Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 291: The Prince’s Request
Thanks to several days of work improving the highway, a route for the flow of goods and people was established between the Rosemary territory and the Clover territory.
There’s a world of difference between traveling on a well-maintained road and over bare ground. Even more so when using a wagon loaded with cargo.
Just being able to move forward without getting stuck in potholes or mud significantly reduced both travel time and costs.
At the same time the road was being improved, Rest also constructed ditches and fences along both sides—using magic, of course.
This greatly reduced the risk of monster attacks. There were still flying monsters and the occasional bandit, but Rest had hired adventurers on horseback to patrol the roads at set intervals.
Even if travelers were attacked, the damage would likely be minimal.
He had done good work—Rest was satisfied with what he had accomplished.
Unfortunately, that satisfaction was the beginning of a new ordeal.
“I heard Clover-sama built a magnificent highway in his domain. How splendid.”
“……”
One day, a man arrived at the under-construction settlement. A familiar face.
Without any prior notice, Andrew Iwood, the second prince of the kingdom, had shown up.
Behind him stood his retainer, Eusgos Betras, wearing a deeply apologetic expression.
“I’ve also been working on highway construction in my territory, you see? But unfortunately… things haven’t gone as smoothly as they have in yours. Supplies are limited, and I don’t have enough skilled people to use magic for land development. I can’t just move the royal court’s magicians on a personal whim either.”
“…I see.”
“Ah, how I envy you. If only I had bottomless magic power like you…”
“……”
Andrew kept glancing at Rest, clearly expecting something.
Rest understood immediately.
In other words… the prince wanted help with his highway construction.
(This prince sure knows how to use people when it’s convenient for him.)
He understood the prince’s position.
If a single person could complete work that would normally require vast manpower and resources, it made perfect sense from a cost perspective to ask that person instead.
(Not to brag, but I was actually pretty good at that kind of work…)
As much as he hated to admit it, the highway Rest had completed recently was very well made.
Originally Japanese, Rest had a strong craftsman’s mindset. The road he built had consistent width, enough space for wagons to pass each other, and accounted for safety.
Andrew had clearly noticed that and came specifically to ask him.
“If someone were to help me, I’d be more than willing to offer appropriate compensation. I wonder if some kind soul might be willing…”
“If you’re suggesting that person is me, Your Highness, then you’re mistaken.”
“Oh?”
“I’m swamped with the development of my own domain. I don’t have the luxury to lend resources elsewhere.”
“Is that so? How disappointing.”
Andrew spread his hands and shrugged.
“I’d heard you’d already dealt with the monsters at your base, completed the highway, and now that the specialists are taking over, I thought you might have some free time.”
“Ugh…”
“Could my information have been mistaken? If so, I must apologize. I’ll bow my head and do so formally.”
That was practically a threat.
For a royal to bow their head was a grave matter.
“Prince Andrew…”
“Actually… we discovered something quite interesting in my assigned territory. Clover-sama, have you heard of ‘Rainbow Crystal Ore’?”
“Rainbow Crystal Ore? You mean the kind used in accessories…?”
“Exactly. It’s not something you go looking for and find easily. We were digging a well and just happened to strike a vein. A miracle, really.”
It was the name of a rare and incredibly expensive mineral.
It could be found in magically rich lands regardless of terrain—mountains, rivers, and so on.
As its name suggested, the gem shone in seven colors and was a popular material for accessories. It was said to be the perfect gift for a lover or a wife.
“You have several lovers, don’t you, Clover-sama? I’m sure you’ll get married eventually. Maybe you’re already thinking about engagement or wedding rings?”
“……”
“If you placed an order with a royal jeweler in the capital, a stone the size of a pinky fingertip would be enough to buy you a mansion. On top of that, you’d be waiting in line for ten years just to get it. I tried to order one for my beloved once… well, never mind that.”
Andrew smirked mischievously.
“If you help me, I’ll make sure you get first pick of the crystals. Enough for all four of your fiancées.”
“……”
Rainbow Crystal Ore.
If he had rings made from those and gave them to the women he cared about… what kind of expressions would they make?
There was no doubt—they would be delighted. That much he was sure of.
“Fine… I’ll do it.”
Rest let out a deep sigh and slumped his shoulders.
“I appreciate it, Clover-sama.”
“But are you sure? I think the ore would sell for more than the cost of road construction.”
“That’s fine. Money isn’t everything.”
Andrew kept smiling but looked off into the distance.
“All I have is work—no time for anything else. I can’t even see the one I love. If you helping me gives me even a little bit of freedom, it’s a small price to pay.”
“……”
As far as Rest knew, Andrew didn’t have a fiancée. But perhaps he had a secret lover?
(A love across social ranks, huh? …Well, not my business.)
He would be occupied with extra work for a few days—but if it meant seeing his fiancées’ smiles, it was a small price to pay.
Shaking his head in resignation, Rest agreed to help with the road construction in someone else’s territory.