Chapter 284: [Another Perspective] The New Dormitory

[Bellbeer]

I could not comprehend what had happened at all.

To begin with, no building materials had been gathered, nor were there any craftsmen present to perform the construction. Just as I was wondering what he intended to do in such a state, it happened suddenly.

First, the walls began to transform starting from the building’s entrance. The stone walls changed shape and began to move as if they were living creatures. The chipped and cracked stone walls changed their appearance in the blink of an eye, and furthermore, the height of the walls more than doubled.

“…Wh-What is this? What is happening?”

I heard someone mutter, but no one answered that question. No, it would be more accurate to say that no one could answer. Cries of surprise rose from the city residents watching from a distance, but I had no composure to worry about a potential commotion arising.

Feeling the vibrations traveling through the ground repeatedly, I vaguely thought that the inside of the building must be changing as well. I looked toward Count Panamera wondering what was going on, but the Count simply stood there with her arms crossed, wearing a smile.

“Is it shaking this much because the building material is stone?”

“No, I think that is probably different, but…”

Near the Count, those merchants were having such a conversation with an attitude like they were just chatting. As if this were an everyday scene…

How much time had passed? After a while, Viscount Van emerged from the building. The Viscount, opening the clearly larger and newly whitened double doors, smiled upon seeing our faces frozen in dumbfoundedness.

“For now, the first stage is complete.”

“Oh. The first stage?”

“I thought I would remodel the rest after having the users take a look.”

“I see.”

Listening to the conversation between the Viscount and the Count from the side, various questions welled up in my mind.

The first stage is complete; how far does that mean? I also don’t understand what he means by remodeling the rest. I cannot comprehend why the Count would nod with satisfaction at just that exchange.

“Ah, please. Go ahead and enter to check inside.”

When the Viscount said that, a large knight opened the doors completely. If I recall correctly, he was the Viscount’s subordinate named Dee. Once the doors were opened, the Count was the first to enter the building. The Viscount’s subordinates and servants followed after.

“…There is no use thinking about it.”

Muttering that to no one in particular, I nodded to Thomas, who was nearby, and stepped forward.

I thought I had prepared myself to some extent before entering, but I ended up being surprised once again.

“O-Ooh…”

“It is completely different from before…”

Agreeing inwardly with the voices of astonishment, I confirmed the state of the completely transformed interior.

“Since the location was good, I only shifted the position of the stairs slightly. There are two locations at the left and right ends when viewed from the entrance. There are also two locations at the far end, making a total of four locations. I rebuilt the entrance to be a bit wider, assuming there would be a lot of traffic coming in and out.”

The Viscount explained simply, but even at a glance, it had become something completely different. The walls were beautiful, pure white walls, and timber was used for the ceiling. The floor remained stone, but it emitted a luster as if it had been beautifully polished.

“The first floor consists of a warehouse, a cafeteria, toilets, and a meeting room. Since I rebuilt the whole thing to be spacious, I apologize, but I removed the outdoor training ground.”

“Th-The training ground…?”

“…What does that mean?”

When voices of confusion arose, the Viscount smiled wryly and nodded.

“Of course, I have prepared a replacement location. This way, please.”

Saying that, the Viscount headed toward the back right as viewed from the entrance. We passed in front of the warehouse, and even at a glance, it was nearly twice as large. Armor, swords, shields, and the like, which used to be stored as if stuffed in, were placed in neat rows. Just that alone would make taking things in and out easier, but I was further moved by the fact that there were now two entrances/exits, one in the front and one in the back.

As had happened many times before, having only one entrance/exit often caused hindrances during emergencies. Those going to get arms and those leaving the warehouse with arms would get jumbled together, sometimes leading to panic or arguments. However, with this, the separation of entrance and exit would likely prevent such confusion.

“The new training ground will be underground.”

“…Underground?”

I inadvertently asked back at the sudden statement. It was rude speech and behavior toward a noble, but the Viscount did not seem to mind and nodded, pointing to the stairs.

“I installed stairs near the warehouse to facilitate training. Please watch your step as you come down.”

The Viscount said this politely and went down the stairs first. No, there shouldn’t have been a basement in this castle in the first place. We were guided underground as if it were the most natural thing, but my mind was only getting more confused.

“Come quickly, it is interesting.”

Since the Count, who had followed the Viscount underground, called out in a slightly loud voice, we all hurriedly descended the stairs and headed underground.

And this time, I was truly dumbfounded.

There were large pillars at regular intervals, but even so, there was a space several times larger than the training ground that had been outside. The ceiling was high, high enough that spear training seemed possible.

“Not just the floor and walls, but the ceiling is also doubled with wood laid over the stone. I made it thick, but I think it will gradually get damaged if you train wearing heavy armor, so when that happens, please replace the boards to repair it.”

Saying that, the Viscount walked through the basement with a wry smile and pointed to the ceiling.

“There are several vents for ventilation, but the drawback is that voices inevitably echo. Also, since lighting is difficult, lamps will be essential. In addition to the vents, there are two large staircases, so I think ventilation is fine, but please avoid using lamps that use fire, such as oil lamps, as much as possible.”

“Hmm, understood. However, with this much space, it seems it could be used for other things as well.”

“I was careful to prevent rainwater from entering, so it might be usable as a shelter or something too.”

The Viscount and the Count were conversing with their usual attitudes, but we were in no state to do so. We never imagined that such an outrageous renovation could be done in such a short time.

Looking sideways at us, unable to close our gaping mouths, the Viscount continued speaking as if to deliver the finishing blow.

“Other than that, there was a cafeteria and kitchen near the well, so I built a bath adjacent to them. I will make the equipment to create hot water another time. Also, I made as many rooms as possible on the second and third floors where four people can sleep each. I think about two hundred to three hundred people can stay with this. Also, I installed a warehouse in the center of the rooftop as well. Finally, I made fourth-floor sections in two places on the rooftop to serve as watchtowers. Of course, I will build turrets on the four corners of the city walls too, but I think this will be convenient when you need to view the inside of the city from above.”

Having just that much explained roughly, this time I was truly rendered speechless.

No one could say anything. Seeing us like that, the Viscount and the Count wore smiles like mischievous children.

“…We never stood a chance. This is foul play at its finest.”

Bilt’s muttered voice of exasperation echoed emptily in the basement.