Chapter 243 – An Unexpected Reward

In the snowbound kingdom of Rodan, farming seemed nearly impossible.

But with dedicated facilities, these obstacles would vanish.

Together with Gregory-san and others, we quickly began drafting a plan for the project. Given the scale of the endeavor, we anticipated a significant increase in skilled labor. However, since Rodan had few workers adept in this technology, we’d need to bring them in from elsewhere—a tricky situation.

But with Gregory-san’s broad network, he was able to arrange everything.

Soon, skilled workers would be arriving in Rodan, possibly within the week.

「Thank you so much for everything.」

「Oh, it’s nothing if it helps the princess.」

By this point, Princess Sarina had become the central figure in national affairs.

Though the current king was still alive, his age had taken its toll, and he was mostly bedridden. Soon, with the proper formalities, Princess Sarina would be crowned queen of Rodan.

And her first policy would be to implement this farming initiative.

Unfortunately, with clients like Hugo-san, Martina’s father, waiting on us, we couldn’t stay in Rodan indefinitely. Gregory-san even promised to send a few farming experts to help guide the project. His connections are something else.

With the discussion settled, we began preparing for our return to the Kingdom of Krentz.

-0-

At the treehouse, Claudia-san and the Woodmen were probably waiting for us, and frankly, we were all feeling a bit homesick. Rodan is a splendid place, but there’s nothing quite like home.

We hadn’t planned to stay this long, but the coup had extended our stay, and Gregory-san also had plenty of work piling up because of it.

So, the next morning, after all was settled, we set out for the Kingdom of Krentz.

「Come back anytime; I’ll make sure you’re properly welcomed.」

Schultz-san said, gripping my hand in a firm handshake.

「Thank you.」

After packing up, Gregory-san approached us.

「Well done, Bale.」

「Oh, no, I really didn’t do much—」

「No need to be modest. You did an excellent job. Rodan Kingdom now considers us close allies, and you’ll likely be awarded a medal for this.」

「A… a medal!?」

This was quickly turning into something unimaginable. I’d never thought I’d receive an honor like that.

「You earned it. Think of it as something to look forward to once you’re home.」

Gregory-san said with a hearty laugh. But honestly, it didn’t quite feel real.

What concerned me, though, was how my family—especially my father—might react to me receiving a medal before Dirk.

Not that I’d ever return, even if they asked me.