Published: January 15, 2026
Two weeks of rebuilding the buildings every single day. The townscape was almost completed in a period much shorter than planned. This was all thanks not only to the Seato Village knight order, the Panamera knight order, and the Cayenne knight order, but also to the adventurers who eagerly gathered materials.
Good grief, what are they making me do?
As a result, the genius boy Van-kun, who had just become a viscount, ended up spending all day long building houses. Only Van-kun, of course.
By the way, the previous sentence was a sophisticated technique using Van and "evening" as a pun.
"…Haa, I'm tired."
Lost in fatigue, I muttered a little complaint.
"Good work."
Arte, sitting right next to me, offered words of encouragement. Then, Til gently poured warm tea into a teacup placed on the table.
"Thank you."
I thanked the two of them as I picked up the cup and took a sip. Enjoying the rich aroma and slightly sweet taste, I gazed out at the scenery. The sun was setting, painting the sky with shades of red, and the brick roofs glowing reddish lined up—it looked truly fantastical. It was as if the sky and the town were blending into one.
Many residents sat at the tables and chairs specially set up on the castle walls to celebrate the completion of Fortress City Cayenne, while children clung to the parapet, cheering excitedly.
By the way, a special elevated platform was built at the perfect spot directly above the main gate, offering a view straight to Cayenne Castle. There, Panamera, Zetros, and Van-kun’s party were seated around a table. The main street stretched straight from the glowing castle gate, with uniform three-story buildings lined up at regular intervals.
Though the town was brand new and clean, it was designed to properly convey tradition and history. Thanks to the widened roads, small street trees could also be planted. This was quite well received, which made me happy.
"…What a magnificent townscape."
"Yes, there aren't many towns this beautiful."
Thomas and Zetros also praised it enthusiastically.
This may sound like self-praise, but I really feel we created a wonderful scenery.
"…Well done, boy."
Suddenly, Panamera muttered softly. When I looked over, Panamera, sitting with crossed legs and elegantly sipping from a teacup, was looking at the town with a satisfied expression.
"I worked hard, after all."
I answered with a wry smile, and Panamera nodded deeply.
"…It turned out to be a town more wonderful than I expected. I’m looking forward to calling my parents here."
"Huh? Parents?"
I was startled by Panamera’s sentimental words, and a voice in my head slipped out. At that, Panamera’s eyes narrowed sharply like blades.
"…Of course, I also have a human father and mother, but is there something you find unsatisfactory?"
Asked in a low tone with a threatening edge, I instinctively straightened my back.
"N-no, not at all."
"…Well, that’s fine."
Panamera muttered with a sigh and gazed at Cayenne Castle dyed by the sunset. Panamera’s somewhat sentimental atmosphere made me feel hesitant to speak.
Perhaps Zetros and the others felt the same, silently watching Panamera with narrowed eyes, giving off a fragile aura.
No, this was truly rare. If not for the difference in clothing, she could pass for a refined noble lady. I probably would never see Panamera like this again. I have to imprint this sight in my memory now.
"…Do you feel a malevolent gaze?"
"Yikes."
I unwittingly reacted honestly to Panamera’s seemingly telepathic muttering. She smiled slightly and turned her face toward me.
"Too honest, boy. A noble must not let their emotions or thoughts be revealed."
I thought to myself, Panamera shows her feelings on her face whenever she gets angry. But now is not the time to argue. Judging so, I nodded solemnly.
Seeing me like that, Panamera let out a breathy laugh.
"Hehe, well, it’s fine. I’m in a good mood today."
In a cheerful tone, Panamera said that, turning her face slowly back toward the castle and then the sky. The sunset was descending gradually, and the upper sky was darkening. Deep orange and dark blue mingled, and stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky.