Published: January 13, 2026
Hello. It’s everyone’s idol, Van-kun.
I was told to rebuild a fortress that looks like it was hit by missiles in a fierce battleground area where no one knows when the next battle will come. On top of that, I’m supposed to defend it on my own if attacked. Anyone who doesn’t know might think this is a new form of torture or something.
However, right now I’m filled with the highest level of motivation I’ve ever had. Probably even from afar, the flames burning in my eyes are clearly visible.
“All right! First, gather the materials! Everyone, collect the collapsed walls and bring them to their respective places!”
“Yes!”
After giving the orders, the members of the Seato Village knight order split into their squads and started working. Some of the other knight orders stayed behind as well, working here upon request.
What’s tricky is that most of them hold noble titles higher than mine. They’re also older than me, so realistically, if I just asked them, they wouldn’t even listen.
Well, it’s like a small startup CEO directing the CEOs of major companies to work for him. Not many people would have the guts to endure that.
But right now, I have the radiant authority of His Majesty shining brightly. I guess I have no choice but to use this beam of authority to boss around the nobles. The situation is urgent.
“Um, Viscount Pinin... I’m terribly sorry, but we want to repair the damaged northern castle gate, so could you gather wood, stone, and if possible, some metal?”
“Hmm... Very well. My knight order will handle it. How much do you need and by when?”
“Thank you! It’s urgent, but we’ll need about four horse-drawn wagons of metal, and twice that amount in stone...”
“...Understood. So, when is the deadline?”
“Within a week, I suppose.”
“H-Hoh...?”
I looked up at the middle-aged bald man with veins bulging on his temple and waved my hands.
“Ah, no, no! Of course, I’m not asking Viscount Pinin alone! I was also about to ask Viscount Farina…”
“Lord Farina, huh... Not a bad choice, but we should secure a few more people. May I call on two or three others?”
“Of course. Just please let me know later who ended up working together. I need to report to His Majesty...”
After bowing my head and saying this, Viscount Pinin groaned and lowered his chin.
“Of course! You don’t have to tell me... By the way, now that I think about it, Lord Farina also brought a large group this time. The two knight orders should be enough. We’ll gather the materials in five days, not even a week.”
“Thank you very much!”
I gave instructions to the nobles with a humble attitude and quite a bit of compromise. If I let my guard down, they’d slack off. Some might even try to take valuables from the fortress for themselves if given time.
I have to limit the work areas as much as possible and manage the workforce so the repairs finish quickly. Just asking nicely requires so much care—it’s a huge hassle.
But just by mentioning that I would report to His Majesty, even the rowdy nobles quietly obey. That shows how feared His Majesty is.
After all, the nobles left in this fortress were ones who didn’t play a noteworthy role in the previous battle. It was His Majesty’s kindness that they at least help repair the fortress to gain some merit. To reject that kindness would be a terrifying mistake.
Thanks to His Majesty’s splendid authority, nobles with higher ranks than me are working hard. I’ll take this chance to gather extra materials. After all, there are so many people here, it’s a waste not to use them.
“Lord Van, you’re making a bad face,” Til said.
I restored my expression.
“No, no, I’m not thinking of anything. By the way, are there any nobles just standing around with nothing to do? I want to ask them for some work.”
“...Honestly, where did you learn all this, Lord Van? You’re so good at manipulating people, it’s like you’ve survived various hellish situations as a great merchant...”