Chapter 19: The King’s Perspective

Since our return to Malhas, we’ve been extremely busy. It wasn’t just us; the entire village was in an uproar.

First, thanks to Saran’s arrangements, priests and clerics dispatched from the church headquarters arrived. They constructed a new shrine in Malhas, reinforcing and expanding the “Pentagram Barrier.” As a result, a portion of the previously untouched area became a safe zone. Next, loggers and carpenters dispatched from Hilté flooded in.

Literally flooded.

Their numbers surpassed Malhas’ population, swiftly clearing the forest and starting to build lumber mills. For what purpose? To create temporary homes for the numerous people expected to arrive in the future. Saran seemed to have everything meticulously organized, from the order of arrival to the number of people. Despite the influx, there was minimal chaos. Furthermore, he excluded areas with valuable herbs, streams, and small springs from the development plans, considering their potential as industrial resources.

In just a few weeks, numerous cabins and log houses were erected around the camping site I had set up, and a three-story inn was established where the boundary between the village and the forest used to be. I realized the effectiveness of the large-scale strategy employed by the group of skilled craftsmen.

“Man, this is amazing. I have no idea what’s going on.”

“Me neither. The village has tripled in size in just a month.”

Staring at the newly expanded settlement, which had become larger than Malhas itself, Rolo and I could only be dumbfounded. We weren’t the only ones; the villagers likely felt the same way. The influx of personnel from across the kingdom had swiftly transformed the living environment. It was hard not to be amazed.

“We’re not done yet. Though a month wasn’t enough time… we can say that we have made some progress.”

A nervous voice came from behind us as we stood there in a daze. When we turned around, Saran, looking extremely pale, was holding a stack of papers.

“Hey, you… your complexion is worse than yesterday. Are you sleeping properly?”

“Don’t worry about me. I get enough rest as needed.”

It might involve taking short naps or even passing out; that’s what it sounded like. It seemed like he was pushing himself too hard.

“Saran, you should get some sleep. If you collapse, it won’t do any good, right?”

“We have magic potions and spells prepared for emergencies, and I’ve asked Fimia for help as well. If necessary, I’ll also rely on your strengthening magic, Rolo.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Rolo waved his finger, and a light blue mist gently enveloped Saran. In an instant, the sneaky glasses guy lost his balance.

“Oops.”

Catching him, I looked at Rolo.

“Suddenly using magic is impolite, Rolo.”

“If he’s weakened to the point where he can’t resist my magic, he really should rest, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, you might be right.”

I pondered what to do with the lightweight strategist carried on my shoulders. In the end, there was only one person in Malhas I could rely on.

Sensing that, Rolo directed the gesture at me.

“Let’s take him to our place. My mom is there, and I think she’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Yeah, let’s do that. We can also ask for a meal. I’m sure your mom will manage to make him eat something even if we have to force it down his throat.”

“Okay. Saran is working too hard. Relying too much on magic potions and magic is unhealthy.”

“True. People need to eat properly and rest; otherwise, they won’t be in good shape.”

We headed towards Malhas’ village from the residential area mockingly called the “New City.” We went straight to the Mercia family’s house.

“Oh my, Jurg has kidnapped someone.”

“Don’t say such unpleasant things. Can you let him rest for a bit, ma’am?”

“Isn’t that Zolark-san? What happened?”

Seeing Saran lying there with a pale face, Aunt was slightly surprised. Saran seemed to be getting along well with Malhas’ people; he was much better remembered than me, the “villain.” He had interacted with Rolo’s mother before, so they were familiar.

“He overworked himself. He needs a bed, a blanket, and some soup.”

“I see. Then I’ll let him rest in Rolo’s room. He can have a meal when he wakes up.”

“Thanks.”

I nodded to the woman and guided Saran into Rolo’s room. Since he was in a magic sleep, I didn’t think he’d wake up easily, but it was better to be cautious. I also took off his glasses. If he turned over in his sleep and broke them, that would be a problem.

“Well, well. He’s overdoing it, this guy.”

“Yeah. But maybe he finds it enjoyable.”

“Enjoyable?”

I tilted my head slightly at that idea. What could be enjoyable about depleting oneself to this extent?

“Saran is always treating things as if they don’t concern him, right?”

“Well, I can understand what you mean.”

The man named Saran has a different thought vector than us.

Initially, I thought it was a trait specific to nobility, but as I interacted with various people, it became clear that this man alone stands out. His sole purpose seems to be achieving fruitful results and the accompanying glory. Everything else appears trivial to him.

“It’s just my personal assumption, but I think Saran would be suited to be a king.”

“Hey, hey, that’s blasphemy; your head will roll for it.”

“Maybe. But I can kind of understand it a bit.”

As Rolo gently laughed, he looked at the strategist, who was making soft breathing sounds.

“He can see a path leading to significant results, a situation where it’s possible, and the talent – that’s us – to achieve it. For Saran, this must be a time that is so enjoyable, so enjoyable that he doesn’t want to sleep.”

“Well, if he wants to enjoy it for a long time, he better take care of his health.”

“Hehe, I agree.”

Our king is pushing himself a bit too hard. While I did instruct him to protect Malhas, I never thought he would work himself to the point of collapsing.

“For now, let’s let Saran rest, and we’ll do the work assigned to us.”

“Yeah. The public announcements for the development cities will be released to the adventurer guilds in each city the day after tomorrow. Let’s take care of what we can do now.”

Even if Saran is resting, there’s still plenty of work to do. This place is about to transform into the leading development city in the east. The busy days are far from over.

“Rolo! There are monsters north of the ‘New City’!”

A voice from outside the room reached us. Instead of Rolo, I responded.

“We’re on our way! For safety, tell the workers to step back!”

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