After hearing Yuri’s report and seeing him out, the next person to enter was Anna.
She usually works under Noein’s direct instructions as the finance and administrative officer. Therefore, Noein thought it would be smoother to receive a report from her directly rather than through Yuri, the acting lord.
“Noein-sama, how are you feeling?”
“As you can see, I’m much better now. I must have caused you trouble by coming down with Eld Fever at my age.”
“No, I’m fine. And since then, Christy has become a reliable force as well.”
Anna smiled warmly at Noein as he grumbled self-deprecatingly.
Like Yuri’s report, Anna didn’t mention any major issues. It had only been five days, so it was unlikely that significant changes had occurred in the domain. However, Noein was relieved as this was his first time being away from work for several days.
“Well then, Noein-sama, since you have the chance to rest, please take your time to heal from all the fatigue of the recent developments.”
“You sound just like Yuri.”
“That’s because we all know how hard you’ve been working until now, Noein-sama.”
Even though the lord had been bedridden with a fever for several days, causing extra work for his retainers, none of them complained. Instead, they encouraged him to rest as much as possible. This was undeniable proof that Noein was loved by his subordinates.
“Thank you. I’ll take your advice and rest properly.”
“Please do.”
With a gentle smile, Anna left the room.
Shortly after, Christy came in to give her report.
“Noein-sama, how are you feeling?”
Christy’s concern was genuine, and Noein smiled as he reassured her, “I’m almost fully recovered. Thank you for worrying about me.”
“I’m so relieved… I truly am.”
Hearing this, Christy finally relaxed a little. She had likely been quite anxious, especially since her lord had collapsed not long after she swore her loyalty to him.
Having seen Christy’s hysterical anger just a few weeks ago, Noein was still a bit surprised to see such a kind and sincere expression on the same face.
“So, can you tell me about the experiment results?”
“Yes! Let me start with the potato cultivation report—”
Christy had not only become more open and enthusiastic about her work, but she was also excelling in unexpected areas.
She had taken on the management and documentation of the potato and soybean cultivation experiments.
Since potatoes and soybeans were largely unknown in the Kingdom of Lordberg, the cultivation process involved much trial and error.
Christy had volunteered to take charge of adjusting variables like fertilizer, water, and care methods, while documenting the plants’ growth.
Currently, she was working with Edgar, the agricultural head, and Noein’s serfs to establish more efficient cultivation techniques.
Christy, having honed her logical thinking and analytical skills in high school, was ideally suited for the task. Noein felt proud to see her flourish in a different way from Anna, who demonstrated overwhelming administrative ability.
“That concludes the report for the past week. Although we can’t draw any long-term conclusions yet, it seems clear that growth is affected by the care methods and fertilizer amounts.”
“I see. Thank you, Christy. You’ve been doing a great job, and you’re very talented.”
“I’m so happy to receive your praise!”
Christy’s face lit up with a radiant smile. If she had a tail, she’d probably be wagging it enthusiastically.
“I’m glad to see you’re enjoying yourself, Christy.”
“Yes, I’m really enjoying the work. It’s so fulfilling to see my efforts lead to real results… It’s much more fun than living in luxury at home or even studying at high school.”
“I’m glad to hear that. But don’t overwork yourself, okay? You’re also helping Anna with her tasks, right?”
“Yes! My body is also one of Noein-sama’s assets, so I’ll take good care of it while working hard!”
With that bright statement, Christy wished him well and left the room.
After seeing her out, Noein let out a small sigh.
“I wanted Christy to accept her situation, but maybe the ‘re-education’ was a bit extreme?”
Noein was slightly puzzled by Christy’s drastic transformation. He had indeed wanted her to come to terms with the situation, and had used strong ‘re-education’ methods to do so, but he hadn’t expected her to change so much, almost like a loyal dog to its master.
At least, he thought, she wasn’t asking for his affection at night, only serving him as a labor slave.
“I believe it’s wonderful that Christy has come to understand Noein-sama’s greatness and has changed her way of life,” said Mathilda, sounding pleased that she now had a fellow slave who worshipped their master.
“Mathilda, you haven’t had any issues with Christy?”
“No, none at all. In fact, we’ve become closer as comrades serving Noein-sama.”
“I see… that’s good to hear.”
Imagining Mathilda and Christy praising him behind his back left Noein with mixed feelings.
“Everyone’s telling me to take it easy, huh?”
“You’ve been working without rest since the first day of the settlement, Noein-sama. Everyone understands that, and that’s why they’re concerned for your health. I feel the same.”
Mathilda had been by Noein’s side since the very first day of the settlement, watching his efforts more closely than anyone. She, too, hoped he would take this opportunity to rest.
“…So, even after the Eld Fever is gone, it wouldn’t hurt to take a day or two off, right?”
“Yes, I think that would be a wonderful idea.”
“Then, I’d like to relax with you, Mathilda. And maybe have some affectionate time during the day.”
“I would be honored to accompany you, Noein-sama,” Mathilda replied with a smile. She rarely showed emotion in front of others, but with Noein, she always smiled. That sense of exclusivity was something Noein cherished.
“I’ll need to get better quickly for that. I’ll take another nap. When I wake up, I’d like to take a bath.”
“I’ll prepare the bath. Please rest well, Noein-sama.”
