Published: January 13, 2026
Thanks to utilizing the trees growing on the slope, it had become quite a massive base. Opening the large double doors revealed a wide staircase at the center, spacious enough for four people to walk side by side, and on either side stretched surprisingly large rooms.
Well, since it had a pyramid-like shape, the rooms became smaller as you went up the stairs.
"Your Majesty. This hall here can probably accommodate about fifty people each on both sides, totaling around a hundred for rest. The upper floors get narrower, but I believe a total of about three hundred people can rest here. If it’s not too much trouble, please take your time to rest in the private chamber on the top floor."
I spoke to His Majesty, who blinked up at the long, continuing staircase. Then, he looked at me with an indescribable expression.
"...Is it possible to build such a base anywhere in this short amount of time? No, that was poorly put. I understand it can be built on mountain slopes or inside forests, but can it be built on cliffs or over rivers?"
"I think it depends on the materials and the shape of the land. For cliffs, it would need to be built on the wall face, so at least some footholds would be necessary. For rivers, they shouldn't be too deep. If the river is too deep, building would be quite difficult."
I answered, and His Majesty folded his arms, frowning seriously as he murmured.
"...So aside from those, bases can be made anywhere. This is truly incredible..."
His Majesty muttered in a low voice. Moving to hide behind him, Panamera grabbed my hand.
We quietly moved toward the hall, and Panamera pressed her face close to mine.
"Boy... You’re undoubtedly a genius, but you’ve done something foolish this time. Why showcase such magic in front of His Majesty, who aims to expand his territory? If a fortress can be built right at the throat of an enemy country, it would be a huge advantage. Not only that, with you around, the method of fortress construction could be used in various situations. This would be an extremely coveted asset for His Majesty."
Panamera whispered a reproach about my base-building. Though she could easily raise her noble title by using me, she was a strong-willed yet kind older sister.
"It’s alright. Because if I’m seen as that useful, they won’t make me do anything I dislike, right?"
I implied to Panamera that it would be troublesome if I betrayed and joined the enemy. If His Majesty wants to expand his territory, having me who can build bases quickly as an enemy would be a huge problem. I cannot meet His Majesty’s demands, but I won’t turn hostile, so maybe I’ll be forgiven.
Unlike Panamera, who is trying to rise in status, I have no ambition for promotion. What I want is peaceful and enjoyable everyday life. Our ways of thinking differ, so she probably won’t understand.
Thinking that, I looked up, but Panamera merely gave a wry smile and shrugged.
"I see. So the idea is to show off your strength to get your way. That’s quite a bold choice. His Majesty is wise, so I think that approach will work, but if you negotiate like that with a reckless royal, the wrong phrasing could brand you a traitor. Do you understand?"
Panamera said that, and I immediately made a serious face. That was her warning. I could sense something from her expression and tone.
Apparently, I had gotten a little carried away. Honestly, I think I could escape by scattering arrows with a ballista, but I must not waste Panamera’s kindness.
"...Understood. I’ll be careful."
I bowed in reply.
At that moment, His Majesty approached with a knowing smile.
"...Is the discussion over?"
"Did you hear us?"
I tilted my head and returned the smile. His Majesty shook his shoulders and chuckled.
"No, I didn’t hear... Let’s just pretend I didn’t. Ha ha ha. Truly, you have quite the courage."
His Majesty laughed and then went ahead up the stairs alone to the upper floor. It seemed he would overlook the remarks that could have been seen as disrespectful to the king. Truly, His Majesty is magnanimous.