A Gift for the Great Saint (4)

"Chief, forgive me for contradicting you, but although Sutherland is far from the royal capital, there is no doubt that it is an important region for the Nerve Kingdom. That is precisely why it was designated a duchy."

Commander Cyril's expression shifted from surprise to composure, and he began explaining the situation to the chief.

The chief, for their part, nodded deeply as if they understood everything.

"Yes, I understand that. I know very well that this land's value rose because... 'Holy Stones' can be harvested here."

"What..."

Commander Cyril murmured briefly, as if he had heard something he never expected.

The chief continued, looking apologetic.

"It was me. I was the one who once put these stones on the market."

"Huh?"

"About thirty years ago, when my son was getting married, I wanted to entertain as many people as possible, so I put the 'Holy Stones' up for sale. I knew they could only be obtained from shellfish living deep beneath the sea, and that, because of the depth where they lived, only the people of the outlying islands—with our webbed hands—could harvest them. And yet I sold them on a whim, without giving it proper thought."...