Chapter 291: The Prince’s Request
After days of hard work, a road was established to facilitate the flow of goods and people between the Rosemary Marquisate and the Clover Count Territory. The difference in travel time between the newly paved road and the bare ground was like night and day, especially when it came to horse-drawn carriages loaded with cargo.
Traveling without getting stuck in ruts or mud significantly reduced both the time and cost of transportation.
In addition to paving the road, ditches and walls were constructed on either side, all thanks to the use of magic. This greatly minimized the risk of monster attacks. While there were flying monsters and the possibility of bandit raids, adventurers hired on horseback patrolled the area at set intervals. Even if travelers were attacked, the damage would likely be minimal.
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in my work. I was satisfied with what I had accomplished, but unfortunately, that was just the beginning of a tragedy.
“I hear Lord Clover has built a magnificent road in his territory. How wonderful!”
“……”
One day, a man arrived at the construction site. He was a familiar face. It was Andrew Aiwood, the Second Prince of this kingdom, who had come without any prior notice. Behind him stood his aide, Yusugos Beturas, wearing an apologetic expression.
“I’m also working on road maintenance in my territory, but unfortunately… it’s not progressing as well as yours. Resources are limited, and I lack the manpower to use magic for leveling the ground like you do. I can’t just mobilize the court magician for personal reasons, you know.”
“…I see.”
“Ah, I envy you. If only I had your boundless magical power.”
“……”
Andrew kept glancing at me, as if he were expecting something. I understood what he wanted to say. In essence… he was asking for help with the road maintenance.
(This prince really knows how to take advantage of people.)
I understood his feelings. If one person could accomplish what required a large workforce and resources, it would be more cost-effective to rely on that individual.
(Though I must admit… I’m surprisingly good at this kind of work.)
Prideful as it may sound, the road I had recently completed was quite impressive. Originally from Japan, perhaps my craftsmanship had shone through; the finished road had a consistent width, allowing carriages to pass each other safely.
Andrew must have recognized this when he came to ask for my assistance.
“If someone were to help me, I would pay a suitable reward. Surely there’s a kind soul somewhere?”
“…If you’re suggesting that I might be that someone, you’re mistaken, Your Highness.”
“Hmm?”
“I’m busy with the development of my territory and have no spare capacity to assist elsewhere.”
“I see, that’s unfortunate.”
Andrew spread his arms and shrugged.
“I thought that after defeating the monsters in the area and finishing the road maintenance, the construction would be left to specialists, and you’d have some free time.”
“Ugh…”
“I must have been misinformed. If that’s the case, I owe you an apology. Perhaps I should bow my head and apologize.”
That statement felt more like a threat. The thought of making a royal bow was daunting.
“Prince Andrew…”
“To be honest, I’ve found something interesting in the territory assigned to me. Lord Clover, do you know about the ‘Rainbow Crystal’?”
“Rainbow Crystal? The one used in accessories…?”
“It’s not something you can just stumble upon. I happened to discover a vein while digging a well. It was a miracle.”
The name of that mineral was associated with great value and limited availability. It was said to be mined in areas rich in magical power, regardless of the terrain. True to its name, the gem sparkled in seven colors and was highly sought after as a gift for lovers and wives.
“You have many lovers, don’t you? You must be thinking about engagement rings or wedding bands soon, right?”
“……”
“Even if you place an order with a jeweler in the Royal Capital, you’d be lucky to get a piece the size of a pinky finger. Not to mention, you wouldn’t know when it would arrive, with reservations stretching ten years into the future. I wanted to gift something to my beloved as well… but that’s beside the point.”
Andrew grinned mischievously, as if plotting something.
“If you help me, I could prioritize you. Of course, there would be enough to gift all four of your fiancées.”
“…………”
The Rainbow Crystal. If I were to present such a rare gem, even a noble would be hard-pressed to find one, what kind of expression would my fiancées have? I was certain they would be overjoyed. I could guarantee that.
“…Alright, I’ll take you up on that offer.”
I sighed and let my shoulders droop.
“I’m grateful, Lord Clover.”
“But… are you sure? I believe the money from selling the Rainbow Crystal would exceed the costs of road maintenance.”
“That’s not a concern. What matters isn’t just the money.”
Andrew smiled wistfully, his gaze distant.
“I have so much work piling up, and I have no time to spare. Because of that, I can’t even meet with my beloved. If you can help me create some breathing room, it would be worth it.”
“…………”
Andrew shouldn’t have had a fiancée, but perhaps he had a secret lover after all.
(A love that crosses social boundaries, perhaps… well, I won’t pry.)
I would be busy for several days, but if it meant seeing the smiles of my fiancées, it would be worth it. With a resigned shake of my head, I accepted the task of assisting with road maintenance in another territory.