The Thorn Staff activates the barrier’s starting point using the magic stone received from Mastema.
Of course, this alone won’t produce the desired effect.
At best, it will only keep nearby monsters from approaching.
The color of the magic stone gradually changes to blue, surrounded by a faint light.
When I bring my hand closer, it feels like a soft membrane.
“The strength to protect the magic stone is still low, but once the barrier is complete, the strengths will reinforce each other,” the Thorn Staff conveyed through Mastema.
I see. In this state, the barrier could easily be destroyed.
“How strong will it become?”
“For a barrier of this size…”
Mastema brings her ear close to the Thorn Staff. Knowing the circumstances, I think nothing of it, but frankly, she must look strange to others.
Well, since she’s cute, people probably just see her as a bit eccentric.
“Hmm. It should be fine even if I punch it,” she said.
“That’s quite strong.”
“Once it’s complete, maybe I’ll give it a good hit to test it.”
“Don’t. If it breaks, it’ll be a hassle.”
“Oh, alright.”
She seems to have given up. The work here is done. The next location isn’t too far.
We use flight magic to move, clear the surrounding monsters, and use a magic stone to set up the barrier’s starting point. Repeating this process, we complete a quarter of the task.
This is work that would usually be done through sheer manpower. Since that wasn’t possible, it fell to us.
If we were on foot, who knows how long it would take.
The starting points connect, and a portion of the barrier activates. Monsters lurking nearby withdraw.
“It seems effective. Things should get a lot easier once the barrier is complete.”
“Going to such lengths just to protect against weak monsters.”
“Yes, well, that’s true.”
It’s indeed a large-scale operation. Even with just the two of us setting it up, it’s easy to see that a lot of time, effort, and money went into this barrier.
Considering the cost and results, it should yield worthwhile outcomes, though it’s a bold move. It’s good for the leadership to be decisive.
“We should call it a day. We’re actually a bit ahead of schedule.”
“If we push, we could probably finish today.”
“We only need to finish within the given period. No need to rush.”
If we hurry, more work will just pile up. I don’t mind that, but there’s no need to go out of my way to get ahead.
“Is that how it works?”
“Not different in the human world?”
“I… just did things half-heartedly.”
“Humans are the same. Working at a steady pace without slacking off is fast enough.”
After all, there are plenty who slack off. Just by not doing that, you’re already considered productive.
Since we can use flight magic, we save time. Even if we go slow, there’s still plenty of leeway.
Around midday, we return to the royal castle and head to the dining hall. It seems to be a made-to-order system.
Compared to the magic academy’s dining hall, it focuses more on quantity than quality, which makes it affordable.
Mastema piles her plate with meat, while I order a balanced meal.
When we sit at a random table, we spot a group of three who’d been working separately. It seems they’ve finished eating, but Sepia has her head on the table, completely worn out.
According to Arnella, they had been working non-stop, even creating a giant golem from a heap of rubble to clean up the remaining debris.
“Looks like Sepia got a bit too into it…”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. She just overused her magic, so she should recover after some rest.”
“Let her take the day off. She’s earned it.”
“Understood. I think she’ll be fine.”
We could give her a mana potion, but she’s done enough work. Since we’re also wrapping up, it’s just the right time.
By the time Mastema and I finish eating, Sepia finally revives but can only move sluggishly. We leave her to the other two and head off to wander around the capital with Mastema.
The last time I remember the royal capital, it was filled with people lying on the ground. Now, it’s as bustling as, if not more than, the imperial capital.
With reconstruction efforts underway, people, goods, and money are flowing significantly.
However, there still seems to be a lack of men. Restoring the gender balance will likely take time.
Apparently, due to the shortage of men, they’re considering allowing women to take part in governance and military service. With a queen on the throne, it’s plausible. Some female representatives may soon join the citizen council.
As for what the outcome will be, I have no idea.
We idly browse through shops, snacking on fruit. I didn’t care much for aimless wandering in the past, but now I find it rather soothing.
Maybe I’m getting old.
I pass the time following Mastema as she wanders around. She seems pleased with a hat I bought for her. We wrap up the day by distributing some souvenirs to Arnella and the others.
The barrier was completed over the next four days. It now surrounds and protects the royal capital in all directions.
It supposedly deflects magic but has no effect on humans or ordinary animals. Otherwise, it would be defective, making entry and exit impossible.
With the barrier in place, soldiers who had been stationed far and wide for protection are gathered, and the delayed construction of watchtowers begins.
The barrier protects against monsters, but it’s useless against humans.
The imperial army’s Third Division, under the princess’s command, is stationed here, but no nation can rely solely on borrowed power indefinitely.
After all, it’s costly.
