The city of Gaoling, and indeed the entire province, can rightfully be called the most prosperous region in all of the Earth Kingdom. Tons of various goods arrive in the city daily, and an equally massive amount of cargo leaves its walls. Even the renowned cities of Omashu and Ba Sing Se pale in comparison. At this moment, the city of the Beifong family serves as the very heart of the nation, pumping life into the entire country. Trade routes, like veins, encircle every province, reaching even the most remote and forgotten villages.
Countless connections and trusted individuals in various circles of society make the Flying Bison practically untouchable. High-ranking officials in the Fire Nation's army are well aware of the economic situation, but the information they've gathered is enough to understand one thing: taking this territory will come at a tremendous cost. The reputation of these traders can stir patriotism even in the most cynical of people. Moreover, a portion of the Earth Kingdom's regular army ensures that enemies don't even dare think of attacking.
"So, how do I look?" Toph asked me with a hint of embarrassment. She was wearing something resembling a traditional Chinese dress—a qipao.
"Absolutely stunning!" I replied without a trace of deceit. Her everyday outfits seemed to shave a few years off her age, but in this festive dress, with a slightly more "grown-up" hairstyle, I realized she was already eleven and a bit.
"Good, let's go for a walk now…" she urged, trying to hide the embarrassment that had already crept in.
"Where's June?" I asked, since she seemed to want to come too.
"She said she changed her mind," Toph answered calmly.
"Hmm, alright, let's go then," I said, though her response seemed a bit suspicious. Still, I decided not to press the issue. "Come on," I extended my hand to her. With so many people around, it was better to hold hands.
"So tender…" she muttered as our hands connected.
"Where are my calluses from earthbending training now?" I thought to myself with a slight complaint. Those "intense" training sessions with Roku had left their mark on all of my bodies. So, I wasn't the only one facing such awkward comments. The female staff at the Chief's Palace hadn't given Yuki a moment's peace for the first two days, constantly grilling her about the products she used…
Today, nearly eighty percent of the Earth Kingdom's population is celebrating the "Day of Fertility." One of the oldest festivals, it has been observed for centuries by the people of the Earth and Fire Nations. The Water Tribes, of course, were not involved, as they never practiced agriculture—it's "a bit tricky" to grow anything in eternal snow…
It's believed that on this day, one must not work or engage in anything physically or mentally strenuous. Instead, it's essential to have fun and be joyful. Supposedly, the positive emotions will help crops grow healthier and stronger for an entire year. Over time, clever people have invented numerous loopholes and exceptions to the holiday, claiming, "Those who bring joy to others can work." After all, such days are an opportunity to make good profits—who would turn that down? So now, we have the chance to spend money on various games and food stalls.
Today, the festively decorated city reminded me of the atmosphere of holidays in anime. Everywhere, people were laughing and wandering from one stall to another. There were games with prizes and equally enticing aromas from food being cooked outdoors.
"Look, they're selling sweets over there! Let's go!" Toph's small, cute nose twitched amusingly as she caught the scent of something sweet—and undoubtedly delicious—in the air.
Along the way, we encountered members of the Jang and Gan Jin tribes, who had settled a short distance from the city. Their, let's say, exotic outfits drew a lot of attention from passersby.
"It's high time we moved in with other people," said a small group of Jang men and women not far from us, noisily devouring street food.
"I wish I had two stomachs to try all this food!" one of them exclaimed passionately.
Such behavior is no longer out of the ordinary. Over time, the city's residents have grown accustomed to the newcomers. It's also worth noting that this is a purely commercial city. People of all kinds come here daily.
"Excuse me, ma'am, I recently bought earthbending enhancement products from you. I really liked them and would like to try a different scent," said a representative of the Gan Jin tribe on the other side. They're neighboring tribes, yet the differences are striking…
But here and there, small groups and even couples from these different tribes could be seen. Having entered an unfamiliar environment, they realized they had much in common.
A cultural exchange began. The Jang tribe has long been renowned for their hunting skills, but occasionally, entire generations were born without any gifted earthbenders. This forced them to adapt their way of life to that of ordinary people.
The Gan Jin tribe had a rich history of creating various herbal infusions. And art was highly valued in their community. Poetry, painting, calligraphy, and many other creative pursuits were widely practiced.
"Look over there, that funny uncle you brought!" Toph pointed unaristocratically at the Mechanist. I still can't get used to calling him by his real name…
"It's not polite to point like that," I chided her, though my words likely wouldn't have much effect. I don't think she needs to change—people love her straightforwardness and simplicity.
I don't know how much effort it took Rin to drag her husband away from his workshop. He was now observing the festivities with just as much curiosity. As always, an aura of dishevelment surrounded him, so even a well-fitted suit couldn't fix that.
Near them were other residents from the northern regions. Lao couldn't just help one village; he immediately offered all those affected by the disasters to relocate to him.
"The construction is almost complete," I thought. A large plot of land, almost in the city center, had been chosen for the second university of the Earth Kingdom. The project's grandeur and the funds invested give hope that it will surpass even the first University of Ba Sing Se.
Especially since Lao himself is overseeing everything. Such seemingly spontaneous actions began immediately after Lao and the Mechanist met. It seems that Ran's ideas and thoughts made a deep impression on the trader. Knowledge is power, and technology and machines dictate the new rules of the game. That's exactly what Lao told me that same day. His people have already begun searching among the population for bright minds to advance science.
The Earth University—such a simple name was given to it—has already started attracting people like the Mechanist. Rin was chosen as the director of the institution, after obtaining her consent. There were plenty of options, but she possessed all the necessary qualities. She successfully managed the settlement for many years, has enough knowledge for a comprehensive evaluation of activities, and, of course, her long association with someone like her husband is a plus...
Just the other day, I learned that they had already designed and built the first prototype of a tank. There were no engines or anything like that. It resembled those used during the siege of the capital on the day of the eclipse.
Covered in thick armor plates that easily extinguish the conquerors' fire attacks, it's theoretically supposed to withstand several heavier shells, but all of this will need to be tested in practice.
The caterpillar tracks allow it to overcome various obstacles along the way. But the main advantage is its ability to "crush" enemy firing points or defensive structures.
Special detachable hatches allow earthbenders to attack opponents. For this purpose, a supply of stones will be stored inside. The tank's movement is powered by non-benders inside, similar to the principles of Ba Sing Se's monorails. The army has long needed something heavy, but mass production of such a machine won't happen anytime soon—there simply aren't the manufacturing capabilities. But Lao's trade caravans will look formidable with such protection…
This is what has already been created. But as I know, Lao has obtained the design schematics for the Fire Nation's ships. Based on their principles, the Mechanist has begun developing the first true machine of this world. And judging by the records, the "Support Truck" we saw in the animated series will appear much sooner.
I was curious to learn from Lao how he obtained such records. In response, I received a bitter smile. Apparently, someone paid dearly for such a significant acquisition. According to him, they've been burning his palms for five years. Only the Fire Nation knows that something was stolen from them, so they won't let even a whisper slip about new types of ships being built somewhere. Lao couldn't have done it any other way. There were no specialists in his circle who could design something different based on these records. The only available option was to replicate what was written exactly, and even then, it was unlikely to be done without flaws.
It was the arrival of the Mechanist and the subsequent conversation, during which he showed the records, that changed his mind.
"I've been staring at the water for so long, forgetting that the earth is my homeland," he said then, chuckling.
I also made sure not to be forgotten, visiting him frequently. I didn't just come to chat but also to nudge him in the direction I wanted. Perhaps it was the Air Temple that gave him thoughts of conquering the skies through science. I'm not one to wait idly, so I gradually guided him toward creating a controllable hot air balloon.
I could have designed it myself—I certainly have enough knowledge—but… only in five to ten years. Yes, I have a vast wealth of knowledge, but I find it difficult to combine it into a coherent idea. It seems I wasn't strong in this even in my past life. I can memorize all the material without issue, but using it correctly—that's the challenge.
"History is being written before my eyes," such thoughts crossed my mind as I reviewed the Mechanist's records.
And there are more and more people with the fire of science in their eyes…
"Hey! Why didn't you wait for me?" June's displeased voice reached us as we were enjoying another treat.
"I thought you didn't want to come?" I raised an eyebrow.
"When did I…?!" she began, but suddenly stopped. We looked at Toph in unison, who had already started drifting away from us. Everything fell into place.
"Ah, you little liar! I'll show you now! Come here!" Toph laughed as she began running away from her.
"Poppy will give you both what for," I thought. That wonderful woman had chosen their outfits for today. She doesn't tolerate carelessness with clothes, especially expensive ones.
"I wonder who'll end up completely ruining the dress," I thought. The qipao on June looked stunning. The slit perfectly showcased her slender, long legs. The contrast was especially striking in the upper area, where you wouldn't expect such voluminous forms with her figure.
June has, in a sense, become a part of my life. In such a short time, she's definitely captured a piece of my heart not already occupied by Yui, Katara, Kaya, Syuki, Shizuka, Toph, Dria, Azula, Ursa… Just how big is my heart, anyway…
She continues her work as usual, but dedicates less time to it now. She's also narrowed her scope to just one province, and Lao is the only one giving her assignments. Shirshu, like a dog, needs regular outings. But while dogs only need to be taken outside, shirshu must be kept in top form both physically and in terms of their sense of smell, with tasks to find specific people or places.
"Ha, now you'll be short legs!" Soon, the slightly disheveled girls appeared. June held Toph tightly in her arms, more like a chokehold…
"I'm still growing, you know!" Toph puffed.
"It's nice to see your friendship on display…" I said with a crooked smile. "Let's go for a walk, enough of shocking people," I added. After all, it's not every day you see the daughter of Lao Beifong being chased by some fiery girl.
We still have a few hours left, and I want to spend them as pleasantly as possible!