As December arrived, the weather grew colder by the day. The sea fog that had blanketed Free City earlier that morning had left a thin layer of frost, but the sun melted it after sunrise, leaving the children who had hoped for snow glum.
The nights were now bitterly cold, and many households had begun lighting fires for warmth. That was where the mansions had an advantage: thanks to the flues in their communal kitchens and common areas, a fire in the hearth could keep an entire mansion at a steady temperature. Those who had bought detached houses could afford the firewood too.
And the City Lord's Mansion paid its workers generously, ensuring everyone could afford warm clothing.
At least no one would freeze this winter—except drunks who passed out by the roadside.
Only Dade was less than happy to see trees being cut down.
Annan noticed the subtle shift in his Minister of Agriculture's mood. He told her that Free City wanted to become a city in harmony with nature. Burning wood was only temporary; they would replace it with coal in the future, and perhaps someday with magic.
That was exactly what Dade wanted to hear. No one had ever tried to persuade a Druid with reason before, and Annan followed through on his promises. The trees in the Forest Mountains had not diminished with Free City's arrival; the forest had actually grown. Under the care of Druids and Tree Sprites, saplings along its edge were thriving, brimming with natural vitality.
What troubled Annan now was the water supply... When choosing the site, he had not considered water at all because the Elemental Legion was there. He had picked the spot for the beauty of Gem Bay. Now he could see there was a reason such a beautiful