Even with the backlight, the fiery crimson eyes were looking at Forli.
Reactively, Forli gulped, gathered all the courage he could muster, and looked back at those eyes that were so high up.
He thought that the crimson dragon had a smile on his face.
“Interesting.”
Was that how he sounded like?
A faint glow spread across the forest. Behind its long neck, an even more massive wing spread out.
The wings flapped. A thunderous wind rumbled through the air.
Then the Ancient Dragon took off.
Forli closed his eyes reflexively from the dust that the wind blew off. When he opened his eyes after the wind had calmed down, the dragon had already flown off into the distance.
[End of Flashback]
Ekaterina’s POV
This is an episode that makes my nerdy heart itchy… Where did he go, that Demon Dragon King?
“Interesting, he said?” (Alexei)
“Yes, sir.” (Forli)
At Alexei’s words, Forli nodded.
“It had already flown away, but it’s probably watching us from somewhere. He is probably wondering if we are really trying to coexist with the forest or just coming up with another trick.” (Forli)
“Hmm. In other words, the Ancient Dragon saw the good in planting trees. It’s easy to see why he would limit the cultivation of the land. Very well, let’s make a hundred-year plan for the Duke of Yurinova’s domain. From now on, we will basically plant trees in the areas that have been cut down.
However, in consideration of the feelings of the people, if there is a place suitable for farming, we will allow cultivation. Please work with Danil to legalize the area.” (Alexei)
“By your will.” (Forli)
Danil Regal is the legal advisor to the Duke of Yurinova. Considering the laws of the empire, the territorial laws of the dukedom, and the situation on the ground that Forli knows about, he has to think about details such as how to treat those who violate the measures after clearly stating the measures. Punishing them unilaterally would cause a backlash from the people.
3rd POV
…The fantasy of talking to the most ancient of dragons has turned into an unbelievable bureaucratic job of making laws and regulations.
In this world, dragons are not a fantasy, but a reality.
While thinking about this, Ekaterina daintily took a bite of today’s lunch of fried bread filled with ingredients. Even a young lady who strictly watches out for her diet would not be able to resist taking a bite of this. It was warm and delicious.
She made this with Flora. However, Flora was not in the office right now because she was called to a special class outside the school to learn about Holy Magic. Though, she took some fried bread with her for lunch.
“And with this and that done, I guess we can cut down the special order Black Dragon Cedar from the Sun Temple.” (Alexei)
“I’m relieved. It would be good to keep a good relation with that place.” (Halil)
Halil, the head of commerce, responded to Alexei’s words, and a relieved air passed through the office.
“I have a report for you, Young Lady. We have received an order from the Empress for the Heavenly Blue. She will be using it in combination with imported fabrics. There are a few more orders from other sources.” (Halil)
“My! That’s very nice of her.” (Ekaterina)
Yay, the Empress had adopted it! I’m sure it’s going to be a very stylish dress. I’m so glad, Camilla, the designer, really recommended it.
Villainess Tourism Ambassador, mission clear!
“You’ve solved a conundrum for me. You’ve been very helpful.” (Alexei)
Ekaterina shook her head at Alexei’s words.
“That’s very kind of you. But what I did was only a matter of trifle. This was only made possible with the help of Big Brother and all of you.” (Ekaterina)
