Prologue
[ Guidelines for Field Assignment ]
Notice: This document was rewritten in the year 284 of the New Shin-Nong era.
All officials of the Shin-Nong Kingdom must read this document before beginning their field duties.
Authors: Archives Gyeong-chip and Gok-u of the Chun Clan.
Before You Begin
Greetings. Before you embark on your official field duties, we would like to provide some guidance. As the Shin-Nong Kingdom boasts a vast territory, you will likely encounter various trials and unexpected events. Do not despair in those moments; never forget that the Heavens and the Dragons are watching over you.
There is a great difference between leaving with knowledge and leaving in ignorance. Therefore, please read this guide several times.
Geography and History of Shin-Nong
As you know, the Shin-Nong Kingdom (hereafter referred to as Shin-Nong) was founded by the Great Shin-Nong. He declared Seonnong, located at the very heart of the kingdom, as the capital and built the Seonnong Palace there.
The capital is surrounded by the territories of four Great Families: Chun (Spring), Ha (Summer), Chu (Autumn), and Dong (Winter). Each territory is governed by a Family Head or an Acting Head. Shin-Nong is situated in the northern part of the Mirterra Continent, bordering the newborn Freha Empire to the south.
After 300 years of peaceful rule, the original Shin-Nong lineage suddenly perished. The heads of the four families gathered in the capital and elected a new King through a fair process. This new King is referred to as the Shin-Shin-Nong (New Shin-Nong).
The territories ruled by the four families operate under local autonomy and are separate from the central government. While independent, they pay specific taxes to the center. Thus, the relationship between the territories and the central government is close yet sensitive. Please mind your conduct within these territories.
Brief Overview of the Territories:
Chun (Spring): Warm, fresh spring weather year-round. Currently headed by Chun Ip-chun; his daughter, Usu, is the Acting Head.
Ha (Summer): A coastal region. The sweltering heat can be difficult, but it is the most vibrant territory. Most residents make their living from the sea. We recommend visiting during the Dragon King Festival.
Chu (Autumn): Famous for high blue skies and maple scenery. Headed by Ip-chu; governed by Acting Head Cheoseo. It houses the kingdom’s largest library, rumored to hold all the history and information of Shin-Nong.
Dong (Winter): The harshest winter weather in the kingdom. While it may seem featureless due to the constant cold, the Dong family’s governance system is the most sophisticated to ensure survival. You can learn much here. Headed by So-han; Acting Head is Dae-han.
Relations with Neighboring Nations
You may wonder why a domestic guide mentions neighboring countries. Understanding foreign relations is crucial for gaining political advantages.
Freha Empire: Borders the Ha territory. As a young empire facing internal instability, the risk of invasion is low. It is known as the “Land of Prophecy,” where priests hold great power and every newborn receives an oracle.
Asrua Empire: Information is scarce as it requires a long sea voyage or passage through Freha. It is mostly desert, resulting in powerful mercenaries and military might. It is also the most technologically advanced nation in Mirterra.
Understanding Divine Power
The term “Divine Power” (Shin-ryeok) is something heads of families hear until their ears bleed. The Mirterra Continent is filled with Magic (Maryeok).
Types of Energy:
Magic (Maryeok/Mana): The primordial energy of the earth; the parent of Divine and Holy powers.
Divine Power (Shin-ryeok): Purified magic specialized in healing, though it can be used for attack. Used in Shin-Nong.
Holy Power (Shin-seong-ryeok): Derived from magic, based on water; used exclusively in the Freha Empire.
Ancient Power: The root of all forces, including forbidden black magic. It is no longer seen.
Those who master Divine Power are called Technicians (Sul-beop-sa), but they are nearly extinct. Currently, family heads are chosen based on their ability to handle Divine Power; thus, a Family Head is also a Technician. If you encounter someone with this talent during your travels, contact us immediately.
Additional Notes
The Legendary Dragon: Legend says a Dragon accompanied the first Shin-Nong during the founding. Though the Dragon disappeared with the original family, it is still believed to protect the nation.
The Vanished Shin-Nong Family: Discussion of the old family is somewhat taboo, but they were the roots of this country. They were a family of Linguists (Eon-ryeong-sa) and guardians of the “Mirror of Aeons,” a mysterious spiritual artifact.
Other Matters: Pack plenty of clothes. Regarding funds: Gyeong-chip, the incarnation of the Frog, will select a frog to accompany you. You will receive funds and communicate with the capital through this frog’s mouth. Do not lose the frog (and do not hate it for being slippery).
1. Please Just Demote Me
Half of the Mirterra Continent belongs to the Eastern Shin-Nong Kingdom. It was once led by the legendary Shin-Nong family, but that glory vanished like a mirage when the family perished for unknown reasons. Since then, the country has been restless—except for the capital, Seonnong, which remains peaceful (at least on the surface).
Gwan-myeong, a low-ranking official in the Personnel Department of Seonnong Palace, was enjoying the spring breeze on his way to work. His day was perfect until he saw an unexpected guest loitering outside his office.
It was Cheong Su-ryeon, the Second Assistant to the King. She was a woman who attracted rumors wherever she went, thanks to her mysterious background, high rank, and striking beauty.
Markdown
**"What brings you here, Second Assistant?"**
**"I'm here to request a demotion."**
**"...Pardon?"**
The officials of the palace looked down on her because she was a Museong-ja (a person without a family name/an orphan). They couldn’t stand that someone of unknown blood held such a high position.
“Is there a specific form for a demotion request?” she asked. Her face was smiling, but her eyes were serious. Gwan-myeong was momentarily dazed by her beauty—blue-tinted hair and clear azure eyes. He understood why people were jealous; there were even petitions to make her the Queen.
“Uh… no?” Gwan-myeong stuttered. Demotions were usually handed down directly by the King, not requested by the employee.
“That’s a problem. I must be demoted,” Su-ryeon said, a subtle, murderous aura leaking through her smile. Gwan-myeong, a mere desk worker, felt the pressure of her “iron fist in a velvet glove” personality. He felt like he might lose his breakfast.
“W-well, shall I… make a request form for you then?” “That’s a great idea. You are very wise, Officer Gwan-myeong.”
She took the brush from his trembling hand and wrote the request herself with flawless calligraphy, as if she had been waiting for this moment. After she left, Gwan-myeong realized he had to submit this ridiculous document to the King.
However, the King, Jae-hu, was missing. So Gwan-myeong decided to take it to the Chief Assistant instead.
The Chief Assistant, Do-sohan, was the young head of the Winter (Dong) Family. He radiated a cold, sharp energy. He was considered the most eligible bachelor alongside the King—tall, well-built, with coal-black hair and piercing dark eyes.
Markdown
**"Officer Gwan-myeong. You didn't write this demotion request... was it Cheong Su-ryeon?"**
**"The King's whereabouts have been unknown for days, so I couldn't submit it to him."**
**"Fine. Go bring the Second Assistant here right now."**
Sohan handed Gwan-myeong a document. It was a formal withdrawal of the request, debunking every point Su-ryeon had made with terrifying logic.
When Su-ryeon entered the office, Sohan was leaning against his desk, looking uncharacteristically arrogant.
“Are you protesting right now?” Sohan asked. “What do you mean?” Su-ryeon replied with a fake smile. “You requested a demotion because of the overtime. And to a lowly position as an Archivist, no less.”
Su-ryeon bristled. What’s wrong with being an archivist? But she stayed calm. “I don’t mind the overtime; the pay is good. I just feel this position doesn’t suit me.”
“Withdraw it.” “No.” “I figured you’d say that, so I already submitted a withdrawal form.”
Su-ryeon sighed. “If you’re worried about finding a replacement, I can recommend someone…” “You know that’s not what this is about,” Sohan interrupted. “The King won’t accept it anyway.”
“I’ve already discussed this with His Majesty,” she replied calmly. Sohan actually looked shocked for a moment. Su-ryeon felt a surge of victory. “I’ll be taking back that withdrawal form now.”
“Oh, by the way,” Sohan said, his voice regaining its composure. “Have you heard? The King has been missing for several days.”
Su-ryeon froze. If the King was gone, the final approval for her demotion couldn’t happen.
“Cheong Su-ryeon, it looks like your demotion will be difficult for a while.” Sohan smirked.
That night, Su-ryeon skipped her overtime and went home in a rage. She lay in bed, wondering why things were going wrong. She had planned this for five years with the King. Why was he missing now? And why was Sohan being so stubborn?
A small creature stirred near her pillow. It was a baby lizard she had rescued on a rainy day. It wasn’t particularly “cute” by normal standards, but it was her companion.
“I have to get demoted for your sake,” she whispered, stroking the lizard. She fell asleep, vowing to try again tomorrow.
The next morning, she faced a very tired-looking Sohan. “How dare you leave me to do the overtime alone,” he grumbled. “Overtime is best served alone, Chief,” she quipped.
Sohan sighed, his tone softening. “Su-ryeon… is there a real reason for this?” Su-ryeon decided to play the emotional card. “I got a pet. I want a quiet job so I can focus on my pet.”
Sohan stared at her, dumbfounded. “So that’s why there were rumors about you hiding a ‘honey pot’ in your room? Because the workaholic started leaving on time?”
“They call me the ‘Palace Ghost’?” she asked, offended. “You can’t help it. You draw people’s attention even when you’re doing nothing,” Sohan said matter-of-factly.
When she stared at him in silence, he realized his words sounded like a compliment to her beauty. He turned red and quickly added, “…I mean, that’s just how third parties see you!”
