Despite months passing, Lance's plan had not yet succeeded. He spends his time in the village. Sometimes, he helps Felix take care of the horses.
Nevertheless, he was confident it would work. He just needed to wait.
But maybe the same feelings don't apply to Trish and Cecil. Lance received letters from them so many times. They missed working on the project again.
"Finally, they let me go home." Cecil took a deep breath as he walked down the hall of the Moryet family's second house. She had just stepped off the carriage, still in her formal uniform. "Unfortunately, it's only for a few days."
"You look better than the last time I saw you, though." Lance chuckled.
"When I worked with you, I often did overtime," the blacksmith explained. "But as a supervisor, I have a regular schedule, so my sleep cycle is better."
"Good for you, then." Lance nodded. "Hey, haven't you heard any signs that they're going to continue our project?"
Cecil sighed. "Not yet, Lance. Even Mr. Tobias rarely sees me anymore. I really don't have any meaningful information."
"I see. It's okay." Even though he received that not-encouraging news, Lance felt that this project would continue soon. "As I always write in letters…."
"We can only wait." Cecil continued her childhood friend's words with a wry smile.
They entered Eve's room. Apart from finding the witch lying on the bed, they also met Ashe, who was almost asleep while sitting up.
"Oh, Eve." After saying hello to Ashe, Cecil sat beside the bed. The blacksmith observed Eve's face, which was so thin and pale.
She was almost like a corpse. Arthur keeps her in a static condition like that to prolong her lifespan.
But it only extended Eve's life temporarily. Her body is still deteriorating.
Arthur already had the method of increasing the lifespan of a homunculus without human souls. But he hasn't been able to execute it yet. He had to find ingredients and get everything ready.
"It's been almost a year since we started that project, Lance." Cecil muttered while gently holding Eve's hand. "Time flies so fast."
"Yeah." Lance leaned his back against the wall. "A lot has happened since then."
"A year, huh?" Ashe scratched her hair with her eyes barely opened. "I haven't seen my family in almost a year, either."
Cecil asked. "Why don't you visit them?"
"They will scold me. They don't want me to join Celestenia's military, even though I'm doing this for their sake. What an incredible family." The female elf muttered. "That's why I'm waiting for us all to become one team again. Yes, we are co-workers, but I already consider you all my second family…. Sorry if I sound cheesy."
Cecil's smile bloomed. "I also consider us as family."
"But I also want to make a real family with Lance!" Suddenly Ashe hugged Lance from behind.
"W-what are you doing!?" Cecil panicked.
Getting something like that from a woman like Ashe, Lance felt like he couldn't complain.
***
Zashrend Kingdom, in an undisclosed location.
The king walked among the powered armors which were lined up in a field. Some of their parts are like the Celestenia Kingdom's versions, but the colors are black and dark blue instead of red and gold. Some details are also different, such as sharp carvings which make them more fierce.
"With this, we will defeat Celestenia." He laughed like a madman. "Finally, after so long, you guys can show satisfactory results."
Testing and production of those weapons only lasted a short time. Zashrend's kingdom copied from Lance Ashbourne's blueprints and just needed to make some adjustments.
Zashrend scientists couldn't believe it when they saw the blueprints. Lance thought everything out, from the material to the magic circles.
They felt they could not create masterpieces like that using their own brains. Lance Ashbourne's genius is terrifying.
The king and his aides continued walking and arrived at the testing area. Someone was driving a powered armor there, while several people watched in the distance.
"Oh, that's good." The king nodded as the powered armor moved nimbly and used the giant claw on its left hand to attack. "So, that's the special unit we are preparing to fight the giant sword wielder?"
"Yes, sir." One scientist responded. "We've increased the output of that armor and given it special weapons. After several selections, we found the right candidate."
"I heard that many of them had their bones twisted or broken because they couldn't control that beast?" The king laughed. "That's hilarious! It's a shame I didn't see anything like that in person!"
The aides and scientists were silent. Laughing at things like that is inappropriate. Many died in testing this special armor.
The powered armor stopped and walked to the king. After kneeling down before the country's leader, the pilot emerged from the weapon and saluted.
"I am ready to carry out my duties, Your Majesty!" the man with small curly hair shouted.
The king frowned and studied the pilot's face before asking. "Is this just my feeling? Why do I feel like I've seen you before?"
"He is Zach Woulfe, son of Desmond Woulfe, once known as the best commander in this country." One aide pointed out.
The king formed the letter o with his mouth, grinned, then laughed again. "Oh, you are the son of that failed commander, huh!? Don't let yourself be like your father! He's an embarrassment to our country!"
Zach Woulfe flinched hearing that, but he didn't respond.
"Give your best performance, kid!" The king's laughter grew louder. "If you're as bad as your father, your whole family might end up in prison. Their punishment will be very severe!"
Zach's hands behind his back clenched into tight fists.
"Hey, I'm talking to you." The king's tone became sharper. "Why don't you answer me? Is your mouth just a decoration? Answer me! I'm your king!"
"Forgive me, your highness! I will try my best! I won't be like my father!"
"Good." A smile graced the king's face again. "Tomorrow, you and the troops will set out to reclaim Laverty's fortress. Don't let me down again!"
After laughing for the umpteenth time, the king walked away with his aides, leaving Zach Woulfe, who could only close his eyes in silence.