Chapter 57 – Let’s receive everyone’s smiles

“And this is an estimate of the damage caused by the sky salmon attack, and the money we can expect to gain from the magic stones we obtained.
I would like to give a special bonus to those who did a particularly good job”

The most important players in this camp have gathered inside Kalin’s tent.
I was called too.

“Ahri and Roa.”

“Yes.”

“Well done gauging the sky salmon’s power during their attack.
You performed a dangerous duty to make sure everyone received the information they needed quickly.
Very well done.”

After Kalin’s words of gratitude, a secretary hands each an envelope with a reward.

“Next, Litna.”

“Ah.”

“You fought arduously to protect the non-combatants.
It is thanks to you that none of them were harmed.
Many people here are very hot-blooded, so I trust your ability to command the ones that will want to immediately run ahead.”

“I am humbled to hear this.
I’m supposed to be retired from active duty, but I’m glad I could help”

Litna is also handed an envelope.

“Lastly, Rust.”

“Yes.”

“You prepared quickly, and took out all those sky salmon while making sure you didn’t cause any additional damage to the camp.
It was truly a great achievement that greatly reduced the damage we suffered.
One wrong move could have put this entire operation to develop this land on hold, so I have not enough words to thank you.
I am truly glad you decided to join us.”

“Thank you.”

I can’t help but respond with few words after hearing this glowing praise.
I also receive an envelope, and people in the tent start clapping.

This surprises me, so I look around, and what I see is people’s smiling faces.

I look at everyone one by one.

Roa’s expression is pretty much the same, but she’s clapping louder than anyone else.

Ahri has a kind smile on her face.

Litna is applauding hard with his large hands.

Kalin looks relieved.

And everyone else is smiling.

They’re all happy.

I was feeling kind of bad deep within my heart for letting Rihalzam get away, but seeing everyone’s smiles is making all that go away.

Kalin waits for the applause to stop, and starts speaking again.

“Also, about Master Rihalzam’s attack against Master Rust that happened before the sky salmon attacked.
I have issued an official complaint with the alchemist association, but as I’m sure many of you saw, the sky salmon also attacked the capital.
Apparently the alchemist association suffered a lot of damage.”

Kalin stops, and our eyes meet.

I had no intention of going back, but I’m not indifferent to the news of the destruction of my old haunt.
Still, I try to shake that off and respond while looking at Kalin.

“Apparently there is a lot of chaos in the royal castle as well.
I think that instead of waiting for instructions, we should take this opportunity to press forward and start distributing the magic crystals all at once.”

“Yes, although that means a lot of work for you Master Rust.”

“I have no objections.”

“Then please begin when you can.
The next batch of kagero fruit is scheduled to arrive in a few days.
We will also prioritize construction of the road.
The lord of the neighboring dominion is very much for it as well, so we will hammer out the details soon.
I am counting on everyone’s support.”

Kalin bows, and everyone responds in kind.

And then it’s over.
I leave Kalin’s tent and head to my own.

Everyone I pass has a cheerful expression.
Some stop me to thank and praise me, and it’s kind of embarrassing.

As soon as I reach my tent, I let out a big sigh.

I walk inside, and after taking a few steps, I notice something is off.
I look around me until my eyes reach a corner of the room, and two big round eyes meet my own.

The sleeping white lizard is awake.