Chapter 96: Future Plans
Yesterday, I relaxed for the first time in a while. The card games were especially fun. I want to play Tycoon and Napoleon, which I loved in my original world, with everyone, so maybe I should make playing cards and spread them to this world too.
Thinking about such things, I took my seat at the breakfast table. “My, Will-chan. Your business has settled down for now. I am happy to have the whole family together after so long.” “Yes, Mother. Things are resolved for the time being.” “Will, were you able to rest well yesterday?” “Thanks to you, I took it easy.” “I played card games with Brother for the first time in a long while.” “That is good to hear.” It has been a long time since I had a leisurely breakfast with my family.
As the meal was coming to an end, I broached the subject to Father. “Father, since I have taken a break, I would like to visit your office after this.” “Is that so? I feel like I want you to rest a little longer, but I suppose it is better to talk sooner rather than later.” It would be a lie to say I wasn’t curious about what Father discussed with His Majesty.
When I visited the office, Father first offered words of appreciation. “Once again, thank you for your hard work exploring the undeveloped lands.” “Thank you. I am relieved that we were able to discover the Leyline Crosspoint.” “Indeed. Since the World Tree plays a vital role, the exploration of the undeveloped lands to move the World Tree was an important mission for the Kingdom, no, for all of humanity.” “The Elves worked hard, of course, but the knights who took vacation to accompany us, starting with James, really did a great job. When the exploration team returns, please praise them.” “Yes. Let us reward their achievements. Although it was formally a vacation, it was actually an important mission.”
“Now then, I will tell you about the discussion I had with His Majesty.” Taking a sip of tea, Father began to speak. “First, when I conveyed that Will is the Savior, His Majesty seemed happy that his prediction was correct. Then, I told him what I heard from the Elf Elder, explaining that the recent irregular climate was caused by the weakening of the World Tree, and that the Elf clan who protected the World Tree had fled to our territory carrying the sapling.” “Did His Majesty understand?” “Yes, he understood immediately that reviving the World Tree is important.” I’m glad. Since not much is known about the World Tree, I was worried whether he would believe it immediately. I’m sure it’s because Father is trusted by His Majesty.
“When I explained about the Leyline Crosspoint, His Majesty said that we must search for the Crosspoint. When I told him that the Elves and volunteers from the Knights were already exploring, and that Will was accompanying them during the day using Teleportation Magic, he was surprised by the Teleportation Magic.” “I think it is amazing magic myself.” “Indeed, it is legendary magic, after all. Also, since the World Tree will likely be targeted by monsters once moved to the undeveloped lands, I told him that Will desires the southern undeveloped lands as territory to help the Elves. He was impressed that you are trying to fulfill your role as the Savior even though you could desire territory with better conditions.” “Is that so?” “Yes. When I said that I intend to support you since managing the territory will be difficult, he said the Kingdom would support you as well. However, in principle, you cannot be ennobled until you turn 18. But since it would be better to move the World Tree sooner than that, His Majesty said he would think of a way.”
“I am relieved to know that I can receive the southern undeveloped lands as my territory. And I am grateful for the support.” “Yes. Of course, I will support you too.” “Thank you. Since it is a territory starting from nothing, that helps a lot. However, I heard it was poor soil, but once we passed the grasslands, it was fertile land. There were Great Rivers and lakes, so I think irrigation will be relatively easy.” “Is that so? That is good. His Majesty and I will support you with supplies and funds, and I am sure Oliver will demonstrate his skills as well.” True, Oliver, who was supposed to succeed a major trading company, will surely follow me, and I have no doubts about his skills.
“However, the most difficult part will be the manpower issue.” “That is true. I am sure the Elves will migrate as a clan, and I think some workshop staff and Dwarves will come too. But, after all, it is a land with no residents.” “Indeed. I plan to recruit immigrants from within our territory as well, but we won’t know how many applicants there are until we try. Ah, naturally Ophelia and Gilbert will go, but I intend to assign several other knights to Will as well.” “That is reassuring.” Ophelia and Gilbert are trustworthy guards, and they are familiar with the Elves and the workshop staff. The Fairchild Family Knights are all elites, so the other knights will be reliable too. I am very grateful that Father is supporting me with human resources as well.
