By utilizing Adam and Shugl’s powers, the demolition and construction work was completed in an instant.
The aqueduct completely disappeared, and soon a new facility revealed itself.
A structure much thicker and longer than before.
However, it wasn’t as stylish as before.
Because it was just the result of melting rocks and hardening them instantly.
Still, it’s incredibly sturdy and even hygienic. Decorations can be added later by hiring stonemasons.
Of course, building the aqueduct wasn’t the end.
I intended to lay pottery pipes on top of it.
Such delicate work couldn’t be done with the powers of a demigod and a half-demon, so that’s why I hired so many laborers.
Shoooo—! Thud!
Adam and Shugl’s joint operation soon came to an end.
What they were doing was just digging huge trenches and paving roads with stones.
There wouldn’t be many situations where they’d run into each other now.
Unless I visited Adam’s workshop.
—Let’s not run into each other from now on.
—Oh really? You think using polite speech makes you look like a gentleman?
—A guy not even worth a punch keeps acting up.
I’m just in this form because it’s comfortable. Do you walk around like that because you can’t transform?
—Is this for real? The alliance is over. Come at me!
—You think I’m scared?
They could just go their separate ways, but these guys were bickering again.
I grabbed Shugl and placed him on my shoulder, then nodded to Adam.
“Stop it and go back. You’re much older, yet you always fall for this guy’s provocations?”
But Shugl suddenly stood up and shouted.
—I’m much more senior. That guy hasn’t even been here for a thousand years.
“Oh? Really?”
—So, doesn’t that piss you off? A junior acting all cocky.
“But he’s not your direct junior, right?”
—Uh… Yeah, that’s true.
“Then you’re just an old guy.”
—Grr!
My jab seemed to work, as Shugl growled and sat down.
Of course, a squirrel smaller than a fist doing that was just cute.
I patted Adam’s shoulder and said.
“I’ll tell Martin separately, so take a few new outfits.”
—Oh, really? Is that okay?
“Of course. I’m a man who gives proper rewards.”
—Thanks.
“It’ll take a few days to tailor them to your size, so schedule in advance.”
—Got it. Take care.
Adam left with a beaming face.
Then Shugl tapped my cheek with his tiny front paw.
—Me? What about me? You said you’re a man who gives proper rewards.
“Of course. Double spiritual energy for three days. That should be enough, right? I took a lot of time out of my busy schedule.”
—Yes! Please continue to use our services. Dear customer.
Shugl and Feltron could receive spiritual energy from people who greeted me.
Of course, just bowing in front wasn’t enough.
It had to be sincere respect to get high-purity spiritual energy.
That was proof of how much trust I had from the public.
Look at now.
“That was the most amazing sight I’ve seen in recent years!”
“You’re not even a mage, how is this possible?”
“Hey, could mere magic build that huge aqueduct? This must be divine power!”
“Then the rumor that His Grace is a saint is true?”
“Just a saint? It’s fine to see him as a god!”
“A living god! Something no religious order has ever had.”
“Exactly. We need to establish a new order.”
They were beyond praising; they were worshiping.
If I left it like this, they might really create a cult, so I needed a proper explanation.
“Everyone, listen up. I am absolutely not a god. So don’t even dream of creating a cult.”
“Then how did you accomplish this amazing feat?”
Someone asked a sharp question like a reporter.
But I wasn’t flustered at all.
The answer was predetermined.
“All of this was done by the demigod Adam and the half-demon Shugl, who are contracted with our Dapan Group. I just gave directions.”
Demigods or half-demons weren’t beings only from myths.
They were treated as very strong and intelligent monsters.
Since they were somewhat known to the public, I thought it would be understandable.
However, the result went in a completely different direction than I expected.
“Commanding demigods and half-demons at will is proof that His Grace is a living god!”
“That’s right! This has never happened before. We must establish a new order!”
Faced with this absurd stream of consciousness, I slapped my forehead.
It seemed these people had their thinking rigidified by blind faith.
So, what to do?
For mad dogs, a beating is the cure.
I took out the Hector Punisher and beckoned with my finger.
Ah, of course, I didn’t intend to bash their heads with it.
I’ve lived so civilly until now; no way.
“Those dissatisfied with my explanation, come forward first. If you keep spreading baseless rumors, I’ll sue you all.”
The people shouting to create a cult finally quieted down.
The water treatment plant and aqueduct construction were done in a flash.
Building such massive facilities took only a week.
Probably the fastest construction in history.
Because of that, the nobles’ gazes started to change.
“Is, is that possible?”
“Has there ever been someone who handled demigods and half-demons so well?”
“Until His Grace brought that monster called the god of the earth, I didn’t even know such beings existed.”
“Me too. Probably most are the same.”
“What if the demigod and half-demon are excuses, and it was His Grace’s ability from the start?”
“Huh! Why did Aramid send two such talents to the imperial family?”
“My heir is the same age as His Grace, but he only causes trouble. Tsk tsk!”
Regardless of their faction, most nobles shook their heads thinking of their own children.
On the other hand, some started bustling with shining eyes.
“This isn’t the time. How old is my sixth…!!”
“Trying to arrange a marriage with the Carius family? It won’t work.”
“Why say that? My daughter is so pretty.”
“I’ve already tried. They don’t even accept the requests.”
As said, there was no better groom than Abel Carius.
Of course, in terms of military force, it was much less than other ducal houses.
But Abel Carius was the one most favored by the emperor.
Moreover, lately, he was accumulating immense wealth through the Dapan Group.
Of course, he gave back a lot too.
As this perception surged, there was movement in the imperial political scene.
“It’s been a while.”
“First time since that incident with Skyler.”
“Checking from the start? Let’s act according to the purpose we gathered for.”
“Sorry. No malice. Just remembered that time.”
Duke Diandre Giovanni smiling with an awkward expression.
On the other hand, Duke Planger Sierre was frowning unpleasantly.
Skyler ended up with a 40-year sentence.
Because of that incident, the Sierre ducal house’s succession was twisted.
Because from the second on, they were all illegitimate.
If they couldn’t properly establish an heir, their position in the noble faction would shake.
Moreover, the Midias shopping district was causing massive damage to both ducal houses.
“Because of that solid soap, nobles aren’t buying liquid soap. I can’t understand them flocking just because the scent is a bit better.”
“We’re getting crushed in textiles, paper, and even livestock.”
“Moreover, this time he even handled water and sewage systems and waste treatment. His reputation has risen too much.”
“We must be wary. He’s gaining popularity not only among the commoners but also in noble society.”
“That’s the problem. I’m afraid talk of changing the heavens will come out. Recently, there was even talk of establishing a new order.”
Duke Sierre subtly brought up words related to treason.
Because that’s the most effective attack method against any noble.
But Duke Giovanni slowly shook his head.
“Doing it that way won’t have much meaning.”
“True, it was the same last time.”
At the state council, Marquis Gilmore mentioned the possibility of treason and got backlash instead.
The emperor ordered to keep military levels lower than the Carius duchy.
Of course, it was quickly withdrawn, but the nobles clearly remembered the fear.
After exchanging opinions for a while, the two dukes clutched their heads.
They thought of strategies from various angles, but no sharp idea came up.
Then, Duke Sierre lifted his head with a chilling look and said.
“Let’s go back to basics.”
“How?”
“What do you think is most lacking in the Carius duchy right now?”
“Military force, of course. That cunning guy to avoid the emperor’s suspicion… Oh?”
Duke Giovanni’s eyes sparkled with interest.
Just from one question, numerous attack methods came to mind.
After all, these two dukes were veterans of power struggles.
How many things they must have gone through to reach their positions.
Just thirty patrol groups and thirty royal guards.
Even an average barony would have more troops.
“But the Carius duchy’s defense isn’t bad. They surrounded the Midias factory area with walls.”
“Even so, the guard forces are woefully insufficient. If we set fire to the fields or factories, how could they stop it?”
“How about spreading rumors that it’s heavenly punishment for daring to encroach on divine territory?”
“Kuhuhu! We’re on the same page. Let’s plan the operation as discreetly as possible.”
“Since it’s just setting fires, no need to use our own troops. This is perfect for using the underworld.”
The two dukes excitedly whispered and began plotting the conspiracy.
A few days later, in the dead of night.
There were covert movements near the Carius duchy and Midias.
Dozens of masked figures suddenly appeared.
Like assassins, they avoided the surveillance without making a sound.
Soon, flames erupted simultaneously in the Carius duchy’s wheat fields, vineyards, and the Midias factory area.
Whoosh!
“F-Fire!”
“Fire in the wheat field!”
“The factory over there is on fire too.”
People running in all directions.
The arsonists looked at each other and quickly exchanged hand signals.
Since the operation succeeded, they seemed to want to escape quickly.
But they couldn’t move far and had to stop.
“Don’t panic! Follow the instructions!”
“Water guns prepared!”
“Start pumping!”
“One! Two! One! Two!”
After the unknown chants, water streams shot from all sides, starting to extinguish the flames.
The arsonists watching this muttered.
“W-What do we do now?”
“What else? Retreat for now.”
But they couldn’t go far.
Because of the man who suddenly appeared.
“What? Who are these thieves?”
It was Cordell McNeil, the black agent of the imperial royal guard knights.