A Hasty Decision.
My eyelids bear the weight of memories, recent and chaotic, threatening to engulf me. My pursuit of happiness set in motion a tragic sequence of events, resulting in the loss of countless lives.
In stark contrast to myself, Emilia and Rem appear to have, to some extent, transcended their sorrow. I observe them transformed, marked by their experiences yet also carrying a glimmer of renewal.
In some way, an immense burden rests upon my back.
I find myself upon a bridge that spans a mysterious, mist-shrouded lake, enveloped in a violet haze that consumes all in its path. There is naught else around me but stillness and disquieting silence. The bridge, crafted from ancient timber, emits an eerie groan with each step I take. My gaze turns toward the water, yet I find no reflection, only a profound and endless darkness.
In this peculiar place, I experience no emotions—neither fear, anger, nor even joy. All I sense is the persistent weight upon my back, as if I bear an invisible load destined to be cast into the abyss of the lake.
However, as I take the second step, a strong and resonant heartbeat reverberates within my chest, squeezing me fiercely.
"Ahg!" I shout out in pain, clutching my chest tightly, struggling to catch my breath.
Each stride I take is swift and forceful, a desperate attempt to fill my lungs with fresh and invigorating air. When I finally manage to calm my labored breathing, I realize that I am still in the forbidden library.
Countless books line the shelves around me, creating an imposing landscape. At that moment, a sense of serene and comforting calm envelops me, as if my veins flow more smoothly, carrying with them a feeling of well-being and tranquility.
In particular, I direct my gaze to the side and discover that Beatrice lies beside me, her peaceful countenance revealing that she has found solace in a restful slumber. Although, honestly, I am uncertain of what sleep means for a spirit like her.
Last night was a special moment, and I could perceive genuine happiness on Beatrice's face as I shared every detail. I avoided delving into the horrors of war and other adversities to not tarnish that magical moment. At least, I succeeded in having her take away all the goodness and beauty from our conversation. I yearn to relive that experience, again and again.
I never imagined that Beatrice would grant me the privilege of sharing her slumber. I glance at the clock and confirm that it is still the early hours of the morning, which means I should rise at my customary hour. Sadly, my repose has been reduced to a mere two or four hours. The sole exception was after sustaining an injury, when I managed to enjoy a bit more sleep.
I won't be able to accomplish anything until Roswaal arrives. Without his presence, it is impossible to rejuvenate the village and implement the plans I have in mind. Moreover, I must assess the condition of the townsfolk and carefully analyze the strategy to ensure the local economy remains unscathed.
It is regrettable, but I suppose I must rouse Beatrice.
I gently shake her shoulders, prompting her to slowly open her eyes. She sits up in bed, rubbing her sleepy eyes with her arm. I watch her with a smile, eagerly awaiting her reaction.
Beatrice blushes and lowers her head in embarrassment. Her response is charming and warms my heart. However, after a few moments, she quickly raises her head and points her finger at me in an accusatory manner.
"I didn't fall asleep on purpose, actually!" she exclaims as she gets out of bed. "I was only healing the door that you had injured; I suppose."
Recalling the truth in her words, I realize that my door is in better condition now. My mana flow appears more serene. That overwhelming surge was likely caused by my uncontrolled mind and the miasma within me.
Grateful, I approach to embrace Beatrice, but she skillfully avoids my gesture.
"What do you think you're doing, I suppose!?" Beatrice looks at me with fury in her eyes.
"I just wanted to thank you, but it's alright. I have many things to attend to. I suppose we'll see each other later."
Beatrice does not react, but I can discern a barely perceptible gesture with her hands.
"Hmpf! I don't need you to come, don't bother for my sake," Beatrice turns her head.
I open the door and am about to leave, but before I do, I must inform her of the results of the bet. I need Beatrice to work on this project, so I am pleased to have won the wager.
"Since you lost the bet, you will come to assist me with the construction of the steam engine," I wink and begin to close the door.
Once outside, I find myself in my room. Due to my soiled attire, I opt to select a white, long-sleeved servant's shirt for enhanced comfort. The waistcoat proves unnecessary, so I decide to forgo it, leaving me solely in the white shirt.
"I need to purchase new clothing," I think to myself, lamenting the lack of more suitable and comfortable garments.
Upon reflection, I realize that I never had the opportunity to converse with Emilia after her heartfelt address. Her words captivated the townsfolk, and although they may still harbor prejudices, they are unlikely to voice them in her presence.
I open the door to my chamber and am greeted by Rem standing just before it. Her eyes gleam with renewed vitality, as if all the turmoil that once plagued her has dissipated. She inclines toward me and greets me with warmth.
"Good morning, Marco!" Rem smiles after her nod.
The drastic change she has undergone is remarkable. I refrained from divulging many details to her, avoiding sharing too much about myself.
"Good morning, Rem. I see you rose early."
"Yes, I rested quite well last night, so today, I must toil diligently."
I contemplate the significance of having Rem by my side in this situation, although I hoped her behavior would not mirror that of the novel. I entrust Rem with the task of looking after the mansion's residents, attending to each person's needs, and ensuring that no one gains access to the fourth floor for security reasons.
While she and Ram took care of that, I decided to delve deeper into the village to demonstrate my usefulness and earn their trust. Although Roswaal has not yet arrive, I know I must be patient.
I direct my steps toward the village in search of the mayor, Oldgart, an admirable man who continued to assist others despite having lost his beloved, his most significant person. Upon meeting him, I show respect by bowing slightly, and he greeted me courteously.
"It's a pleasure to see you today, young man," Oldgart says kindly.
"The pleasure is mine," I respond, bowing as a sign of respect. "Sir, I am aware of the severe structural damages the village has endured. I was wondering if you have any documentation regarding the village's accounts."
I know it is crucial to maintain the village's economy in these circumstances, as we are facing both a human and structural crisis. I need accurate information to present a proposal to Roswaal to improve the situation. The construction and sale of the steam engine would be of great assistance, but I must ensure that no one could replicate it.
Oldgart graciously presents me with several volumes, meticulously organized according to various trades.
"I have categorized them: livestock production, agriculture, blacksmithing, and more," he explains amiably.
I accept the books with gratitude, aware that they would provide me with the necessary data to comprehend the village's economic situation and effectively plan our proposal.
Upon thoroughly perusing the documentation provided by Oldgart, I am pleasantly surprised to discover a commendable level of organization. Each transaction is meticulously recorded, complete with the seller's name and corresponding quantities.
Armed with this data and the losses reported by Ram, I can accurately calculate future deficits and estimate statistically how much money will be gradually eroded.
This presents a unique opportunity for me to institute meaningful changes in the village.
I hasten to my chambers, armed with all the data, and commence the calculations of losses and the requisite action plan. Upon closer scrutiny, this situation presents itself as an opportunity to effect enduring change within the village.
I continue to dedicate time and effort to compute the overall losses. The losses are substantial, particularly in the agricultural and metallurgy sectors. The blacksmith trade has suffered a severe blow, with the sole blacksmith having passed away.
This implies an inability to repair existing tools or manufacture new ones for the populace. I must inform Roswaal that we need to hire additional personnel to address this issue.
On another note, within Ram's notes lie the magical abilities of everyone, enabling me to identify the most suitable candidates for various tasks. By correctly allocating duties to each individual, we can enhance overall efficiency.
Fortunately, I won't have to personally bear the financial burden for all of this, as I intend to persuade Roswaal to invest a considerable sum.
As I gaze out the window, I realize that the day has drawn to a close. I have spent virtually the entire day engrossed in these tasks. Nevertheless, thanks to magic, I have a comprehensive plan in place, and construction of the houses will not pose a challenge. With everyone's collaboration, we can have everything ready as soon as possible.
I decide to personally engage with the mansion's inhabitants one by one to ascertain their magical capabilities, literary knowledge, and standout skills. After this, with the mansion's residents alone, I have gathered the following data:
26% of the individuals possess water-related magical abilities.
46% of the individuals possess earth-related magical abilities.
Only 28% of the individuals possess wind and fire-related magical abilities.
However, there is one exceptional case that astonishes me: Petra possesses compatibility with Yang magic. I decide to withhold this information for the time being and request the young girl not to disclose it to anyone.
Yang magic bestows a special status upon its possessor, and if revealed at this stage, people might treat her differently, potentially impacting her development.
I must find a proficient mentor for her as I am confident she will be of great assistance in the future.
The protagonist's luck in the novel, forming alliances with the strongest individuals, is truly enviable. Nonetheless, I suppose I can leverage his good fortune to learn how to establish crucial alliances on my own.
The day has passed without incidents as we have been occupied with our responsibilities. I haven't had the opportunity to converse with Emilia, and my interaction with Rem has been brief. There are so many pending tasks that we scarcely have time to think.
I close my eyes, anticipating the next day, my heart burning with determination.
I awaken with a sense of chill, quickly opening my eyes and realizing my body is drenched in sweat. My heart races, as expected.
It is a routine I am starting to become accustomed to.
The nightmares are so vivid that they prove truly bothersome. I take a sip of water to refresh myself and proceed with my duties. I prepare something to eat for Rem and Ram before the others arrive to cook for the rest. A few hours pass before I finally hear a signal.
Rem rushes toward me, her face beaming with a radiant smile, filled with hope.
"Lord Roswaal has arrived!" she exclaims excitedly.
I abandon everything I was doing and rush to the mansion's entrance. Three days have passed since he departed, three days during which it seemed as if nothing mattered to him.
Or did he remain unaware?
Upon reaching the entrance, I am met with an indescribable scene. Roswaal descends from the skies, wearing a serious and displeased expression. It is the first time I've seen him adopt such a demeanor, but if I didn't know better, I would think he's in shock from the chaos he must have witnessed.
However, I am almost certain that Roswaal anticipated this would happen.
Ram rushes towards him with a smile on her face, completely oblivious to the gravity of the atmosphere.
"It's a pleasure to have you back, Lord Roswaal," Ram says as she gracefully inclines herself before him.
Roswaal places his hand on Ram's shoulder and returns the smile.
"Forgive the delay," he says before shifting his gaze towards me.
I can discern from his look that he seeks an explanation for what transpired. I yearn to unburden myself and share all I know, but now is not the opportune moment. Establishing the groundwork is of utmost importance.
I take a deep breath and exhale swiftly to compose myself. Holding Roswaal's gaze without a hint of hesitation or emotion, I commence recounting the details from the beginning.
I disclose everything, from the arrival of the mysterious man to the rescue of the others. Of course, we will need to delve deeper into the conversation later, but for now, this is paramount.
Roswaal appears to comprehend the sequence of events.
"Yes, Emilia played a significant role. Undoubtedly, she is winning the hearts of the townsfolk," I add. I seek his reaction, but Roswaal remains impassive. However, a few seconds later, his face lights up with a proud smile.
"I see you've assisted her greatly, not only in saving lives that didn't directly affect you but also in aiding everyone in this place," Roswaal inclines slightly. "Without a doubt, you are a valuable asset to us."
Understanding Roswaal's mind requires considerable effort; his actions do not elicit the emotions they normally would. All of this intensifies my desire to grasp the knowledge within the Book of Wisdom in his possession. I need clues about its content, even if it means resorting to the Return by Death.
It will be much more challenging to live.
"I will provide you with a comprehensive report on the damages and the solution I have in mind. Now, with no time to spare, we will use what you have brought to construct the houses," I inform Roswaal, displaying determination.
The quantity of materials is overwhelming, and as I gaze upon the numerous carriages, I feel my body tense. My blood boils in response to the enormity of it all.
"Why did you bring so much?" I inquire, attempting to puzzle him. But as if following a script, Roswaal responds unperturbed.
"If I was going to invest in you, I would do so extravagantly. All this material you've brought, according to your explanation, will serve in rebuilding the residences. It's a truly fortunate situation."
Roswaal approaches me and places his hand upon my shoulder.
"From this moment forward, you are no longer a servant. I entrust you with the reconstruction of the village, and you may make requests for what you require. I will be delighted to support you," he says, while Rem listens joyfully, appearing proud of these words.
For me, this is not a mere game. Yes, from the outset, I sought Roswaal's support, but not in this manner. The death of people was unnecessary. It is cruel, extremely cruel, for someone to commit such vile acts.
It is akin to my own world.
"I will not disappoint you. I will be the one to alter the course of the battle for the throne," I tell Roswaal, attempting to force a smile.
Roswaal enters the mansion, where he is greeted by a large number of residents. Without displaying irritation, he inclines himself in a gesture of apology.
"I offer my sincerest apologies for what has occurred," he says. Instead of complaints and protests, people begin discussing how he will assume responsibility and provide support for the village's reconstruction.
"My associate, Marco Luz, will oversee the reconstruction of the residences with your assistance. Furthermore, I will take charge of offering financial aid and supplies so that those affected can work. I cannot bring back the lives of those who have perished, and that sin will haunt me forever. Therefore, I extend my deepest apologies and condolences to those no longer with us," Roswaal avoids inciting agitation with sophistication. His performance is flawless, almost as if he genuinely feels it.
Rem approaches and inclines herself toward me once again.
"I am pleased that you have achieved your goal, Mr. Marco. The maid Rem will be at your disposal whenever you require her," she says. Ram furrows her brow in disapproval and departs with Roswaal. It seems she is content with the change, but Rem's recent affectionate attitude toward me has been rather pronounced.
Fortunately, I have tried to focus on her well-being and prevent her from doing extravagant things, such as entering my room. Well, I have also placed a chair blocking the door. I cannot imagine waking up with her beside me.
It would truly give me a heart attack.
It is not bothersome about that, considering everything that is transpiring. Moreover, what I conveyed to her was not for her to regard me as her savior, but for her to see herself as her own savior.
I hope she comprehended.
"hahaha, I am not accustomed to this. As long as there are no strangers around, you can behave normally," I say to her. It is acceptable to appear friendly, but in front of others, there is a status I must maintain.
It is crucial, and I am confident Rem understands.
This is not a game. The battle for the throne commenced long ago, and we are lagging.
Subsequently, I request several individuals to assist me in preparing the concrete. Initially, through trial and error, I ensure I understand the efficient proportions and curing process. Originally, concrete takes approximately twenty-seven days to cure completely, but with magic, it should be possible to expedite the process.
What I will do is create multiple concrete blocks to build the foundations of the houses as the first stage. All of this, thanks to a little assistance that will be valuable in the future.
Once all the material is on the ground, I begin summoning different people to help me with the trial. We will only conduct a partial trial.
Cement is produced by crushing and mixing limestone, clay, and sand. This mixture is then heated to high temperatures in a kiln, which creates cement clinker. The clinker is finely ground to obtain the powdered cement used in construction.
All the men get to work. We crush with mallets in the most rudimentary fashion, employ fire magic for heating, and for the clinker, we return to using the mallets.
The entire process takes us almost the entire day.
Finally, we conduct the trial. With a bit of cement, we affix two stones and use fire and wind magic to hasten the drying. When it dries, people are impressed.
The men's comments about how quickly we united astonish me. Rem and Emilia approach to witness the trial, while Roswaal and Ram are busy reviewing the reports I submitted.
"The construction of walls takes time, especially in terms of finances, as stone crystals are needed to fortify them, and earth mages' mana," I explain.
In this world, magic affords us capabilities akin or even superior to those of machines, yet none possess the versatility of this invention. Hence, the steam engine's significance; it necessitated the gathering of all the male inhabitants of the village. If we persist in this manner, we will likely complete construction within a month.
"This shall be a grueling month," I mutter, my gaze encompassing the assembly of men. "We shall toil diligently until all the dwellings stand."
The men swallow nervously, weariness prevalent, and few among them can press forward. They exchange glances, manifesting signs of a desire to surrender.
"Of course, all your toil shall be duly compensated," I add. "It would be heartless to have you labor so strenuously without commensurate recompense, even in the name of charity."
From servant to partner, and from partner to laborer, I ponder whether this constitutes progress or regression. I suppose it's an investment in the future. Without hard work, there are no rewards.
Several women commence distributing glasses of water to the men. Meanwhile, I make my way to the chamber where Roswaal awaits. Now that I possess the ability to produce cement, I am confident that working with concrete will present no obstacles.
Nonetheless, I must now confront Roswaal.
Even if it means facing my death in the process.