Chapter 288: One Week Later

“Good morning.”

“Good morning. Where are you heading today?”

“Shall we start with the city walls today?”

“Understood.”

With that simple exchange, I went to my morning duty. By the way, the previous exchange was with Zetros. It has become something like a morning confirmation routine.

“Ah, there is a wrinkle on your clothes…”

“Oops, I didn’t notice. Thank you, Till.”

“Yes!”

Perhaps because the servants working at Cayenne Castle were excellent, Till was being even more attentive than usual, circling around me like a satellite. Arte was also sticking right beside or behind me, so I occasionally laughed at Till’s excessive care. Khamsin seemed to have finally lowered his guard; while still wary of his surroundings, he followed behind looking a bit more relaxed.

On the other hand, Dee, claiming it was also training, took the members of the Seatoh Village Chivalric Order to cut and carry trees every day. Dee’s laughter echoing through the city twice in the morning and three times in the afternoon had already become a regular event. When Dee ran carrying a log, the children of the city would even chase after him.

By the way, due to Panamera’s request, the castle gate and the surrounding city walls, as well as the main street running through the center and the street immediately inside the walls, were all beautifully maintained and redone within a week. Since the buildings facing the main street needed to be demolished to widen the street, their reconstruction was also complete. Thanks to that, people coming to Fortress City Cayenne from the outside would likely be astonished by the transformation.

Viewed from the highway, the castle gate had become new and luxurious, and even the color of the city walls was different. Then, passing through the gate, a wide and beautiful main street and plaza spread out before one’s eyes, and beyond the rows of brand-new three-story buildings, the completely transformed Cayenne Castle towered high.

Just in case, I unified the style from the castle gate to the buildings and the castle in Baroque style, so it should look good.

And now, I am in the middle of cleaning up the city walls sequentially. After all, the area is vast, so just moving around is difficult. Since we lack the materials to completely renew the sewage system anyway, I am having them arrange for those materials while I slowly repair the walls.

“The walls are still only about one-third done, so I guess it really will take about a month.”

Muttering that, I looked at the scenery outside from atop the city wall. Being in a high place, the wind was strong and pleasant. I felt the scent of soft grass and flowers healing my fatigue.

“Lord Van, you must be tired. Here, please have a chair.”

“Thank you, Till.”

As I was gazing outside, Till placed a folding chair for me. It was a folding chair I made since we started traveling more often. Although incredibly light, it was strong, making it a rare item that the Bell & Rango Trading Company desired with drooling mouths.

Sitting on it and looking down at the city, I noticed a significant difference in atmosphere between the new parts and the old parts. The new parts were luxurious and beautiful, a scenery I was personally very satisfied with. In contrast, the parts where the old cityscape remained had chipped roofs and walls, and although the colors were unified in browns, the shading was uneven, making the age stand out.

However, I felt that the old cityscape had more of a sense of people’s lives.

“…I think I might rethink the renovation plan a little.”

When I muttered that, Arte tilted her head.

“Rethink the plan?”

“Yeah. If we proceed with the current renovation plan, we might ruin the landscape of this city that has continued for decades. Once today’s wall repairs are done, I’ll try consulting with Panamera-san.”

I might need to reconsider various things. While visualizing a new plan in my head, I hurried with the repair of the city walls.

I returned to Cayenne Castle and immediately conveyed the idea I came up with to Panamera. Since it concerned the entire city, I had Zetros and all the others assemble as well. Although busy, Zetros and the others gathered immediately and promptly considered my opinion.

“That would likely please the residents of our town as well.”

“I think the elderly, in particular, would feel relieved.”

Bilt, the Council Chairman, and Thomas showed the most positive reactions. In contrast, Bellbeer of the Chivalric Order made a slightly subtle face.

“…What about defensive power? Honestly, the construction of this city is quite old. There are many buildings and facilities that were forcibly built when there was no more space, and there are times when we cannot move the Chivalric Order immediately in an emergency. If there were an attack by flying magical beasts, I think defense would be difficult.”

“Does that mean the roads and building heights need to change? However, in that case, it wouldn’t be much different from the original plan.”

Barratt, who manages tax and budget, questioned that opinion. Perhaps repair and renovation costs were flickering in his mind.

Sensing that the discussion wasn’t likely to progress easily, Zetros turned his face to Panamera.

“…What do you think, Lord Panamera?”

At that question, everyone’s eyes turned to Panamera. Meanwhile, Panamera quietly listened to everyone’s opinions, and after deep contemplation, looked at me.

“I intended to rebuild everything in the first place, but the Boy says he wants to leave something of this city behind, right? How do you intend to leave it? It’s you, Boy. You’ve thought of something in your own way, haven’t you?”

Asked that, I smiled and nodded.

“I’m sorry. Honestly, I was waiting for those words.”

When I answered, everyone except Panamera looked puzzled and tilted their heads. Checking each of their faces, I voiced my thoughts.

“Since there are problems not only with the placement of roads, buildings, and facilities but also with deterioration, I think all buildings should be renovated either way.”

“Hmm, then what do you intend to do?”

“First, the part about organizing the roads and repositioning facilities in efficient locations remains the same. Also, the residential buildings will similarly be rebuilt larger. Up to this point, it is as per the original plan. However, I will add a little twist.”

“…A twist?”

At my words, Panamera crossed her arms and furrowed her brows.