Published: January 15, 2026
【Zetros】
“I've created the rooftop and terrace.”
“Hm, wonderful! Absolutely perfect!”
“Fuwa...!?”
On the newly transformed terrace of the castle, Panamera was spinning Van around in an embrace. After watching Van’s face flush red as he was twirled about, Panamera shifted his gaze to the townscape visible from the terrace.
Such a view would have been impossible with the old castle, but now he could see the entire cityscape at a glance. After all, the castle had gone from three stories to five. That was a huge difference. From the rooftop, the view was even higher, and they could even see the guards walking along the castle walls.
“F-for now, I’ll continue explaining the castle!”
“Ah, sorry. I just got a bit excited.”
At Van’s words, Panamera smiled genuinely and released him. Freed, Van looked out over the castle and began to speak.
“As I mentioned earlier, this terrace is on the fourth floor, while the fifth floor houses Panamera’s bedroom and study. The fourth floor includes conference rooms and storage; the third floor has guest rooms, the hall, and rooms for attendants. The second floor contains baths, the treasury, and the library. On the first floor are the dining hall, kitchen, another bath, and rooms for the guards.”
“Hmm, truly splendid. The castle’s appearance is also very impressive.”
“It’s designed in the baroque style. You can even climb the spires on the left and right. Because of the design, the rooftop is a bit narrow, but since it’s rarely used, that shouldn’t be an issue.”
“Oh, I see! I don’t fully understand, but thanks!”
Mid-explanation, Panamera once again grabbed Van and began spinning him around right there. Van’s attendants and subordinates laughed at the sight, but the administrators of Fortress City Gloser—renamed Cayenne—were still bewildered by the almost surreal renovation.
“...Excuse me. Lord Van, we understand that with your presence, this fortress city will be reborn quickly. But is the mana okay? If you use that much magic, won’t you be unable to move for at least a week?”
Unable to hold back, someone asked. Van, still caught in Panamera’s embrace, shook his head with a smile.
“It’s okay. For today, we’ll hurry to make the furniture, and tomorrow we’ll clean up the castle walls and gate. If materials come through, we’ll also clean up the housing and main streets. Oh, and depending on the earth magicians’ skill, we plan to work on the water supply and sewage systems as well. Probably all done within about a month?”
“I-is that so...?”
Having heard Van’s answer, deeper worries ceased. One had to believe Van’s magic worked that way. After all, Panamera, who understood this well, was even adding extra requests for the renovated castle.
“Make this window bigger.”
“That would be nearly the size of the whole wall. We may need to add extra vertical beams for reinforcement.”
“Hmm, no problem.”
“...Like this?”
Each time Panamera made a request, Van swiftly altered the windows, wall and door decorations, and room shapes. It was unbelievable, but Van’s subordinates didn’t hesitate to praise the newly created features.
“Oh, very nice! Next is the furniture, but I want to put some extra effort there...”
“It’s already been quite elaborate... Anyway, today is just the barracks since there’s a lot to do, right?”
“Hmm... can’t be helped. I’ll leave it to you tomorrow.”
As their endless banter continued for who knows how many times, Dee approached Van with a report.
“Lord Van, it seems the knight order has brought some wood. It’s currently being stacked in front of the barracks.”
“Oh, that’s helpful. Dinner’s almost ready, so let’s hurry and make some beds at least.”
Smiling at Dee’s report, Van led everyone to move in front of the barracks.
They had been renovating buildings endlessly since arrival, and yet they now planned to make furniture. It was astonishing enough to complete the castle renovation in just a few hours—but to still have mana left?