Chapter 136 – Blurred, Suddenly (6)

Dowon’s mornings are always bustling. This is because it is the busiest time when tasks accumulated overnight begin to be distributed to each division.

“Will this be sufficient for ordering external items?”
“Yes. Please proceed like this.”

Regulating the amount of goods coming in from outside involves dealing with taxes, land, and manpower management, as well as addressing complaints from various factions.

One can tell from the creased faces of the workers seen through the management office window that work here is intricate and demanding in its own way.

The fact that the building where they had to work was situated at the top of the compound, requiring them to climb the mountain as soon as they woke up in the early morning, was a daily grievance.

“…Sigh.”

And amidst all that transpires within Dowon, a woman named Hong-Yeon has single-handedly managed everything as the sole general manager.

– Thud.

As the door closed, Hong Yeon collapsed onto her desk. A nameplate displayed on her desk read ‘Kyoju.’

“The leader is such a joke…”

She was the leader of the Demonic Cult, a mere façade of grandeur. In the past, being a leader in the martial world of Murim was considered a prestigious position, but this notion did not apply in Do-won. Hong Yeon was so overworked that she barely had a moment’s rest.

‘…I’m exhausted.’

She was honestly at her wit’s end. Her recent injuries only amplified these feelings.

‘That insufferable brat… It would be nice if he were okay since he started working.’

The second heir—a man known as the Blood Horse and the Lesser Heavenly Demon.

Hong Yeon frowned as she touched her once-broken nose. The more she thought about that man, the angrier she became. Despite this, she desperately wished she could borrow his help right now.

‘There’s just too much to handle here in the first place.’

There were numerous reasons for the abundance of work, but when considering the fundamentals, it was due to the excessively conservative nature of Dowon.

A society that still couldn’t accept even a single smartphone. In such an anachronistic place, maintaining exchanges with the outside world was challenging, and the process consumed an excessive amount of valuable manpower.

Furthermore, the majority of people living in Dowon lacked basic education, so even when tasks were handed over, they were filled with individuals who couldn’t perform their jobs properly.

‘Why on earth can’t they memorize just one small book?’

This issue was a problem outside as well, let alone in Dowon, which adhered to old ways. Though the world was changing as time passed, not everyone was in agreement with such radical transformations.

They had considered purchasing a factory-made sword to reduce expenses, but tradition dictated that swords for training should be crafted by hand by a skilled artisan.

I attempted to introduce a magical building apparatus, but they declared that enchantments could never be permitted. I wonder if the aging elders are aware of how much funding is expended on restoring the structures their disciples have demolished.

“Isn’t there someone who excels at their job, speaks a few foreign languages, can educate on the subjects of other families internally, and can be trusted with external affairs without worry?”

Hong-Yeon needed a person like that, as if from a dream. Of course, it was unlikely to happen.

– Knock, knock, knock.

Right then, a knocking sound came from the door.

“Come in.”

– Creak.

The door opened, and a man entered. He had distinct facial features and hair that appeared stylish even if it wasn’t well-kept. As she had felt when she first saw him, Hong-Yeon thought that one thing he was certainly meant for was sales.

“Did you memorize everything I said yesterday?”

As soon as she saw the man, Hong-Yeon immediately inquired about the assignment she had given him the day before.

In truth, memorizing everything in a single day was nearly impossible. Typically, it would take about a week of intensive teaching for ordinary individuals to be able to perform the task at hand.

Nevertheless, the assignment was given in part to test the man’s dedication.

“I memorized it,” he said, words tumbling from his lips.

“Yes, of course—wait, what?” Hong-Yeon couldn’t help but show her surprise when his response was entirely different from what she anticipated.

“I memorized it, though it’s not perfect.”

“Are you bluffing right now?”

Judging by his serious expression, he didn’t seem to be lying, but in truth, it didn’t matter much. After all, one could only learn the ropes by seeing and experiencing it firsthand.

“Do you think I’d boast about running a country just because I’m insane? I stayed up all night memorizing it.”

Hong-Yeon sighed as she placed the quill she was holding back into its holder.

“It’s good to know. I just hope your determination doesn’t fade after three days.”

“What should I do first?”
“It’s the inspection of the lower part of the monastery. First of all, follow me around and watch me from behind.”
“That would be convenient.”

He has a frivolous personality that makes me feel uncomfortable whenever I see him. It seems to be completely different from the crazed appearance he shows during a fight.

Slowly suppressing the fear that had been engraved on her body during the ritual, Hong-Yeon rose and took the lead.

“Follow me. Oh, and of course, before that…”

Standing in front of the door, Hong-Yeon instructed the man just before opening it.

“…Use honorifics outside.”
“Yes.”

A frivolous fellow to the end.

No matter how hard she thought about it, she couldn’t bring herself to like him.

* * * * * *

Following the leader, she received training on her duties for a while.

No matter how small it was, running a single city had many difficulties, each blooming in its own way.

In truth, numerous issues plagued Dowon even at a cursory glance.

The system established at the upper levels failed to extend to the lower strata.
The set rules were riddled with loopholes.

Despite the abundance of flaws, it was exasperating that many tasks were simultaneously handled in one location without a proper auditing authority.

‘Of course, if the area to manage is limited, there’s no need to divide the institution.’

The central administration office, that is, the enormous building in Dowon, would have sufficed for management in days past.

Although Dowon occupies an entire vast mountain range as its territory, in a way, it is merely overseeing a colossal village.

‘But this is the modern era.’

One could simply eye the amount earned and decide to take a portion as tax. Although Dowon wasn’t a complete mess in this regard, there were no distinct laws applying to different social strata concerning tax levies and exemptions.

The procurement of materials for the system implemented by Do-won varies depending on the situation. Frankly, the statistics used as data were hard to see as professional work.

‘Education, labor, transportation, and so on… I can’t even tell if I’m living in the Middle Ages or modern times.’

I don’t know what the old martial arts world was like. From my perspective, even in the ancient martial arts realm, there wouldn’t have been such a lack of structure.

“Do you have a general idea?”

After surveying everything, Hong-Yeon turned to me, who was standing behind her, and asked.

I have a rough understanding of the level here. There are still many aspects that I can’t quite grasp, making it difficult to hastily intervene.

First, I candidly asked Hong-Yeon.

“I’ve done some personal investigation, but isn’t this just a total mess?”

I understand that my attitude may seem impolite for an outsider, but why should I care? For starters, I’m someone who has heard the whispers of the Heavenly Demon, and this is a village where three of my own people live.

“As soon as we were alone, you start speaking informally again… So, why do you think that way?”

I shared with her what I had personally investigated about Do-won so far, as well as the vulnerabilities in Do-won’s management system that she had informed me about, and the aspects that needed improvement.

Of course, I couldn’t pinpoint everything flawlessly.

I’m still learning as well. I quit midway through, after all. He wasn’t like a father figure, but I learned from looking over that man’s shoulder. He definitely possessed skills, and since I wanted to follow in his footsteps, I received all sorts of know-how from him.

…I grew sick of management and politics, so I simply shut my ears and lived my life. I didn’t expect things to turn out like this.

“What I know is theoretical, but I’m not completely ignorant.”

It’s all basic, really. This is something anyone could think of, and it’s a level that can be judged based solely on what one learns in high school.

Institutions created to operate the framework of the nation.

Although having something small to replace them was better than having nothing at all, the difference was substantial.

Thus, the necessity was emphatically highlighted.

“You’re right. I am aware of that.”

Hong Yeon widened her eyes as if my words were unexpected, but she conceded to my opinion.

“…It seems it wasn’t just people who were being defeatedand moving on.”
“I’m not an expert, so filter it out yourself. It’s up to you, the one in charge, to make the judgment.”
“True, the issue is recognized, but it hasn’t been resolved. Do you know why?”
“Isn’t it Nandeul?”
“…….”
“It hasn’t even been a month since I came to Dowon. I’ll have to take action now to find out.”

What I said was basic, but knowing the basics and not knowing them make a significant difference in quality.
The reason why that person taught me this knowledge was not to have me work in this field, but simply as a form of training to broaden my perspective.

[I see.]

At that moment, the World Tree of Time suddenly spoke to me.

“Have you arrived now?”

[Indeed, it takes time, and a significant amount of magical energy is required. Considering the connection breaks each time we train… I believe it’s necessary to bring more mana.]

“Alright. My magical power has been increasing lately, so it should be fine.”

[Thank you. By the way, were you aware of the knowledge in that field?]

I don’t know in great detail.
For a politician, the essential skill is the art of survival within the political landscape. It’s not about handling matters like taxes.

Nevertheless, knowledge always serves as a person’s strength.

In fact, the way Hong-Yeon looked at me had changed considerably from before.

“Yes… There are so many issues to address here that even someone seeing it for the first time would notice. However, the problems are just too numerous. The elders interfere in everything and only say it’s impossible… Heavenly Demon… You seem to avoid getting involved in this matter. That’s why it’s even more challenging.”

Since the Heavenly Demon, akin to an absolute ruler, remains unmoved, how could the system be easily reformed?

Hong-Yeon sighed, as if heated by recalling the reality, then suddenly turned to me and voiced her curiosity.

“But why are you suddenly trying to help us with our task?”

Hong-Yeon’s tone, which previously seemed intent on interrupting, had changed.

“You’re called Socheonma, but you’re not the first successor. Did you try to win my favor?”
“If that were the case, I wouldn’t have pursued you like this.”

Flinching, Hong-Yeon trembled, closing her mouth as if she was at a loss for words.

“There’s a lot I want to know about Do-won, and it’s a win-win situation. If all goes well, it will be good for Baekdo and Hwangdo too.”
“You mean the Heavenly Demon’s child?”
“Yes.”

I left out the story about Cheondo. It seemed that even to her, Cheondo being Socheonma was a secret.

“What about those children?”
“Why do you have so many questions?”
“…I’m sorry.”

“It’s nothing major, I just happened to meet him while passing by, and I thought it would be nice if he grew up well.”

It’s the place I’m leaving.

Although there might be faint traces left behind, I wanted to thoroughly tend to the places my hands had touched. Perhaps my actions could prevent a future where Do-Won meets ruin.

[There’s no need for such concern.]

At that thought, the World Tree chimed in.

“It’s just a possibility. A ‘what if.'”

[I understand your hope, but…]

Now that I think about it, how long can I remain in this world?

[In terms of real-world time, not very long. However, based on this world, you have about three months.]

Three months. It could be considered long or short.
Nonetheless, it’s ample time to leave my mark.

“Do you simply wish for him to grow up well? Is that all there is to it?”
“Then, damn it, would you prefer if I destroyed everything?”
“No, uh, I apologize. It seems I’ve misunderstood you.”

If you misunderstand, that’s how it used to be. This rascal.

Hong-Yeon glanced at me sheepishly and lowered her head.
She appeared quite different from when we first met.

“Anyway, I’ve taught you everything. If you have any questions later, please answer them well. I have a lot of questions.”
“If it’s about management, I’ll help as much as I can.”

For the first time since meeting me, Hong-Yeon showed a satisfied expression.

Win-win. Would that description be fitting?
Now that I know the past won’t change, there’s no need to hide secrets or keep my distance.

I can make as many enemies or gain as many allies as I want, doing whatever suits my needs.

However, in this place with Heaven, White Peach, and Zodiac, I wished for things to be even better.
Even if Do-won disappears in the future, I hope time will pass and allow this place to remain as a happy memory, like a hometown, in their hearts.

Because this is their cradle.
I hope it’s a place that brings a smile to their faces whenever they think of it.

If the three of them find joy, so do I.

“Thus.”

I intended to do everything within my power.