"Oh, .............

　Haruka and Lysette, who had somehow returned, sounded impressed.

I'm sure this is what a real magic circle looks like.
In my village, we have a magic circle to keep the demons away, but it's just graffiti compared to ...... this one.

　Is that so?

The ones from the time of the Dragon Emperor have long since been lost.
The magic circle in the village is just a tracing of what was left faintly. The magic circle in the village was just a tracing of what was left of it. If you go to the royal palace, you might be able to find more information, but you won't find a magic circle like this in this remote area. ......

　It's just a tracing of a visible magic circle.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

　It seems that the basics of the magic circle are the same in both the original world and this world.
　Since the concepts of magic, skill, and otherworldly ability are the same, the magicians are somewhat similar.

I'll check it out just to make sure it works.

　Lysette squatted down and shook her finger at the magic circle.

　The magic power flowed out of her fingers.
　For a moment, glowing particles scattered in space, then quickly disappeared.

"Yes. It works as a purification spell. And a very efficient one at that.

　Lysette nodded in amazement.

"Oh.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea.
　I'm not sure what to make of this. ...... I never thought that the knowledge I've accumulated during my chubby years would come in handy.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that ...... it's complicated .......

I'm not sure what to make of it.
I'm not sure. I'm not going to waste what Brother Shoma gave me.

　What Lisette took out was a clear, colorless crystal ball.
　Sometimes the surface glows with rainbow colors. This seems to be the purified 'magic crystal'.

If you put it on the magic circle, it will probably last for about 150 days.
"......150 days?

　After that, I'll have to kill the demons again, collect the 'evil crystals', and purify them.
　It's a pain in the ass. I wish there was a better way.

Hey, Lisette.
"Yes. Brother Shoma.
Do you know how the Dragon Emperor supplies his wards with magic?
...... Lysette only heard about it from her mother. ......

　I'm not sure what to make of it.

The magic that flows through the earth is connected directly to the magic circle.
"Connected to what?
For more information, you'll have to go to ...... and ask the current emperor, the Dragon Emperor, or the Ten Sages. However, it is often said that the lord of the castle was designated to connect the land to the magic circle.
"Lord of the Castle, or ......

　I wonder what kind of system this is.

I'll activate the warding then.

　Lysette placed a magic crystal in the middle of the magic circle.
　The ground trembled faintly.

The ground trembled slightly. ...... The magic efficiency of the wards is amazing after all.
"...... Look, brother. The light from the wards is spreading.

　I can see it too.
　The light particles that flooded out of the magic circle are beginning to envelop the abandoned castle and its surroundings.

　It's amazing ...... that I've never seen a magic circle actually activate.
　So this is what a world with magic looks like. .......

　The particles of light enveloped the castle and then quickly disappeared.
　You can't see the warding, but somehow, the air seems a little clearer.
　If you put up wards around the castle and town like this, you can prevent demons from entering.

　So, if we expand the range of the wards, we might be able to ...... drive the demons out of the area. That's another task for later.
　I want to make things as easy and relaxing as possible. I'll do some research on that too.

Do you mind if I check this place out a bit more?

　I said to Lisette and Haruka.

I've never seen castle ruins like this before, so I'm interested.
No problem. I'll go and get Uncle Garunga and the others.
"Then Lysette will stand guard in front of the tower.

　Haruka waved and left.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

...... No, you don't have to go that far.
I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.
...... I'm starting to worry about my sister-in-law's future.

　I hope you're okay. Lysette. I wonder if the stress and strain of the job will destroy you.
　I'm worried because there was someone like that in my original world. .......

I don't know. Let's make this quick.



　If we could create more efficient wards, it would make Lysette and the others' work a lot easier.
　There are a few clues.

　First, this place was once warded by the Dragon Emperor.
　He was able to keep the wards in place without a crystal of magic.
　He had appointed a lord for this purpose.
　Lastly, the Dragon Emperor's skill is related to naming.

"...... From there, I think ......

　I know what you mean. ...... I know what you mean.
　In other words, the dragon emperor summoned an earth spirit (gnome), gave it a name, and used it as an assistant to the lord of the castle. The assistant is something related to the source of the world. She is a follower of the Goddess of the Eighth Heaven, who is in charge of life in the earth and death in the heavens.

　I'm not sure what to do.

　...... No. I was about to make up some chuunibyou setting.
　Let's go with common sense. I haven't been a working person for nearly 10 years.
　In this situation, it is better to use the 'reality processing ability' that I have acquired during my working years.

It's a good idea to convert the magic of the earth into warding power through the castle owner. ......?

　This world is full of magic, so there must be something like that.
　And speaking of the earth's magic power, I guess that's the skill.

"Activate skill. "Skill activated. "Dragon Vein".

　I activated the skill.
　In the original world, the dragon's veins meant the flow of chi in the land.
　In the old days, castles and towns were built in places with good chi flow, according to feng shui. It is a kind of power spot. I know this because I have read and studied about it in the past. I decided to go to such a place and perform a ritual of awakening, so I cut down my lunch money to pay for the trip. .................. No, no, no. No, no, no. That's not important at this point.

　In any case, the fact that there is a skill called "dragon pulse" means that there is a possibility that in our world, that "chi" has been converted into "magic power"...
　Of course, it's conceivable that castles and towns are built on land that possesses magical power.

"............, is this it?




"Dragon pulse detected.



　I waited quietly and then the words popped into my head.
It's a good idea to take a look at the website to see if there's anything you need to know.



I've detected a flow of magic power in the earth supporting the castle. Please designate the lord of the castle to wake him up.



Lysette, may I have a word?
Can I help you?　Brother Shoma.
Do you mind if I take the castle?
Yes, please.
...... That was easy.
You're the one who defeated Mesetrat the Kuro Knight, aren't you?

　In a curious tone, Lisette said.

And it was Shoma who fixed the magic circle. If Shoma wants the castle, I don't think anyone will complain.
"In that case.

　Feel free to use it for your experiments.
　It was originally a demon's castle, and I didn't think anyone had the right to own it.

"Okay, nominate a lord. Shoma Kiryuu.



"The king cannot be lord of the castle.



"What about ......?



"The king rules over the lord. It is a contradiction that the one who appoints the lord of the castle is appointed by him.



　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　I'm not sure what to make of this.

I'm sure you'll agree. I'm not sure what to say.
"What's wrong?　Brother Shoma.
Can I give this castle to Lysette?
Yes!

　You scared me.

You're right, I don't want her to have this wrecked castle. ......
No, that's not what I meant. What are you trying to do?

　Lysette walks into the tower.
　I'm sure you're not the only one.
　...... I don't know how to explain it.

...... Actually, it seems that I got the Dragon Emperor-like skill from the Dragon Emperor's Temple.
Yes, I know. I know.

　I'm not sure what to do.

I noticed it when you enhanced my weapon. I noticed it when you enhanced my weapon. A king is the one who gives it a name, according to the legend of the Dragon Emperor.
Yes. And apart from that, he also has the skill to name someone as the lord of the castle.
"Nominate a lord?
Probably, if you do that, the person will be able to use the magic of the land. My guess is that the Dragon Emperor has been using that power to put up wards to keep out demons.


So, you want to make Lisette the lord of the castle ......?
I've been trying, but I don't think I can be lord of the castle.
I understand.
You understand?
A king is supposed to rule over his lord.

　You say the same thing about skills.

But if ...... that happens, will Lysette have to live there forever?
I don't think so.

　Somehow, I know.
　This is not what this skill is about.
　It's like using the lord of the castle as a human pillar. In my dream, I saw the face of a person who looked like the Dragon Emperor, but he didn't look like him. I heard that the Dragon Emperor was a great ruler unlike the Kuro Flame Emperor, so he wouldn't do something like that.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.

I understand.

　The next thing I knew, Lisette was grabbing the hem of my dress.

"Please. Brother Shoma. Please, brother Shoma, name Lisette as the lord of the castle.

　...... Why are you looking at me so straight in the eye?
　I don't know.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

　For some reason, Lizette looked at me with a strangely gentle smile.

I'm not ashamed to be Shoma's sister-in-law, because I want to protect this land.
The reason I want to protect this place is so that we can live in peace and quiet.
Well, then, I want you to relax, brother Shoma.
Is that all right?
Yes, yes.

　I felt a soft touch on my hand, and before I knew it, I had my hand on Lisette's head.
　I hurriedly pulled it back. No, it's okay?
　I've only been here a few days, but I feel like I'm losing my sense of distance from my old world. ......
　I'm not sure if my spirit is being pulled towards the "King of the Demons" or not. .......

What is it, Brother Shoma?
...... It's nothing. Let's get this over with and go home.
Yes.

　Lysette smiled.
　I activated my skills again.

"Name the lord of the castle to awaken the magic of the earth.
"The lord of the castle is not in danger, is he?
"Please appoint the lord of the castle.
"............ I have heard in the name of the demon king Shoma.
"──────
"In the name of the deformed High King, I declare that if there is any danger to the lord of the castle, I will use any means necessary to destroy and discard this skill. If you don't like it, tell me about it. The Dragon Emperor's skill.

　I said.
　The skill went silent for a moment...



"──── received the words of the King, the Emperor. ...... reconfirmed the "King's Instrument". ...... reconfirmed the "King's Instrument". ...... reconfirmed the "King's Instrument". ...... reconfirmed the "King's Instrument". ...... reconfirmed the "King's Instrument". ...... received



　It spat out an unfamiliar message.




I'm not sure what to make of it.

　This is a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your investment.
　However, it is usually impossible to move the magic power of the land. The magic of the land is mainly used for warding. It can also be used to provide support to the king and the lord's friends around the castle.

　While the lord is in the castle, the magic power increases.

　Specifically, the power of magic increases. The duration of the spell is increased.
　It is not necessary for the lord to be present to use the wards.
　However, once a year, a ritual is required to channel magic power into the wards.



　And then, all at once, information starts flowing into the window.
　Looking at the information on ......, it doesn't seem to be dangerous. So I guess we're good.

Okay, Lysette, stand there.
"Yes, sir. Brother Shoma.

　Following my instructions, Lisette moves to the center of the magic circle.

"In the name of the deformed High King, I name you Lord of the Abandoned Castle...

　...... No, I think you should give her a different name.
　If you want to make your sister-in-law (Lisette) the lord of the castle, it's not a good idea to name the castle "Abandoned Castle" (a ruined castle).
　Let's give it a name suitable for Lisette, the descendant of the Dragon Emperor.

"Lysette-Luge, I appoint thee Lord of the Castle of the Dragon Tree.

　I touched Lisette's forehead and said.

I touched her forehead and said, "You can use the magic that lies in this land. Use it to protect those who believe in you. Awaken the Dragon Vein!
"Hmm...

　I'm sure you've heard of it.
　At the same time, the magic circle on the floor emitted a light that was incomparably brighter than before.

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.


　It's as if her skin is glowing - her clothes are transparent and the shape of her body is clearly visible. Lines of light crawled across Lysette's skin, and for some reason her cheeks were flushed, her eyes closed and her lips pursed.

"...... are you okay?
"I'm fine. Brother .......

　A ray of light flashed in the middle of Lysette's chest.

Lysette-Luge, by the order of my brother Shoma-Kiryu, I hereby appoint you Lord of the Castle of the Dragon Tree!

　The moment Lisette announced this...

　The moment Lisette announced it, particles of light rose up from the ground.
　One after the other, in large numbers.
　It's as if it's snowing right above us.

"Oh, my brother!　Sister Liz!　It's all white out there. What are you doing?
I'm making Lysette the lord of the castle.
What are you doing, brother?

　Haruka, you're freaking me out.
　But I'm surprised, too, so we're even.

Anyway, come on. Look!　It's an amazing sight...
Yeah. Lisette, you can move now.
Yes, yes.

　Haruka, me and Lisette somehow held hands and went outside.

　The forest was bathed in light.
　It was as if magic was rising out of the ground and into the sky.
　I could hear the screams of monsters in the forest. I looked up and saw a goblin-like shadow fleeing out of the light.

　There are other demons. A large, black dog stands there, twitching and shaking. It looks like it's entangled in magic and can't move. It can't run or fight. Garunga finds it and defeats it with a "snap.

　So this is a "ward".
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.
　...... This is amazing. I can understand why Lysette and the others admire the Dragon Emperor. .......

　After a while, the light went out.
　But there is no sign of the demon returning. The warding is still in effect.
　Garunga and the others are shouting "Hyah!" as they hunt down the demons that missed.

Looks like it worked. Warding.
I'm not talking about the ...... level, brother. This castle, including the ...... surrounding forest, is now a safe place for us.

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

You know what it means to have a semi-permanent area that demons can't get to?
"What do you mean?
"It means you can eat a lot of food!

　It's hard to understand. Haruka.

So!　It's safe to hunt around the castle now. And the demons outside the wards aren't so scary anymore. When the time comes, you can just run to the wards. On the other hand, when you want to attack, you can drive the demons towards the wards and scissor them from outside and inside the wards.
That's not all.

　It's not just that." Lysette took over Haruka's words.

You don't need to be armed around the castle. We can catch berries at will. You might even be able to cut through the surrounding forest and turn it into fields. In other words, .......

　Lisette looked at me with a dazzling smile and said.

In other words, Brother Shoma has evolved Lysette's village.