Chapter 159 – The True Power of Magical Architecture

“Hmm. So this is the projected completion model?”

I calculated the approximate amount and types of materials needed from the model I created and brought it to the Royal Castle.

King Melvin seemed surprised that he could see a completed product, even if it was a scaled-down version at this stage. He looked at the model with great interest, removing the roof and checking the underground sections.

“So there’s a stage built underground.”

“I didn’t want the exterior to appear too large.”

“I see… And this?”

“That’s an evacuation route for emergencies like fires.”

King Melvin seemed more fascinated than anything, asking various questions. He’s quite curious, or should I say… In moments like these, he reminds me a lot of Albert.

“And this is the estimated amount of materials required for construction. If there are no particular issues, I’d like to proceed with this design.”

I handed King Melvin the paper with the general estimates written on it.

He carefully examined the types and quantities of materials before nodding.

“The required materials are fewer than I expected. The only unusual aspect is that we’ll need to procure Magic Stones?”

“For the stone materials, I can use methods like petrifying the soil excavated from the site.”

Since we have the full cooperation of the Adventurer Guild, procuring the Magic Stones shouldn’t be a problem either.

“Indeed. Then I’ll have these arranged promptly. I’ll contact you once preparations are complete.”

“Yes.”

“Will you need manpower?”

“I’ll handle it with Magic. Um… There might be dangerous areas during construction, so having personnel for surveillance or guidance would be sufficient.”

“Understood.”

…After such exchanges, several days passed. I received word that the materials needed for construction had been gathered.

When I went to the planned construction site in the square with Seraphina, I found the materials neatly stacked by type.

Soldiers were guarding the site to prevent theft of materials and prohibit entry… but it seemed they were attracting the attention of passersby wondering what was about to begin.

Though for now, it was just materials stacked up, so the passersby were only looking on with interest…

The reason there were more soldiers stationed in the square than I had anticipated was apparently because if Magic Construction were to begin live, it would draw quite a crowd.

…Hmm. Well, whatever. Let’s just get this over with quickly. I’ve already returned the disguise Ring, and it’s not worth borrowing it again.

“Rise.”

I floated a Magic Circle at my fingertips and mass-produced Clay Golems. We were creating facilities underground, but instead of properly digging holes one by one, I had the Golems remove the earth by taking form from the spot and moving aside.

“This… what’s happening?”

“Eh? No way, is he controlling that many Golems by himself? You’re joking, right?”

Perhaps because the Adventurer Guild was nearby, quite a few adventurers had come to watch as well. Those with magical aptitude and knowledge were wide-eyed.

The Golems lined up neatly at the materials storage area. Once the required depth and width were secured, I hardened the exposed earth to create the foundation and base. I had the created Golems transport materials in a bucket-brigade fashion, then rapidly formed everything to match the enlarged model.

Floor, walls, doors. I drew water from the waterways and connected the drains to the sewer system—then formed the ceiling… that is, the first floor’s floor. I floated magical lights here and there and continued the work.

“How is it?”

“Yeah. Seems fine.”

Seraphina, perched on my shoulder, nodded while checking the building’s strength. I walked through the completed underground passages, checking the rooms and backstage areas to ensure they matched the image.

After looking around generally, I stood on the stage and did some vocal exercises to test the sound spread. —Yeah. Seems mostly good.

Now then… the underground section had taken rough shape. I petrified the excess Golems and remade them into pillars, exterior walls, and tiles.

I created the audience seating area on the first basement level, sitting in various seats to check the stage visibility while moving to the first and second floors, and the terrace area planned for VIP seating. The detailed decorations for each area would come later when everyone gathered.

The hall’s ceiling section. Since the Golems couldn’t bring materials up there, I had them throw materials relayed from below upward, caught them with Levitation, and rapidly assembled everything.

The ceiling completed. I went from the hall to the entrance, creating the stairs leading to the second floor, reception, concession stands, kitchen, and Ice Room. Once these were done, the major parts would be complete. It looked somewhat bare because furnishings weren’t in place yet… but those were already arranged. Once the decorations were finished, those items would likely be brought in.

When I created the main entrance on the exterior wall and stepped outside, an enormous crowd had gathered. When I showed my face, cheers and applause erupted.

“Ah…”

This is awkward. But I couldn’t exactly stop midway either.

I returned an ambiguous smile and formed the exterior according to the predetermined design. Once I completed the theater’s roof, aside from decorations, interior furnishings, Magic Tool equipment, and curtains, the construction was mostly finished.

I could see everyone who had detoured to avoid the crowd entering the building through the emergency exit.

…This place isn’t comfortable, so I’ll head inside quickly too.

When I went through the entrance toward the stage, everyone was wide-eyed at the stage’s completion, looking out over the audience seating from the stage.

Dominique seemed to be testing how well the sound carried by already trying out her voice.

Marlene ran briskly toward the audience seating, waving at us from the spot farthest from the stage. When I waved back, she smiled happily.

“Theo-kun, good work.”

Alfred, who had been checking the equipment backstage, spoke to me.

“Yeah. That groove there is where we’ll install the Magic Tool to illuminate from under the stage. And that spot is—”

I went around with Alfred and Viola, confirming various locations for stage equipment installation.

“Actually being inside makes it easier to imagine.”

“This should help us make progress.”

“Can we already use the water facilities?”

“Ah, yes. Water’s been drawn, and it’s connected to the sewer system.”

Facilities like the kitchen and toilets should be usable too.

“Then maybe it would be good to bring tools here and create Magic Tools directly. Going back and forth to the workshop for fine adjustments would be troublesome.”

“Now, now. No need to rush that much.”

“…Seeing the actual building like this makes me want to hurry the completion, so to speak.”

“Right?”

Viola laughed, and Alfred agreed. Maybe because they both fundamentally enjoy creating things. They seemed quite excited. At this rate, it might be completed sooner than I thought.

“We can stay overnight in the dressing rooms and security room, right?”

“Though there are no beds or anything yet.”

“Since we plan to stay over, I’ll arrange for that.”

Alfred was fully motivated and extremely hyped up.

“Then, could we start practicing here right away too?”

“That’s a good idea.”

Irmhild and Justia also seemed unable to wait. …Well, whatever. No point in dampening their enthusiasm. I’m happy they’re pleased.

“I’ll look around the interior. Checking for potential blind spots or places vulnerable to intrusion.”

Sheila seemed planning to inspect various parts of the building’s interior.

Security matters would surely be fine if I listened to her opinion. I’ll take her advice.

“Then I’ll work on the decorations.”

“I’ve prepared lunch boxes.”

Grace said with a smile.

“Understood. Let’s all eat together once we reach a stopping point. I’m looking forward to it.”

“We’ll start from the entrance, right?”

“Shall we begin then?”

Together with Ashley and Claudia, I went around the theater interior, adding detailed decorations to pillars, walls, ceilings, and such. Though furnishings weren’t in place, the somewhat bare interior was being transformed from one end.

While working like that, Guild Master Auria appeared together with Head Shrine Maiden Penelope.

“My, my. I had heard about Magic Construction, but to complete a building of this scale at such speed…”

“We had heard about construction taking place in the square from the Royal Castle, but I’m surprised. So it was Theodore-sama.”

“Ah, hello to both of you.”

Perfect timing. I should tell Penelope about the concert and our intention to invite the orphanage children.

“…So that’s the situation. I’d like to invite the orphanage children.”

“Oh my…! I’m sure those children would be delighted.”

Penelope showed a childlike smile and bowed deeply.

“Theodore-sama, thank you very much.”

“The specific schedule will likely be a bit later, but I’ll inform you once it’s decided.”

Now then. If Alfred and the others are staying over, I suspect Talcott and Chester might come for security.

After lunch, I should go buy various necessary items at the Market.