Chapter 154: Development Begins

And so… despite some twists and turns, the time had finally come to begin the full-scale development of the Sabnok Plains.

Leading the development project was the second prince, Andrew Iwood. Assisting him were Count Rest Clover, Viscount Wilhelm Lubase, and Baron Isis Carbelt.

The participants included magic students gathered by Rest, knight students brought by Lubase and Isis, and civil and priest students gathered by Andrew. For some reason, there were also students from the arts department, though they hadn’t been invited. 

In addition, supporters sent from other noble families and the royal palace had joined, bringing the total number to nearly a thousand.

“Alright… we will now begin the development of the Sabnok Plains. I trust you’ve all read the materials that were distributed beforehand. I expect everyone to give their utmost effort in the tasks assigned to them.”

Standing before the development team lined up at the entrance to the plains, Andrew addressed the group.

“First, the front-line teams will be responsible for clearing out monsters. Each squad is to eliminate the monsters in their assigned area. It’s similar to the Monster Hunt Festival, but this time it’s not a competition. Work with other squads as needed to get the job done.”

The front-line teams consisted of students from the magic and knight departments. Priest students were also participating as medical staff, and they would be fighting monsters under the guidance of knights dispatched from the royal palace.

“The rear-line teams will collect and dismantle the monsters defeated by the front-line teams, and handle the process of selling materials to the commercial guild. They’ll also be responsible for purchasing supplies and investigating areas cleared of monsters, checking for features like terrain, water sources, drainage quality, and soil suitability for farming. You’ll be looking for land suitable for building towns and villages. Civil officials dispatched from the royal palace will be here to instruct you on the details of the work.”

The rear-line teams were made up mainly of students from the civil department, who would be learning on the job under the guidance of royal officials.

“And as for the students from the arts department… why are you here?”

Andrew cast a glance at a corner of the development team, where the arts students stood with pens and canvases in hand.

“We are here to immortalize the land being cultivated by human hands, and the paradise of monsters fading into oblivion, through our art. We’ll work on our own, so don’t worry about us.”

“I’m here for inspiration for my poetry. I wish to capture everyone in their natural state in my writing, so please ignore me.”

“…I see.”

Andrew nodded with an indescribable expression in response to the artistic students’ replies. While part of him might have wanted to question their purpose, the idea of recording historical events through paintings and sculptures wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. 

Artists wouldn’t listen even if told to stop, so Andrew quickly gave up trying to understand.

“…Well, just make sure you don’t get injured by any monsters. If something does happen, it’ll be on you.”

They hadn’t been invited, but they came of their own accord. At the very least, they shouldn’t cause any trouble.

“Alright, then. Get to work as instructed. And… Count Rest Clover.”

“Yes.”

Called by Andrew, Rest responded.

“I want your group to survey the central area of the plains. The master of the monster territory, Sabnok, has been defeated, but some of its subordinate monsters are likely still there. You don’t need to forcibly eliminate them, but investigate their numbers and locate their nests.”

Just because the leader of the pack was defeated didn’t mean all its followers had been wiped out. There might already be a new leader. Of course, it would still take some time for the new leader to grow as large as Sabnok had been.

“Besides Sabnok’s subordinates, there could also be other powerful monsters in the central part of the monster territory. Be extremely cautious.”

“Understood.”

Rest nodded in agreement. This was his first task as a count and a lord.

(The development of the land where my family will live… I need to give it my all.)

Rest clenched his fists tightly. He was well aware that the royal family had been pushing troublesome tasks onto him, but this was for his future family. It was work necessary to create the warm home he had longed for in his previous life but had never obtained.

“I will give it my all. Please, expect great things!”

With a rare surge of motivation, Rest stood tall and proud.

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