Chapter 783 - Announcement of the Rewards
The magic circle for Testament is basically not to be taken out. However, Germana, as the manager, can confirm the magic circle at any time. I asked Alex for three barrels of sake, and the talk was settled up to the point of excavating crystals at the silica mine in the Flatlands and having him carve the magic circle into the plate-shaped crystals found. The completed magic circle will be placed under the management of the Priestess of the ceiling and will be kept in the Cave of Secret Books under Nakanohara Lake. Regarding the implementation, it was decided that it would be done under the approval of the Priestess of the ceiling under Nakanohara, and under the approval of one of the five Priestesses of the ceiling. The light to be applied from the back will be covered by a scroll of Light, and I will perform the simultaneous activation of undead magic and Thought Communication. Therefore, I also became an apprentice. However, since we prepared two people to take over, I was exempted from making the ceiling glow. That point was really good.
Currently, it's the handover period for Egward-sama and the Priestess from a thousand years ago. So, I've finally become able to slowly work on catching rats in Nakanohara.
While that was happening, it became October, and Beatrix also came back.
"Man, I shouldn't say it myself, but I worked hard, worked hard."
She seems to have been quite trained by the Dragonewts.
"Did you learn any new magic?"
"New ones are still impossible."
We're both twenty-five now. We've reached an age where it's difficult to learn new magic.
"But you know, I was told something good."
"Eh? What? That."
"Umm, it's still a secret."
"A secret?"
"Yeah, I was told to keep quiet."
"By the Dragonewts?"
"Yep."
Could it be something quite amazing?
"That's also a secret."
Hmm. What on earth could it be? Well, if she's been told to keep quiet, it can't be helped.
"More importantly, that announcement is today, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I can tell because Lyudmila is in a super good mood."
"I guess so."
I can't help but laugh. Lyudmila is really easy to read. Until the threshing after the harvest was over, she was as usual, but she's been in a good mood ever since the overall numbers came out.
"You're going to get the Eastern Plains, right?"
"Probably. When Lyudmila said that would be better, everyone ended up agreeing."
"That's natural. If Lyudmila thinks it's impossible, it's impossible. If it's no good, we just have to increase it in the Flatlands."
"Could it be that you sent word about the Eastern Plains anticipating that?"
"That's right. Because Lyudmila is thinking about us the most."
That might indeed be true. Occasionally, we would talk about our dreams, and each time we would say we'd work hard together. When we heard the story of Beowulf being proposed to by the foreigner Edward-sama, we were seriously worried that we had to settle things within five years. In the end, we settled down after talking about how those who remained should just work hard. Life is still long.
At the banquet for the announcement of the results, in addition to the usual Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, Wilson-san, and Erikson-sama, Magdalena-sama came from the palace. And as new members, the Priestess from a thousand years ago and Egward-sama joined. Although the two are still in their apprenticeship, we introduced the two who will take over to everyone first because we will be inviting the Priestesses of the ceiling in the future.
The Priestess from a thousand years ago ended easily, partly because she had Fiona by her side.
"I am one called Egward. An evil spirit who died three thousand years ago."
The problem is this old man. He's putting on airs because there are many humans.
"Heh, for an evil spirit, you lack menace."
"I don't feel any sense of tragedy."
"Don't be so stiff. Let's take it easy here."
"Hmm. You should train a bit more."
"Please do your best."
"Yes. I shall devote myself!"
He's treated like a child by the Five Great Spirits, but since Egward-sama himself is moved, it must be fine.
Just like that, after the returned Beatrix led the toast, there was an announcement from Lyudmila with a smiling face.
"Now then, I, Lyudmila, shall give the report. The wheat harvest across the entire Flatlands was an average of eight bags per field. To state the conclusion, the second year's test results are also a pass, following last year."
Lyudmila, who has grown into a transcendentally beautiful girl over this past year, is speaking like a person from the town hall. She was supposed to be aiming to shed her childishness and acquire womanliness, but now she seems to be aiming to be a woman who can do her job. Although she's grinning too much.
"The harvest at the farm test site directly managed by the Class of 175 was eight and a half bags, an increase of half a bag from last year. This signifies the success of the new variety we received from the Royal Capital Area Farm Test Site. Also, at other farms, we were able to obtain a harvest of eight bags in good places. And for the places that were six and a half bags last year, as a result of soil preparation over this past year, it has grown to seven and a half bags. These are the results of the agricultural reforms we have carried out throughout Sertoria, including the Royal Capital Area Farm Test Site, and the harvest is larger compared to the villages in western Regnentes where I serve as the technical chief, and various places on the White Island where this technology has been correctly propagated. This also could not have been done without the cooperation of the Nakanohara Light Infantry Corps led by Captain Lewis. Thank you very much."
Cheers rise from the mountain bandits. To be honest, it couldn't have been done without their cooperation.
"Therefore, I hereby declare that the farm of the Class of 175 has completely accomplished the task issued by His Majesty five years ago!"
A grand round of applause erupts. Even Little Serena and Glory, who probably don't understand the meaning, are frolicking.
Next, Magdalena-sama stood up. She's in attire close to formal wear today.
"Representing the Sertorian Royal Family, I, Magdalena, approve the test results in this land."
Applause and cheers occur again. For a while, I participated in that clamor.
When Magdalena-sama raised her right hand, the mountain bandits fell silent. This time, even Little Serena and Glory sat quietly.
"Normally, this would be the subject of a reward, and His Majesty would directly confer medals and rewards at the palace. However, the subjects to be informed this time are for the activities of each and every member of the Class of 175, and some of them cannot be made public. Therefore, taking this opportunity, I, Magdalena, shall read out the letter I received from His Majesty in place of the reward."
Magdalena-sama took a scroll from her bosom and spread it out. Since Will, Bonnie, and Mary stood up, the remaining five also stood up.
"Reward. To the Class of 175. You all have shown brilliant activities in recent years in the Kingdom of Sertoria, the various countries of the White Island, and multiple countries on the continent, starting with the Kingdom of Sertogne..."
Magdalena-sama praised us for the various things we've done over these five years at length, citing one representative example per person.
"...Therefore, as a reward, the exclusive development rights for a specific land east of the simple field position in the western Eastern Plains shall be granted, along with a permanent free lease. That land is..."
The land read out as a reward was not just fifty fields. It was the scale of a village. Even if I say village, it's not at the level of having a settlement. In terms of distance, it was a village area the size of one post station.
It's much larger than the land Eleanor-sama explained before. It's along the highway connecting the Eastern Plains and the Royal Capital Area, constructed along the river flowing at the westernmost part of the Northeastern Forest, and from there to the west, it's the forest and wasteland up to the area bordering Little Serena's forest and the Eastern Plains simple field position, including several ponds and marshes.
I was dazed.
We were planning to make a town. We were trying to buy land for that. But the reality was harsh, and I thought we would only get enough land for eight people to live on. Certainly, we were aiming for the Eastern Plains. However, I never thought of a whole village area. If people gather, it really will become a town...
"However, in granting the free lease, the following conditions shall be attached."
The following conditions were that it is a prerequisite to develop the wasteland, excluding forests above a certain area. To aim for the coexistence and co-prosperity of various races and develop it in harmony with the surroundings. If it is judged that this is not being done, it will be confiscated. Also, in the case of development, even if it is only a part, the relevant location must be reported in advance. In development, the state shall bear half of the development costs for three years after the application is accepted, and taxes shall be exempted. The state shall cooperate in recruiting personnel for development, but shall not be the main body. For the developed locations, from the fourth year onwards, regardless of the degree of development, the prescribed taxes must be paid. If a region that has once become subject to taxation is redeveloped, the state shall not provide assistance, and so on, it was written in detail.
By the way, if undeveloped, taxes are exempted, and if developed without permission, it will apparently be confiscated.
And that land is granted autonomy within the range that does not violate the laws of the Kingdom of Sertoria! We've come much closer to our dream.
"That is all I have to convey regarding the reward from His Majesty. Now, I shall hand over the certificate of approval for autonomy to one representative, so please accept it."
I came to my senses here. Who is the 'one representative'?
When I look at everyone, they are looking at each other with panicked expressions. In short, it means someone should answer. Normally, it would be the oldest... though only by months... Beatrix. That Beatrix is frequently sending glances to Lyudmila. Well, since Lyudmila's hard work practically led to the reward, it's appropriate if you say it's appropriate. That Lyudmila is looking down as if to say it's not her. Her way of speaking is that of an adult who can do her job, but her inside might not have changed at all. The one acting composed is Beowulf, who is grinning as if to say she's out of the running. After that, there's Matilda, the manager of the main shop, but...
"It would be better if you all discussed it once. Shall we have the acceptance after that?"
Magdalena-sama said so while laughing with her hand over her mouth, so we all gathered. It's a consultation in a different place.
"It's okay that we're getting the Eastern Plains, right?"
Beatrix confirmed. Since she was in Morandine all this time, she hasn't finished consulting with everyone.
Everyone looks at Lyudmila. The decision-making power is almost held by Lyudmila.
"I-Isn't it okay? It's too wide, though."
Lyudmila also seems bewildered by the excessive vastness.
"It's fine. Since we can get it, let's just take it."
It's Mary. This girl is basically like this. However, it was decided here.
"Then, the rest is the acceptance. Jeanne, I'm counting on you."
Beatrix ran away. Since she's trying to go back just like that, I grab her shoulder and stop her.
"It's not 'I'm counting on you'! You're the oldest, so you do it."
"No. I'm a mere mage. This is the turn for a priest."
"That doesn't matter. You're a knight too. You're qualified."
"If you say that, how many knights and people of rank do you think are here?"
That's true. When I count, let's see, there are four, five, six people.
"Then, I'm exempted."
"Me too. Thank goodness!"
Matilda and Lyudmila quickly declared their withdrawal. Oh no. Both of the main candidates have disappeared.
When I glare at Beatrix, she makes a sour face as if thinking 'oh no'.
"I'll eventually be a foreigner, so I'm exempted, right?"
Beowulf withdrew. This is, well, it can't be helped.
"Me and Bonnie are directly under Eleanor-sama, so we're exempted. Because it might end up being an internal talk."
"Yeah. That's right."
Will and Bonnie also withdrew.
Th-This is also, well, can't be helped, I guess...
There are three left.
"I'm also getting married soon, so I guess I'm exempted."
It's Mary. I see, getting married... wait, WHAT!
"I haven't heard, I haven't heard, is it true?"
The place became noisy.
"Yeah. Excuse me for going ahead."
"What about the rules?"
If you don't report when you get a boyfriend, it's an impeachment trial.
"It's no good. It's a secret. I couldn't say. But I'll announce it later."
A-A secret, huh. It'll probably be some noble or wealthy person anyway. It's possible for this girl.
"Ah, my bad. I'm getting married next year too. I'll announce it after Mary."
"Ehh! Matilda, in your case it's not a secret, right! Who is it, the partner!"
"Why is it not a secret in my case!"
"Eh? Is it a secret?"
"W-Well, yeah."
Suspicious...
"It's true! I was told to keep quiet by an important person. Really. It's okay if I say it later, right?"
Her face is bright red. She doesn't seem to be angry.
Three people getting married at this point? Well, it's strange that no one has done it until now.
"Jeanne, I'm counting on you for the rest."
Beatrix, you're not getting married, are you?
In the end, Magdalena-sama said it was fine for two people to do it at the same time, so the two of us received it. I'm the right hand, Beatrix is the left. Just like that, we said our thanks and went back to everyone, and I immediately handed it to Matilda, telling her to manage it at the main shop. She looked a bit displeased for a moment, but if it's the Class of 175, the main shop is the basic window. Perhaps having given up, she accepted it quietly.
The problem is after that. It's the marriage report following Beowulf. Beowulf, who was sixth in the ranking of who would get married first in the Class of 175, made the first marriage announcement in a major upset, but since the next ones are first and second, it's appropriate if you say it's appropriate. However, what does it mean that both of their partners touch upon secrets?
"I've decided to marry Hughes-sama."
This is also a major upset. The partner is a commoner, although he's a hero. Well, since he's the Captain of the Royal Guard, it's an occupation that only nobles can do in other countries.
Bantering whistles echo from the mountain bandits who also take on scouting work. Among them, there's a guy saying 'Captain of the Royal Guard, you idiot' in the confusion, but is he okay?
"Since when?"
"We started dating after the start of trade with Finis, I guess. Especially for places I was going to for the first time, he always provided guard duty."
It seems it was Magdalena-sama's instruction. Of course, Hughes-sama also apparently wished for it. It's certainly a secret. Mary was half-poking her nose into national secrets. That was also likely because of Hughes-sama's support. She must have been taught self-defense with a knife too.
"Umm, you know the hero's triumphal ceremony? At that time, we called out the names of all the heroes and the countries of the White Island in order, right? He proposed after that."
Ehh! How many years ago was that? Besides, wasn't it almost their first meeting?
"W-What did he say?"
Beatrix bit. Miana secretly moved to a place where it's easy to hear. After all, Mary is her former boss. She must have met Hughes-sama frequently at the palace too.
"'I'll protect you for life. Marry me.'"
That's quite manly. It's like the man of few words, Hughes-sama.
Mary's heart was pierced by the powerful proposal from a man strong enough to defeat the Demon Lord.
"But I told him to wait a bit more. I wasn't even eighteen yet back then. I wanted to experience various things. In the end, I made him wait for seven years."
She seems to have some leeway.
"So, when we get married next year, it'll be for two people. Let's all work hard together."
It seems Hughes-sama will be coming along. How reassuring. Wait? Then why is she exempted from being the representative?
"Hmm? Well, it's fine, isn't it?"
Listen... that's a scam. That.
The other person scheduled to be married is Matilda.
Who on earth is the partner?
"It's that guy. The younger one at the guard unit workshop."
A workplace marriage, huh. However, the partner is also unexpected. To think that Matilda, the Class of 175's top brawler, would have her heart stolen by such a weak-looking guy. Did she awaken to her maternal instincts?
"Listen, I can't say much, but that guy is strong. Stronger than me."
When she told him to try winning in a fight if he wanted to date her, she was apparently thrown and had her joints locked. I feel like I've heard a similar story somewhere. I thought he was an erotic priest... former priest, but... who was good with his hands, but that wasn't the case.
"Magdalena-sama, is it okay to say? About him."
For some reason, she's asking Magdalena-sama. Could it be another important person from the palace?
"I don't mind. If it's here."
"Thank you. Then, I'll say it..."
That apprentice. He's a Royal Guard and is like Hughes-sama's partner. I haven't seen him at the palace, but he must be one of the important people. The story that he returned to secular life to date the girl he liked was apparently a temporary guise to deceive the world. He had many business trips too. He must have been doing various things while commanding the mountain bandits. As proof of that, the mountain bandits are in a huge uproar. He seems to have been giving direct instructions. There's a guy saying 'Jones... that's the apprentice's name... you idiot', and a 'mad dog' is jumping on him and going 'poka-poka' on his head. Both are laughing, so it must be fine.
"I'll stay as I am even if I get married. I'll be in Nakanohara. Oh, I intend to make a house in the Eastern Plains too, though."
Then, you don't fall under the subject of representative exemption after all. It's a scam.