After defeating the Sea Serpent and hunting the one-horned sharks, Rest returned to the inn and went to sleep.
The next morning, he started on the cleanup. First, he demolished the earthen barriers he had created around the farming pens to prevent escapes.
He dumped the large amounts of earth offshore, dividing it into several smaller piles.
He wasn't sure how much it would affect the environment or ecosystem... but he had divided it as finely as possible, so he wanted to believe there wouldn't be any major negative impact.
As for the Sea Serpent's carcass, a merchant called by Celestine would assess and purchase it.
"My, my, this is splendid. I never imagined I'd be able to purchase a Sea Serpent as merchandise."
The merchant, a purveyor to the House Crocus, rubbed his hands together with a beaming face.
"It can be used as material for weapons and medicine, and the beautiful scales could probably be made into ornaments. It's a shame we don't have enough blood or organs... but a monster research institute might want it."
"Please deduct the cost of food and other supplies from the purchase price. The balance will go toward the village's reconstruction, so please listen to the villagers' requests and provide it to them in the form of goods."
Celestine gave her instructions to the merchant.
It would have been easy to simply hand over the money to the fishing village's people directly.
But... money has a way of changing people for the worse. If she handed over a large sum, the newly wealthy villagers might become lazy and stop working.
That's why the standard practice for providing financial aid is to donate it in the form of goods or to give it out in small amounts.
"Oh, so much wheat!"
"Thank you very much, thank you very much!"
"A feast for the nobles! A banquet again today!"
With the delivery of the food, the village was abuzz with excitement once more.
Just a little while ago, the atmosphere had been dark due to the monster attacks, but now it had brightened up completely, as if it were a different place.
At the inn where Rest and Celestine were staying, banquets were held almost every day.
For a village like this, the dishes laid out were lavish. They were plied with sake, and the villagers bowed so low it seemed they were scraping their heads on the floor in thanks.
"What can I say... I'm starting to think these villagers just really love festivals."
Rest gave a wry smile at the consecutive days of banquets.
He had stayed in the village to help with the various cleanup tasks... but lately, the villagers had been constantly entertaining him and had come to treat him almost like a god.
It was fine that the villagers were happy, but it was a bit too noisy and he couldn't relax.
"Everyone is just that grateful to you, Rest. They said they'll hold a 'Count Clover Festival' on the day you defeated the sea serpent, and they even talked about carving a wooden statue of you to enshrine."
"Give me a break..."
It had finally come to this—they truly worshipped him. They really did treat him like a god.
Come to think of it... In the old tales he used to read when he was in Japan, there was a story about a traveling stranger who brought prosperity to a village.
Rest was now in exactly that traveler's position.
Perhaps... the fact that Rest saved this village might be passed down for centuries to come.
"I've had enough of fish dishes and hot springs... How about we head out soon?"
"Yes. We've already given them enough food supplies too... There's probably no more need to help this fishing village. As for the method of making alcohol, I'll send someone later to investigate it thoroughly."
Rough diamonds lay buried in this village—things like the method for making distilled spirits and techniques for aquaculture.
With Celestine, she would surely be able to generate great profits from them.
"Well, if anything comes up, I'll help, so just let me know."
"Yes. In that case, I'll be counting on you. And... please make sure you think about the engagement properly, okay?"
"..."
Rest was told this in a pressing tone, and his expression became unreadable.
It wasn't that he disliked the engagement to Celestine.
Rather, it was the opposite.
The few days he spent in this village made him realize anew just how essential she was to him.
"I'll think about it... seriously."
"Yes, please do."
"…………"
Rest nodded deeply at the gracefully smiling Celestine.