Six: When you find something important, you gotta protect it, right?

The settlement area was a vast plain adjacent to a deep forest. A river flowed far off, and in the distance, snow-capped mountains stretched into view.

"Pretty good spot, huh?"

I'd always thought frontier lands were deep in the woods, or swamps, or wastelands where nothing would grow.

But when I actually got here, it was strange—why hadn’t a single village ever been built in such a good place?

"Of course there’s a reason."

"Can I hear it?"

"Yeah. Long ago, this place was a gnome settlement. Look closely at that patch of grass—see those old stone foundations buried there?"

"Where...? Wait, you’re right."

Completely hidden under grass, but I found spots where stone foundations still remained.

"Actually, I lived here as a kid."

"Really?"

Can't say I’d ever guess he’s still a kid now.

Even among the half-breeds, earthlings are especially hard to tell apart from human children. Half-blood, maybe, but Leifan’s age is a mystery.

And I think I just understood, just a little, why an earthling with arms would volunteer for this kind of settlement.

The faintly lonely profile made me hesitate to ask for any more reasons.

But I’m sure he wants to build a village here, from scratch.

That much is certain.

"Alright. Let’s make this a proper village."

"Yup!"

"Leifan-san. Craft-san. Mind if I borrow you for a sec?"

It was Kyle and Maina, leading Alphard and Persia.

"Ah, good morning, Master Kyle."

"Good morning."

Leifan greeted us, so I nodded back.

In the past week of travel, our distance had shrunk quite a bit.

Kyle’s been coming to me with all sorts of stuff lately. Feels like a little brother now.

Funny how that works.

"First off, thank you for making it here so quickly. I appreciate you cutting the schedule short like this."

"Thank you, Master Kyle! You’re the one who pushed through!"

"Yeah. And not just the settlers—those horses too."

Truth is, I tried adding the stamina potion the cook left behind to the horses’ water.

And wow—what a surprise.

The damn things were running like they’d been reborn. Snorting hard, charging through any rough terrain like it wasn’t even there.

And with just a few carts left, we piled on the elders and kids. Speed was off the charts.

"Since we started drinking Craft’s potion, the fatigue’s vanished. Felt like a new person. Maina’s been lively too."

"Good to hear."

Using the alchemy power I just gained, I’ll help someone.

Never thought something like this could feel this good.

Yeah.

If I can help someone with this power, I won’t hesitate.

What brings you here, Kyle?

"Yeah, uh, Alphard said it'd be best to call everyone before we start work."

That’s good. Everyone’ll be glad to hear it from you, Kyle.

Is this really not a bother?

That’s not true at all. Everyone loves Kyle-sama so much.

Yeah.

Throughout the journey, Kyle helped with serving meals and showed an effort so earnest it was hard to believe he was a noble.

The will to do something for everyone was pouring out so strong, it seized every heart before anyone could even blink.

"Gotcha—gotta gather everyone real quick."

Then I’ll just make a simple platform for you.

"Yeah. Thanks, Craft."

I piled up some empty wooden crates haphazardly to make a makeshift platform.

Nothing fancy—just pull it straight out of spatial storage. Easy job.

"Um, Craft-san?"

"Hm?"

I startled at the sudden voice behind me and answered without thinking.

"Oh—sorry, Kyle-sama."

"That's it."

"Huh?"

"I've been wondering... I'd like you to be a little more casual with me, Craft."

"No way! I can't do that!"

He's glaring at me from behind like he's gonna rip me apart!

"Thanks to the stamina potion you gave me, I'm really saved. You're not just a benefactor—you're a former adventurer. No need to push yourself like that."

I was thinking of you like a little brother in my head, so I couldn’t say that out loud!

"No. I’d really prefer you just be yourself, Craft. It’d be a loss for all of us if you’re too careful around us and can’t show your true strength."

"Ah, well—"

"Is it really... bothering you?"

He lowered his head, but peeked up with eyes full of quiet hope.

Ah! Come on! That’s cheating!

Looking at the two guards, Alphard was pressing his temple, Persia giving a wry smile.

So they’ve given up already.

"Ah..."

"Is it really not okay?"

"Yeah... if you’re gonna be an adventurer about it, that means no honorifics at all, right?"

Trying casual speech, Kyle’s face lit up immediately.

He’s serious about this.

"Of course! I’d actually be happier that way!"

"What about you two?"

"To be honest, I’d prefer you not do it. But if Lord Kyle wants it…"

"Unless we have to show it before other nobles... we should respect Kyle’s wishes."

"Ah, I see."

Being stuck with a brother like that.

Maybe he’d grown tired of that suffocating life.

If this makes Kyle happy... then fine.

"Got it. But no complaining, okay? Kyle."

"Yes! Thank you so much, Craft-san!!"

"H-haha..."

He wasn’t even mad. Just thrilled.

Guess I’ll have to bring my A-game now.

"First things first—greetings."

"Yes!"

Ah, crap. Can’t see him as a noble anymore...

"Um? Did something happen?"

"No, nothing at all."

"Really? I gathered everyone from the village."

"Thank you, Leifan."

Kyle glanced over at me, smiled warmly, then stepped up onto the platform.

"Something wrong?"

"Eh, no, just... stuff."

Couldn't exactly say I became close with the marquis's third son, now could I?

Yeah, whatever—some people still think a marquis is just some second-rate noble shoved off to the backwoods, but nah. Real deal is, he’s the top-tier noble running a massive, trouble-prone frontier all on his own.

You could probably treat it like a semi-independent state.

Maina, her only anchor gone now that Kyle was gone—she was just like Kyle, twin to him.

After glancing around nervously, he suddenly stuck himself right to my back.

...

Maina looking up at me in silence.

Uh, if you’re good there, you can stay as long as you like.

“……!”

Shivered once, then flushed red, hiding my face deep into the mantle.

"——And so, the settlement of this land was decided! Beyond the mountains lies the Empire. Though still trapped between uncharted forests, this land boasts fertile plains. Its development is urgent! Everyone, please lend your strength!"

Kyle’s speech ended with thunderous applause.

Even Alphard looked on the verge of tears. A faint, fatherly mutter barely reached my ears. "You’ve grown up…."

"One more announcement!"

"Hm?"

Not a greeting. An announcement?

What was it? I glanced at Leifan, but he just shook his head.

"Fortunately, we have an excellent alchemist—Craft—on our side! Let’s build a great village together!"

"“““WAAAAAAAH!!!”””"

A sudden, baffling cheer erupted.

"Craft…."

"No! This is—!"

The two attendants, Alphard and Persia, were crouched on the ground, clutching their heads.

It’s not my fault, okay!?

“““Long live Kyle! Long live Craft! Long live Kyle! Long live Craft!”””

No way, no way, no way!!???

“This is serious business, Craft-kun?”

“Gyaaaaaaah!!!”

Damn it!

I’m giving up!

If it’s like this, then I’ll take care of everyone myself!!???

Thanks to all of you, we’re still holding first place daily.

We’re back in 16th place weekly.

Truly, thank you so much <(_ _)>

Please keep supporting us!

Also, starting tomorrow, I’ll be aiming for one update per day.

Please keep supporting us <(_ _)>

July 29, 21:20

Made major revisions.