Finally, after many twists and turns, the time had come to begin the development of the Subnock Plain in earnest.
Second Prince Andrew Aiwood held overall command of the project. Assisting him as deputy commanders were Count Rest Clover, Viscount Wilhelm Lyubase, and Baroness Isis Calvert.
The participants were a diverse crowd. There were the students from the Magic Department whom Rest had recruited, those from the Knight Department gathered by Lyubase and Isis, and the students from the Civil Official Department and Priest Department that Andrew had assembled. For some reason, there were even students from the Art Department present, despite having never been invited.
With the addition of supporters sent from various noble houses and the Royal Palace, the total count for the Pioneer Group approached nearly a thousand people.
"Now then... we shall officially begin the development of the Subnock Plain. I trust you have all read the materials distributed beforehand, so I expect you to devote your full effort to your assigned tasks."
Standing at the Plain Entrance, Andrew addressed the assembled crowd.
"First, the Vanguard Group will handle monster suppression. Each platoon is responsible for subjugating the monsters within their designated sector. The process is essentially the same as the Monster Hunting Festival, but this is not a competition. Coordinate with other platoons as necessary to get the job done."
The Vanguard Group was made up of students from the Magic and Knight Departments. Students from the Priest Department joined them as medical staff. These students would fight the monsters under the direct guidance of knights dispatched from the Royal Palace.
"The Rearguard Group will collect and butcher the monsters defeated by the vanguard. You will also handle the logistics of selling materials to the Merchant Guild, purchasing supplies, and surveying cleared regions. We need you to identify suitable land for future towns and villages by investigating terrain, water sources, drainage, and soil quality for cultivation. Civil officials from the Royal Palace are here to guide you, so look to them for instructions on the finer details."
The Rearguard Group was primarily composed of students from the Civil Official Department. They would carry out their duties while receiving on-the-job training from the royal officials.
"Furthermore... as for the students from the Art Department, exactly what are you doing here?"
Andrew turned his attention toward a specific corner of the group. There stood several Art Department students, clutching pens, canvases, and various tools of their trade.
"We are here to immortalize this moment in art—the land being reclaimed by human hands and the perishing paradise of the monsters. We shall do as we please, so do not let us trouble you."
"I have come to find inspiration for my poetry. I wish to capture you all in your natural states through my writing, so please, feel free to ignore me."
"...I see."
Andrew nodded with an expression that was hard to read. He clearly had several retorts on the tip of his tongue regarding their presence, but he also recognized that there was value in having historical events preserved for posterity through paintings and sculptures.
Besides, artists were notorious for refusing to listen to reason once they had their minds set. Andrew decided it was best to simply stop trying to understand them.
"...Well, just ensure you aren't maimed or killed by monsters. Since you came here uninvited, any mishaps are entirely at your own peril."
Andrew made it clear that while he would tolerate their presence, they were not to become a burden to the mission.
"With that, everyone, begin your work. Also... Count Rest Clover."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Rest stepped forward as Andrew called his name.
"Your group will be tasked with surveying the central region of the plain. The Subnock, the Master of the Magical Wilds, has been slain, but its kin likely remain. You don't necessarily have to kill everything you find, but I need you to survey their numbers and locate their nests."
The death of a pack leader didn't mean the immediate extinction of its subordinates. There was even a chance a new leader had already been born. Fortunately, it would take considerable time for any successor to grow to the monstrous proportions of the original Subnock.
"Aside from the Subnock's kin, other powerful monsters may still lurk in the center of the wilds. Proceed with extreme caution."
"I understand. I will take care."
Rest nodded in acknowledgement. This was his first official duty as a lord and a count.
The development of the land where my family will one day live... I have to give this everything I've got.
Rest clenched his fist tight. He was well aware that the Royal Family tended to dump all the most troublesome chores on his lap, but he didn't mind—this was for the sake of his future family.
It was a necessary step toward building the warm, peaceful home he had yearned for so desperately in his previous life, yet had never been able to attain.
"I will do my absolute best. You can count on me!"
With more determination than he had ever shown before, Rest stood tall and proud, facing his future with dignity.