I woke up in my bed, wrapped in a white blanket. The sunlight was soft, sliding through the curtain cracks. For a few seconds, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling. My head felt heavy — not from exhaustion, but from comfort.
Beside me, Natalia slept quietly, her long hair scattered across the pillow, her skin warm against the morning air. Neither of us wore anything. For a while, I simply watched her — the rhythm of her breathing, the way her fingers slightly curled toward me. Everything felt so… real.
"This world feels more real than Earth ever did," I muttered under my breath.
She stirred faintly, opening one eye. "You're talking to yourself again."
I smirked. "Maybe. Or maybe to the universe."
She chuckled softly and pulled the blanket over her shoulder. "Then tell the universe breakfast will be ready in ten minutes."
By the time I got dressed and went to the dining room, Natalia was already setting the plates. She wore a light white dress, and a golden hairpin shone in her hair.
Martha stood beside her, placing bread and soup on the table. She leaned toward me and whispered, "Someone looks cheerful this morning."
I raised an eyebrow. "You're talking about her or me?"
Martha smirked. "Both, maybe."
Natalia shot her a mock glare. "I can hear you, Martha."
"Good," Martha replied. "Then you know I'm right."
I laughed, shaking my head. The mood was light — almost domestic.
Outside, the sun was strong but not unbearable. It was the thirty-fifth day of the current month, and there was still much to do before the next one began.
I walked through the town square, where workers were busy moving supplies and hauling stone. Oswin joined me near the workshop area.
"Morning, my lord," he greeted. "I've checked the kiln project. It's moving as expected, though still far from completion."
"That's fine," I said. "As long as it's progressing safely."
He nodded. "We've reinforced the clay molds and set up more cooling areas. No major issues so far."
We moved further down the street. Zevra was near the trade post, arguing with two merchants.
"I told you, the tax rate stays the same for everyone," she said firmly. "No exceptions, even if you came from the capital."
One of the merchants groaned. "This town's too strict."
Zevra crossed her arms. "Then you're free to leave."
I stepped in. "What's the problem here?"
The merchant sighed. "Just a little negotiation, my lord."
"Zevra's in charge of that," I replied. "Follow her lead."
The man muttered but eventually nodded. Zevra smirked once they left. "They'll come around. Everyone does."
"That's what I like to hear," I said.
By noon, I stopped at the forge to check progress. The workers bowed slightly as I entered.
One of them said, "We'll need more iron soon, my lord. The mines aren't producing as much ore."
"Summer's close," I replied. "We'll have to manage carefully."
I noted to talk with Oswin later about better ore distribution and safety.
As the day ended, the sun dipped behind the rooftops, washing Orshek in orange light. I returned home. Natalia was sitting on the balcony, legs crossed, gazing at the horizon.
"How was the day?" she asked.
"Busy as always," I said. "But things are going well."
She smiled. "That's what you always say when you're tired."
"Because it's true."
We stayed there for a while, talking quietly as the sky darkened.
The next morning — Day Thirty-Six, the last day of the month — began calmly, until Oswin burst into my office.
"My lord," he said quickly, "a miner died this morning. Heat and suffocation."
I froze. "Where?"
"Lower tunnels of the west mine. He and his team went too deep."
I followed him immediately to the site. The tunnels were dim and heavy with heat. Natalia was already there, her magic vines crawling through the stone, their leaves glowing faintly to help with air circulation.
She turned as I entered. "I tried to push the plants further down, but the deeper it goes, the harder it is for them to breathe. The air turns thin."
I knelt near the tunnel edge. "He died working for us. That means it's on us to prevent the next one."
Oswin folded his arms. "They're experienced miners, my lord. They know what they're doing. Accidents happen."
"No," I said firmly. "They stop digging deeper until we fix the ventilation."
He sighed but nodded. "Understood."
I looked at Natalia. "Ask Elenor to use her wind magic for airflow. Thalen can balance the temperature using ice magic — summer's coming. Keep your plants growing through the shafts."
"I'll make sure of it," she said.
Later that day, I visited the miner's family. The wife trembled as she opened the door, her children clinging to her legs.
"He was working in the mines for ten years," she said softly.
I handed her a small pouch of coins and promised lifestocks. "Your husband helped build this town. We'll take care of you."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Thank you, my lord."
That night, the town gathered in the square for the Festival of Solara, marking the first month of summer.
Bonfires burned high, music echoed through the streets, and everyone — villagers, workers, witches — joined in. For the first time, I saw no fear between them. Just laughter.
"You built all this," Natalia said, leaning beside me.
"We built it," I replied.
Martha came by carrying a tray of drinks. "Stop talking and start celebrating. Everyone's waiting for the toast."
Oswin raised his mug. "To Orshek — the town that keeps growing even when the world doesn't!"
Laughter erupted around us. I smiled, though a part of me still thought of the miner's family.