"Good." Dorian said, his voice calm but laced with satisfaction. "What about the commoners?"
"The city guards have been instructed to hand out small tokens—bread, dried fruits, copper coins. Nothing extravagant, but enough to make them feel included."
Now Dorian turned, meeting Maria's gaze.
"Excellent work, Maria."
She bowed slightly.
"It's my duty, my lord."
As she left, Seraphina entered, her arms crossed over her chest.
"The seamstresses are exhausted. Half of them collapsed from overwork today."
Dorian raised an eyebrow.
"Did you pay them extra?"
"Triple." Seraphina confirmed.
"Then they'll be fine." Dorian said dismissively, turning back to the view. "What about you? Are you ready for tomorrow?"
Seraphina stepped up beside him, following his gaze.
"I'm always ready. But I have to admit, even I'm impressed. You've turned this entire city into something out of a fairy tale."
Dorian's lips curled into a smirk.
"A profitable fairy tale."
Seraphina snorted.
