The last rays of the setting sun washed the slums in a warm orange-red glow.
With the Roman Family's funds now officially flowing into the Imperial Capital, the construction crews had expanded several times over, and the Magic Academy students who had been worked like beasts of burden were finally nearing the end of their assignment.
"Finally... it's finally over!"
Victoria tossed her brush into the bucket and let out a long sigh of relief.
She straightened up and wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, gray strands of hair clinging to her cheeks.
She looked up at the last wall she had just finished painting and nodded in satisfaction.
"Starting tomorrow, I can finally get back to making the most of my time and preparing for the Final Defense."
Greg hopped lightly down from the roof and dusted off his hands.
"True. There are only three days left until the Exchange Meeting ends. It's about time you got some proper preparation in."
Victoria turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Hey, why do you make it sound like you don't need to prepare?"
A mysterious smile curled Greg's lips. "Heh. Have you considered the possibility that I'm already prepared?"
"You've been secretly grinding away behind my back again, haven't you?"
Victoria rolled her eyes, but there was no real anger in her voice, only the resignation of someone long used to this.
Just then, a weary voice came from behind them. "Finally... there's finally a light at the end of the tunnel..."
They turned to see Lilith trudging toward them.
Her usual haughty young lady demeanor had vanished completely, replaced by a look of utter exhaustion.
She reached them, plopped down on a nearby stone block, and slumped like a deflated ball.
Looking