Chapter 172: Is There Something About the Regular Report Meeting?
A month had passed since the pioneering efforts began on the Subnock Plain. Under the leadership of the Second Prince Andrew Aiwood, the base of the pioneering group had grown significantly, resembling a small town. Initially, several tents had been set up to form a campsite, but with the arrival of timber, numerous cabins had been constructed. Merchants had opened shops, and eager refugees, having obtained the necessary permits, were already tilling the fields.
The pioneering efforts were progressing smoothly. More and more people were gathering, each witnessing the transformation and momentum of this land.
“Well then, let’s begin the regular report meeting,” Andrew announced.
The meeting was held at the base of the pioneering group, in a building constructed in the center of the still unnamed development village. This building was much larger than the other cabins, featuring a round table surrounded by chairs. Seated at one of the places at the round table was Andrew Aiwood, the lord of this land.
“Please report on your respective areas of responsibility,” he instructed.
“Yes, I will report on the outskirts of the development village,” a woman stood up and began her report.
“The village is gradually expanding around this center. The number of immigrants has already surpassed three hundred, and they are cultivating fields in the designated areas.”
Andrew had been recruiting immigrants from across the kingdom on the condition that they would be given land to cultivate. As a result, young people who could not inherit land or homes, as well as those who had lost jobs and places to return to due to poverty, had gathered here.
“There is plenty of land available, so there have been no disputes over territory. However… if things continue like this, we might run out of food soon.”
“I see… I will arrange for additional supplies. We have sufficient funds,” Andrew nodded in response to his subordinate’s report.
“The northern part of the plain is being developed under the leadership of the Cattleya Marquis House and the Rosemary Marquis House. There are no particular issues to report.”
“The southern part of the plain is being led by the Crocus Duke House. Again, no significant problems.”
Representatives from each house continued their reports. Then, one of the attendees, Rest, stood up.
“In the center of the plain, we have completed the extermination of most of the monsters. It may soon be time to set up a magic circle and begin the construction of the town in earnest.”
Rest reported to Andrew. Normally, development should progress gradually from the edges of the plain toward the center. However, the Subnock Plain was a demon realm. At its center lay the ‘Dragon’s Hole,’ where magical power surged forth. If the ‘Dragon’s Hole’ was not sealed off with a magic circle and a town established quickly, there was a risk of giving rise to a new Master of the Demon Realm.
“Ah, I will arrange for that as well. Although skilled barrier mages are few, I will send a letter to the royal palace requesting priority assistance,” Andrew replied with a satisfied nod. The center of the plain was to become Andrew’s direct territory once he was granted the title of duke. He seemed relieved that the land he was to govern was being successfully developed.
“I truly appreciate your hard work, Count Clover. I will ensure to repay this favor in the future.”
“I am honored,” Kaim said, lightly bowing his head before taking his seat.
“Now then… how is the development in the eastern part of the plain?” Andrew inquired.
“…………”
“Is the person in charge ready to report?”
“…………”
“…Is there no one in charge?”
“…………”
Andrew called out again, but the representative for the eastern part of the plain remained silent.
“Lady Ula Lavender? Ula Lavender?”
“…………”
The one called was a girl seated at one of the round table’s places. A petite girl with bobbed purple hair—Ula Lavender. She remained silent, her doll-like face betraying no emotion. If one were to glance at her, they might mistake her for a doll placed in a chair.
“Um…”
“…………”
Ula’s gaze was fixed intently on Rest, who sat across the table. What could be so interesting? She had been like this since the regular report meeting began.
(What is it with this girl… Why is she staring at me?)
Rest shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Ever since their first meeting a month ago, he had frequently spotted Ula around the development village. He only saw her; they never spoke. She never initiated conversation, and whenever he attempted to approach her, she would simply distance herself. Yet, she continued to watch him from afar.
(It feels like I’m being haunted by a cursed doll… What did I do to deserve this?)
“Lady Ula Lavender, are you not listening!?” shouted Yusugos Beturas, a man seated to Andrew’s right. Ignoring the words of a prince, even if he was set to become a duke, was unacceptable.
“…………”
Finally, Ula turned her face toward Andrew.
“The east side. No changes.”
She muttered that one line before resuming her intense gaze at Rest.
“…Count Clover.”
“…Is it me?” Rest replied, his expression souring as Andrew turned his attention toward him. It seemed he was being asked to do something about the situation. Reluctantly, Rest addressed Ula.
“Um… Lady Ula Lavender?”
“ッ…!”
Ula’s eyes widened in surprise, her gaze sharpening as if piercing through him.
“Could you… provide a more detailed report, please?”
“…………”
As Rest encouraged her, Ula stood up from her chair, still with her eyes wide open.