The strategy meeting ended, and the fort's defense measures were reviewed.
They requested reinforcements again from the royal capital, repaired the fort, and carried out construction work to further strengthen the fort's defenses.
" [Excavation] "
When Rest cast the magic, a deep hole appeared outside the fort.
He connected several holes to make an even larger hole... in other words, he was creating a moat.
Around Rest as he worked, there were escort soldiers and magicians, keeping watch for any surprise attacks from the foreign tribes.
"Rather, I wonder why there wasn't even a moat until now. I feel like it's basic defensive equipment, you know?"
"That's related to the budget, Count Clover."
"Ah..."
He had meant it as a mutter to himself, but a voice answered.
When he turned around, Carius Cattleya, who was also the person in charge of the fort's defense, was standing there.
"I'm sorry... I said something rude."
"No, it's fine. The fact is that the fort's defensive equipment is insufficient."
Carius smiled with an intelligent expression.
At present, Rest, who is a count, has a higher status.
However... he is the son of the knight commander and Yuri's elder brother. He is someone Rest can't help but feel intimidated by.
"It's been a long time since we were attacked by the foreign tribes. The budget allocated to this fort decreased day by day. The moat that should have existed in the past got buried over the years by soil carried in by rain and wind, and it's just as you see."
"I see... My, my. That must have been tough."
"Yes, that's why I'm grateful to have a magician like you who's used to civil engineering. Using that much magic one after another, is your mana going to be okay?"
"No problem at all. I've got plenty to spare."
Rest is excavating from one side of the fortress.
From the other side, many soldiers are also digging holes with shovels and such, but Rest's work speed far surpasses theirs.
"What a tremendous amount of mana... No wonder Toya couldn't win."
"Much obliged..."
"I've grown quite interested in you now. If you have the time, I'd like you to spar with me as well."
"Ha ha ha..."
Rest flashes a dry laugh.
The House of Cattleya is a renowned military family. Most of its members are all brawn and no brain.
Despite his cool features and intelligent demeanor, Carius seems to be a true Cattleya after all.
His eyes, fixed on Rest, gleam with a fierce fighting spirit.
"Well, if the opportunity arises... Though I hope that day never comes."
"Yes, please give it serious thought. By the way... how far have things progressed with Yuri?"
"...We have a pure relationship. Yes."
It's the truth. Probably.
There's no physical relationship. We've bathed together and slept in the same bed, but... we haven't crossed that line. I'm pretty sure.
(No, have we crossed it? Or perhaps...?)
"Is that so? That's good to hear... I'm not opposed to you and Yuri's relationship like my father and brothers are. I think it's fine as long as it's a wholesome relationship, and if Yuri can be happy, I'm willing to accept her marrying you and leaving the house."
......Is that so.
However, if you make her unhappy, I won't forgive you. Never.
............
His tone of voice changed, as if dousing me with cold water.
It wasn't the fiery hostility of a hot-blooded person like Toya. It was an icy hostility.
Though it lacked heat, it felt like touching it carelessly would cut your hand on the ice.
"That girl is a treasure left to me by her mother. She is the most precious treasure of House Cattleya. Never forget that."
"......I understand. It's deeply ingrained in me."
I didn't need to be told.
Yuri is an important friend. Even without the threats from her scary father and brothers, I would never do anything to make her unhappy.
"I will make her happy. No, I swear I will..."
"I'll trust your word on that... Ah, at this pace, it looks like the moat will be finished sooner than planned. Don't push yourself too hard, make sure you rest too."
"......Yes."
I've heard that truly scary people are usually the quiet ones who never raise their voices.
Carius Cattleya was a textbook example of that. He seemed like the kind of person to get angry like an intellectual gangster.
(He's not someone I want to make an enemy of... I need to be careful not to anger him. Really.)
"[Excavation]."
Rest resumed his moat-digging work, feeling sweat trickle down his back.
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