14 April, 1874
6:00 A.M.
Forge Town
The shrill cry of a clock cut through the silence.
Nicolas stirred beneath his thin blanket, his eyes opening slowly.
Six already…?
He pushed himself upright, rubbing his face. His body ached—another night spent with little rest.
Nicolas was an architect. Though he had graduated from a modest college due to financial limitations, he had always possessed an unusual talent. Over the years, he had undertaken numerous construction projects, earning himself a respectable reputation. His current commission, however, was unlike any he had faced before: a complex structure meant to preserve food and drink for unusually long periods.
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, stifling a yawn.
"I worked until two in the morning… and now I must rise again," he muttered, studying his reflection in the cracked mirror. "Why did I ever agree to this?"
Dark circles hung beneath his eyes.
He opened his wardrobe and took out his clothes. As he reached into the drawer beneath, his fingers brushed against two objects—a broken pocket watch and an old lighter.
He stopped.
For a moment, he stared at them.
Then he picked them up, slipped them into his coat, and stepped outside.
At the Construction Site
The air was heavy with noise.
Metal clanged.
Machinery groaned.
Cement churned.
Yet something felt… wrong.
Nicolas sensed it the moment he arrived.
The workers were pale, their eyes hollow, their movements slow.
They looked like men already defeated.
"Did something hap—" Nicolas began.
"Nicolas!" a voice cut in.
"Sir! You are here!" Jimmy hurried toward him. "Something has happened while you were gone."
Nicolas forced a faint smile. "If you seek me in such a rush, it must be serious, I presume?"
"This is no time for humor, sir."
Nicolas stiffened. Jimmy's expression was not one of irritation—it was fear.
"What has happened?" Nicolas asked. "Just when I thought matters were finally under control."
"The owner… Mr. Williams…" Jimmy hesitated. "He has sent word."
"And?" Nicolas prompted.
"He wishes the building completed six months earlier than planned."
Nicolas blinked. "What?"
"And if we cannot—he will hire another team. And he will…" Jimmy swallowed.
"And he will what?" Nicolas snapped.
"He will revoke our contract."
The words struck like a hammer.
"Damn him," Nicolas muttered, exhaling sharply. "Did he offer any reason for this absurdity?"
"He claims his competitors will finish their building four months ahead of ours… so he wishes his done six months earlier."
"What nonsense is this man speaking?" Nicolas said. "Does he believe such a thing is possible?"
"That is impossible," Nicolas continued, his voice rising. "Utter nonsense."
He clenched his fists.
"At best, perhaps three months earlier—if every man here labors eighteen hours a day."
"That is why they look as they do," Jimmy said quietly.
Nicolas looked around again.
They were not merely tired.
They were hopeless.
This project—this impossible structure—was the work of two years of his life. Every detail, every calculation, every solution—it was all his. And now it was to be handed to those who did not even understand it.
The thought made his blood burn.
"I will not allow this," Nicolas said.
Jimmy lifted his head.
"I shall meet Mr. Williams myself," Nicolas continued. "I have worked for him many times. He will listen."
Slowly, the expressions of the workers began to change—small sparks of hope returning to their weary eyes.
"I will depart for Rozanta tomorrow morning."***
Explanations (for your reference, not part of the chapter)
Rozanta — A large city where wealthy merchants reside. It serves as a central hub where goods from the Empire first arrive before being distributed to other states.
Mr. Williams — A wealthy merchant who owns pharmacies, mines, and a food and drink transport company.
Jimmy — A subordinate of Nicolas.
Forge Town — A small town known for its brilliant blacksmiths throughout the empire.