Chapter 118. Love is the Light in the Darkness.
One hundred years after the genocide of the Air Nomad tribe. Roku. Omashu.
Thanks to my circle, life in Omashu passed quickly and without boredom. Several times a week, Bumi would pull some stunt, and there were constant arguments between Toph and Suki, which I managed to steer into a more friendly direction. Every day was packed with events. The only islands of calm were June and Shizuka, who quickly found common ground.
My backside had grown accustomed to the not-so-comfortable throne. I was glad to see that the city's residents had accepted me. I didn't hesitate to organize several public sparring sessions with Bumi, showcasing my mastery of metal and lava bending. I had refined lava bending to its full potential using earthbending, eliminating the need for firebending.
"Hello," passersby would greet me.
"Have a good day, Lord Roku!" a beautiful woman purred, casting me a clear look. Smiling and nodding, I thought she probably didn't know about the dangerous women guarding my honor. June and Shizuka didn't want our family to expand uncontrollably, and they might give persistent ladies a stern talking-to.
Currently, they should be somewhere in the southern Earth Kingdom, handling my assignments. Their active natures wouldn't let them sit idle in the city, so they took on tasks to assist me.
"I should get out into the city more often..." I didn't realize I was so vain, but the people's attention seemed to give me the strength to keep improving the city entrusted to me.
People hurried about their business. The constant clatter of numerous carts filled the air. After some time in Omashu, you stop noticing the noise; it fades into the background. The postal system had been completely overhauled, with the number of routes increasing by thirty percent. Some residential buildings had to be reconstructed, but no one complained. Everyone appreciated the convenience of fast travel in such a large city.
Soon, I used the city's secret passages to quickly reach the Palace. Today, Suki and I had planned a martial arts training session. Our sparring took place in a specially equipped hall with a floor covered in something like tatami mats—after all, Kyoshi warriors place equal emphasis on grappling techniques. It's worth noting that only Kyoshi Island has a full-fledged training base for this combat style.
"Ready, Suki?" I greeted the already training girl in a tight sports outfit. It seemed Shizuka had hinted to her daughter that I liked when girls wore clothes that accentuated their feminine curves...
"Get ready to lose, Roku!" Suki smiled, stretching her neck.