Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

One week since the release tomorrow!

Please make sure to visit your local bookstore☆:.。. o(≧▽≦)o .。.:☆

I wanted to head home quickly, but more work came up. However, since those with higher noble titles than me are hostile, it’s necessary to have His Majesty on our side. Asking Panamera or Ferdinand would be too much to impose.

With that in mind, I immediately set out to begin constructing the fort.

"Alright, let's get started. Our goal is to finish by tonight."

"Huh? By tonight?"

Til and Arte responded to my words. Kamushin, who had pulled the carriage to the side of the road and secured it, turned back with a surprised look. Then, we all looked at the soldiers quietly preparing for battle on the newly built road.

Though the road was narrow, barely wide enough for two carriages side by side, it was lined with the knight order filling it completely. Could a fort large enough to hold such a number even be built?

Everyone must have been thinking that. Indeed, if they noticed during construction, we wouldn’t have time to build. Moreover, the battle would start before we were prepared. His Majesty’s usually excellent mood would surely plummet like a roller coaster.

"I do have a plan for this. Will you help me?"

I asked with a smile. Arte and Til, who had been exchanging glances, immediately nodded. Kamushin also answered “Yes” from behind.

"Thank you. Let’s begin quietly. Could you tell the knight order to start gathering wood? And Ort and the others should keep watch at the fortress for any movement."

"Understood."

"Yes!"

After giving instructions, Kamushin and Til immediately sprang into action. Arte sat down on a chair I had made and spoke up.

"Could you tell us what the plan is?"

Arte asked with eager eyes. I nodded with a smile.

“Hey, put that over here.”

“No, this way.”

“Eh? This too?”

Softly, the men of the knight order carried wooden blocks used for walls, floors, and ceilings. Since there weren’t that many parts, preparations were surprisingly quick. On the hillside, building materials made from wooden blocks were lined up in abundance.

"Alright, preparations are complete... Now, Your Majesty?"

I looked back to confirm, and His Majesty nodded with his arms crossed. Behind him, other nobles stood watching us.

“Very well. Let us begin construction of the fort. Earth magicians, under Baron Van’s orders, use your magic!”

At His Majesty’s command, about twenty earth magicians formed ranks before me, standing looking up the hill. They were elite magicians selected from various knight orders.

It was quite an impressive sight. Most wore robes or cloaks typical of magicians, each bearing their knight order’s emblem, like lions or similar, on their backs. Some outfits were surprisingly colorful, possibly reflecting their order’s image colors, which was interesting.

The group of magicians were all looking at me.

I met each of their gazes, cleared my throat, and began speaking.

“Ahem. Everyone, are you ready? I don’t need to say this again, but the key this time is for all of you to act in perfect harmony. Let’s form the shapes quickly so the enemy can’t interfere. Especially those forming the front wall, speed and accuracy are essential.”

I reiterated how to use magic, which was crucial for building the fort. Many magicians looked half doubtful, but with nobles including His Majesty behind me, they reluctantly nodded in agreement. I let out a breath and glanced up at Dee waiting slightly behind and to the side.

“Alright, Dee! Let’s get into position.”

“Yes! Leave it to me!”

Hearing Dee’s response, I headed uphill. Dee swiftly took the giant Tower Shield we had just made and stepped diagonally forward.

“Lord Van...”

Til’s worried voice came from behind. I didn’t want to take unnecessary risks either, but this time it was unavoidable. To prioritize speed, I had to be on the front line.

When we reached the top of the hill, the view opened up surprisingly wide. There was a steep downhill, a narrow bridge over a small stream, and beyond that, a larger and sturdier-looking fortress than I expected. A black-walled square building radiating an intimidating presence.