On the morning of the 11th, Owen's day started the same as the days before; first he took a shower, then got dressed. After that, he had a large breakfast with sausage, bacon, and eggs. Next, Owen and Sabith headed out to the city, with Owen doing the ordering and Sabith handling the logistics.
As they strolled through the bustling streets, the town came alive with a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents. The chatter of townsfolk intermingled with the rhythmic clattering of hooves from passing carriages. Delicious aromas wafted from nearby bakeries, enticing them at every corner. Their minds buzzed with ideas, sketching out visions of a bank that balanced functionality with refined elegance. The day brimmed with the promise of collaboration and creativity, a chance to bring these visions to life through partnerships with talented local artisans.
Their first destination was the carpenter's workshop. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of freshly cut wood and the satisfying clatter of tools at work. Their goal: to commission wooden furniture and structural elements, ranging from desks and chairs to intricate door frames and detailing. Owen expressed his desire for craftsmanship that embodied elegance and durability. The bank's interior had to exude professionalism while maintaining a welcoming warmth. After a detailed discussion, they finalized the materials and labor requirements.
The wood chosen was high-quality spruce from the local forest, and the labor involved ten master carpenters who would work for 192 hours, or 8 hours a day, until the bank's opening. The carpenter calculated the total cost, which amounted to 24 Ran and 2000 Thal. Their confidence and expertise assured Owen that the final pieces would be nothing short of exceptional.
Next, they visited the tailor's workshop to coordinate upholstery and textile accents for the bank. Custom-designed covers, cushions, and pillows were key to enhancing both comfort and style. Every detail, from fabric texture to color schemes, was carefully considered to ensure harmony with the overall aesthetic. The tailor's meticulous attention to their specifications promised a seamless integration of these elements into the bank's interior.
Their journey continued to Leo's, a renowned tailoring establishment known for its exceptional craftsmanship. Here, Owen placed an ambitious order for 1,000 staff uniforms, designed with both practicality and sophistication in mind.
Suits: Black overcoats and undercoats tailored for elegance.
Pants: Black suit pants designed for a precise fit.
Shoes: Formal black dress shoes, polished to perfection.
Embroidered Logo: Each overcoat bore the text "Bank of Apollo", embroidered with a magical thread for durability and vibrancy.
To complement the attire, Owen envisioned golden pocket watches engraved with a sun motif, symbolizing wealth and precision. These watches would feature elegant chains, adding a touch of grandeur to the uniforms. Leo's craftsmanship and reputation reassured Owen that the uniforms would meet his high standards. The total cost for this extensive order came to 28 Ran.
Finally, they visited Andrew, a skilled watchmaker renowned in the community. His workshop was a sanctuary of precision, filled with the rhythmic ticking of timepieces. They commissioned 1,000 golden pocket watches, each paired with a matching chain. The design emphasized both function and artistry, aligning perfectly with the bank's prestigious image. The total for this monumental order was 98 Ran 4812 Thal, a reflection of the quality and craftsmanship involved. Andrew assured them that every piece would be meticulously crafted to their specifications.
With all his shopping completed and Sabith ensuring the logistics for the workers and materials were seamlessly arranged, Owen turned his focus to the next critical task. Coordination was key to ensuring every team knew their responsibilities, and the upcoming specialist's role inside the bank needed to be communicated clearly to the construction workers.
As they stepped into the rear section of the site, the sounds of progress greeted them—hammers striking stone, faint grinding of tools on marble, and the occasional shout of instructions cutting through the air. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, a reflection of the dedication poured into bringing the Bank of Apollo's vision to life.
After a brisk walk, they reached the entrance of the bank. The sight was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The newly completed marble pillars stood like colossal guardians, their surfaces gleaming with a pristine finish that seemed to amplify the sunlight. The carvings that adorned the pillars were intricate, a blend of geometric precision and subtle artistry, designed to evoke both strength and sophistication.
Atop the entrance, the roof sprawled like a canvas, its details nearing perfection. Ornamental patterns traced the edges, weaving a story of elegance and grandeur. Craftsmen balanced delicately on scaffolds, putting final touches to the architectural embellishments, their chisels dancing to shape the intricate filigree.
Above all, the statues on the roof awaited their transformation. Their rough forms stood in silent anticipation, shrouded in the coarse texture of untouched stone. Designed as symbols of the bank's guiding values—prosperity, integrity, and resilience—their poses were carefully conceived to embody these virtues.
Each statue was poised to carry an air of majesty, with flowing robes and commanding stances envisioned to add depth and character to the building. The sculptor's skill would bring them to life, chiseling out expressions that radiated strength and dignity. For now, they remained as raw stone—a promise of the artistry to come.
At the base of the building, the lead construction worker awaited. His rugged appearance, marked by years of experience, carried an air of authority as he surveyed the site. Owen shared the details about the specialist's arrival, ensuring that every nuance was understood. The worker nodded, his expression unwavering, and with a few swift gestures, began instructing the team to prepare the interior for the specialist's work.
Going up to the head construction worker, Owen then quickly told him about the carpenters that would be coming to put the furniture in and the inside woodworking that they would be doing. After telling him that, Owen then headed back to Sabith and asked if he would like to head back to the estate or if he had something else to do in town, to which Sabith responded that he had nothing else to do, so they headed back to the estate.