Chapter 5

This is the first part of a two-part story.

The second part will be updated tomorrow.

Below Yuto and Valtrude, a desolate mountain range spreads out.

Even considering the season being winter, the landscape of the mountains, where hardly any green can be seen, is striking. The steep mountains appear as if they are rejecting any intruders, showing a desolate appearance.

It's almost surprising that no monsters are wandering around.

A mountain range about 40 kilometers west of Falv, in a straight line. In one corner of this range lies the city of Mainz, which has become Valtrude's territory.

"Yuto, how do the dwarves make a living in such a land?"

"In this area, iron and coal can be mined. They either export these directly or process them into goods."

Valtrude, who had been flying horizontally, stopped and straightened her body. Yuto, in response, returned from a little ahead.

The day after the castle appeared in Falv.

Yuto and Valtrude were about to visit Mainz, the mining town where the dwarves live.

This expedition is not the usual *Instant Teleportation* but a journey through the sky using the fifth-tier spell *Long-Distance Flight*. It should take about two hours.

Yuto has been to Mainz before, but not exactly.

If he were alone, he would have used *Instant Teleportation* without hesitation.

However, this time, the lord Valtrude is accompanying him. For a noble who has become a holy knight, suddenly arriving by *Instant Teleportation* would be inappropriate.

Dignity, face, etiquette, and the common sense of nobles—these are issues he has never had to deal with before.

They are trivial but cannot be ignored.

"There doesn't seem to be any source of food here."

"There are merchants around, at least."

"Hmm..."

Valtrude looked troubled.

Today, she is not in her usual casual attire but is wearing a silver plate armor. She has her holy sword of demon slaying at her waist, and instead of her integrated shield, she is wearing a replacement. She is almost fully armed.

The spell protects her from the cold. However, Yuto, seeing Valtrude's beautiful face filled with worry, shivered.

No matter how much he tries to get used to it, the shock is overwhelming, making it meaningless.

(Pitiful. Pitiful, but a beauty that can't be looked at directly is unfair.)

While he was grappling with a different kind of serious concern, Valtrude spoke to him.

"Is there anything else I should know?"

"Yes... If you want, I can explain the proposal I plan to make to the dwarves in advance?"

Valtrude only knows that they are recruiting people needed for the construction of the city in Falv. Explaining too much might make it seem like he's dumping everything on her.

"Is this something that will benefit the dwarves?"

"At least, I think so."

"Then it's fine."

With that, Valtrude took to the sky again.

She must trust him.

"That's a heavy responsibility..."

There is a chance of success.

But the pressure cannot be denied.

Will the dwarves accept it? If they do, will it lead to their happiness? This is a significant issue for Yuto as well.

The two continue flying over the mountains for a while.

In the distance, smoke—black smoke—can be seen.

In a basin surrounded by cliffs, there is a stone-built settlement.

To put it nicely, it is sturdy and robust. To put it harshly, it is a lifeless town.

"Let's land a little away from here."

Valtrude nodded silently.

Thus, the two landed on the ground after a few hours. They walked together up the mountain path towards Mainz.

Yuto started to regret it almost immediately.

Even though the path is compacted, it is not paved. Moreover, Valtrude, who boasts of her athletic ability, is cool despite being fully armed.

The boy's pride is shattered.

(Maybe, I should have used *Instant Teleportation* and not cared about appearances...)

However, there was also the purpose of showing Valtrude the state of this town beforehand. A little light hiking was a necessary compromise.

"This is Mainz, the city of the dwarves."

Valtrude, standing at the entrance, said quietly.

Dwarves.

Also known as rock fairies, they are not related to the rock giants, the Exiles.

They are about 1.5 meters tall, with barrel-shaped bodies. They have long beards that reach their waists. They are cheerful and fond of strong drinks, and are excellent craftsmen and warriors.

They are a race that fits their public image.

Adventurers might encounter them during their travels, and it's common to have dwarves in a party.

Yuto and his group have also found the relics of a missing dwarf queen from centuries ago and established friendly relations.

"It's a different tribe, so it doesn't really matter."

"Such things do not exist. Good deeds are always rewarded."

"Speaking of rewards, we've already received them."

The gems they received as payment for the dwarf queen's relics are not worth a fortune now. In today's monetary sense, they would have kept them as memorabilia without selling them.

However, for them, who were still beginners, it was a very welcome reward. They are grateful beyond measure.

Immersed in memories, they entered the city of Mainz, and a dwarf approached them immediately.

"Are you Yuto Amakusa?"

"Yes. The purpose is as I said yesterday. The lord is with me."

He informed the young dwarf, who had run up without even being out of breath, of the purpose of their visit.

"I'll take you to my mother—the chieftain—now. This way."

The young dwarf, hiding his slight tension and curiosity with politeness, began to lead the way.

Still, he kept glancing at Valtrude, either because her fame had reached even this frontier or because of her beauty.

(Probably both.)

Thanks to this, the infinite storage bag under the robe, which doesn't match the uniform, went unnoticed.

While thinking about this, Yuto noticed Valtrude's discontent a bit late.

"Yuto, what do you mean by 'yesterday'?"

Valtrude asked in a low voice.

"Yes, I used *Instant Teleportation* at night."

Even as a lord, visiting without an appointment is problematic. The other party might become overly cautious.

On the other hand, sending just a messenger would make them arrive later. Besides, they don't have any subordinates who can serve as a messenger.

In the capital, Sejour, they are recruiting retired officials and jobless noble children. It should take shape soon.

"Isn't this a bit too much work?"

"I'm taking proper rest. You know, I can't use spells if I don't, right?"

"Ugh..."

Yuto is worried, but the effort is his own. Thinking about this, he can't be too harsh—Valtrude is troubled by the lack of satisfaction.

"I'm happier if you're happy."

"Ugh. I'll try."

With that, Valtrude forced a smile.

"Good, good."

He refrained from patting her head.

"However, does it look desolate to you?"

They are walking down the main street of Mainz, but the road to the largest mansion ahead is almost deserted.

If they were working, the sound of hammers, characteristic of a dwarf settlement, and the lively atmosphere would be present.

It's natural for Valtrude to be suspicious.

Yuto's response was extremely flat.

"It's not just your imagination. I wouldn't have brought Val if it were."

"Are you saying you don't want to go out alone with me?"

She suddenly stopped and spoke in a loud voice.

"Huh? No way."

Yuto, not expecting such a reaction, inadvertently revealed his true feelings.

"S-Sorry. If that's the case, it's fine..."

"Y-Yes..."

Her face is red.

Yuto can see that Valtrude's porcelain-like cheeks are flushed, but his own face is probably not much different.

(If Alcia or Yona saw this, what would happen...)

At that moment, he realized someone else's gaze.

"......"

As expected, the young dwarf was giving them an indescribable look.

"Well, well, it's like this. There are several reasons why Mainz has become like this. The proposal I will make to the chieftain will improve the situation."

"R-Right. If Yuto says so, I'm relieved."

The two started walking as if nothing had happened.

Perhaps deciding not to pursue it further, the young dwarf continued walking solemnly and stopped in front of a stone-walled mansion.

"This is the residence of Chieftain Miranda. Shall I continue the tour?"

"If it's convenient for you."

"Understood. This way, please."

They were led to a long, spacious hall over 10 meters in length. The ceiling was high, and there was no sense of oppression. Glass was embedded in the skylight, letting in the winter sunlight.

In the center, an elderly dwarf, presumably Chieftain Miranda, was already seated in a grand outfit.

On either side, long tables were set up, and nearly ten dwarves were looking at them with suspicious eyes.

(Not exactly a warm welcome.)

Dwarves are a matriarchal society, but the majority of those present seem to be male.

In the center of the room, two circular cushions were prepared, the same as those the dwarves were sitting on.

This must be their seats.

It felt more like they were being put on trial rather than welcomed as the new lord, but it couldn't be helped. They had shown their bravery in the battle against the *Void Ledger*.

However, they have no track record in managing a territory.

The stern-faced holy knight sat down with a fluid motion, and the dwarves on either side let out exclamations of admiration at her movement, which seemed impossible in such heavy armor.

In contrast, Yuto, with a somewhat wobbly motion, also sat down.

The negotiation—battle—began.

"I am Miranda, the chieftain of the dwarves of Mainz. Thank you for your visit from afar."

"I am Valtrude, the new lord appointed by the third king of the Rothschild Kingdom. I look forward to working with you."

The two exchanged polite greetings.

"I am Yuto Amakusa, the steward of the Istas family. I am a magician."

He introduced himself, but he was well aware that he was not the center of attention.

So, he casually dropped a bomb.

"I've come to share a plan to revive a dying city."

"Hmm? Dying city?"

Being suddenly called a dying city, it's natural not to have a good feeling. The chieftain—Miranda—shot a piercing gaze at Yuto.

However, he showed no signs of being shaken. In fact, he even thought it was better than a life-or-death battle.

Valtrude also did not intervene in his impolite words.

"Please consider Yuto's words as my own."

She even entrusted full authority to Yuto.

"The city is dying, and you can see it just by looking."

Ignoring the chieftain's question, Yuto made his demand.

"First, I need more hands. We need skilled workers to build a city centered around Falv's fortress."

All dwarves are excellent blacksmiths and stonemasons. If there are dwarves in the territory, it would be a waste not to use them. If there is a shortage of workers for the restoration of the capital, Sejour, it would be even more so.

"Falv's fortress? Isn't that just a ruin?"

It seems the news hadn't reached this far. The dwarves voiced their doubts.

"The fortress exists. It's a miracle of the god Helionia."

Valtrude stated it briefly and solemnly.

Her aura silenced the dwarves on either side.

"Whether or not the fortress is truly a work of the gods, we do have plans to establish our base in Falv. The need for workers is real."

"I see."

The chieftain maintained her negative stance.

"However, no matter how skilled we dwarves are, we cannot build houses without materials."

"That's not a concern. We have made arrangements."

Yuto's confident words left Chieftain Miranda speechless.

"Have the stones already been procured from somewhere?"

They probably think the stones were purchased from another land. The truth is different, but Yuto did not correct them.

(I won't spend a single gold coin outside the territory.)

Yuto stuck out his tongue in his mind.

Well, in reality, it's not that easy.

"I will pay 5 silver coins per day. We will also provide basic living expenses and bonuses at milestones. How many can you gather under these conditions?"

"5 silver coins..."

The chieftain closed her eyes in silence, and the dwarves on either side let out surprised exclamations. The base pay alone is 50% higher than the market rate.

With additional rewards, it can be considered a generous offer.

"You are asking the young to abandon their homeland. Even with good conditions, it's not right."

The chieftain's words left the dwarves on either side speechless.

"No one is forcing anyone to move. If they want to return, they can. However, once the city is built, we will also need help with road construction, and there will be plenty of work."

But Yuto remained calm.

"If we reach out to nearby settlements, we can gather two hundred."

The voice came from behind Yuto.

"Toldek! I didn't give you permission to speak!"

The chieftain's reprimand rang out.

However, the young dwarf who had led Yuto and Valtrude this far did not back down. His hands were trembling, and he was barely breathing, but he met the chieftain's gaze head-on.

"Mother... I mean, Chieftain, you know. If we continue like this, it's like being strangled with a silk thread."

"Toldek..."

If the young leave the city, there's nothing they can do to stop them.

Chieftain Miranda and the other dwarves around her lowered their heads, unable to say anything.

"Then, Toldek."

Yuto, still seated, turned to face him.

"I'll leave the leadership to you. When you gather two hundred, send word, and we'll come to pick them up. I'll give you instructions on how to communicate later."

"Yes."

Despite his trembling, Toldek gave a clear response, and Yuto nodded in satisfaction.

"It would be good to listen to the discussion."

Valtrude pointed to a corner on the left.

The dwarves, though they had objections, did not voice them. Toldek had become an official participant in the instant.

"Well, one issue is resolved. Now, I have another proposal to start a new industry."

"What?"

The chieftain's eyes widened.

Naturally, since the lack of industry is why the young want to leave.

"Of course, I will also offer jobs to those who stay."

"Are you really here to move us to a new home..."

Yuto nodded slightly.

However, the dwarves' expressions remained dark. In short, they are skeptical. Such a good deal doesn't exist.

"But..."

"I understand that things won't be the same as before."

Raising his hand, Yuto interrupted the chieftain.

"Unfortunately, it depends on your efforts from here on out."

And Yuto spoke about the core issue that Mainz faces.