Starting Today I'll Work As A City Lord

"Shoosshhh~~~"

The wind howled fiercely, causing the tall trees to sway wildly as branches whipped through the air like frantic whips. 

The houses of Sedona City stood resolutely against the blanket of white snow, enduring the biting northwest wind that whistled through the streets, producing a sharp and piercing sound that echoed across the landscape.

"It's really cold, Father. You don't need to come out with me; you can stay home," Steve said, holding an oil-paper umbrella above Max's head as they trudged through the snow. "I can notify everyone on my own."

Steve was bundled in thick fur clothing, yet he still felt the chill seep into his bones. His father, much older and more fragile, walked in the snow alongside him. 

Today, a sudden heavy snowfall blanketed the town, and Steve had to visit the homes of his students to inform their families that the academy was canceled. If he didn't, those diligent families would undoubtedly send their children to academy, and if anyone caught a cold or got sick, the consequences could be dire.

Despite Lucas's efforts to lower the prices of linen and fur clothing in Sedona City, many residents still struggled to afford sufficient warm clothing. It was common to see families huddled together, trying to conserve heat during these bitterly cold days.

"Really, it's fine. I'm used to the cold, and I need to make sure everyone knows." Steve insisted, trying to sound more confident than he felt. 

Max, his father, shook his head, his white beard frosted with ice crystals. "You're my son; it's my responsibility to ensure you're safe. Besides, this is a good opportunity for me to stretch my legs."

The two continued onward, navigating through the snowdrifts that piled up around their ankles. As they approached the first house, Steve felt a sense of determination. He was doing this not just for his own education, but for the well-being of his friends and community.

"Father, you taught me the importance of looking out for others, right?" Steve said, trying to lighten the mood. "I can't let them freeze just because I'm too lazy to knock on a few doors."

Max chuckled softly, pride swelling in his chest. "That's the spirit! But don't forget to take care of yourself, too. It's important to lead by example."

They reached the first house, a small but cozy abode with smoke curling up from the chimney. Steve knocked on the door, and it opened almost immediately, revealing the worried face of a mother.

"Steve! What brings you out in this weather?" She exclaimed, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders.

"Hello, Auntie! I just wanted to let you know that the academy is canceled today because of the snow. It's too dangerous for the children to be out in this weather." Steve explained, his voice steady despite the cold.

"Oh, thank you for telling us! I was worried about whether I should send them or not." She said, visibly relieved. "I'll make sure they stay inside."

With each house they visited, Steve felt a warmth spreading within him, knowing that he was making a difference, however small. After they finished notifying all the families, Steve suggested they return home to warm up with some hot soup.

"Let's get you something to eat; you'll need your strength for tomorrow." Steve said as they headed back, the snow crunching underfoot.

As they walked, the wind began to die down, and the sun peeked through the clouds, illuminating the snowy landscape in a gentle glow. For a moment, everything felt peaceful and serene, a reminder that even in the coldest of winters, warmth could still be found in the hearts of those who cared for one another.

"When do you plan to notify everyone?" Max stubbornly shook his head. "Look at Miss Helen; she's just a girl, and she isn't complaining. What am I, an old man, afraid of?"

Helen walked ahead. She had woken up frozen this morning and, seeing the snowfall, immediately thought of the children who needed to go to the academy. So, she sought out Steve to discuss canceling the academy for the day or waiting until the snow stopped.

Max trudged laboriously through the snow, which had accumulated overnight to knee-deep levels on the main road.

"But…" Steve wanted to say, "Father, you're getting older; you're not a young man anymore." but Max shot him a glare that silenced him.

"This winter doesn't feel as painful as before." Max said, looking at the houses lining the street, a comforting smile spreading across his face.

In previous years, many houses, which weren't stable, had been collapsed by heavy snow. But this year was completely different; most people had moved into cement houses invented by Lucas.

Even the orphanage where Mary and the others lived was now in a solid building made by Lucas. This year, everyone wouldn't have to endure the cold and wait to freeze to death outside.

"Old man, you should go back. There aren't many families left to notify; you don't want to catch a chill," Helen advised, turning her head to persuade him. "You'll wear yourself out, and then the young master will blame me."

"No way! I've been through five snowy winters, and this is the sixth. Haven't I been just fine?" Max waved his hand, saying, "Let's hurry up; otherwise, those children will be heading out soon."

"Hey yo, hey yo…"

After the three of them trudged along for a while, they heard synchronized shouts coming from ahead.

As they got closer, they saw Aiden leading a group of people shoveling snow to clear the road. The soldiers, dressed in thick fur clothing, were wielding shovels, pushing the snow off the main road to the sides.

"Eh? Isn't that Teacher Helen, Teacher Steve, and Clerk Max? What are you all doing here?" Aiden put down his shovel and called out.

"Greetings, Deputy Chief Aiden." The three of them greeted him in return.

"We're going to notify the children that there's no academy's class today." Steve replied.

At the elementary academy, the main teachers were Steve and Helen, with Helen set to become the academy principal, as she was being trained for the role by Lucas.

"I see. In that case, the road behind should be a bit easier to walk on." Aiden said, turning to look at the section of road that had already been cleared of snow.

"That's wonderful!" Helen said cheerfully. She turned to Steve and said, "Teacher Steve, I'll go to the orphanage to notify the children."

"Alright, I'll go notify Dale from the Joe merchant's family. Let's take care of the other two houses on the way." Steve nodded, noting that there were only three or four houses left.

"Thank you for your help." Helen said, giving a polite bow.

"Let's hurry." Max urged.

"Then I'll be on my way." Helen nodded and, folding her oil-paper umbrella, began to jog toward the orphanage.

"How nice." Max remarked as he watched Helen disappear into the distance. "Miss Helen is truly kind-hearted."

"Indeed." Steve agreed, and then they set off in the direction of a nearby neighborhood, which was relatively affluent, with most of the residents being merchants.

When Steve knocked on the door of the Joe family, he was surprised to see Dale, who was preparing to leave with a burlap bag slung over his shoulder.

"Eh? Teacher Steve? What brings you here? I was just about to go to the academy," Dale exclaimed in surprise.

"Please, come in and have a seat, Teacher Steve." Joe quickly invited upon seeing him.

"No, thank you. I'm here to let Dale know that he doesn't need to go to the academy today. If the snow doesn't get too heavy, we'll go back to the academy later." Steve replied, waving his hand.

"Huh? Why aren't we going to the academy? I was looking forward to hearing about Sun Wukong fighting the White Bone Demon!" Dale pouted upon hearing the news.

"Dale, don't be rude." Joe reprimanded.

"It's fine." Steve waved his hand, speaking gently. "Well then, I must be on my way. I need to notify the other children."

"Won't you have a cup of hot water?" Joe asked politely.

"No, I'll save that for my next home visit." Steve said as he glanced at Dale, a smile in his voice.

"Home visit?" Dale looked confused, intrigued by the term.

Joe looked a bit confused, turning to Dale with a serious expression. "So, tell me, what have you been doing at the academy?"

"I didn't do anything." Dale replied, shrinking his neck. He recalled the test he took yesterday and wondered if he had done poorly.

"Really?" Joe frowned, feeling that things weren't that simple.

The reason he enrolled Dale in the academy in Sedona City was because, by chance, he had passed by and heard the sounds of reading coming from inside—so logical and articulate. Compared to the tutor they had at home, the academy was far better, so he insisted on getting Dale enrolled.

At first, Dale didn't want to go to academy, but Joe didn't understand what magic the academy had; it somehow made Dale go to academy on time every day and even complete his homework obediently when he got home.

"Really." Dale blinked his innocent big eyes, thinking to himself that he could never admit that he only went to academy to hear stories.

"Alright. Just behave yourself, and your sister will be arriving soon." Joe said, ruffling Dale's hair. He figured the letter he had sent to the capital should be arriving any day now.

"Huh? That demon... sister is coming?" Dale shuddered. His sister, who was highly intelligent and beautiful but loved to tease him, was coming here? Didn't that mean his good days were over?

"Watch your language. What do you mean 'demon'? She's just joking around with you," Joe lightly tapped Dale on the head.

"Joking??" 

Dale rolled his eyes, recalling the time she had playfully threatened to shave his head with a knife.

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