Chapter 154: The Pioneering Begins
And so, after many twists and turns, the time has come to embark on the full-scale development of the Subnock Plain.
The one in charge of the pioneering efforts is none other than Andrew Aiwood, the Second Prince. Assisting him are Count Rest Clover, Viscount Wilhelm Lübesse, and Baroness Isis Carbelt. Among the participants in this endeavor are students from the Magic Department gathered by Rest, students from the Department of Knights collected by Lübesse and Isis, and students from the Department of Civil Affairs and the Department of Clergy brought together by Andrew. For some reason, there are also students from the Department of Arts who weren’t invited. In total, nearly a thousand individuals have gathered, including supporters sent from other noble families and the Royal Palace.
“Now then… we shall commence the development of the Subnock Plain. I trust you have all read the materials distributed beforehand… I want each of you to give your all to the tasks assigned to you,” Andrew addresses the assembled pioneering group at the Plain Entrance.
“First, the vanguard team will be responsible for exterminating the monsters. Each squad will take charge of eliminating the monsters within their designated areas. The tasks are similar to those during the Monster Hunting Festival, but this time it’s not a competition. You are to collaborate with other squads as necessary while carrying out your duties.”
The vanguard team consists of students from the Magic Department and the Department of Knights. Students from the Department of Clergy are also participating as medical staff, and they will be fighting monsters under the guidance of knights dispatched from the Royal Palace.
“The rear guard will collect and dismantle the monsters defeated by the vanguard. You will also handle the procedures for selling the materials to the Commercial Guild. Additionally, you will conduct surveys of the areas where monster extermination has been completed. Investigate the terrain, the availability of water sources, drainage quality, and whether the soil is suitable for cultivation, so we can find appropriate land for building towns and villages. There are civil officials dispatched from the Royal Palace, so please seek their guidance on the finer points of the work.”
The rear guard is primarily composed of students from the Department of Civil Affairs. They will learn while engaging in their tasks under the instruction of the officials sent from the Royal Palace.
“And now, as for the students from the Department of Arts… what exactly are you doing here?” Andrew inquires, turning his gaze toward a corner of the pioneering group.
There, students from the Department of Arts are seen holding pens and canvases.
“We are here to capture the land being carved out by human hands and the paradise of dying monsters as art. We will proceed as we please, so please do not mind us.”
“I came to gather inspiration for my poetry. I wish to depict the natural state of everyone here in my writing, so please feel free to ignore me.”
“…I see,” Andrew responds, nodding with an expression that conveys a mix of bemusement and resignation. While he might want to question what they are doing, the fact that historical events are preserved in paintings and sculptures for future generations is not inherently a bad thing. Artists are known for their stubbornness, and Andrew quickly decided to abandon any further attempts to dissuade them.
“…Well, just make sure you don’t get injured by monsters. If anything happens, it’s your own responsibility.”
Since they came uninvited, he hopes they won’t cause any trouble.
“Now then, please get to work. And… Count Rest Clover.”
“Yes?” Rest responds to Andrew’s call.
“I would like your group to conduct a survey of the central area of the plain. While the Master of the Demon Realm, Subnock, has been defeated, his subordinate monsters are likely still lurking. You don’t need to forcefully exterminate them; instead, I want you to investigate their numbers and the locations of their nests.”
Just because the leader of a pack has been defeated doesn’t mean that the remaining monsters will all perish. It’s possible that a new leader has already emerged. Of course, it will take time for this new leader to grow to the same massive size as Subnock.
“Additionally, there may be powerful monsters in the central region of the Demon Realm. Please exercise extreme caution.”
“Yes, understood,” Rest replies with a firm nod. This marks his first task as a lord and a count.
(This is the land where my family will live… I need to put my heart into this.)
Rest clenches his fist tightly. He is aware that the royal family has been piling troublesome tasks on him, but this is for the sake of his future family. It is a necessary job to secure the warm home he longed for in his previous life but could never attain.
“I will give it my all. Please, look forward to it!”
With an unprecedented surge of motivation, Rest stands tall, puffing out his chest with pride.