Chapter 95
*97 years after the Air Nomad Genocide. Roku. Kolau Mountains.*
A vast mountain range stretches across the southwestern Earth Kingdom. Here lies the city of Omashu and the legendary Cave of Two Lovers. This province is considered the birthplace of earthbending, as it's home to the majority of all badgermoles. Moreover, the earliest historical records suggest that the people now known as the Earth Nation began their journey in this very province.
"There are some pretty mixed rumors about Bumi..." I said to Lao, who was sitting beside me, trying to steer the conversation toward the topic that interested me. "You've met him several times. Can you tell me anything about him?"
At the moment, we're sitting in a carriage, halfway to Omashu. In two days, it'll be King Bumi's birthday—he's supposedly turning one hundred and eight... or is it one hundred and seven? As Lao admitted, even he doesn't know the exact number. And Bumi himself certainly won't reveal it; he loves to joke, saying, "I've gotten a year younger again!"
Honestly, as Lao mentioned, the birthday is more of an excuse to meet with Toph. And Lao and I have serious matters to discuss with him—the day we take Ba Sing Se isn't far off.
"This is one of those cases where the rumors have a real basis," Lao said with a tired sigh.
"The townspeople say they sometimes hear laughter... very familiar, with a touch of madness." So, the King is still riding the postal system rails? "No, I'd better not delve into the rumors swirling around him." I still value my sanity...
"Yeah, but he's never boring!" Toph raised her fist in agreement.
"Once, he took Toph for a ride on the 'slides,'" Lao emphasized the last word. "I almost went gray, and I've kept it a secret from Poppy ever since. It feels like the entire postal system is just his amusement park," Lao shook his head.
"I wouldn't mind taking a ride myself," I blurted out. "No, no, purely for scientific interest," I waved my hands in denial, noticing Lao's peculiar look.
"Just don't bring Toph with you," he whispered, then even quieter, "It seems the canyon guide was right—the more gifted a person is, the more eccentricities they have..."