Chapter 285: Clover Count Territory
Rest and his companions arrived in an untamed land—the northern part of the Subnock Plain, known as the Clover Count Territory. Although this land belonged to Rest, it stretched out as an endless expanse of empty plain. There were no inhabitants, but the vastness of the territory was undeniable. Thanks to the accomplishments in subjugating the Magical Beast Sabnock and the Third Prince Rodel Aiwood’s campaign, the royal family had generously granted him this extensive land.
“As far as the eye can see, this is my land… I must say, I’ve come quite a long way…”
Even when he received direct commendation from His Majesty the King, Rest felt overwhelmed by the excessive praise he had received. Having been mistreated in the Evern Honorary Viscount House and treated as little more than a pawn, he had truly risen to a position of significance.
(When I became engaged to Viola and Primula, I thought I had steeled myself for what was to come… but I never intended to rise this high…)
Rest was already set to inherit the Rosemary Marquis House. With the Clover Count House added to his holdings, he would possess at least two noble titles. Combined, these two territories would make him one of the most prominent nobles in the kingdom, surpassing even some dukedoms. Eventually, his future children would inherit these lands, balancing the power dynamics, but he had unwittingly acquired a level of power that could even threaten the royal family.
(Of course, I only possess vast lands. There are many people above me in status…)
“What’s wrong, Rest?”
Viola, standing on the hill and gazing down at their territory, called out to him with a curious expression.
“Nothing, I just thought it was a beautiful view.”
“Ah, yes. It’s a very lovely plain.”
“From here, the Clover Count House will begin, huh…”
Primula, following her sister, joined the conversation.
“I feel a bit hesitant about developing this land rich in nature… but thinking about how Rest-sama’s, our home and town will be built here is quite moving.”
“Indeed…”
Rest stood on the hill, imprinting the scene before him into his memory. One day, he would surely look back on this day. He envisioned a future where he would watch the town flourish from the same hill, laughing with his family, reminiscing, “Back then, there was nothing here.”
(For that happy future, first comes monster hunting.)
Present with Rest were the Rosemary Sisters, along with soldiers and magicians from the Rosemary Marquis House who served as their guards. However, Yuri, who had come with them, had vanished from sight. Despite having arrived together, she had somehow disappeared.
“I’m back, everyone!”
“Yuri…”
Just like that, Yuri popped up on the hill.
“I went on a reconnaissance mission! Aren’t I impressive?”
“Impressive, but… you went off on your own again…”
“I’m going to be Rest’s wife, after all. I can’t just keep relying on you all; I need to show that I can be useful!”
Yuri puffed out her chest proudly. She reported her findings with confidence, but leaves were stuck in her hair and clothes, making her appearance rather unkempt.
“Well, that’s fine… now tell me what you found.”
“Of course… Just as I had been informed beforehand, there were monsters nesting at the point where we plan to establish our base.”
“I figured as much…”
Rest had hoped that the monsters would have vacated the area without him knowing, but it seemed that was too much to wish for.
“The nest was occupied by large ape monsters. There were at least a hundred of them.”
“The ‘Crazy Ape’… a ferocious beast of a giant ape.”
Recalling the information he had received earlier, Rest frowned as he spoke. The nest at the planned construction site was indeed that of a giant ape monster—an intelligent creature known to sometimes abduct and devour humans, posing a significant threat.
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