A boy who had lost everything and a girl who had everything taken away walked amidst the rubble, the sound of metal hammers pounding on bricks resonating through the shattered remnants of Michael's once-happy home — the only place he called home. Michael remained silent, showing no emotion as he directed the builders on what needed to be done and the deadlines they had to meet. In the eyes of the Scots, he appeared as a leader, a budding king, but to Juli, he was a boy in pain, silently grappling with confusion. She refrained from pressing him further in front of those who looked up to him as a symbol of hope.
"Make sure to finish the dining center as quickly as possible, and prioritize the throne room before anything else," Michael shouted to the builders, leaving Juli's side to assist them. Grabbing a spare hammer, he swung it against the bricks, nailing pieces of wood together and transporting gravel between levels, resolute in his determination knowing that Elara wouldn't relent.
Juli refused to stand idly by and watch Michael work in silence. She gathered all the women around the castle, though they initially paid little attention to her due to her outsider status. Undeterred, Juli addressed them firmly, "Women of Scotland, I may be young — in fact, some of your daughters may be older than me. But age doesn't matter now. It's time to support our men, to work alongside them instead of merely watching. Will you continue to be spectators, or will you rise up and find ways to ease their burdens? I don't care if you don't like me. All I care about is for you to stand up and help because this is your nation as much as it is mine."
Michael looked on in admiration at Juli's bravery. After leaving the women, she approached each builder, organizing their tools to streamline their work. Still, the women remained unmoved, much to the men's dismay. Some glanced at their wives with a sigh, watching a young girl from another land demonstrate qualities they wished their own spouses possessed. Juli continued tirelessly, fetching water for the thirsty men, though the women still hesitated to join in.
After an hour, hunger began gnawing at the men, unsure of what to eat with nothing prepared. Just as the constructors and Michael set aside their tools, a tantalizing aroma wafted through the air — the kind that stirred nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals. It wasn't an angel but Juli who appeared, carrying multiple trays back and forth, serving the men selflessly.
The men and even the women stared at her in awe, realizing she wasn't merely performing a duty but embodying true compassion. As the men finished their food, Juli rose to collect the dishes. She approached Michael first, but before she could serve him, he whispered, "Look around you." The women had finally decided to join in, gathering the plates and approaching Michael and Juli with humility. "Thank you, Your Royal Highness," they said, but Michael tried to deflect their gratitude. The women cut him off, "We aren't thanking you; we're thanking the beautiful maiden you brought from afar who reminded us of our duties as companions to our men."
Michael blushed and felt embarrassed as Juli playfully hugged him, covering his face with her chest. "Thank you for your help," she said to the women as they carried away the dishes.
Michael finally freed himself from Juli's embrace, his face as red as a tomato. "O...O...Okay, let's continue working," he stammered, attempting to regain his composure. The men laughed good-naturedly as they resumed their tasks, King Michael feeling slightly flustered.
Meanwhile, back in Britannia...
"Elara, my Queen, behold my latest invention."