Although the arrival of winter had little effect on the Stantin Duchy's climate, the approaching end of the year still had some impact on many people.
For example, many workers from outside the Stantin Duchy had begun preparing to go home for the New Year a full month before the annual holiday.
At this time over the previous two years, these workers had usually chosen to travel home on the special bus routes the Filson Transport Guild operated between the Xinfei Merchant Guild's main base in the Stantin Duchy and various other destinations.
Because there were only so many vehicles available, the heavy demand meant that many people had to wait several extra days before leaving, while even more simply caught Cargo Magic Locomotives bound for other places.
This year, however, the guild suddenly announced some good news at the beginning of December.
Considering how difficult it was for the workers to return home every year, the President had made a special agreement with the Filson Transport Guild. Starting in mid-December, several additional Bus Magic Locomotives would run daily from the Stantin Duchy to other destinations, specifically to take the Xinfei Merchant Guild's workers home.
The guild was also providing this as an employee benefit. In other words, workers who chose to take these buses home would not even have to pay the fare; the guild would cover the entire cost.
As soon as the news spread, all the Xinfei Merchant Guild's workers cheered with delight.
When discussing the matter in private, many workers felt fortunate that they had chosen to stay with the Xinfei Merchant Guild. At the same time, they could not help mocking the more than eighteen thousand workers who had insisted on causing trouble and going on strike, only to be dismissed outright by the guild.