Having finished investigating the central area, Rest and the others made their way back to the entrance of the plains.
By the time they returned to the frontier development corps' headquarters established at the entrance, the sun had already set.
A great number of people participating in the development had pitched their tents and set up camp, cooking meals in large pots.
"Hmm, have a few more people shown up?"
It was livelier than when Rest and the others had set out for their investigation.
Reinforcements must have arrived in the meantime.
"Well then... I'll go report to His Highness Andrew about today's investigation. That wraps things up for now — everyone, dismissed."
"Right. Let's get some rest in our tents first."
"Good work today. See you tomorrow."
When Rest announced the dismissal to his companions, Yuri and Isis both offered words of encouragement.
"......"
"Well then..."
"I'll take my leave."
Lubeth departed without a word, and Argil and Rail left after offering a brief bow.
Rest headed toward the largest tent in the camp.
He had the guard soldier stationed at the entrance relay his visit, and after receiving permission, he stepped inside.
"Pardon the intrusion."
"Oh, Lord Clover. Looks like you're back."
When Rest made his way to the inner part of the tent, Andrew — the supreme commander of the frontier development corps — was seated at a table.
Sitting next to him was Rilanda Marker, the student council treasurer. They were leaning close together over their paperwork.
"Hmm...?"
(These two seem awfully close...?)
Rilanda was apparently Andrew's aide, but their proximity felt more intimate than a simple superior-subordinate relationship.
(Come to think of it... Lord Andrew still doesn't have a fiancée, does he?)
It wasn't unheard of for royalty to have a fiancée selected before the age of ten, yet Andrew's betrothal had still not been announced.
It was probably intended to avoid unduly threatening his elder brother's position... but perhaps there were other reasons, too.
(Unlike that idiot prince Rodel, I've never heard any bad rumors about Lord Andrew. If he had a powerful fiancée, he might even be able to aim for the throne... but perhaps he dislikes that and is deliberately avoiding getting engaged.)
Or maybe he was having an illicit romance with the female aide, despite the difference in their stations.
Entertaining these speculative thoughts, Rest kept his expression neutral and proceeded with his mission report.
"Regarding the investigation of the central plains... for today, at least, it concluded without incident. None of the participants sustained any injuries."
"I see. That's good to hear."
"Yes. Here is a rough map of the central plains."
Rest handed over a sketch of the terrain and began reporting on what he had seen and heard in the central plains.
The presence of plants and trees that had grown abnormally after absorbing dense mana.
The fact that this had rendered his detection magic ineffective.
That some individuals had fallen ill due to the overwhelming mana.
And that a significant number of evil lions, the kin of Sabnock, still remained.
"I see."
After receiving the full report, Andrew stroked his chin and fell into deep thought.
"The center of the demon realm. As expected, it doesn't look like something that can be handled easily. Will the mana go away if we set up a magic circle in the barrier?"
"Most likely. If we have the magic circle absorb the mana, it should improve somewhat."
"Mm, understood. I'll have the royal palace arrange to send someone skilled in barrier magic… Lord Clover, I want you to continue investigating the central part of the demon realm. And thin out the monsters while you're at it."
"Understood."
"It would also help if you could do something about the mana-infused vegetation. When we don't even know what we're dealing with, it becomes a major obstacle to proper frontier development."
"I'll do my best… By the way, it seems like more people have gathered at the campsite?"
"Yes. There are some who arrived after the fact. The frontier nobles have sent reinforcements as well… Although, their intention to 'build up favors' was practically written on their faces."
Andrew shrugged with an ironic curl to his lips.
Demon realm development. A frontier being carved open.
There were many interests at stake, and more than a few people hoping to snag a piece of the spoils.
Some would be sending people in to gain leverage, hoping to skim off a portion of the benefits in return.
"Well, there's more than enough land to go around. If they prove useful, I'll grant them their share… But it's a hassle when some people want to claim a share without lifting a finger."
"My, my… You have my sympathies."
"Then again, there might be people who try to bother you too, Lord Clover. You're welcome to use my name — tell them to back off and that should sort it out."
Rest was already a count.
Not many would be foolish enough to cause trouble for him… but fools existed in every world.
A newly appointed count. A young upstart commoner turned noble — there were bound to be those who resented his rise and would try to meddle.
"Understood. When that time comes, I'll borrow your name then."
Rest gave a wry smile, bowed his head, and stepped out of Andrew's tent.