Chapter: 825
The Empire reigns over the continent. Because of that, everything on the continent converges on the Empire. It’s no wonder that the Hauzentz Circle, once the center of logistics for the Empire, flaunts its grandeur like a small continent.
However, when one thinks of “everything,” it typically involves goods. The Hauzentz Circle is a miniature continent gathering products infused with unique traits from various regions and showcasing a medley of cultures. You usually envision that when you think of a logistics hub, and the reality reflects this too.
But if everything were limited to the results everyone can imagine, it wouldn’t be all that interesting. Hauzentz Circle wasn’t just a boring collection of goods.
“Those Bazens sure know how to talk!”
“Yeah? Can’t those thick-heads do anything but throw their bodies around?”
Aside from tangible material goods, intangible emotions also form part of the continent’s essence. The fierce confrontations and conflicts between nations have become attractions within Hauzentz Circle.
‘Everything seems to gather here.’
I couldn’t help but admire the commanding presence of Hauzentz Circle, which had collected even national sentiments.
From the sounds of it, those two seem to be from the Rutis Kingdom and Bazen Kingdom. Unlike Armein, which is close to the Empire, these nations are practically on opposite sides of the continent, yet here they are, having a spat in the Empire.
It’s a truly marvelous sight. If they’re going to fight, why not do it nearby? Did they get some fight money from the Imperial Family to come all this way?
‘Moreover, it’s Rutis and Bazen.’
The Knight Kingdom of Armein and the Magic Powerhouse of Yuben. Both boast second and third place in national strength on the continent, and since they each revere swords and magic, the rivalry between the two is so familiar it feels almost intimate.
But the rivalry between Rutis and Bazen? Both nations specialize in swords and magic, too, but compared to Armein and Yuben, they carry a second-rate reputation. In other words, what’s unfolding in front of me is like minor league players making a splash in the Empire’s big leagues.
Maybe that’s why it felt even more thrilling. It’s a dispute between minor leaguers. It’s not something you’d get to witness unless you actually visit Rutis or Bazen.
“Minister, Minister.”
“Huh?”
“If it’s someone wielding a sword, their brains turn to metal. What do you think?”
Erich’s amusing jab made me chuckle, letting out a little laugh like bubbles to the surface.
I heard that, too. The Bazen native was screaming with such intensity there was no way I could ignore it. It was a remark filled with raw feeling and sincerity that could not simply be brushed aside.
“Well, it’s fine for mages to say that.”
Yet, I wasn’t particularly annoyed or displeased. Mages and knights trading insults is akin to ordinary greetings. It’s just common sense.
If a mage were to praise a knight, it’s likely just a setup for a blow of some sort. It’s easier to handle outright insults thrown at each other.
‘Hmm.’
More importantly, as soon as we stepped into the Circle, what welcomed us was a debate among the third-party citizens. It’s a rare sight in a tourist spot, so I quickly scanned the atmosphere and noticed others weren’t particularly concerned about the squabble at all.
So, this isn’t something special here; it’s an everyday occurrence.
“Let’s just move on.”
“Oh, really? You can’t see this kind of thing anywhere else!”
As I wrapped my arm around her shoulder, Erich widened her eyes and questioned me.
Was I really going to ignore this bizarre yet intriguing conflict? Would I pass up a scene that I’d never witness anywhere else, not even in the Capital?
“Either way, we’ll see something similar soon. If they’re already brawling at the entrance, just imagine how chaotic it gets deeper in!”
“Oh.”
Erich seemed to understand, nodding her head.
“Dumb inland dogs who don’t even know what the sea is!”
“You’re an inland country too, you morons!”
Not long after, new characters appeared, sparking a fresh bout of swordplay on a new topic.
Lo and behold, the faithful friend Phothos versus those inland dog lovers! Apparently, this time it was a conflict between the Boryen Kingdom and the Gibrot Kingdom. Countries that are typically at odds due to bordering each other rarely share a pleasant rapport.
Given that their national strengths are similar, and they each have similar duchies under their belts, if one side were predominantly stronger, none of this squabbling would exist. The irony is quite something.
“Still, don’t both of them seem inferior compared to Quoronis and Jerano?”
“Hey!”
You can’t just casually say that. The harsh truth can be more powerful than any physical violence.
And these guys have such strong pride in their homeland that it could escalate into trouble if they shifted their attention this way, so I kept a tight leash on Erich’s mouth and moved on.
As I’d expected, I observed conflicts among foreign nationals everywhere. Now, onto ordinary sightseeing in this mall.
Sadly, Erich’s mouth was silenced for a while.
A brief walk led us into another group fighting, and going another direction found yet another skirmish. Just a few steps away, I could spot crazies boasting about national pride from a different country, so keeping Erich quiet became a necessity.
‘Is it just rabid mobs gathering in Hauzentz?’
Continuing down the streets, I figured I’d end up witnessing more fights, so I escaped into a nearby café and sighed quietly to myself.
At least they were just barking insults to kill each other, so there were no physical altercations. I guess it implies that there’s no one mental enough in the Empire, especially in directly ruled territories, to trigger bloodshed.
Yet, that’s pretty much a weak consolation when conflicts were easily spotted throughout Hauzentz Circle. That’s exactly what a gathering of chaotic brawlers looked like.
“Are only lunatics living in Hauzentz?”
In the midst of sipping strawberry juice, Erich casually muttered some harsh words.
It could be seen as a regional slur, yet I couldn’t deny it. I was having similar thoughts myself.
‘Was it not Hauzentz Circle but rather Hauzentz Colosseum?’
It occurred to me that I might be misremembering the name. It seems more accurate to call it Hauzentz Colosseum rather than Hauzentz Circle. If merchants focused more on fighting than business, it surely deserved the name Colosseum.
“It seems like you’re newcomers here.”
Amidst the confusing vibe, as I quietly enjoyed my coffee, the shopkeeper who personally brought over pastries spoke up softly.
“I visited Hauzentz a few years back, but this is my first time coming to Hauzentz Circle. Quite… the lively place you got here.”
I couldn’t exactly turn to a merchant and demand, “What’s with this crazy Sodom and Gomorrah?” We were both feeling baffled as first-timers. Just how complicated must their feelings be?
“Haha, no need to sugarcoat it. We’re well aware that this place is oddly twisted compared to its external reputation.”
My attempt at politeness got instantly dumpstered.
“The Hauzentz Circle was established decades ago, but it didn’t just spring up on an empty plot of land. Thanks to its proximity to the Tiraph Kingdom, it was already famous prior for being a gathering point for merchants and travelers. The previous lord of the Eiselons further solidified that fame.”
“I have heard that.”
“However, that previous Eiselon lord was no ordinary fellow, right? They say children take after their parents, but it seems this Hauzentz Circle has turned out similarly twisted as its predecessor.”
This was a new piece of information that piqued my interest.
No matter how the previous Eiselon lord fell from grace and received treatment akin to that of a traitor, a noble is still a noble. The fact that a commoner like this shopkeeper would say such things indicates that the reputation of the former Eiselon lord within Hauzentz Circle is horrendous. It implies that even the commoners viewed the nobles as mad dogs rather than dignified gentlemen.
“That guy was somewhat human, I suppose.”
As I entertained the shopkeeper’s careful critique of the Eiselons, a glint of delight appeared on his face.
“But what do you mean by twisted? Why would such words come to light? It’s still your livelihood at stake here.”
“Well, here’s the thing…”
Just thinking about it seemed to stagger his mind; the shopkeeper rubbed his neck briefly before continuing with a sigh.
“The disputes among foreign merchants are orchestrated by the previous lord. To prevent collusions among foreign factions, he instigated national pride and created excessive competition. His machinations were so overt even commoners like me could catch on.”
“Excessive competition, huh?”
“Yeah. Merchants are trading under their national banners, so they sold goods cheaper and offered better quality than competitors. Honestly, that has been good for customers, but… if this continues for decades…”
I clicked my tongue, realizing I understood the situation. That kind of affiliate competition over several decades would surely turn families into enemies.
Furthermore, what’s taking place in Hauzentz Circle isn’t merely between families but merchants from different nationalities. You’d think by now someone would’ve stood up and cried out—
“Already, six people have broken noses this month.”
“What?”
What kind of nonsense was that?
“Oh, don’t get me wrong! They’re not fighting out in the street! There’s a small building to the west where they can legally duke it out! They get treated afterward, though!”
I shut my eyes in dismay at those words.
That previous Eiselon jerk created a hellhole on the continent while he escaped to safety.
‘If it’s talked about in the Empire’s history, it was all because of the Second Prince.’
From now on, I guess we’ll need to regard the last Eiselon lord as a representative madman for the Empire, too.
Sorry. I was so enthralled by the Second Prince that I may have seriously underestimated you, you bastard.
“Wow, what a fascinating setup! The determination to make money really shines through!”
Erich exclaimed with sparkling eyes as she innocently admired this maddening hellscape.
Don’t get too excited. We’re standing in the Empire on the verge of a powder keg masquerading as a mini-continent.
As much as the Empire represents the continent’s center, there’s no need to embrace that kind of craziness.
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