Chapter 492 - Episode 13: Dialogue with the Old Bishop
That night, I was allowed to stay at Duke Harmonia's manor in the fortress.
The Duchy of Harmonia is about as large as Primordia, and the area of the plains is overwhelmingly larger in Harmonia. Since it is a Duchy, it was originally a Kingdom, which means the manor is actually a former royal palace. It is warmer than the White Island and has richer harvests, so in terms of luxury, it might be above most countries on the White Island. Barely, Medioland, Engrio, and Morandine might stand on equal footing.
What was particularly noteworthy was the dinner menu.
The ingredients themselves should have been similar, but not only was there a rich variety of seasonings, but the sauces were also made with elaborate methods, making both the appearance and the taste seem like something else entirely.
When I asked the server, they said that with a combination of good ingredients and good sauces, they can create a world of ever-changing flavors.
"Indeed. I hope it suits the palates of those from the White Island. It seems there is quite a gap between here and there in terms of food culture, or rather, philosophy."
Looking at how he said it so haughtily, he must have a lot of confidence in that culture or philosophy.
When I actually ate it, I felt like I couldn't blame him for saying so. It was so delicious that if Angelica-san ate it, she might consider immigrating.
Since it was a private dinner party, I thought it would end once we finished eating and drinking, but that was also very naive. When Duke Harmonia clapped his hands, several of his personal musicians came out. Looking closely, there was even an organ placed in the corner of the room.
Just to be clear, I can do basic steps. Mary and Fiona taught me, and I've had opportunities to go to various royal palaces, so I've also received instruction from the princesses of various countries, starting with Miana. However, since I'm a priest, I thought it better not to move too flashily, so I've been refusing as much as possible, but this time, of all things, I ended up receiving an invitation from Archbishop Lloyd. There was no way to refuse.
Beside Sianya, who was dancing gracefully after being invited by Edward-sama, I clumsily went through the steps, and somehow managed to limit stepping on feet to only twice.
"Bishop Jeanne. This day, when we were able to welcome you, may become a historical day for our Duchy."
Archbishop Lloyd, having finished his tearful conversation with his senior disciple, spoke to me in high spirits. Whether he was quite drunk or not, his face was red. I feel like his speech was also a bit slurred. Besides, historical days don't happen all that often.
"No, please. It is all thanks to the magic bestowed by the Goddess."
I kept it modest because it would be troublesome if the story became exaggerated. Even if it's disrespectful, everyone is satisfied if I bring up the Goddess's name.
"It is about that Goddess."
"?"
"The center of faith in our country, the Kingdom of Sertogne, is Goddess worship. However, as you may have observed, every year, though little by little, there are those who convert to other religions."
The inland areas, then. I heard there are many, especially near the border with West Liber. It's even rumored that the reason Sertogne decided to go to war with West Liber, with whom they had lived without conflict for many years, was related to religion. In reality, East Liber, with whom they have joined hands this time, is religiously about the same as West Liber, so it shouldn't have much to do with it. However, the fact that such rumors arise means it's a serious situation...
"As you know, the center of the Goddess's teachings is coexistence and co-prosperity. Therefore, we have maintained friendship and deepened exchange with heathens as well. However, since the existence of the Anti-Sepsis magic water was made known to our country from Primordia, the rumor gradually spread among the people, and the decrease in followers who worship the Goddess has been halted."
That's a wonderful thing. It became proof that the Goddess's teachings are correct. I'm happy that I could contribute a little.
"Of course, in relief of the patients with Just a Disease, we issued a proclamation to the entire land."
Even if the level drops, it's a region where magic can be used. The news that magic, which had been nothing more than a legend through churches and administrative agencies, had been revived was received as good news by some magic researchers. As a result, voices apparently rose from churches in various places saying that patients should be sent for what would also serve as a demonstration experiment.
"There were not only such voices, but also certainly voices saying it was a good opportunity to get rid of nuisances. In any case, it wasn't a very well-regarded disease. It spread mainly among magic researchers, not just priests."
And finally, the first few people crossed the sea as a trial. Lloyd-sama also apparently accompanied them.
It seems they only had them bathe in hot water mixed with magic water, but the results came out in a few days. The situation at that time must be as I heard from Sianya.
The entire Church apparently boiled over at the report that the results of the experiment were successful. Voices became loud saying that this fact should be widely publicized, including to other countries, and that the momentum of Goddess worship should be reclaimed.
"Originally, we should probably be ashamed. For such an act. We should purely rejoice for the patients. However, even I, the moment I witnessed the miracle, shed tears for that senior disciple. I cannot speak for others."
As a priest, he should have shed tears for all patients. That said, even if he's a priest, he's human after all and different from a god. Even if it doesn't go as far as likes and dislikes, there are cases where it can't be helped that one tends to think preferentially of those with whom one is personally close. And Lloyd-sama surely didn't prioritize the treatment of only his senior disciple. Since he ordered magic water with a limited effective time and had him bathe just like the other patients, he has sufficiently fulfilled his duties as a priest.
I think he's different from those who thought of increasing followers as a top priority over the treatment of patients.
"However, just as the discovery of a treatment for that disease was the top priority for me, who started research on epidemic measures to save my senior disciple, for those people, the maintenance of the church organization and the acquisition of followers necessary to spread the Goddess's teachings are likely the priority tasks above all else."
Thinking too much about one thing has narrowed their vision. As a result, every single thing ends up being tied to that one thing.
That's what Lloyd-sama said.
"For the first time in a long while, I received a reprimand from that person."
Bishop Lloyd, for whom the discovery of a treatment for Just a Disease was the top priority, apparently wouldn't be exaggerating to say he lived only for that. A prospect for a treatment method was established with Anti-Sepsis. However, when that became clear, the symptoms of his senior disciple had progressed, and he was in a state where they couldn't converse. That showed no improvement even after bathing in hot water mixed with magic water. This is because Anti-Sepsis cannot heal parts that have been deformed down to the bone or cases where the organs themselves are affected. It's the same as how a severed arm or leg cannot be regenerated with Heal.
"Regarding that, I inadvertently lamented. Immediately, I was scolded. And then, that person said: 'Then start a new inquiry'."
That was Thought Communication.
"That person was thinking about what could be done for those with disabilities in parts of their bodies, not just epidemic measures. There are many things that must be explored. Do not think it will be resolved in a few years or decades. It is fine if it is resolved over the next generation, or even the generation after that. To that end, do what can be done now and entrust it to the next generation. That is what he said."
What a far-reaching thought.
Lloyd-sama traveled all over seeking a treatment for Just a Disease. Of course, this must have been after gathering information from trading merchants. As a result, he got injured, and although he can walk, his leg became disabled. That should have all been because he wanted to save his senior disciple.
By the way, why is the day I came to this country a day that will remain in the history of Sertogne? It was because of what Archbishop Lloyd's senior disciple was thinking.
"It is a grand coalition. In the various continental nations, there are many people like my senior disciple who are sincerely working on epidemic measures. I too met a fair number of people during my travels. They are people who deepened their exchange with my senior disciple when he was healthy. We will cooperate with such people and create organizations involved in such things in various places. Among those organizations, we will coordinate and unite across borders, across politics, and even across religions."
It is a grand plan.
The senior disciple apparently said that he would reach out to people in regions where exchange is relatively advanced, if not the entire continent, to recruit collaborators, and by expanding little by little, eventually achieve a grand coalition. And that was today.
"I think it's a wonderful idea, but doesn't it have nothing to do with me?"
Certainly, with Thought Communication, the opportunities for Lloyd-sama and his senior disciple to converse will increase in the future. However, originally, the senior disciple was able to speak his thoughts.
"That is true. However, to put such a grand plan into action, some event that can be called a miracle is necessary. Otherwise, no one will pay attention or even make it a topic of conversation."
The senior disciple apparently thought that Anti-Sepsis alone was weak. In reality, miracles happen occasionally. Those are things brought about by the power of god-like beings by chance, not by necessity. Besides, with the current social structure, that alone cannot attract people.
"That person is thinking of inviting various researchers from continental nations somewhere. First, a meeting. And if that person speaks at that place..."
The senior disciple, preceding Lloyd-sama, traveled all over the continent seeking methods for epidemic measures. And he met various researchers wherever he went. After he himself became infected with Just a Disease, he entrusted the rest to Lloyd-sama. And he recorded the changes in his own symptoms minutely along with sketches and transmitted them to researchers in various countries. In other words, researchers in various countries know that the senior disciple fell into a critical state. That critical patient recovers and speaks at a meeting. It will certainly be received with shock.
But then, shouldn't they make the day of that meeting the day that remains in history?
That's what I thought, but...
"As of today, I am issuing letters to the main researchers of our country and relatively nearby countries, who are acquaintances of mine and my senior disciple, stating that we have succeeded in conversing with him through Bishop Jeanne's Thought Communication."
Er, is that true? That?
"Therefore, today is exactly the anniversary that can be called the forerunner of new epidemic measures in this country."
Um, surely you haven't put my name in it.
Fortunately, it seems he didn't put my name in the letters. He said he originally intended to, but was stopped by his senior disciple.
"He told me not to do anything that would cause trouble for Bishop Jeanne."
"I am grateful for his consideration. Please give him my regards."
"Regarding that, would you be willing to meet with him in person, perhaps early tomorrow morning? I think just after dawn would be fine. He says there is something he wants to tell you directly, only to you."
"To me?"
"Yes."
I've received plenty of words of thanks. It's difficult to deliver Thought Communication regularly, but I can manage the magic water. Since he's on the road to recovery, it's just a matter of patience until he can eventually cross over to Primordia. That part has already been discussed with Sianya.
What on earth could he want?
I asked Lloyd-sama, but he just laughed and told me to ask the man himself.
Early the next morning, before the transcription, I visited Archbishop Lloyd's senior disciple.
I greeted him with the stick as Lloyd-sama had taught me and released Thought Communication.
(Can you hear me?)
(Ah, I can hear you well. To think I could speak with Bishop Jeanne like this again. Thank you so much.)
(No, it's all thanks to the Goddess.)
(You are too modest. But because Bishop Jeanne is that kind of person, the Goddess must have bestowed a miracle upon you.)
(Um, you said you had something to tell me?)
(That's right. I hear you are practicing transcription today. Since you must be busy, I will speak briefly.)
Saying that, the story began, but the business was about the First King.
(I once investigated the magic of legend that Guillaume-sama used. Guillaume-sama considered the possibility that similar magic users had existed in our country in the past. And after his accession, when he visited, he requested the Great Cathedral in that land to conduct an investigation.)
The results of that investigation are apparently still stored in that Great Cathedral.
Why was he able to see it?
It was related to the fact that this person is from one of the most prominent noble families in Sertogne.
(My lineage is connected to the Royal House. One might call it a branch. It is the lineage of a King's daughter.)
Strictly speaking, he apparently also had the right of succession to the throne. However, because of that, after he became infected with Just a Disease, he was removed from the register by his clan, who feared a stain on the family name, and was effectively exiled. Therefore, he must have investigated the First King's achievements before his infection.
(At that time, there was a passage in what I saw that caught my interest very much. Of course, it was about the magic of legend.)
The First King did not read the secret books of the mountain. He couldn't break through the barrier. Since the dwarf gatekeeper didn't know him, there's no mistake.
(As a result of the investigation, an ancient document was found. It records the five magics of legend.)
What... maybe I can find out things that even the investigation of the secret books didn't reveal.
(It said that those who master that magic would heal those who have lost the power they should originally possess.)
Heal those who have lost the power they should originally possess... healing magic...
In the secret books of the mountain, there was a notation of 'Healer' or something. Is that it?
(Light dispels darkness, Thought Communication conveys words, Anti-Sepsis dispels part of the disease, Repellent dispels those that carry the disease, and Sight increases visual acuity. And it was written that those magics, by being combined with the magic called Holy Magic, are strengthened.)
That's certainly true. And Light was strengthened by Holy.
(Bishop Jeanne. I heard from Lloyd. That you are on close terms with Eleanor-sama of Sertoria.)
(Yes. I am grateful for that.)
(Please convey my words just now to Eleanor-sama. If possible, along with Eleanor-sama's ally, Bishop Catherine. Those two might be able to draw out the true power of the magic of legend.)
Eleanor-sama and the Headmistress, huh. Certainly, the two of them reportedly conducted joint research on how to use magic in various ways. It would be worth consulting them.
(And one more thing.)
(Yes. What is it?)
(Those who master the five magics of legend might cease to be human.)
( ! )
Cease to be human...
Could it be the Fifth Spirit that Gnome was talking about? But I heard that my will or something would become a spirit, and I would remain human...
(Therefore, it is better to keep this matter private. However, those two would likely give you advice, including such things.)
(Ye... s.)
Those who master it likely refers to ultra-high-level magic users. I was given a 'trigger' or something by Gnome, and my magic control itself became ultra-high-level. That's why the power of my magic increased accordingly. However, it's not that I can use ultra-high-level magic. That's why the effects of the First King series remain at the high level. If I could get my hands on the fifth Black Stone held by Gnome...
Would I be able to become the one who heals those who have lost the power they should originally possess... a Healer?