Ulula Lavender rose from her seat and finally began her report.
"East side of the plain... development... is proceeding... bit by bit."
Despite the anticipation for her report, it was remarkably brief and delivered with total detachment.
The development of the eastern portion of the Subnock Plain was led by the Margrave Lavender House, working alongside the Yoriko nobles under their patronage. Since the Margrave Lavender House had not participated in the recent civil war, they hadn't originally been slated to receive any land as a reward.
However, in exchange for providing ample funding, manpower, and materials for the overall development of the plain, they had been granted a portion of the eastern territory.
The eastern side of the plain is full of wetlands, making it difficult to transport materials like lumber and stone from the west, Rest thought. We can’t really manage the development without the help of the Lavender family, since they’re the dominant high nobles in the eastern part of the kingdom.
It was far more efficient to have materials shipped directly from the east rather than taking a massive detour around the marshes from the west. Furthermore, the Margrave Lavender House was a prominent family known for their martial prowess, much like the Marquis Catreia House. Excluding them from the development would have invited future grudges—a risk that was best avoided.
"Bit by bit... Are you saying that progress has been slow?" Andrew asked.
"......"
Ulula nodded. That was it; she offered no further details.
"...The eastern side of the plain is dominated by wetlands, so there isn't much level ground to work with. That has been the primary obstacle to our progress."
The person who stood up to provide the actual explanation was a woman whose name went unmentioned. From what Rest remembered, she was a vassal of the Margrave Lavender House who had been by Ulula’s side since their first meeting.
"We are currently focusing our development on the flat areas. As for the wetlands, we intend to judge whether they can be developed while we conduct ecological surveys of the monsters inhabiting them. Depending on the results, large-scale water management projects may be necessary. That is all."
With the report from the Lavender House concluded, both Ulula and her attendant returned to their seats.
"I see..."
Andrew wore a conflicted expression, as if he had more to say. In all likelihood, the same thought was currently echoing through the minds of nearly everyone seated at the Round Table.
(Speak up for yourself from the very beginning!)
Almost everyone present, Rest included, shared that sentiment.
"For now, continue your survey of the wetlands to the east," Andrew said. "Report back immediately if anything noteworthy happens."
"......"
Ulula nodded in response to the prince’s order. Immediately after, she turned her gaze back toward Rest. Once again, that uncomfortable period of silence began.
"Very well. Next, let’s have the report on materials and supplies."
"Yes, sir... We have secured a sufficient supply of lumber; there are no shortages at this time," a man who appeared to be a civil official reported, looking over his documents. His brow furrowed with concern. "However, we are running low on stone. We are currently placing an additional order with the Merchant Guild. Funding is not an issue, as we are liquidating materials harvested from monsters."
"And food?" Andrew prompted.
"We are seeing a deficit there as well. Because the number of immigrants has increased so rapidly, we’re running low on staples like wheat. It seems transportation is lagging behind our needs."
"Understood. I’ll write a letter myself to tell them to expedite the shipments. That should solve the problem for the time being, right?"
"Yes, thank you, Your Highness."
"Right then... Now, everyone."
Having heard the general reports, Andrew looked around the Round Table once more. He made eye contact with each person in turn before speaking in a clear, commanding voice.
"So far, the development is progressing smoothly. This is excellent news. However, as the saying goes, misfortune often dogs a good thing. I want you all to stay vigilant so that we aren't caught off guard while things are going well. If any issues arise, reporting is mandatory. Don't hesitate to consult me."
The assembly nodded in unison, bowing their heads to Andrew.
"Good. I'll see you all at the next regular progress report meeting. We are adjourned for today."
With the permission to leave granted, the members of the Round Table rose from their seats and began to filter out of the room.