The arid desert air still carried its characteristic dryness, and the golden sands stretched endlessly, shimmering beneath the relentless sun. Yet, despite the unforgiving environment, it has changed far more than it already had.

  Patches of vibrant green now dotted the landscape at regular intervals, creating a surreal contrast against the dunes. Clusters of cultivated land thrived, breaking the monotony of sand with rich, fertile soil imported from seabeds. Rows of crops—potatoes, onions, carrots, and other hardy vegetables—flourished under careful cultivation. Workers, clad in light, breathable fabrics, moved diligently across the fields, some harvesting fully grown plants while others plowed fresh furrows in preparation for the next cycle of growth.

  The cityscape itself had transformed drastically. Rising from the sands were grand structures of brick and cement, blending Romanesque aesthetics with innovative architectural adaptations to withstand the desert’s harsh conditions. Large domes, designed to deflect heat and regulate indoor temperatures, crowned many buildings. Intricately carved pillars and arched doorways adorned the facades, lending the city an air of both antiquity and resilience.

  Apartment complexes of the same Romanesque style dominated the skyline, their designs echoing both the grandeur of old Herptian religious cities from the western continent and the practical ingenuity of modern engineering. Unlike the slow, painstaking construction of cities in the mainland, Jola’s embrace of the power of steam-assisted machinery, allowing entire buildings to rise in a matter of weeks instead of years.

  Scaffolding surrounded incomplete structures, where laborers toiled to complete an intricate water distribution system. Elevated tanks—designed in the same dome-capped style as the city’s other structures—were being connected through a network of aqueducts and underground pipes. These innovations ensured a stable water supply, a lifeline in a region where every drop was precious.

  From her comfortable carriage, rolling smoothly over paved cement roads, Ravenna gazed out at the breathtaking transformation.

  "Much progress has been made in just a month, huh…" she murmured to herself, leaning against the plush seat.

  It had been a full month since she last set foot in Jola City, having spent her time away in Ronin Town Negotiating and other important tasks. The place she had departed had been a city in its infancy, struggling against the odds, but the one before her now was something else entirely—a city that looks like it has been thriving for centuries .

  The winds of change had swept through Jola, and what had once been a mere outpost in the sands was now a rising stronghold.

  Marie walked briskly alongside members of the city’s militia, her boots tapping against the newly paved cement roadsas she conducted her daily inspections. It was part of her routine to observe the city’s progress firsthand, ensuring everything was running smoothly. As she scanned the horizon, her eyes suddenly lit up with excitement.

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  A carriage, elegant and sturdy, rolled past the city’s gates, its design unmistakable. Ravenna had returned.

  Marie’s heart leaped, and before she could stop herself, she broke into a sprint. Her brown curls bounced with each step as she raced towards the carriage, calling out in delight.

  “Master! You’re back!” she exclaimed, breathless yet brimming with enthusiasm.

  Ravenna, seated inside, noticed the familiar voice and waved a hand. “My, my… as energetic as ever, huh?” she mused with a small smile before signaling the driver to halt. The carriage came to a smooth stop, and the door swung open.

  “Hop in,” Ravenna said, her expression warm. “I’d like to hear about everything that’s happened while I was away.”

  Marie’s face lit up. “Yes! Master!” she chirped, wasting no time as she climbed inside. She settled into the seat across from Ravenna, fidgeting with excitement.

  “Well,” she began, “I won’t be able to explain things in as much detail as Miss Alice or Miss Sarah, since I’m still learning, but I’ll do my best!”

  Ravenna crossed her legs and rested her chin on her hand, watching the girl with an amused expression. “That’s exactly why I want to hear your report, Marie. Let’s see how much you’ve learned about the city’s affairs.”

  Marie nodded so aggressively that her short curls bounced, her eyes sparkling with determination.

  “Alright! So, the priests worked hard to finalize the architectural designs, and once they did, the workers got right to it! Thanks to the steam engines, construction has been going faster than ever. The machines help crush stones into cement, making the process so much easier.”

  She glanced up at Ravenna, eager to see her reaction. The older woman gave her a small nod of approval, encouraging her to continue.

  Marie beamed. “The steam engines also made it possible to use elevators to lift heavy materials, which means we need fewer workers for those tasks. Demolishing old structures is much easier too! So overall, construction is progressing way faster than expected.”

  Ravenna listened intently, impressed by Marie’s enthusiasm and understanding.

  “And what about the slaves?” she asked, her tone shifting slightly.

  Marie’s excitement dimmed a little, but she quickly recovered. “Many have been working alongside the other laborers. Some, after seeing how much the city has progressed, decided to stay and make a new life here.”

  She hesitated for a moment, then added in a softer voice, “But… a lot of them still chose to leave. Many wanted to return to their hometowns and rebuild their lives.” Her fingers fidgeted on her lap. “I don’t know the exact numbers, though. That’s something Miss Alice and Miss Sarah are in charge of, so…”

  Ravenna waved a hand dismissively. “That’s fine. I brought the lotus flowers from Ronin Town, so we’ll start breaking the servitude spells.” She met Marie’s gaze firmly. “Those who have earned enough for their travels will be set free first. Then, we’ll release those who chose to stay and integrate into the city.”

  Marie nodded in understanding. “Understood, Master.”

  She straightened up, eager to add more. “Oh! Also, we managed to house at least half of the city’s population thanks to the apartment complexes. More buildings are under construction, so we’ll soon have enough space for the remaining people.”

  Ravenna smirked slightly, leaning back in her seat. “Good. It seems things have been progressing well.”

  Marie tapped her chin, trying to recall if she had forgotten anything. Then, as if remembering something important, she gasped.

  “Ah! There’s one more thing—Miss Alice’s daughter, Mina, fell sick…”

  Ravenna’s relaxed expression instantly vanished. Her body tensed, and her sharp eyes narrowed as she leaned forward.

  “What?!” she demanded, her voice laced with urgency.