Chapter 216: The Development Has (For Now) Concluded
As dawn broke over the short night, Rest found himself once again at the wetlands where the Worms had once thrived.
“It’s dry…”
“Indeed, it’s completely parched.”
It wasn’t Rest’s heart that was dry, but rather the wetlands where the battle against the Worms had taken place. Due to the explosion caused by Rest yesterday, what was once a marshy area now lay bare, revealing cracked and hardened earth. Instead of small hills, the remains of an Elder Worm sprawled across the ground. The massive creature, having lost its head in the explosion, lay lifeless while bird monsters pecked at its carcass.
“I can’t believe such a gigantic Worm actually exists…”
“Indeed, it truly embodies the term ‘Elder.’ Your naming is spot on, Rest-sama.”
Ostre and Arly gazed up at the Worm’s remains, their voices tinged with disbelief.
“Hmmm… it seems we won’t be able to consume all of this. Perhaps we should just take a small portion?”
“Stop right there. I will firmly oppose that.”
Yuri interjected, sensing the ominous suggestion.
“I won’t stop you from bringing back materials for research, but if you intend to take it home for food, that’s a different story. I absolutely cannot allow it.”
“Ugh… that would be troublesome. I’ll refrain from that.”
Seeing Yuri’s unwavering stance, she sighed, her shoulders drooping slightly. The phantom of her tail hung low behind her, but this was a matter she could not concede.
“Then, let’s call someone to dismantle it and transport it.”
After a moment’s thought, Ostre proposed.
“The Worm is a relative of Dragons. Even a single scale can fetch a high price, and while this Worm’s remains are quite damaged, they should still be worth a considerable sum. Of course, the proceeds will belong to Count Clover.”
“Understood… just deduct the transportation costs and labor fees from that.”
“Of course.”
Rest had no idea how much the charred Worm would be worth, but it should certainly be enough to compensate for a night’s work.
“…Thank you.”
“Hmm?”
Ula tugged at Rest’s sleeve. When he turned around, he found her vibrant eyes gazing up at him, just as they had the night before.
“Thank you… you’ve been a great help…”
“Ah, you’re welcome.”
With the Elder Worm defeated, the development of this area should progress significantly. Although Rest’s magic had turned the wetlands into dry land, it wouldn’t be long before moisture returned.
(I’ve managed to create a favor with the Lavender Barony, one of the great noble families of the East. That’s a satisfactory outcome for just a few days’ work.)
The future looked bright for the Clover Count House… and for the main house, the Rosemary Marquis House. There had been many… truly many challenges, but the issues here had been resolved.
(The development on the western side is nearly complete as well; I can leave the rest to others.)
The long phase of development was finally coming to an end. From now on, Rest could take his time building a town on the land entrusted to him while also indulging in his personal interests, allowing himself to relax.
(Ah… I need to look into the Queen Dowager as well…)
“Yes?”
“Ah… what is it?”
Lost in thought about the future, Ula presented something to him. When Rest instinctively accepted it, he found it was a ring adorned with a purple gemstone.
(Purple… could it be Amethyst?)
He wasn’t well-versed in gemstones, but he had a hunch.
“A token of gratitude.”
“A gift, then?”
“Indeed.”
“Hmm…”
Rest examined the ring closely, pondering its significance. It didn’t appear particularly valuable. The band was old and tarnished, and the gemstone was small. It felt more like a simple gesture of goodwill rather than a treasured heirloom.
(There’s no emblem or anything; it definitely isn’t a family heirloom.)
“I’ll give it to you. Please accept it.”
“No, but…”
“Please accept it.”
As he tried to return it, she insisted, pushing it back towards him with unexpected determination. This was a rare display of assertiveness from the usually reserved girl.
“Fine… then I’ll accept it.”
Reluctantly, Rest tucked the ring away. Ula’s expression softened with relief, her cheeks flushing as she nodded in satisfaction.
“Good.”
“…………?”
Rest tilted his head, deciding to let it go with a thought of, “Well, that’s fine.”
With the Worm defeated, the issues regarding the development of the Subnock Plain had been resolved. With that, Rest was free from his duties. He could finally return to the Royal Capital after a long time.