Kays Translations

Chapter 160: Reporting to the Prince

After completing their investigation of the central area, Rest and his team returned to the entrance of the plains. By the time they arrived at the headquarters set up at the entrance, the sun was already setting.

A large number of people involved in the development project had pitched tents and were preparing meals over fires.

“Looks like there are a few more people now.”

The camp was livelier than when Rest and his group had left to begin their investigation. Perhaps reinforcements had arrived later.

“Well then… I’ll go report today’s findings to Prince Andrew. Let’s call it a day for now.”

“Ah, I’ll go rest in the tent.”

“Good job today. Let’s do our best again tomorrow.”

After informing his comrades of the dismissal, Yuri and Isis offered words of appreciation in return.

“………….”

“Alright then…”

“Excuse me.”

Lubase silently walked away, and Argyle and Rail also gave brief nods before departing.

Rest made his way toward a particularly large tent. After informing the guard at the entrance of his arrival, he was granted permission to enter.

“Excuse me.”

“Ah, Lord Clover. Looks like you’ve returned.”

When Rest entered the back of the tent, he found Andrew, the leader of the development team, seated at a table. Beside him was Liranda Marker, the student council treasurer, sitting close as they worked on paperwork together.

“Hmm…?”

(Aren’t these two sitting unusually close…?)

Liranda was supposedly Andrew’s aide, but the distance between them didn’t seem like that of a typical superior and subordinate.

(Now that I think about it… Prince Andrew still doesn’t have a fiancée…)

In royal families, engagements were often arranged before children reached the age of ten, but Andrew’s fiancée had yet to be announced. While this might have been to avoid threatening his older brother’s position, there could be other reasons behind it.

(Unlike the foolish Prince Rodel, there are no bad rumors surrounding Prince Andrew. If he had a powerful fiancée, he might even have a shot at the throne… but perhaps he deliberately avoids taking a fiancée to avoid that kind of pressure.)

Or maybe he’s in love with someone of lower status, like his aide. Rest considered this, but kept his thoughts to himself and focused on his mission report.

“As for the investigation of the plains’ central area… We completed today’s work without incident. None of our participants were injured.”

“I see, that’s good to hear.”

“Yes, here’s a rough map of the central plains.”

Rest handed over a sketch of the terrain and reported his findings from the central plains. He mentioned the unnaturally overgrown vegetation due to the dense magic, the inability to use detection magic effectively, the health issues some experienced due to the overpowering magic, and the lingering presence of Sabnock’s minions, the corroding beasts.

“I see…”

After hearing the report, Andrew put a hand to his chin and pondered.

“The center of the monster territory… It won’t be easy to deal with. Do you think we can reduce the magic by setting up a magic circle?”

“Most likely. If the circle absorbs the magic, it should help alleviate the situation somewhat.”

“Understood. I’ll arrange for someone skilled in barrier magic to be sent from the royal palace. Lord Clover, I’ll need you to continue investigating the central area and culling the monsters.”

“Understood.”

“It would also help if you could do something about the magic plants. It’s hard to push forward with the full-scale development if we can’t even navigate the area.”

“I’ll do my best. By the way, I noticed the camp seems a bit more crowded?”

“Yes, we’ve had some new arrivals. Even some frontier nobles sent support… though it was obvious they’re just trying to gain favor.”

Andrew shrugged with a hint of sarcasm.

The development of the monster territory—the frontier being cleared—was filled with opportunities, and there was no shortage of people looking to capitalize on them. Some were likely sending manpower with the intent of claiming part of the spoils in return.

“There’s more than enough land to go around, so if they contribute, I’ll give them their fair share. But it’s the ones who expect a cut without lifting a finger that are the real problem.”

“That sounds exhausting.”

“You might find some of these people trying to approach you, Lord Clover. Feel free to use my name to brush them off if needed.”

Rest was already a count. It was unlikely that many people would try to mess with him, but there are fools in every world. Some might become envious of the rise of a young, self-made count and try to cause unnecessary trouble.

“I understand. I’ll borrow your name if the need arises.”

With a wry smile, Rest bowed and then exited Andrew’s tent.

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