The strategy meeting concluded, and the fortress's defensive measures were completely overhauled.
A fresh request for reinforcements was dispatched to the Royal Capital, and the necessary repairs to the structure began. Simultaneously, construction projects were launched to significantly bolster the fortress's overall security.
"Digging Hole!"
As Rest activated his magic, deep pits opened up along the exterior of the fortress.
By linking several of these excavations together, he was forming a massive trench—a moat.
Soldiers and mages stood guard around Rest as he worked, keeping a sharp eye out for any sign of a surprise attack from the Foreign Tribes.
"I have to wonder why there wasn't a moat here in the first place," Rest mused to himself. "It feels like the most basic requirement for a defensive position."
"That would be due to budget constraints, Count Clover."
"Ah..."
Rest had intended the comment as a monologue, but a voice answered him from behind.
Turning around, he found Karyus Catreia, the officer in charge of the fortress's defense, standing there.
"My apologies... I spoke out of turn."
"No, think nothing of it. It is an objective fact that this fortress's defenses are lacking," Karyus replied, a polite, intellectual smile playing across his features.
Technically, as a Count, Rest held a higher social rank than Karyus.
However, Karyus was the son of the Knight Commander and Yuri’s elder brother. Rest couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of intimidation whenever they spoke.
"There hadn't been an attack from the Foreign Tribes in a very long time," Karyus continued. "As the years passed, the budget allocated to this fortress was trimmed further and further. There used to be a moat here, but over time, it was filled in by soil washed down by wind and rain. Now, as you can see, it's virtually gone."
"I see... That sounds like quite a difficult situation to manage."
"It was. That is why having a mage like you—one who is so clearly accustomed to civil engineering—is such a blessing. You’ve been casting spell after spell... is your mana holding up all right?"
"It’s no problem at all. I have plenty to spare."
Rest was excavating from one side of the fortress.
On the opposite side, a large crew of soldiers was working with shovels to dig their own section, but Rest’s magical efficiency far outpaced their manual labor.
"A truly remarkable capacity... I suppose it's no wonder Toya couldn't best you."
"Thank you..."
"I’ve found myself becoming quite interested in you. If we ever find the time, I’d like to test your mettle myself."
"Hahaha..."
Rest forced a hollow laugh.
The Marquis Catreia House was a distinguished military family, and most of its members were infamous for being hot-blooded warriors.
While Karyus appeared refined and intellectual with his composed features, it seemed he was a Catreia through and through. The gaze he leveled at Rest was sharp and distinctly bellicose.
"Well, if the opportunity ever arises... though personally, I'll be praying for a very long time that such a day never comes."
"Yes, please consider it. By the way... how far have things progressed with you and Yuri?"
"...It is a pure relationship. Entirely."
It was the truth. Probably.
There had been no physical intimacy. They had bathed together and shared a bed on occasion, but they hadn't "crossed the line" in the legal or moral sense.
(Or have we? Wait, does that count as crossing the line?)
"Is that so? Well, that is good to hear... Personally, unlike my father and brothers, I am not opposed to the bond between you and Yuri. As long as the relationship is healthy, I have no complaints. If it leads to her happiness, then her marrying and leaving our house is simply the way of things."
"I see... I appreciate that."
"However... if you ever make her unhappy, I will never forgive you. Ever."
"..."
The tone of his voice shifted instantly, hitting Rest like a plunge into icy water.
This wasn't the hot-blooded, burning hostility that Toya projected. This was a frigid, absolute enmity. There was no heat to it, yet it felt as though one's hands would be sliced open by frost if they touched it carelessly.
"That girl is the treasure our mother left to us. She is the Marquis Catreia House's Greatest Treasure. I suggest you keep that firmly in mind."
"...I understand. Deeply."
He didn't need to be told.
Yuri was a precious friend. Even without the threats from her terrifying father and siblings, he would never dream of making her unhappy.
"I will make her happy. I swear it..."
"I shall hold you to those words. Ah, at this rate, the moat will be finished much sooner than expected. Please, do not push yourself too hard; remember to take a break."
"...Yes, sir."
Rest had heard that the truly terrifying people were those who remained calm and never raised their voices.
Karyus Catreia was the textbook definition of that. He had the aura of an intellectual yakuza—someone whose anger was cold, calculated, and terrifying.
(He is the last person I want as an enemy... I have to make sure I never, ever offend him.)
"Digging Hole!"
With sweat trickling down his spine, Rest threw himself back into the task of excavating the moat.