Rest had accepted Urula’s request, but he wasn't about to rush off to the eastern plain just yet.
After all, Prince Andrew was the general manager of the development project. Rest made his way toward the Pioneer Group Headquarters, where Andrew was likely to be found.
"It's nearly evening, but I should still be in time," he murmured to himself.
Now that the barrier work had stabilized and the pioneering effort had reached a milestone, Andrew’s burden had lightened considerably. His workload seemed much more manageable than before, so a visit at this hour shouldn't be an issue.
"Pardon me, is His Highness Andrew available?" Rest asked at the entrance.
"Ah, Count Clover. He's inside," a soldier replied.
"Lord Betras is with him at the moment, but we have standing orders to let Count Clover through whenever he arrives. Go right in."
"Oh, Senior Yusgos is here too? Thank you."
A soldier he recognized waved him through. Rest thanked him and stepped inside the building, walking down the hall toward Andrew’s office.
"His Highness Andrew, it’s Rest Clover. May I come in?"
"C-Count Clover...? Just—give me a moment...!"
When he knocked, a strangely flustered voice called out from behind the door. A series of hurried clatters echoed from within for a short while before permission was finally granted.
"P-Please... come in..."
"Excuse me."
When Rest entered, he found Andrew alongside his aide, Yusgos Betras, just as the guard had said. For some reason, the two of them looked unusually exhausted and were both visibly out of breath.
"Huff... puff... S-Sorry to keep you waiting..."
"Whew... whew..."
Andrew was slumped at his desk, while Yusgos leaned against the wall nearby. Both were breathing heavily, and Rest couldn't help but notice a sheen of sweat on their brows.
"Am I interrupting something?" Rest asked.
The atmosphere felt as though they were frantically trying to hide something. Had he stumbled upon a meeting concerning some highly sensitive state secret?
"I-Interrupting? Not at all! No, we were just... discussing some very important work. My apologies," Andrew stammered.
"No... I should be the one apologizing for barging in without an appointment. If this is a bad time, I can always come back tomorrow."
"No, it's quite all right. More importantly, what brings you here?"
"Well, actually..."
Rest proceeded to explain everything Urula had told him. By the time he finished his report, Andrew’s breathing had steadied, and he seemed to have regained his usual composure.
"I see... I’d heard reports of a large monster nesting in the eastern wetlands, but I never imagined it would be a Worm."
"How would you like to proceed?"
"If we left it to the Margrave Lavender House, they would likely handle it eventually, but not without casualties. It’s better to resolve this as quickly as possible. If you’re willing, Count Clover, would you mind assisting them?"
"Of course. I don't mind putting the Great Noble of the East in my debt."
"That would be ideal. Still, for Lady Ulula to approach you directly... I’m not entirely sure what she’s thinking."
"Neither am I," Rest admitted.
He didn't understand why she would bypass Andrew to ask him for help. He had never had any dealings with the Margrave Lavender House before, so there had to be some reason behind it.
"On that note... I heard she’s the next head of the Margrave Lavender House, but she seems quite young, doesn't she?"
"Yes. Her grandfather is the current head, but the original heir—his son—went missing over a decade ago. At this point, it’s highly probable that he's deceased. I’ve heard her mother is out of the picture as well, which might explain her somber demeanor."
"I see..."
So, she was effectively alone.
Whether her circumstances were the direct cause of her personality was unclear, but Rest felt a strange surge of sympathy for her.
To think a child that small is representing the Margrave Lavender House in such a dangerous undertaking in the Magical Wilds. It won't hurt if I look out for her a little bit.
With that thought, Rest solidified his resolve to help Urula.