Chapter 52 - Episode 51: Noein Runs a Fever ②
After finishing the report from Yuri and seeing him out of the room, the next person to enter was Anna.
As the person in charge of finance and administration, she usually works under Noein's direct instructions. Therefore, Noein thought that communication would go more smoothly if he received reports directly rather than through Yuri, the acting lord.
"Noein-sama, how are you feeling?"
"As you can see, I'm feeling much better. I've put you through a lot of trouble because I caught something like Eld Fever at my age."
"No, I am quite alright. Since then, Christy has also become a reliable asset."
Anna let out a small giggle at Noein, who was complaining with a hint of self-deprecation.
Just as with Yuri, her report indicated that no particularly major problems had occurred. It was unlikely that such significant changes would happen within the territory in just five days, but since this was the first time he had been away from work for so many days, Noein felt a sense of relief.
"Well then, Noein-sama, since you have this rare opportunity to recuperate, please rest well and heal the fatigue from the development up until now."
"You're saying the same thing as Yuri."
"That is because we, your retainers, know very well how hard you have worked until now, Noein-sama."
Even though the lord had been down with a fever for days and had placed a burden on his retainers because of it, not only did no one complain, but they even showed their consideration by telling him to "take this opportunity to rest to your heart's content." It was the greatest proof that Noein was loved by his subordinates.
"Thank you. I'll take you up on that and get some proper rest."
"Yes, please do."
Smiling gently, Anna left the room.
Shortly thereafter, the last person to enter for a report was Christy.
"Noein-sama, how is your health?"
To Christy, who asked with genuine worry from the bottom of her heart, Noein replied with a smile, "I'm almost fine now. Thank you for worrying about me."
"Thank goodness... I'm truly glad."
Hearing this, Christy's expression finally relaxed slightly. For her, since her master had collapsed shortly after she swore her loyalty, she must have been quite anxious.
Having seen Christy's hysterical anger just a few weeks ago, Noein was still a bit surprised that such a candid and gentle expression could come from the same face.
"Well then, could I hear the report on the experiments?"
"Yes! First, I shall report on the cultivation of potatoes—"
Having become honest and enthusiastic about her work, Christy was not only helping Anna with her duties but was also demonstrating her strengths in unexpected areas.
Specifically, the management and recording of cultivation experiments for potatoes and soybeans.
Since neither potatoes nor soybeans were widely known in the Kingdom of Lordberg, there was a great deal of trial and error in their cultivation.
Thus, Christy had volunteered herself for the role of recording growth progress while varying the cultivation conditions, such as the amount of fertilizer and water, and the method of care.
Currently, while receiving advice from Edgar, who was in charge of agriculture, and the serfs owned by Noein, she was striving to establish more efficient cultivation know-how.
For Christy, who had trained her logical and advanced thinking skills in High School, it was the perfect role. Seeing Christy bloom with her talent in a different way from Anna, who showed overwhelming practical ability, Noein felt joy as her master.
"—That concludes the report for the past week. I cannot draw a conclusion until I see the long-term results, but it seems there will certainly be a change in growth depending on the method of care and the amount of fertilizer."
"I understand. Good work. You've been working very hard, Christy. And you are very capable."
"I-I'm happy to be praised!"
When Noein praised her, Christy responded with a beaming smile. If she had a tail, she looked as if she would be wagging it wildly with joy.
"I'm glad you're spending your time happily, Christy."
"Yes. Work is very fun. I can feel my own efforts turning into actual results... it's much more enjoyable than when I was simply living in luxury at my parents' home. Even with my studies in High School, I didn't think it could be this fun."
"That's good. But don't overdo it, okay? You're also helping Anna with her work."
"Yes! Since my body is also Noein-sama's property, I will work my hardest while properly managing my health!"
Speaking brightly, Christy left the room after leaving words of get-well wishes: "Noein-sama, please take care of yourself."
Seeing her off, Noein let out a small sigh.
"...I 're-educated' Christy because I wanted her to accept the current situation, but was I a bit too extreme?"
Noein himself was slightly bewildered by her extreme transformation. It was true that he had administered intense "re-education" wanting her to accept the status quo, but for her to change as if she were a different person entirely, including her personality... it was as if she were a dog devoted to its owner.
It was a saving grace that she didn't say things like "I want your favor at night," and was simply devoted to her master as a labor slave.
"Since Christy has also understood Noein-sama's greatness and corrected her way of life, I believe it is a wonderful thing."
While Noein was bewildered, Matilda seemed happy to have gained a fellow slave who worshipped her master.
"Matilda, have you and Christy had any clashes since then?"
"There are no problems at all. Rather, we are deepening our friendship as comrades serving Noein-sama."
"I see... that's good."
Imagining Matilda and Christy praising him behind his back, Noein said this while feeling an indescribable emotion.
"Still, everyone is telling me to rest slowly, aren't they?"
"Noein-sama, you have fulfilled your duties for over a year since the first day of development without taking a single holiday. Because everyone understands that, they are concerned for your person. I feel the same."
Matilda had seen Noein's hard work from the closest proximity since the very first day of development. That was why she also wanted Noein to take a slow rest on this occasion.
"...Then, even after the Eld Fever is gone, would it be okay if I relaxed for a day or two?"
"Yes, I think that is a very good idea."
"In that case, I want to spend some relaxing time with Matilda. Also, I want to flirt in the middle of the day."
"I would be delighted to accompany you, Noein-sama."
Matilda responded with a smile. Though she was almost expressionless in front of others, she showed her smile like this in front of Noein. Noein liked that feeling of exclusivity.
"For that sake, I have to bring this fever down quickly. I'll take one more nap. When I wake up, I want to take a bath."
"I shall prepare the bath. Please rest well, Noein-sama."