21st Century Archmage

Schwing, schwing.

“Wooow! My lord, your scythemanship is an art!”

‘Heh, this is nothing.

I couldnt fess up that in the past, I dragged a plow like a cow.

‘Harvest is all finished now, huh.

I was standing in the expansive golden fields arrayed around Denfors. There were only scarecrows left on the empty fields.

Three weeks had passed since the attack of the demon beasts and monsters. Fort Ciaris was once again rebuilt with cement, and a formation of wyverns was permanently stationed there. It would pretty much be a crime to neglect the fort even with the knowledge that there were powerful demon beasts around.

“It is all finished, my liege.”

I had come out with the soldiers stationed in Denfors to do some civil service. It was a busy time, but I wanted to sweat at least a little alongside the residents who had worked so hard.

“Are the festival preparations going well?”

The Festival of the Goddess of Abundance and Festivities, Sapphire, was only one week away. We didnt have a single priest in the service of Sapphire, but I still decreed the festival in order to celebrate the territorys rebirth.

“Almost done, sir. Once the circus arrives, we will be ready.”

“Well done.”

“Compared to your hard work, my liege, what I do is nothing.”

Life had become much easier for Derval after the arrival of Andraive and Thevedian. But it wasnt because there was less work for him to do. It was probably just because the presence of his reliable friends was bolstering him.

“Is there no word from the merchant group?”

“They said they departed a few days ago. I apologize for worrying you.”

“Say nothing of the sort…”

The families left in the empire had to be safe so that Derval and my new knights could be at ease.

“Theyre arriving today, correct?”

“They are supposed to be arriving tonight.”

“Is the salt farm complete?”

“The construction was completed yesterday.”

How wonderful it was that we could communicate our thoughts so seamlessly. I only needed to say a few things and Derval would understand and give me the answer I wanted. He was a blessing from the gods, seriously.

‘Ya slowpokes, you should have hurried up a bit.

Chrisia was supposed to arrive this evening in order to settle the trade with the Kesmire Kingdom. Several of our plans were stalled due to inadequate magic crystals, but they were taking their sweet time.

“Ill be heading out to oversee the road construction, so take care of things here.”

“Have a safe trip, my liege,” said Derval, bowing his head respectfully.

“You did well, everyone.”

“Salute!!”

Holding scythes and other farming implements instead of weapons, hundreds of soldiers saluted me.

‘Just a little longer, please just give me a little more time.

The territory was slowly coming to completion.

As long as we were given the time, I was confident I could make Nerman better than any other.

But for that, we needed the generosity of the gods of fate.

* * *

“What in the world are you doing! How could you move the Skyknights as well as the soldiers to the border without the permission of the Royal Family?!”

An emergency Council of Nobles had been convened in the Havis Kingdom. Rosiathes frosty voice thundered through the council room.

“Why are you so enraged? Does this look like treason to you? The Crown has already sanctioned the expedition, and you did not notify us to withdraw. The nobles and knights raised their righteous swords to recover the Havis Kingdoms injured pride after the end of the harvest, so what authorization do you speak of?!!” roared Hanskane back.

Rosiathe clutched the throne, her body trembling.

‘Im sorry. I cannot hold them any longer…