As the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon of Jola Island, the faint but rhythmic ticking of a clock resonated from the blacksmith’s workshop. It was a sound foreign to this era yet full of promise, a harbinger of progress born from sleepless dedication.

  At the heart of the workshop sat a small metal box, its coiled spring unwinding with precision, driving the intricate gears within. The prototype was simple, with only hour markings on its face, but its significance far outweighed its modest design. The hands of the clock moved steadily, a testament to the persistence of its creators.

  In a quiet corner of the workshop, Ravenna and Marie observed the marvel with keen interest. Marie’s eyes sparkled as she watched the clock tick away, her amazement almost palpable.

  “Master... it really moves on its own,” she said, her voice filled with awe. “It was so worth waiting overnight for the blacksmiths to complete this.”

  Ravenna nodded, her lips curling into a rare smile as she watched the girl’s excitement. “Indeed,” she replied softly, her gaze briefly shifting to the tired but proud blacksmiths who had poured their hearts into the project.

  The workshop was alive with a quiet sense of triumph. The blacksmiths, covered in soot and sweat, stood nearby, their exhaustion overshadowed by the pride of their accomplishment. They had worked tirelessly through the night, fixing mistakes, fine-tuning the mechanism, and ensuring the clock would function as intended.

  Rather than her usual sharp critique or demanding remarks, Ravenna surprised everyone by addressing them with warmth. “Good work, everyone,” she said, her tone carrying an uncharacteristic gentleness. “You’ve all earned a much-needed rest. Please make sure to take care of yourselves.”

  The blacksmiths exchanged startled glances, clearly unprepared for such praise. Nille, the head blacksmith, managed a hesitant response. “Ah... yes, Your Highness. Thank you,” he stammered, bowing slightly before signaling his team to pack up.

  Ravenna’s smile lingered as she watched them shuffle out, their steps heavy but their spirits high. This was more than a mechanical clock—it was the first of its kind in this world, a groundbreaking innovation crafted not with the complex weight-driven escapement mechanisms like the first clocks on Earth but with a simpler spring escapement design. Its creation was no less impressive.

  The successful crafting of a spring mechanism opened a world of possibilities. Springs were a marvel in their own right, with potential applications spanning far beyond timekeeping. Ravenna envisioned automating labor-intensive tasks, streamlining production.

  This project was just the first step. Once her plans for a steam engine came to fruition, the possibilities for innovation would expand exponentially. The groundwork was being laid for a revolution in industry and daily life.

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  Marie’s voice interrupted her musings. “Master,” the girl began, her tone tinged with curiosity, “will we be making a lot more of these? To align schedules across the island?”

  Ravenna glanced at Marie, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “Eventually, yes,” she replied. “But this clock is just the start. It’s a teaching tool as much as it is an invention. The blacksmiths now have experience working with springs, which will be crucial for future projects. Timekeeping is important, but there’s more we can do. Imagine machines that can assist in farming, weaving, or even construction. This clock is the first step toward making those dreams a reality.”

  Marie’s eyes widened at that, her imagination running wild with the vision Ravenna painted though she didn’t know how.

  Meanwhile Jola Island, Northern Coastline

  As the first light of dawn kissed the northern coastline of Jola Island, the fishermen stirred to life. The soft glow of the rising sun illuminated the waves, casting shimmering reflections that danced upon the waters. Torches, still burning from the night’s labor, flickered in the cool morning breeze. Slowly, the fishermen moved to extinguish them, their work now lit by the sun’s golden rays.

  It was time to check the nets. Men waded into the shallow waters, their boots splashing against the tide as they began the arduous task of reeling in the heavy, waterlogged nets. Grunts of effort filled the air, mingling with the gentle crash of waves. Horses were brought forward to aid the effort, their muscles straining against the weight as the nets were dragged inch by inch closer to shore.

  Suddenly, the tension in the ropes increased, and a collective murmur of excitement spread among the fishermen. “We actually caught them!” someone shouted. The anticipation grew as the first glimmers of scales broke the surface.

  With a final heave, the nets came ashore, revealing the bounty of Mira Fish, the magical beasts with large, boar-sized bodies. Their shimmering scales reflected shades of silver and blue, and their purple eyes glowed faintly in the morning light. The creatures thrashed and flipped on the sand, their powerful tails leaving marks on the ground.

  Knives on the net worked, keeping them in place as the fishermen swiftly worked to secure the catch, cutting through the nets and ensuring none of the precious fish escaped. As the Mira Fish were hauled ashore, the catch grew even more impressive. Maverick Fish, as large as horses, emerged next. Their formidable front scales gleamed like polished armor, while their oddly shaped, paddle-like tails slapped against the ground in defiance.

  “Oh, my goddess Herptian! There are so many of them!” exclaimed Richard, his voice filled with awe as the fishermen continued to pull more fish from the sea. Around him, smiles bloomed on every face. It was a rare sight among them for months, a catch of this magnitude meant prosperity for the island.

  Meanwhile, Hughes, standing among the knights overseeing the operation, turned to assess the preparations for preserving the haul. “I’ll check on the ice,” he said, striding purposefully toward the cave with several knights in tow.

  The small cave entrance was sealed with thick wooden doors to maintain its icy interior. As the knights unlatched and swung the doors open, a burst of cold air greeted them, cutting through the warmth of the morning. Inside, pots filled with water had frozen solid overnight, thanks to the ingenious cooling techniques employed. Hughes inspected the frozen containers, satisfied with the results.

  “Alright, everyone!” Hughes barked as he stepped back outside, his voice carrying authority. “Bring out the iron boxes the blacksmiths crafted. We’ll pack the ice and fish together to preserve as much as we can. The rest of the fish needs to be smoked and salt-dried. Move quickly! We don’t have much time before the sun starts warming things up!”

  “Yes, Captain!” the knights replied in unison, their voices echoing off the cave walls as they sprang into action.