Chapter: 766
The port city of Saleria, located in the southwestern part of the Balkros Kingdom, is a cultural hub. If the political center of Balkros is the capital city of Minden, then the economy and culture revolve around Saleria, making it a prosperous city.
Conveniently, it’s also the first place you arrive when traveling by ship from the Empire, and as a symbol of the cultural powerhouse that is Balkros, it’s the perfect destination. Since we’re on a trip, it makes sense to enjoy economics and culture rather than sticking to the boring political center.
‘It feels like I’m just wandering around the port.’
Thinking back, I had the same experience when I visited Mar and Jerano; I enjoyed those port cities too.
Could my lifestyle, spent on the inland islands, be manifesting in this way? I feel like I’ve unwittingly turned into an ocean man longing for the sea and ports. If I retire, I might just move to Boyar or Cheness.
Not that I even know when I’ll retire.
“Wow, it’s even bigger up close.”
“Right? I can’t figure out how they made something like that.”
While we approached the docks of Saleria to moor, Rizie and I took a moment to gaze at one of Saleria’s landmarks, the Saleria Bronze Statue.
The Saleria Bronze Statue. Standing a towering 50 meters high, it was erected in honor of Saleria, a duke and great literary figure of the Balkros Kingdom. As the person who transformed Saleria from a mere fishing village into the representative city of the kingdom, no building in Saleria surpasses the height of this statue. Even the church dedicated to the gods is lower than the bronze statue.
In fact, to welcome travelers arriving by sea, the statue confidently stands at the entrance of the harbor. For foreign visitors like us, it’s the first landmark we can’t help but notice.
“…But still, was it really necessary to make it like that?”
“Good point…”
However, there is one minor issue: the statue’s legs are quite spread apart.
Two pillars are set at the harbor’s entrance, and the statue stands gallantly, with one foot on each pillar. This means that ships entering Saleria seem to pass right beneath the statue’s legs, which is a peculiar feeling. It’s not exactly unpleasant, but it’s kind of odd.
But what can you do? This landmark is a point of pride for the people of Balkros, and I can’t just ask for it to be torn down because of a few awkward feelings. If someone finds it uncomfortable, they could always moor at a different port instead.
‘Maybe we should create one of those back in the Empire?’
Looking at the statue made me think of putting up an Emperor statue at the entrance to the islands. I wonder what kind of expression the Emperor would have upon seeing ‘another Emperor’ towering at 50 meters.
Imagining the Emperor trembling in humiliation made me chuckle. If I painted the statue, it would be even better. A bright golden color that can be seen from ridiculously far away.
Of course, that’s just an idea and should probably remain that way. If I ever went ahead and built one, the Emperor might enter a state of Mutual Destruction and erect a statue of me at the entrance of Tailglehen County.
“Oppa?”
“Seeing the statue makes me feel like I’m actually on a trip. Let’s enjoy ourselves and go back!”
Rizie tilted her head at my sudden laugh. I couldn’t just say, “Sorry, I laughed because I pictured the Emperor going crazy,” so I settled for a more believable excuse.
It wasn’t a lie, so my conscience didn’t hurt. Getting on the ship had already felt like a thrilling journey, but seeing the landmark truly marked it as a real trip.
As soon as we unpacked, we headed off to watch the play as planned.
The story of lovers struggling against societal walls only to finally become a couple. It’s a cliché theme, but a well-received one. Love stories tend to be a hit as long as they stick to the basics.
And, being a cultural powerhouse leading the way, the Balkros Kingdom would certainly deliver on the basics. Surely, a play opened in a cultural capital and city wouldn’t skimp on quality.
– At least I thought so.
‘Oh…’
Up until the moment the female lead, born a commoner, decided to ignite a revolution to tear down the societal barrier.
‘Are they out of their minds?’
The play abruptly shifted from a tender love story to a thrilling revolution. Instead of the fire of passionate love, it transformed into a flame of heated rebellion.
I was confused. Is the writer a reactionary? Isn’t it a bit too proletarian to start a revolution to cross class barriers? I should have realized something was off when the female lead picked up a scythe.
‘This actually passed censorship?’
What added to my confusion was that this insane plot somehow passed the censorship in the Saleria administration. Balkros knows the power of culture, so they always make sure any works released to the public go through their vetting process.
Sometimes there are works that subtly hide their ideologies to slip past censorship, but this play was blatant. They clearly had no intention to disguise any nutsy ideas.
“Um, Oppa…”
While debating whether to get up and leave or stay till the end, Rizie whispered softly.
“Is this typical in Balkros?”
My instinct was to protest her inquiry, but I couldn’t gather the words. This ludicrous scenario made it impossible to argue against.
Could it be that all of Balkros has reached a boiling point of discontent without the Empire knowing? If not, I just couldn’t grasp this situation.
‘What kind of lunatic wrote this?’
Sighing inwardly, I unfolded the pamphlet I had received at the theater’s entrance.
I had initially ignored it because I wanted to enjoy the play without any background knowledge. But now, knowing this unexpected twist, I regretted not looking it over sooner. Had I known it was a revolution-themed play, I would have chosen something else…?
[Written by Rodesa.]
‘What?!’
Out of nowhere, that name popped up, and I froze in shock.
Why is that name showing up here?
*
My older brother, who had just unfolded the pamphlet, began silently watching the play.
I was dying to know what was written, but my brother’s expression was too bitter for me to ask. I couldn’t worsen an already distressing situation for him.
‘Why is this interesting?’
Also, if I spoke to him now, I felt like we’d have to leave in the middle of the play, so I kept silent.
This play. Initially jarring with its abrupt tone shifts, but I didn’t want to get up and leave. In fact, it held a thrill that exceeded the typical love story.
I have no idea why. Surely there was something odd about the plot and the content, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away.
‘Is it because there’s no bend to it?’
Of course, that female lead lacked any flexibility, to a problematic degree, but her determination to stride forward for love was captivating.
I couldn’t be that confident. Before realizing my feelings for my brother, I had been avoiding love, and even after I understood them, I struggled to confess for a long time. If it weren’t for the stimulation from sister Mar and the mentor, I might still be wandering in uncertainty.
So, I found myself intrigued by her bold steps and her relentless pursuit for love. It was even more engaging than a typical love story.
Not that I intended to start a revolution or anything. I enjoy living as a noble in the Empire.
“I lose only red blood! What I gain is everything!”
“Wow.”
“Wow…”
Both my brother and I exclaimed simultaneously at the female lead’s lines. While my brother’s admiration seemed to mean something a bit different, we both found ourselves in awe.
Thoughts of, ‘Is it okay to show this kind of play to the public?’ had long since vanished. It must have been released for a reason. We foreigners didn’t need to overly concern ourselves with the internal matters of the Balkros Kingdom.
“Rizie.”
“Yes?”
“This play’s writer… Want to meet them?”
I nodded eagerly at my brother’s words.
Honestly, I was curious about who this person was to churn out such a script.
Fortunately, since the writer was also in the theater, we could meet them right after the show ended.
“It’s an honor for such esteemed guests to visit us.”
The writer seemed to have recognized our noble attire and greeted us with a blend of respect and confidence.
A woman with red hair cascading down to her waist. She was dazzlingly smiling with glimmering golden eyes.
Her vibrant energy was infectious, making it easy to see why she created such an incredible play.
“This play just premiered today, and I never expected such esteemed individuals to take an interest.”
“We didn’t expect the writer of the first play we’ve seen in Balkros to be you.”
“Oh, do you know me?”
“Of course. We came to meet you after receiving an introduction from the Minister of Culture.”
At my brother’s words, the writer’s eyes widened, and she bowed her head once more in greeting.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Count Tailglehen!”
“Raise your head. We’re here as guests, so don’t be so formal.”
Even though my brother hadn’t introduced himself, the writer acted as if she knew who he was. She said she learned about my brother from the Minister of Culture.
This sudden twist in events, just as surprising as the drastic tone shift in the play, left me blinking in confusion. Who could this person be that my brother sought to meet through the Minister of Culture?
“Rizie, this is Rodesa. Do you know who that is?”
“Rodesa?”
“Yeah. The writer of Wind and Flowers.”
As soon as my brother finished speaking, he grasped the writer—Rodesa’s—hand.
“Nice to meet you! I’m Louise Nairad!”
So that’s why I enjoyed the play above and beyond; it was the work of Rodesa!
*
Excited to meet her childhood hero, Rizie beamed as she spoke to Rodesa, who smiled back, equally delighted to meet a fan who had read her debut work.
I silently stepped back, giving them space. An outsider has no place in a meeting between an author and a fan.
“I’ve never experienced a play like this before, but there was something oddly moving about it. I can see why it’s your work, Rodesa!”
“It might have been hard for you to feel my touch since I directed it differently from my usual style. I’m glad to hear that someone in the Empire enjoys my work.”
“Y-Yeah, it definitely felt quite different. I wondered if it was okay to have such a direction.”
Rizie’s careful words made Rodesa chuckle.
“Well, I guess it was a bit much for noble eyes? But bear with me; this play is actually based on real historical events from this region!”
“What?!”
Rodesa’s words dismantled our solemn vow of silence. The insanity of our revolution was based on real events?
‘No way.’
I couldn’t believe it. The tale of a red-blooded woman stabbing blue-blooded folks with a spear for love was a true story? I had never heard about any of this in history class.
“Well, to be precise, it’s the history of a kingdom that existed before Balkros.”
Her following words finally began to ease my confusion.
If it’s about a kingdom that existed before, it would make sense.
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