Chapter 49 – Stagecoach
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Daejeon was the southernmost city in the empire.
Strictly speaking, the territory of the empire was located south of Daejeon, and people lived there.
However, the land has become virtually barren due to desertification that has been going on for the past 200 years.
Infertile land where crops are difficult to grow, dry, sharp sandstorms, and high rates of wild animals.
It is an abandoned land because the people of the empire who could not stand the increasingly barren environment left one by one, and now they cannot even collect taxes properly.
In that vast land, it was hard to find even a village-level community that would appear on a map, let alone a city, so there was no need for words.
In that sense, Daejeon must be located at the southernmost point of the empire among cities that meet the premise that people can live properly.
Even though the surrounding landscape is desolate and dreary, there were no major problems in people’s lives as long as they were not exposed to frequent threats from wild beasts or difficult to obtain clean water.
However, Daejeon is not a village that is only a city in words.
Inside the fence surrounding the city, there is surprisingly substantial infrastructure.
Judicial and administrative agencies, as well as imperial military bases for self-defense, magical storages widely used in all fields, water supply facilities, banks, and so on.
Contrary to the poor first impression, if you take a look around, you will know that it has everything you need to the extent that you are not envious of any other big city.
“No stagecoach going south?
Not even one?”
“Ah, yes. How many times?”
“Does that make sense?
It’s an abandoned land, but people still live there.
Are there really no exchanges at all?”
When I questioned the staff at the post office, he replied as if he was bothered.
“Not too long ago, I went on an expedition to mines and all.
But no coachman wants to go there right now.
As I said beforehand, the same goes for stagecoach drivers operated by individuals.
You can’t find it even if you search all over Daejeon.
It is useless to give billions of dollars to someone whose life is not worth it.”
I looked at the employee’s face.
It’s an annoying expression, but it doesn’t sound like it’s being said casually.
There doesn’t really seem to be a single stagecoach.
What the hell is this
In fact, the stagecoach was not a very convenient means of transportation.
Not only is it narrow and inconvenient because many people use it compared to its area, but the maximum driving distance is about 100 to 120 km per day, so the travel time inevitably increases.
I’ve used it several times, but I can’t even say it was a good experience.
Especially when going to the bathroom is the worst.
If you say this, you might be wondering why you ride it.
However, the stagecoach was the most popular means of long-distance transportation in the Empire.
All of the competing ones had flaws that were more serious than stagecoaches, so it naturally became that way.
Trains that are fast but too expensive and have too long intervals between departures.
A car that is not efficient at all except in the big city.
A horse that is difficult to learn to ride, and is often frightened when a wild beast roams nearby, and often drops its rider.
Compared to these, the stagecoach is a fairy.
Wouldn’t it be better to walk than ride the stagecoach crying and eating mustard?
You might think so, but it wasn’t.
200 years ago, the magic focus group was developed, and the efficiency of strategic magic greatly increased.
Thanks to that, humans finally put an end to their 800-year-long struggle for survival against the beast.
Numerous ancient beasts were defeated by humans and either subdued or fled into hiding.
But that didn’t mean the threat of the beasts was gone.
Beasts continue to appear from somewhere even after they are killed and killed.
Like a curse
There were still many beasts roaming the world outside.
Well-secured cities were relatively livable, but in the countryside it was common for farmers who still worked in the fields to be bitten by wild beasts.
What is the reason for people like me who make a living as beast hunters?
It was too dangerous to walk around the city naked.
Most of the stagecoach drivers were good at geography and possessed unique magic that was advantageous to driving a wagon.
You know better than anyone the right place to camp, and you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
If many people gather there and move, it is advantageous to protect yourself even if you encounter a beast.
It was a structure that had no choice but to ride the stagecoach, crying and eating mustard, to save their lives unless they were quite confident in their skills.
Actually, I prefer to go on foot.
I tried to choose the safest way since it is the way to the south of Daejeon, which is famous for its lawlessness.
Every city in the Empire is equipped with numerous stagecoach stations, also known as post stations.
Daejeon, of course, was no exception, and this southern station in Daejeon that I visited was one of them.
However, from the moment I looked at the building before entering, it was too shabby and small for a post office.
There are not many people.
The bank that brought all the cash was so neat and spacious.
So, although I was anxious inside, I had no idea that it would be this hard to find a stagecoach.
Usually there isn’t even a single stagecoach.
If this is the case, is there no choice but to take risks and move barefoot?
I clutched my head and groaned when the staff spoke to me.
“I’m asking just in case, do you know what the situation is like there right now?”
“Huh? Well, it’s barren and there are a lot of beasts out there.
You know it’s grown to the point where it’s called the land of the dead.”
When I answered, the employee tutted and clicked his tongue.
Come on?
“You don’t know.
Of course, the environment is also shit.
However, until a few years ago, there were quite a few guys who went to the south at that level.
Even if you find a mine, the profit is pretty good…”
“What happened?”
“What’s what… It’s just normal.
It’s a highwayman.
These guys have been active for the past few years.
Rumor has it that once you get caught by them, you won’t be able to save your life, so you have to be patient.”
Highwayman?
Right.
Usually, if you are caught robbing, the imperial army will be dispatched immediately and you will be arrested and sentenced to death, but the south of Daejeon is a wasteland where even the empire has given up.
There was not even a single police station, let alone the Imperial Army.
There is no one to protect the good people in the lawless zone.
Bullies pretending to be gangsters could be a deadly threat to travelers.
“Then I have no choice but to buy a horse.”
As I muttered, the staff opened their eyes wide in surprise.
“No, are you thinking of leaving even after hearing the sound?”
“Because it’s urgent.”
“No, anyway…
Hey, wait a minute.”
“They said no matter how much they searched, why?
If you wait, the stagecoach will fall off?”
“Maybe.”
The staff made an incomprehensible sound.
Did he even forget what he said?
As I looked at him curiously, he explained.
“Actually, there is a stagecoach going south.
However, Noel Company has rented out all of them.”
Above Noel?
I’m not sure, but it seems like a well-known company in Daejeon.
Enough to rent out all the stagecoaches.
There should be enough bodyguards to go on an expedition in company units.
There was no way that gangsters who would do street robbery would attack such a large group unless their heads were crazy.
If you don’t get to that level, you won’t even be able to go south.
But what are you going to do by telling me that?
“Are you asking me to accompany you as a wagon escort?
It’s romantic.”
“What are you talking about?
Will those people know who you are and entrust your neck?
I’ve seen a lot of movies.
If you do well, you’ll be allowed to follow from the coachman’s seat or from behind.”
“…”
Well, that’s realistic.
Does anyone have an escort?
You have to have basic skills, and you have to have a lot of trust in it to be worth considering.
The employee giggled and said.
“I’ll connect you to the people over there.
But I can’t guarantee anything either.
The robbers made them sharper…”
“I’m grateful for that much.”
When I nodded in gratitude, the staff waved their hands.
He raised his voice and called someone.
“I’m sure I accepted the request from that company…
Oh yeah. Tunity!
Tunity, come here!”
As he screamed, an employee jumped out from inside the shabby break room.
She was an impressive beauty with her tall stature and outstretched limbs.
It is a combination of black hair and black eyes that can often be seen on the street.
‘Is your name Tunity?’
Isn’t that a common male name?
It’s unusual.
“Did you call me?”
“Yes. There are customers who will go south at all costs.
Tomorrow was the day Noel Sanghoe said they would let you know the detailed schedule, right?
Take this person with you and let them talk to you.
If you’re lucky, you might get permission to accompany you.”
“Uh… I don’t think the people of Noel Company will welcome it.
Wouldn’t it just be cursed and kicked out?”
“Then it’s a pity.
We’ve done our job just by introducing you to our connections.
After that, wouldn’t it be a problem for guests to clean their mouths well?
Isn’t that right, sir?”
“Yes. It was at a loss, but thanks to you, I feel like I can see the road.”
By the way, that woman named Tunity.
Her walking gait and quick glance around her were strange for an ordinary female office worker.
Maintain a tight posture and be thoroughly vigilant of your surroundings.
It was a common sight among people with a lot of combat experience.
Are you from the Imperial Army?
I guess I’ll have to watch it some more.
