That was the aftermath of everything.
After mopping up the remaining centipedes at a leisurely pace, Rest and the others returned to the surface.
With their queen gone, the centipedes were in complete disarray, so finishing them off posed no problem.
The centipede carcasses were collected by subordinates that Andrew had sent over. Apparently, the centipede carapaces were ideal for use as armor. They were purchased by the adventurer's guild, and even when split three ways, the payout was enough to build a grand mansion in the noble district of the royal capital.
But the greater harvest was… the Iridescent Crystals, as expected.
Rest received a generous quantity of Iridescent Crystals from Andrew as a token of gratitude.
The amount was more than enough—not for six people, but to craft rings for twenty.
The proceeds from selling the centipede went straight into their pockets on top of that, so they had definitely walked away with more profit than their efforts warranted.
"I really can't thank you enough. Words alone can't express my gratitude to Lord Clover."
When they reported the centipede's subjugation, Andrew came over with a beaming face.
"Please, take it without any hesitation. There are more than enough deposits, so don't worry about it."
"Of course—I'll gladly accept. But what about the remaining centipedes? Are they going to be all right?"
"Ah, they've lost all coordination without their queen. We're having the adventurers hunt them down while mining simultaneously. If anything, I'm more worried about adventurers pocketing the Iridescent Crystals and making a run for it. We've been thorough with body checks on everyone going in and out of the tunnels."
"That sounds exhausting… By the way, these really are beautiful stones, aren't they? The Iridescent Crystals."
Rest held a large Iridescent Crystal up to the light and narrowed his eyes in admiration.
True to their name, the Iridescent Crystals gleamed in seven colors, shifting through a thousand different hues depending on the angle of the light.
Back on Earth, there had been stones like alexandrite that changed color, but this gemstone was clearly different. Perhaps it was due to the high amount of mana contained within.
(Mana has a profound effect on the natural world. It brings magic into being, transforms the bodies of plants and animals into monsters, and even gives rise to wondrous changes in minerals.)
"Did you know? Iridescent Crystals are also used as protective charms. There's a legend that they ward off evil."
"…The centipedes were literally nesting right next to the crystal vein, so that's not exactly a convincing legend."
"Well, fair point… In any case, this means we can give wonderful gifts to the people we care about."
"The people we care about… Don't tell me Your Highness is planning to give a present to someone as well?"
Andrew had no fiancée.
There had apparently been talk of an engagement to Celestine at one point, but that had fizzled out too.
The persistent rumor was that he was harboring an impossible love across a gulf of social standing… but what was the reality of it?
"I'll leave that to your imagination… But I'll admit that yes, there is someone dear to me. Which is all the more reason I'm grateful. Thanks to you, I'll be able to bring joy to someone I treasure."
"I'm glad to hear that…"
"What would make a good gift, I wonder? A ring might shatter if I throw a punch, so maybe a pendant instead? That seven-colored gemstone would surely look stunning against those muscles."
"…………"
Throwing punches. Looking stunning against muscles.
It was a peculiar statement that raised questions—or perhaps kindled curiosity—but Rest's instincts were screaming at him not to dig any deeper.
It wouldn't just be pulling a snake out of the bushes. A dragon might come charging out.
(Well, I mean… there are women who are into martial arts too, right? Having muscles isn't strictly a male domain either, is it? And sure enough, there are guys out there who prefer a muscular woman, right?)
"I know an accessories artisan—I'll put in a request for the crafting. If you'd like, shall I put in an order for yours as well?"
"…I'd appreciate that. For now, let's go with rings for six people."
And so, even as a faint chill crept down his spine, Rest nodded his agreement to Andrew's offer.