It wasn’t a surprise when Kork personally visited to express his thanks. 

Not only did he receive the massive sum of money equating to nearly three years worth of salary, but also scored a job that would earn him even more annually. 

It was the offer of a lifetime, and it seemed like he was on the verge of tears as he shook my hand with profuse gratitude. 

But now that Kork was officially the manager, Sir Campbell was merciless in making him earn those riches. 

Large scale hiring began immediately with Sir Campbell offering a starting wage of 20 coin per day with payouts happening weekly. Only 100 people were hired, however, and of the hundreds of applicants, only the most able-bodied were chosen. 

Working with the Baron, he also found a merchant who would be able to fulfill a large order of tools. Until those tools arrived, we wouldn’t be able to hire more miners. 

As for the processing facility, I had my own plans for it. 

But those plans could only wait until my next order of business. 

After a few days had passed, it was finally time for me to go and check on my stoneworkers. 

Grace wanted to come along, so we boarded a carriage and made our way to the northern region of the city where the Rock and Stone Foundation was headquartered. 

The place was basically a big barn. Entering said barn, I found the two brothers and the chemist overlooking a block of grey-white stone. 

I perked up while walking over, and they naturally noticed my presence. 

“Lord Audius!”

“Ah, its the lord.”

The three greeted me, and it was the chemist who announced their progress. 

“Lord Audius, we’ve had great progress in these past few days. Truly, that formula of yours, while costly, does indeed create a strong product! This is one of our final tests that we were going to show you.”

He pointed to the block of concrete. It definitely looked like what I wanted. The chemist also handed me a sheet of paper detailing its specifications, including its strengths.

“This cement of yours hardens with great speed and strength, and it took a formula only slightly different than ours. But the only issue as I stated before was the heating requirements. We’ve gone through a great amount of fuel, so much so that I can’t imagine this product being too profitable.”

“...What kind of fuel do you use?”

I pondered a moment before asking, and the chemist led me to their kiln where they cooked the cement. 

“We usually use coal and have a cycling method that allows us to constantly insert new fuel and remove waste.”

The chemist picked up a small piece of coal, and I became curious.

“Where do you get this coal?”

“Yamaha City, to the east along the mountain range. They have a coal mine there, so we buy their coal while we often trade the products of our stoneworking, like our inferior cement.”

“I see…”

I smiled while my mind roiled with ideas. 

“If only I could build trains over there…”

“Sorry?”

“Nothing. Anyway, I have a suggestion.”

I pointed to the coal.

“If you grind up the coal into a powder before burning it, it’ll greatly increase the efficiency. The only problem is that coal dust is dangerous if not handled correctly… Oh!”

My eyes widened as I remembered something. I couldn’t help but glance toward Grace with a smile. 

“I know what to do, but it’ll have to wait. Gerald and Fenten.”

“Yes, Lord Audius.”

“You two have fulfilled your end of the deal and have successfully cooked my concrete. Now, we can officially begin construction. I’m going to build a manor for myself, a very large one, and I want it to be built out of this cement. Here are some of the details.”

I retrieved a few sheets of paper from my jacket and handed it to the brothers. 

On it I had diagrams of the overall manor. And they were rather shocked. 

The place was nothing short of a castle. It was a massive mansion with three dozen rooms, huge bathing areas, several auxiliary rooms for office use or meeting areas, a grand kitchen, recreations rooms, and more. 

It would have everything I needed and wanted, but of course, the reason it was so big was because it would serve as the primary housing for all the sorcerers I planned to harbor. 

Of course, I also planned for it to be expandable. In case I decided to build offshoot buildings, I planned out space to allow that. 

But when factoring in the grand and artistic aesthetic I designed it with, the construction project was no doubt a daunting undertaking. And by the end, it would be a palace fit for a king, a place that dwarfed my father’s estate in comparison.

Which was by design, of course.

I reassured the brothers who were looking at my diagrams with bulging eyes. I suppose the fact that I designed every detail myself had them equally as shocked as its complexity.

“Don’t worry, you two. I don’t plan to have everything built in a short amount of time, and I plan to pay you handsomely for this. But there are several preparations you’ll need to make beforehand regarding the cement and material specifications. I’ll have lists for you. And I naturally expect to have many workers hired. So, take those sheets I’ve given you and calculate the estimated costs. There are numbers for the materials that I’ve drawn up as well to help you. Take however long you need to run tests and give me a bill.”

“...We will live up to your expectations, Lord Audius.”

The brother Fenten lifted his head with a serious nod. 

While it was a colossal project, it was also a big opportunity to make some big money. Craftsmen out in these rural towns never got opportunities like this. Only the royal craftsmen who worked in the capital of the empire ever got to see these large scale projects. 

So these two brothers would naturally do their best. 

“Oh, also, Sir Campbell wil be coming to you to talk business about the mining operations. We’ve reached a deal with Kork, so everything is about to start soon.”

“Oh! That’s great news, Lord Audius. I’m sure Kork is very happy.”

“Haha, happy is an understatement.”

I laughed while remembering Kork’s enthusiastic thanks not long ago. 

After that, I settled a few more things with the brothers before leaving. 

Grace, who had been standing to the side the entire time, looked at me oddly as we rode in the carriage. 

“How much crazy knowledge did you get, exactly?”

“Hm, it’s hard to estimate. But if I had to say, I would say everything.”

“Everything?”

She tilted her head, causing me to smile. 

“Yes, everything. I know about everything there is to know. About science, about architecture, about war, about inventions that you can’t even imagine.”

I sighed in wonder as I thought about the grand scale of what I knew about. 

“Grace, I know about all the stars in the sky, exactly what they are and how they were birthed from the darkness of the great beyond. I know about how our bodies are composed of countless small buildings blocks that carry out countless functions to keep us alive. There are so many things that I couldn’t possibly begin to recite everything, and it overwhelms me just thinking about it all. So truly, my power is that of the mind… But…”

I turned my head toward her, and saw her face which wasn’t sure how to feel about all this. 

I really was different from before. I was an entirely different person, incomparable to the Audius that Grace had known for her entire life. 

Now, I was bold, I could look someone as fierce as Sir Campbell in the eye, and I could make business deals and take control of a city. I also had vast knowledge that Grace couldn't even imagine. 

There were only two things that remained the same as before. 

First, my face. 

And second, my love for Grace. 

She was the one always by my side. At first it had only been because of her awakening, but over time we grew an unshakeable bond. 

She was there to defend me even as I got berated by our older siblings, or when I was ignored by my father. And I was there for her when she was ignored by our mother and had a hard time making friends with other noble girls. 

The me who was Six was, without question, the dominant ego during the merger. Audius couldn’t even slightly compare to Six’s sheer force of will, intelligence, or otherwise. 

But if there was one thing that Six couldn’t keep out, it would be Audius’ love for his sister Grace. 

Audius, I, didn’t want Grace to think of me badly. 

I didn’t want her to be put off by my change. 

And I expressed that feeling. 

“...I hope that this doesn’t change your view of me. I know I’m different, but you’re still my sister, and my partner. After all, I didn’t design that manor just for myself.”

I nudged her with my shoulder, causing her to smile. 

She leaned her head on me. 

“Didn’t I tell you earlier? If anything, I think I like the change.”

“Thanks.”

“Mm. Besides, we’re both freaks now. You didn’t leave when I awakened, so I’m never going to leave you either.”

……

…

Over the next several days, I continued to work on my rapidly growing list of priorities. 

Most of my time was spent simply writing. 

I worked on the precise architectural diagrams for my manor, began writing basic texts on science, created a list of everything that needed to be carried out at the iron mine. 

I also started creating diagrams of basic technologies that I would soon need to develop in some way. 

Of course, things that I wanted to keep confidential, like the technological blueprints, were written out in my own language. That way, even if they were stolen by certain sorcerers that could turn invisible, they wouldn’t be able to be used. 

There were two main technologies that I planned to focus on. 

The steam engine and firearms.

The steam engine is the most pivotal technology when it comes to industrializing. Mechanized power was the way of the future, and the steam engine is the simplest iteration. 

By simply boiling water, one could produce steam that spins a turbine. Attach a shaft to that turbine, and you have a source of rotational energy. 

Of course, there were several key improvements that I could skip to that would make my steam turbines far more effective than the standard. 

For instance, high pressure turbines. By boiling water in a container with only a single tiny hole for an outlet, the steam would shoot out at high speeds and pressures, giving far greater power to the turbine. 

And there were too many applications for steam engines. 

Trains, industrial machines, electricity generators…

Until I got my hands on oil or natural gas deposits, coal and wood driven steam engines would be the key and first step toward my envisioned industry. 

As for firearms, it would be the key to building an armed force that surpassed anything else this world could throw at me. 

Conflict was inevitable, so building myself a powerful weapon was important if I wanted to keep not just my life, but maintain any kind of rule over my territory. 

Of course, guns were just the start. But anything more complex would have to be created after I found a reliable method of machining and production. 

For several days, things moved forward at a good pace. With my detailed guidance, things like the mining operation and cement making proceeded with very little complications. 

Until an unrelated but important incident was brought to my attention. 

…

“Lord Audius.”

“Hm?”

While scribbling lines down on a paper, I was suddenly interrupted by the Baron. 

The grizzled knight barged in unannounced, but he seemed to be in a hurry. 

“Something has happened that I feel you should handle.”

“What is it?”

“Tiya’s father…”

The Baron seemed conflicted. 

“He’s been arrested.”

…

Within Northown’s city hall was a single small courtroom. It was very often left unused, and only when significant crimes happened was it brought alive. 

This could be considered one such significant crime, but its nature was more complex than that due to who was involved. 

When I entered the courtroom, I found three guards who had restrained a single man. They had tied him to a chair, but it didn’t look like he was struggling much. 

“The City Lord has entered!”

One of the guards announced, causing the man to lift his head and look at me. 

Tiya’s father. 

I was curious as to why he was here. 

While walking in, I whispered to the Baron. 

“Are these guards of yours trustworthy?”

“Yes, Lord Audius. They are my closest confidants, and I have personally discussed things with them.”

“A dangerous thing you did, Baron.”

“Rest assured, it is also my life on the line if something goes wrong. I confided in them because our brotherhood was forged on the battlefield. And I was not wrong to trust them.”

“Very well. But you’ll let me know of things like this in the future.”

I decided to let it go this time and focused on the matter at hand. 

As the Baron knew the sensitive nature of this man’s identity, nobody else was present in the courtroom besides the three guards. 

I approached and looked at one of them. 

“Tell me what happened.”

“Sir, this man was arrested after having beaten his wife. Bystanders had tried to restrain him, but he injured them as well. His wife is now being treated by the local doctor. She’ll live, but the wounds are bad.”

“I see.”

I nodded and bent down so I was eye level with the man. 

“What’s your name?”

“...My name is David Pointe.”

“David Pointe, why did you beat your wife?”

“...”

I watched as he raised his head, his eyes boring into me with hate. 

And that gaze confirmed my guesses about the situation. 

“You probably don’t remember, do you? You probably didn’t even care to hear her name…”

His rage spilled forth with every word. Many days of pent up hatred and grief were being unbottled. 

“My daughter was no demon! She was a good girl who just wanted to help on the farm! And yet, you monsters killed her! You monsters killed a young girl because of some curse that she couldn’t control!”

His body bulged against his restraints, his red eyes glaring into me with nothing but the desire to kill me. 

“You want to know why I beat my wife within an inch of her life, city lord?! Because she’s an actual demon! To think that the woman I married would send her own daughter to die! A woman who would kill her own child is nothing more than a heinous devil! I only regret that I couldn’t send her to hell, so that she may beg my daughter for forgiveness! But go ahead and kill me anyway! At least then I’ll be with my baby girl!”

His breathing was rough as he finished screaming. 

And I looked him in his eyes with a gaze that didn’t falter. 

For a while there was silence, until I glanced behind me. 

The Baron saw my gaze and nodded, opening the door he was standing by.

*Click*

Two girls walked in. 

“David Pointe.”

I spoke as Grace brought the center of this conflict forth. Both of them were crying, having heard everything from behind the door.

David’s eyes widened in sheer shock. 

“I happen to have the same thoughts as you. Which is why I had Tiya take refuge within the Baron’s manor. Guards, release the father.”

With my word, one of the guards hesitantly undid the restraints. 

David slowly stood, reaching toward his daughter in disbelief. She walked forward as he did.

“Tiya..?”

“Dad…”

Tiya spoke through sobs. 

And without being able to bear it anymore, she wiped her face and ran into her father’s embrace. 

“Dad!”

“Ah, my baby girl, I’m so sorry… I’m sorry…”

Both of them let their pent up emotions flow as they clutched onto each other. 

As I stood to the side, Grace came to my side, wiping her own tears with a smile. 

“Thank you, Audius.”

“There’s no need to thank me for something that should be a given.”

I spoke as the father and daughter separated. 

“Tiya, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, dad. Lord Audius has taken care of me.”

She smiled and looked at me, her father’s gaze turning with her. 

I just smiled. 

“Mr. Pointe, I’m sure I can confide in you. I don’t believe in the lies of the Order. All they are is a people who fear what they don’t understand. But I don’t currently have the ability to face their wrath, so I was forced to keep your daughter within the confines of the manor. I do apologize.”

“...No, Lord Audius. I apologize.”

David suddenly knelt and placed his head against the floor. 

“You have saved my daughter, so I give you my life in exchange. I will accept any punishment and command, nothing short of giving my life.”

“Dad?”

Tiya was shocked by her father’s declaration, her worried face pleading with mine. 

But I just shook my head. 

“Please, there will be none of that. Stand.”

David slowly climbed to his feet, presenting himself with a rigid salute. 

My brow raised. 

“Were you a knight?”

“Yes, my lord. I served shortly in the Heart’s Blood War and left as a knight.”

“I see. You must have been an accomplished warrior.”

“My father was also a great hunter who has killed demon beasts.”

Tiya couldn’t help but speak out, and her words made me curious. 

“Is that right?”

“He was also my captain during the War, Lord Audius.”

This time, it was Baron Hviral who spoke. 

David scratched his head in embarrassment. 

“That was only for a short time, Baron Hviral. You far surpassed me not long after, and I’m surprised you even remember me.”

“So everyone knows each other? That’s makes this easier then.”

I clapped. 

“David Pointe, from now on, you will be one of the guards under the command of Baron Hviral. For reasons I’m sure you can understand, I won’t be sending you back to waste away as a farmer. You’ll take up a new residence and will engage in regular training as you did when you were a knight. As for where you’ll be stationed, I’ll leave that up to the Baron. But I suggest you remain out of the public eye for some time and let the commotion you caused die down.”

“...Lord Audius, will there be no punishment?”

David asked. 

“I have broken the law and have disrespected you with my words. Allow me to atone.”

“Atone? David Pointe, you haven’t actually done anything wrong.”

I smirked. 

“I’ve spoken words almost exactly like yours. The woman who sentenced her own daughter to death is the one filled with true evil. To think that parents would turn on their own children because of the words of strangers they don’t even know… It’s harrowing. So I won’t be punishing you for anything you did. Instead, your reward for standing up against evil will be reuniting with your daughter and becoming a knight whose purpose will be to protect her and other girls just like her. And the hateful woman that is your former wife can be left to fend for herself. She threw away her family. Let it remain that way, while you live on in happiness.”

David was silent, before suddenly falling to his knee. 

“I thank Lord Audius for his graciousness.”

“Rise, Sir Knight. As I tell my sister, don’t thank me for something that should be a given.”

I smiled and pat the man’s shoulder. 

“Now, I believe this court has been adjourned. Baron Hviral, please arrange accommodations for Sir Pointe. And Tiya.”

I looked at the girl, who looked back at me with bright blue eyes. 

“If you can keep your head low while outside, go ahead and spend time with your father.”

“Y-yes! Thank you, Lord Audius.”

“Of course. Now, I’ll be off.”