The Cilicia Peninsula.

　It is one of the most advanced regions in the world and a war-torn peninsula where numerous city-states (polis) continue to attack and defend.

　It is the easternmost city-state on the Cilicia Peninsula.
　It is the easternmost city-state of the Cilicia peninsula, where a man sets foot.

　"This is the trade city that connects the Cilicia Peninsula to the Persis Empire, Clarice?
　The man looks up at the massive city walls.

　Clarice has a population of twenty-five thousand.
　It's a city-state with the second largest national power on the Cilicia Peninsula.

　Originally it was just a colony built by one of the city-states on the Cilicia Peninsula, but it was the only place that connected the Cilicia Peninsula with the Persis Empire, facing the Grey Sea to the north and the Inland Sea to the south, and possessing a good natural harbor called Deer Antler Bay, which naturally attracted merchants.
　Powerful merchants, who gained strength through trade between the East and West, revolted against the suzerain state and became independent.

　Today, the city is one of the most prosperous trading cities in the world.

　Hey, brother. Come on in.
　Oh, I'm sorry.

　The gatekeeper smiles affectionately.

　'The entry tax...'
　No. It's bad for business. But if you're going to be here for more than a month, you'll have to pay the tax but then again, is this your first time?　Come to think of it, you don't look familiar... where do you come from?
　"I am from a country called the Scarlet Empire. It's the silk country in the Far East as you call it. My name is Yang Qingming.
　Yeah, from the Silk Country...

　The gatekeeper stared sullenly at Qingming.

　''Oh well. I'll give you some advice for now. Listen, there are two kinds of people in Clarice. There are two kinds of people in Clarice. One is a first-class citizen, a reasonably well-off citizen who can afford the high capitation tax. The other is the second class citizens. These are poor people who can't pay their taxes properly. Stay away from the second class citizens' area. Well, if you see it, you'll know it's a bad place. By the way, I'm a first class citizen.
　'Well well thank you for your advice. I'll try to be more careful.

　Qing Ming smiled smugly and walked through the gate.






　''Five bronze coins.''
　Well, why not a Persis bronze?

　When Qingming asked, the stall owner frowned.

　''........Go exchange your money there.''

　At the money changer that the shopkeeper pointed at with his thumb, Qingming exchanged the Persis bronze coins for Cilicia bronze coins.
　He will be charged a commission, but it can't be helped.

　''See?''
　Thank you.

　Qingming bought a pastry called Dolphits, which was sold at a food stall.
　They are dough dumplings made of flour, deep-fried and skewered.

　They seem to be made of sugar and are very expensive.
　They are probably doing business with first class citizens.

　Qingming ate the dolphits while thinking about it.
　It's a simple sweet taste.
　But the oil is a bit harsh.

　As Qingming was running around drinking, a dirty man jumped out of the crowd.
　He's holding a leather bag in his hand.

　''Who's there!　Get that man!　It's a pickpocket!
　Qingming kicked the man's leg away as hard as he could.

　The man slips nicely out of the way.

　Qingming picks up the bag away from the man's hand.

　''So this is a second class citizen........''
　Qingming looks down at the man.

　It's probably because he's in need of a living.
　I have sympathy for him........but a crime is a crime.

　It's not something that can be forgiven.

　The policemen who heard the commotion are taking the second class citizens away.
　'Stop it!　I won't do it again, so just not to slaves!
　Shut up, do you want to get sent to the mine?

　The man disappeared from the scene as he was dragged away.

　'Thank you!　You there!
　No.

　Qingming handed the bag to a dark-haired woman who came running.
　The woman's skin color is olive and her face is deeply chiseled.

　The words "many Cilician women are beautiful women" come to Qingming's mind.

　The woman hugs the bag she received from Qingming to her chest.

　''Is it that important?''
　'Yes, I'm trying to be an architect. In here are sketches of buildings I've seen in Cilicia and Persis, as well as blueprints I've come up with...

　Qingming was a little surprised by those words.
　A knowledge of mathematics and physics is essential for architecture.

　Women don't want to learn much academics.
　Women's job is to protect their homes, they don't need to learn, and there's no place for them to be employed when they learn in the first place.
　In the Scarlet Empire, where Qingming came from, that was the norm.

　To begin with, in the east, even the daughters of nobles can only read and write a very small percentage of them can read and write.
　So no matter how wealthy a first-class citizen is, it's very surprising that the woman in front of me who looks like a town girl is 'aspiring to be an architect'.

　'What?　Do you think it's weird that a woman would want that kind of job?　Is a woman a spell, or do you want me to stay home and wait for my husband?
　The woman in front of her frowned uncomfortably.
　Qing Ming hurriedly shook his head.

　''No way, I'm just a little surprised. In my hometown, there weren't many women who could read and write in the first place.''
　Hmm.

　The woman looks a little more convinced.

　'Could it be, gentlemen. Can you write?'
　'To begin with, though, a first class citizen has to be able to read, write and calculate at the very least. So all of Clarice's first class citizens can do at least that, except for babies and demented old men. Well, I don't know about the second class citizens.

　Qingming is impressed.
　This is indeed one of the world's leading commercial cities.

　''By the way, I'd like to do something to thank you for helping me out.......''
　So why don't you show me around?　This city.

　When Qingming suggested that, the woman nodded widely.

　''Fine. My name is Ismene. What about you?''
　'Yang Qingming. Yang is the first name and Qingming is the name.

　
　Qingming said his name with that in mind.






　''By the way, how much do you know about Clarice and how much about Cilicia?''
　'Well the two Persis-Cilician wars, olives and grapes are the specialty. Also, there are dozens of city-states (polis) on the Cilicia peninsula. Only around here....
　I see...

　They had finished walking around the city and were eating dinner at a diner.
　It was Aomei's treat.
　In return, Ismea talks to Qingming about Cilicia.

　The city-states of Cilicia are in alliance with each other and have a non-war pact. And there are agreements between those alliances as well. For example, once every four years, the city-states stop warring and enjoy the festival, or if an external enemy ... Persis attacks, they will jointly intercept it.
　'I see........I've been wondering. How was it that Cilicia was able to win two wars even though they were disparate countries? I see there's a reason for that.

　Qingming writes in his notebook made of parchment.
　He wrote down everything he had seen and heard during his journey in his notebook.

　''As I recall, Clarice is an ally of the Eastern Alliance, isn't she?
　Yeah, yeah. Other than that, Alto of the Confederacy. Terbay of the Confederacy. Raym from the Confederacy.
　'I see. I learn a lot.

　Qingming wrote one thing after another in his notebook.

　''Alto is a civil society made up of adult males, Telbai is a senate of privileged nobles, Reim is a king and nobles, and Clarice is a privileged merchant presiding over politics. So they don't get along because their political ideologies are so disparate.
　'But we'll keep pace when we fight the Persis Empire. Interesting.

　Qingming does not stop moving the pen in his left hand as he eats with his right hand.
　Very misbehaving.

　''May I have one thing?''
　What?
　Ismea is a first class citizen, isn't she? Is this what is called a nobleman? Then I suppose it's something with a clan...

　Ismea grinned at Qingming's question.

　''Good question. First of all, there's a difference between a first class citizen and a nobleman. We're what you call commoners. In Clarice, commoners are basically equal to each other, so they don't have a clan. There's no Alto, as I recall. There are only Telvais and Reims.
　Well it's a big world.

　Aomei runs the pen.
　Ismailer grabs it.

　'Don't. You're eating.''
　I'm sorry.

　Qingming smiled shyly and tucked the notebook into his pocket.

　''By the way, why are you traveling?''
　When Ismea asks casually, Aomei says with a glint in his eye.

　'To see the farthest sea the end of the earth (Okeanos) as we say in Cilicia's style. I was born on the eastern edge of this continent. When I was five years old, I set off with my parents on a journey to see the end of the world... they died on the way, but I was always told to see the end of the earth.
　Is that your dream?
　No, no, sir.

　Qing Ming shook his head.

　''That's my parents' dream. I have other dreams.''
　What?　Don't be a pussy.

　Ismaila leaned forward.

　'The idea is to put together a book about what I've seen and heard on my journey. I want as many people as possible to know the world as I can.
　Well, I don't hate you. You do.

　Ismaila smiled.

　'But good for you. ─ Your dream will soon come true. The day after tomorrow, there is a boat leaving from Clarice to the city of Lesad on the Adelni Peninsula. The Adelunian Peninsula is just a short distance to the westernmost sea.
　'Really?　So the long journey is over....

　Qingming couldn't help but look up at the ceiling. The anticipation of the westernmost sea that he has never seen is growing.

　''By the way, if it's okay with you, can I go with you?''
　Hmm?　I don't mind, but ... what can I do for you?

　When Qingming asked, Ismea nodded widely.

　''There's a rotten pool of talented architects in Cilicia. Here, as a woman, I can't even get involved in the business of architecture. But the Adelni Peninsula is different. The countries over there would be desperate for good architects.
　I see...

　The Cilician peninsula is a good place to work on your skills. It has many rivals.
　But it's not a good place to make a name for yourself.

　On the other hand, if you're in an undeveloped area, you'll be spoiled for choice.

　I get it. I'll go with you!
　It's settled.

　They shook each other's hands.




　The next day....

　'Ugghhhh...'
　Are you okay?　Qingming?

　He calls out to Qingming, who is roaring behind the bathroom door.
　I don't have time to answer Aomei.

　''I'm sorry. I forgot to tell you that Cilicia's food has a lot of oil in it and if you're not used to eating it, there's a high probability you'll get sick to your stomach. Teppo, forgive me, okay?