The following day, Rest and four young women gathered in the lounge of the Marquis Rosemary manor to discuss their future.
While Rest had thoroughly enjoyed their dates over the past few days, he couldn't afford to play forever. As a nobleman, his primary responsibility was the management of his lands. It was finally time to begin developing his territory in earnest.
"I’ve already secured the necessary supplies and personnel for the development," Primula explained. "It took longer than expected because Prince Andrew prioritized his own requirements, however."
"We'll be helping too, of course, Rest!" Viola declared.
"I'm with you as well," Yuri added with a grin. "You're in good hands!"
From this point forward, they would begin work on the land granted to Rest: the Count Clover Territory.
The first order of business was constructing a town to serve as a base of operations. A survey team dispatched by Marquis Rosemary had already scouted several potential construction sites.
"I have my own duties to attend to, so I cannot assist you directly," Celestine said, her expression apologetic. Although her marriage to Rest was all but official, she wasn't yet a formal member of House Clover. For now, she would be supporting them as an external advisor.
"As for the candidate sites for the base, Father selected three locations," Primula said, spreading a map across the table. "Each is large enough for a town and has a reliable water source. Lord Rest's territory lies on the northern side of the Subnock Plain, which puts it quite close to the Rosemary lands. The candidate sites are to the north, west, and south."
Primula pointed to the markings on the map.
"The northern site is closest to the Rosemary territory, making it easy for our family to send supplies and manpower. The western site is closer to the Royal Capital; in the long run, it offers the best prospects for growth. The southern site has no distinct advantages, though it would place you near Prince Andrew’s lands if you wished for frequent interaction."
Primula looked up, meeting Rest's gaze.
"Lord Rest, among these three, where shall we establish our base?"
"The north," Rest said firmly. "There’s no question."
It was a simple decision that required no second-guessing.
"Being close to the Rosemary territory is the obvious choice. We can support each other if trouble arises, and it’ll be easier for Viola and Primula to visit home, right?"
"Yes... you're right. Thank you," Viola murmured.
"Thank you very much. That makes me happy," Primula added.
As the three of them shared a warm, private moment, Celestine gave a pointed cough.
"Ahem... Please continue with the briefing."
"Ah, my apologies," Primula replied, regaining her composure. "If we choose the northern point for the future capital of the Clover territory, there is one complication."
"A problem?" Rest asked.
"Yes. A monster nest has been confirmed in the area. We’ll need to clear it out before construction can begin."
"I see. That’s straightforward enough," Rest said. It was a former magical wild, after all. Areas hospitable to humans were usually just as attractive to monsters. It stood to reason that they would have claimed the best site. "So, all we have to do is exterminate them. Honestly, that sounds much easier than planning a date."
Monster hunting was his absolute specialty. The fact that the situation was so simple was a relief.
"I'm coming too," Viola insisted. "I’ll show you I’m more than just a sheltered princess!"
"As will I," Primula added. "It’s time to put the magic I’ve learned at the Academy to the test."
Viola and Primula were brimming with motivation. Beside them, Yuri was already throwing enthusiastic shadow-punches with a wide grin.
"Right... well, just try not to overdo it," Rest said. Looking at the three motivated girls, he couldn't help but feel a sudden, inexplicable sense of dread.