The Cursed Forest Where I Was Exiled Had Somehow Been Designated As A Sanctuary. - Awakened to the Purification skill, I, Surrounded By Divine Dragons And Great Spirits, Become The King of A Nation - Episode 31

Royal Treasurer of the Arclight Kingdom, Robert Maniment.

He succeeded his father, who was the Minister of Finance at the time and passed away early, and became the head of the Maniment Marquis family, a robe-wearing aristocracy without any territory.

As an analyst, he was already showcasing his talents to the fullest despite his young age.

Zess has also crossed paths with him several times at the royal castle.

Was it because he was a noble of the robe, or was it due to his innate disposition, that he showed respect even to me, who was once a “cleaning worker”?

――Perhaps, both.

I can’t believe he ended up getting swept away in the forest…

Zess, having heard the situation from Robert who had regained consciousness, let out a small sigh.

I only voiced my opposition out of concern for the country, but did my case cause everything to fall apart?

It is said that Robert was sent to the forest just for opposing the recent excessive increase in the military budget and the tax hike.

If you believe his words, it’s a terrible story.

Once they forcibly branded him with the stigma of treason and executed him with the extreme punishment of being sent down the river, they likely concluded that they could do the same to anyone who was a nuisance.

That said, Zess can’t understand the reason for being so confident.

“However, I never would have guessed that Lord Zess was royalty…”

“I knew it! The noble dignity that emanates from Lord Zess!”

“I always thought you were no ordinary person either!”

“Your Highness Zess! Long live!”

“……Stop it……”

During the process of hearing Robert’s circumstances, Zess’s circumstances also became known to the villagers.

Hearing the cheers of the villagers who had gathered in the square, Zess muttered as if giving up.

“However, the Arclight Kingdom… what a terrible place.”

“No, no, thanks to that, we were able to meet Lord Zess. We can’t thank you enough.”

“That’s right, that’s right! Long live the Arclight Kingdom!”

“……Fine, do whatever you want.”

Zess gives up on the villagers who don’t know how to settle down.

Flora and Larrado also looked at me with sparkling eyes, making it impossible to handle.

“However, I never would have imagined that there would be such a place in the Great Tree Sea.”

While adjusting his cracked glasses, Robert looks around at his surroundings.

“Besides, I never expected that a great spirit and even a dragon would make their home here.”

“Yggdrasil originally lived in this place, you know. Oh, and Haku found you and brought you here.”

“That… I can’t thank you enough. Thank you so much.”

“Growl!”

To Robert, who bowed deeply, Haku growled proudly.

Perhaps because the response was so human-like, Robert forced a strained smile.

“Haha, I’m still in a dreamlike state. Half a day since being scolded by His Majesty and sent to the forest. How many times do you think I’ve died, how many times have I braced myself for death…”

“Don’t worry. Here, there won’t be any more monsters, and we have a house and food. Besides…”

Zess once again subjected Robert to “cleansing.”

“You can also become beautiful, you know.”

“This is… Ah, yes, Lord Zess often used his skills on the castle maids, didn’t he?”

“I knew it.”

“When I was walking down the corridor a few times… I thought each time, if it’s this person――”

Robert directed a gaze at Zess as if looking at a distant landscape, and a faint smile escaped his lips.

“Robert?”

“……No, it’s pointless to think about it now.”

Robert shakes his head from side to side, trying to forget something.

To him, Zess extended his hand.

“Well, there have been a lot of disasters, but you and I are safe and sound like this, so let’s work hard together from now on. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, this village is quite a fun and nice place. I’m also able to do what I want to do.”

“Is that alright?”

“Of course”

In response to Zess’s nod, the villagers gathered around also chimed in, saying, “Of course!” “If you’re not going to do it, then we won’t either!”

Watching them, Robert smiled slightly.

“If you don’t mind someone like me, I’d be happy to help.”

Robert kneels in place without taking Zess’s hand.

It was a gesture of subservience, and the villagers gathered at the scene were captivated by its refined mannerisms, eventually leading to applause dominating the area.

It goes without saying that a welcome party for Robert was held that night with the entire village participating.

Perhaps because of the commotion during the day, Larrado and the others repeatedly lamented, “If only we had some alcohol…”

Due to his background as a treasurer, Robert was entrusted with the management of the village’s trade.

Although I hesitated as a newcomer, I decided to show the trade ledger for now.

“This, this is…!”

The location is Zess’s house.

Robert stared in disbelief as he trembled with both hands gripping the ledger.

As the Larrado who were present held their breath in anticipation, Robert squeezed out his words.

“Too cruel…”

“R-Really?”

“Oh, no, I don’t intend to disregard what everyone has thought… It’s just that, from the perspective of investment and trade, that…”

Zess gives a wry smile to Robert, who shrinks his shoulders as if overwhelmed with embarrassment.

“Come on, don’t hold back. I showed you the books because I wanted to hear a professional opinion like yours, Robert. So, what do you think?”

In response to the expectant gazes of the Zess, Robert let out a small sigh and placed his hand firmly on his chest.

“Though I am unworthy, I, Robert, will do my utmost to contribute to the long-term development of Yggdrasil Village!”

◆　◆　◆

“Vegetable prices are skyrocketing this time of year! Let’s convert about 20% of this month’s deliveries into cash and put it into savings.”

“I think purchasing luxury goods is quite acceptable. However! Recently, ale from the kingdom has been in short supply. It would be better to seek out the empire’s wines!”

“Also, the crafts made by the elves will likely see a decrease in production as winter approaches. Keeping that in mind, we need to negotiate a slightly higher price in the next business meeting!”

Robert, who was bustling around the exchange with a ledger in hand, was very enthusiastic.

Although Zess will give the final approval, it has already been communicated to the Silk Trading Company that most of the trading authority has been delegated to Robert, and he will be the one to conduct future negotiations with merchants.

Zess was watching Robert with concern from outside the trading post.

“Zess, are you worried about something?”

“Yggdrasil…”

Yggdrasil, noticing Zess’s unusual behavior, asked curiously.

“He’s really exceptional. It’s thanks to the [Analyst]’s skill in [Assessment].”

“Well, he probably got promoted precisely because he’s so capable. I’m not worried about Robert’s skills as a treasurer.”

“Then why are you looking at him so anxiously?”

“Does it look that way to you?”

“Visible”

Gazed at by Yggdrasil’s jade-green eyes, Zess muttered softly.

“His current enthusiasm somehow seems forced to me.”

“Putting on a brave face?”

“I’m pretty sure Robert had a wife and kids. I’m worried because he’s never mentioned them.”

Fortunate or unfortunate, the Arclight Kingdom does not practice collective punishment.

Just because Robert was sentenced to the punishment of being sent to the forest, it doesn’t mean his family will receive the same punishment, but their future livelihood is not guaranteed either.

Even at this very moment, it is entirely possible that they are wandering the streets.

Yugushiru also looked at Robert like Zess did.

“Are you trying to forget by throwing yourself into work?”

Zess also nods at her murmur.

“It just looked that way to me, you know. If that’s the case, I was wondering if there was any way to let them meet the family.”

“If you think so, then bring them along.”

“Huh?”

“This village has a teleportation circle.”

“Ah! That’s it, of course! Yggdrasil, you’re a genius!”

“Hehe, Zess is such a fool.”

“Hey, you don’t have to put me down like that.”

When I glared at Yggdrasil, who had been casually mocking me with her chest puffed out, she poked my head with her finger.

Shaking off Yggdrasil like that, Zess rushed over to Robert.