I Was Reincarnated as the Prince in a Villainess Story, so I’ll Use My Cheat Knowledge to Create a Noble Lady Harem and Make Them All Happy - 48

Chapter 48: The Southern Mobilization — Light and Rails

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Seven days had already passed since the delegation to the Holy Church Nation had departed from the royal capital. It would take roughly two months before Duke Elfein and Milia returned and the Church’s final response became clear. Yet even during that time, there were lives that could be saved—and preparations that could be made.

Valis traced the borderlines on the map in the royal castle’s map room and exhaled deeply. Preparations for the King’s personal campaign were proceeding steadily. Under Marquis Agreia, the reorganization of the military expedition and civil administration teams was moving at a rapid pace. Within that current, Valis saw his own role clearly.

“First, let’s light the lamps.”

Across the desolate southern frontier, a band of light stretched quietly into the distance. Along the leveled ground, temporary keystones brought in with Feril had been placed at even intervals. Flow-control formations engraved through Archive Arts emitted a gentle glow.

Keystones were originally massive structures rooted in the spiritual veins linked to the World Tree. However, these temporary ones were simplified versions—designed by Valis himself—specialized in “branching” and “conduits,” optimized for transport and installation. By constructing them to merely channel rather than draw in the ley flow, the risk of overload was minimized.

Feril touched a keystone and called upon Amon’s power. Her shoulders trembled slightly, and the moment after, the guiding array shimmered softly, its connected lights illuminating the wilderness of night.

“All right… That’s the first light.”

Valis let out a small breath as he watched the line of refugees being drawn toward the glow. The disorderly crowd naturally began to form an orderly line. Even the children who had been crying in fear and confusion squinted their eyes in relief at the warmth of the lights.

“What must be shown first isn’t power. It’s order. A path.”

The spiritual power supplied by Feril through Amon was more than just light. It also flowed into temporary facilities for heating water, purification, and medical use, enabling the distribution of hot water even at night.

“Feril, are you all right?”

“Yeah. I’m only channeling Amon’s power right now, so it’s not too hard.”

Though her face showed traces of fatigue, she smiled with pride. Her power was guiding the people. Construction of the refugee camp proceeded along the band of light. Reception, quarantine, distribution, medical stations, and special zones for mothers and children—all arranged according to the layout Valis had designed. It wasn’t just about lining them up; the placement ensured the flow of people would naturally prevent confusion.

“Register families together. Those separated should be listed on ‘search cards’ and posted, to maximize the chance of reunion.”

Orders rang out from the civil officers on site. Lime was used for sanitation, hot water stations distributed boiled water, and simple clinics provided bleeding control and healing. Healers dispatched from the Forest City responded calmly to the endless lines of people.

Valis observed each operation and nodded quietly. Little by little, calm was returning to the people’s faces. Notices prohibiting the carrying or trade of weapons, religious disputes, and gambling—all potential causes of unrest—were posted, while patrol teams continued their rounds.

“Visible order alone acts as a deterrent.”

Valis murmured to himself.

The key to connecting the supply line was a new transport system still in its prototype stage—the Spirit Steam Locomotive. The concept itself had originated from Valis recalling the structure of steam engines from the modern world and merging that knowledge with magical technology. Using fire spirits to heat a metal furnace and water spirits to maintain a constant steam pressure, the steam drove pistons that turned the wheels. Valis provisionally named the system the “Spirit Circulation Heat-Pressure Drive Method.”

“Combustion and heating by fire spirits, steam generation by water spirits, and control through Archive Arts. The pressure relief valve will have a safety array that automatically activates if the steam pressure exceeds its limit. The issue now is structure and materials.”

In the early stages of research, Valis had conducted countless explosive boiler experiments to determine the limits of pressure and refine the configuration of safety devices.The rails were made using sand iron infused with spiritual stone, compacted by earth spirits into a solid foundation. Maintenance and repairs could be carried out quickly through direct “communication” with the spirits via Spirit Arts.

“Transport connects. The army holds. The people carry. The train becomes the spine that binds it all.”

Certain of this, Valis ordered the lead spirit engineer to begin the test operation. Then came the day of the first run. The locomotive let out a low whistle as it slowly moved forward, releasing clouds of white steam. A hot-water supply car was coupled behind it, followed by cars carrying food, medicine, tents, clothing, and even wooden toys and picture books for children. As it tore through the darkness of night, people quietly clasped their hands, while children watched with shining eyes.

“There are things that must be delivered before the sword. That is what it means to be a nation.”

Valis watched the train’s silhouette vanish into the distance. With the stable operation of the spirit train secured, the “Light and Flame” initiative—integrating civilian cooperation—was launched in earnest. It followed a three-step flow: registration, distribution, and employment. Those with the right skills were assigned to blacksmithing, sewing, carpentry, and other trades, receiving fair compensation for their labor.

“From temporary ‘wards of protection’ to members of society. Only then can it truly be called support.”

Valis exchanged a glance with Duke Rozheim and gave a quiet nod. Minors and mothers with children were prioritized for protection, and orphans were to be taken into the Forest City or the Royal City’s schools. To prevent religious and cultural disputes, a mediation committee was formed, composed of clergy and citizen representatives. To stop merchants from exploiting the situation, a temporary trading post was set up with standard prices publicly displayed. In the children’s quarters, where night crying was frequent, musicians and storytellers were assigned.

“Light must reach the heart as well.  If the design doesn’t do that, it won’t last.”

Valis scribbled the thought into his notebook.

The morning in the royal capital was quiet, yet charged with tension. Before the main gate, the first battalion of the Knights had already assembled. Their azure-silver armor gleamed in the morning light, perfectly lined in formation. At the forefront stood one figure, her armor shining more brilliantly than any other.. It was Reina.

She stood not only as a member of the royal bloodline but as a commander exuding dignity and resolve at the center of the assembled knights. Her azure armor combined weight and elegance, and at her waist hung a greatsword, unthinkably large for a woman to wield. Beside her stood a girl dressed in a pure white robe layered over crimson innerwear—Milia.

Her expression was more solemn than usual, yet the golden cords draped over her shoulders and the sacred emblem on her chest spoke eloquently of her purpose for being there. Valis watched the two of them and sighed softly in his heart. Truthfully, he hadn’t wanted to send them to the battlefield at all. Yet Reina, known in Alveria as the “Valkyrie of Battle,” had an immense effect on the morale of the knights.

Moreover, as the beloved disciple of King Ars—the “Warrior King” himself—Reina’s combat ability surpassed that of most knights, making her one of Alveria’s greatest assets. For the knights, the fact that the Valkyrie would wield her sword alongside them was the greatest possible encouragement. Indeed, in their eyes shone both respect and pride.

And then, there was Milia. Her healing through the holy magic Divine Arts was no exaggeration when she claimed, “If they’re not dead, I can save them.” She was a tactical resource in her own right, and her presence on the battlefield could very well determine whether Reina—or even King Ars himself—lived or died. There was no choice but for her to go.

“…Both of you, please… Don’t push yourselves.”

All of Valis’s feelings were contained in that single sentence. Reina’s lips curved into a small, soft smile.

“I’ll be fine. This is the power I’ve cultivated for moments like this. I promise, I’ll come back safely.”

Beside her, Milia grinned playfully.

“Valis-kun, I think you should be more worried about what happens after we come back. Make sure you’ve got enough stamina and spirit, okay? ♡”

“You really…”

Valis replied with a half-laugh, half-sigh, and Milia puffed her chest proudly.

“It’s fine! I didn’t earn the title of ‘Holy Maiden’ in the Church Nation for nothing. I won’t let them invoke the Holy War. Never.”

Her expression turned deadly serious as she said it. Seeing this exchange, Feril couldn’t contain herself and ran toward them.

“Uu… Reina-neesama, Milia-sama…!”

She threw her arms around both of them, clinging tightly as tears welled up.

“Please… come back safely. You have to… Please…”

Reina gently stroked her back, while Milia softly wrapped her arms around her to catch her tears. Valis watched the three of them, and deep within his heart, made a silent vow.

I’ll support them. No matter what battlefield they face.

At the same time, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of his own helplessness—his inability to stand beside them in battle. His father, Ars, was a swordsman so skilled he was called the “Warrior King,” a man who had always fought on the front lines. And himself? His swordsmanship was… Mediocre. No, less than that—he knew he didn’t even reach the average level of the knights.

Of course, being a king wasn’t about martial prowess alone.As Crown Prince, he had contributed to the happiness of his people through intellect and policy, not weapons. He was proud of that. Even so…If something were to happen to Reina or Milia, and he lacked the strength to stand beside them… Would he not forever regret it?

He specialized in Archive Arts, mainly using it for support, construction, and record-keeping. Yet it also contained combat applications, widely known even among adventurers. If there was something he could begin now to prevent future regret—he would.

“…If it’s for their happiness, I’ll use any means necessary.”

Murmuring those words, Valis straightened his back. No one could say what awaited at the end of this war. But for now—to truly and steadfastly see off those he believed in—he stood firm.

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