Morning broke on a night that had been far too short for Rest. He set out once more for the wetlands the Worm had called home.
“It’s parched...”
“Yeah, completely dried out.”
It wasn’t Rest’s heart that was parched, but the very marsh where he had fought the Worm.
In place of the former wetlands, a stretch of cracked earth now reached toward the horizon—a result of the massive explosion Rest had triggered the day before.
Resting on that brittle ground was what appeared to be a small mountain. It was, in fact, the carcass of the Elder Worm.
Decapitated by the blast, the giant creature lay sprawled across the dirt while avian monsters pecked at its remains.
“I never imagined a Worm of this scale actually existed...”
“It truly is an ‘Elder.’ Your naming was quite apt, Lord Rest,” Ostray and Arlie said, their voices tinged with disbelief as they looked up at the carcass.
“Hmm... This is a bit much even for me. Maybe I should just cut off a small piece for the road?”
“Don’t you dare. I’m putting my foot down right now.”
Since Yuri was saying something so unsettling, I made sure to nip it in the bud.
“I won’t stop you from taking samples for research, but if you’re planning to eat it, our friendship is over. I absolutely will not allow it.”
“Mmu... I wouldn’t like that. I guess I’ll stop,” Yuri declared, slumping dejectedly as I stood my ground.
I could practically see an illusory tail drooping between her legs, but I refused to budge on this point.
“I see... Shall we call for men to have it dismantled and transported?” Ostray suggested after a brief moment of thought.
“Worms are kin of the dragon species. Even a single scale from a dragon can fetch a high price. While this carcass is severely damaged, it should still bring in a tidy sum. Naturally, the proceeds from the sale will belong to you, Count Clover.”
“I see. Just make sure to deduct the cost of labor and transport from the total.”
“Understood.”
I didn't know how much a charred Worm would sell for, but it should be more than enough compensation for a night’s work.
“...Thank you.”
“Hm?”
Rest felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to find the same pair of iridescent eyes he’d seen the night before looking up at him.
“Thank you... You were... a great help...”
“Oh, you’re very welcome.”
With the Elder Worm defeated, the development of this area should proceed by leaps and bounds. Although Rest’s magic had transformed the marsh into dry land, moisture would eventually return with time.
I’ve managed to put the Margrave Lavender House, one of the Great Noble houses of the East, in my debt. That’s plenty of progress for a few days’ work.
The future looked bright for Count Clover House... and its parent house, the Marquis Rosemary House. A lot—truly a lot—had happened, but the problems here were finally resolved.
The Western Side Development is mostly finished too, so I can leave the rest to others now.
The long development phase was finally reaching its end. From here on, I can take my time building a town on my granted lands, pursuing my own interests, and enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.
Though I still need to look into the Queen Dowager too...
“Here.”
“Oh... what is it?”
While he was lost in thought, Urula held something out to him. Rest reflexively accepted it—a ring set with a purple gemstone.
Purple... An amethyst, maybe?
He wasn’t well-versed in jewelry, but that was his hunch.
“A gift.”
“A thank-you... you mean a present?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm...”
Rest scrutinized the ring. It didn't look especially valuable. The setting was tarnished with age and the stone was small. It felt like a modest token of gratitude, nothing more.
There was no crest engraved on it, so it definitely wasn't a family heirloom.
“I’m giving it to you. Please take it.”
“No, but...”
“Take it.”
When he tried to return it, she pushed his hand back firmly. Her persistence was uncharacteristic; for such a quiet girl, she was being remarkably assertive.
“All right... I’ll take it, then.”
Resigned, Rest tucked the ring away inside his clothes. A look of relief washed over Urula’s face, her cheeks flushing as she nodded with satisfaction.
“Good.”
“......?”
Rest tilted his head in confusion, but eventually decided not to overthink it.
With the Worm defeated, the issues surrounding the Subnock Plain development were largely settled. Rest’s work here was done. At long last, he could return to the Royal Capital.