817. Anomaly (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Votes)

Westland City.

In the blink of an eye, ten years had passed. Jenny had grown into a young woman with golden curls, youthful and full of energy.

She loved this city.

Though the apartment she lived in was shabby and cramped, and she occasionally had to listen to the tenants next door complain and roar, she could buy many things unavailable in the countryside.

Her father, Vic, had become a clockmaker, earning a little more than he had back in the country.

And every week, they could attend services at Mother Nature's church—a real grand cathedral!

Monday morning.

With a sandwich clamped between her teeth, she hurried out amid Mrs. Halia's reminders, heading to the repair shop where her father worked to help out.

Thank goodness women in the city were not subject to so many restrictions. They could freely walk the streets and look for work.

Though this was considered something for "lower-class people," and ladies of truly high society never showed their faces in public, Jenny did not care about any of that. She had been a wild country girl to begin with.

But I don't want to work in a textile mill. At the very least, I need to become a craftswoman. The pay is better...

Jenny quickly finished her sandwich. She was also carrying a paper bag containing Vic's portion.

Since he had worked overtime last night, he had slept directly at the shop.

As she passed through the Dock District, Jenny glanced over and immediately froze.

Near Sea Leaf Street by the warehouses in the Dock District, a row of constables had cordoned off the area. Several priests of Mother Nature, with green leaves embroidered on their robes, were wandering about as well.

"What happened?"

With that question in mind, she entered a repair shop.