"Have you heard? The Regent King of Victory is planning to build a new Energy Tower in the city. They say even our slum might enjoy the heating from the warm field!" In a dilapidated courtyard in the slums of Marsel City, several women wrapped in patched aprons were sitting around a nearly extinguished brazier.
In the basin, only a few faint sparks were flickering under the ashes—it was their helpless attempt at saving fuel. After all, here, every piece of firewood was as valuable as gold.
"Dear God!" A haggard woman carefully used Tongs to uncover the ashes, revealing the dark red embers beneath: "If only it could come true... maybe this winter..."
She extended her frostbitten fingers towards the charcoal basin, trying to absorb as much warmth as possible.
"Stop dreaming!" Old Martha suddenly spat, looking warily around: "When have those Victorians ever been kind to us? The money to build the tower will just come from squeezing us!"
