Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

“Wood! Cut the wood!”

“Carry it, carry it!”

“Don’t let your guard down against the demonic beasts! Don’t allow any interference!”

“Hey! You there! Trim the weeds more carefully!”

Amidst the shouts of numerous knights, I diligently laid wooden blocks on the path.

Thanks to the greatly increased manpower, I was paving the mountain road faster than when I joined the kingdom army. After all, the trees were being brought in ahead of us faster than the horse-drawn carts could advance. All I had to do was continuously create soft wooden blocks and harden them to fit the shape of the road.

The road was being smoothed out at an incredible speed, so much so that the soldiers who were cutting down and carrying the trees would give up and switch out before I even took a break.

In no time, the half-day paving work was completed, and we took a meal break. Judging by the timing, that was as far as we would go today.

Just as I was thinking that and taking a break with a cold drink from Til, His Majesty appeared from the rear, accompanied by Panamera.

“Oh! To have built such an extensive road in the blink of an eye...!”

His Majesty exclaimed in admiration. The sweat-drenched soldiers resting hurriedly knelt on the ground and bowed their heads. Of course, Til and I did the same.

“Baron Van, lift your head.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

I answered and looked at His Majesty, who wore a very pleased expression. He spread both hands and looked over the newly completed wooden block road.

“Wonderful! I thought I fully understood the usefulness of the baron's magic, but it was still not enough! To think the road could be laid at the same speed as a horse-drawn cart advances... Depending on the baron’s mana power, if this is possible, we will be able to capture fortresses that we have not been able to conquer until now! After all, a large force can march regardless of mountains, forests, or rivers! This will change the conventional wisdom of war!”

The soldiers voiced their surprise at His Majesty’s excited words. At that moment, Panamera nodded and spoke.

“Indeed. Also, the adventurers’ work was a major factor in safely conducting the march through these rugged mountains. The knights do not possess that sense to detect demonic beasts in advance. It might be beneficial for the knight order to adopt that excellent skill as well.”

“Hmm! Adventurers, huh! They were far more competent than I imagined. Although there have been some troubles, their achievements are not forgotten.”

His Majesty said this with a slight nod in response to Panamera. The appreciation for the adventurers was gratifying, but it seemed His Majesty still had not decided who the culprit was in the matter of the temporary base incident. Well, since he was not taking the nobles’ side unilaterally, it was quite a fair judgment.

Still, I wasn’t feeling very comfortable about the situation.

“...It’s no use thinking about it too much. Alright, let’s rest well today and refresh our minds.”

I muttered softly, and His Majesty promptly responded with a keen “Oh.”

“Yes, yes. You have been using magic continuously for such a long time. You must be reaching your limit. Rest well and prepare for tomorrow.”

Being told this by His Majesty with a bright smile, I breathed a sigh of relief and lowered my chin. I was glad I wasn’t ordered to build the road as if my life depended on it.

“Yes. Well then, since we’re at it, let’s build a base so everyone can rest. Kamushin, bring the remaining wood.”

“Yes!”

As I said this and began preparations, His Majesty blinked and opened his mouth.

“So, you still have enough mana left to make containers?”

Hearing His Majesty mutter that, a smile escaped my lips. I’d surprise him a little.

“Lord Van! The wood is ready!”

“Oh, that’s a lot. I didn’t realize there was still this much left.”

When I heard Kamushin’s report and looked over, a mountain of felled trees was piled at the edge of the paved road. Smiling, I checked the slope of the mountain and the road ahead. Fortunately, the slope was gentle, and the road section was relatively wide.