About 100 meters from the main construction site, another area was bustling with activity.
This site was dedicated to the extraction of ores and valuable materials essential for the railway project.
Accompanied by Kaylen and Gilbert, I stood at a vantage point where I could see a group of about twenty men working tirelessly. Armed with pickaxes and rudimentary tools, they dug into the earth in search of the vital resources that would benefit the kingdom of Ednia.
At the top of the site, a woman stood proudly, drawing all eyes with her commanding presence and natural authority. Her magnificent violet eyes, almost hypnotic, and her beautiful light chestnut hair cascading to her legs framed a graceful face.
An elegant fringe swept slightly to the right of her face, while her intense gaze seemed to monitor every detail of the site.
Her slender lithe figure was accentuated by a functional yet elegant outfit, perfectly suited to her role.
She wore a white coat reminiscent of a doctor's attire, along with protective glasses, and addressed the workers with a firm but motivating voice amplified by a strange device she held in her hand.
"Keep going, faster! This work is essential for the people of the island of Ednia. Don't forget that His Majesty Jonady the monarch has entrusted us with this!"
The workers, galvanized by her words, responded in unison:
"Yes, Lady Sienna!"
Gilbert walking beside me, couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the young woman in the white coat. With an amused smile, he remarked:
"So, that young lady must be…"
Kaylen, sighing lightly and placing a hand on his forehead, finished the sentence:
"Yes, that's Sienna."
I watched her with fascination, curious about the device she seemed to be using.
It resembled a loudspeaker from my world but with visible magical elements integrated into its design—something I hadn't expected to see in this realm.
Kaylen, visibly annoyed yet intrigued by the scene, raised his voice to address her:
"Sienna, I hope you're not overworking your subordinates. And by the way, what is that strange thing you're holding in your arms?"
Noticing our presence, Sienna turned her head and confidently made her way toward us.
Upon reaching us, she didn't just answer Kaylen's question. With a mischievous smile she grabbed his left arm and, with a slight chuckle said:
"Of course not Kaylen i treat them very well. As for this device you see, I've named it the Voice Condenser. It absorbs the words I speak and amplifies them so everyone can hear me clearly."
Kaylen, crossing his arms, responded with a hint of sarcasm:
"Hmmph this surely maybe one another of your strange inventions."
Feigning indignation, Sienna raised her eyebrows while maintaining her playful smile.
"Strange? Hahaha how can you describe my invention like that Kaylen? I always create reasonable things. And by the way about those men just so you know, my subordinates were on their lunch break not long ago. I don't overwork them as you might believe."
Leaning slightly forward with a radiant smile, she locked eyes with Kaylen. Her violet eyes reflected his image, and Kaylen suddenly seemed unsettled by the proximity. Then in a softer tone, she added:
"However, I haven't had my break time for lunch ."
She turned to me and offered a respectful salute.
"Your Majesty, if you'll excuse me…"
Without waiting for my response, she firmly grabbed Kaylen's arm and, with a decisive gesture, pulled him along with her.
"You're coming with me!" she declared in an upbeat tone.
Kaylen surprised by her boldness, couldn't protest and allowed himself to be led away casting a desperate glance back at us.
Gilbert and I witnesses to the almost comedic scene, couldn't hold back a burst of laughter.
"Well, it seems Lady Sienna knows how to get what she wants" Gilbert remarked with a sly grin.
"Indeed" I replied, chuckling softly.
We continued our inspection of the site while Sienna took Kaylen with her, probably to talk or share an improvised meal.
I couldn't help but notice the dynamic between those two. Kaylen, with his natural reserve and seriousness, always seemed destabilized by Sienna's energy and spontaneity.
Yet it was evident that he deeply respected her, just as she had a certain affection for him, masked by her constant teasing.
Turning my attention back to the workers, I noted their dedication and the efficiency of their efforts.
Sienna was right: their task was crucial and their contribution would be a cornerstone of the kingdom's development.
As Gilbert and I moved among the workers, observing the ore extraction processes, I reflected on the innovations Sienna continued to bring.
She perfectly embodied the balance between ingenuity and progress, and her inventions would not only accelerate our projects but also lay the foundation for a prosperous future for Ednia.
This island kingdom, once thought to be isolated and destined to become a vassal of the Katakiel Empire was now undergoing reconstruction and beginning to shine thanks to the combined efforts of its people and the unique talents of its individuals.
As I walked away from the extraction site, a feeling of light optimism and joy filled my heart.
We were on the right track to transforming Ednia into a strong modern and prosperous nation.