OUR ESCAPE AFTERWARD proved surprisingly uneventful. The annihilation of the fiend nest hadn't quite resulted in the sudden disintegration of all the remaining beasts – alas, that would have been a stroke of exceptional fortune. Instead, the explosions and tremors below stirred the surviving fiends in the floors above, sending them into a frenzy of panic.

Nonetheless, we safely returned to the spectral plane, shrouded from the eyes of unsuspecting mortals. Once all were accounted for and out of harm's way, I invoked Meteor Storm once more, reducing the underground passage to rubble and vanquishing the fiends trapped within. With my powers of Complete Recovery, I tended to Gilbert's wounds, ensuring he was hale and hearty.

The return to the fortress was untroubled, and our report of the harrowing encounter elicited an enthusiastic response from the Adamant Knights. Under Albert's authoritative command, the defensive lines were transformed into a relentless offense, encircling the very cave that had housed the fiendish nest, seeking out any remnants of the malevolent creatures lingering in the vicinity.

Though the final purge consumed five more days, the knights succeeded in eradicating the fiends from the mountain and its surrounding forests. Yet, prudence prevailed, and we decided to station a contingent of knights at the fortress, ever watchful for any signs of fiendish resurgence.

Albert, resolute and committed to our cause, declared, "The Adamant Knights shall bear the responsibility of eliminating this menace, even if it entails financing the operation with the Stevenson family's personal wealth."

Still, I couldn't shake the lingering weight on my shoulders. What were these fiends, truly? What lay at the core of a fiend's nest? Should another nest emerge, would the people of Dravus possess the means to combat it without our intervention?

I found myself grappling with a deeper connection to this predicament. Could I, in all earnestness, ignore the fiends as an external menace? Was it incumbent upon me, as I feared, to confront humanity's relentless nemesis head-on?

These contemplations weighed heavily upon my heart. Yet, I couldn't renege on the role destiny had thrust upon me, symbolized by this grandiose facade of a magic user I now donned. Such a mask wouldn't brook the idea of passing the burden to another.

***

Seven days after the nest's obliteration, we made a stopover in Maridal en route to the Adamant Fortress. Accompanied by the main force of the Adamant Knights, we were met with a jubilant atmosphere, as word of our valiant efforts and the fiendish nest's demise had already reached the village.

A grand celebration unfolded in the village square, complete with a roaring bonfire and the villagers' warm hospitality. Amidst the merriment, I found myself retreating to the Lordly Spoon, seeking solitude to contend with my inner turmoil.

The room's opulence paled in comparison to the exuberance outside. News of my exploits, of casting meteor storms and commanding dragons, had spread like wildfire among the villagers, but I couldn't help but wish it had remained unsung. Their gratitude and praise had elevated me to the stature of a mighty magic wielder, but this newfound reverence also came laced with fear.

Encounters with children and barmaids only served to reinforce this unsettling notion. Their dread-filled expressions, their trembling gestures, all mirrored my elevated status as a formidable magic user. Embracing this mantle meant accepting the responsibility for my actions, yet the burden weighed heavily on my soul, for I remained, at my core, an ordinary individual.

Lost in introspection, I found myself sprawled on the bed, seeking solace, when Petr and Eryn arrived to dispel the somber aura that clung to me.

Petr smirked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Aren't you a bit old to be brooding in your chamber?"

Eryn chimed in playfully, "Indeed, I doubt you've even had a decent meal."

Their banter, veiled in humor, proved oddly comforting amidst the jubilant revelry beyond the chamber. As I sat up, they presented me with kebabs and wine, and their companionship became a source of genuine joy.

"It seems it falls upon the younger ones to care for the elder and weary," I quipped, chuckling at their presence, grateful for their company.

And so, in a close-knit trio, we celebrated, reveling in our camaraderie. Even when Linden and Gilbert decided to join our impromptu gathering, I found myself, for once, thankful for their intrusion.

The following day marked our return to the Adamant Fortress, and the ensuing week saw a whirlwind of ceremonies, awards, feasts, and jubilant celebrations before the fervor eventually subsided.

Seated in my guest room at the castle, I couldn't help but wonder about the path I should tread next. Petr and Eryn were by my side, as was their usual custom, though Petr had expressed his intention to return to Vandaris City soon.

"What's on your mind?" I mused aloud with a sigh.

Eryn wasted no time in voicing her thoughts, "I'd like to take you to our Weavers' Guild in Vandaris."

Indeed, she had made it clear that one of her motivations for sticking around me was to keep a close watch on my activities.

"Why the interest?" I inquired, allowing a brief pause.

She began to explain, "Our guild members, including myself, would be fascinated to explore the intricacies of your magic. We seek to understand if it's a more advanced form of weaving, an anomaly, a subcategory, or perhaps something entirely distinct..."

While I had already shared some insights into my magic with Eryn, I comprehended the Weavers' Guild's desire to pursue further investigation and not leave any stone unturned.

"Very well. I shall plan to visit. I, too, am keen on delving deeper into the art of weaving and forging an alliance with your guild to combat the fiends," I responded, my mind driven by the pressing need for information and collaboration with influential allies in the fight against our common foe.

As tales of the Weavers' guilds' importance in the struggle against the fiends reached my ears, I yearned to establish cordial ties with Eryn's guild. However, her reaction remained enigmatic, despite her nod of consent.

Another reason compelling me to journey to Vandaris City was the pressing need for copies of my spellbook. The sole copy nestled securely in my bag of holding, but I couldn't risk losing it again. There were reputed book copiers in Dravus, and I intended to enlist their aid. Though securing a peaceful retirement abode ranked lower on my list of priorities, I hoped to eventually find a tranquil sanctuary.

"Retire?" Eryn's incredulous voice broke into our conversation, "Do you think you can simply disappear after revealing your powers to the world?"

In truth, she made a valid point. Our chat was interrupted by a messenger relaying Captain Amrand Gal Stevenson's request for an audience. I made my way to his sumptuously decorated private room, where he expressed gratitude for our combined efforts.

"As an Archmage and your ally, I merely fulfilled my duty," I replied graciously, sipping on the sil tea he had poured for me.

The captain mentioned Gilbert and Linden's substantial contributions, observing how Gilbert seemed transformed after our shared ordeal. I acknowledged the truth in his words, knowing well that Gilbert's courage and righteous wrath had saved me in ways I could never repay.

The captain then steered the conversation toward the fortress, sharing its history as a former holdfast utilized by the order in monitoring various threats. However, in recent times, it had fallen under the dominion of bandits, and even Gunther's presence couldn't maintain a sustainable defense.

"What exactly do you propose?" I inquired, uncertain of his intentions.

His voice carried a mix of sincerity and wryness, "I'd like to offer you the fortress as your permanent residence. You have my recommendation to take ownership of it."

I couldn't help but be taken aback by the proposition. A mere fifteen days prior, I had woken up in the fortress, confined within its jail. Yet now, it had become a place of familiarity, hosting both cherished memories with Lana and the heroic endeavors of knights and adventurers against the fiends. The captain's offer stirred conflicting emotions within me.

Could I truly accept such a generous offer? Would owning the fortress mean assuming responsibility for its defense and the surrounding region?

The captain seemed to gauge my apprehensions, clarifying that it was not imperative for me to reside there permanently. Merely owning the fortress, especially in the hands of a renowned and powerful archmage, would act as a potent deterrent against malevolent forces.

While I could see the potential benefits, I couldn't escape the fact that owning the fortress meant embracing responsibility, whether I lived there or not. A subtle tug of emotions enveloped me, while the practicality of utilizing the fortress as a hideaway presented a compelling allure.

"As you've aptly stated, great mages and philosophers seldom dwell among common folk," the captain added, acknowledging my inner struggle.

He wasn't entirely wrong. In a fantasy world, the likes of renowned magic users rarely mingled with ordinary denizens. And having witnessed how the people of Maridal treated me, I now understood why.

I mused over the offer, recalling the serene nights I had spent in the fortress, admiring the starlit skies and appreciating the solitude it offered.

"It was indeed peaceful there," I admitted, "and it could serve as a haven for me to retreat to when I wish to be undisturbed."

Captain Stevenson reassured me that the fortress required minimal repairs and was equipped with all necessary amenities. The more I pondered, the more appealing the idea became. A sanctuary to safeguard my cherished treasures and a workshop to craft magical items beckoned to me.

"While it may not be sufficient to repay your aid in the fiend extermination, accepting the fortress would certainly bolster our reputation," the captain conceded.

I could hardly refuse such a generous proposition. The weight of responsibility weighed on my mind, but the allure of the fortress proved too compelling to resist. With a smile, I responded, "I cannot deny such a heartfelt offer. I accept your gift, Captain Stevenson."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"You're an idiot, aren't you?"

Upon returning to my guest room and sharing my decision, Eryn blinked a few times before lashing out with her usual candor. Her bluntness may have bruised my ego, but I knew her intentions were never malicious. I preferred her straightforwardness over empty flattery any day.

"I came to this conclusion after much contemplation," I retorted, pushing aside my wounded pride. "The fortress offers the peace and safety I seek, away from prying eyes and unwarranted visitors."

"That's not what I meant! Weren't you supposed to accompany me to the Vandaris Weavers' Guild?!" Eryn's raised eyebrows and hands on her hips revealed her exasperation.

"I haven't forgotten about the guild," I replied calmly. "I need a quiet environment where I can focus on my work. Could you wait a little longer for me?"

My priorities remained clear. Firstly, I needed to gather more information about the fiends. Secondly, I had to create a backup copy of my spellbook. Carrying the tome with me everywhere wasn't practical for a lifetime in Dravus. I needed a safe place to store it when not in use, and having copies would ensure I wasn't left defenseless if my spellbook were lost or damaged. The Copiers' Guild could assist with the process, but it would still take time to transcribe the spells into the new tomes. While learning about the fiends ranked higher on my priority list, securing my spellbook was crucial to my effectiveness.

"Fine," Eryn reluctantly conceded after I explained my reasoning.

"In that case, when will you head to Vandaris?" she asked.

"I must wait until the detachment declares the area free of fiends," I replied. "I anticipate receiving the deed officially in three or four days. Then I'll need to organize a few things at the fortress, and after that..."

"I'll wait seven days for you, no more!" Eryn declared firmly. "After that, you're coming to Vandaris, understood?!"

Petr chimed in, his smirk evident in his words. "Are you in such a hurry to whisk Emberus away to some love nest? Take your time, there's no need to rush."

It surprised me to hear Petr crack such a joke, though I couldn't help but think it might not be appropriate in certain environments, given where I worked. Eryn, however, quickly brushed off his jest.

"You can joke all you want, but you're not a Weaver," she countered. "You have no idea how...bothersome—no, threatening—his presence is to us."

"I wasn't lying about my interest in weaving," I added, trying to ease the tension. "I won't keep you waiting longer than a week."

Knowing I couldn't have the copies made in a single day, I had other supplies to gather in Vandaris City regardless.

"Alright then, I'll join you at the fortress," Eryn stated suddenly.

"Huh?"

My visions of solitude in the fortress were suddenly shattered.

"What's that look for? Quit being so disrespectful!" Eryn yelled, stomping her foot like an indignant child.

Over the next few days, I remained at the Adamant Fortress, allowing the village of Maridal to grow more familiar to me. I wandered its streets, delved into the castle's library for knowledge, and lent a hand to the Adamant siblings in their training. In the midst of it all, I made an earnest effort to relax and enjoy the simplicity of life here.

Though both the knights of the order and the villagers led laid-back lives, I couldn't escape the lingering fear reflected in their gazes. Despite the respect they showed me, their unease lingered like a haunting specter. Captain Stevenson's words rang true in my mind, affirming that there was little room for a "great and powerful archmage" within the confines of this humble village.

On the third day, Petr took his leave from the Adamant Fortress, bound for Vandaris City.

"I can't escape the obligation of reporting to the Adventurers' Guild about you," Petr mentioned, an amused smile playing on his lips, "but rest assured, I'll sing your praises as a great hero."

I shook his hand with a hint of concern in my voice, "Please, do not exaggerate too much on my behalf."

Inwardly, I pleaded, hoping he wouldn't overdo it—begging, really, that he kept his commendations in check.

On the fourth day, Gunther and his knights returned to the castle, confirming the eradication of all fiends in the area after their thorough patrols. With Eryn by my side, we decided to make our journey to the fortress on the same day. Before setting off, I entrusted the knights with delivering Ild's goods to him, ensuring they would reach him ahead of our arrival in a few days.

Spirits high, knowing everything was well in order at the castle, I summoned my loyal pegasus and mounted it. Eryn joined me in the saddle behind, emphasizing that we would only stay at the fortress for two nights before heading to Vandaris.

"The countryside is quite pleasant now that the fiends and bandits are gone," I mused, the sun shining brightly overhead and a gentle breeze embracing us. Riding with Eryn, I couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the world around me. Even if she could be exasperating at times, her company added a certain charm to the journey. Back in America, looking at myself now, riding alongside a beautiful young woman, I would have been seized by jealousy, completely unaware of the fiend-filled reality of this world.

As we approached the fortress, I pointed out with pride, "There it is! My very own Castle Ameria." The name was inspired by Emberus's (fictional) homeland, and though calling it a castle might be a stretch, such names were often about feelings rather than strict definitions. The knights had cleaned and maintained the fortress before handing it over to me, and now it appeared more luxurious and sturdier than ever.

Dreams of the future filled my mind. I imagined foraging for mushrooms and wild vegetables in the pristine forest surrounding the castle, spending leisurely days fishing by the stream and setting traps for animals. The vast land offered opportunities for a vegetable garden, a project that piqued my interest.

On rainy days, I envisioned myself cozily reading books on the top floor of the tower, where the stress-free environment would be conducive to learning. At night, the silence far from the bustling towns would be my company. Dinner preparations, though not my strong suit, would be simple affairs, and I could relish the solitude without the need to impress anyone.

And the stars! Every night, I would immerse myself in a bath, gazing up at the true night sky—the kind obscured by modern lights in America. True, my current bath was a makeshift barrel tub, but perhaps I could discover a natural hot spring within the mountains.

I sighed, a smile of contentment on my face. It was the life many middle-aged men fantasized about—easy street, as they say.

Of course, my plans to create spellbook copies and gather information on the fiends remained unchanged, and I would not hesitate to take action if another fiends' nest emerged. But surely, one couldn't fault a man for savoring life's simpler joys.

Though we had maintained a steady pace, we surprisingly reached the fortress just as the sun began to set, despite setting out early that very same day from the Adamant Fortress. The distance typically required camping overnight on the road, yet my pegasus had proven its exceptional abilities once more.

Feeling a slight hunger in my belly, I left Eryn in the large room on the first floor and headed towards the kitchen, which adjoined the living quarters. While I possessed magic items that could conjure up a meal from nothing, it felt like cheating when I had a fully-equipped kitchen at my disposal.

"Alright, let's get a fire started in the stove," I said to myself. Retrieving flint stones from my bag of holding, I attempted to create a spark. Having used flint in countless TTRPGs, it couldn't be too difficult, right? I recalled watching adventurers create fires during our camping trips, and it appeared straightforward enough.

One, two...

"Ow!!!"

My first attempt ended with a painful strike on the fingernail of my thumb.

"Damn, that hurt… Ow!"

Reality settled in as I assessed the kitchen—a far cry from the well-equipped ones I was accustomed to in America, boasting refrigerators, gas stoves, and microwaves as the norm.

"This might be more challenging than I anticipated."

Striking the flint stones together, my anxiety grew with each passing second. Although I managed to produce sparks, I couldn't ignite a proper fire.

"Wait, of course, I can't start a log fire with just sparks. I need kindling... something to burn easily, like newspaper... but there's no newspaper here, obviously!"

I glanced at what seemed like a box of kindling with a few shreds of wood, yet my attempts yielded no success.

"Life here won't be as convenient as back in America..."

In my previous life across the ocean, I had lived independently for decades, handling basic chores and cooking with ease. I mistakenly assumed that such skills would transfer seamlessly to this foreign world. Reflecting on my previous stays at the fortress, I recalled Lana and the order's servants taking care of my meals, bath, and laundry. Unlike Dravus, where supermarkets and convenience stores would typically aid in acquiring fresh produce and meat, the surroundings of Castle Ameria were uninhabited.

How could I let myself become so carried away by my dreams of a simple life that I overlooked such a basic consideration?

To regain my composure and find some footing in my thoughts, I decided to make a comprehensive list of the fortress's facilities:

Main Tower-

Basement: Storage Rooms (housing general goods, weapons, and wine)

First Floor: Main Hall (used for assemblies and dining)

Second Floor: Commander’s Office, Archive, Guest Room- Third Floor: Bedroom, Study, Treasure Room- Roof: Lookout

Living Quarters (two stories plus basement)

- Knights’ Quarters (five individual rooms)

- Attendants’ Quarters (two small rooms)

- Soldiers’ Quarters (two large rooms)

- Servants’ Quarters (three rooms)

- Kitchen

- Mess Hall

- Food and General Storage (basement)

- Linen and Bedding Storage

Jail Compound (attached building)

Courtyard

- Horse and Livestock Stables

- Chicken Coop

- Wells (including those used for laundry)

- Designated Work Area

Main Gate and Defensive Towers

With the list completed, I had a clearer picture of the fortress and its resources, which would be essential for my life here. Yet, I still needed to find a solution to my current predicament—how to create a fire without modern conveniences. It was apparent that my skills as a modern-day man might not be as relevant in this world as I once believed.

During the operation to obliterate the fiends' nest, the fortress was brimming with activity, accommodating an army of around fifty knights, soldiers, and servants. My mind couldn't help but wonder, could a single person truly maintain and manage this fortress alone? It seemed like an overwhelming task, but I wasn't one to give up easily. I considered the possibility of using my magic to craft servants, a solution that might yet salvage my decision. It wasn't the time to throw in the towel just yet.

Yet, something gnawed at me—this notion of philosophers and Archmages residing in solitude. Did that solitude mean handling all the cleaning and chores alone? It struck me as implausible. Regret crept in as I ruminated on my hasty acceptance of the fortress.

"Nevertheless, I must address the matter of dinner."

Though my mind grappled with self-criticism, my immediate dilemma remained unresolved. Such reflections only deepened the sense of uncertainty, though it all remained internal. As Emberus's character sheet indicated, I had provisions—rations, dried fruits, meats, beans, and bread—within my bag of holding. Arranging them on the table, I gazed at the assortment with uncertainty.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" I pondered aloud.

Cutting up some dried meat seemed plausible, but without a fire, even that simple task became daunting. My magic repertoire lacked a suitable spell for igniting flames without wreaking havoc on the kitchen. My spellbook contained no such utility.

"Maybe I can eat it as is... It's dried meat after all, right? I'll just cut it into smaller pieces..."

What am I feeling? I stared blankly at the dried meat. Is this my breaking point? Shall I be defeated by a mere kitchen?

"I knew it," Eryn remarked dryly.

Her scrutinizing gaze was well-deserved. "Ha, ha... It seems I was unprepared to face the challenges of having a secret hideaway all to myself..."

"Forget the secret hideaway. I knew you were hopeless in the kitchen. And I was right."

"I must reluctantly agree with you. Thankfully, you're here."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"You know, women are generally more reliable when it comes to this sort of thing. I hate to ask, but as you can see, I'm struggling. Could you whip up something for us?"

"You want to try that again?"

"Please?"

***

In the end, I resorted to using a magic item for our dinner that night.

Returning to the main hall, nestled in the heart of the main tower, Eryn and I spread a tablecloth—a magical one called a Dinner Cloth—over a table. With a simple command, "Dinner for two—something warm," the Dinner Cloth heeded my call.

The table adorned itself for two, garnished with plates, bowls, glasses, knives, forks, and spoons. Soon after, a tantalizing dinner materialized, its aroma wafting delicately. The Dinner Cloth treated us to succulent steak complemented by wine, comforting soup, and a side salad.

Eryn summoned a small fire arrow into the hearth, filling the room with a warm glow.

"Is this magic too?" she inquired. "You conjured this food and wine seemingly from thin air... How does such a feat even work?"