Chapter 72: Coins and Work
Caelen sat at his desk, sketching ideas for a new machine, when Zira knocked on his door.
She stepped in, looking serious. Her usual bright tone was gone.
"We need to talk."
Caelen leaned back in his chair. "What's wrong?"
Zira crossed her arms. "Some villagers aren't helping. They just sit around, eat, and do nothing."
He blinked. "What? I thought everyone was pitching in."
"I thought so too," she said. "But I asked Garin to check. He said it's worse than we thought."
Right then, Garin arrived at the door, holding a clipboard. His expression was tired.
"I counted," Garin said. "Over twenty people eat three meals a day... and haven't lifted a finger in days."
Caelen scratched the back of his head. "No building, no farming, no cleaning?"
"Nothing," Garin said. "They just expect food to appear."