Published: January 15, 2026
We rebuilt almost all the dormitories. Cayenne Castle was also reconstructed in the same way. And we made about two hundred beds.
I was definitely at my limit.
“Ugh, I’m so tired…”
Completely exhausted, I sank down onto the ground. Arte, looking worried, brought over a towel. Til was standing beside me holding a glass of water.
“A-are you okay?”
“Please don’t overdo it.”
Both of them showed genuine concern. I wiped away my sweat and drank the water.
“Thank you. But I want you to tell Lord Panamera not to push me too hard.”
I muttered that half-jokingly, blaming Panamera for the overwork. But Arte and Til both lowered their chins with serious expressions.
“...I-I’ll go talk to him.”
“...I’ll accompany you.”
With determination bordering on despair, Arte volunteered to confront him, and Til offered to go along. No, no, it’s not right to voice complaints to the head of the Count family. Panamera wouldn’t mind, but if word got out among the other nobles, it would cause trouble.
I was about to stop them when cheerful laughter interrupted me. Turning toward the sound, there was Panamera laughing with his hands on his hips.
“You’re loved, young man. Well, don’t worry. Today, Viscount Van worked hard to prepare everyone’s future lodging, but from tomorrow on, I won’t push you so hard. What’s more, I’ll even provide delicious meals and beautiful maids for you.”
“Delicious meals and beautiful maids?”
I couldn’t help but repeat part of Panamera’s words. Ah, how I missed the days almost two years ago when I was surrounded by maids. When the maids took care of me every day. Of course, Til takes care of me daily now, so it’s not a problem, but having lots of maids around is wonderful.
“As long as there’s delicious food, I’m fine. I’m handling all the maid duties alone!”
But Til’s bold declaration, delivered with a proud puff of breath, caused Panamera to smile wryly and withdraw one of the promised rewards.
“I see. In that case, look forward to the delicious meals.”
“Yes! I’m looking forward to it!”
Til’s reply was the most enthusiastic of all. Her eyes were shining brightly, so she must really be excited.
“It’s fine, yeah. That’s perfectly acceptable.”
Muttering softly under his breath, Panamera gazed into the distance. As we shared this relaxed conversation, Zetros turned his body fully toward us and bowed.
“Lord Van, thank you very much. As one of the administrators of this town, I offer my deepest gratitude. Also, could you please discuss the payment with Lord Panamera again tomorrow?”
“No, no, it’s fine. Instead of charging for this time, we’ll sell ballistae and specialized arrows at a high price.”
“What!? That would be even more troubling!”
I joked with Zetros, making Panamera’s expression go wide-eyed. No, no, since we’re rebuilding the town, I’d like them to forgive that much.
“We’re selling to Lord Panamera at a low price, so even if we raise the price, it’s still cheaper than the standard.”
“But these are things we’re going to need more and more of! Alright! Then, I’ll give a hundred platinum coins for the town’s renovation costs. How about that?”
“No.”
“Gnnnnn…”
This feeling of déjà vu—I remember having this exact exchange before. That said, the difference from before was clear; I had a slight sympathy for Panamera. As a newly appointed lord, no amount of money would be enough for him. He probably has plans for strengthening the knight order and expedition costs in mind.
But that’s that, and this is this. Panamera, who plans to rise through battle, will surely buy plenty of the armor, weapons, and ballistae I create. Hahaha.
At that moment, I suddenly heard laughter nearby. It wasn’t my inner voice escaping. Reflexively turning, I saw Zetros, who had been expressionless until then. His eyebrows lowered, and he looked down while shaking his shoulders, as if hiding a smile.
Whether it was because of the relationship between Panamera and me, or simply because the recent conversation was amusing, I hadn’t imagined Zetros laughing, so I was a little surprised.