Chapter 490 - Episode 11: Sertogne's Isolation Ward
Parting ways with Duke Harmonia and Archbishop Lloyd along the way, I was guided by the welcoming priest to what could be called a reception room. It was furnished with a large table, chairs with high backrests, and a chandelier, with a plush red carpet bordered with gold thread spread across the floor. At the front was a chair where the Archbishop would sit. We were encouraged to sit in a row. Edward-sama was at the head, followed by Sianya, and I was at the end. Opposite Edward-sama, Duke Harmonia would likely sit.
"This was harvested from the vineyard managed by our church."
The drink served was a high-quality red wine. No, it might have been even more than that. Whether it was the ease of drinking or the mouthfeel, to be honest, once it reaches a certain level of quality, there's nothing to say but that it's simply delicious.
Continental wine is tastier, but it's expensive on the White Island. I heard it wasn't that expensive here, but I wonder.
"Um, this is a very delicious wine. Do you export it to other countries after all?"
"Indeed. The wine I have served now is a special item the Archbishop serves to special guests. We do not make such things for sale. Besides, production is higher further south, so we do not send much to export and keep it for domestic consumption."
A special item...
Is it okay for me to drink this?
Somehow, it became difficult to drink.
I found myself staring at the red, transparent hue.
"Today, we have two members of the Primordian Royal Family. And above all, Bishop Jeanne, who devised the method for improving Just a Disease, has come. Therefore, by the Archbishop's instructions, I have served this."
Er, this is awkward. When it's put that way, it's even harder to drink.
When I slowly moved only my eyes to look at Sianya, she looked like she was about to burst out laughing for a moment, but she cleared her throat and maintained her composure.
"A pleasant mouthfeel and finish. A rich flavor. Don't you think, Edward?"
"A-ah, yeah, that's right. It's really good."
Edward-sama, please don't gulp it down like beer; say something.
As I was doing my best to pour the expensive liquid, which looked like melted red jewels, down my throat without succumbing to the pressure, the Archbishop in his red formal attire appeared along with Duke Harmonia, who was wearing a cloak.
"I apologize for making it seem so pretentious. Since you are formal guests of our church, I wanted to welcome you according to protocol."
I didn't hear about this, I really didn't.
Since Edward-sama and Sianya stood up, I hurriedly stood up as well. They were in formal wear, while I was in my worn-out autumn/winter Green Marble gear. I had felt relieved because the Archbishop had been wearing work clothes, but I wish I had at least worn my priest's robes like Sianya.
"Archbishop, and Duke Harmonia, I apologize for appearing like this. We are in the middle of an operation, so please forgive us."
Skillful. As expected of the Crown Prince. He parried it well.
I wasn't in the middle of an operation, but I decided to nod vigorously along with him.
"Please, do not let it trouble you. Once I have finished introducing the main members of our church to you, I shall also cast off this grand attire and return to the work clothes I am wearing underneath."
Oh, so that's how it is. That gave me a start.
The church we visited apparently doubles as a treatment center that houses and treats patients who have been judged better off isolated as an epidemic measure. In Sertorian terms, it would be the Royal Medical Research Institute. It is also an auxiliary facility of the Great Cathedral in the capital of the Duchy of Harmonia, and it seems Archbishop Lloyd, the head of the Harmonia Capital Great Cathedral, concurrently serves as the head of this church.
There were three priests introduced. All were Bishops and were the heads of their respective departments. Originally there are five, but since one is currently in Primordia and another is on that small island, there were only three.
The Bishop in Primordia is, of course, in charge of epidemics, including Just a Disease. The Bishop on the small island is said to be skilled in treating the injured. Of the remaining three, one is in charge of accounting and public relations, and this person is effectively the Number Two. Then there's the one in charge of managing the herb garden, and finally, the second person in charge of epidemics.
The three of them, including the other two, were specialists in measures for the sick and wounded, and moreover, their places of origin were all different. Sertogne was apparently once divided into five countries, and they were people who came from each of those regions. They were all people who aspired to work in measures for the sick and wounded and had volunteered for this land; they were, so to speak, in training. Eventually, they would return to the regions where they were born and raised to become the heads of the Great Cathedrals that manage the bases for sick and wounded measures in those lands. All were from appropriate noble families.
Perhaps they take pride in their lineage. During their self-introductions, they said things like, "I am from such-and-such house of such-and-such Duchy," even though I hadn't asked.
In Sertogne, there are apparently even more priests of noble origin than in Regnentes. In particular, those at the rank of Bishop or higher are said to be almost entirely occupied by those of noble birth, and when it comes to Archbishops, they are almost without exception from well-known noble families.
"We have an obligation. Precisely because we come from the wealthy class, we must save the poor. Nobles and free farmers have military service, but serfs do not. They do not need to bear such obligations."
The effective Number Two—that is, the one in charge of management—said this with a dignified attitude.
Nobles must take the lead in going to battle to protect their ancestral lands and must be well-versed in politics and economics to enrich their territories. To that end, they must strive in their studies and martial arts training from childhood and devote themselves daily. To put it another way, having several members of the clan become priests is also a type of that obligation. And they give alms to the poor and take measures against epidemics. Or so they say.
"To that end, we must manage the church lands firmly and make them an economic foundation. As a result, those who have received sufficient education since childhood inevitably end up being chosen."
"I see, is that so?"
"It might be difficult to understand for Bishop Jeanne, who comes from a country like Sertoria where there is no class system."
Forget Sertoria; it might even be hard to understand for King Seldic of Engrio.
After that, I received an explanation about the scale of management of the church lands and was told stories about honey, grazing, and vineyards. That said, I too will eventually have to manage a town. Obligations and education aside, I was able to hear many helpful things. Perhaps because I joined Sianya in nodding along and asking questions midway, Number Two also explained things enthusiastically. I think it was a bit much that Edward-sama looked bored, but he is likely leaving it to Sianya, who will probably become his future advisor. In any case, it turned out to be quite a meaningful time.
"Ho, you manage a farm, albeit on a small scale, and even run a shop?"
"Yes. It's just for practice. I was taught from a young age that if one is not economically independent, one can do nothing."
"A wonderful way of thinking. Exactly so. As expected of the national character of the country founded by Guillaume-sama. You are thinking with your feet firmly on the ground."
I was praised profusely, and he taught me many more things after that.
After the lecture on management ended, we looked at the herb garden. Anyway, it was huge. It was like a park. There were even groves of trees for the plants that grow in the shade. Because of that, there were many varieties. On the other hand, herbs that can only be harvested in high altitudes or cold regions were not being cultivated. Northern Gram, managed by Saxburg and Aira, was more solid in those types. That's probably because the spirits are managing the things harvested in the northern part of the White Island. A large number of people also seemed to be assigned to the task; even though I only saw a small part, I encountered many priests wearing work clothes.
"This place boasts the largest scale among herb gardens west of West Liber."
The Bishop in charge was puffing out his chest.
It wasn't as large as the herb garden in East Liber that compiled the Encyclopedia of Herbs, but even so, it was impressive. Moreover, they apparently coordinate and exchange information with that herb garden in East Liber. Despite them being heathens.
"Regrettably, because it is relatively warm and in a plain, we cannot successfully grow plants from alpine regions or cold climates. We would like to coordinate with various countries as much as possible to prepare those types as well..."
Saying that while looking at Sianya meant he likely wants to coordinate with the White Island as well.
"I think that is a wonderful thing. Our country also hopes to participate in such coordination as much as possible."
"Oh, is that so! Would that, for example, be possible with other countries on the White Island as well?"
"Regarding other countries, could you give us a little more time? Coordination with the continent has only just been established regarding Just a Disease. We are also at war, and for now, we wish to devote our efforts to support."
"I see, I see. It is exactly as you say. Then, let us look forward to the future development of our coordination."
"Yes. We look forward to working with you as well. I shall work with Bishop Jeanne here to transcribe the Encyclopedia of Herbs. I am sure we will be in your care in many ways. Since we are inexperienced, please guide us well."
"I have heard. That by using the magic of legend, multiple people can transcribe at the same time. We look forward to working with you as well."
As expected of Sianya. She smoothly moved the conversation along and settled the matter effortlessly. Thanks to her, I was also able to speak properly about the transcription.
After the herb garden was the workshop.
They were making prosthetic arms and legs. The Bishop in charge of management was currently away, having moved to the small island. Instead, the priest in charge of technical matters welcomed us. He showed us sturdy prosthetic arms and legs that looked like parts of armor as samples. For some reason, there was a single pair of familiar long-boot-style prosthetic legs. Apparently, they had ordered one pair from the Royal Medical Research Institute in Sertoria. Since Matilda only makes things when there's an order, someone else must have made them.
"The ones we make in our country are for those who fight on the battlefield, so they are inevitably sturdy and heavy. Consequently, delicacy in movement is lost. Compared to those, the ones made in Sertoria seem light and good for everyday use."
The ones Matilda makes are basically for everyday use, not for combat. She focuses on ease of movement rather than sturdiness. That's why they're light. They are suitable for daily life and farm work.
"That technician is currently visiting the Primordian Royal Capital for technical transmission and information exchange. I was thinking of visiting there myself as early as tomorrow. I hope I can meet them successfully."
"By all means! I'm sure she'll be delighted!"
Because I said it so suddenly, the other person had a puzzled look on his face. I hurriedly explained that she was my companion.
"Is that true? I see, Matilda-san, then. May I tell her that I received an introduction from Bishop Jeanne when I go to Primordia?"
She would surely be happy too. I encouraged him, saying, "Please, go ahead."
After the workshop was the main event, the isolation ward for epidemic patients.
There was a place surrounded by groves and an outer wall, and the place that seemed to be the main gate was closed with an iron door.
As expected, the gatekeepers were priests, not soldiers, but upon entering the gate, we were immediately guided to a guardhouse and made to wear waterproof clothes made of bat wings. On top of that, we were told to wear strange masks that looked like they had beaks. When I put it on, there seemed to be something tucked into the beak, and my nose tingled. I almost coughed involuntarily.
"From here on, it is better not to open your mouth carelessly."
The guiding priest, who put his hand on the door leading further in, said in a cautious tone.
Unfortunately, Edward-sama, who was too large and had no clothes to wear, was left behind at the guardhouse as we proceeded through the door.
On the White Island, we wash our hands with magic water and such, but it hasn't fully reached the continent yet. That will be a future challenge. In the harbor, there's the merchant Henry Party, and Mary is there too. If things go well, we might be able to trade. For now, herbs that can't be obtained on the White Island and magic water made in Primordia should be enough for trade.
Once inside the first door, there was immediately a second door. There was another guardhouse, and inside was a single priest in waterproof clothes.
"Welcome. This is where patients with Just a Disease who are waiting for transport to the continent are kept. Please do not get too close to the patients."
Is this any time to be saying that? You've suspended transport during the war. What do you intend to do if they become critically ill in the meantime?
I decided to go straight to the patient who seemed to have the most severe symptoms and cast Anti-Sepsis. Archbishop Lloyd and Sianya, whom I had signaled with my eyes, cooperated and came with me, so the patient didn't try to run away and just looked at us timidly.
The supervising Bishop was away in Primordia. The priest in charge was flustered, but Lloyd-sama raised a hand to restrain him.
"Close your eyes and offer a prayer to the Goddess. Bishop Jeanne, who has come all the way from the White Island, will now lighten your illness."
At Lloyd-sama's words, the patients—no, including the priest from earlier—all gasped in unison. It seems my name is known along with the effects of the magic water.
Lloyd-sama removed the patient's clothes and the cloth covering their face and hands. The patient likely had a strong desire not to have their face seen. They looked down and covered their face with their hands.
"It's okay. Please look up. Put your hands on your knees. Please relax. It won't hurt, so rest assured and leave it to me. It's okay."
Saying that, I managed to get them to look up.
"Anti-Sepsis!"
I cast it with the intention of releasing an ultra-high-level spell, even if only with one hand.
The patient's body shuddered for a moment.
The light itself was stronger than the basic level. I managed to release it at a basic-intermediate level.
"Ah, it's warm... It's like being wrapped up."
When the patient said that with a sigh, the other patients edged closer.
As I illuminated them, the scabs on the skin fell off bit by bit, and raw pink flesh became visible.
I can't heal parts that have changed shape because even the bones were affected, but the skin should be able to regenerate. Since it's more powerful than the basic level, the effect should be somewhat stronger.
"Oh, this is indeed the miracle of the Goddess!"
Bishop Lloyd raised his voice, and the patients stirred.