Volume 4 Chapter 18 End Of Work
Around the detailed model of the bridge Cain had built, Margrave Shield and Will stood close, listening with sharp attention.
Cain raised a hand toward the layout.
"I have two proposals. First: a new bridge just for carts, built with a curve, stretching downstream. Second: the current bridge becomes a walkway for people only."
He placed a second small bridge onto the model. Its curve formed a loose C-shape that veered with the river's current.
Will leaned in, fingers tracing the path. His brows knit together as he muttered to himself.
"Hmm, this curve... That's clever. It's for defense, isn't it?"
Cain gave a quiet nod. His eyes stayed on the model.
Will looked to Margrave Shield, then tapped the miniature road again.
"See, Cain's curve makes the path shift sideways before crossing the river. If enemies attack from the far side, they'll need to move across instead of forward. That movement weakens their approach. For us, crossing straight over keeps our defense strong."
He gestured as he spoke, tracing the strategy in the air for Margrave Shield to picture.
Margrave Shield leaned over the model. He nodded with a grin, folding his arms as he stared down at the proposal.
"Cain, your idea is brilliant. But Will, reading the purpose in a glance—also excellent."
He turned his attention back to the bridge, tapping one of the parapets lightly with a knuckle.
"If we raise the inside wall on our side and keep the enemy's side just high enough to block carts from slipping off, we can defend better against arrows and magic. It'll be harder for the enemy to shoot through."
A gasp of admiration passed around the group. Everyone but Cain echoed in wonder.
"Wow!"
They adjusted the model on the table, adding parapets at different heights to show the difference more clearly.
Margrave Shield glanced back to Will and gave a small nod.
"It's a good idea—but keep the wall change subtle, Will. We don't want it to look too obvious."
Will returned the nod, accepting the instruction.
They shifted the conversation to plans and logistics. Cain tapped the model again and suggested laying the foundation using Earth magic. As for decorations—transoms and stonework—those would be made by the Mason Guild from Margrave Shield's own territory, using the same style as the walls of Sanroze.
Will explained the deeper reasoning in a calm tone. By choosing the local guild, they wouldn't just support the territory—they'd also gain time. If someone noticed the real reason for the bridge design, they could react slowly, without raising suspicion.
They decided that construction would begin one week after the stone paving in the town finished. Will would go with them to the site. That way, any changes could be decided right away.
* * *
Inside a carriage on the way to the site, Mr. Doughton leaned back with a heavy sigh. His eyes were half closed as he murmured softly.
"Today marks the completion of all tasks, Sir Cain."
Cain looked out the window beside him. His expression was calm, but his voice carried quiet hope.
"I hope the people living here feel life gets a little easier now."
Doughton sat upright and smiled. His voice grew louder and brighter.
"Of course! Everyone in the capital feels the change already. Life is much smoother than before. Still, I can't help but feel sad. This may be the last time I work with you."
Cain chuckled lightly. His shoulders relaxed.
"I feel the same. But don't worry. There are still many roads left to fix in Margrave Shield's land. Think about it—if all the streets and village paths were cobbled too, life would be better, right?"
Doughton's eyes lit up. He lifted his chin with excitement.
"Yes, you're right!"
He grabbed a notepad from his coat and started scribbling with energy.
"We must secure more funds! That way, we can call for Sir Cain again!"
Barvish sat nearby, watching Doughton's sudden outburst with a tight-lipped expression. He shifted in his seat, glancing out the window as the carriage slowed.
Outside, the wheels came to a stop with a crunch of gravel. Barvish nodded slightly and spoke with caution.
"There are more onlookers today. I wonder if that's a good thing."
Cain stepped down from the carriage and scanned the crowd. More people had gathered than usual, lining the streets and plaza.
He guessed they'd heard that today was the final day.
The last stretch of the road led straight out of a wide plaza. The paving in that area and its connecting streets had already finished by the day before. Now, citizens gathered at the edges, waiting for the work to begin.
Cain waited beside the carriage. He stood near Barvish and Gardy, calm and still, while the Maintenance Bureau finished setting up.
Barvish and Gardy had wanted Cain to stay inside the carriage, where it was safe. But Cain had insisted on standing outside. He didn't like the feeling of waving through a tiny window every time someone shouted "Sir Cain" or "Sir Cobblestone."
From across the crowd, Doughton raised his voice with a slight dramatic flair.
"Sir Cain, sorry for the wait! Please begin the final task!"
Cain lifted his hand and called back in a clear voice.
"Got it. Let's begin."
He walked to the end of the last unpaved section of road. There, he turned to the crowd, locking eyes with a group of children. He gave them a broad nod.
Then, with both hands stretched forward, he began his chant. His voice was clear and steady.
"...By my will, come forth into this world. All right, everyone—on three. One, two... Stone!"
"""Stone!"""
The children echoed the chant at full volume. Their voices rang in sync with Cain's.
From the tips of his fingers, Mana poured into the ground. A faint light shimmered along the surface. Stones rose and clicked into place, like dominoes falling in reverse—one by one until the entire path had transformed into cobblestone.
As the glow faded, a cheer thundered from the plaza.
For nearly two months, Cain had worked side by side with the Maintenance Bureau, the soldiers guarding the roads, the children and adults who joined in his spells. He turned to the two knights who had protected him all this time—Barvish and Gardy—and raised his voice over the noise.
"It's done! Everyone—great job!"
Character Notes:
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Will - Margrave Shield's son, Aisha's brother, and Cain's uncle. He is playful and enjoys teasing his father. He is a fan of Cain's 'hamburg' recipe.
• Doughton - Project leader for the stone pavement project; practical and resourceful, knowledgeable in engineering and magic tools, serves as Cain's assistant or subordinate.
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
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