Chapter 49.2: The Remaining Days of the Cold Winter Season - End of the Year
Year 0003, Month XI-XII: The Imperium
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Day 165: The Passing Days in the City of Gremory - Workshop Visit
It had indeed been a year filled with events that would forever be etched in their memories, at least since August's arrival. Looking back at everything he had accomplished, he found himself reminiscent of many moments—both triumphant and sorrowful. A melancholic weight settled in his chest as he thought of the passing of one of their own village members. Though Uncle Christopher had been with them for only a brief time, he had become an essential pillar of their small community. His loss would remain a scar etched into everyone's minds and hearts, a constant reminder of how fragile life could be in this harsh world. Yet, as August had come to understand, grief should not paralyze them from moving forward. Just as time continued its relentless march, so too must they press onward toward their destiny.
These past few days, they had prepared adequately for the weeks that lay ahead, drawing comfort from the certainty that spring was just around the corner. The bitter winter season had calmed down significantly from its earlier fury, though thick blankets of snow still piled high on the ground. This was especially true outside the city walls, where the roads were less maintained and nature reclaimed its dominion with pristine white drifts that sparkled under the pale winter sun.
The morning after their meaningful visit with their bonded beasts—a ritual that had strengthened the bonds between rider and companion—they immediately returned to the city as the first rays of dawn painted the horizon in shades of gold and crimson. August, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, brought his trusted team toward Gremir's Customizable Wagon Shop. Their purpose was clear: to check on his second order of the Premium-Custom Large Type Merchant Wagon, a vehicle that would prove crucial for their upcoming journey home.
Upon reaching the renowned establishment, the sounds of industry filled the air—the rhythmic banging of hammers against metal, the steady sawing of seasoned wood, and the occasional shouts of craftsmen coordinating their efforts. The workers labored with practiced precision under the watchful eye of the master craftsman, who stood at the helm like a general commanding his troops. The workshop buzzed with an energy that spoke of dedication and pride in one's craft.
August, being the considerate person he was, knew better than to disturb the artisans at work, especially since he hadn't sent word of his visit in advance. He and his companions maintained a respectful distance, watching in fascination as the people inside the massive workshop toiled over an equally massive vehicle. The sight was impressive—beams of sturdy oak being fitted into place, iron reinforcements being hammered into shape, and wheels larger than a grown man being mounted with meticulous care.
None of them realized yet that this magnificent creation was destined to be theirs. It was Gel who, with her characteristic curiosity, voiced the question that was beginning to form in all their minds.
"Gus, Gus," she said, tugging at his sleeve with childlike excitement, "what are we doing here anyway? Those men and women are working on such a massive wagon, aren't they? Are we here to buy something like that?"
August suddenly realized he had forgotten to explain their purpose during the journey to the shop—the thought had simply slipped his mind amidst all the other concerns weighing on him. He could only scratch his head sheepishly at this oversight, then turned to address his team with an embarrassed smile.
"Um, well, yes," he began, his voice carrying a note of humble pride, "I was actually here to check on our order. Do you see that massive wagon they're working on? That's based on Sir Sibus's design, which he presented to me several months ago. I was so impressed by the craftsmanship and functionality that I decided to commission another one—this second wagon can operate independently but also attach to the first when we need additional capacity. The current project they're laboring over is my second order."
He laughed with genuine humility as he continued to scratch his head, a nervous habit that had become endearing to his friends. Meanwhile, all of his companions except for Nina and Milo—who had been privy to this information beforehand—stood with jaws agape and expressions of complete disbelief at what they had just heard. The magnitude of August's financial investments was beginning to dawn on them, raising questions they hadn't thought to ask before.
The silence stretched for a moment before Adam, ever the practical one, voiced what they were all thinking: "Wait, so all the money you've been spending on us—on food, supplies, and on other things—that was your own money, Gus?"
August could only manage an awkward smile as he confirmed Adam's suspicion, though he tried to deflect the focus from his personal generosity. "Well, technically yes, but I prefer to think of it as the village's first substantial investment in our future. Hahaha."
His friends exchanged glances of amazement and newfound respect. This young man, who had consistently shown such remarkable humility despite his obvious resources, continued to surprise them. They had assumed the funds they'd been spending during their recent shopping excursions had come from Uncle Marcus or some other benefactor. The realization that August had been personally financing their entire operation—from the tools they bought to the things they spent on the market—left them somewhat speechless.
Angeline, having recovered from her initial shock more quickly than the others, was the first to respond. A playful smile crossed her face as she said, "That is very much like you, Gus. Who would have thought?" Her gentle teasing carried genuine affection, and soon the entire group was giggling and laughing, while August felt his cheeks redden with embarrassment at being the center of attention.
After several minutes of standing there in animated conversation, the sharp-eyed owner, Mr. Gremir, finally noticed the group of young people gathered near his workshop. He adjusted the safety glasses perched on his nose and squinted through the morning light. Recognition dawned on his weathered face—it was August, the young man who had commissioned the two behemoths that had become a source of tremendous pride for his establishment in recent months.
Without hesitation, he set down his tools and rushed over to greet what had become his most important and valued customer to date. "August, lad! Welcome back to my shop!" he called out heartily, his voice carrying both surprise and genuine pleasure. "If I had known you were planning to visit today, I wouldn't have kept you waiting out here like common passersby. Please accept my apologies for the oversight."
He offered a slight bow of respect before continuing, "Now that you're here, what can I do for you today? I hope you're pleased with our progress."
The older craftsman's face was streaked with honest sweat and grime from his morning's labor, testament to his hands-on approach to his craft. Despite his elevated status as shop owner, he clearly wasn't above working alongside his employees when the situation demanded it.
"Oh, Mr. Gremir, there's no need for such formalities," August replied with characteristic graciousness. "We've just returned from outside the city walls, and I wanted to personally check on the wagon's progress. We're planning to depart in approximately two weeks, or whenever the snow has melted sufficiently to make travel feasible."
Mr. Gremir's face lit up with professional pride as he gestured toward the magnificent vehicle taking shape in his workshop. "As you can clearly see, lad, it has already taken excellent shape. We're approximately eighty-five percent complete with your commission. Give me another two weeks, and we'll have finished your order to perfection. I stake my reputation on it."
The master craftsman's smile was one of genuine satisfaction—the look of an artisan who took deep pride in creating something truly exceptional.
"Excellent, sir," August replied, then continued with his additional request. "However, I have another matter to discuss. Do you happen to have any additional carts or wagons available that I could examine? Not necessarily of this grand scale—I'm looking for something suitable for transporting people, as we have migrants who will be accompanying us on our return journey home."
Mr. Gremir's eyes brightened with the prospect of additional business. "Of course, lad! I'll have one of my most knowledgeable workers give you a comprehensive tour of our facility. You'll be able to see our full selection of finished wagons, and I can assure you they represent some of my shop's finest work. I'll even provide you with a generous discount for being such a valued customer."
He paused to wipe his hands on his leather apron before adding, "Let me call someone to guide you through our inventory so you can find exactly what suits your needs. In the meantime, I'll return to work on this beauty here—she's going to be something truly special when we're finished."
With that, Gremir returned to his work with renewed vigor, and one of the shop's most experienced workers approached to serve as their guide. The tour that followed was comprehensive and enlightening, taking them through various sections of the workshop where different types of vehicles were on display or in various stages of completion.
August explained his requirements to the guide: he needed practical transportation rather than anything extravagant, as the wagons would primarily serve to safely transport people rather than goods or luxury items. A standard design would suffice perfectly for their needs.
After carefully browsing through the impressive array of ready-made wagons, August and his team engaged in thorough discussion before reaching their decision. Their current fleet consisted of one Deluxe Medium Type Wagon capable of housing eight people comfortably in its living area, plus their two Premium-Custom Large Type Merchant Wagons, each capable of accommodating thirty adults. This gave them a total capacity of sixty-eight individuals.
However, with spring approaching, they faced the challenge of transporting one hundred sixty-five migrants back to their village. Adding August and his twelve team members brought their total to one hundred seventy-eight souls who would need safe passage home.
After careful consideration and calculation, they selected three Standard Medium Type Wagons. Each featured a sturdy frame and an all-weather roof designed to withstand the elements. These vehicles measured forty feet in length and could carry twenty to twenty-five tons—more than adequate for transporting people and their personal belongings. Two of these wagons would carry the majority of the remaining migrants, while the third would serve as a carrier for animal feed and miscellaneous supplies necessary for basic repairs during their journey.
August completed the transaction by paying seventy local gold coins for the three ready-made Standard Medium Type Wagons and their accompanying repair materials. He also purchased six additional beasts of burden to pull these vehicles, opting for the reliable six-legged horses that cost eight local gold coins each, including their feed and basic care supplies.
When Mr. Gremir's receptionist insisted on applying the promised twenty percent discount—despite August's initial protests—the final cost came to ninety-four local gold coins instead of the original one hundred eighteen. August appreciated the gesture, though he would have been perfectly willing to pay the full amount to support the craftsman's excellent work.
They returned to their temporary home that evening, their minds already turning to the numerous preparations that lay ahead. The logistics of moving so many people safely across potentially dangerous terrain would require careful planning and coordination.
**[BANKING SYSTEM:]**
Imperial Currency:
- 34 Imperial Orichalcum Coins
- 1,530 Imperial Gold Coins
- 603 Imperial Silver Coins
- 310 Imperial Copper Coins
Local Currency:
- 6,094 Local Gold Coins (-94)
- 532 Local Silver Coins
- 233 Local Copper Coins
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Day 166-168: The Passing Days in the City of Gremory - End of the Year Thanksgiving
It was now the fourth day—the final day of both the month and the year. Such a milestone demanded celebration, and they felt it was important to acknowledge their successes and survival through such a challenging period. August and the Fernando family decided to host a gathering for everyone staying at the estate, extending their invitation to include the entire migrant community that had become part of their extended family.
That evening, the estate came alive with the sounds of celebration. People danced to folk melodies played on simple instruments, sang songs from their homeland, and shared stories of hope and perseverance. The atmosphere was one of genuine joy and community—a reminder that even in difficult times, human connection and celebration could provide warmth against the cold reality of their circumstances.
As the festivities continued around them, August and his close-knit group of friends found themselves drawn to a quieter corner of the estate. They huddled together in their own intimate gathering, gazing up at the magnificent starry sky that stretched endlessly above them. The stars shimmered and glittered like scattered diamonds against the velvet darkness, a celestial display that seemed to shine especially for the mortals below.
"I wish we could do this back at the village next time," August said softly, his voice carrying a note of wistful longing for their true home. His words captured the sentiment they all felt—the desire to share such moments of peace and beauty with the families and friends they had left behind.
The rest of the group nodded in silent agreement, each lost in their own thoughts and memories as they continued gazing at the heavens above. There was something profoundly moving about sharing this quiet moment together, watching the eternal dance of the stars while contemplating the journey that lay ahead.
As the night drew toward its close, the deep, resonant sounds of bells began to ring throughout the entire city of Gremory. The ceremonial tolling marked the end of the year and welcomed the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. It was a tradition that connected them to countless generations who had marked time's passage in the same way, finding comfort in ritual and continuity.
While the war between nations remained suspended during the harshest months of winter, everyone knew that spring would bring its own challenges. With the melting of snow and the return of favorable weather, the blood of men and women would once again flow on the contested borders between Ogind and Arwen. The temporary peace was merely the calm before an inevitable storm.
Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away in the village of Maya, the remaining villagers had conducted their own celebration in this village's traditional manner. Led by Red, who had stepped into a leadership role during August's absence, they held a small thanksgiving ceremony to honor the earth and heavens for the blessings that had sustained them through the harsh winter months.
Their prayers included heartfelt appeals for the safety of their children—the young people who were so far from home, preparing for their dangerous journey back to the village with the coming of spring. These parents and other villagers understood the risks involved in such travel, especially during times of political instability and conflict.
With these celebrations and prayers, the year came to its end. Whether it had begun with hardship or concluded with hope, the fundamental truth remained: they were still breathing, still surviving, still fighting for their future. With every breath came new life and new struggles as they continued their efforts to survive and thrive in the unforgiving world of Centuury.
The chapter of their winter sojourn was closing, but the greater story of their people's journey toward security and prosperity was far from over. Spring would bring new challenges, new opportunities, and new tests of their resolve. Yet as they looked toward the future, they did so with the strength that comes from community, the wisdom gained through hardship, and the unshakeable hope that better days lay ahead.