Raised the Villainous Daughter and Ran Away

Side Story II. The Golden Road of the Transmitter

A leisurely morning.

I came up to the deck for a moment to feel the sea breeze. I could see an island shimmering in blue in the distance.

‘They’re all here.’

The city where I fled for my former carefree life, and the city that most closely resembles modern Earth.

And the land where Jeon and Jang Jong-won live.

As I was resting my hand on the railing and blankly gazing at the magnificent view of the city, someone grabbed my hand from the side.

When I turned my head to the warm air, I saw Frances smiling peacefully with the corners of her lips slightly raised.

“Is that the Pantheon?”

“That’s right. It’s a fascinating city.”

A strange city.

I’ve been to many worlds before, so it felt familiar to me, but it would feel new to people like France.

“A strange city? Does it have any special tourist attractions?”

“No, rather, this city society is a bit different from ours.”

Frances tilted her head as if she had no idea what I meant.

“What do you mean, society is different? What is different?”

The Pantheon is a city-state that guarantees individual freedom as long as order and rules are followed. Leaders and senators are decided by the citizens’ votes.

Those who have lived in an aristocratic society centered on bloodlines and class have difficulty adapting. So, most of them are knights, mercenaries, and farmers who are tired of the class society.

Additionally, there was no racial discrimination, and rare races such as elves and dwarves lived there.

When I explained it to her as it was, her face filled with interest.

“Equality with mixed races? Freedom is respected, and the king who rules is elected? Is that how it is run because it is a small city-state?”

A mixture of question and curiosity flashed across her face. Such a reaction was natural.

“That may be the reason, but fundamentally, the social system and perception are different.”

I was about to finish my explanation when I added, “Ah.”

“By the way, here, both I and France are expected to be respectful to the citizens. This is a country without classes, where everyone is equal. That’s basic courtesy.”

Frances, who had been listening quietly, slowly nodded her head.

“These people are lucky. There aren’t many people who treat us with respect.”

Then he shrugged his shoulders. There was a playful expression on his lips. That was enough of an explanation.

“And I have a friend here in the Pantheon.”

France tilted her head, saying, “Friend?”

“He’s someone I became close with when I came here before. He’s the one who’ll be in charge of our tourism. He’s also known as the real power in this city.”

At the time I went there, it was a key element in charge of tourism in this city and a tycoon who established the franchise concept like France Corporation.

I don’t think it would have made much of a difference if I hadn’t seen you for a while.

“You say it’s a city where equality is the basis and individual freedom is respected? But the fact that it’s a real power seems a bit contradictory.”

Her doubts were valid. In a city that preaches equality, the word “real power” is used. However, there is meritocracy mixed in here.

“That person is a key figure in running Pantheon. We can only call him equal if we treat him accordingly. He is good at earning foreign currency.”

Only then did Frances nod as if her doubts had been resolved.

“Hmm, it has a unique yet good structure. It’s not just about shouting for equality for everyone, but equality determined by ability.”

I get it exactly. That’s what I’m talking about, he said, nodding and looking straight ahead. The blue roofs were getting closer.

After waiting a little longer, chatting with Frances, passengers began to come up onto the deck, and the Knight Commander shouted loudly.

“Distinguished guests! We will soon arrive at our final destination, the Pantheon! As you all know, our stay will be for a week! We hope you have a great trip!”

Finally, the tour with everyone begins.

* * *

The cruise ship safely docked, and we were able to set foot on the land of the free city of Pantheon.

Because it is located at the southernmost tip and next to the sea, the wind is cool and the air is refreshing.

‘I can’t help but feel the pungent smell.’

I looked around the group, wondering if they might be uncomfortable, and no one was frowning, probably because they had gotten used to the sea while moving around.

“This is the Pantheon… … .”

Ladea’s face brightens. She seems to like the refreshing and clean feeling that Pantheon has.

“Hmm, the flow of aura and magic power here is unstable. It has irregular and strange characteristics. Is it because of the presence of other races?”

Who wouldn’t call him a wizard? As soon as he arrived, Kazar began to investigate the flow with a serious expression.

“What are you going to do now?”

Frances asked, tapping my shoulder with a folded fan.

“I’m going to meet the friend I mentioned earlier. He’s the one who will make our tour even more enjoyable.”

To some, it may seem like I am indebted to Jang Jong-won without saying a word, but that is not necessarily the case.

From his perspective, it was an opportunity to become acquainted with the most prestigious family on the continent, Descartes. And, moreover, we had no intention of staying for free.

I turned around and said to everyone.

“This is a safe city, so you can look around as you please. But just in case, make sure to bring your communication tools, and move together.”

Kale chuckled and nodded at my overprotective behavior, as if I was guiding a child.

“Do you think we’re lovers? It’s okay. Go ahead. I want to see the city quickly.”

Kale’s expression brightened. You could tell just by looking at him that he was really looking forward to the taste of the liquor I had described to him before.

“Then, since you haven’t eaten yet, take a look around the restaurant first. By the way, if the sign says Jongwon Food, you can trust it and go in.”

As he was about to turn around after saying that, Frances waved his hand with a gentle smile, as if she had not forgotten.

“Have a nice trip.”

“I’ll be right back.”

After greeting me with a smile, he immediately started walking away.

‘It should be at store number 1 by now.’

Pantheon is a small city-state, so it is not very large in area, and the distance between Jang Jong-won’s restaurant and the dock is not that far. This is simply because of the freshness of the seafood used in the restaurant.

Having memorized the terrain from my previous experience of living there for a while, I quickly arrived at Jongwon Foods No. 1 by opening the aura and crossing the roof. Then, I strengthened my vision with the aura and examined the building.

The line stretched so long that it seemed as if the end was nowhere to be seen from the entrance. The employees inside were moving busily without even a moment to catch their breath.

‘Jongwon is… … .’

He should have been in the kitchen, but he was catching his breath, sitting on a shabby chair at the back of the building. It was the incinerator and also a place for employees to take a break.

I approached him with a smirk, excited at the thought of surprising him.

“Jongwon, how have you been?”

He shook his body as he lowered his head and sweat poured down his face.

“What, what is it? Huh, a strategy?!”

As I looked at him with a big smile, Jang Jong-won opened his eyes wide and raised the corners of his mouth.

“I thought I wouldn’t see you again, but it’s nice to see you again! Hey, man!”

Jang Jong-won, who was so happy to see me, immediately got up from his seat and extended his hand. I shook his hand lightly.

“How have you been?”

“I’m the same. But I heard about you.”

Jang Jong-won smiled playfully and patted my shoulder.

“I was surprised when she suddenly disappeared, but then I heard that she had married Duke Descartes of Fedelian. And that she had been given the title of Marquis and had become a central figure in the empire.”

I had no idea that my rumor would spread all the way to this southernmost part of the country. I guess it must have been a hot topic among journalists around the world.

“But how did you end up here? The Empire is very far from here.”

“I wanted to get some help from a friend I made while on my honeymoon.”

Jang Jong-won tilted his head and asked, “Help?”

“The Duke of Descartes and his family’s main vassals have come to the Pantheon for a tour. They want to take care of us here. Is that okay? Oh, and I’ll pay you the full price.”

Jongwon chuckled and then hit me on the back.

“What’s between us… I’ll treat you very well, so just think of it as a wedding gift.”

He had become quite generous in the short time I hadn’t seen him, and he was full of confidence.

“I think the atmosphere has changed a bit?”

“Ah, I hear that a lot lately.”

Jongwon shrugged his shoulders and raised his nose.

“I’ve taken over all the cultural businesses of the surrounding countries, starting with the Pantheon here. It’s so big that I could easily buy a noble title from a country. That’s probably why I have so much pride.”

My eyes widened for a moment. I knew from the moment I founded the franchise that I was interested in the cultural business.

“How big is it?”

It was a curious question.

“First of all, I know that the food here is top-notch. Do you remember the book I showed you before?”

I placed my hand on my chin and narrowed my eyebrows. If it was definitely that book… … .

“… Are you talking about that fantasy novel?”

“that’s right.”

Jang Jong-won smiled and raised his index finger.

“That was a huge hit, and I kept writing new ones, hired artists to make them into comics. Then I brought in a magician who could use illusion magic and held screenings every weekend, and they sold like hotcakes.”

This guy has a much better eye for business than I thought.

‘A screening with welcome magic…?’

In short, it was like using magic to show animation and movies. I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

“As time went on, other things also grew naturally. We even built a hotel. Look over there.”

I followed the tip of Jang Jong-won’s index finger and saw a tall building.

“That’s it, the hotel. It’s just been completed.”

Somehow, he seemed to have a golden halo. Jang Jong-won had become a millionaire, no less than Descartes.

“… That’s amazing.”

I was truly amazed, not in a false way. In this continent where bloodline and status determine the society, becoming a tycoon…

“Anyway, I don’t have time right now. The chef is on a business trip to another country, so I’m doing his job. I’ll come and check on him as soon as I’m done with work, so go to the hotel.”

Jang Jong-won said that and handed me something that looked like a card. It had a gold surface with diamonds scattered throughout.

“This is a card I give only to special guests. It says VIP only. Just show this to the hotel staff.”

I took the card he handed me, feeling a bit dazed. His teeth sparkled as he smiled confidently.

“Uh, uh… Thank you… … .”

“Okay. I’ll finish up soon and go! It’s been a while since we last talked!”

Jang Jong-won said that and hurried into the restaurant.

‘… He really made it big.’

I knew everything about the future of this world, as Ladrien showed me in the form of a game. So it wasn’t that difficult to help France either.

Only he was different.

Suddenly transferred to this world on a bus. A cooking system suddenly comes to mind in a life where one had to start out as a slave due to an unclear status.

After seducing the noble daughter of the family he was working for with his cooking and running away, he settled in Pantheon and monopolized the cultural business in the southern part of the continent.

‘It couldn’t have been easy.’

Isn’t that really self-made?

‘…anyway.’

I lifted the communication tool, leaving behind the feeling of being dizzy. I heard a crackling sound and the magic stone lit up.

“Khazar?”

Let’s wait a moment. The magic tool began to vibrate and a voice was heard.

[yes?]

“Where are you now?”

[It’s a restaurant called Jongwon BBQ located in the downtown area.]

“Oh, there it is. It’s close to here. I’ll go right now─”

[Oh, Mr. Kale! Are you picking up two at a time right now?!]

Suddenly, Kazar shouted, cutting off the conversation.

[Eating them one by one is not enough.]

[Think of the person grilling the meat! Dahlia and I haven’t even tasted it yet!]

[Sister, try this black drink! It’s really tangy… It tastes like heaven… … !]

[This is just garlic. Are you saying I should dip it in that weird red sauce and eat it?]

Even without seeing it directly, the situation on the other side was naturally pictured in my head.

‘… I guess you’re eating pork belly.’

It seemed difficult to continue the communication, so he shook his head and put the magic tool in his pocket.

‘Let’s go quickly before it’s too late.’

Since it’s the Pantheon, I have to eat some grilled meat.