Rest and his companions arrived at an untamed wilderness. This was the northern reaches of the Subnock Plain—the Count Clover Territory.
While the land was officially his, nothing but a vast, sprawling expanse stretched out before him. It was a territory without a single resident, but its sheer scale was immense.
The Royal Family had granted him this massive domain as a reward for his overwhelming achievements—the subjugation of the magical beast Subnock and the suppression of the Third Prince, Rodel Aiwood.
"Everything as far as the eye can see is mine... I’ve certainly come a long way."
He had felt the same way when receiving a commendation directly from His Majesty the King; he had been given a level of recognition far beyond what he felt he deserved. Once abused at the Honorary Viscount Ebern House and treated as a noble in name only, he had truly risen to a position of great stature.
I thought I’d steeled my resolve when I became Viola and Primula’s fiancé, Rest thought, but I never expected to climb quite this high.
He was already destined to lead the Marquis Rosemary House. Between that and the Count Clover House, he would soon hold at least two peerages. Combining the two territories would make him one of the most powerful high nobles in the kingdom, with a domain that rivaled or even surpassed a duchy.
While the lands would eventually be split among his future children to maintain the balance of power, he had acquired enough influence to potentially threaten the throne itself.
(Of course, for now, it's just a lot of empty land. There are still many people with higher status than me, but still...)
"Is something wrong, Rest?"
Standing atop a hill and gazing out over his new domain, Rest turned to see Viola looking at him curiously.
"No, I was just thinking it's a beautiful view."
"It is," she agreed. "A truly magnificent plain."
"This is where the Count Clover House begins," Primula added, joining her sister. "It feels almost a shame to develop such a pristine, natural landscape... but when I think that Lord Rest’s home—our home and our town—will be built here, I find myself quite moved."
"I agree," Rest said.
He looked out from the hill, burning the landscape into his memory. Someday, he would look back on this moment. He could already imagine a day when he would stand here again, watching a thriving town and laughing with his family about how there had once been nothing here at all.
To ensure that happy future, I have to start with the monster subjugation.
Rest was accompanied by the Rosemary sisters and their escort of soldiers and mages. As for Yuri, who had traveled with them... she had vanished. She was supposed to be with the group, but she had slipped away at some point without anyone noticing.
"I'm back, everyone!"
"Yuri..."
Just as he thought that, Yuri suddenly bounded up the hill.
"I went on a quick scouting mission! Pretty impressive of me, right?"
"It’s impressive, sure... but you shouldn't just run off on your own like that."
"I’m the woman who’s going to be your wife, Rest! I can't just let you take care of me all the time; I have to prove my worth!"
Yuri puffed out her chest with pride. She reported her findings with total confidence, though the leaves and twigs caught in her hair and clothes somewhat undermined her attempt at a dignified appearance.
"Alright, never mind that... just tell us what you found."
"Right. It’s exactly what the reports said. A pack of monsters has made a nest at the site where we planned to build the base."
"I figured as much," Rest muttered with a grimace.
He had hoped they might have moved on, but luck wasn't on his side.
"They’re those big ape monsters. I counted at least a hundred of them."
"Crazy Apes... violent, oversized primates."
Rest recalled the information from his briefing. The monsters occupying his future capital were a serious threat—dangerous pests with high intelligence that were known to kidnap and devour humans.