The Slanted Tower

The King, who had been waiting in the Reception Room, flashed a smile at me for some reason.

“Lord Yuri, this country is truly marvelous. Fields of swaying crops that look exactly like Meat, a tower that appears to be leaning... the city itself is pristine, and your people are so full of life.”

He leaned in close, his eyes sparkling with genuine excitement as he spoke.

To be fair, the fields that look like Meat actually are Meat, and that tower isn’t just leaning—it’s actively swaying.

As for the rest, it wasn’t so much my doing as it was the result of Sasha’s tireless efforts.

“We’re still in the middle of getting everything in order,” I said, adopting a humble tone. “It’s frankly quite embarrassing.”

I was careful to project modesty; I didn't want to show any weakness to a foreign monarch.

“Hahaha, you’re far too modest! The fact that you’ve transformed this desolate wasteland into such a thriving place is a testament to Lord Yuri’s power.”

Now that I think about it, the King already knew what this place looked like before. In that case, he’s probably going to ask about urban planning or maintenance. I might even be able to secure a new revenue stream by dispatching workers.

“Actually, Lord Yuri, I have a request...”

Here it comes. Exactly as I predicted.

I maintained a perfect poker face, hiding my inner smirk. “What might that be? If it’s within my power, I’d be happy to assist.”

“That’s a relief. Then, if I may be so bold...”

What will it be? Water Control Work? Land Readjustment? Or perhaps Exterior Construction?

“That tower... the one built at an angle that sways in the wind. Would you be willing to build one just like it in my country?”

The answer came from so far out of left field that I reflexively gripped the cup in my hand. I hadn't trained my physical strength enough to actually shatter the glass, but I squeezed hard enough to let out a faint, audible creak.

This was the first time I’d lost my composure, and the King’s demeanor shifted instantly at the sight of my reaction.

“I-I see. A structure that unique must be a state secret. It wasn't something I should have asked for so easily, was it?”

The King looked genuinely crestfallen.

I honestly can't fathom why he'd even want a thing like that.

“If that’s all you want, I can build as many as you like,” I replied. “Should I send a team of workers to your capital?”

“R-Really? Are you sure!? To be honest, I expected you to refuse, but I haven't been able to get that tower out of my mind since the moment I saw it.”

What on earth did he find appealing about it?

That thing was just a freak accident—the byproduct of a game of Daruma-Otoshi gone wrong.

Wait. Could it be that this King actually wants to play Daruma-Otoshi? I can’t imagine any other reason why he’d want that tower.

“In that case, I’ll begin selecting the workers immediately.”

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[Announcement from the Author]

Regarding the news of the book adaptation:

The label will be Kodansha K Ranobe Books. The illustrator will be Luroo Teacher.

Today I am only sharing the publisher information, but starting tomorrow, I will begin posting the character designs I’ve received permission to release.

Tomorrow’s reveal will be Yuri, Fee, and Emilina.