Published: January 12, 2026
I built watchtowers at the four corners of the village.
That said, due to material constraints, they were simple structures—just ballistas installed on the rooftops of two-story buildings. But they looked solid enough to give off a proper fortress city vibe, so I was satisfied.
Well, the scale was still quite small, though.
Before long, darkness fully settled in.
Til said she would prepare dinner and called Kamushin, who left for the house in her place.
“You worked hard today.”
When I said that, Kamushin looked down with a frustrated expression.
“What’s wrong?”
I asked, and Kamushin opened his dirt-covered hands and sighed.
“I only stacked a few meters of stones. Lord Van has changed the village so much... but all I can do is stack stones...”
His voice trailed off sadly, and I gave a troubled smile.
“I’m the lord, after all. I have to improve the village. Kamushin, what’s your goal?”
At my question, Kamushin made a serious face. Maybe that wasn’t a question for a ten-year-old.
But then, he looked back at me with determined eyes.
“...My goal is to protect Lord Van.”
His words made my heart skip a beat.
No, this isn’t the time to joke around.
“You don’t have to push yourself too hard. But thank you.”
I felt a little embarrassed but made sure to express my gratitude.
Kamushin replied and suddenly started walking ahead of me. He puffed out his chest and walked while keeping watch on the surroundings, which made me laugh.
To a third party, it might look like a ten-year-old and an eight-year-old just playing around, which would be heartwarming.
Well, Kamushin has a strong resolve and determination that rivals adults, but no one would know that.
Next, maybe I should make armor for Kamushin.
So he looks more like a proper knight, even just a little.
For the next three days, I worked hard.
I used production magic to reinforce all the village's defenses. I had placed stones on the surface, but I bonded them together to make it as strong as concrete.
The heights, which had been a bit uneven, were leveled to three meters at the tallest points.
The top was about one and a half meters wide. I installed a total of one hundred shielded ballistas at regular intervals.
If this were a tower defense game, I’d want to alternate machine guns and surface-to-air rockets here, but unfortunately, such things can’t be made.
I heard that some have studied gunpowder and made guns, at least in form. If traveling merchants come by, I’ll ask them.
By the way, the moat outside the defenses took three days to encircle the village. The only bridge was at the front of the village and could be raised or lowered with a pulley.
I also reinforced the gate by attaching metal plates to the back.
“Hmm. I’m satisfied. There aren’t many villages this strong.”
As I said this, Til and Kamushin answered happily with “Yes!” while Espada and Dee frowned deeply.
“...This is no longer a village.”
“It’s a small fortress. Well, bandits won’t be able to conquer it no matter how much they struggle.”
Both of them gave their stamp of approval. There was an air of mild exasperation about it, but maybe that was just me.
Then Dee spoke with frustration.
“...If Lord Van’s power could be noticed by Lord Jarpa... The marquis family could develop greatly with Lord Van as the head of the family, or at least as an assistant...”
Espada frowned.
“You must not say such things. The head of the family only valued the ability to fight. Whether or not that thinking is right or wrong is not for us to decide.”
“But Espada! Look at this! Isn’t Lord Van’s power more than enough for battle? In fact, with time, it could be the strongest power of all...!”
“Lord Van’s power is a defensive one. Since this base cannot move, Lord Van’s power isn’t suited for attacking other countries. However, if another country attacks, Lord Van becomes an ironclad defense and can protect the people.”
“Nonsense...! Espada, war isn’t just about soldiers clashing. Attacking forces, defending forces, and supply forces have to work together well...”