Chapter 254: A Bounty of Fish
“It’s over… The damage turned out to be more extensive than I expected.”
The Sea Serpent had been defeated. As I soared through the sky, I glanced down to see the pearl farm in ruins. Fortunately, the fishing village had suffered minimal damage. Thanks to the protective barrier I had set up in advance, the destruction caused by the Storm God’s wrath was limited to little more than a strong gust of wind.
“Rest-san, are you safe?”
“Milord… Is it truly over?”
The voices calling up from below belonged to Celestine Crocus and a few villagers from the fishing village. I descended to meet them.
“Yes, it’s over. The Sea Serpent has been slain.”
“Is that so…? Thank goodness.”
Celestine let out a sigh of relief. Although she was a magician, she had been hiding in the nearby woods, ready to jump into action if necessary. It was a relief that I managed to handle the situation without needing her assistance, given her lack of combat experience.
“And… I’m sorry. The farm has been left in such a state.”
I turned to the villagers and offered my apologies.
“We will compensate for the damages. Please forgive us.”
“Oh no, Milord! This village owes you its life. There’s no need for apologies!”
The representative of the villagers waved his hands in a flustered manner. In his arms, he cradled a large wooden tub filled with seawater and something else.
“The shellfish are safe and sound, as you can see. The pearl farming was still in its early stages, so we can recover quickly.”
When I had used the farm as bait, the villagers had been busy collecting the shellfish. Though the facility was partially destroyed, with enough funds and time, it could be repaired.
“For the repair costs, we might be able to sell the Sea Serpent,” Celestine suggested, pointing to the corpse of the Sea Dragon floating in the sea. Its belly had burst from the air inside, leaving it split in two, blood and entrails drifting in the waves.
“The Sea Serpent is technically a sub-dragon, and while its scales and meat have already been washed away, its blood can still fetch a high price. Let’s recover it and sell it to the merchants.”
“Ah, that sounds good.”
Using magic, I pulled the Sea Serpent closer. I also cast a spell to freeze it, preventing it from rotting.
“Now, that should do.”
“I’ll arrange for the purchase on our end. Is that alright?”
“Of course. I appreciate your help.”
Celestine’s presence was truly a blessing, making everything so much easier.
(They say Celestine is a candidate for my wife… Having her around would certainly help with managing my wealth and affairs…)
Though Viola and Primula were also by my side, I was the heir of the Rosemary Marquis House and the head of the Clover Count House. The responsibilities and assets I needed to manage had grown significantly, so having a capable woman like Celestine was invaluable.
(Still… I feel a bit guilty about marrying for such reasons…)
Given that this was a political marriage, perhaps it was unavoidable. As a Japanese person, I found myself grappling with these feelings.
“I’ve heard that the Sea Serpent’s blood and organs can be used as materials for potions. Although about half of it has already flowed away…”
“It’s a shame to waste it, but we weren’t in a position to be picky…”
“Gaaah!”
“Gaaah! Gaaah!”
“Oh…”
Then, perhaps drawn by the scent of blood, a group of Unicorn Sharks appeared near the pearl farm. They were blocked by the mountain I had created to prevent their escape, and they were calling out with low, guttural sounds.
“…It seems we might be able to recover some of the losses after all.”
While I wasn’t sure if we could make up for the spilled blood, it looked like we could enjoy some delicious shark dishes. I prepared to hunt the gathering Unicorn Sharks, unleashing my magic to attack.