Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 361: Strengthening the Defenses
After the strategy meeting ended, the fortress’s defense plan was completely revised.
A renewed request for reinforcements was sent to the royal capital, and repair work on the fortress began in earnest. In addition, construction was started to further strengthen its defensive capabilities.
“【Digging Hole】.”
When Rest cast his spell, a deep pit opened up outside the fortress walls.
By connecting several of these pits together, he gradually shaped them into a massive trench—a proper moat.
Around him stood guards and magicians, all alert and watching for any sign of another sudden attack by the foreign tribes.
“You’d think they’d have had a moat here already, right? Seems like the most basic kind of defense structure.”
“That’s a matter of budget, Count Clover.”
“Ah…”
Rest hadn’t expected a response—it had just been idle muttering.
When he turned, he found Carlius Catreya, the officer in charge of the fortress’s defenses, standing behind him.
“My apologies. That was rude of me.”
“No offense taken. It’s true, after all—the fortress’s defenses have been underdeveloped.”
Carlius smiled with a composed, intellectual air.
Though Rest held the higher title of count, the man before him was the son of the knight commander—and Yuri’s elder brother. That alone was enough to make him an intimidating presence.
“There hasn’t been an attack from the tribes in many years.”
Carlius continued.
“As time went on, the fortress’s funding was gradually cut. The moat that once existed filled up over the decades—rain and wind carried in soil until it was completely buried, as you see now.”
“I see… that must have been difficult.”
“Yes. Which is why your presence here is most fortunate. Having a magician skilled in earthwork makes a tremendous difference. But tell me—are you all right? You’ve been casting continuously. Doesn’t it drain your magic power?”
“No problem. I still have plenty left.”
Rest was digging on one side of the fortress, while soldiers on the opposite side were laboring with shovels and pickaxes.
Yet his magic excavation was progressing far faster than all of their manual efforts combined.
“Impressive mana reserves… No wonder Toya couldn’t beat you.”
“Thanks, I guess…”
“I find myself quite intrigued by you, Count Clover. If time allows, I’d love to spar with you personally someday.”
“Haha…”
Rest gave a dry laugh.
The Catreya family was a noble house renowned for martial prowess—and most of its members were, frankly, battle maniacs.
Carlius’s calm and refined demeanor gave him an intelligent impression, yet his bloodline was unmistakable.
His eyes gleamed with the same sharp, predatory light of a warrior itching for a fight.
“Well, perhaps someday… though I sincerely hope that day never comes.”
“Do consider it positively. By the way… how far have you and Yuri progressed?”
“…We have a pure relationship. Yes.”
That was true. Probably.
They’d bathed together, and shared a bed a few times—but they hadn’t crossed that line.
At least, he thought they hadn’t.
(Or… had they? Maybe?)
“I see. Then that’s fine…”
Carlius said mildly.
“Unlike my father or some of my brothers, I don’t object to your relationship. As long as it’s wholesome, I see no issue. If it makes her happy, I’m even prepared to accept her leaving the house and marrying.”
“…I appreciate that.”
“But if you ever make her unhappy—I will never forgive you.”
“……”
The temperature in his voice dropped like plunging into ice water.
It wasn’t fiery hostility, like Toya’s brash threats. This was cold—razor-edged and quiet.
The kind of chill that could cut flesh if you reached out to touch it.
“She’s the treasure our mother left behind—the jewel of House Catreya. Don’t you ever forget that.”
“…I know. Believe me, I understand.”
He didn’t need to be told.
Yuri was precious to him. Even without the threats of her terrifying family, he could never bear to hurt her.
“I’ll make sure she’s happy. No matter what.”
“I’ll hold you to that… Ah, it seems the moat will be finished ahead of schedule at this pace. Do take breaks, Count. Don’t overexert yourself.”
“…Yes.”
Rest recalled something he’d once heard—
The scariest people are the quiet ones who never raise their voices.
Carlius Catreya was the very embodiment of that saying: calm, intellectual… and utterly terrifying when angered.
(Definitely not someone I want as an enemy… I’d better be careful not to make him mad.)
“【Digging Hole】.”
With sweat trickling down his back, Rest resumed the excavation work, deepening the moat around the fortress.