She Who Became Immortal

At the center of the planned fort construction site stood a well.

To the east lay the mystical Forest of Demons, but not close enough to be a concern. The site was also south of the orc village of Sutin, though the village itself was not visible even with a slight northern trek. It was in this general vicinity.

Here, a fortress would be built to confront the human tribes.

Despite this purpose, Katarina Grimoire found it hard to believe that these preparations were for war, leaving her somewhat confused.

The first supplies brought to the site were not iron bars or concrete materials, but rather a hearth, firewood, and flour. Along with these came dried meat and herbs from the settlement, processed to last long-term.

Next came large quantities of lumber, and the first structure erected around the well, in a display of remarkable efficiency, was a dormitory for rest, lodging, and meals.

"Eat and sleep. If you can't do that, you'll hear complaints."

This was a saying from Euphemia Grimwood, whom Katarina revered. And indeed, now that the iron bars and concrete materials had been delivered and excavation had begun, Katarina realized how true these words were.

Even Katarina understood that it would be a disaster if they couldn't provide food and rest to the boar orcs who pushed carts while drenched in sweat and panting heavily. Moreover, these orcs had volunteered for training in cart-pulling and construction work, necessitating proper meals and rest to ensure they grew stronger rather than weaker. Katarina herself couldn't handle even a single trip with a fully loaded cart without using her full magical power.

So, it was the right decision.

Yet, why did it feel so strange?

"Hey, do you think Lord Zonda isn't interested in Taurian women? I think he's a great catch. After all, he got a personal job from Lady Euphemia."

"Oh, the orcs aren't uninterested in us. Maybe, just maybe, something could happen."

"Ah! Then, if anyone wants to serve the boar orcs, let me know quietly. I'll help out."

These lively voices belonged to the women of the Taurus tribe. They weren't just engaging in idle gossip by the well, although it was indeed well-side. They were preparing meals.

Cooking, washing, cleaning—tasks essential for daily life in the fort were being handled by volunteers, primarily Taurian women.

"What about you, Carroza? Are orcs or boar orcs not your type?"

Meralva, a sensuous woman and a central figure among the Taurian women, spoke as she deftly shaped bread dough. Katarina hadn’t known much about these women until she saw them up close at the dormitory.

"Wh-what? Uh, no, I'm not really... Sorry..."

This awkward response came from Carroza Grimoire. Once a Yunofeliza, she was now a demonkin woman, like Katarina. Though older than Junos and less familiar with Katarina, she was different from Raft, who was training under the blacksmith Dubil.

Carroza had thin limbs from lack of training, and her long, unkempt hair hid half her face. She often spoke in a way that was hard to understand, her gloomy smile quickly giving way to a look of apology.

"Does that mean the women of Grimoire prefer Grimoire men?"

"Huh? Ah, um... hehehe..."

Carroza’s forced smile and silence left Katarina wondering why someone like her was here. But she knew the reason.

Carroza was a versatile magician.

She could use fire, water, earth, and wind magic equally well and could even combine them, though her spells weren't particularly strong.

She had been chosen by Euphemia to work with the lizardman Astra Ignia to locate underground water sources. Despite her nervous demeanor, Euphemia had been unbothered and had simply declared the decision final, not allowing any refusal.

Together, they had efficiently found an underground water source at a convenient location, securing the site for the fort.

"Maybe it’s Lord Junos! He stands by Lady Euphemia and remains unflinching. So cool!"

Meralva continued cheerfully, ignoring Carroza’s discomfort. The other Taurian women, eyes shining, eagerly joined the conversation.

"Yes, Lord Junos is very strong. But isn’t he romantically involved with Lady Maya?"

"Not sure. Personally, I think Lady Serena is suspicious. She keeps some distance from others but seems quite comfortable with Lord Junos. Doesn’t that mean something special?"

"Oh my! Could it be a love triangle?"

The conversation was enough to give anyone a headache just by listening, but Katarina didn't bother jumping into the midst of it all.

She was standing a little ways off, listening in on their conversation, just to relay the changed atmosphere to Euphemia. If there seemed to be any dissatisfaction or discord, she would let her know — that was the plan.

"Um... you know, the representative of the Taurus tribe, right? Yeah, that person... their name is, um... what was it again? Oh, yeah, that's it. So, what do you all think of them? They seem to be like a disciple of Junos, but..."

"Oh, you mean Sparky. They're not worth talking about, really."

"At first, they looked down on the orcs with that attitude, didn't they? They only became our spokesperson because they're the mayor's son. They're not cut out for that kind of role."

"But Sir Junos seems to enjoy having a disciple."

"But does Sir Junos really need a disciple?"

Katarina couldn't help but think, probably not.

What that man possessed was a firm and resolute determination. Even someone like Katarina, who admired Euphemia Grimwood, couldn't reach him with her conviction.

Perhaps even more than Euphemia herself.

Junos Grimoire believed in Euphemia Grimwood.

"Ah, Miss Katarina!"

A passing woman from the Taurus tribe spotted Katarina eavesdropping at the edge of the kitchen.

Bounding over, her ample bosom bouncing, she grabbed Katarina's hand as if she had found a comrade and launched into a barrage of questions.

"Hey, hey! Who's your favorite? Besides Lady Euphemia, of course. Isn't Sir Junos your swordmaster? Or maybe one of the other Grimoire? How about someone your age, like Raft? Let's chat while we cook together! Meralva, can you hear me? Miss Katarina's here!"

"What? Um... why? Huh!?"

Overwhelmed by her enthusiasm, all Katarina could do was feel bewildered, and somewhere in her heart, she thought, this is just like Carroza.

There's no one of the opposite sex catching my eye.

There's no room to worry about such things.

 

---

However...

While cooking with the women of the Taurus tribe, Katarina couldn't help but think.

If she were to tell Euphemia how much fun they were having working together, Euphemia would surely smile in satisfaction. It was as clear as day.

But then... what about me?

Would Katarina Grimwood, as seen from the outside, seem like she's having fun?

Lady Euphemia wouldn't smile at me in satisfaction.

Thinking about that made her feel terribly melancholic.