Things unfolded just as the queen had predicted. A day later, Walton suddenly sought out Mulan while he was alone in the faculty office and solemnly assigned him a task: within three days, he was to produce a thorough, practical proposal covering precisely what Mulan and the queen had discussed earlier.
Walton also gave Mulan plenty of encouragement. Apart from Owen and the others, who were busy running around on missions or handling various matters, Walton claimed that he and Mulan were the most responsible people in the Black Castle. The rest were just freeloaders. After careful consideration, Walton had decided that this proposal, which concerned the future of the Black Castle and even the Dilga Empire, had to be entrusted to someone as meticulous and conscientious as Mulan.
Had Mulan not known Walton so well, and had he not discussed it with the queen beforehand, he might actually have believed that nonsense.
Naturally, Mulan accepted the assignment, but he showed no particular excitement. He simply said calmly that he would see it properly completed, making it clear that he saw right through Walton's attempt to dump the trouble on him. Slightly embarrassed, Walton found an excuse and made a quick escape.
Mulan soon finished the proposal, of course, and Queen Nisheriel swiftly approved it, allocating royal funds to expedite renovations to the Black Castle.
With ample funding available, major renovations also began in the Black Castle's central buildings. A host of supporting facilities were installed, and numerous rooms were remodeled.
By the time that year's winter winds reached Digo, the Black Castle's reforms were entering their final stages.
The bustling construction made the formerly gloomy, terrifying castle seem less frightening. Not only were its students curious, but even some of the Supernatural Beings staying there took a keen interest.