Alessia's POV
"Khloe, why is the construction of the temple slow?" I can't help asking especially since a month has passed and it's still not over. The construction must be fast especially and there are many workers.Khleo scratched the back of his neck. He's a man, but oddly, his name is Khloe. But as time went on, his name became natural to the hearing that seemed to fit him."Because the ministers there can't agree. They want the design to have a lot of gold and it takes quite a while to cast the statues with gold. But don't worry, it will be over by the time the statue is finished. That's what we're waiting for before it gets inside so it's not over." Khloe gave me an explanation. His long hair is flowing, it's brownish red which is rare.I nodded. This is the struggle of greek temples, most of them want gold and it's not easy to sculpt gold because we will depend on the miners and the process of cooking it and then molding it."Alright. I'm leaving now and I might not be able to come back because I'm going to visit." I said goodbye to Khleo. I will go to the hospital and see the situation there.It gave me a thumbs up. "Goodluck. We don't have a small hospital so it would be better if you take care of it." He taught me.I just nodded and didn't say anything more. I fixed the blueprints on my desk. No one will move it because my friends know how hard it is to make a blueprint and it cannot be damaged or lost.Khleo left in front of me so I stood up to leave the office and go to the site. I said goodbye to my colleagues who were busy with their work so I continued to leave.When I left the office, I was greeted by a few citizens walking somewhere. There was also an ordinary carriage waiting there. This is the transport owned by the builders association. It is used whenever engineers and architects have a site visit."Good morning to you, Miss!" Topazio, who was driving the carriage, greeted me.I smiled at Topazio. "Good day too, Mr. Topazio." I greeted him back.He's been working with the builder's association for a long time as a coachman. It is trusted because it is good at its job. There has been no incident so I have confidence in him.I got into the ordinary carriage. This is an enclosed space with windows and doors. There are two pairs of two-seater sofas inside and red drapes.I sat comfortably and the carriage started running. I'm used to Caracass, but this place is so wide that I can't walk to the hospital. It will take me almost an hour by walking and that's a waste of time already. Unlike with a carriage, it will only take around twenty to thirty minutes.I didn't even bother to look outside. I just leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes. My head is throbbing due to stress. I haven't slept in a few days because of the blueprints I'm finishing. I work fast, but I'm given so many projects that it's hard to keep up.I tried to decline others since it's not appropriate to have an overload. I should accept jobs that will not jeopardize my time, but the Governor is pressuring the builder's association and the builder's association is pressuring us, Engineers. It's a domino effect and my time for my family is affected too.I am just lucky that Aiden is unlike ordinary kids who will create tantrums just to get some attention. Aiden will never do that. He will just quietly sit in a corner, reading his book and watching me while I work. He never bothers me if I'm busy. He's such a considerate child and sometimes, I wish he would act like a cute child. But I know I will never have that chance.As of now, everything is already prepared. In the next four years, Aiden will be sent to the mortal realm. There is already a family who will adopt him like their own. Grandpa said that it was his friend and they are willing to take Aiden in.But I am still worried, knowing that they are not our blood-related people. What if they will mistreat Aiden? But thinking about Aiden's traits, it's more like he will be the one who will torment them. They cannot easily bully my child with that personality of his.Aiden is already aware that he will leave soon. Even earlier, I told him the truth about what was going to happen. I don't like the way he doesn't know anything. After the day comes, he will be surprised because he will be away from us. I made sure that his emotional and mental state is prepared so he won't be too sad when he leaves. It might hurt him, but not as bad as concealing the truth from him.Aiden accepted those facts. He said that he understands the situation and he will not be a burden. I held back my tears when he hugged me and said I will cherish every moment while I still have you mommy. Don't cry...I am not sad, mommy...I will not be sad. But Aiden was shedding tears while saying that even though he tried to hide it from me.My heart seemed to be squeezed at that time. He was trying to say that he was okay, when the truth is, he wasn't. He may be mean to others but he will always be a sweet child to me. He will only let his guard down when he's around me. Aiden, my precious son. Even though I have seven years to prepare, I know my heart will never be ready for him to leave.I just opened my eyes when the carriage stopped. So I peeked outside and saw that we were in front of the hospital being built. The structure is almost done. It's made of arch and post design.I got off the carriage. I was immediately greeted by a head builder based on his attire."Miss Alessia, I am glad you have arrived." The head builder congratulated me. I nodded to him and did not speak. "I'll go with you—""Don't stop. I know you have a lot to do. I can go around. I'll just call a builder if I need something." I seriously promise the head builder. I don't want to bother him especially and I know he'll have some work left to do if he goes on tour with me. Time is running and I don't want him to waste it."But—""Please." I stopped him. So the head builder did nothing but follow what I wanted.It's gone so I can breathe freely. I like checking the site alone so I can concentrate. This is the reason why I studied the blueprint before going here. To be familiar with the runaround.So I started wandering around. I inspected every corner and floor. I frowned because I noticed something wrong with the design. The main problem is accessibility. It will take time to reach the other room. I took notes on the things that needed to be changed. The emergency room is also small. It will not be able to cater to a large number of people. This needs to be at least, 400 square meters.There are also deficiencies when it comes to toilets. I don't think it would be enough to have just one restroom on every floor. It should be at least four. I can only shake my head. How did this design pass even though it doesn't even reach the substandard design in the first place? Now I wonder who made this design.I don't think it's Khleo or Ales will create such a big mistake in the design. The design is indeed fancy, but it destroys the accessibility of the facility. But I have no idea who designed it. Usually, engineers are men. We're just two girls but I can't be with a girl. I'll just ask Ales later.So after I went around I looked at the landscape from the top of the building. It's beautiful, and I have nothing to criticize. The landscape planner is indeed a master. This can serve as a rehabilitation field.So after looking at the landscape I went down and left the building. I was walking down the aisle and reviewing my notes. I will go to the head builder to talk about the changes to be made to the building. I can't let the building be like this.While I was going through the list one by one, I stopped walking because of the noise from the distance. I looked up and saw there were a few guests who, based on their clothing, were in a high position. I just don't recognize them since I am not into politics."You can't interfere with my decision. I need the statue on this spot!" Shouted a man with long hair and a slight figure body. His belly fat is protruding."Chancellor, I know you want to place the statue, but it can't be here because—""I don't care! If you stop me, I'll think it's blasphemy against the king!" Chancellor's speech.I frowned because it was clear that the Chancellor and the head builder were arguing about a statue. That's why I quietly turned my gaze to a statue. It had a lid but it was slightly open so I could see what it was.It's a statue of the King. It's almost the same replica if this is not made of gold. It's shiny and extravagant. I uttered nothing looking at the statue. I felt nothing."But Chancellor, we can't destroy the engineer's plan. The king's statue can be placed, but not in the place you want." The head builder answered which only angered the Chancellor even more.So I couldn't stop myself from approaching them especially when the head builder was there who I needed to talk to. I didn't make any noise so they didn't notice me right away. They are seriously fighting over the placement of the statue."It's rude, but may I know what the problem is?" I promised when I got closer so the two stopped arguing.The builder already knew me so he bowed to me. The Chancellor, on the other hand, stopped and was surprised, but he recovered immediately and his smile widened as if he had seen something interesting."Good lady, I am the Chancellor of Caracass. It is pleasant to see such a beautiful beauty today." He promised. He looked at me with leering eyes.I felt disgusted but I didn't let it show on my face. I gave him my professional smile but it didn't reach the depths."Nice to meet you, Chancellor. May I know what you two are arguing about?" My smile did not falter so he confidently answered."This man." He pointed at the head builder. His smile has mockery and arrogance. "He is preventing me from putting the King's statue here. He doesn't know that I am one of the closest and most trusted by the king here in Caracass. The king wants to put his statue here but he doesn't want to agree." The Chancellor explained to me.Trusted? I don't think Elijah is capable of trusting anyone. This man is just currying favor from the King by doing this. Elijah may have turned into a Mad King, but he is not unreasonable as this."Miss, it's not that we're not allowed to put the statue up, but it's not in the plan yet and it's necessary—""Shut up! You're still making excuses!" The Chancellor shouted.The head builder stopped but it was obvious that he was holding back because of the anger in his jaws."Chancellor, it might be best if we just follow the head builder. I'm sure they have a better place planned to put the statue." I promised the Chancellor with a smile. I am trying to convince the Chancellor most peacefully, without shedding some blood.His leering stare and wide smile changed the moment I uttered those words. He looked offended. He felt I am taking the builder's true side."Are you saying I'm wrong?" His frown was pasted on his forehead. Pleasantry was gone.I shook my head. "I'm sorry if that's how it used to be for you, but it's better if we follow the head builder because they know this job better," I replied to him. I know he will be enraged after my remarks.His face crumpled. "What do you know about this job? You should shut up and then interfere with works intended for men. A woman like you doing in this area can tarnish your reputation." He responded rudely.I did not waver. I know his remarks are sexist, but this is common with these people. They have culture since ancient times, where women cannot work like men...more like women do not have the right to do so."Chancellor, you said that you know, so you must also understand what the head builder is aiming for. If the statue is placed here, it will only be a hindrance." I calmly explained to him. I didn't let my personal feelings exist."Who are you?! Why are you meddling here?! Get out of here because your meddling is useless!" He suddenly yelled at me. I saw that the head builder was surprised.I was not fazed by his show of anger. I know people will resolve everything by anger. They think if they will get angry, we will allow them to do what they want. They can get angry as long as they want but I am not letting them do what they want."Whoever I am, that is no longer important, Chancellor. If you will insist on putting the statue here, I am afraid it will be destroyed as it will be considered an obstruction." I explained to him. There was a smile on my lips, but that kind of smile was no longer pleasant.I saw that his face turned pale. I know that until now only those with high positions or those with blue blood could speak the Royal language. He might think that I am someone with a high position. The paleness of his face is the proof."Y-you can't break the king's favor." It's trying even though it's outnumbered and nervous.I flicked my finger. "They are not preventing the placement of the statue. They just want to have a proper plan for the perfect location. Don't blame the builders. Don't insist that it's the king's order. It's you who's insisting and making it difficult for the builders to do their job." I uttered with a blank expression. I didn't smile anymore and I didn't pretend to be happy anymore."You don't know enough to say that!" He shouted at me."He's the engineer on this project, Chancellor. If anyone here knows us better it's him." The head builder couldn't stop himself from replying.Shock appeared on the Chancellor's face. I know he didn't expect it."What?! How come to an Engineer is a woman?" He asked in disbelief. His voice is laced with discrimination."Is my gender have something to do with my line of work? A job is not determined by gender, but by my abilities. Now, put aside that statue. I will look for a proper location. Don't insist anymore, Chancellor. Your words have no power against us." I firmly promised him.I hate how he discriminates against me just because of my gender. I know this is the culture of ancient people, which I despise the most.The Chancellor was left gawking unable to believe that he had trashed my woman. By me.Alessia's POV"Head builder, everything that needs to be changed is here and listed. I will also talk to the architect who made the design because I will also change something. They will talk to you when the new design is ready." I told the head builder and handed him the paper that listed the things that needed to be changed. I also have a copy because I will revise the floor plan.The head builder immediately accepted that and looked at it. He was amazed at what he read. It does not think that in a short time, I will see what needs to be changed."Everything has a point. I can't believe this much had to be changed and the original floor plan maker didn't even notice it." He promised me and he seemed happy. Maybe it is happy because the mistake will be resolved. "It's funny because it's not easy that every time the doctor visits here, he always complains but doesn't say what needs to be changed."I smiled. "Maybe he doesn't know what to change either. All he knows is that there is so
Alessia's POVI heard someone arguing inside the office as soon as I entered the department. I just arrived at the office and everyone was already busy with their work. I am carrying the floor plan I revised last night.I sat in my chair facing the desk wondering. I looked at Ales and he gave me a meaningful look. They look like they are sitting in a chair with blades."You can't do this! This is my first design and I don't want a random stranger ruining my work!" I heard a woman scream from the Master Engineer's office. Her voice was laced with anguish and obviously, she was not happy about it.I looked up there. The office door was closed so I couldn't see who was talking. Its voice is not familiar to me. I don't get to meet all the engineers either, so naturally, I don't know everyone. Other engineers don't come in and just stay at home."This is not your first time, Nicola. We cannot proceed with your design who has a lot of loopholes. I did make an exception and passed it but we
Alessia's POVWe entered the office. I tried not to look at the blonde man sitting across the desk. I trained my eyes toward Apollo who' now sitting rigidly on the visitor's seat."Good morning, your excellency." The three of us greeted each other and bowed together.The prime minister didn't answer so I frowned and couldn't help to see why.I slightly glanced at the prime minister. His face right now is filled with surprise...while looking at me. It's not hard to imagine why he reacted that way. He recognized me and must have known that I had left the palace. I didn't know how to react either, so my expression remained blank.It looked away as if it had been burned and it stood up and suddenly bowed in front of the three of us. My eyebrows suddenly raised while Ales and Khleo were surprised.I can't help myself why the prime minister did that. He's a proud man and never bows to anyone, except to the King. Why did he bow?He cannot...no it's impossible that he bows because of me. Ther
Alessia's POVI finally got home and I didn't meet Aiden right away because I felt the various smells in the town stuck to me. I took a quick shower because I know Aiden is artistic when it comes to smell. He will flatly say that I smell bad and it will also hurt my feelings. Who would be happy to say they stink?I know I can't smell it, but it hurts to be told that your child stinks. After I showered, Papa came. When he was gone for a few days, I missed him."Dad?" I was so happy when I saw her in the living room and she was now holding Aiden and holding a toy. Aiden's face was passive and I don't even know if he likes the toy or not. But I guess, he doesn't like it since he prefers books over toys."Son, come here. I missed you and my grandson." Papa happily promised me. Aiden suddenly flinched like he was alarmed.I immediately approached and Aiden quickly loaded me."Grandpa, only I am allowed to kiss and hug mommy!" Alburuto of the little boy who now seems like an octopus wrapped
Alessia's POVI am now in front of my son here in the room. I got home a while ago and I waited for Marga and Aiden to get home because I was going to tell them about my departure.I wasn't sure how he would react, but I knew that eventually, he would understand what I was going to do."Mommy, don't stare at me like that. You're making me worry." Aiden commented poorly on me. His face is a little bit sad and thinking. "Are you sending me to the mortal realm earlier than expected?" His voice cracked and about to sob. A sudden pain in my heart flooded as soon as I saw his expression.I shook my head quickly. "No. I am not. Please don't think that way, Aiden." I quickly promised him. I don't know why he thought that. He knows that he will be going to the mortal realm once he's seven years old. There are still four years remaining. "I just want to tell you something important and I hope you'll understand me."Aiden nodded. "Just tell me, Mom." He still has a sad face. Somehow, he can tell
Alessia's POVWe felt cramped inside the carriage because of the overwhelming suitcases of Nicola. It followed us and simply placed the suitcases inside, layer by layer.We didn't complain because we knew that nothing sane would happen inside especially now that it was crowded. We won't be driving to Valencia. We are going to where the airship landed. It's a bit far from here and can't be walked especially since we're carrying a lot.We were all quiet inside. Nicola is also quiet even though there are traces of disgust at what is happening on her face. Ales and Khleo's faces couldn't be painted either, but the two didn't want to talk.I am also squeezed in here, but I won't complain. It's not like I'm going to die in here. It wasn't long before we arrived at our destination. The carriage stopped just short of the airship.Nicola immediately came down and we obeyed because we wanted to breathe easy. Ales and Khleo went down first, now holding their knees because their thighs hurt."I t
Alessia's POVNicola left and did not attempt to answer me. He seemed to wake up from what I said. I just hope he doesn't bother us anymore. It's hard on a trip if you're with someone you don't agree with. Often, a lot of wrong things happen if they do. We are here for work, not to compete for the position.Soon we reached the city of Valencia. We got up and went out of the Pantry and we watched the whole city while we were still in the air.Valencia is still almost unchanged. There are added structures but I still recognize the old Valencia I'm used to. It feels like I am riding a plane, looking down at old England. This is very city-like, unlike Samona, and far from Caracass or any other towns in Wysteria.I turned my eyes to the lofty palace of Valeria. Painted white and gold. If I remember correctly, it seems like the palace has its renovated. This is no longer the same as before. It's way more massive and intimidating.I gripped the baluster tightly. As we got closer and closer,
Alessia's POVThe pin-dropping silence makes me feel uncomfortable. I tried not to look in Stefano's direction, but it only added to my anxiety and it feels like my skin is starting to create some blisters. I want to run away, but my feet are glued in one place. I wanted to escape but I can't."Please have a seat, Lady Condor." Stefano formally promised me. I can't help changing because that's not what he calls me. I am not a noble by birth. Calling me a lady is like a mockery to the noble society. But what should I expect? Fondness? I left them no matter how he begged for me to stay. Naturally, he will treat me like a guest that he's not close with.I sat on the soft chair and said nothing. I can feel his stare bore into my very skin. The pressure inside the room is not helping either."How are you, Lady Condor?" He asked me. His voice is laced with formality with no other hint of emotion. The playful Stefano that I am used to, I cannot trace it as of the moment."I've been well, my