Wagon after wagon rumbled down the steep switchbacks, carrying fresh crates of raw quartz and sparkling ore straight toward the municipal storehouse.
Ash hung upside down by his small left hand from the ceiling rafters, his silver hair brushing against Hajin's shoulder as he swung back and forth like an agile mountain monkey.
"Hold on..."
A quick reach plucked the laughing toddler off the cedar timber with a practiced grip before he could slip and tumble.
"Down you go, little guy."
"Mine!"
Ash kicked his chubby legs, batting playfully at Hajin's chest while flashing pearlescent baby fangs.
"He grew another four centimeters in forty-eight hours," the young lord remarked, holding up the toddler's tunic to reveal seams ripped completely open down both sides. "If this boy keeps expanding at this ridiculous rate, the municipal treasury will go bankrupt purely on linen cloth."
