Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

As soon as we entered the mountains, complaints started pouring in.

First of all, the mountain path was full of bumps and uneven terrain. We were traveling on a trail that was barely more than an animal path, and at times, we had to walk right beside cliffs. The path itself was narrow, just wide enough for the carriage to pass.

Given that this was a mountain trail teeming with demonic beasts, it was understandable that the knight order rarely traveled here.

I was silently enduring the pain in my backside, but after an hour or two, I suddenly realized something important.

"...Does this mean we'll have to endure this on the way back too?"

I muttered this, and Til, Kamushin, and Arte, who were riding in the carriage with me, exchanged awkward smiles.

"We really appreciate the convenience of the highway..."

"The bumpy path is really slowing down our march."

"My backside hurts..."

Hearing their opinions, I nodded deeply.

"Alright. Let's make a highway. At the very least, it should be wide enough for two carriages to pass side by side."

"What? Starting now?"

When I declared this, Til blinked in surprise. Kamushin frowned with worry.

"A-are you sure about this? His Majesty sent a fast rider specifically asking Lord Van to come..."

"It usually takes at least two or three days anyway."

Kamushin’s words were echoed by Arte.

But my backside had reached its limit.

"It’s okay! I’ll hurry and make sure it doesn’t take any longer than now!"

Saying that, I stood up and poked my head out of the carriage.

"Stop for a moment!"

"Y-yes!"

"Everyone, halt!"

After giving the order, the knights quickly stopped marching. Though there was some confusion, they soon moved in accordance with the command. It was impressive how well this knight order had become. I couldn’t believe most of them had originally been villagers or hunters.

As I nodded appreciatively, Dee, who was on the carriage in front, quickly approached.

"What’s the matter, Lord Van?"

While remaining alert to the surroundings, Dee asked why the march had stopped. I nodded and got out of the carriage.

"The path is just too rough. I want to pave the mountain trail and make it a proper road."

"What? Starting now?"

Dee’s face showed surprise. Til and the others looked out from the carriage, worried.

"It’s okay! I’ll hurry so it won’t get any slower! Sorry, but can you split up and cut down the trees growing on both sides of the mountain path?"

"Hmm! I don’t really understand, but understood! Let’s get this mission done right away!"

"Thanks. Then start cutting down the trees beyond where the front row is standing. Everyone else, keep an eye on the surroundings."

"Roger! We’re on it!"

I watched Dee run off, then turned to Kamushin.

"Kamushin, come with me. Til and Arte, wait with the carriage. Arte, sorry, but if things get tough, you might have to use your magic dolls."

"Yes!"

"Leave it to us."

Both accepted my instructions obediently. Arte seemed to have grown confident in her magic, and she nodded firmly, meeting my gaze.

Smiling at them, I headed to the front row.

"Lord Van, what are you doing?"

"Did something happen?"

Sometimes I’d hear voices like these. I’d respond lightly, "Making a road," and pass by. Everyone looked puzzled, but when I reached the front, I saw some men already cutting down trees. Apparently, they’d selected former woodcutters and stonecutters from among the knights. Sturdy men were felling trees and lining them by the roadside.

"How is it, Lord Van? Is this okay like this!?"

Suddenly, Dee appeared, shirtless and holding a greatsword, cutting down a large tree and looking at me. Though the sword wasn’t designed for chopping wood, with it being the Van-kun model, it could probably fell trees easily.

Still, not all knights had equipment suitable for cutting trees. I confirmed this and quickly gathered materials.

"The way you’re doing it is fine, but we should prepare proper tools. Everyone, lend me your shields."

"Y-yes!"

When I asked, the knights nearby dropped their shields at my feet. Most of their weapons and armor were Van-kun special editions, but only some had special shields; the rest were standard ones bought from the Bell Rango Trading Company. After all, the knight order’s numbers had been increasing suddenly, and equipping everyone fully wasn’t possible yet.