After Grandpa takes care of the logistics, ensuring the massive fan structure will be safely shipped to the palace later by a squad of royal guards, the three of us step out of Master Borin's workshop.
The atmosphere in the lower forge district has distinctly shifted; several faces are now curiously waiting along the sides of the path, watching us with intense, quiet interest.
As we walk, I look from side to side, giving tiny, deliberate nods and a gentle, completely harmless smile. See? I don't bite! Just then, my eyes catch a familiar face from that fateful evening—the same woman with the loaf of bread and the child.
I sneak a glance at Grandpa to confirm my suspicion. He gives me a subtle, knowing nod. I look back at her as she stands near the edge of the path, her baby still held tightly in her arms. Pheww, they're still surviving...
I send a soft, warm smile her way as we pass.
