Published: January 12, 2026
Magic is surprisingly useful.
Once I thought that, I could come up with countless things I wanted to try.
Flashy swords with lots of decorations seemed interesting, and if possible, I also wanted to make a gun. Weapons embody romance.
“...Lord Van, does your mana never run out?”
When I was asked that, I was startled. In my hands were finished objects like swords and spears the size for dolls to hold, even something that looked like a gun.
“This is incredibly detailed...!”
“This would sell for a high price!”
The two of them looked at the toys in my hands with sparkling eyes. Though made of wood, the color aside, they looked just like the real thing. The texture was more like plastic, but no one would guess they were wooden.
“Mana, huh... I wonder how it usually is?”
Saying that, I tried making a sword about one meter long.
Though not metal, the blade was infinitely sharp, the curve slight but shaped like a Japanese sword...
“Wow...!”
By the time the sword was finished, Kamushin was watching it with the face of a boy. Well, he was a boy after all.
“I’ll give it to you.”
I said that and handed it over, and Kamushin was overjoyed. He said he would treasure it as a family heirloom, holding the sword with both hands and grinning.
Seeing that, Til looked at me expectantly.
We stared at each other for a while, but eventually, I gave in. I picked up a wooden block, focused my imagination, and poured in mana.
“...Here, it’s yours.”
When I handed over the freshly made weapon, Til’s expression was a complicated mix of happiness and sadness.
“Ah, thank you very much.”
“Huh? You don’t like axes? I made it really strong... It’s one of the strongest weapons—a spear if you stab with it, a hammer on the other side...”
When I looked back at Til, tears shining in their eyes, they looked embarrassingly flustered.
“N-no, not at all! I actually like axes! It’s such a wonderful axe that I just couldn’t help but be captivated...!”
Saying that, Til pressed their cheek against the axe with such happiness that I nodded with a smile.
“I see. I’m glad you like it.”
“Y-yes!”
Such a faithful Til. Feeling sorry for them, I decided to make some cute decorations later, even if they would be made of wood.
With that, after playing around like this, we returned to the village, where quite a large wall was being built from the front. The gate remained as it was, but the walls extending left and right were probably about four meters high.
“Amazing. It’s taken shape in about half a day.”
I muttered as I got off the carriage, and Ort crossed his arms, stunned.
“Lord Van is impressive, but that butler is crazy too. Being able to continuously cast that much magic in a row is quite a skill.”
I felt like I was being called unreasonable, but being treated as equal to Espada despite being considered without magical talent made me happy.
“Espada is a competent butler. A remarkable person who has supported the marquis family behind the scenes.”
I said that proudly, and Pluriel looked at me with a serious face.
“That seems strange too. With magic skills like that, it’s normal for him to be recruited by the military. He would be top rank if he were an adventurer...”
“Well, that doesn’t really matter. I’m happy Espada came to me saying he wanted to live a retired life. So, I want to value the future rather than the past. If Espada can have a pleasant old age, I’m glad.”
I said something so grand and stopped the questioning. Then I heard a voice from behind.
“My joy is witnessing Lord Van’s growth.”
When I turned, there was Espada, smiling. He held what looked like a set of study tools.
“Eh, today? Wait a minute. Strengthening the village’s defenses should come first. Ah, if we don’t reinforce that gate, the walls will be useless...”
“If there is an attack even today, I will fill that gate and create a barricade. Now, no matter what you say, you won’t escape. This way.”
He grabbed my hand firmly and led me away. This no-nonsense attitude was what set him apart from Dee. I hung my shoulders in defeat.