“You… Were you Marguerite?”

“You remember me. I’m Joseph Phyton, Marguerite’s father!”

“Good. What can you do?”

Joseph Phyton furrowed his brow, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.

“I’m good with parasitic plants and poisonous weeds!”

“I see. You’re appointed as the crop cultivation specialist. Next!”

The mages, who had been exchanging glances, quickly started raising their hands.

“Grenavier! Don’t you need water for farming? I’m the one who created a swamp in the garden!”

“You… Are you Rozalin?”

“Yes! I’m Karl Schmidt, who raised Rozalin!”

“Good. You’re in charge of irrigation facilities.”

Then, some of them sighed with regret. Mages who didn’t know much about farming didn’t know what to appeal with.
Then, the territory manager, who had been dragged to Grenavier’s side, cleared his throat and cautiously mumbled.

“Um… How should I go about building the mill?”

“Me! I’m now skilled in construction!”

Even without Grenavier stepping forward, the tasks for the territory manager were automatically distributed. Grenavier wore a proud smile.

“William will like it, won’t he?”

Hédèle chuckled and replied.

“William will like it, but the mages won’t appreciate having their research time constantly taken away.”

“If they don’t like it, they can leave.”

“That’s possible, Master. However, Master, how about you take a look at the research of the mages? We’ve gathered here because we want to learn from you. But you haven’t shown any interest so far. Even though you’re helping us with these tasks, isn’t it commendable?”

“Hmm.”

Grenavier stroked his chin.

“I don’t think I’ll be of much help in their research.”

“Still, please take a look occasionally and show some interest. Master, you’re a genius. It will surely be helpful.”

“It’s bothersome.”

While saying that, Grenavier nodded.

The development of farmland progressed quickly. The mages wanted to finish quickly and get back to their own research. The excited territory manager shouted.

“Lord Marquis, at this rate, it seems like it won’t take even a week!”
“Really?”

“All thanks to all the mages. Truly, it is an honor for me to work in the Rondante Territory.”

William awkwardly smiled. Thanks to his mother’s influence, things were progressing smoothly.

“What about the blacksmith issue?”

To make farming tools, a forge was needed, but the problem was finding a blacksmith to work in the forge.

A skilled technician is crucial. No matter how good the conditions were, there was no one willing to come all the way to the wasteland to work.

“That part is still…”

“We’ll need a budget to buy farming tools.”

“That’s right. Indeed, you are wise.”

There was still money available, but the endless spending in the future was also a problem.

Siod spoke, patting William’s shoulder.

“Take it slow, William. Rushing might backfire.”

“I know I can’t do everything at once. But the discomfort so far has been for the residents, not me.”

“Those people are grateful just that you are willing to help.”

Abandoned people. William felt uncomfortable passing by people who were bowing with expectant eyes.

Even if he didn’t know before, he left them neglected. Still, it was burdensome to feel grateful rather than resentful.

Walking alone on the dirt road, Siod asked William.

“But I’m curious. According to Grenavier, this is the first time you’ve been so actively involved in helping people. Why the change of heart?”
William scratched his head and responded.

“I don’t really know. Originally, I never dreamed of becoming a lord…”

“Is it because Grenavier suddenly suggested you become a duke?”

“That’s part of it.”

William had wanted to become an alchemist. He wanted to change people’s perception of alchemy. The reason behind this thought was Larisa.

Larisa had told him that if she became an alchemist helping people, it would change people’s views on alchemy. Perhaps he wanted recognition from others by doing so.

At first, he thought it was because of the inferiority complex of not being able to use magic, but even now that he could use dragonic magic, his feelings hadn’t changed.

William cautiously revealed his true wish.

“I want everyone to enjoy magic through alchemy.”

“What?”

“Magic is convenient, right? It’s unfair that only a select few enjoy that convenience.”

In the past, when he couldn’t use magic, he had been fixated on science. It might have been because he thought combining science and alchemy would surpass magic.

However, now, regardless of what he became, William wanted to be recognized by people. He wanted to be a great lord, duke, and alchemist to change the world.
“And the professor said that there’s no better way for nobles to change the perception of alchemy than by practicing it.”

“To be honest, I moved according to Grenavier’s intentions; I didn’t really hope for you to become a duke.”

“Then, what did you hope for me to do?”

“Just, I wished you did what you wanted.”

William felt fortunate for the first time that someone like Syod, a dragon like himself, was his father.