Chapter 20

The morning after I made Yuri and the others my retainers.

"Ah, Prince Alex!"

As soon as we arrived at the port of Roabre, an elderly man with a cheerful face—Lord Roabre—hurried over to me.

Lord Roabre knelt down and bowed deeply.

"I never expected you to see through the enemy's plot! I am truly impressed by Your Highness's keen insight!"

"I'm glad I could be of help. By the way, what about the demons?"

"They don't seem to have been found yet, but they must have washed up on some beach by now."

"I see. We let them get away, then."

"Please don't worry about such trivial matters! Your Highness has saved Roabre!"

Saved, huh.

Even without the blockade, he must be confident that he can defend against a surprise attack.

Indeed, there are many soldiers waiting at the port.

In the bay, military ships are lined up in a row, serving as a substitute for the blockade.

"Is there any movement from the Demon Kingdom?"

"No. Without the blockade, they can't launch a surprise attack, so they won't rush in recklessly. However, we will have to keep the troops mobilized for a while..."

Not all the soldiers are standing army.

Many of them are usually farmers in the surrounding areas.

It costs money to summon and support such people.

"We need to repair the blockade as soon as possible... but even in the northern Aios territory, there's no chain of that size."

"We'll have to order it from the capital or call in a craftsman or demon who can make it."

"Yes... but we can't trust the demons anymore. Even if it takes longer, I want humans to do the installation."

Lord Roabre couldn't hide his frustration as he spoke.

He seems to be bracing himself for a significant expense.

"I see... actually, Lord Roabre. I have hired a group of about thirty craftsmen for the development of Tiars."

"Ah, the development of that land... I, I apologize. A group of craftsmen, you say?"

"Yes. In fact, they are already just north of Roabre. They are excellent and can make a huge chain."

The moment I said that, Lord Roabre's expression changed.

"Really!? Could you please make the chain for us!? I'll pay whatever it costs!"

Lord Roabre grabbed my hands with both of his.

As expected, he jumped at the opportunity... but it's convenient for me.

"If you can provide the materials, I'll have them make it at a fair price. However, I need you to prepare a house and workshop for their stay. Ideally, food and permission to do business as well."

"If that's all, I'll prepare it immediately! As a token of gratitude, I'll give you a good location on the main street! You can use it for as long as you like! Hey, arrange the location right away!"

Lord Roabre said this to his attendant, who was standing nearby.

"Thank you, Lord Roabre. Then, I'll call them from the north."

"Thank you very much! Ah, this will ensure Roabre's safety!"

Lord Roabre looked genuinely relieved and let out a hearty laugh.

He's probably more relieved about the reduced expenses...

Of course, the craftsmen I'm talking about are Yuri and the others. They are in human form, so there's no risk of them being discovered.

In any case, we were able to obtain a store and residence on Roabre's main street, as well as the land on which it stands.

I called Yuri and the others to this place.

It's a four-story building with a courtyard.

The first and second floors are spacious and perfect for a store and workshop, and the courtyard is ideal for forging. The upper floors will be used as living quarters.

"Good, it looks like the furniture and forging tools have been delivered."

"Amazing... such a magnificent place..."

Yuri, a girl with black hair tinged with blue, said as she looked at the workshop.

The other demons... whom I named the Blue-Haired Clan, seemed surprised by the presence of beds and baths. They must have been staying in very poor conditions until now.

"For the time being, everyone will live here. I've arranged for proper food and permission to open a store downstairs."

Yuri bowed deeply.

"Thank you so much, Prince Alex. You've saved our lives and provided us with a place to live..."

"Consider it a reward for your past labor... but make sure to make a solid chain for Lord Roabre."

"Of course! I will never betray you, Prince Alex."

"I believe you."

When I answered, Yuri nodded firmly.

"However, Yuri, I have another request for you."

"Anything, please tell me."

"It's fine if you don't want to... but I'd like you to come with us to Tiars."

"Me? Of course, I'll accompany you if you need me!"

"Thank you. I wanted to bring someone who knows a bit about minerals."

Not as a hostage, but to check if there are any good mineral deposits in Tiars.

However, I can't bring thirty people to explore Tiars.

First, I want to explore Tiars with a small group to confirm safe locations and resources.

"If that's the case, please leave it to me! I worked in a northern mine for about three years. I consider myself quite knowledgeable about mines and minerals!"

Yuri answered confidently.

"I see. That's reassuring. Then, please prepare your equipment with Elysia later. Elysia, I'm counting on you... Elysia?"

When I turned to her, Elysia looked a bit disappointed.

"Ah, yes. That's true. I don't have any knowledge of minerals... no more two-person trips!"

Elysia said this as if she was reluctant about something.

I wonder what's bothering her...

I looked at Yuri, but she was also tilting her head in confusion.

In any case, we were able to establish a base in Roabre.

The Blue-Haired Clan had taken human form, but their forging skills hadn't diminished. In fact, they were all happy that they could now do more delicate work.

Like Elysia, their strength hadn't decreased either.

Even a child my age could lift a barrel with one arm...

Of course, this would be suspicious if seen by humans, so I told them to be careful.

I watched for a while, and they easily made a huge chain. They also made excellent weapons and tools, which I decided to sell on the first floor.

This should help us earn a good income...

The next day, I set out for Tiars.