Autumn had turned cold. The brief warm season in the Northern Continent had long since ended. As the Frost Sky Constellation gradually climbed higher into the heavens, the vast Loren North Continent was slowly shrouded in cold winds. From the Northern Barrens beside the endless ocean, to the broad plains occupied by the northern city-states, and then to Mosswood Forest where the Grey Elves had lived for generations, everyone was preparing for the winter that would soon arrive.
Stocking up on winter fuel, taking advantage of the last bright days to dry fish and make pickled vegetables, repairing homes damaged by autumn rains, digging out winter clothes and bedding... Aside from the Cecil Empire, where Magic-Conducting Technology had already entered civilian use, most people in this world still lived much as they always had. Even though Magic-Conducting Technology from afar had begun changing some people's way of life and bringing many new things to these ancient lands, such changes still needed time.
Rupert, who had only recently moved into the city, pushed a cart of charcoal down the street. The wind was much colder than it had been yesterday, and some of it slipped beneath his collar, making the short Grey Elf man instinctively hunch his neck. He raised his head and looked around at this place, still so unfamiliar to him, then could not help sniffing.
He was still trying to adapt to city life. It was not easy.
Compared to the forest where he had grown accustomed to living, this "great forest" built by people was too enormous, too cold and rigid, too crowded, and too chaotic. Every day, he had to deal with countless strangers, do unfamiliar work, hear all sorts of news he could not understand, and finally return to an unfamiliar home. The only comfort