Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord (お気楽領主の楽しい領地防衛 ～生産系魔術で名もなき村を最強の城塞都市に～)

How impressive.

They look incredibly sturdy.

That's Lord Van for you.

Thanks to your help, we finished the ramparts in two weeks.

In so little time?

I know we helped out,

but I'm still shocked at what you can do.

Panamera's "ramparts" are jutting out the most,

but I'm not foolish enough to say that out loud.

We'll build more houses as more people like merchants and adventurers move here.

I'm positively envious of you.

It's been my dream to have my own land.

In the next battle, I'll just have to earn more glory than money can reward,

and ask for my own patch.

By the way...

What are those things?

Ballistae.

I tried crafting larger versions of the simple ballistae I'd made before.

You made those, too, Lord Van?

Yes. Top and bottom can fire separately, so they can loose two bolts in a row.

Khamsin, could you test-fire one for us?

Sure.

Here I go.

Yup, they came out quite well.

EASYGOING TERRITORY DEFENSE BY THE OPTIMISTIC LORD

SLAYING A DANGEROUS FOREST DRAGON WITH LARGE BALLISTAE

SLAYING A DANGEROUS FOREST DRAGON WITH LARGE BALLISTAE

You have ballistae that powerful atop your ramparts?

Yes, over a hundred of them.

A hundred?!

Name your price. I'll buy one.

I'm sorry, but these aren't for sale.

Then, I'll owe you a favor, Lord Van.

In return, please let me have one of these ballistae.

I see.

Very well. I'll give you one.

I'll call in that favor later.

You have my gratitude.

How will you transport it? And what about the bolts to load into it?

It does look rather heavy. I'll arrange a carriage.

The bolts are made from iron, so I can craft those on my end.

Lady Panamera.

I think you should take at least one or two of Lord Van's bolts.

Why?

Take a look at this.

I've never seen a sword that shape before.

Seems like it'd make heavy work of foes with armor and shields.

Got a sword you don't mind breaking?

This is my spare sword.

If it breaks, so be it,

but this beauty has seen me through several battles.

I'd be impressed if you even managed to chip it.

Then, if I may...

There was hardly an impact. Did he just graze it?

Very impressive. It has an incredible edge, doesn't it?

Lord Van made it, after all.

What material is that sword made of?

Ordinary iron.

That's impossible.

Wait, you mean those bolts are also...

I made them the same way I did that sword.

They pierce right through two or three armored lizards.

Pierce through armored lizards?

Lord Van, could I have some bolts in addition to the ballista?

Of course. Pleasure doing business.

Khamsin, you have my gratitude. Thanks to you, I'll also have powerful bolts.

I'm happy for you.

Everyone!

Run for your lives!

Ortho?

I'm sorry! We couldn't outrun it!

A dragon!

It's huge!

We'll distract it to buy you some time!

Use that to get everyone back to the village!

They plan to be decoys for us?

But that puts Ortho's party in danger.

Should we fight back here?

But that could endanger the villagers.

I'll aid you.

It's only a matter of time before it heads this way.

Ortho, this way!

We'll shoot it down with the ballistae!

Got it!

Today, we'll be fighting a forest dragon, a mid-class dragon with no breath weapon.

Someone escort Lady Arte back to the village.

The rest of you hurry up onto the ramparts. I'm right behind you.

Yes, ma'am.

Lady Arte.

I'm sorry for exposing you to such terrifying danger.

I believe forest dragons are very powerful foes.

But this time, we have our enhanced ballistae.

We have Panamera as well.

There's no time! Hurry!

We might not be able to slay it, but we won't be beaten.

R-Right. Good luck.

Till, escort Lady Arte.

Could you also summon Dee and his men from the village?

Right.

This is too scary!

D-Don't close the gate!

We'll be right there!

Flying foes are trouble.

It won't be good if it reaches the village.

Ready the ballistae!

Be sure not to hit Ortho's party!

Yes, sir!

First, we'll ground it.

Aim for its wings!

Don't worry about me! Just go!

Come on. This way!

Damn it. It's not working!

Tsk. I don't have a choice!

I-It's coming!

Sorry! Thank you!

Damn it! This is desperate now!

Forget about me! All of you, run!

All right! Everyone, head for the ramparts!

Huh?! Seriously, boss?!

You're the fastest member of our party!

I have faith you'll make it back alive!

Do you really mean that?!

Everyone, let's never forget Kusala's sacrifice!

I'll get you back for this, boss!

Ballistae, once it is within range, fire!

Before it can get a taste of Kusala!

Hey! Are you sure you're not trying to be mean, lord?!

We can't hit it. What do we do?

I'm best suited to stopping its advance!

Panamera!

Here comes my first strike!

I figured as much. Being valued by the count at such a young age

and being made viscountess for her exploits can only mean one thing.

She's undoubtedly a top-class elemental mage,

and her aptitude will soon become very obvious.

Fire Javelin!

Incredible.

It's not down yet.

I grew arrogant after slaying those armored lizards.

But this...

is on a different level.

Fire all ballistae!

Good. We shot through its wings.

Second volley! Fire all bolts!

It read our second volley?

W-We're saved.

W-We made it back alive somehow.

I-I won't forget how I was treated.

I'm glad to see everyone's safe for now.

But if we stay here, we'll be in danger.

I'd love to retreat to the village, but...

I'll buy you time.

Fire Javelin!

Not good enough?

So that's the true pinnacle of fire magic.

If she wasn't facing a dragon,

that power and versatility would've been devastating.

Lord Van!

I'll head back first and prepare to intercept it.

Right. We'll be right behind you.

Everyone! Let's take this chance to flee to the village!

Yes, sir.

It should've been seriously wounded.