Demon Lord's Castle Reconstruction Plan (1)
As soon as dawn broke, crowds flooded into the square. Ever since the day the Demon Lord's castle was reclaimed, reconstruction work had continued without pause. Among the many projects, the highest priorities were the construction of individual residences for Hemonigent's residents and the installation of a massive magic circle at the center of the square.
Crawford oversaw the management of all residents while simultaneously directing every aspect of the construction. Having managed the Demoni an survivors for a thousand years, he was the perfect choice for the role, and since the workers themselves were under his command, the overall supervision of the reconstruction naturally fell to him as well.
Artis took charge of supervising, educating, and managing the goblins, while also overseeing the relocation of supplies from their former dwellings in the sewers. The goblins had spent their entire lives in the harsh environment of the sewers, where education had been neglected. Artis therefore placed the highest priority on sharing his vast knowledge so they could adapt to society.
Neromeltia was deeply immersed in the overall design of the city. Unless she was attending a cabinet meeting with key figures, she spent most of her time wrestling with blueprints, armed with rulers, protractors, and compasses. Planning and design formed the foundation of every endeavor, making them both the most important and the most difficult tasks. Fortunately, Artis and Lusteria frequently offered advice and helped draft the plans, allowing the work to progress at a remarkable pace.
Lusteria's primary duties involved relaying Neromeltia's orders to others and delivering newly acquired information back to her. She also handled interpersonal matters in place of the busy Demon Lord. With her sharp mind and extensive knowledge, assisting her master in every area was the very essence of a secretary's role.
Beatrice filled the gaps left by Lusteria's frequent absences, never leaving her master's side. She attended to Neromeltia's meals, baths, and cleaning, and even assisted with drafting blueprints and designs whenever the Demon Lord required an extra hand. As an Ego Doll driven by mechanical precision, her pen strokes were flawless even without the aid of rulers or compasses. Lusteria had once applauded her skill upon witnessing it.
Each of them gave their all in their respective roles. There was not the slightest hint of negligence. They did not merely work hard; they executed tasks according to strict priorities, clearly defining objectives and carrying them out with precision. Speed was important, but the most urgent matters came first. This was no longer the reconstruction of a past Demon Lord's castle—it was the building of a foundation for the future. Their efforts would become the shining cornerstone of that future.
"My lord. All preparations are complete."
"Very well. Let us proceed."
Many citizens had gathered in the square to witness the fruits of their collective labor. Neromeltia, who had been waiting inside a temporary building beside the square, stepped forward under Crawford's guidance and appeared before her people. As the crowd knelt in reverence, Neromeltia and her retainers began walking toward the center of the throng. The moment the ruler of Hemonigent revealed herself, the murmuring of the masses vanished as if washed away, leaving only silence. The only sounds were the measured footsteps of the small procession. Though few in number, those steps carried a majesty greater than the charge of a colossal dragon to the citizens of Hemonigent.
A Demon Lord who wielded power rivaling the gods yet showed greater compassion than anyone. A Sword Master who had protected Hemonigent's people for a thousand years. A beautiful succubus summoned from hell by the Demon Lord to stand at her side. The elite Black Knights, embodiments of Hemonigent's advanced magical engineering. A sage whose wisdom transcended his short goblin lifespan. Each of them radiated a dignity no being in this world could match.
Lusteria and Crawford walked one step behind Neromeltia, flanking her on either side. Artis and Beatrice followed behind them. Shortly after, the Black Knights, already formed in ranks, marched in perfect unison behind their lord and her retainers, lending even greater grandeur to the procession.
Clack! Clack! Clack! Clack! Clack!
The synchronized march of the knights in their Cornium armor reverberated through the ground, sending a powerful tremor into the hearts of the kneeling citizens. Neromeltia and her retainers approached the structure at the center of the square—a Mana Stone. Mined from the depths of Under Barkus, this rare treasure measured a full hundred mentols in diameter. Untouched by pollution, it was the very essence of primordial purity. A small pillar forged from highly conductive Mithril had been driven into the ground at the square's center, with the Mana Stone fixed atop it.
Neromeltia stepped up to the Mana Stone, gazed at its vast blue form for a moment, then placed her hand upon it and began channeling her power. A low, rumbling vibration filled the air as an overwhelming torrent of Luina flowed from the Demon Lord's hand—the master and origin of that dark mana. The Mana Stone absorbed the immense energy and began to glow brilliantly, shaking violently. It trembled so fiercely that it seemed it might shatter, yet the tremors soon subsided. Just as everyone grew accustomed to the silence, a powerful vibration rose from beneath their feet.
With a deep, resonant hum, beams of light erupted from beneath the square. They shot upward from beneath the sewer covers, the radiant glow of the massive magic circle installed in the sewers below. The light blazed intensely before gradually dimming and finally vanishing. At the same moment, the Mana Stone and its Mithril pillar descended into the ground with the sound of grinding machinery, leaving only the very top of the stone protruding above the surface. The hole that had opened to lower the stone sealed itself perfectly around the exposed portion, making it appear as though the Mana Stone had been embedded directly into the ground.
With a resonant chime, a dome-shaped mana field expanded outward from the half-buried Mana Stone. The transparent yet immensely powerful hemispherical barrier swept across the entire square and continued to expand, growing larger and larger until it covered not only the Demon Lord's castle but even the planned farmland beyond its outer walls.
"Beloved citizens, hear me!" Neromeltia turned and raised her voice to the crowd. Her retainers followed suit, lining up in front of her. The Black Knights took their positions to fulfill their duty of protection. Their imposing presence was undoubtedly the result of the grueling training Crawford had subjected them to in recent days. The citizens steadied their minds, shaken by the sudden appearance of the mana field, and listened intently to their ruler's words.
"This grand mana circuit you have labored day and night to complete! This vast magic circle spanning the entire underground of the square has made possible the creation of this immense mana field! I commend your efforts!"
The citizens bowed their heads in unison at the Demon Lord's praise. A small but fierce flame of pride ignited in their hearts. To see something they had built return as such a magnificent mana field—there was no greater satisfaction.
"As long as this mana field exists, no toxins or pollutants will enter the Demon Lord's castle! The air will remain pure, and the rain that falls will be pristine! Sandstorms carrying metal dust will leave only clean winds behind, and mutated pests that spread disease will be unable to approach!"
Relieved sighs and joyful murmurs spread through the square. It had been little more than a month since they had emerged from Under Barkus and the sewers to begin rebuilding the ruins of the Demon Lord's castle on the surface. Until now, not a single morning had passed without the Demon Lord granting them purification magic. They had wondered whether they could truly live in such a polluted environment, and if so, for how long. The thought that the Demon Lord and others capable of casting purification spells might leave even for a day had been unthinkable, and the daily ritual of the Demon Lord personally blessing each citizen had felt absurd. Yet today, all those worries had been laid to rest. At the very least, they no longer needed to fear simply breathing.
"I will never forget your efforts!!!"
"Waaaaaaaah!!!"
The Demon Lord's final words shook the square with tremendous force. Though brief and to the point, her speech had praised only the citizens' achievements, never once mentioning her own. Moved by the realization that their sweat and labor had become a great power that would transform their lives and their future, the citizens erupted in a thunderous cheer.
Amid the roaring applause and shouts, Neromeltia and her retainers quietly left the square.
"I'm so glad everyone is happy. When they were cheering and hugging each other, laughing, I almost cried without realizing it!"
"I performed three mana scans, but found no irregularities in any part of the field. Congratulations, Master."
After the speech marking the completion of the magic circle, cheers still echoed from the square as the Demon Lord and her retainers began their meeting inside a tent. Neromeltia affectionately stroked the heads of her secretary and maid, who offered words of relief and congratulations. As they said, the completion of the large-scale purification magic circle was a tremendous success, worthy of celebration. Yet even in the face of such clear good fortune, differing opinions were inevitable.
"However, ladies, while celebration is important, we must remember that this is only the beginning. We still have soil contamination and water source pollution to address, not to mention ocean pollution, securing food supplies, construction, material production, mining, logging, and building an economy. The list is endless!"
"Artis is correct. We cannot afford to grow complacent."
"...Mmm... I never said we should get complacent. It's just that Master has worked so hard, and everyone has done their best, so..."
Lusteria had merely expressed joy at the good news, but the atmosphere was far from supportive, and even criticism had arisen. A sulky tone escaped her lips. If Artis had stopped there, no harm would have been done, but Crawford's tactless follow-up had driven the point home, making Lusteria appear like a childish fool. Beatrice, who had offered the congratulations, seemed equally displeased; a faint crease had formed between her brows on her otherwise expressionless face.
Quickly reading the mood, Neromeltia wrapped an arm around Lusteria's waist and pulled her close. Lusteria's heart began to race wildly, her breathing quickening at the touch of her master's arm. Neromeltia met the flustered succubus's gaze and smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Lust. I always love hearing what you have to say."
"Hah...!"
A wave of joy so intense it felt as though her heart had stopped washed over Lusteria. She let out a soft sound and nestled obediently into Neromeltia's embrace. Resting her head against her master's shoulder, feeling the warmth and the sweet scent of her skin, she closed her eyes like a well-tamed cat.
Beatrice watched the scene with her usual stoic expression, then quietly leaned against Neromeltia's unoccupied shoulder, mirroring Lusteria's posture. As the Demon Lord pondered how to handle her secretary and maid openly displaying their affection without regard for the others present, she heard Artis's pleased and amused laughter.
"Flowers in both hands, I see! Ohohoho!!"