The Empire I Create Chapter 16

Chapter 16. Off to Gaegyeong

By May, the trees had begun to sprout tender green leaves, and all of Tamna felt a gentle breeze that heralded the early summer. Vibrant flowers bloomed along the roadsides, creating a dazzling scene, and the bleak landscape of the previous winter seemed but a distant memory. A year ago, everything in this land had felt unfamiliar and difficult to Hamin. Now, it brimmed with an energy that made it seem like a whole new world.

Constructing a steam-powered vessel, as Hamin had envisioned, proved no small feat. Given the 13th-century technology, even cutting and welding iron plates was a major challenge. Yet Kra (Optimus 3) diligently implemented the blueprint that Thanos had printed out, slowly fabricating parts using the electric welder and small cutting tools brought from the year 2030.

Moreover, iron ore imported from trade with Japan (then referred to as “Wa”) and the iron produced through the Tatara smelting method ensured a steady supply of materials. Hamin ordered Anmusa* Ijigwang and Hepha (Optimus 12), who oversaw the smithy, “Do everything possible to manufacture these engine components reliably.” Even though ironworking techniques were rudimentary in this era, the Optimus robots’ precise guidance allowed them to “slowly but surely” make progress.

*Anmusa : A local military-administrative official.

“Now that spring is in full swing, it feels like our shipbuilding is really picking up speed.”

Indeed, the warmer weather made outdoor work easier, greatly boosting the pace of constructing the steam engine.

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During that time, the people of Tamna held their spring festival. True to Jeju’s unique customs, each village hosted a small celebration in tune with the blooming of the flowers, and young folks brought the festivities to life with lively games. It was a sweet break for the townspeople, who had grown weary from juggling military training, farming, and fishing.

Anmusa Ijigwang invited Hamin to the government office.

“My Lord, today is a festival day. How about we forget our worries for a moment and share a drink?”

Hamin was always busy, but for once he wanted to loosen up and take a breather. He sat down with Ijigwang in the small garden behind the office, passing a cup of wine back and forth. As always, Hyungjun (Optimus 1) stood guard nearby, protecting Hamin.

Just then, Miji (Optimus 2) entered with Jeongsun.

“Master, Jeongsun has prepared some food for the festival.”
“My Lord… would you like to try it?”

Jeongsun wore a shy smile and presented a basket of food, dressed in her best attire. Seeing her smile, Hamin was reminded once again of her beauty. She looked completely different from that first time, when she had wept and begged him to save her parents. She now had a radiant expression, and perhaps thanks to better farming conditions and a healthier environment, her skin tone looked more vibrant.

Hamin suddenly realized, “I’ve been thinking about her a lot…” A mix of nervousness and excitement welled up in him, but outwardly, he kept his composure and smiled calmly.

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it very much.”

When Jeongsun opened the basket, there was meat marinated in tangerine sauce, vegetable pancakes, and grain-based treats, all meticulously prepared. It was clear these dishes used ingredients and seasonings brought from the 21st century, as the aroma was truly delightful.

Hamin wanted to express his gratitude. He looked at Hyungjun and gave a brief nod.

“Hyungjun, go to the truck and bring the camera. Let’s take a photo of Jeongsun and print it right away.”

In this era, people could draw or paint portraits, but the idea of capturing an instant image exactly as it was remained completely unheard of. Hyungjun took a simple photograph, then used the printer inside the truck (which contained Thanos) to produce a print. Shortly after, an almost black-and-white photograph appeared, perfectly capturing Jeongsun’s shy smile.

“Master, she turned out wonderfully in the photo.”

When Hamin handed the picture to Jeongsun, her cheeks flushed red.

“H-how… how is this possible?”

She looked both embarrassed and amazed, but her eyes shone with delight.

Watching this, Anmusa Ijigwang chuckled.

“Jeongsun, you must be thrilled the Lord has given you such a gift. Hahaha…”

Hamin cleared his throat in embarrassment.

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This sweet moment did not last long. By June, the steam-powered ship—one of the weapons Hamin had been planning—was finally nearing completion.

In early June, the midday sun was scorching enough to make one break a sweat. Standing by the open wharf, Hamin gazed upon the vessel. It had a hull of timber and iron, equipped with both sails and a steam engine—a true hybrid. Armed with ten cannons, it carried gunpowder, cannonballs, and other weapons below deck.

The people of Tamna were astonished to see that it could move forward without the need for oars, powered by the combination of steam and sails.

For the trial run, Hamin, Thanos (installed in the truck), several Optimus robots, Anmusa Ijigwang, and a hundred soldiers boarded the ship.

“Will it really move without rowing?”

Those who were skeptical could say nothing once they witnessed the ship cutting through the waves.

In particular, the onlookers couldn’t hide their amazement at the rhythmic “chug-chug-chug” sound of the steam engine, punctuated by “pwoooof” noises and plumes of black smoke.

After the trial, Hamin turned once more to Thanos.

“Tell Kra to build four more ships like this, and have Hepha process more iron.”

He then addressed Ijigwang:

“Please assign all soldiers and craftsmen to shipbuilding.”

By pouring all available labor into the project, Hamin had five steam-powered ships ready by late autumn, November.

Because Goryeo was fully preoccupied with its war against the Mongol forces, they had no capacity to pay attention to Tamna. As a result, Hamin could quietly assemble his forces, while staying informed of enemy movements through the Saetbyeol satellite. When he asked Thanos—armed with the satellite’s data—to estimate the current timeline, Thanos replied:

“It appears that King Gojong and the military regime have relocated the capital to Ganghwa Island, and the Mongol army has already advanced to Gaegyeong. Based on historical records, I’d surmise the year is 1232.”

After hearing this, Hamin summoned Ijigwang and issued his orders:

“Gather five hundred elite soldiers within half a month, and secure military supplies. We’re departing for Gaegyeong.”

Though it was a sudden directive, Ijigwang was prepared.

“So we’re finally going to the mainland. This will be our chance to see what our trained soldiers and the firepower we’ve been preparing can truly do. I’ll see to the preparations without delay.”

At that time, Gaegyeong, the capital of Goryeo, was under attack by Mongol forces. Refugees and resistance fighters were locked in battle against the Mongols.

“Let us go to Gaegyeong, subdue the Mongols, and reclaim the city. Then we’ll watch how the Goryeo court responds before deciding our next move.”

Anmusa Ijigwang asked,

“What about His Majesty King Gojong and Choe Woo?* My Lord, what do you think…?”
“We’ll decide once we reach Gaegyeong. It’s too early to finalize anything.”

*Choe Woo (최우): A powerful military ruler (part of the ruling military regime) during the Goryeo era.

And so, the moment had come for them to plunge into the grand current of history. Surpassing their achievements in Tamna, Hamin and Ijigwang would now set their sights on the mainland.

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On the day before departure, Hamin summoned Kim Shin (representing Tamna’s royal family) and Min Byeongdu (a magistrate favored by Ijigwang) and gave them his final instructions:

“While I’m gone with Ijigwang and the soldiers to Gaegyeong, please safeguard this land—Tamna. Work together to prevent any uprising or the return of pirates, and manage the administration.”

“It is an honor, My Lord. I shall protect Tamna with unwavering loyalty.”
“We will take care of all pending matters. Please go without worry.”

Kim Shin, a man in his mid-fifties with a dignified appearance, hailed from a royal family and was one of Tamna’s leading figures, yet he held deep respect for Hamin. Min Byeongdu had been Ijigwang’s companion since his days of study in Song China; he was a man of few words but a sharp mind.

Hamin offered each a final “photo gift.” They stood together while Hyungjun took their photograph, then he went to the truck to print it. When Hamin handed them each their picture, they were both profoundly moved.

“Ah… My Lord, this is more precious than any royal favor. Thank you beyond words.”
“This truly feels like a miracle. I’ll treasure it as a family heirloom.”

Seeing Ijigwang look slightly envious, Hamin discreetly slipped him another photo: it showed Ijigwang laughing during a previous drinking session.

“Hahaha! You captured me like this… It’s not a painting, it’s really me, alive in this image.”

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Finally, in windy November, Hamin gave the order for all five steam-powered ships to set sail.

On the decks, soldiers raised the anchors for the last time, preparing both sails and steam engines for departure. Drones hovered overhead, recording the departure like floating cameramen.

Hamin (shouting loudly): “Off we go! To Gaegyeong—!”

The engines hissed, releasing jets of steam, and the propellers began to spin. Slowly, the ships pulled away from the pier, charting a course toward open waters. Under the mild late-autumn sun, the sight of five steam-powered vessels advancing in a line was like nothing anyone of this era could have imagined.

“Can you believe this? They’re moving without oars—surely this is the work of the gods!”

The townspeople gathered on the wharf gasped in awe. Kim Shin and Min Byeongdu waved vigorously at Ijigwang on board. From a distance, Jeongsun watched Hamin leave, silently praying for his safe return.

The sea was calm, but far ahead lay the fierce storm of Mongol forces and the power struggles in mainland Goryeo. Standing by the truck (with Thanos installed inside), Hamin looked through his telescope at the distant horizon, Hyungjun quietly at his side.

He felt confident: they had enough weapons, ships, and resources. They had already demonstrated they could dispatch pirates with ease.

“Now is the time to truly upend history.”

Hamin’s heart pounded with renewed vigor. Setting foot on the mainland, he would confront the Mongols and forge a new order. The thought sharpened all his senses.

The five steam-powered ships formed a line, gradually increasing speed. A banner reading “Tamna”—written in somewhat clumsy Hangul—fluttered from one prow. Another ship flew a different flag, the emblem created by Hamin and the Optimus robots, featuring a stylized “star descended from the heavens.”

Above the deep blue sea, thick roars from the engines and clouds of steam rose into the air, accompanied by the distant echo of drums beaten by the soldiers.

“At an average of 30 kilometers per hour, if all goes well, we can reach Gaegyeong around dawn tomorrow,”

Hamin estimated inwardly. With supplies of gunpowder, cannons, a small 3D printer, robot parts, and rations, the fleet was well-prepared for the journey.

Still, he sensed that the challenges awaiting them on the mainland would surpass anything they could imagine: a capital occupied by the Mongols, remnants of the military regime, and the looming power struggles that would follow.

Yet Hamin stood firm in his conviction:

“I am the one who will change this era.”

Under the mid-November sun, the five steam-powered ships from Tamna sailed forth to take on a new age.

 

 

 

(To be continued...)