I wake up in the morning and the birds are chirping in the nearby trees. As whom I suspect to wake me up. Whereas the feeling of slightly cold inside of my personal chamber. It's the end of the winter, the spring air gusts to my nostrils and is still fresh as I breathe it in gratefully, implying: "Oh lord, I am thankful." as I bellow at the top of my lungs. The smell of the new beginning of the year brightens my mood and I take a deep breath in. I can hear the birds singing in unison beat in the trees and feel a gentle breeze on my face as I walk. It’s the time of year when the sun is warm but the wind still carries a chill. Of course, I often stay in this shack and living in the castle seems unsettling since my complex of inferiority is relapsing. This medal showcasing, hanging on my wall is nothing but a mere decoration. I have not accomplished yet anything. 'The Medal of Frugality' displays one of the very first achievements established in this nation, however, it is one of the menial feats that a man or a woman could be attained in the highest possible way. I lace on my boots and head out to the mines, my backpack filled with pick axes and equipment that I’ve been tasked with carrying out in my hands. I feel a little nervous, but also excited to be out in nature and doing something meaningful. I've done this before. Yes, Guan, you are already skilled in this one. There is nothing worry about… hehe.
The path to the mines winds through a forest full of vibrant colors and beautiful birdsong. I take my time, savoring every second of being surrounded by nature’s beauty. Eventually, I make my way to the mines, where I start to desire digging for the ores. I yet at least have reached my destination as the howling wind roars in a subtle gust around my face. The sun steadily climbs higher in the sky as I meet up with my work buddies, warming me despite the chill of the air.
"The mister frugal is here!" one of the crew exclaims, presenting my presence to others.
I smile: "Yeah, yeah. Last time, we only got half the requested which twenty-five sacks of ore. And right now, we are tasked to do the remaining multiplying it by thrice." and as I try to elaborate the situation.
"So, seventy-five, all in all? Isn't it that true, Lord Guan?" questions the man who is probably new to this job, as right away I nod my head.
Albeit; the work, this task is difficult. There’s something peaceful about carrying out this hard work. All of the sweat dripping down on my forehead relieves me outside of my zone. I'm up as the sun still shines so bright, loading up my cart with ore from the local mine. The weather is warm and inviting, but I'm too focused on my work to take much notice. The crew takes note of the glistening rays of the sun.
I wheel my cart through the winding paths of the forest until I reach a particularly steep hill. Well, caves do have bumps like this within this dungeon. My cart lurches forward as I push it up, but a few more steps later I come to a stop in front of a large cave entrance. Yes, and another cave - as one of the other entrances inside a cave. This is where I'll unload today's haul. It's the start of spring and everyone is out in the fields, carrying baskets of ore from the mines. The sun is shining and birds are singing, and it's a pleasant middle of the day for hard work. The sounds and rays from the outside reflect and resonate inside this cave. What a strange dungeon, it is. The other miners and I march on with bright smiles, occasionally stopping to take in the beautiful sights that surround us. It may be an enclosed hole in this dungeon but man, those ores sticking to the walls and the product we harbor are glistening, glowing through this dark and dim atmosphere! Move, move, move as one as if we've been doing this our entire lives. Work, work, and work really does a hit to my bones and to my flesh.
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The cave is cool and damp, but it's still a relief from the heat outside. The ores are still heavy in my basket, but now they feel the weight of a feather when I am about to head my way to the rendezvous. I unload as quickly as possible, thankful for this reprieve from the sun's rays. As I finish up and make my way out of the cave, I pause for a moment and take in the view - the trees are alive with color, reminding me that life can be beautiful even after the slumber of the season. Spring really is the start of a new beginning, a new life!
I am walking home, carrying a heavy load of ores in my basket. The sun is still up but it's starting to set. I am feeling exhausted from a long day of work, but the good weather and the beautiful sceneries around me make me forget the fatigue.
We break into a run and make our way home, hoping to make it before the dark arises and the sun sets. A river is flowing nearby, making its way through the meadow. As we stop for a bit before we reach our destination, we are greeted with happy faces along the way. We part way with the ones whom I am working with in the mines.
"Tomorrow, Lord Guan?" he tries, as he wants the reply of my assurance.
"Yes, tomorrow. Don't be late like earlier!" I laugh and they also follow me tittering, as I make a head to my shack.
As I make my way back home, I'm greeted by a beautiful sunset, shining its pink-orange hues across the sky. There's something special about this time of day that lifts my spirits even more - it reminds me of how far I've come and how hard I have been working throughout this season. I might be a recognized noble but I do enjoy playing a bit of a hard working role.
The smell of the moist earth and wildflowers fills my senses, reminding me of all we have to be thankful for. Every step I take brings joyous anticipation for the upcoming feast in my house at night. As time passes, the sun starts setting over the horizon, casting a golden hue over everything. I might be alone for tonight, well, at least: "Thank you for these wonderful gifts, everyone! Especially Lady Anda!" howling at the top of my lungs. As what a mad man would do, follying and speaking to himself like crazy. I cheer in delight at the sight of it - tonight will be a night to remember!