Therefore, what Moen had been busy with during the day recently, aside from his daily training, was mainly keeping an eye on the progress of Jude's work.
After all factors that might hinder the construction of the southern railway network had been cleared away, and with the strong cooperation of the Kingdom of Fiore, the construction of the entire southern railway network could be said to have completely entered the fast lane.
Under Moen's various hints and explicit instructions beforehand, the construction of this southern railway network could be said to be accelerating with the full strength of the entire Kingdom of Fiore, sparing no expense.
Although Jude and King Toma did not know why Moen was so anxious about this matter, this was originally a good thing, so they were naturally willing to follow Moen's idea and greatly speed things up.
In just over half a year, the stations in various southern cities had basically been completed, and the railways connecting major cities were continuously being laid. It could be said that everything was flourishing.
This was also Moen's confidence that the "Gold Cloth" would soon be in his hands, at the very least, it should be obtained before the S-Class Mage Exam began.
For this, Moen had also introduced the mages of "Fairy Tail" to help. Not only the mages of "Fairy Tail," he also had Jude post various commissions in other guilds, inviting mages to help solve all kinds of troubles.
During the construction process, with the help of mages, many matters could be simplified. For example, difficult railway sections that required cutting through mountains or dealing with magical beasts could all be handled by mages, letting them use the power of magic to solve problems. This indeed saved a lot of effort in construction.
It could only be said that, in order to speed things up, Moen had truly done his best. Not only was the Kingdom of Fiore building the railway with the strength of the whole nation, but the mage guilds of Fiore were also contributing, sparing no cost and no expense. It truly gathered a great deal of strength and was a rare grand scene.
As for building railways, not even the dark guilds came to cause trouble, because dark mages also needed to travel. Being able to take a train was certainly more comfortable than riding in a carriage, and it was both faster and more comfortable.
People in dark guilds were not lunatics or fools either. Building railways was also something convenient for them.
In any case, these railways only connected major cities and did not affect them, whose headquarters were mostly located deep in mountains and forests.
"Now more and more lines have already been opened. I believe that in another two or three months, the entire network will be fully connected!"
At the headquarters of the Heartfilia Conglomerate, Jude Heartfilia was in high spirits as he explained the current situation of the southern railway network to Moen.
With the entire project advancing so quickly and with official cooperation from the Kingdom of Fiore providing funds, manpower, and effort, the happiest person was naturally Jude.
The railway construction plan, which had originally been met with obstacles everywhere in the south and was not well received, had now become the hottest project in the entire kingdom.
The most crucial point was that the royal family had not come to take a share, had not intended to nationalize the railway company in his hands, and had not even shown the slightest intention of taking an equity stake.
At first, Jude had been somewhat puzzled by this, but after learning that Princess Hisui had taken Moen as her master, everything was explained.
Jude understood that the royal family had refrained from interfering entirely out of respect for Moen. Otherwise, even though the Heartfilia family was familiar with the royal family, it would have been impossible for them not to intervene at all.
In the face of profits, especially in such a key industry, the relationship between the Heartfilia family and the royal family might allow him to retain some dignity, but it would definitely not reach the point where the royal family would completely refrain from intervening and fully entrust it to them.
However, now that Princess Hisui had become Moen's disciple and joined the "Fairy Tail" guild, under such circumstances, the combination of the Heartfilia Conglomerate and "Fairy Tail" was enough to reassure people. The royal family's non-interference was also a sign of full respect for "Fairy Tail."
Thinking about it, it made sense. If they could even entrust their only Princess Hisui, then what was there to worry about with just a railway company?
"Work hard and finish building the southern railway network as soon as possible."
Moen spoke, still urging progress.
This made Jude's expression turn strange. He thought to himself was Moen really so eager for quick success? What benefit did completing the southern railway network bring him? If it was for economic profit, this project was not one that made quick money.
Moreover, Jude absolutely did not believe that Moen was doing this for money. First, this project itself was not one for quick profits, and second, Moen simply did not lack money at all!
Ever since Moen "debuted," relying on the fame of the "Rose Star," as well as "Great Detective Folmos," and occasionally releasing records, he had already earned an unknown amount of money. In addition, with his sufficiently handsome appearance, he had directly become a super popular mage—a multi-talented young idol with explosive popularity.
If Moen wanted to make money, he had plenty of methods and means. Releasing records or publishing books, which of these wasn't easier money than building railways?
This time, when Moen came over to his place, it was originally just along the way. Moen had actually come to hold a book signing event. After nearly a year, Great Detective Folmos II was recently being hotly released.
"Is it convenient to ask…"
Jude still couldn't suppress his curiosity and wanted to ask why Moen had been in such a hurry all this time.
"Not convenient."
Moen refused without hesitation.
"You go ahead and stay busy. I'll go handle my matters."
Moen directly stood up and left. Naturally, he had no way to explain it to Jude. He couldn't exactly say that he wanted the general public in the south to enjoy the convenience of railways as soon as possible, could he?
"…"
Watching Moen leave just like that, Jude shook his head. Since the other party was unwilling to say, he naturally couldn't continue asking. In any case, no matter what Moen's reasons were, this matter brought him no harm.
After leaving the headquarters of the Heartfilia Conglomerate, Moen then headed straight to the venue for the book signing event.
He did not often hold such events, nor did he organize fan meetings. After all, he was a mage, not someone who had truly debuted as an idol. "Fairy Tail" was developing vigorously, and it did not need him to debut as an idol to save it.
But this time was for the release of a new book. No matter what, he had to show up. It could also be considered a way to give back to the fans for their continuous support.
What Moen did not know was that a fan who had long been looking forward to meeting him had also secretly rushed over this time.
Not only did Moen not know—even this fan's father, Jude, did not know either.
Having known Moen for so long, Jude had still never taken Lucy to meet him, nor had he taken Lucy to "Fairy Tail."
There was no helping it. Jude wasn't doing it on purpose, he was simply too busy.
And for this, Moen, who had been constantly urging the project's progress, also bore part of the blame.
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