Chapter Three

The Queen's Dragon
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The fish market is still in the harbor but to the right side. It’s towards the same direction; the floating market also is located at. On his way down to the merchants, Jiyong meets a couple of familiar faces. They aren’t as many of them left as when he first started out to work as a fisher. It comes only to a little shock as there isn’t enough work, but it’s still a bit unsettling. However, most of the people he likes - which aren’t that many- stayed, or at least work close by. To which he is grateful for. He crosses path with a view less busy Dockworkers and others enjoying their brunch break while waiting for the currents to settle. Munching on dry bread with cheese and sardines, nodding as he passes by, a greeting he returns. Furthermore, Jiyong waves a topless ripped men, who is dressing a large stem of a white oak. He is a shipwright who knows the best tells and presents them like no other can; especially when he is merry. He is absolute no lightweight and after some rounds does hilarious impersonations, especially of a certain Dock Master. But what Jiyong likes the most about him is that he knows his handwork. Not as normal as it should be and definitively not easy to find in this city. Also Noteworthy is the fact that his prices are fair. Jiyong knows this first hand as at the beginning of his nonexistent career; he had required his work more often then he would like to admit. Drifting canal upwards with just the currents to pull him has turned out to be a lot trickier then he has expected it to be. He got the hang now and as much as he likes this guy he hopes it stays by distanced acknowledgments like this for a while.

As hoped, he gets rid of his catch fairly quickly. Despite his struggles and late coming. He isn’t as new to selling anymore and has made quite a view connections - most of which women. A simple, genuine smile at the right time can do magic. It also helps to have some manners and be able to speak in full polite sentences. His voice isn’t hoarse from all the yelling. This isn’t usual for a man of the sea. Out there no one has the time to sugarcoat their words or call each other nicely. Commands need to be given quick and blatant and are often followed by curses due to high pressure and stress. Turning maneuvers are always nerve-wracking. It’s just the way the sea shapes people. Now his size might be another bonus, but it once brought him a lot of hardships, insecurities, and complexes in his youth. Compared to most of his bulky and tall comrades his frame is slender and lean. He is compact and tough and has a sharp expression. Maybe a bit too androgynous for his own liking but it only adds to his appeal. If he actually cares to groom himself neatly, he is a rather attractive young man and can if he wants to be quite charming. Especially the prettier is weak to his demeanor, and he never faces great difficulties to sell his goods. His past struggles have become his advance now, and the things he used to dislike and ponder are now his pride. Granted he might be a little bit narcissistic mainly because he has eyes and owns a mirror.

A sigh escapes his lips as he looks at the coins he has made. As expected they aren’t too many. The first thing he does is saving two for the Dockmaster. The last thing he wants to witness is not being able to pay that smug bastard. Before heading back, he makes a brief detour to his favorite bakery. It’s only a short side trip. Basically, it just adds two extra turns more to his route. It’s worth it; alone for the mouthwatering smell of freshly baked bread. Forgotten are today’s miseries, and his steps get lighter as he walks down the lane. He can only read the little yellow sign with the purple letters once he is up-close. It reads: “boutique l'éclair.” It’s the side entrance he takes, as the main entrance, of course, faces the canal hence the sign is a little less eye-catching. He barely manages to push the door open as an animate meow greets him. The well feed Russian Blue cat jumps down its look-out by the showcase and hurries to him to rub around his legs purring. The cat, as well as the shop, belonging to the tall, affable young man with the kind smile. There are traces of white in his auburn bob, as well as on his cheeks and part of his clothing. Stubborn residues from flour he somehow always manages to cover himself with. It probably shows that he is experimental or just passionate about his work, as the pastries never look like they're done by an amateur and taste delicious. Chansung wears a lemon apron with lilac ornaments, such as the tiny paw prints on the corner. “Good morning, Mr. Vip,” the backer chuckles and his amusement flickers in his eyes. His voice is docile and welcoming just like the whole store. He doesn’t need to ask for Jiyong’s order as it’s the same as every day. Instead, he picks up a previous prepared ivory paper bag and hands it with a warm smile plastered on his face. Regardless of his height, he is everything but intimidating. A gentle giant, Jiyong muses and passes him the same kind of paper bag back. Only now Jeonggam - the tomcat - losses interest on him. He turns and rushes around the counter where Jiyong can hear him plead for the smelly content. The original purpose of the furry mascot has been hunting and keep mice and rats away from the flour. Chansung has been one of his first customer and a very special one, as he never pays. The two of them just have this mutual agreement to exchange their goods. As Chansung starts to prepare the fish, Jeonggam jumps up on his shoulder and sits there watching Chansung’s every move. It impresses Jiyong

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-Yuan-
This story is currently overworked and edited from the beginning on.

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-Tigress-
#1
Chapter 5: Ah this chapter still affects me. The ending part about Jay and the story shared, ugh it's so bitter and sad without being bitter, you know? I am so so so so curious though as to what that letter says and so really, honey, get to writing haha ;)
but honestly, I don't think I say it enough but I am so very much enjoying how you're building this world. It's enticing and fun and rounded and I am so very curious how it will play out! Especially since SOMEONE isn't giving me spoilers lol. But the way that you take the time to describe the surroundings and really set the scene, while adding emotional connections to places and people, it really does remind me of a published novel. Wel done my dear ♡
-Tigress-
#2
Chapter 4: LMAO Bomi's inrush soll makes me laugh. Okay though, I really like the additions made to this chapter and how you cut it. Channie was perfect in his role and the idea of a gentle giant baking is just adorable ♡.♡ I tried to guess who the unclothed man was but there are so many idols that I gave up! I guess I'll wait and see haha.
-Tigress-
#3
Ooooooh I see you mention VIXX as characters.... that makes me think your little revenge is coming for my Ken Ken haha. =D
-Tigress-
#4
Chapter 4: Awww gosh well that was ended on a sad note. I actually loved how natural that conversation between the tow of them felt. It really did flow so well and lead one topic to the next... great job! And Minjun, despite only having a bit if "screen time" really shines as a character. Bomi's appearance made me laugh, and Minjun's comment about her. And then of course Jiyong's ungenerous opinion of baby Sohee at the moment. He'll change his mind when he reads the note and sees her! Thank you so much for the update darlidadarling, it really made my day better ♡♡♡
-Tigress-
#5
Chapter 3: OMO first off I have to say that your mention of "puppy of a human" made me giggle, that very much sounds so much like Baekho ♡.♡ And then Sunggyu is in perfect casting, he is definitely the stingy and pompous dockmaster!!! So I really liked seeing those two even with their small roles and how well they fit them!!! Oh and i see why you wondered about the petri-heil haha. =) It works!
I really love how Jiyong's chapter is so different from Sohee's pov, like you see how he is very much tired and grumpy at having to work and very much desires to leave Afohnies! The opening made me laugh, I can picture him being too stubborn to give Sunggyu the satisfaction of seeing him fail haha. But I did pause at the Moby reference because I wasn't expecting to see a literary work references in a a fantasy world haha. It worked, though, and I like how you talk about his education here without yet absolutely having to.. it sets who he is and how he came to be himself in really nice tones. My only other question is if everyone will speak with the same accent sunggyu has? or is he from somewhere else that gives him that way of speech?
The dolphins bit made me laugh. I was not expecting Jiyong to be a fisherman and so it was a small shock to me, but it makes so much sense and yes, I think he is like a lion in dress... ill-suited to this and wanting to be back where he is king! So I look forward to more!!! FIGHTING!!!
-Tigress-
#6
Chapter 2: OH MY GOSH this is a beautiful intro!!!
I love the way it starts off, talking about the hymn of Afohnies, and then shifting into about how it's all just not happening right then. That made a drastic comparison that was really striking! I loved picturing the banners over the windows and the red roses in the waters, I have to ask, it is for her Crowning that they throw the flowers?
I love how you explaind the setup of the city through using her memories. Thaat sibling scene was especially great, it showed the joy and closeness that they shared while also explaining how things work. And then you go and rip the heart out by telling of his death! T.T But that was a really great depiction, too. The way that you spoke of the hungry and broken families, and then shifted it in to speak of greed and the effects of it. I like the way you were like, "even the fairest man" and then shifted to tell that you meant her father, that was so cleverly done!And really sad too.
The explanation of the festival is probably my favorite part of the chapter: I love the part you wrote about the lanterns and how she pictures them as souls. Her wishes afterward really made it feel striking and it lingered in my heart!
And then you end with that sentence. Goodness that was really good! I really liked how you don't actually tell that she has become the Queen, but well I mean it's implied in the title so it is obvious haha, but I like that you didn't state it outright. And the adjucting the burdensome crown... Perfect.
I am so looking forward to reading more!!!
-Tigress-
#7
OMG you updated!!!! ♡♡♡♡ I will read as soon as I'm out of a moving vehicle hahaha
DGNA_Forever
#8
This looks so cool! I love kingdom stories, so I look forward to seeing what you do with it♡. Good luck!
-Tigress-
#9
Chapter 1: OMO honey is this advert supposed to be in here? =)
-Tigress-
#10
ASFGHJKL THAT DESCRIPTION! OH I got tingles!