The first loaded wagons rolled down the eastern slope before noon.
Seliza's engineers followed with measuring chains and yellow stakes, marking a wider switchback through the mud.
Loccy watched from the treeline with her hammer across one shoulder the entire time.
Juna dropped lightly from the registry roof down beside Hajin.
"They want the first switchback widened, and two stakes sit close enough to the mine path that Loccy is deciding whether to move them herself."
"Let the engineers measure, and make them move any stake that crosses a worker's route," Hajin replied.
The eldest engineer wiped his chalk hands and offered one quiet apology.
"A road built out of fear fails the first month that rain and wagon weight test it together."
Loccy pushed one yellow survey marker upright with her boot. "The road can widen, and the mine entrance stays mine to reach."
The whole town square had changed overnight around Marrick's table.
