Chapter 2

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.