Chapter 361: Strengthening Defenses
The strategy meeting concluded, and the fort’s defense measures were reviewed. A renewed request for reinforcements was sent to the Royal Capital, and further repairs were made to the fort. Additionally, construction work commenced to further bolster the fort’s defensive capabilities.
“【Digging Hole】”
As Rest activated his magic, a deep hole materialized on the fort’s exterior. He connected several of these holes to form an even larger one—in other words, he was creating a moat. Around Rest as he worked, escorting soldiers and Magicians stood guard, vigilant against any surprise attacks from the Foreign Tribes.
“Rather, I wonder why there wasn’t even a moat until now. It feels like a basic defensive facility, doesn’t it?”
“That’s due to budget constraints, Count Clover.”
“Ah…”
He had intended it as a thought to himself, but a voice answered. Turning around, he saw Caryas Cattleya, who was also the fort’s defense commander, standing there.
“My apologies… I said something rude, didn’t I?”
“No, not at all. It’s a fact that the fort’s defensive facilities are lacking.”
Caryas smiled with an intelligent expression. Currently, Rest, being a Count, held a higher status. However… he was the Knight Commander’s son and Yuri’s older brother. An opponent Rest couldn’t help but feel intimidated by.
“There haven’t been any attacks by the Foreign Tribes for a long time, you see. The budget allocated to this fort decreased day by day. The moat that was supposedly here in the past got buried by earth washed in by rain and wind over many years, as you can see.”
“Is that so… That must have been. Quite difficult.”
“Yes. That’s why it’s a great help to have a Magician like you, who is accustomed to earth-moving work. Using magic this continuously, is your Magical Power holding up?”
“No problem at all. I’ve got plenty to spare.”
Rest was carrying out excavation work from one side of the fort. From the opposite side, a large number of soldiers were digging holes with shovels and other tools, but Rest’s work speed far surpassed theirs.
“That’s a considerable amount of Magical Power… No wonder Toya couldn’t win against you.”
“Thanks…”
“I’ve suddenly become quite interested in you. If you have the time, I’d even like you to have a bout with me.”
“Hahaha…”
Rest gave a dry smile. The Cattleya Marquis Family was a renowned martial family. Many of its members were muscle-heads. Although Caryas had a cool demeanor and gave an intelligent impression, he was still a Cattleya, it seemed. A glint of belligerence shone in his eyes as he looked at Rest.
“Well, if the opportunity arises… though I’d rather pray such a day never comes.”
“Yes, please consider it positively. By the way… how far have things progressed with Yuri?”
“…It’s a pure relationship. Yes.”
That was a fact. Probably. There was no physical relationship. They had bathed together and slept in the same bed, but… they shouldn’t have crossed that line.
(No, have we crossed it? Or rather?)
“Is that so? If that’s the case, then it’s fine… Well, unlike my father and brothers, I’m not opposed to your relationship with Yuri. I think it’s fine as long as it’s a wholesome relationship, and if she can be happy, I believe it can’t be helped if she marries and leaves the House.”
“…Is that so.”
“However, if you make her unhappy, I will not forgive you. Ever.”
“…”
His tone of voice changed as if dousing Rest with cold water. It wasn’t the fiery, hot-blooded hostility like Toya’s. It was an icy hostility. Though it lacked heat, if one were to carelessly touch it, it felt like their hand would be cut by ice.
“That child is a treasure left to us by her mother. She is the prized treasure of the Cattleya Marquis Family. Please, never forget that.”
“…I understand. Deeply.”
He didn’t need to be told. Yuri was a precious friend. Even without the threats from her scary father and brothers, he would never do anything to make her unhappy.
“I will definitely make her happy. No, I swear I will…”
“I shall believe those words… Ah, at this pace, it seems the moat will be completed sooner than planned. Please don’t overexert yourself and take a Rest.”
“…Yes.”
He had heard that the truly scary people are usually quiet and don’t raise their voices. Caryas Cattleya was a perfect example of that. He seemed like the type of person who got angry like an intellectual yakuza.
(He’s someone I don’t want to make an enemy of… I’ll be careful not to anger him. Truly.)
“【Digging Hole】”
With sweat trickling down his spine, Rest resumed the work of digging the moat.
――――――――――
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