Chapter 50
The room Rokabil and the others were taken to contained a somewhat bizarre sight.
A huge pile of small houses—houses, houses, and more houses—occupied one corner of the room. Each was different in shape, and some were modeled after shops or inns.
"It seems His Majesty prepared the blueprints at the specified scale, just as planned."
Sazen eagerly spread out the plot plan and examined it in detail. At the same time, a few people spread out a similar-sized sheet of parchment beside it and began copying.
The same plot plan Father Drak had created was quickly reproduced through sheer manpower.
"Sazen-dono, how does this look?"
Those assigned to make the copies asked for his confirmation, and after inspecting them, Sazen issued several detailed instructions.
While the minor corrections were being made, Roa explained Father's supplementary instructions to Sazen, and by then the copy was finished.
"Let me see."
After Sazen and Roa compared them intently for a while, a few more minor corrections were made, and then someone said, "Good."
The original prepared by Father was carefully put away. Then they spread out the copy and began placing the house models on it one after another.
"What are you doing?"
When I could no longer contain my curiosity and interrupted, Sazen answered.
"We're making a small town like this. It makes it easier to visualize the finished product and check for any problems."
While he was explaining, a large model was brought in from outside. I realized that it was a recreation of the ruins. Once it was placed on the plot plan, a three-dimensional town rapidly began to take shape.
"I've never seen a method like this before."
Father sometimes drew pictures of what a completed project would look like, but he had never used anything this elaborate. Sazen nodded knowingly, looking pleased at my comment.
"Indeed. It's a first for me, too. Until Roa-sama asked me to do this, I never imagined I'd be making anything like it."
Sazen prompted Roa, who said,
"Sazen-san is originally a craftsman who makes ship models in Gadeland. He first recreates blueprints as models, then uses them to guide the actual construction. The sailing ships we also provided to Gridol began with a prototype Sazen-san made."
"Oh?"
I knew about the sailing ships. If I remembered correctly, they were currently being built in Golbel.
"When I heard about him through his connection with the sailing ships, I learned that he also made building models on commission. So when we launched this project, I asked for his help."
Sazen gave a wry smile at Roa's introduction.
"...I never imagined I would end up making a model of an entire town, though..."
"It is a difficult task, so I do feel bad about it."
"Not at all! Being able to take part in such a large-scale project is a matter of pride for a craftsman. I'm enjoying it immensely. Now, let's get back to work."
Roa and Sazen installed the buildings one by one while checking the instructions marked on the plot plan. Some were the wrong size, but apparently those would be remade specially.
...Somehow, this looked fun.
"Um, would you like to give it a try?"
Sazen held out one of the building models to me. Had my thoughts shown on my face?
"Is that all right?"
"Of course. They're only being placed provisionally for now. Until they're glued down properly, we can arrange them however we like."
Since I had the chance, I decided to join in.
I picked up a sturdy four-story model. It even had a sign attached with remarkable precision. When I read the tiny lettering, I realized it was an inn.
When I gently placed it in the designated spot, I was filled with an indescribably delightful feeling. This was fun.
After that, I forgot all about lunch and devoted myself to placing the buildings.
"Shall we stop here for today?"
Sazen's words made me suddenly come to my senses. By the time I realized it, the room's lights were already on. I had been far more engrossed than I'd realized.
I stretched and looked over the models I had placed. Not even a third of the work was finished.
"Thank you for your hard work. You were a great help."
I gave Sazen a gracious nod in response to his thanks.
"Will we be doing this again tomorrow?"
"Yes. We'll have to make more models tonight, too."
"You make the models at night?"
"Yes. There were requests for buildings we hadn't anticipated, and some parts turned out differently from what we'd imagined once we tried placing them."
I wanted to watch Sazen make the models...
"If it wouldn't be a bother, may I watch you make them?"
"Huh? You want to watch me make models? It's a fairly mundane process, though..."
"No, I don't mind. I promise not to get in the way, and if you think I am, feel free to throw me out."
Confused by my request, Sazen shifted his gaze to Roa as though seeking help.
"If Sazen doesn't mind, why not? I might as well watch, too."
"...Well, I suppose that's fine..."
Once we'd finished dinner early, we went to watch Sazen work.
The next day and the day after that, I helped place the models, and spent each night watching Sazen make them.
On the third night, Sazen said,
"You've been watching very intently. Would you like to try making one?"