Chapter 53

We moved to the road that the shopkeeper had told us about using Magic Arrow Flight.

"Ugh, this is terrible..."

Lola said in a sad voice. The road was completely buried from end to end with gravel due to the landslides. Large rocks and broken trees jutted out everywhere, creating a very dangerous situation. Men working on the restoration were shouting to each other, "Hold that!" "Over there, over there!" "Get out of the way, it's dangerous!"

After watching for a while, I approached a middle-aged man who seemed to be in charge.

"Excuse me, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"What? You! Get back, it's dangerous!"

The supervisor, with bloodshot eyes from lack of sleep, shouted at me. I felt apologetic, but I believed I could help, so I continued without hesitation.

"I think I can help."

I showed him the 'Crest Plate' that Sebastian had given me. The crest of Luminas—anyone who lived in Luminas, even a child, would recognize it. The supervisor's eyes widened.

"Y-You, that's—?"

"...I am a magician dispatched by the Duke of Luminas. The Duke has instructed me to assist."

After talking with the supervisor, I decided to help with my magic.

"What we need help with are the rocks and broken trees. If they suddenly lose balance, it can cause fatalities. Safety is the top priority—meaning we can't work quickly."

...I see.

So, I decided to shoot Magic Arrows to blow away the trees and rocks.

"Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow"

I shot Magic Arrows at the gravel blocking the road. White arrows struck one after another, creating loud explosions everywhere. When the dust settled—

"Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

The workers erupted in cheers. The rocks and trees had been reduced to splinters and were gone. The supervisor came up to me and shook my hand.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thanks to you, the work speed will increase dramatically!"

"Is that so? What about the remaining work?"

"We just need to move the gravel to the side and clear the road!"

"Is that so. Then, let me clear the road as well."

"Huh?"

I pointed my right hand at the gravel and spoke the trigger words again.

"Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow, Magic Arrow"

This time, I focused on a single point, releasing my magic power all at once at the gravel in front of me. Another loud explosion. After seeing the scene—

"Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

The workers cheered again. The road was not completely clear, but a large hole had been dug through the middle of the gravel, making it passable.

"Is this good enough?"

"...That's amazing, really amazing! We'll check the safety later, but this is more than enough! We were saved! It would have taken months to complete this work! You are the savior of Luminas' economy!"

"That's good to hear."

"By the way, I haven't asked your name. What is it?"

"...Ah..."

After thinking for a moment, I said:

"Albert."

...I didn't reveal my name as a Luminas noble. If he knew I was the son of the lord, he would surely be overwhelmed.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

That night—We were given a room in a lodging house that had been rented for the removal workers. The supervisor had insisted, "At least get some rest!" Since it didn't seem like we would have time to return to the capital of Luminas, I decided to accept his offer.

I was alone in my room, thinking.

...Today's events taught me many things. It seems I can be of help to people. If that's the case, I should do so. This was a revelation that would guide my journey.

I had vaguely planned to travel around the Luminas territory. However, it was aimless, not much different from a mere sightseeing trip.

Going to some village—

What would I do then?

What would I feel when I see the location and atmosphere of the village?

Does it have any meaning?

Can it be useful for the future as the heir to the territory?

That's where the perspective of 'solving problems' comes in.

I will lend my strength to the villagers' troubles. By doing so, at least the problems will be resolved.

This is undoubtedly a plus for the territory. It is far more meaningful than just a trip. Plus, it decides the direction of my journey. I can visit villages in order, helping those in trouble. The villagers will likely trust me and share their stories if I can be of help.

After thinking this through, I decided:

I want to hear Lola's opinion.

Unfortunately, I lack the common sense of a regular civilian. Lola can fill in that gap.

Unable to wait any longer, I visited Lola's room.

"What's the matter, Albert?"

To the bewildered Lola, I explained my thoughts. As I spoke passionately, a bit of color returned to her face.

"I think it's a good idea!"

"Lola, I want to ask you something. Didn't you clear the goblins from your village before?"

"That's right."

"Is it common for villages to be troubled by goblins and such?"

"It is. While the city has soldiers to maintain order, villages are often neglected. They form vigilante groups, but people get injured or even lose their lives..."

"I see..."

I put my hand to my mouth and thought—

"Alright, I've decided."

"What are you going to do, Albert?"

The citizens are in danger.

If they were living peacefully, it would be one thing—but with actual harm being done, I can't just stand by.

"I want to protect the people of Luminas. I will defeat the creatures that cause them trouble."

It's interesting!

I want to read more!

Please keep it up!

If you think so, I would be happy if you could rate it with the "☆☆☆☆☆" at the bottom of the screen!

Thank you for your support!