After slaying the Sea Serpent and finishing off the One-horned Sharks, Rest returned to the inn and collapsed into bed.
The next morning was dedicated to cleaning up the aftermath. His first task was leveling the earthen mounds he’d raised around the pearl farm to prevent the monster’s escape.
He transported the massive quantities of soil well offshore, dumping it in several different locations. He wasn't entirely sure how this might affect the local environment or ecosystem, but he’d dispersed it as widely as possible in the hopes of minimizing any negative impact.
As for the Sea Serpent’s remains, a merchant summoned by Celestine arrived to appraise the carcass and negotiate a price.
"My, this is truly magnificent. I never dreamed I would have the chance to handle a Sea Serpent as trade goods."
The purveyor for Duke Crocus House rubbed his hands together, his face glowing with excitement.
"The scales will make exquisite ornaments, while the rest can be harvested for weapons and medicinal components. It is a pity about the lack of blood and internal organs, but I suspect the Monster Research Institute would still pay dearly for this."
"Deduct the cost of grain and other supplies from the purchase price," Celestine instructed the merchant. "The remainder will serve as a reconstruction fund for the village. Consult with the locals on their needs and distribute the aid in the form of physical goods."
Simply handing the villagers cash would have been the easiest route.
However, money had a way of corrupting people. Providing a massive windfall risked making the villagers complacent, potentially leading them to abandon their livelihoods. Thus, the standard practice for providing aid was to either donate essential goods or release funds in small, manageable increments.
"Look at all this wheat!"
"Thank ye kindly, My Lord! Thank ye!"
"A feast for the nobles! Let the banquet begin!"
The arrival of the supplies sent the village into another frenzy of excitement.
Only a short while ago, the place had been smothered in a bleak, heavy atmosphere due to the monster’s presence. Now, it was so lively it felt like a different world entirely.
At the inn where Rest and Celestine were staying, the celebrations continued night after night.
Dishes that were considered lavish by local standards were paraded out, and the villagers constantly plied them with drink, bowing so low their heads nearly touched the floor as they offered their gratitude.
"I'm starting to suspect these people just really love festivals..." Rest muttered with a wry smile, exhausted by the never-ending party.
He had stayed behind to help with the recovery, but lately, he found himself surrounded by villagers at every turn. They treated him with a level of reverence usually reserved for a deity.
While he was glad to see them happy, the constant commotion made it difficult to find a moment of peace.
"It is simply a reflection of how grateful they are, Rest-san," Celestine noted. "They have already decided to hold a 'Count Clover Festival' every year on the anniversary of the serpent’s defeat. They even spoke of carving a wooden statue of you to enshrine in the village."
"Please, spare me that..."
He really was being worshipped. He was being treated as a literal god.
It reminded him of a legend he had read back in Japan—a story of a traveler who arrived in a village and brought it lasting prosperity. He was in that exact role now.
Perhaps, hundreds of years into the future, the tale of how Rest saved this village would still be told.
"I’ve enjoyed the seafood and the hot springs, but... I think it’s time we moved on."
"I agree. We have provided more than enough food; the village no longer requires our direct support. Regarding their distillation methods and aquaculture techniques, I shall send researchers at a later date to conduct a thorough investigation."
From their unique spirits to their farming methods, this village was a diamond in the rough. Under Celestine’s management, those resources would undoubtedly yield immense profit.
"Well, if you need a hand with any of that, just let me know."
"I shall. I look forward to your assistance. Also... please make sure you give our engagement some serious thought, won't you?"
"......"
Rest’s expression became conflicted at her pointed reminder.
It wasn't that he was averse to the idea of being engaged to Celestine.
In fact, it was quite the opposite.
During the few days they had spent in this village, he had realized all over again just how indispensable she was to his life.
"I’ll think about it. Seriously."
"I am very glad to hear that."
"......"
Faced with Celestine’s graceful, serene smile, Rest could only give a firm, deep nod.