Chapter 45

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Since then, the house has grown a bit more.

Its length and width have gradually increased, and in terms of height, it is now over thirty meters.

Well, to improve stability, I've been trying various things, like making the lower floors larger and gradually remodeling it to look more like a castle.

"Hmm, I wonder if it looks more like a castle now?"

Currently, it looks like a small, Japanese-style castle.

However, it doesn't have tiles or stone walls, so if you ask me if it looks cool, it's a bit of a mixed bag.

"It's a magnificent castle, Master!"

"Magnificent... Yeah, it's big, but that's about it."

The more I build and modify, the more I want to focus on the design.

But, in the end, I'll still be living in a two-bedroom, one-living, one-dining room (2LDK) on the top floor, so it doesn't really change much.

"Well, anyway, I'll register it in the magic key. Let's call it 'The Castle.'"

I mentally link the words and register it.

Then, I change it back to the tower shape.

"Hmm, the house remodeling seems to be going well. That's good."

"Oh, Hestia. ...What's with that strange robe?"

"I was thinking of going to town. ...The materials for my staff are running out."

"Ah... Could it be because I've been using it too much?"

Actually, lately, I've been breaking my staff quite a bit.

The last time, it snapped after I used the magic key about ten times in a row.

It doesn't break with a single use anymore, but it's not completely indestructible.

"Ugh... My tailbone and tail wings are big, so that's fine. But the other materials are gone."

She puffed her cheeks slightly as she said this.

It seems quite frustrating for her as a craftsman.

"Sorry about that."

"Hmm. I didn't fully understand its capabilities. It could handle the maximum load, but not the number of uses. So, I'll reinforce it. I need to buy the materials for that."

"Got it. That's very helpful, but is the money okay?"

Hestia patted the inside of her robe.

The sound of metal clinking was heard from inside.

"I'll use what I got last time. It'll take just a few minutes to go and come back. Wait for me with that staff."

"Got it. Thanks, Hestia."

"Okay."

She nodded and walked away.

"...Can she really make a round trip in just a few minutes?"

"Hestia said she can use dragon power even in human form. She should be able to move fast."

Yeah, I've sensed her running at incredible speeds before.

Right, she's still strong even in human form.

I almost forget because of her appearance and demeanor, but she said she's traveled the world alone.

"Well, I guess I don't need to worry. ...Ah, I'm getting hungry."

I started working in the morning, and quite a bit of time has passed.

I've used magic, and my appetite is asserting itself.

"I thought you might be hungry, so I prepared a bento."

"Thanks, Sakura."

"Oh, it's nothing, really."

Sakura took out a small basket from her pocket.

Inside were rice balls and stir-fried meat and vegetables.

"Wow, it looks delicious."

"Thank you. By the way, the rice balls are a bit saltier this time."

"That's great, thanks."

When I remodel the house, I sweat a lot, so I crave salty food.

"By the way, our rice reserves are running low, right?"

"Yes. We have about two months' worth of white rice and one month's worth of brown rice."

I see. Maybe I should start growing rice.

It would be good to try growing it like I did with the apple seeds.

"Then I'll go make some tea. Please start eating, Master."

Sakura returned to the house.

For now, I'll focus on the lunch in front of me.

"Let's eat---"

Just as I was about to put a rice ball in my mouth,

"Ugh, slow down, Lady Anne!"

"Oh, this forest too!"

A familiar witch and an unfamiliar woman burst into the yard.

---

"---!"

Dianeia and the unfamiliar woman were being chased by a strange black golem.

But why did they come to my yard?

I took a bite of the rice ball while thinking this.

"I'm sorry, Daichi. We were attacked by strange beings."

Her first words were an apology, so I'm not that angry. But,

"Give me back my peaceful lunch time!"

After swallowing the rice, I shouted that. Instantly,

"---!!"

"Ugh...!!"

A vortex of magic power was released.

The golem and the witch were blown away in one shot.

The golem crumbled into pieces from the impact, and Dianeia fell on her butt.

...Ah, this reminds me of the old days.

But what's different this time is,

"Ugh... It's been a while since I've taken a hit... It's tough. I might have leaked a bit..."

Dianeia stood up.

Unlike the early days, she seems to have developed some resistance.

But, she still made the same mistake as before.

"Seriously. You always bring in weird things, like dragons or golems."

"I'm sorry... It was an unknown monster. I didn't know how to deal with it and got cornered."

From the looks of it, it was just a big golem.

What was she so afraid of?

"...You're the only one who would call that a golem. It was pretty hard."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I could have handled a few, but being surrounded by more than ten was too much. I ended up here while fleeing."

Why did you bring it here?

You should have dealt with it yourself.

"Ugh, I'm sorry..."

"Well, it's fine now that it's taken care of."

Using magic made me even hungrier.

I need to finish my rice ball and take a break.

As I was munching, Dianeia's gaze went past me.

"By the way, Daichi? I have a question... Your house seems to have changed shape and gotten bigger. Am I imagining it?"

"It's not your imagination, but don't worry about it."

"Is that so?"

"Also, I have a question. Who's the black-haired woman?"

I don't recognize her, but she might be Dianeia's friend.

She seemed to withstand my magic vortex without being blown away.

"Oh, right, this is my guest. Lady Anne, can I introduce you?"

"Um... One hit... The power was... surprisingly... exhilarating..."

The black-haired woman had a feverish look in her eyes.

"Lady Anne? Is something wrong?"

"Huh... Ah... Yes! Sorry. I was just a bit dazed."

She seemed to be staring into space but quickly regained her composure and met my eyes.

Her face was slightly flushed, perhaps from nervousness.

"Ah, sorry. I am Anne Tidra, Deputy Commander of the Armed City."

"Nice to meet you. You're from the Armed City?"

The city with the shaved heads. As the deputy commander, you must be one of the top brass.

"More or less. By the way, are you the master of this land filled with magic?"

"Yes. And you can sense the magic too?"

"Yes, we have a similar area in the center of our city, though not as strong as here."

I see. Those who can sense it will notice.

As I was thinking this, Dianeia looked surprised.

"Huh? What's wrong, Dianeia? Why the strange face?"

"Well... I'm surprised that Lady Anne is having a normal conversation with you."

Now that you mention it, it's true.

It's rare for someone to talk to me normally without being scared.

As the top of the Armed City, she must be quite strong.

"Lady Dianeia. Can I talk to this person a bit more?"

"Um... I'm fine, but what about Daichi?"

"I don't mind."

I finished my meal.

The Armed City people just attacked, so more information wouldn't hurt.

Plus,

"I have some free time. Let's have some tea and chat."

"Great. I wanted to relax a bit too."

And so, an impromptu tea party in my yard began.