A Discouraging News.
A week has passed since then, and finally, the moment of Crusch's arrival is upon us. Throughout this time, I have been eagerly awaiting, crafting my strategy, and training the soldiers. A total of forty-six individuals volunteered, and we immediately commenced their training in techniques I was already familiar with.
We engaged in endurance exercises, weightlifting, and other activities to enhance their physical prowess. Moreover, while weapons continue to be manufactured, we have also conducted marksmanship classes, personally undertaken by me.
During this week, these individuals have toiled diligently, more than anyone else. We carefully selected those with good physical condition and have been studying each one's skills, for they will soon face a trial. Rem peruses the recruits' profiles and poses a question laden with concern.
"Are we doing the right thing by putting their lives in danger?" she asks, her gaze fixed on the profiles.
"Yes, even though it's perilous, it's the best way to instruct them," I reply with conviction.
We will undertake operations to eradicate the mabeasts, which means they will face mortal dangers. Roswall has offered to oversee, and Emilia is also willing to assist. No one will lose their life as long as we remain vigilant over each one. I need to instill in them the importance of discipline, as only through it can they survive this adversity.
Rem raises the question about Beatrice, expressing her curiosity.
"What is Miss Beatrice doing?" she inquires.
"She is working on a new contraption, but I cannot divulge its nature. It would spoil the surprise," I respond with a smile.
Rem smiles too and gazes out of the window. Our relationship has evolved, and we understand each other much better now. She no longer relies on me as she once did, and we can converse about everyday topics without any difficulty. She has dedicated time to craft uniforms for the soldiers, demonstrating her hard work. Undoubtedly, this version of Rem radiates a special light.
In particular, I have noticed she has an excellent sense of fashion. Today, when I mentioned that guests would be arriving, she prepared a beautiful dress. As I watch her through the window, I can't help but marvel at her beauty and charm.
"They have arrived," she says, rising.
The moment Rem announces their arrival, a tingling sensation courses through my body. I rise from my seat and swiftly approach the window to observe how the carriage slowly approaches the imposing mansion. Excitement overwhelms me, but I remain composed, knowing that I must be prepared to welcome Crusch.
I adjust my tie with determination and ensure that everything is in order. Then, I make my way to the meeting room, where I know Emilia is also waiting. This room, though simpler than Roswall's office, is a cozy place with comfortable sofas arranged for important discussions.
I adjust my tie with unwavering resolve, ensuring that everything is in perfect order. Then, I make my way towards the meeting room, where I know Emilia awaits. This room, although simpler than Roswall's office, exudes a cozy ambiance, with comfortable sofas thoughtfully arranged for significant conversations.
Upon entering the room, I find Emilia gazing at me with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. I offer her a reassuring smile, attempting to convey confidence in this pivotal moment.
"It's alright, Emilia, just wait," I say.
She nods, placing trust in my words, and together, we await the arrival of Crusch.
After a few minutes of tense anticipation, the door to the room slowly swings open, allowing Crusch and her retinue to enter. It's the first time I have the opportunity to see her in person, and our gazes lock, capturing the intensity of this encounter.
In that instant, the atmosphere becomes infused with a magnetic presence.
Her long, silky hair, with a hue reminiscent of the luxuriant greenery of a flourishing forest, frames her face in gentle waves cascading down to her waist. Each strand appears meticulously placed, enhancing her beautiful complexion and accentuating her delicate features.
Her eyes, like two resplendent topazes, radiate a captivating depth and an intense gaze that conveys a unique blend of wisdom and determination.
Crusch's countenance reflects an exquisite fusion of tenderness and strength. Her slender lips, faintly curved in a serene expression, add a touch of sweetness to her penetrating gaze. High, defined cheekbones further enhance the structure of her face, bestowing upon her an air of nobility and distinction.
Her figure is slender and graceful, exuding natural elegance in every movement. Each step she takes reveals innate confidence and a magnetic presence. Her upright posture and precise gestures reveal unwavering determination, leaving no doubt about her commanding character.
As her eyes explore the room, our gazes briefly meet. In that moment, I can sense an aura of maturity and fortitude that envelops Crusch, an imposing presence that transcends her physical beauty.
"Welcome, Miss Crusch," Emilia rises, looking at her without hesitation, paying homage to her presence.
Crusch approaches Emilia and shakes her hand in an elegant and resolute gesture, reciprocating the greeting.
"I sincerely appreciate the hospitality you offer," Crusch replies, a radiant smile lighting up her face, revealing her inner strength.
Observing her leaves me in a state of wonder and admiration, for the maturity and strength emanating from Crusch manifest in every aspect of her being. She is a tangible reminder that true beauty goes beyond the superficial and is rooted in a person's spirit and determination.
"I apologize for having to ask, but who is the gentleman accompanying you?" Crusch directs another glance at me, seeking any hint, but my smile remains unwavering.
I seize the moment to introduce myself.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Marco Luz," I declare to Crusch, conveying my strength and confidence. "I am the warden of the village of Irlam and a crucial ally to the throne's representative, Emilia."
Every word I utter is infused with deep respect for the woman before me, acknowledging her beauty and the strength emanating from her being.
She fixes her gaze on me, and I return her look without hesitation. Now, I must demonstrate all that I am capable of.
I invite them to take a seat, but I notice that Crusch is awaiting someone, probably Roswall. However, I take the initiative to explain Roswall's absence.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Roswall is occupied with exceedingly important matters and cannot be present today. He has earnestly entrusted me to attend to matters in his stead, so you may rely on my full support," I say, attempting to convey reassurance to Crusch.
She seems to relax a bit upon hearing my words and turns her gaze to Emilia, beginning to speak.
"I have come specifically to deliver this letter," Crusch explains, while Felix extends the letter to Emilia, who appears to recognize its contents.
"The invitation to the elections," I think to myself, sensing how the course of events continues to shift constantly.
"The formal start of the elections has been postponed by a month due to cult movement alerts. It is estimated that the higher-ups have encountered issues, leading them to postpone it out of fear of an attack on any candidate," she states in a serious tone.
Not only have we faced attacks from beasts, but now the elections are also affected. All of this seems senseless. Emilia's face darkens slightly, probably thinking that she is the cause of these setbacks.
"For security reasons, the clause that prohibited interaction between the candidates has been removed, so from now on, there will be no issue regarding that," Crusch adds in a serious tone.
Once again, our plans are disrupted. Now, we cannot predict when the next attack will occur. I suppose it's because of Emilia's candidacy, leading me to the conclusion that it is crucial to use this month to prepare properly.
Emilia turns her gaze towards Crusch and responds with determination:
"Understood. If we obtain any relevant information, we will be the first to inform you immediately," she declares firmly.
Amidst the uncertainty and challenges that lie ahead, Emilia displays unwavering courage and indomitable determination to protect those under her care. Together, we will face any obstacle that crosses our path.
"Yes, that was the primary reason for my arrival. Now," Crusch directs her gaze toward me and then rises, approaching the window.
I suppose my plan worked. I left the steam engine outside, the version not enhanced with magic. I left it there to pique Crusch's curiosity, and it seems to have worked, as the machine is running smoothly, and she probably heard the noise when she disembarked from her carriage.
"That machine," Crusch gazes at the steam engine with curiosity.
"Yes! It makes quite a racket; I thought it was a magical spell," Felix chimes in.
I smile, pleased that my initial plan has succeeded.
"It's a machine capable of exerting the strength of thirty men combined. It can perform any kind of heavy labor and only requires water and fire. It's not a magical object; it uses steam to operate," I explain.
Crusch turns to look at me and takes a seat, showing interest in getting more information.
"You can use it for all sorts of things. For instance, to haul carts in the mines or break minerals. You can even use it to pump water from a lake to wherever you wish," I continue.
Crusch speaks up.
"You mentioned that you are the mayor of the town of Irlam, so I suppose this is also your doing," she asserts while gazing in the direction of the town. Surely, she has seen the houses being constructed and demolished as part of the town's renovation and organization, a task that has not halted.
"Yes, it's a town renovation," I say, looking into her eyes. "The machine you see there is also one of my creations."
Crusch's eyebrows twitch slightly, displaying surprise at this information. It's understandable to think that something like this could be acquired by a group of skilled blacksmiths, not by someone who had no prior knowledge of the subject.
"Marquis Roswall mentioned something about it, but I didn't know you were the same partner in the faction," Crusch says.
"No problem at all, since I'm the creator, we can speak freely about it," I reply, heading towards the door. "What better way to do so than to see it in action."
She nods, and we immediately make our way to where the steam engine is located. Along the way, Wilhelm joins us. This man is truly imposing, with his stern countenance and large eyebrows giving him an intimidating appearance.
Upon arrival, it's evident that the machine is operating at full force, the piston working tirelessly. Crusch watches in amazement, inspecting the machine for any trace of magic, but finds none.
"As long as it has fuel, it can work twenty-four hours a day," I proudly remark. "We can adapt the machine for specific tasks. For now, we offer it as a magical water pump, a cart transporter in the mines, and even as a forge hammer, although it's more costly."
"In the village, we also sell tools and equipment for mining, agriculture, and defense at excellent prices. If you visit our specialized store, you can speak with the manager. We take care of importation and delivery wherever it's needed," I smile, "We produce tools quickly and economically. I could say that our prices, in relation to quality, are the best in all of Lugunica."
Crusch gazes at me with curiosity. She seems to want to say something but refrains. Then, she rises and shakes my hand, sealing the deal.
"We'll take a look before we leave," she comments with a smile.
After concluding the deal with Crusch, I realize that it's crucial for us to start attracting more visitors to the village to generate business. If I continue to handle all deals personally, the village will stagnate, and we won't be able to prosper. We head downstairs to bid farewell to Crusch and Wilhelm, discussing our plans and agreements for a while.
Now that we've completed phase three of our plan and incorporated the enhanced steam machines into our mines, our production efficiency has significantly increased. I'm confident that in no time, we'll have a substantial amount of money to reinvest in the village's growth.
As I watch Crusch and Wilhelm depart, I sigh with relief for successfully executing my first deal. I'm filled with excitement and optimism as I visualize the future and the opportunities that await us. I'm determined to lead the village of Irlam into an era of prosperity and development.
The days pass swiftly, and soldier training intensifies with each passing moment. With only a month left, we must make the most of it. I'm forming squads based on each individual's performance and selecting captains and colonels for each group.
Given our limited population, I haven't been too stringent with ranks. Those who won't participate in battles are considered ensigns, while those who complete their training become corporals. Given our initial situation with a small population, I had to organize the hierarchies efficiently.
For now, we have one section led by the colonel, followed by a squad of ten with their own captain, and the rest are corporals. This structure will evolve as the population grows, but it's a quick measure to establish the necessary hierarchies.
With the gift I gave to Rem for her birthday, the tailoring of the uniforms was completed promptly. I chose a design that provided mobility while appearing imposing.
Two and a half weeks have passed in the blink of an eye. In four days, we will head to the capital, and everything has been organized around that event. Now, everything is in readiness, and we must be prepared to strike with strength.
In my office, as I gaze at myself in the mirror and adjust my suit, I reflect on everything we've been through so far. These have been intense days, but I'm confident that we've made the right decisions and are on the path to success.
"It fits me well, doesn't it?" I look at Beatrice and Emilia, who are seated on the sofa.
Their gazes remain fixed on me, and I can discern a slight blush on their faces as their eyes roam over every detail of my appearance.
Both of them appear to admire me, which makes me feel a tad uneasy, and their expressions betray a clear enchantment. Their lips barely form a shy smile, and I can see how they exchange knowing glances, as if sharing a secret in silence.
Their eyes gleam with admiration as their gazes intertwine with the steadfastness of my uniform. It's evident that my presence has captured their attention in a special way, arousing in them a blend of awe and fascination.
"It's obvious that you look good, indeed!" she expresses with timidity, "My contractor always has to look good."
Her words elicit a small laugh from me, as I didn't expect such a direct comment.
Emilia, who has been watching the interaction with a shy smile on her face, nods in agreement with Beatrice. It seems that Beatrice's presence has become more sociable since we met, retaining her proud demeanor but showing greater openness when engaging in conversations with Emilia and especially with Rem. Puck has remarked that he's pleased to see her this way, as he was concerned for her well-being.
Then, Emilia chimes in, with a hint of insecurity in her voice.
"And I, how does this outfit that Rem made for me look? I'm not sure if it suits me well."
Her words catch my attention, and I shift my gaze toward her. Emilia, with her characteristic modesty, doubts her own appearance, despite Rem's innate skill in tailoring.
Words flow from my lips as my gaze settles on Emilia—her amethyst eyes, silver hair, and porcelain skin exuding unparalleled beauty. I admire how the new military outfit, white with elegant purple stripes, seamlessly complements her figure. Every detail of the design accentuates her charm and makes her look even more imposing, without diminishing her inherent beauty in the slightest.
"Emilia, it's undeniable that you look dazzling. This outfit has been crafted for you, blending perfectly with your unique beauty. The purple stripes enhance your amethyst eyes, while the pristine white enhances your porcelain skin. It bestows upon you a majestic presence while preserving that aura of serenity and charm that defines you."
As I speak, I can't help but notice Beatrice's fixed gaze on me. I subtly gesture towards Beatrice, who can't tear her eyes away from my figure, and add with a playful smile:
"It seems Beatrice approves of my attire," I say, causing Beatrice to blush slightly and playfully swat me, embarrassed by her evident admiration.
The atmosphere fills with shared laughter, caught up in Beatrice's high spirits, which surpass any other moment in the mansion. Amidst these moments of relaxation, I feel that things can only get better, and we are on the right path to success.
Until the door swings open abruptly.
"General Marco," a red-haired man greets me militarily, and I return the salute. Meanwhile, I notice Rem's concerned look.
"Colonel Alsten."
Alsten, whom I have appointed as a colonel due to his courage and leadership, cradles a girl with white hair in his arms, appearing to be around fifteen years old. Her pale skin suggests good care, but there are dirt smudges on her face.
Alsten gently lays her on the sofa, and her clothes bear evidence of dried bloodstains.
"My general, we found this girl screaming in the village, begging for help before she collapsed," Alsten reports while maintaining his military bearing. "The issue lies in the blood that covers her, and it seems to originate from the same direction as a nearby village."
"Beatrice, please, awaken her."
Beatrice nods and employs her magic to rouse the girl. Emilia watches with concern, while Rem's gaze unleashes feelings of hatred. I can sense her thirst for revenge from here.
Rem remains still, simply observing the situation. She exchanges glances with me, confirming our suspicions.
Slowly, the girl opens her eyes, revealing ruby-red irises. Confused, she looks around, but upon fixing her gaze on Emilia and the others, her face fills with terror.
Then, she screams loudly:
"The Witch's Cult is approaching!"