Just as Krei was busy on Earth, the other world was also brimming.
The Sekle Tribe eventually acquired a moment of respite from their confinement as they were escorted back to the City of Kang.
Although they were paraded like trophies by the Kang Army, they were treated with respect by the order of the Viscount.
Whilst marching, Krei would occasionally travel back to the other world to catch up with the marching line. He didn't remain that long though, and frequently only left nursery rhyme videos on the play every night.
The Sekle leaders who weren't able to recite on the first day formed a clique of their own. They aimed to use their numbers to their advantage in learning English.
All of their waking hours were spent on learning and learning. And soon they were able to catch up, albeit barely.
On the other hand, the trio was outcasted. As such, they were predisposed to form a group.
Tolui, who was always silent, concocted a plan. His daughter along with his niece was arranged as Krei's maids.
This enraged the other group who thought they were losing out. As such, they also have their beautiful close relatives near Krei's tent.
Alas, the undercurrent was shrugged off by Krei who was running around all day to arrange the road construction contract that he had acquired.
Materials were bought and the manpower was increased. This caused Krei's remaining funds to fall short. If not remedied, his start-up company will soon come crumbling down due to issues in the capital flow.
----
Krei looked out the window of his carriage. In his sight was the long stretch of towering walls.
For a modern man, this kind of sight gives off a different awe-inspiring vibe compared to high-rise buildings.
Although the city doesn't have a water moat, the walls were stacked like a pyramid with steep inclines. Without modern weapons, the city would certainly be hell to siege and attack.
Outside the city was a vast expanse of open land used for agriculture and livestock grazing. When Krei arrived at the gate, he was warmly welcomed by the civil servants of the city.
At that moment, Krei couldn't help but feel overly proud. Having guns does make a difference.
Before, when he arrived in this world, he thought he wouldn't need to go back to earth. He thought with his knowledge alone, he would move unhindered.
Reality came crashing down when he tried making gunpowder. An average modern man might know what gunpowder is, what it is made out of, but do they know the necessary proportions of materials needed to make them go boom? Nope. They do not.
Furthermore, even if one knows how to make gunpowder. Will they know how to granulate it? How about the capital needed to start making it on a large scale?
Then there's also the issue of making the gun itself. Most guns of the 21st century are made by advanced machines that have pinpoint accuracy. Some materials that the guns are made out of are out of reach for the smiths of the other world.
Still, the money required didn't budge Krei's resolve. He thought he could start with muskets and fund it by making soap like other transmigration MCs in the novels. But guess what? He knows what soap is, but doesn't have enough knowledge on how to make it.
That is when Krei's enthusiasm slowly died down. He thought 'If only I took the time to look it up on the internet before…'
Knowledge is power. This is something most modern people overlook. Most think that just because there's google and the internet in general, learning will be effortless.
Although the knowledge is just a couple of clicks away, people rarely bother to actively look for it if they are not forced by the circumstances.
Krei's trance halted when Commander Bai Rong calmed the welcoming crowd.
"Greetings esteemed guest! The Viscount had already prepared the banquet." Commander Bai Rong clasped both of his hands into a salute.
"Please lead the way." Krei puffed his chest and asked his carriage to move.
Along the way, Krei scanned the city. The streets were well maintained and clean. Bustling pedestrians are moving around and the people seem to be generally happy.
Well, not all people were happy, slaves were doing heavy work. They unloaded the goods delivered by the merchants.
"Commander Bai, since this is my first time in the city. You should tour me around sometime in the future."
"Certainly. Certainly. If the esteemed guest wills it, it shall be done." Commander Bai smiled stiffly.
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The castle was at the northernmost tip of the city. It is situated on top of a hill. Lush greeneries decorated the surrounding area where courtyards of varying sizes housed the nobility.
The view overlooked the entirety of the city where civilian buildings aren't permitted to build more than three floors.
As for the architecture, Krei noted that they seem to love having twisting designs with sharp edges. The important buildings resemble what pagodas[1] on earth look like.
In the centermost of the castle, a grand open hall housed the city's seat of power.
The women were primarily dressed heavily and only some of them appeared to be optimistic enough to show some skin.
During the banquet, Krei was attended by the twelve leaders of Sekle. While the closest to him was the trio.
Krei donned on a sleek blue suit that had cost him 600 dollars online. As for his retinues, he had provided them clothes that he bought off in a sale.
Despite them being already the core of the spotlight for their status, the clothing had compelled them to stand out more.
The people who attended the banquet were sizing them up while silently chatting amongst themselves.
As usual, the banquet began with courtesies and toast. Everyone seemed to be very keen on making Krei drink.
Joke on them though since Krei never trusted the food served by his 'allies'. Every time he had to 'eat' something, he would cover his mouth and store the food into his dimensional space.
It worked like expected since Krei never had to worry about the food being contaminated. His only concern was if the Viscount possesses a poison that can be disseminated through the air. In which case, Krei will have to bail the fuck out.
However, his suspicions stood baseless since his allies seemed to be exceptionally sincere in cooperation. Krei was delighted about how things are advancing.
There were plenty of entertainers moving around. They danced skillfully by swirling their hips along with the mellow rhythm of the musicians.
A veil covered the majority of the performer's faces. Their legs were covered in a combination of see-through threads and silks, with just their private areas well-hidden.
Only afterward did Krei discover why the Viscount had snatched him up so quickly, even though he was a major threat.
"Adjutant Ru, isn't this very insincere of you? Why are you only telling this to me now?" Krei's eyebrows were knitted.
"Esteemed Guest… Great Noble Sorcerer, it is not like what you think…"
"So? Are you confident in facing a Duke? Is his army just for show? How about my title?!" Krei's voice intensified.
Problems. Problems. He can't even get a grasp of his company on earth. And now his anticipated cash cow will be hampered by the war.
"No. This is just a misunderstanding, Esteemed guest." Adjutant Ru then added, "This is a chance for the court to see the Esteemed Guest's prowess!"
Krei turned quiet and Adjutant Ru continued with his persuasion.
The benefits of winning were subtly exaggerated by Adjutant Ru. Krei who was stressed from his money troubles couldn't help but be tied with the Viscount's war chariot.
"Adjutant Ru. This will be the last time this happens. You should know that if I wanted to, I can easily switch sides. And you will not be able to keep me from leaving this city."
Krei then made a grim declaration. "The soldiers that you are amassing around this courtyard. Take them with you when you leave, or else they will be dead by tonight. Also, I will move my people. Give me the forested hill west of the city."
This encounter strained the connection between both parties. The already cordial knot turned frigid once again.
Twenty minutes after Adjutant Ru departed, Krei used his tablet to monitor the movements outside of the courtyard.
He had flown a drone and kept an eye on it as the soldiers that were ready to storm his dwelling were withdrawn.
Sugude was waiting in the sides, he was also stealing glances in the tablet every once in a while. His complexion was a blend of disbelief and being relinquished to fate.
Only heavens know what is truly on his mind right now.
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Pagoda:
- This is a multi-tiered tower that can be seen in east Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea, even Vietnam, and other Asian countries have them.
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