Heralesse finds Rikuto in a large new construction on the castle grounds; a quickly assembled wooden structure with large doors on the front for cart traffic, and a roof to keep the weather out. It clashes with the basic structure of the castle and the gardens, but he had it assembled in a hurry after returning from his trip to the south, where he hoped to speak with an ancient elven mage said to have seen the founding of most of the kingdoms in the east with his own eyes.
In the apparent congregation building for the mages and magic artisans of the entire continent, by all appearances, Rikuto is inspecting a magic device Heralesse has never seen before.
She approaches cautiously, asking, “Rikuto?”
He looks at her, his expression more grim than it used to be. “Oh, Heralesse. Everything alright?”
The young woman replies gently, “I just wanted to check on you. You haven’t been eating, have you?”
“Hmm? Oh. I’ve been getting quick meals when I have time.”
She sighs, approaching to take his arm gently as she looks at the device. “What is so important that you’ve been neglecting your health?”
“I’m not.”
“There are bags under your eyes. You’re working harder than ever, and you aren’t taking breaks.”
He sighs, extracting himself to pace as the magic artisans apparently responsible for the device they’re currently looking at return to working on the device. Heralesse studies it for a moment, following Rikuto as he looks at several other projects. “I’m doing alright. I know my limits, Heralesse. I promise.”
She is skeptical, but she stays alongside him. She asks, “What are they making?”
Rikuto sighs. “Defense equipment. I have had my suspicions confirmed, and we’ll need to prepare for an inevitable invasion.”
“From the demons?” asks Heralesse.
“No. From Daniel and Hekate.”
This causes Heralesse to come to a stop. “What?”
Rikuto turns, and she can see a deep-seated pain in his eyes. “The Silence that passed over the whole world a few months ago was Daniel testing a terrible weapon. Once this weapon is initiated, it’s too late.”
“Why would he invade, Rikuto? You heard Erimaya. He and Hekate are open to peace.”
Rikuto looks away, and she asks coldly, “What is it?”
“You don’t need to be burdened with…”
She slaps him, causing the entire room to fall to silence. The guards nearby flinch, but they hold off for the moment, since Heralesse is more specifically royalty than Rikuto is, no matter their relationship. However, they may need to respond to defend her, given their differences in physique.
She adds sharply, “You are diverting resources to this project, and the bulk of our soldiers have been deployed, haven’t they? Where are they?”
Rikuto hesitates, but he sighs. “If all is going according to plan, they are with a joint task force laying siege to the Citadel.”
Heralesse gasps. She knows well enough that the Citadel is the castle owned by Hekate and Daniel.
“What have you done!?”
Rikuto glances at the eyes watching them, and he replies, “Can we discuss this elsewhere?”
“What’s there to discuss!? You’ve already attacked! When were you planning to tell me about this!?”
“I didn’t want to burden you. We need to do something about Daniel.”
Heralesse stares at Rikuto in disbelief. “‘Do something about…’? Y-You can’t… You can’t be serious.”
“It’s likely already too late,” replies Rikuto, ignoring the comment. “That’s why we have to develop something to counteract that weapon. Something to stalemate anyone that has access to the weapons once Daniel is neutralized.”
“I can’t believe you…” replies Heralesse softly. “You once stood up for him.”
“I’m human. I can be wrong. I was summoned to this world to eliminate the Demon Tyrant, wasn’t I? If Daniel usurped that role, the name of my target is the only thing that has changed. The reports I’ve seen suggest the demons have relented their attacks for now, so we can focus on overcoming a superweapon from my world.” He rubs his face, shaking his head. “I can’t believe him… I don’t even know how he could make something like that…”
“M-Maybe, it’s as Eri said…”
“No, I now know I was wrong about him not being willing to make weapons.” He looks at Heralesse, confessing, “The day you asked him, he and I lied to you. He told me that he could make weapons, but wasn’t going to. Instead, he made the worst one Earth ever created.” He clenches his fists, growling softly, “I had no idea… I still have no idea how…”
Heralesse is silent for a long time, and Rikuto finally says quietly, “I vowed to protect this world from its greatest threat. I will keep my promise.” He walks further into the warehouse, leaving Heralesse deep in concerned thought.
***
“Hahahahahaha! I can’t believe it!” For once since coming to this world that would only seem a fantasy to an Earthling normally, Daniel feels like a kid gazing upon presents under the Christmas tree. While he’s still working on figuring out how to catch up to the modern age of Earth using pure technology that doesn’t rely on magic, he has been able to work with Xyreko, Wenlianna, and even Vaergraes and Illianna to create the crown jewel of the Citadel; the Crystal MDM, or “Magic Discharge Machining” device that mirrors the design of an Earth wire EDM, where magic replaces electricity. Using a thin wire and magic energy, as well as machining positioning controlled by hundreds of tiny ‘golems’ in place of the motors in an EDM, the MDM is capable of a wide array of machining at a fair pace, especially now that they can make more of them. A crowd is gathered around him, with Hekate, Ryuogriar, Reignleif, and Geirahoel crowded specifically around him as the others watch from more of a distance, and between them are the intended operators; goblins, ogres, and dattakoriens looking for work to earn their keep. Daniel hasn’t really implemented a financial system yet, since their population was so small, and most of the villagers have been satisfied with merely bartering with each other. It’s a whole process if he wants to try to regulate prices and a fully functioning economy. He’ll have to, for certain, but the Citadel has been a stop gap, and with MDMs, he’ll be able to precision machine tools of all shapes and sizes.
The group watches as the MDM carves a metal plate with a melodious hum. Daniel is the only one truly excited about it, since he knows what he’s looking at. Even Wenlianna struggled to understand the programming, which Xyreko is able to simplify for Daniel now that she knows the system as well.
The first tool being cut is a simple knife with a full tang, which will need a proper handle. However, the MDM, because the golems have a limited capacity to follow commands even more complex than the programming of an EDM, can thread itself and begin holes, simplifying the whole process. The golems can also automatically eject completed parts and feed material.
And, adding even more features, Daniel watches closely with his safety goggles as a single glowing line is printed onto the blade of the knife, running along its length. The line will do nothing for now, but it’s the same material that is used for specialized paint that can be used for magic glyphs, which Treia graciously let him and Wenlianna study in the memory crystal magic device Treia treasures. Naturally, Daniel was exceedingly careful opening it to inspect the glyph-stone inside, which is a specialty product from one of the westernmost kingdoms bordering the mountains.
But, it’s also an important function of the MDM; it’s not only a subtractive machining device -removing material-, but also an additive machining device -adding material-, like a 3D printer. He had been brainstorming with Xyreko mainly on the design, and now it’s working exactly as he hoped.
With the first knife completed, the ‘intelligent components’ of the MDM, or dedicated golems, release the knife and drop it onto the conveyor, which rolls the knife out to where Daniel and the others are waiting. He laughs warmly again as he takes the knife, inspecting it and gingerly testing its sharpness with his thumb. Thanks to how an EDM or MDM remove the material at machine-tolerance angles, the blade’s sharpness is impeccable.
Ryuogriar remarks as Hekate receives the knife from Daniel to inspect it, “I’m surprised something like this gets you so excited, Mukori.”
Daniel sighs, regaining his composure. “Apologies. It’s the feeling of accomplishment. This machine mirrors one of the types of machining devices on Earth. We’ll be able to make tools a lot faster and with smaller material investment compared to summoning the tools to specification, as is the case now. Plus, we can make molds with this, which can be used to cast all kinds of materials as well as being much faster and even cheaper.” Daniel sighs in relief. “We’re doing the industrial revolution out of order, but this is a big step towards making sure the Fievegal is secure for a long time to come.”
“And… it makes you happy?” asks Geirahoel, still interested in a specific answer.
“The accomplishment does. A lot of things up to now have felt more like clinging to life. This is advancement of our people.” He looks at the ogres, goblins, and dattakoriens who will operate the machines. “By operating these machines, you’ll be helping us race forward and make everyone’s jobs easier.”
They smile, and one of the ogres proudly puffs his chest. “Leave it to us, your Grace. Please let us do this for the Fievegal.”
Xyreko nods, “Having biological workers operate the equipment will be a big relief on our magic supply.”
“That’s the goal,” replies Daniel.
“Can… I make one of these?” asks Geirahoel.
Daniel cocks his head, and she blushes, glaring at him. “Wh-What!? Am I not allowed to!?”
“I… you’re allowed to, but I don’t know why you’d want to. The prototype was the hard part, since we had to work around the components that require motors that I still haven’t figured out how to build here.” He cups his chin, murmuring, “We should be able to make the components for a wire extruder with this, though it’ll take time…”
“I’ll help,” declares Geirahoel.
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Again, Daniel is surprised. She blushes, adding, “I…” She struggles to answer, looking away.
Ryuogriar sighs, coming to her junior’s rescue. “Mukori, Mukori, Mukori; you lovable, willfully blind soul. She’s trying to say without saying it, that she wants to make you happy. As do we all, I believe.”
Geirahoel glares at Ryuogriar for a moment, but she can’t refute, since it’s true.
“Ah…” mutters Daniel as he realizes it. He’s not being willfully dense, though he does try to avoid making assumptions. He sighs with a smile, looking at everyone around him. “I’m excited about the MDM because it’s my gift to myself. One that makes our lives easier. Though,...” He scratches his neck as he grins. “The Earth version was a humongous pain in my butt when they broke. Though, less than the CNCs, so that’ll probably be a little later.” He turns serious, “I’m looking forward to our personal projects together. I’m sorry I’ve been busy.”
Hekate hugs him, saying, “I just want to be with you, Daniel. Whatever we’re doing.”
“I will master what you enjoy, Mukori,” adds Ryuogriar. “I also hope you will enjoy what I have planned for my personal time.”
Hekate scowls at her lightly, and the others reassure Daniel of their excitement as well. He’ll be busy even in leisure, but unlike when he had to head into work, he’s actually excited for it, since it’s with people he cares deeply for.
“Now, then,” starts Daniel after the exchange of warm platitudes, “We’ll have to start producing field tools to get our farms back up and running, as well as weapons and armor for our soldiers. I won’t draft anyone, but I intend to recruit as many soldiers as are willing to help conquer Fort Twilight. Upon successful capture, we’ll make it into another large city and our trade hub with the east, if we can get that far.”
“You really think the east will start trade after you conquer Fort Twilight?”
“The day after, of course not. We’ll need to convince the east to sign a treaty recognizing our sovereignty, which will include Fort Twilight. It’ll take time for them to recognize that they stand less of a chance than ever before when individual goblins can suddenly take on human-kin five to one, the reverse of the east’s current view of goblins. No offense, Shek, Skloe, gentlemen.”
Shek nods in agreement. “Goblins weak. Shek no dumb. But, even Shek fight with Daniel’s weapons.” Skloe also nods in agreement with Shek.
One of the other goblin workers speaks in their language, and Shek and Skloe listen. Skloe translates, “Barmo ask Daniel if Daniel really give goblins same weapons as others.”
Daniel smiles and nods. “Any trustworthy soldier of the Fievegal will be appropriately armed to live up to my expectations of our military. Be they goblins or dragons. Though, I’ll also have roles suited to some that are not suited to others.”
Shek and Skloe explain, and the goblins glance at each other, and then up at the other demon-kin near them. The ogres are also surprised, but they don’t disparage each other. Since Daniel and Hekate took control of the Citadel and spared the many goblins and ogres that proved trustworthy, they have proven that race and appearance have nothing to do with their individual value under the Fievegal. Merit and willingness to work are the primary factors, and Daniel and Xyreko, specifically, have been working out reward systems as they lay the groundwork to change to a financial economy to be able to trade with east and the Demon Covenant, if those become options.
“Oh, something else we can probably make is a bit of a priority as well. Xyreko, I’ll dig through my phone and look for the information I need, as well as sketch some designs. It’ll be quick and dirty, since we’ll need to finish it in a month, but I have the perfect way to conquer Fort Twilight.”
Reignleif remarks a little dryly, holding her egg affectionately against her swollen belly, “You say that like it’ll be a challenge, Mukori.”
He smiles gently, teasing softly, “I’m sure Morty and his brother thought the same about Fort Peony. And, now we know there are people who pose a threat to all of us. Whoever sent the archoneldwyn will have more of them to send, undoubtedly. And, we’ll know almost for certain that my worst fear is correct if they appear at Fort Twilight. They’ll have a month to prepare, after all.”
“What do we intend to do about them?” asks Choul.
“Kill them, obviously!” snaps Geirahoel almost instinctively. Daniel pinches her arm gently, and she looks at him, urgently. She pouts, saying softly, “A-Apologies… Choul…”
Choul nods, looking to Daniel for his answer. Daniel replies, “We still have the option to interrogate the ones we have, but we’ll need a way to neutralize their power.”
“I could go and cast the magic nullification spell over Fort Twilight, Mukori,” offers Ryuogriar. “Though, to ensure any archoneldwyn assassins are neutralized, I’ll need to expend most of my power and maximize my range. I’d… like to test my range, if possible.”
Daniel nods. “That will have to do, though I’d love to make a bomb that can do it. Obviously, without the effects of the other one.”
The ones who know chuckle, though it does also make the few who have suspicions more certain.
Ryuogriar offers with a tender smile, “Unlike some people here, I will be careful.”
Daniel chuckles. “You better. I’m the only one allowed to be reckless.” He glances nervously at the glares at him from just about everyone who doesn’t think his joke is funny.
Reignleif says coldly, “I shall keep Daniel restrained under house arrest during the battle.”
Geirahoel nods. “I shall as well.”
“Grrr…” growls Hekate. “If you weren’t making so much sense, I’d be upset right now.”
“Come on, it was obviously a joke!” replies Daniel, trying to restore the mood.
“Daniel is crafty,” warns Treia. “We may need to tie him up.”
Gwenesphia laughs, earning herself a glare from Treia, since the Lieutenant was witness to Treia’s pitiful state after Daniel did just that to her.
Choul offers, “If I may, my Ladies, my Liege, I don’t see why we would need any of you on the battlefield. With your permission, of course, I would be honored to lead our forces to victory in conquering Fort Twilight. Then, mine and those of the willing soldiers are the only lives gambled.”
Xyreko adds, “Even if something as ludicrous as all of our citizens volunteering happened, we would still need to send a sizable force of golems for the capture of Twilight, Daniel. Particularly if the troops outside right now remain at Twilight to defend it, knowing we’re coming.”
“Seventeen thousand less,” remarks Vaergraes. “Illianna, Thymeria, and I will be aiding in contracting the captured soldiers to be forbidden to return, as with the twenty thousand before.”
Daniel sighs. “You’re right in that it is foolish for any of us to be anywhere near the battlefield, but if I'm going to be a leader, I don’t want to be the kind who profits off of sending others to their deaths while basking in a cushy castle far away from the battlefield.”
Xyreko is the one to say it, though she’s not alone in thinking it. “Daniel, if you are to be Emperor of a large portion of this world, you will have to command battles far away from you. Work you and only you can do in the safety of your castle could be the difference in keeping as many of our people’s lives and livelihoods safe as possible. I will happily give you as many golems as I can, but until we can overcome our mana deficit, the number of times golems can be used to win is limited.”
“I know… I just… I was a sailor… a sea soldier, not a leader. I… don’t know if I have it in me to be the one asking for sacrifice, rather than sacrificing.”
Wenlianna sighs. “Daniel, I know this is long since disproven, but you once told me you are a coward. How do you explain all you’ve done since telling me that? Why can’t you be a coward? Just a little bit. S-So… the people who care about you don’t have to worry so much.”
Daniel smiles. His reply is quiet and gentle. “The people I would be sending to war have people they care about, too. I really do wish I could just solve all the world’s problems with golems, but obviously, the feldroks didn’t do that for a reason. I’ve burned through hundreds of years of accumulated mana, much of which likely came from the feldroks during the massacre.” He looks at the MDM. “That was a fear on Earth, actually. That people would be replaced by robots, the technology version of golems. They were cheaper than people, had no fear or complaints, never got tired or hungry. All they needed was electrical power, maybe some lubrication once in a while, and repairs. All of which could be done by other robots, in theory.”
“It sounds like you’re making your own argument,” replies Ryuogriar. “Part of living is, regrettably, the dangers, trials, and tribulations we all must overcome.”
“I agree. But… what should a simple tinkerer and unremarkable soldier tell his citizens when asking them to exchange their lives for his own? I… know the answer, but…”
“The truth,” replies Vaergraes. “It’s honestly strange to see you so doubtful after all you’ve accomplished. But, I understand the fear of leading in this time of war. The cold answer is that, as the leader, your tactics and plans are more valuable than those whose skills are fighting, specifically. Let alone your technology. By having soldiers fight in your place to allow you to continue to work on running the Fievegal and developing new technology to protect your soldiers, the sooner their safety will increase in the next battle. Their job, during the battle, is to fight not to win, but to survive while pursuing your goal. Victory comes on its own when our soldiers hold out longer than theirs. Speak to them as an emperor who knows what it means to be a soldier, and they will understand.”
“You have all of us to compartmentalize, as well,” adds Xyreko. “As we have been.”
“I get it, but… We don’t have to attack Fort Twilight. Once they retreat, we don’t need to send soldiers and risk their lives,” replies Daniel, still struggling with the notion of using actual lives other than his own and his companions, who he can’t stop.
Ryuogriar speaks sincerely next. “The retaliation absolutely needs to take place, Daniel. We MUST send a message to the east and the Demon Covenant that we will not tolerate being attacked.” She places her hand on her chest above her sternum as she closes her eyes, remembering the scorched earth response just before the attempted invasion’s first wave. “We burned the homes of our own citizens, the labors of their effort. Their accomplishments. All to protect them, but because we were wrongfully attacked once more. If we do not send a message, and grant our people the chance at justice, then those losses, material as they may be, will mean nothing.”
“What if people had died?” asks Reignleif next. “If we had lost anyone of our citizens during the invasion or the infiltration, and you chose not to retaliate, would that not hurt them more than asking for their service?”
“You’re not a natural leader,” adds Vaergraes gently. “You function best when you can lead by example, or confront the problem head-on. But, you are the one that many have come to acknowledge as the Emperor of the Citadel and the Fievegal, even if Hekate is supposed to be the real leader.”
“I try!” retorts Hekate. “B-But, I’m even… less experienced than Daniel…”
“And, I believe you both are learning well what you did not already know. We all know that I am no paragon of leadership skill. We’re all learning together, and we’re all in this together. We need to trade our golems for living soldiers, and that means deaths will occur. It can’t be helped.”
Daniel still seems unsure, and Geirahoel finally speaks. “Daniel, M-Mukori, no one wants you to waste lives. Asking for soldiers to fight for you with the very real risk of death is not the same as carelessly marching them to their deaths. No one here believes you would carelessly march soldiers to their deaths.” She approaches, gripping his sleeve gently with her hand. “You try harder than anyone to spare every life you can, even your enemies. Y-You even… reward them… in hopes they become your friends.” She blushes, adding softly, “O-Or… lovers…”
He finally chuckles, relaxing a little. “I get it… you’re all right. Thank you. I…” He sighs softly. “Until I can get used to that aspect of leading, please continue to remind me.”
They all smile and nod together, and Aoloan says warmly, “You’re a pretty excellent Emperor, dearly beloved Daniel. Possibly the most kind one I’ve ever heard of.”
He smirks, replying warmly, “I appreciate the praise, but I should probably take the same approach as Marcus Aurelius.”
“Who is that?” asks Hekate.
“An ancient Emperor on Earth who was one of the leaders of one of the most significant Empires in our history. I’ve heard, though I don’t know how true it is, that he hired a servant whose sole job was to follow the Emperor around, and as the people praised him, whisper in his ear, ‘You’re only a man.’ If I leave it to all of you, I’d become an arrogant narcissist in no time.”
“You’re only a man!” snaps Hekate as she points at him. “The man who is my husband and darling, and my savior!”
He chuckles. “Thank you for proving my point, Sweetpea.” He fluffs her hair, and she swats his hand away as she whines, “What!? I said it!”
Ryuogriar teases, “The point is to bring him back down from the praise, though I feel it’s an unnecessary precaution. Only the strongest could claim the role of Dragon Emperor.”
“It feels rather… rude…” adds Wenlianna. “I can’t imagine saying something like that to my own mother or father without there being serious consequences.”
“I can understand,” replies Vaergraes. “I became blinded by the praise around me and began to think everyone was on my side. It made me too trusting.”
“So you joined a bunch of random strangers?” asks Hekate skeptically.
Vaergraes chuckles. “In fairness, I am left to my own devices here and serve mainly as a Priestess of our newly-built shrine.”
“And advise on military and governing matters,” points out Ryuogriar.
Vaergraes shrugs with a smile. “One of the many duties of a priestess is to advise those who seek her counsel.”
“And participating in battles?” asks Illianna, which earns her a shocked look from Vaergraes.
Daniel finally laughs, distracting everyone from the discussion on Vaergraes. “Thank you all. I needed this. Truth be told, I was distracting myself with the things I’ve been working on.” He takes a deep breath and sighs. “Alright. I’ll do it. I’ll start acting like an emperor.”
***