Chapter 52

After listening to Yurii's report and seeing him off, the next person to enter was Anna.

She works as the financial and administrative officer and usually receives direct instructions from Noein. Therefore, Noein thought it would be smoother to receive reports directly rather than through Yurii, who acts as the lord's deputy.

"Lord Noein, how are you feeling?"

"Much better, as you can see. I caused you all trouble by catching Eld fever at my age."

"No, I'm fine. Besides, since then, Kristi has become a reliable force."

Anna chuckled at Noein's self-deprecating complaint.

Like Yurii, her report didn't seem to bring up any major issues. It was unlikely that much would change in just five days, but since this was the first time Noein had been away from work for so long, he felt relieved.

"Well, Lord Noein, since you have this rare opportunity to rest, please take it easy and recover from the fatigue of the past development efforts."

"You say the same thing as Yurii."

"Of course, we vassals understand how hard you've worked."

Despite the lord being down with a fever for several days, causing extra work for the vassals, no one complained. Instead, they encouraged him to take full advantage of this time to rest. This was the best proof of how much Noein was loved by his subordinates.

"Thank you. I'll take your advice and rest."

"Yes, please do."

With a gentle smile, Anna left the room.

Shortly after, the last person to enter for a report was Kristi.

"Lord Noein, how are you feeling?"

Kristi asked with genuine concern, and Noein replied with a smile, "I'm almost fine. Thank you for worrying."

"That's good... really good."

Hearing this, Kristi finally looked a bit relieved. She must have been quite anxious since her lord had collapsed shortly after she pledged her loyalty.

For Noein, who had seen Kristi's hysterical anger just a few weeks ago, it was still somewhat surprising to see such a sincere and kind expression from her.

"Can I hear your report on the experiments now?"

"Yes! I'll start with the potato cultivation—"

Kristi, who had become more sincere and enthusiastic about her work, not only helped Anna but also excelled in unexpected areas.

She managed and recorded the cultivation experiments of potatoes and soybeans.

Potatoes and soybeans were almost unknown in the Kingdom of Rodenberg, so there was a lot of trial and error in their cultivation.

Kristi volunteered to change the conditions such as the amount of fertilizer and water, and the method of care, while recording the growth.

Currently, she is working with the agricultural officer Edgar and Noein's serfs to establish more efficient cultivation methods.

For Kristi, who had honed her logical and advanced thinking skills in high school, this was the perfect role. Seeing her talent blossom in a different way from Anna's overwhelming practical ability, Noein felt proud as her master.

"---That's the report for about a week. We can't draw conclusions yet without long-term results, but there are definite changes in growth depending on the method of care and the amount of fertilizer."

"I understand. Good job, Kristi. You're doing great and are very talented."

"I'm so happy to hear that!"

When Noein praised her, Kristi replied with a beaming smile. If she had a tail, it would have been wagging with joy.

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Kristi."

"Yes, the work is very enjoyable. I can feel the results of my efforts, and it's much more fun than living a luxurious life at home or studying in high school."

"That's good. But don't overdo it, okay? You also have to help Anna with her work."

"Yes! My body is also Lord Noein's property, so I'll manage my health while working hard!"

With that bright response, Kristi left the room, saying, "Lord Noein, please take care of yourself."

Watching her go, Noein sighed softly.

"...I wanted Kristi to accept the current situation, so I 're-educated' her, but maybe it was a bit too extreme?"

Her drastic transformation left Noein a bit bewildered. He had indeed wanted her to accept the situation and had given her a strong 're-education,' but he hadn't expected her to change so completely, almost like a different person. It made her seem like a dog that had become attached to its owner.

At least she didn't say, "I want affection at night," and was content to be a labor slave who had become attached to her master.

"Kristi has understood Lord Noein's greatness and changed her way of life, which I think is wonderful."

While Noein was bewildered, Matilda seemed pleased to have a fellow slave who worshipped their master.

"Hasn't Matilda had any conflicts with Kristi since then?"

"There have been no problems. On the contrary, they are deepening their friendship as fellow servants of Lord Noein."

"I see... that's good."

Imagining Matilda and Kristi praising him in his absence, Noein felt a mix of emotions.

"Still, everyone tells me to take it easy."

"Lord Noein has been working tirelessly for over a year since the first day of development, without a single day off. Everyone understands this and is concerned for your well-being. I feel the same way."

Matilda had been by Noein's side from the very first day of development and had seen his hard work up close. That's why she also thought it was a good idea for him to take a break.

"...So, even after the Eld fever is gone, it might be okay to take it easy for a day or two?"

"Yes, I think that's a very good idea."

"In that case, I want to spend some quiet time with Matilda. And I want to be intimate during the day."

"I would be delighted to accompany you, Lord Noein."

Matilda smiled in response. She was almost expressionless in front of others, but she showed her smile to Noein. He liked this special feeling.

"To do that, I need to bring my fever down quickly. I'll take a nap. I want to take a bath when I wake up."

"I'll prepare the bath for you. Please rest well, Lord Noein."