.
“Ahem, I’ve talked quite a bit. Once inside, our manager will attend to you. Rest well tonight, and detailed briefings will be provided starting tomorrow. Once again, welcome to Jinryeong.”
He bowed respectfully to Yeon Minha and the group.
As we entered the lodging, the manager greeted us and led us to the dining hall.
The sight of the hot, freshly prepared food made the tired travelers’ eyes light up again.
Dinner began in a relatively cheerful atmosphere. Any awareness of being on a mission in the far south melted away with the comfort.
A round of drinks went around, enough to warm but not intoxicate. Yeon Minha, too, ate elegantly, her lips moving delicately.
As the evening wound down, a second-year girl stood in for Yeon Minha to brief the freshmen on various rules.
“…Do not leave your rooms after curfew. Now, we’ll assign rooms… boys? If any of you cross into the girls’ area, you’ll get demerits on the spot and be sent straight to the disciplinary committee back at Cradle.”
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“This is too much. Do they think girls won’t sneak over? It’s always the fussy ones…”
To the snickers from the back, the girl glared and added,
“…Of course, the same goes for the opposite. Now, let’s begin the room assignments. First, to the second floor…”
Listening to her instructions, I realized a problem. My room was on the third floor, while Yeon Minha’s was on the top floor.
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Not only was there no way to maintain a seal with others in between, but the distance was too great to be effective.
Given Yeon Minha’s previous reactions, enduring a night without the seal seemed unlikely, potentially triggering a similar episode as before.
After a brief moment of thought, I concluded there was only one solution.
I followed Yeon Minha as she finished her meal and headed to her room. Leaning close to her ear, I whispered so others wouldn’t hear,
“I’ll sneak up later. Leave your window open.”
“H-Hic…”
T h i s w a s c o p i e d f r o m k in g m t l .o r g
Startled by the sudden whisper, she shivered and responded with a light hiccup.
***
The surroundings of the room were pitch dark. It seemed everyone had gone to bed early, exhausted from the long journey.
After locking the door, I opened the window and slipped out onto the balcony.
Looking up, I saw the light in Yeon Minha’s room, weakly shining through the curtains, indicating she was still awake.
I climbed the building facade, gripping the crevices. Considering the circumstances, I felt like a thief, but I couldn’t risk walking through the hallways and sparking rumors.
I reached her balcony and checked that the window latch was open. To be sure, I knocked twice.
-Hic…
I heard someone inside and soon the window slid open with a small sound.
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Pulling aside the curtains, I stepped into the dimly lit room.
“You… you…”
I heard a voice. Turning, I saw Yeon Minha standing, staring at me.
Her skin, freshly washed, had a slight flush. Her hair, still slightly damp, gleamed.
She wore only a thin camisole with lace, and her usual sweet fragrance was almost overwhelming.
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“Good evening, Senior.”
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“…”
Yeon Minha didn’t respond, just stared at me. Then she dashed to the bed, wrapping herself tightly in a blanket. Her eyes, brimming with tears, trembled.
“…?”
Her unusually fearful demeanor puzzled me. I hadn’t treated her harshly lately…
“This… this isn’t right…”
“What?”
“No matter what… I’m… your senior…”
“So what are you…”
“My… my body isn’t something to be used so recklessly… In the long run… it’s a loss for you too… so…”
The large tears were about to drop.
I finally understood her concern.
Had I ever explained the seal’s range to Yeon Minha?
End of Chapter
T h i s w as c op ied f r om k in g m tl . o r g