Chapter 160: Reporting to the Prince
Having completed their investigation of the center of the Plain, Rest and his companions returned to the Plain Entrance. By the time they arrived at the headquarters of the pioneering group set up at the entrance, the sun had already begun to set. A large number of people participating in the development had set up tents and were cooking meals in pots.
“Looks like there are more people around, huh?”
The atmosphere was livelier than when Rest and the others had set out for their investigation. Perhaps reinforcements had arrived?
“Well then… I’ll go report to Prince Andrew about today’s findings. For now, let’s call it a day.”
“Yeah, I’ll rest in the tent for a bit.”
“Thanks for your hard work. I’ll be counting on you tomorrow.”
After announcing the dispersal to his companions, Yuri and Isis offered their words of encouragement.
“……”
“Well then…”
“Excuse me.”
Lübesse left silently, while Argil and Rail offered brief nods before departing as well.
Rest made his way toward the largest tent. He informed the soldiers stationed at the entrance of his arrival, received permission, and entered.
“Excuse me.”
“Oh, Lord Clover. It seems you’ve returned.”
As Rest stepped deeper into the tent, he found Prince Andrew, the overall commander of the pioneering group, seated at a table. Next to him was Riranda Maka, the Student Council’s treasurer, who was closely huddled with him as they worked on paperwork.
“Hmm…?”
(Aren’t those two a bit too close together…?)
While Riranda appeared to be one of Andrew’s aides, the intimacy between them suggested a relationship beyond that of mere superior and subordinate.
(Come to think of it… Prince Andrew still doesn’t have a fiancée, does he…?)
In royal families, it’s not uncommon for engagements to be arranged before one turns ten, yet Andrew’s fiancée had yet to be announced. Perhaps it was to avoid threatening the position of his elder brother, the king, but… there might be other reasons as well.
(Unlike the Foolish Prince Rodel, I haven’t heard any bad rumors about Prince Andrew. If he had a strong candidate for a fiancée, he could even aim for the throne… but perhaps he dislikes that idea and is intentionally avoiding making an engagement.)
Or perhaps he was involved in a forbidden romance with his female aide. While such thoughts crossed Rest’s mind, he kept his expression neutral as he transitioned to his mission report.
“As for the investigation of the center of the Plain… well, it concluded without incident today. No one who participated was injured.”
“I see, that’s good to hear.”
“Yes, here is a rough map of the center of the Plain.”
Rest presented a sketch of the terrain and reported on what he had seen and heard. He mentioned the abnormal growth of vegetation that had absorbed dense Magical Power, which had rendered their detection spells ineffective. He also noted that some individuals had fallen ill due to the overwhelming Magical Power, and that there were still a number of Evil Lions, the minions of Subnock, remaining in the area.
“…I understand.”
After hearing the full report, Andrew rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought.
“The center of the Demon Realm. It seems it won’t be straightforward. We’ll need to set up a Magic Circle to dispel the Magical Power, won’t we?”
“Most likely. If we can channel the Magical Power into the Magic Circle, it should improve the situation somewhat.”
“Alright, understood. I’ll arrange for someone skilled in Barrier Techniques to be sent from the Royal Palace… Lord Clover, you will continue the investigation of the center of the Demon Realm. Additionally, please deal with the Monsters.”
“Understood.”
“It would also be helpful if you could find a way to manage the Magical vegetation. If we’re completely at a loss, it will become a significant obstacle to proper development.”
“I’ll do my best… By the way, it seems there are more people at the campsite now?”
“Yes, there are newcomers who have arrived. Nobles from the borderlands have sent reinforcements… though it’s clear they’re trying to create a favor for themselves.”
Andrew shrugged with a hint of sarcasm. The development of the Demon Realm was a frontier being carved out. There were many interests at stake, and not a few individuals were eager to benefit from it. Some might even be sending people to claim a share of the profits in return for their support.
“After all, there’s more than enough land to go around. If they contribute, they can have a share… but it’s troublesome when people try to take a share without putting in any effort.”
“That sounds exhausting… thank you for your hard work.”
“Perhaps there will be individuals who will try to get involved with you as well, Lord Clover. Feel free to use my name if needed; just brush them off as you see fit.”
Rest was already a Count. While it was unlikely that many would approach him, there would always be fools in any world. Some might envy the rise of a young commoner turned Count and try to meddle unnecessarily.
“Understood. If that happens, I’ll borrow your name.”
Rest offered a wry smile, bowed his head, and exited Prince Andrew’s tent.