After observing the changes caused by the Purification magic, the Dragon King remained silent for a few moments, staring at the land. It was evident that even he had not expected such a great transformation. Even without any crops, the land already had a much healthier appearance than before.
He then turned his gaze toward me and smiled.
"There is still one more thing I need to show you."
I nodded.
"What is it?"
"Come with me."
We began walking along a stone road that crossed part of the property. As we continued forward, I could perceive the size of the lands that had been given to me. They were truly vast. There were small hills, an area near a river with crystal-clear waters, some scattered trees, and a considerable distance to the mountains that surrounded the entire region.
Even though it was a difficult place for agriculture, it was beautiful.
The air was pure.
The concentration of mana remained high, but now it seemed much more stable than before.
Liriel noticed that as well.
"The Purification reorganized much of the natural mana here."
I looked at her.
"So the entire environment has changed."
"Yes."
She smiled slightly.
"There is still a lot of work ahead, but the first step has been taken."
We continued walking for a few more minutes.
That was when a building appeared in front of us.
It was a mansion.
It was not as large as my residence in the Human Kingdom, but it still stood out because of its size. The walls were made of light-colored stone mixed with dark wood. The roof had an elegant finish, and several windows allowed plenty of light inside.
I was genuinely surprised.
I looked at the king.
"This mansion..."
"Is yours."
I blinked several times.
"Mine?"
He laughed.
"Of course."
I approached the building, observing every detail.
The garden was still simple, but there was enough space for future crops and other structures.
The doors were wide and reinforced.
Everything looked new.
"When was this built?"
"Shortly after our last conversation."
I looked at him without hiding my surprise.
"You already expected me to return?"
"I did."
He answered naturally.
"Promises must be kept."
I smiled.
"Thank you for that."
"You don't need to thank me."
We entered the mansion.
As soon as I crossed the main door, I realized that the interior was already completely prepared.
The room had new furniture.
Sofas.
Tables.
Shelves.
Rugs.
There was even a stone fireplace near the main wall.
Everything was organized.
The kitchen already had utensils as well.
The bedrooms had beds, wardrobes, and other furniture necessary for living.
Scarlett looked around.
"It's very comfortable."
Elara agreed.
"I really like it."
Lyannis walked around, observing each room with curiosity.
"There is enough space for everyone."
Rai'kanna smiled.
"It almost feels like we've been living here for a long time."
Liriel's assistant seemed delighted.
"The dragons really went all out."
The king chuckled slightly.
"I'm glad you liked it."
While we explored the rooms, some people approached the entrance of the mansion.
They all bowed respectfully.
The king caught my attention.
"I want to introduce some people."
I went outside again.
The first man stepped forward.
He was tall, had dark brown hair, and small scales appeared near his neck.
He maintained a firm posture.
"My name is Dargon."
"I am an administrative adviser to the Dragon Kingdom."
He bowed again.
"I was assigned to assist you in managing these lands."
I shook his hand.
"Nice to meet you."
"It will be an honor to work alongside you."
Then other people approached.
There were servants responsible for cleaning.
Others would take care of maintaining the property.
There were also cooks and workers who would eventually help with the crops.
They were all dragons who used their human-dragon forms.
I noticed that each of them seemed very dedicated.
I greeted everyone individually.
"I am counting on you."
They responded almost at the same time.
"Leave it to us."
The king watched with satisfaction.
"I chose people I trust."
"I noticed."
After meeting all the servants, I noticed that someone remained a little farther away, watching the conversation.
It was the princess.
She maintained a discreet smile while listening to everything.
I approached her.
"Are you going back to the castle now as well?"
Before she could answer, the king answered for her.
"Actually, no."
I looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
"She will remain here for some time."
The princess confirmed with a small nod.
"I would like to get to know these lands better."
The king smiled.
"And also get to know you better."
She blushed slightly.
"Father..."
He simply laughed.
The women watched the scene.
Scarlett simply sighed.
Elara smiled discreetly.
Rai'kanna seemed to have already expected this kind of situation.
Liriel's assistant approached me.
"You really attract curious situations."
I shook my head.
"Not always by choice."
She laughed.
"I know."
After talking for some more time about the property, the king looked at the sky.
"The day is already getting late."
He turned his eyes toward me.
"I need to return to the castle."
I nodded.
"I understand."
He placed one hand on my shoulder.
"I entrust these lands to you."
"I will do my best to develop them."
"I'm sure you will."
He then looked at the adviser.
"Dargon."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Assist Takumi with everything that is necessary."
"It will be done."
The king then returned to his dragon form.
Before taking flight, he looked at all of us once again.
"I will return soon to check on the progress."
The princess bowed slightly.
"Have a safe journey, Father."
With a powerful beat of his wings, he took flight.
We watched until he disappeared among the mountains.
When the sky finally became silent again, I looked at the property once more.
Now that enormous region was truly under my responsibility.
I turned my eyes toward the princess, who remained beside me, observing the landscape.
She smiled gently.
"It seems we will be neighbors for some time."
I smiled back.
"Looks like we'll have plenty of time to talk."
As the sun began to disappear behind the mountains, I had the feeling that this would be the beginning of a companionship that would change many things from that point onward.