Chapter 107: Fair-Weather Friends

When His Majesty publicly announced that he ordered the Fairchild family to develop the southern undeveloped lands, and that once developed, the lands would become my territory, shock ran through the nobles of the Kingdom. Since it was known that His Majesty highly evaluated my Production Skill, it seems they thought a good location, such as near the Royal Capital, would become my territory.

To think that uninhabited undeveloped lands would become my territory. Even with the Royal Family’s support, developing undeveloped lands is a difficult undertaking that would take generations. Perhaps the Fairchild family incurred His Majesty’s displeasure? Many nobles seemed to interpret it that way.

To prevent unrest within the Fairchild family, Father had explained the circumstances to the family and key retainers, but I suppose it’s understandable that nobles unaware of the situation would misunderstand. The number of nobles visiting the Fairchild mansion in the Royal Capital to introduce their daughters seems to have dropped drastically. Father smiled wryly as he spoke of this during breakfast with the family. “Hahaha, the retainer in charge of the mansion in the Royal Capital was exasperated. But with this, it might be safe for Will to go sightseeing in the Royal Capital.”

“Yes, I would be happy if I could go to the Royal Capital freely.” “The noble girls won’t be approaching you anymore, but won’t you find that regrettable, Will-chan?” “No, Mother. I am relieved rather than regretful.” “As expected of Brother. Girls who approach with wicked motives are nothing but a nuisance.” “Oh my, Sophie-chan is strict.”

On the other hand, there were nobles who contacted us out of concern. “The nobles of the Royal Capital have stopped approaching, but some nobles in the West are worried.” “That’s true. The Cardiff family worried about us immediately.” “Sister Letty contacted me as well.” “Ah, the Cardiff Earl House is an ally of our family. Besides them, neighboring nobles like the Woodpole Baron House have also offered to support the development of the undeveloped lands.” “Mabel‘s family too? That is grateful.”

“People who extend a hand when you are in trouble are the trustworthy ‘friends for rainy days’.” “It is exactly as Mary says. Well, we aren’t really in trouble this time, though.” “It pains me not to be able to tell the truth to those who are worried.” “About that. I received a letter from His Majesty stating, ‘You will likely need collaborators for the development of the undeveloped lands. If you report to me who you have told and how much, you may share secrets to a certain extent with those you judge trustworthy.'”

“My, His Majesty really trusts us.” When I asked His Majesty if I could tell Erica-sensei the circumstances regarding the World Tree and Magic Stones, I also received a reply that I could share secrets with people I deemed trustworthy at my own discretion. I am grateful for His Majesty’s trust.

“If we are to have people cooperate in the development of the undeveloped lands, we need to talk about the World Tree.” “When it comes to the World Tree, the fact that Will-chan became the Savior is also involved.” “Ah, His Majesty says it would be better not to speak about the Savior part. Also, about the weakening of the World Tree being the cause of the abnormal weather.”

“Is it because anxiety would spread among the Kingdom’s citizens?” “Exactly, Sophie. The only nobles in the Kingdom who know everything are the two Duke families and the Prime Minister.” “His Majesty is cautious about sharing information.” “Yes. I consulted His Majesty about wanting to tell the Cardiff Earl House everything and obtained his approval, but let us carefully consider how much to tell other nobles.”

“Now, the remaining issue is how to proceed with the development of the undeveloped lands.” “Thinking normally, would it involve sending the Knights to eliminate monsters and gradually expand the habitable area?” “Indeed. This time, in addition to our family’s Knights, the Royal Knights led by the Royal Guards will also cooperate. Additionally, the Elves, Dwarves, and workshop craftsmen will likely help too.”

“Yes. I think everyone at the workshop and the Dwarves will lend a hand in laying roads and constructing buildings in the undeveloped lands.” “Will-chan’s Production Skill seems likely to be especially effective in developing the undeveloped lands. His Majesty has also permitted the use of Magic Stones for development, right?”

“Do you have any other ideas, Will?” “Yes, I intend to use Teleportation Magic to check the condition of the undeveloped lands and search for usable materials.” “I’d like to say, ‘Don’t do such dangerous things,’ but… I suppose you can just escape with Teleportation Magic if needed.” Teleportation Magic is convenient magic. At this time, I was thinking of exploring with Ria and Gil.