It was another day in the village that lately was a little more lively than usual.

Most of the climate in this section of the world depends on the current from the far east.

It travels a long way from one side of the continent to the other, carrying the cold with it.

This year however it was lacking, it wasn’t as freezing as the previous season of winter.

There was perhaps a reason why this is happening, but humans couldn’t really tell.

For them it was simply a matter of having to spend more outside or less time chopping wood.

But the fuel for the fireplace and resupplying their kitchens wasn’t the only reason why people frequent the market lately.

There was also something happening, like a famous, important person came to the village.

It was a man with a cylinder hat and a frock, a gentleman and a businessman.

He was someone people wanted to ask about the coal, and he gave some answers.

But before everyone was able to inquire at least a single question, the man vanished.

Instead of him, there were two little girls, dressed in warm clothes, handing out a newspaper.

“Take the paper, mister. It has all the information on coal!” Minorta tells the old man.

“Here, this cost only a penny.” Ellien tells a woman.

“This might solve your heating problems, almost free paper!” Minorta waves her hand.

“We provide fresh news.” Ellien looks around the market.

It is a successful day for the two girls who managed to attract attention to them.

“I knew people would buy the paper.” Minorta says.

“It was quite so, different from the last venture.” Ellien tells her.

“At least people can use this instead of just throwing it away to moulder.” Minorta jokes.

“It is better if they read it first.” Ellien sighs.

“Then again, you are correct. The paper only comes once in a month.” Minorta nods.

“And we are lucky that we managed to convince the man to distribute it.” Ellien adds. “He wasn’t quite eager to handle it for free.”

“It’s true that he was cautious of us.” Minorta says. “But I suppose he had not much of an alternative since he left in a hurry. Ellien, what do you think?”

“I believe the man was already paid. It is a government job after all.” Ellien responds.

“Is it really so? Then I feel terrible for making people pay twice.” Minorta realises, feeling a little sorry for the readers.

In the passing, there is also another person who was working diligently by spreading the news.

It was a little white haired girl who donned a veil and wore nun-like clothes, despite her not being one.

She also had a paper she distributed among the populace of this village.

Her however came from the church, or at least was supported officially by donations.

“Oh the surprise! I see that you two came for the exchange?” Acculina says to the other two, waving from afar.

“It is a free market after all.” Minorta giggles.

“Oh hello Acculina. It is a good day today to be seeing you.” Ellien turns.

“What is this paper you are carrying?” The white haired girl asks as she approaches the two.

“It’s about coal. You want one? It’s only a penny.” Minorta asks.

“No it’s fine, it’s no news for me that this is a fuel for many.” Acculina jokes, holding her paper as if she was about to put it into the fireplace.

“It’s more effective than wood I heard.” Minorta adds.

“And some told me it leaves less soot to clean up later too, since the blackness leaves through the chimney.” Ellien states.

“Well frankly, the church doesn’t write about this coal business.” Acculina says. “Instead you find only credible information.”

“One that makes the credit goes back to the church?” Minorta jokes.

The three friends giggle a little from the comment that the blond girl made.

Then, they start making small talk and exchanging information about some issues.

Despite they were in clear business competition, they ignored that division,

and simply enjoyed their time together while the kind words helped them heat up in the cold.

“So how are the matters at the church?” Minorta asks.

“Besides the work the pastor gave me, nothing ever happens.” Acculina complains. “I am only happy when the sister asks me to read for her.”

“Though you get visitors in the library, correct?” Ellien asks.

“Besides you Ellien I would not say I do.” Acculina replies. “I should at least look into books that were not returned yet, but I don’t want to be rude and walk door to door to see who actually has the book that was lent.”

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“That’s troublesome, yes.” Ellien nods.

“You understand, they borrow from neighbour to neighbour and the book ends up in another village all of the sudden.” Acculina adds. “Besides, I still have a lot left I need to care of at the library. Which reminds me, I have to cover the entrance with a cloth since the wind blows the snow inside.”

“You can use your paper instead.” Minorta suggests.

“If I did that the priest would get angry!” Acculina exclaims. “He has his ways to check if I was actually selling it properly.”

“And you get paid? How much?” Minorta abruptly inquires.

“Efficiently nothing. All money goes for the poor.” Acculina smiles. “You see this old man sitting on the bench over there?”

“That old man who plays with children, shows them tricks and hands out sweets?” Ellien asks, looking at the lone old man sitting on the bench.

“That is the man watching me.” Acculina explains. “If I don’t give him my earnings the priest will know.”

“So the issue is that he will go to the church, and if he doesn’t donate, then the priest will know you didn’t give him any money? “ Minorta tilts her head.

“I recall this kind man from my even childhood. He would do that.” Ellien states. “But Acculina, why not just directly give the priest your earnings?”

“That’s not how the market works!” Acculina punts. “There are certain procedures that I have to follow.”

Despite hiding their giggling with their hands, the two girls emphasised with the white haired church worker.

For them there is also a tax they will have to pay next time the newspaper delivery comes.

However, it’s not much, and it’s based on total sales, which are going smoothly.

Before noon the three girls at the market sold most of the newspaper supply, if not all.

Their pockets are now full with coins which they can buy bread and other rations.

Acculina however is a little jealous that the two of her friends get to keep their earnings,

as she approaches the old man and drops pennies into his hat with a brief crusty.

The grandpa then shakes his head, reaches into his hat and hands some of the coins back to Acculina.

“Oh you shouldn’t have. I didn’t work that hard.” Acculina says to the man.

But he insisted, albeit not saying a word, and the white haired girl had to accept it.

“Aren’t you glad now Acculina?” Ellien asks her. “You can buy a loaf from that at least.”

“Heavens forbid the catastrophe when the priest finds out about that.” Acculina holds her hand together. “Bringing in bread into the household is a virtue, but having to spend the money of the poor is out of favour.”

“Or you can buy sweets and eat them now, free from retribution.” Minorta giggles.

“But then everyone would know!” Acculina states. “Suppose even if I do hide it from everyone, there is still the Goddess. As an aspiring nun I can’t allow myself to turn to sin.”

“Then you are missing out.” Minorta says. “I was thinking if we all could pool our money to buy some for us three.”

“I’m sorry Minorta, I can’t afford delicacies now.” Ellien mentions.

“It’s your family you are worried about, right?” Minorta asks.

“That is so, you have to wait for another day Minorta.” Ellien tells her.

After talking for a while about what the three girls are going to do with the money they earned.

The green haired girl starts talking about her family and what happened at her house.

“The doctor visited us the other day.” Ellien mentions. “The one that the priest mentioned.”

“I heard of this.” Acculina joins the conversation. “Did he bother your family Ellien?”

“There was no issue, truly.” Ellien calms her down. “When he examined the house he mentioned that this place is a perfect location for bugs to make their nests. How would any of them survive in winter though?”

“I understand that was his health concern, though?” Acculina adds.

“Yes, he mentioned that and the holes in the walls, ceiling and floor.” Ellien continues. “And because of that we ought to vacate if possible. That is not happening during winter and with our income.”

“But he was a doctor, right?” Acculina tilts her head.

“As he was looking for the cause of my father’s health he examined every detail.” Ellien says. “I couldn’t enter so I only heard the results from my father. He said that the doctor told him he has a condition in his lungs and she should remain in a warm place.”

“Is that condition something malicious?” Acculina asks.

“All I know is that father was well and did recover.” Ellien shrugs. “He is supposed to watch his health since the next outbreak could be fatal.”

“Fatal? Oh Goddess!” Acculina exclaims.

“Please don’t worry so much Acculina.” Minorta calms her down.

“Minorta is right.” Ellien nods. “The doctor said his previous episode halted his lungs and that’s why we thought we could notice his pulse and thought he died.”

However, that’s not what happened to the eyes of the blond haired girl.

She knew that it was the wind spirit who caused the commotion and the turbulence that followed.

Yet, right now she can’t say that since it would be improper to do so.

But also, she doesn’t really believe that if she would, she would convince Acculina.

“In any case I better be going. I see you at the church.” Acculina runs off with a wink.

Before the two girls would head back to the market, they notice a lady walking down the street.

“Isn’t this Pyrie’s mother?” Ellien notices.

“That must be her. Let’s meet her.” Minorta suggests.

Before the madam can turn her head, the two little girls are already close to her.

They greet her and ask about the whereabouts of her friend, who is enjoying her winter break.

“Good afternoon madam.” Minorta bows to her.

“Good afternoon.” Beamortha bows back.

“We apologise for taking your time madam, but we are Pyrie’s friends.” Ellien says. “My name is Ellien and this here is Minorta.”

“It is my pleasure.” Beamortha replies. “Now what you two lovely misses would want to know about my darling?”

“I suppose if she is fine and when will she will be back.” Ellien explains.

“Of course, she is the hands of Francishies. It is a good house.” Beamortha states. “As for the date I am not able to say much. I do suppose she might come for the next mass and that’s when you can met her.”

“Is that true? Then I can’t simply wait.” Minorta says excited.

“Now that you will excuse me young ladies, I have to be going.” Beamortha bobs and excuses herself.

The two girls, happy that they received some information about her friend, started thinking.

There must be something they are able to do for Pyrie, despite them being poor.

“What if we asked to join us on the lake?” Minorta suggests. “My brother started fishing there. We can bring ice skates, and she is the same size as me!”

“The one near the church?” Ellien tilts her head.

“Let’s cook dinner for her!” Acculina suddenly shows up.

Hearing that voice the two girls almost jumped from the surprise. The nun girl however,

tilts her head, not being aware of her impact before bursting in a laugher a while later.

The three friends then discuss the plan a little more in detail while walking.

It appears that whenever Pyrie wants it or not she will have to accept her fate.

Also Ellien will make sure she relates the plan to her mother, since she should know too.

But at the moment, the lady in question vanished, nowhere to be found.

In reality she is discussing her own plan of the modernization of the village.

“The idea is to let the people decide first, that's the basis of clientele creation.” Beamortha says. “Tell them how good is coal, how better it is, how easier their life is if they no longer need to chop down wood. I did even mention I would lower their land tax if they buy in bulk.”

“Then the campaign is progressing well? Better than that bakery I suppose.” A voice of man says.

“Of course I had the newspaper deliver the news.” Beamortha continues. “The owner of the bakery doesn’t interest me, it’s the millman who has to pay taxes for land. And speaking of that, have you prepared the documents?”

“There are in this file. I hope you recall the agreement?” The man asks.

“To reiterate, I don’t believe that many of the villagers would even understand what a railroad is.” Beamortha sighs. “This is why I will tell them about the plan to build the station here first. Afterwards I will state that I’m going to do everything in my power to redirect it outside of the farmland grounds.”

“And that will earn your favour. But do remember we did agree to the first option.” The man points out.

“That is what I intend. As soon as I manage to convince them to coal they will start thinking like capitalists.” Beamortha states. “After that it is only a matter of time they will desire work, so I will build factories. They will desire more goods, so I will make the village into a town, with the cargo coming from the railroad. Then they acknowledge the station was the right choice, despite them being against it at first.”

“But why do you do that? What is your reason?” The man asks.

“Simply because I find that, for others, it is hard to understand the benefits of capitalism.” Beamortha explains. “There is a predisposition in humans that makes them accept the world they learn from books, parents or friends. Yet, the realism of that is not set in stone. If they only want, people can make their domain into whatever they wish for. All they have to do is to not accept the truth others believe in and simply follow their ideals.”

The people can create their own truth, their own world, in spite of what the majority says.

This is what the woman, who got wrongly accused for unfaithfulness, assumes.