Published: January 13, 2026
"What a sight! That somewhat charming fort has become an incredibly magnificent fortress thanks to Van-kun's power...!"
"Huh? What is it, Lord Van?"
Kamushin responded with a serious face to my joke. It's the most embarrassing attack. I vaguely nodded and looked away.
"I just thought the fort was complete..."
Trying to cover up, I muttered that, and Kamushin’s eyes sparkled as he nodded.
"Yes! It's an amazing fort! As expected of Lord Van!"
He answered with his face raised. The newly built fort turned out a bit bigger than I had planned. Because there are many people, I made the rooms a little larger. But I don't regret it. After all, it has become the most interesting building so far.
I looked up at the fort I had built with a sense of satisfaction.
First, there’s the narrow road and the slopes of the mountains on both sides. If I don’t deal with this, I can’t build a large building. So, the first floor was built to the same width as the road, and the second floor was made slightly wider. The only connection to the original fort is on the second floor, creating a spot inside that is easy to defend if someone breaks in. This is an important anti-terrorism measure.
Then, from the second floor upward, the width gradually increases. As a result, the second, third, and fourth floors spread over the road like an umbrella. The protruding third and fourth floors aligned with the mountain slope create a very avant-garde building design.
The fact that it’s built long along the road adds character. It would have been even more stylish if it had a more skyscraper-like vibe, but since the materials are mostly wooden blocks, it can’t be helped.
The first floor continues ridiculously long, usable as both a hall and a passageway, with several rooms partitioned off. There are stairs at the entrance, middle, and back that lead to the second floor. The second floor has rooms for rest and dining, plus bathhouses, while the third floor has accommodation facilities. The fourth floor contains private rooms and meeting rooms for nobility, as well as storage for important supplies.
"With this, a decent number of people can rest. Oh, by the way, since we were told to stay overnight at the fort today, how about everyone stays here for a night before going back?"
I said, turning around, and was met with relieved voices. Arte and Til.
"I see... Since it’s already approaching evening, it’s safer to stay here."
"It’s uneasy to remain near the battlefield, but if it’s a fort built by Lord Van, it should be fine. Will we be staying on the third floor?"
To their words, I waved my hand dismissively.
"No, no, it’s dangerous to sleep together with other knight orders. We were attacked before, remember? So, we’ll build a separate base a little away for us."
"Huh? From now?"
"Yeah. I’ll build it in an hour, so don’t worry."
Til’s eyes widened in surprise at my words, so I rolled up my sleeves and replied reassuringly. Look at these dependable, gradually thickening biceps. I pride myself on being muscular for a nine-year-old.
Well, my belly’s a bit out because Til’s sweets are too delicious, but that’s a charm point.
"Alright, then, let’s give it one more push."
[Panamera]
"Fire Javelin"
I cast magic, destroying part of the wall of the fortress of the Yelinetta Kingdom again. Many magicians are already attacking with magic, but understandably, they are defending an important base. The enemy is blocking many of our magic attacks and even counterattacking.
"Damn... my mana is almost gone."
Taking a step or two back, Count Venturey patted my shoulder and moved forward, signaling me to rest.
"Step back and rest."
"…Understood."
I replied to Venturey and turned my back to the battlefield. Listening to the sounds of battle behind me, I clicked my tongue quietly.
"…Was I too eager for success? I didn’t expect that even with this many veteran magicians gathered, they couldn’t break through after more than half a day. I underestimated them a bit. But since our fort is sturdier, if we watch out for night raids, the conquest is just a matter of time... huh?"