The enigma of the underworld

[Nea Alba. Evening.

Quieme. Elisbonear.]

I strolled around the concrete streets. The houses here were like Ussera, but they still felt newer than ever. The one thing I couldn't understand was the clothes people wore. Unlike the Yukatas and Kimonos of Ussera, people here wore clothing made of hemp called Hanfu. Their flowy robes and skirts gave them a regal look.

The streets were prettier than ever today. Their long-awaited tournament was about to start tomorrow after three whole years. Over the past week, we used all the contacts Ki Yeo-Jung had built up and tried all methods we could think of to turn things our way, but got nothing.

I reached a turn on the streets when I bumped into someone.

"Sorr- Oh, Miss Nea?"

A large straw hat covered his face. It was the boater from back then. Over the course of the week, I had multiple run-ins with him. Especially at the boats.

"Where are you headed?" he asked.

"Just strolling around."