Chapter 43

――The next morning.

Last night, we were attacked by Torre, who had heard rumors about the power generation facilities, but the heated debate was dissolved before midnight.

I had something I wanted to explain to him directly, so in a way, it was good that he came, but Sequoia was also in the study, as if she had anticipated his arrival.

In the end, we had a discussion among the three of us.

This discussion was very fruitful. Man, magic is amazing. It can do things that would be difficult with science in a snap.

I don’t think everything can be solved with science and technology.

Magic is far more convenient, doesn’t take up space, and doesn’t require materials.

Magic depends on individual skill. Science can be used by anyone if the tools are available. That’s the difference.

Both have their merits, so I want to combine them to achieve a comfortable life.

For this reason, at the morning meeting, I assigned Rumburg to oversee the town’s construction, Baltro to the town’s security, and Elly to agriculture and other communications.

I also instructed Elly to continue the square planning with Alru.

There’s no need for a guard around the blacksmith’s area. Sequoia, the wild child, is planning to take up position there.

I’ve entrusted the power generation facilities to her, along with Torre and Garam. As a result of yesterday’s discussion, she will join the power generation project from the beginning.

She was so eager, breathing heavily, and ready to punch anyone who didn’t let her join, so there’s no problem.

As for me? I plan to observe the town with Alru as my guard, and then head into the forest.

As I stepped out of the mansion, I turned my gaze to Alru, who was walking beside me.

"First, let’s head to the main square."

"Yes!"

Alru perked up her cat ears and raised her right arm enthusiastically.

Her tail was wagging, showing her good mood.

"You seem really happy. Is it because we’re going to explore?"

"That’s part of it. But…"

Alru suddenly covered her mouth with both hands, as if realizing something.

She shook her head and her tail drooped.

"What’s wrong? Oh, don’t worry. I don’t plan to go alone with just me and Alru. I intend to ask one of Baltro’s guards to come with us."

"Zip it. No. Absolutely not."

"Huh?"

"Zip it."

"Oh, okay."

I don’t understand what she means, but it doesn’t seem like she’s worried about the dangers of exploration.

Then, what caused that droop? I don’t want to force her to talk if she’s not ready. If it’s necessary, she’ll tell me.

◇◇◇

Wow. I was surprised when I got to the main square.

Buildings were constructed in just two days?

In the center, stone blocks were laid out in a circular pattern, forming a white pedestal.

It’s just a temporary setup, but I see. They were trying to make it like a fountain square.

Is there a statue of a goddess or something on the pedestal? It’s covered with a white cloth, indicating that the work is still in progress.

Next to the pedestal, Elly, dressed as a maid, stood expressionless.

However, when she recognized me, a slight smile appeared on her lips, and she bowed gracefully.

"Elly, what are you doing here alone?"

"I am receiving requests from the townspeople here."

"Ah, that’s a good idea. This place connects to the residential area, agricultural area, and commercial area."

"Yes, and I was also instructed by Joshua-sama to work on the town’s symbol."

"Are you planning to make this a fountain?"

"Yes. I thought a water feature would be appropriate for the central square. Torre-sama and Alru were also very cooperative."

"Wow. Torre is already working?"

"Yes. I was inspired by Torre-sama’s excellent skills. It’s truly perfect!"

Elly’s cheeks turned red, and she exhaled a hot breath.

On the other hand, Alru still had her hands over her mouth, showing that she wasn’t going to say anything.

"I’ll tell Torre to come here as often as possible."

"That’s not necessary. It’s already complete. Perfectly, beautifully, and magnificently. It’s so captivating."

"Oh, okay."

You’re repeating the same words. Are you okay, Elly?

It feels like you’re in another world…

"I’ve been waiting for Joshua-sama to arrive. I’ll show you Nellac’s symbol."

"I’ll show you."

Elly and Alru pulled the cloth from either side of the pedestal.

Fwoosh.

The white cloth fluttered and was quickly removed.

What emerged was a white marble statue.

They must have used a mithril chisel. It’s impressive that they completed such a fine piece in such a short time.

It’s elegant and graceful. Both the smooth curves and straight lines are beautiful.

Yeah, the craftsmanship poured into the statue is truly unparalleled.

A male figure wrapped in a toga-like cloth.

He’s small, and the body visible through the gaps in the cloth is weak.

His face and slender shoulders lack any sense of masculinity…

It’s me! This is me!

"Aaah, ugh, grr."

"Who else could be the symbol of Nellac but Joshua-sama! No, there is no one else. A statue of a god? No, it’s Joshua-sama. Joshua-sama is the symbol and the beginning of Nellac. Only because of Joshua-sama—"

Elly’s excited speech continued, but it just passed through my head from right to left.

"Couldn’t you at least make it a bit more muscular…?"

"The real Joshua-sama is the most beautiful and noble. Everyone who visits the square will show gratitude and offer prayers to Joshua-sama’s statue."

"…"

I was speechless.

I really need to do something about this.

I felt like I was turning to sand and becoming completely white.

Alru, pointing at me with her index finger, smiled and called out.

"Zip it. It’s over. Joshua-sama?"

"Y-Yeah… You kept this a secret, didn’t you?"

"Yes! Alru kept it a secret, just like I was supposed to. Elly."

"Seeing Joshua-sama’s reaction, it’s clear. Thank you, Alru."

Despite the heartwarming sight of Elly and Alru holding hands, all I could manage was a dry laugh.

"Let’s go, Alru. Let’s check out the residential area."

"Yes!"

Alru beamed and raised her right arm enthusiastically.

I walked heavily towards the residential area, while Alru skipped along.

I vowed to forget about this for a while.