Published: January 12, 2026
“…I never thought you’d actually build an inn.”
Panamera said that in a daze, and I shrugged. Then, looking up at the two-story building standing before us, I explained.
“Since materials were a bit limited, I’m sorry, but the soldiers are grouped four per room. Aside from that, we’ve prepared private rooms for Lord Panamera, Lady Arte, and three others. Each private room has its own toilet, but the rest share communal facilities.”
“That’s more than enough. Since we came expecting to camp overnight, the soldiers will be very pleased.”
Panamera said that, then told the soldiers to enter the inn and prepare for their stay. I had made lockers for their belongings, but whether the huge backpacks would fit was uncertain.
Watching Panamera and Arte head toward the inn to check things, I folded my arms and thought.
Because each room was made small, it took up less space than expected, but even so, it used quite a bit of the vacant land by the village’s defensive wall.
Whether or not the population increases, the construction of the castle walls will have to continue.
As I pondered the village’s future improvements, Til spoke up.
“Um, what about everyone’s meals?”
“That’s right… for now, what about the meat from the demonic beasts we hunted last time?”
When I asked, Til made a troubled face.
Shortly after the Apcaluru settled here, demonic beasts appeared on the village’s east side.
They were Scale Wolves, forest demonic beasts that hunt in packs. The large ones reach about three meters long, covered in hard scales on their heads, backs, and legs. Their fangs and claws are extremely destructive, and their scales are tough and their movements swift. Furthermore, they act in packs of dozens, making them very dangerous.
This time, the pack was relatively small with only fifteen, but all were large three-meter class wolves.
Merchant Bell was ecstatic, needless to say.
“Scale Wolf’s scale armor, Scale Wolf’s scale shield, Scale Wolf’s scale helmet…!”
Each wolf provides about one set of equipment, so the price is high. I tried crafting some gear myself, and Bell liked it so much he offered thirty gold coins for a full set of armor.
However, since the money wasn’t available, it was stored at the shop to be paid for later.
After the battle, there was leftover Scale Wolf meat, which was quite tasty.
I thought Lord Panamera and Lady Arte would be pleased with such meat, but Til had an ambiguous expression.
“What’s wrong?”
When I asked, Til stepped closer with a serious face.
“Lord Van, I really want the marriage with the lovely Lady Arte to succeed. But it would be too sad if the first meal we share upon meeting is just meat...!”
“Huh? You agree with that, Til?”
I asked back, and Til nodded repeatedly.
“She’s cute and modest, so she probably wouldn’t object to any sudden things Lord Van does and would follow along.”
“Sudden things…”
“Yes. Also, if a kind person becomes your wife, Lord Van, it would be easier for me to stay by your side.”
“Work environment issues, huh… well, important though.”
I answered, and Kamushin nodded in agreement.
“I think Lady Arte is good. But if possible, someone a bit stronger… like Lord Panamera.”
Oh, Kamushin likes strong women. Hmm. That’ll be useful for his wife search.
Just as I was thinking that, Espada spoke up.
“In my opinion, Viscount Panamera’s words are true. I’m sorry, but from the Count family’s perspective, there isn’t much significance in arranging a marriage between Lord Van and Lady Arte. However, since they sent her off with marriage in mind from the start, it seems Lady Arte’s magical aptitude wasn’t in four element magic…”
Espada’s words were unusually hesitant. Well, it must be hard to say that Lady Arte, like me, is destined to be kicked out of the family.
I chuckled lightly, and Espada cleared her throat before continuing.
“…There’s a high possibility that Viscount Panamera genuinely recognizes Lord Van’s strength. So his words aren’t lies. However, the changes that come with marrying Lady Arte can’t be ignored.”