#1265 Connecting Roads 

The railway stretches onward. 

Just as roads keep going wherever people walk, so too does the track extend endlessly as long as trains run across it. 
This time, it’s a grand project jointly proposed by the Demon Kingdom and the Human Kingdom linking their capitals together. 

And it’s already finished! 

Wait, already? 
That’s probably just my old-world bias talking, from memories of overpasses and station renovations that dragged on for years without ever seeming to end.  
Seriously, when will they end?  
The constant sight of construction crews had practically become part of everyday scenery back then. 

So yeah, I’m surprised. But apparently, if my team of orcs put their backs into it during the winter downtime, things get wrapped up in a flash. 

The line now connects the two capitals, letting people travel back and forth at speeds that smash through all previous limits.  
Of course, there are stations along the way where passengers can get on and off, which makes it even more convenient. 

It doesn’t just carry people, either, it hauls cargo, too, which in turn gets the entire economy moving faster. 

 
And when the flow of goods and people accelerates, civilization itself advances.  
From here on, this world is bound to surge forward like it just switched from horse-drawn carts to railways. 

... 
The thought hits me again, and I feel a chill. Have I just unleashed something terrifying? 

Anyway, the Demon-Human Express is officially open, and I receive an invitation to the ceremony. 

Apparently, the first event is being held in the Demon Capital, and I’m expected to attend. 

In the past, I would’ve avoided these sorts of public events. But now, as the representative of the Farm Kingdom, I need to show my face whenever I can. 

And besides, it’s worth celebrating. Everyone worked together to make this happen, so I can’t help but feel excited, too. 

With Platy’s help, I put myself into proper formalwear and head for the Demon Capital. 

There, an entire new district has already taken shape. 

“So, this is Demon Central Station...!” 

It’s the hub linking two far-off cities.  
The massive building looks too well-constructed for something supposedly built at breakneck speed.  
They even laid tracks all the way through the heart of the city. That must’ve been a real hassle. 

“That just shows how passionate Demon King is about this railway,” Platy comments beside me. 

She stands proudly in her role as my partner, fulfilling her duties as a first lady with ease. The refined education she gained as a merprincess makes her shine all the more now. 

“Lord Saint! Lord Saint...!” 
“Mm?” 
“Your seat is over here, with the honored guests.” 

Ah, thank you.  
Without thinking, I almost queued up with the crowd out of habit. 

The plaza in front of the station is packed with people, all waiting eagerly to hear the Demon King’s speech. 

He steps onto the stage. 

“...Since ancient times, the making of roads has been considered taboo.” 

His solemn voice brings silence to the crowd. 

“For roads do not only bring welcome guests. They also bring the unwanted...in other our words, enemies. A broad, flat road would let an army march straight to our gates with ease. Thus, it was forbidden to make such roads.” 

True enough.  
The history between humans and demons has been one of endless conflict. 

Born from different gods, the two races were destined to clash over dominion of the surface world. Only after ages of strife did we finally find resolution and a shared path forward. 
No, conceptually, if not physically. 

“But we no longer have enemies in this world. At least, not among mankind. We now have partners who walk beside us. The old taboo no longer binds us. We can finally build great roads that allow us to reach one another.” 

And one such road is this railway, the Demon–Human Express. 
From today, these tracks will carry people and goods not for battle, but for shared progress. 

The world has stepped onto a new stage. 

“This railway is not just a new convenience for our lives. It is a symbol that our history has entered its next chapter. Citizens of demonfolk and of humanity beside them—rejoice, for you stand in witness to this historic moment!” 

The crowd bursts into applause, so thunderous it shakes the square. Clearly, they welcome this new age with open arms. 

And then finally, the train is ready to depart from Demon Central Station. 

But first, the ceremony.  
You know the one. Cutting the ribbon and the like. 

“Lord Saint, let us open this new era together!” 

At the Demon King’s invitation, I step up to the ribbon. 

All right, here we go!  
Together, we raise our holy swords... and slice! 

The ribbon is cut by a burst of radiant light, the holy blades’ glow racing down the tracks in a shining arch. 

“Ohhh, beautiful!” 

The spectators break into cheers and applause once more. 

“Lord Saint! The very first train is about to depart. Please join us for this commemorative ride!” 

Of course!!! 

Truth be told, I’ve ridden plenty of test runs already, but in a moment like this, it feels brand new again. My heart pounds. 

I board, sit down, and settle into my reserved seat! 

The train begins to move... That gradual build-up of speed, the faint pull of gravity against my body... it never fails to thrill me. 

The scenery blurs past the window, and the steady clatter of the rails thumps comfortingly underfoot. 
The train is flying. 

“Papa, look! A box of iron is really running!” 
“I never thought I’d live to see the day...” 

The citizens riding for the first time are wide-eyed, voices full of wonder.  
The whole ride feels like a festival. 

Time slips by as I gaze out the window.  
Before long, we cross the border. 

“Now entering Human Kingdom, Human Kingdom.” 

Even the onboard announcement sounds fitting. 
Not much later, we arrive at the Human Capital. 

“We’re already here?” 
“It’s still daylight? We got here in less than a day? This fast?!” 

The passengers are shocked, but the truth is undeniable. 

Waiting at the station to greet us is President Ritheseus himself. 

“Welcome to the Human Kingdom! From now on, it’ll be easier to visit our neighbors than the next village over!” 

Apparently their slogan is “The neighboring kingdom is closer than the next village.” 

Ritheseus has officially married Eryngear, his former fiancée, and now stands as a dignified husband.  
Honestly, he might seem more impressive than me these days. 

“Gwahahaha! So, the humans made a tiny step forward, but you’re still no match for us dragons!” 

Huh? Veil?  
What’s she doing here in full dragon form? 

“I was invited to liven up the ceremony! After all, I’ve got duties as Dragon Goodwill Ambassador!” 

Wait, when did you get that title? 
Then again, the dragons have started banding together lately.  
And Veil is the most human-friendly of the lot, so choosing her makes sense... 

Still, she’s way flashier than the rest of us. If that’s exactly why Ritheseus invited him, then his capabilities are no joke. 

Meanwhile, the demon tourists are gawking at the Human Capital, seeing it for the first time. 

And of course, the local humans are already rushing to draw them in as customers.  
Just... hopefully not as marks for a scam. 

Before long, humans will also be boarding the trains to visit the Demon Capital, where the same scenes will play out in reverse. 

Once, these were enemy strongholds. Now, they’re tourist destinations. 
That’s the kind of era we live in now. 

A new age blooms, and its people rejoice in it. 
It’s living proof of the struggles endured by those who came before us. 

And next, it’s our turn.  
To build a today we can proudly pass on to future generations. 

The Human Kingdom, the Demon Kingdom, the Mermaid Kingdom... 
And the Farm Kingdom, too. 

With that vow in my heart...  
I keep working, striving, living... 

*** 

And ten years pass. 

========== 

Author’s Note: Thank you for always reading Let’s Buy a Plot of Land in Another World and Start a Farm. 
This series has gotten quite long. It will be entering a new phase starting next chapter. 
Think of it as one of those “it’ll keep going just a little longer” kinds of things. 
I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the story!