Clock (6)

Old Dedran City.

Currently Northern Greek City.

A giant clock tower is set to stand proudly in the center of this place, commemorating the first clock created here.

Of course, with current technology, it will take considerable time, but once completed, this clock tower could become a beloved landmark symbolizing Greek City’s history and tradition for thousands of years.

The names El, Randol, and Rurin were secretly engraved on the clock tower.

El never revealed himself in matters related to the clock. After all, he just brought modern technology here.

However, by secretly leaving his name on the clock tower, he hoped to leave some trace for posterity.

This clock tower holds various meanings.

El hopes this clock tower becomes like Big Ben in England.

After the Emperor and dukes started using clocks, other nobles were almost forced to buy and integrate clocks into their daily lives. Initially, it was compulsory, but once they realized its convenience, they became more proactive.

There is still a long way to go in terms of setting different standard times for each region.

Currently, everyone uses Greek Standard Time.

Without knowledge, they can only follow one standard time.

So, in regions with time differences, 8 AM might be night, but the ability to specify times for activities was more important initially, so no one complained.

Well, I just introduced the clock; researching and developing it further is up to the people of this era.

The most significant thing is that as nobles began to live by the clock, commoners naturally followed suit, leading to widespread adoption of clocks among the lower classes.

In terms of pricing, I compromised to some extent and didn’t sell the clocks at high prices, except for those made of gold.

It’s like spending a significant amount once on a large TV or washing machine that lasts a long time.

That’s why Dedran City’s factory is busy even today. Despite being extremely busy, the workers have no complaints.

Just a while ago, the people living here had no hope. But now, it’s different.

“I heard that the Deputy Lord who transformed the rotten city also had a hand in the clock.”

In the tavern, stories about the Deputy Lord and the clock were daily topics of interest.

“Is that true?”

“You didn’t know?”

“Well, isn’t the current Lord doing a good job too? He hasn’t disrupted any of the previous Lord’s achievements… When people first heard that the lord was changing, they were so worried.”

“Right, they were ready to cling to the Deputy Lord’s pants and beg him not to leave.”

That actually happened.

When El announced he was stepping down as Deputy Lord, the officials and citizens he had helped knelt and pleaded with him not to leave.

Especially the security captain El had personally selected was in a near hysterical state.

“Anyway, now that the clock has become a hit product. Thanks to people coming to get it, inns and restaurants are booming every day.”

“But they say they’ll eventually set up separate sales networks nationwide, so the boom will end soon, won’t it?”

“Even so, the fact that this is the origin remains.”

“And as more people work in the factory, more people are spending money outside, so it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“It’s all because security has improved.”

The citizens were deeply satisfied with the current system.

Thus, Old Dedran City is practically a completely different city. It developed remarkably well from the time it suffered under the tyranny of Count Dedran and the subsequent near-anarchy.

And the Greek boy, who knew very well how this development was possible, proudly showed Berna the transformed Dedran City.

“Mother, what do you think? The city we lived in doesn’t look the same, does it?”

“That’s true. Oh, dear, if it were the same as before, that would be a disaster.”

Berna began to smile, dimples showing, at the Greek boy’s question.

“Of course, I was almost never allowed out of that horrible lord’s castle by my father… Even when I did come out, the whole city felt like a prison, but now it looks so livable. Is that line over there for buying clocks?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“That’s amazing.”

“Yes, it’s amazing. Actually, it’s not the clock that’s amazing, it’s all thanks to my Master.”

Berna began to laugh at her son’s reply. She had never imagined she could laugh again while looking at Dedran City.

“The only way to repay his kindness is for you to become an excellent lord.”

“Yes, that’s only natural, isn’t it, Mother?”

“You didn’t follow the Crown Prince’s call because you wanted to learn more from him, right?”

“I’ve given up trying to figure out Master’s true identity. I just hope he stays in Greek City.”

“That’s right. Make sure he never feels uncomfortable.”

Berna furrowed her brow, genuinely concerned, as she patted her son’s head.

“Mother, there are many people in Greek City who would risk their lives if Master needed them.”

“Oh my, really?”

“Yes. As far as I know, the people at Greek Farm, and even the elf at the clinic, would do the same.”

“I’m one of them, too.”

Berna answered without hesitation.

If El needed her life, the one who acknowledged her true love with her husband and gave her a place to live in this world, she would give it willingly.

Moreover, he was the benefactor who changed Dedran City, which was nothing but a source of deep sorrow in her heart.

“Exactly.”

The Greek boy nodded strongly at Berna’s words.

“Where are we going?”

“Running away in the middle of the night?”

“Running away in the middle of the night? You mean running away at night?”

“Yes.”

“Why run away? We can just kill them all.”

“Really?”

“Eh?”

Rurin, who had curled up after saying she’d kill everyone, stopped and looked surprised when I agreed.

I hugged Rurin on the spot.

“Huh?”

Rurin looked up at me, tilting her head in confusion at the sudden action.

“Rurin.”

“You?”

“Rurin.”

“You, you?”

“Rurin.”

“You, you, you, you?”

“What are you doing?”

“You called, so I called back.”

“Do you know why I’m hugging you?”

“Because I’m too pretty?”

“What? Well, you are pretty, but…”

That was a bit unexpected. Of course, it’s true you’re pretty, but it’s been a while since you’ve said it yourself.

“I’m hugging you because I hope you won’t say you’ll kill anyone ever again.”

“Kill!”

“Huh?”

“Kill them all.”

“What?”

“Doesn’t that mean you’ll hug me every time I say I’ll kill someone? Then I’ll have to say it countless times.”

“What nonsense. It’s the opposite.”

“Opposite?”

“Yes, I won’t hug you on days you say you’ll kill someone.”

“…Uuuuuu!”

I let go of Rurin, whom I had been hugging.

“Well, we’ve actually arrived at our destination.”

“This is the destination?”

Rurin, who had emerged from my embrace with a somewhat disappointed look, began to look around.

“There’s nothing here. What are we doing here?”

“I thought so at first too. Follow me.”

Today we are visiting a place Mr. Eun-o recommended. I realized it’s especially stunning at night.

Tonight is camping night.

As I squeezed through a narrow gap, Rurin followed suit. I brushed off the dirt on her body, and she started brushing off mine.

But it’s incredibly dark at night here.

Even during the day, it’s dark.

Therefore, magic is essential.

I cast an illumination spell and descended to the lake. How many people in Greek City know about this space inside the giant rock?

Above the lake is a sheer cliff.

It’s surrounded by rock on all sides, but only open above the lake. Above is the sky, with stars and the moon.

It resembles the cenotes in Mexico.

I cast the 9th-class attack spell, Flame Blaze, into the sky.

The red flaming orb rises above the lake, soon bathed the entire lake with red light.

It’s so beautiful.

“Ooh!”

Rurin gazed at the scene in awe for a long time. For a place to impress Rurin, who usually shows no interest in anything, it must be a real attraction.

“You, you. What is this place?”

“A secret spot only you and I know about? Although, there’s one more person who knows.”

“Then that guy should die…”

Rurin covered her mouth. Remembering there would be no hugs, she desperately covered her mouth and started laughing.

“Hehe. I didn’t say anything.”

Then she sat down, looking at the lake.

I set a tent up on the rocky area beside the lake and took out two camping chairs.

Sitting in the chair, I looked up at the sky through the hole in the ceiling.

It’s still beautiful.

Rurin sat down too.

Then I suddenly thought of a way to enjoy this place even more.

“Rurin, shall we swim?”

“Swim?”

“Wouldn’t it be fun to jump down from that hole up there?”

“Really?”

“It’s called diving.”

The lake is deep enough. I used Rurin’s magic to rise through the hole in the ceiling above the lake.

The height was considerable.

“We jump together, and the first to hit the water wins.”

“What? Is that a bet?”

“No!”

I laughed and jumped. It’s a waste for only silver fish to live in this clean water.

Splash.

Soon I landed, and Rurin followed.

“You!”

Rurin, who had fallen underwater, emerged like a mermaid. Red water droplets reflected by the Flame Blaze splashed everywhere.

The red light made it even more enchanting.

“This is fun. Hehe.”

“Isn’t it?”

Just then, flower petals dislodged by the spring breeze fell from the hole above the lake.

White petals fell onto the water.

The scent was quite pleasant, so I watched the falling flower rain for a while.

“Rurin, don’t these falling flowers and the pool remind you of your birthday?”

I said that and hugged Rurin from behind.

Her wet hair clung to my chest.

“Hmm?”

Rurin made another curious sound and turned her body. Eventually, the back hug turned into a front hug.

“Back then, if you hadn’t told me to leave, I might already be dead.”

“Why? Why would someone who just became an adult talk about death?”

“Because it was a meaningless life. And now, everything without you is meaningless. This lake, that sky, no matter how beautiful the falling petals are, they’re beautiful because you’re here.”

“Really?”

It’s ticklish. Again, it’s ticklish.

Rurin’s words are ticklish, but they also act as a tonic that boosts my spirits.

“Hehehehe.”

And I gently tugged Rurin’s smiling cheek.

“Why are you pulling it!”

Why? Just because it’s cute.