One month had passed since the development of the Subnock Plain began.
The base for the pioneer group, led by Second Prince Andrew, had expanded significantly, growing into something resembling a small town. What had once been a campsite of scattered tents was now a settlement of wooden huts, built from lumber hauled in for the project.
Merchants had opened shops, and displaced people—having arrived early and somehow secured permission—were already out tilling the fields. The development was moving at a steady pace. More people were flocking to the area every day, all of them witnesses to the sheer momentum and transformation of the land.
"All right, let's begin the periodic report meeting."
The meeting took place in a large building at the heart of the settlement—the center of the still-nameless pioneer village. The structure was much larger than the surrounding huts, outfitted with a round table and several chairs.
Seated at the head of the table was the master of the region, Andrew Aiwood.
"Everyone, please report on your assigned sectors."
"Yes, sir. Regarding the outskirts of the pioneer village..."
Prompted by Andrew, a woman stood to deliver her report.
"With this village as the hub, the settlement is gradually expanding. Our immigrant population has already surpassed three hundred. Everyone has been assigned a plot and is currently establishing their fields."
Andrew had been recruiting immigrants from across the kingdom, offering land and a home to anyone willing to put in the work. As a result, the settlement had become a haven for younger sons unable to inherit property and those who had lost their livelihoods to poverty.
"Since there’s plenty of land to go around, we haven’t had any disputes over territory. However... at this rate, our food supplies might run out before the first harvest."
"I see. I’ll arrange for additional supplies. We have more than enough funding," Andrew replied with a nod of approval.
"The northern plain. Development is proceeding under the joint leadership of the Marquis Catreia and Marquis Rosemary houses. No issues to report."
"The southern plain. Development is led by the Duke Crocus house. No issues there, either."
Representatives from each house continued their updates. Finally, Rest stood from his seat.
"The center of the plain. We’ve successfully culled most of the monsters. It might be time to set up the magic circles and begin constructing the town in earnest."
Rest directed his report toward Andrew. Usually, development would start at the edges of a plain and work inward. However, the Subnock Plain was a magical wild, and the Dragon Vein—a source of surging mana—sat right at its heart. Without a magic circle to seal the vein and a town to maintain it, a new Master of the Wilds would inevitably rise.
"Yes, I’ll make those arrangements," Andrew said, looking satisfied. "Skilled barrier arts users are in short supply, but I’ll send a letter to the royal palace to ensure we’re prioritized."
The center of the plain was slated to become Andrew’s personal territory once he stepped down from his royal status to become a duke. He looked visibly relieved to see the land he would one day rule being tamed so efficiently.
"I truly appreciate all your hard work, Count Clover. I’ll find a way to reward you properly for this."
"I'm honored, Your Highness."
Rest bowed his head slightly before taking his seat.
"Now then... what’s the status of the eastern plain?"
Silence followed.
"I’m waiting for the report on the eastern sector."
Again, there was no answer.
"...Is the person in charge not here?"
Andrew called out a third time, yet the representative for the eastern plain made no move to speak.
"Lady Lavender? Lady Ulula Lavender?"
Still nothing. The person Andrew was addressing was a girl seated at the round table. She was small, with a purple bob cut—Ulula Lavender.
As usual, Ulula remained as silent and expressionless as a doll. She sat so still that one could easily mistake her for a mannequin left on the chair.
"Hmph..."
Ulula’s gaze was locked onto the person across the table from her: Rest.
He had no idea what she found so interesting. She had been staring at him like this since the moment the meeting started.
What is this girl’s deal? Why is she staring at me?
Rest shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It had been a month since he first met Ulula, and since then, he had run into her frequently around the village.
He only ever saw her, though. She never spoke. She never approached him, and whenever he tried to get close to her, she would move away to maintain her distance. And yet, she would watch him from afar with unblinking intensity.
I feel like I’m being haunted by a cursed doll. What did I even do to her?
"Lady Ulula Lavender, are you listening!?"
The man to Andrew’s right, Yusgos Betras, bellowed. Even if Andrew was set to become a duke, he was still a prince. Ignoring him was an unforgivable slight.
Slowly, Ulula finally turned her head toward Andrew.
"East. No change."
After muttering those three words, she immediately returned to her task of staring at Rest.
"...Count Clover."
"Me, sir?"
Andrew turned toward Rest with a grimace, his eyes clearly pleading for help. Left with no other choice, Rest addressed her directly.
"Um... Lady Lavender?"
Ulula’s eyes snapped wide. Her gaze intensified, piercing him like a physical weight.
"Could you... perhaps give us a more detailed report?"
As Rest spoke, Ulula stood up from her chair, her eyes still wide and unblinking.