Chapter 91

First, a Rest
The new vein investigation was now safely completed.

As for the outcome—one could say it was a success beyond expectations.

We had high hopes going in, but none of us imagined it would go this well.

When we emerged from the tunnel, it was already evening. While I wanted nothing more than to rush back to the Tryon estate and report our success, considering the potential dangers on the way back, we concluded it would be best to depart first thing tomorrow morning.

So tonight, we set up camp in the abandoned village and spent the night there.

“This village is going to come back to life again, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Mining that much mana ore will take time, and according to Amira’s investigation, there are still a lot more reactions further in.”

Amira, who had been the star of this expedition, seemed to have finally reached her limit and had dozed off with her head resting on Elina’s lap as they talked.

“She’s still so little… but she really gave it her all.”

“Yeah. Without her efforts, the new mana vein in the mountains would’ve stayed buried and forgotten.”

This discovery would likely have a huge economic impact on the Kingdom of Landval. And of course, the Tryon family, which owned this mountain, would benefit as well.

“… If this achievement is acknowledged, Lord Doyle might be able to meet with Lady Alyssa more naturally.”

“Isn’t that already not a problem? Watching the two of them, it’s obvious they’re in love! Even if there’s a big difference in their noble ranks, I’m sure they’ll end up together!”

“What makes you so sure?”

“It’s a woman’s intuition!”

“R-right…”

As for how reliable that was—well, maybe it was best not to question it. Most people had probably already noticed that the two were well-matched and had feelings for each other. Their meeting had been quite dramatic too.

Also, and this was just my personal impression, but the head of the ducal McCreed family didn’t seem like the type to worry much about status. In fact, it looked more like Lord Doyle was the one holding back. That part was frustrating to watch.

Unlike commoners, nobles aren’t free to fall in love as they please, and I fully understood that. But the difference in status between those two wasn’t so vast—if anything, it all came down to how they felt about each other.

“Hey! Sorry to interrupt the cozy moment, but give me a hand with setting up the tents!”

Called by Gary, I stood up.

“Sorry, I’ll be right there.”

“Oh, then I’ll help—”

“No, don’t worry about it. I’d hate to wake Amira. I’ll do the work for both of us.”

“Senior…”

Elina was clearly concerned about Amira, but I was sure she herself was pretty tired as well.

Besides… the real work was only just beginning.

First thing tomorrow morning, we needed to head back to the Tryon estate.

What do you think about this chapter?