Chapter 578 - Third Story: Duchy of Germania ②
After the treatment, the captain treated us to lunch. I ate together with the injured people who had safely recovered and become energetic. My mother tried to eat in a place quite far away, so Theresia-sama half-forced her to sit in the same place as everyone else.
Since we had been washed quite far to the east by the currents and wind since our departure, the White Island was already the coast of the Engrio territory. In fact, Vectis Island was visible. It took over two hours to reach the shore.
Seeing all the injured people move energetically to the quay, the gathered crowd let out a great cheer. Many of them are people who are deeply involved in trade with the White Island on a daily basis, and it is close to Sertogne where they can use basic magic. Since they knew about the existence of magic itself, their understanding was likely quick. Even so, they seemed surprised that my mother, who had an iron rod stuck in her back, was bowing profusely to Theresia-sama and the rest of us as if nothing had happened. Well, without magic, it was an injury that wouldn't have been strange if she had died. On top of that, a man whose broken arm had been easily healed was walking around showing it off, saying "Look, look," so it was even more so. The crowd all knelt down, surrounding Theresia-sama and us. Outside that circle, there were also people who looked like serfs, including mothers who had come to pick up the injured children.
Theresia-sama followed the children who had recovered and were running away. My mother, who had been stuck with the iron rod, followed from behind.
"I have something to talk to you about."
When Theresia-sama said that, the expressions of the mothers turned dark, a complete reversal from their full smiles.
What Theresia-sama proposed was a kind of contract. From November, a new farming method will begin in Theresia-sama's direct territories. For that purpose, there are various problems that must be organized and resolved, such as the allocation of land, changes in planting, and soil preparation. Above all, education of the serfs will be necessary. Fortunately, the King of Primordia is thoroughly knowledgeable. We should be able to get a lot of advice on adjustments between the conventional portion for next year's harvest and the portion based on the new plan for the year after next. If the people who fled have their identities revealed, they will be caught, punished, and returned to being serfs. Theresia-sama said that instead of that punishment, they should actively cooperate to spread the new farming method.
"It's until November. I will guarantee your livelihood until then. In exchange, when November comes, I will have you return to your villages. And I will have you work as serfs based on a new contract."
Next, Theresia-sama decided to complete the formal requisition of the direct territories in November, making the period until then a handover period. Since there are guard soldiers already sent in, there should be no problem with public order. Taxes for this year and next year will be halved. This has already been promulgated throughout the Duchy. And the payment of taxes, like in Sertoria, is in October. In other words, this year's taxes in the direct territories will effectively be fully exempted. The escaped serfs, as a penalty, will be made to study soil preparation using clover and farming methods using four types of crops, and then take that knowledge back to their villages. The study also included study sessions where they would actually go to Primordia.
King Seldic is a proper person, and it seems he placed guard soldiers without any looting from the land handed over to Theresia-sama... that is, the territory of the person who was the commander of the battle for the port town and became the lord by order of the West Liber Royal Palace. In other words, the houses, property, and even the stockpiled food remain as they were. Of course, he was probably thinking about the case where it became his own territory, and it likely also includes being part of the maneuvers for the founding of the Duchy of Roland. I don't think the King of East Liber would agree to an exchange with a place that was exposed to looting by the Engrio army either. However, the lord appointed by the Royal Palace who did not surrender and those who followed him had their entire families killed, and it seems the lands of other lords who resisted met a terrible fate. To be honest, I don't know if he is a good person or a bad person.
The mother who had been stuck with the iron rod said that since her life had been saved, she would do it even if she had to persuade her husband. Her husband, who had rushed over after hearing about the accident, also said he would do it.
Theresia-sama created a contract based on a draft she devised while consulting with Anri-sama during the time it took to return to the port, had the local church people read it aloud, and after having Anri-sama, the mother, and the husband confirm the contents, they concluded the contract. Note that there were two copies of the contract. One was written about the next two years, and the other was written about the third year and beyond.
In the first copy, it was written that after the two-year so-called study period ended, if they wished to move to the town, they would be made free citizens. However, property such as farmland and household goods that were rented and used from the former lord would be confiscated. There would be no mediation for housing or occupations, poll taxes would naturally be collected, and they would also bear labor duties.
In the second copy, it was written that from the third year, they would have the status of serfs under the new tax collection method. In other words, although they would be arrested as runaway serfs, they could conclude a new contract.
"I was listening to everything the Duke of Germania was talking about with the advisor. I think you guys have nothing to lose by going along with this person's talk. My, she's an admirable person. She's seriously thinking about improving the lives of you serfs. She's as different as heaven and earth from the stupid, arrogant nobles who did nothing but swing whips until now. Look, my arm's bone was snapped clean, but it's like this now. And the treatment fee was free to boot."
The man who fell from the second floor and broke his arm swung the arm that had been injured around vigorously with one shoulder bare.
It's obviously better to accept the new contract than to be arrested and return to their former lives. Partly because the contents of the contract were read aloud, everyone joined in concluding the contract. Originally, every time magic water was transported, she would drive a carriage to the port and distribute bread and sweets. Including the handling of this accident, her character must have been trusted.
The serfs who had fled were temporarily entrusted to the church. Theresia-sama handed several gold coins to the church priest for food expenses.
After parting with the mothers and children who thanked us, we got into a carriage and were guided to the former lord's mansion... now, Theresia-sama's mansion.
Normally, lunch would have been here, but the plan changed. So, it was decided to rest until the banquet, but only Anri-sama, Sianya, and I were called to Theresia-sama's private room.
The maids brought out drinks and sweets. It would have been good if Miana were here too.
"Once again, welcome to my Duchy."
"We are very honored to be invited today."
"Indeed, it is just as Sianya-sama says."
"Indeed, that is so."
First Sianya replied, and Anri-sama followed. To be honest, I didn't know what to do, so I imitated Anri-sama.
"How is it? What is your first impression of seeing my Duchy? And, was my behavior appropriate for a lord?"
She looks at us with upturned eyes. Theresia-sama is likely nervous in her own way.
"I believe it was quite sufficient."
"Is that true!"
She looks happy to be praised by Anri-sama, the part-time advisor.
"A person's character comes out in times of emergency. That accident happened by chance, but as a result of Theresia-sama's management, I believe you have gained a reputation no less than that of King Seldic, who made this entire Duchy territory defect from West Liber through epidemic countermeasures."
"Fair trials, fair punishments, fair tax collection, and above all else, a heart of compassion for the subjects—I intended to behave exactly as Anri-sama taught me."
"Umu. You have embodied it splendidly."
"Thank you very much."
The advisor who taught her gave his seal of approval. There is no mistake.
"After this, it is a matter of whether you can build effective relationships with neighboring countries, while maintaining a resolute attitude without being looked down upon, and showing a posture of doing what needs to be done when the time comes."
In other words, this would be diplomacy and war. Anri-sama is a priest, but he does not take an absolute anti-war stance.
"Well, both East and West Liber have national characters with many rebellions and foreign expeditions, so they likely have plenty of experience in that area."
"H-Haha."
According to Anri-sama, there are often rebellions, especially in East Liber. It's likely the result of integrating small tribes by force. The subsequent governance system might also be bad.
"In any case, protecting the land, that is, the people. That is precisely the duty of a lord. It seems that posture has already been recognized by the people of this town. I look forward to seeing what this Duchy will become under Theresia-sama."
Protecting the people means, first of all, preparing for the causes of mass death... the crises of war, epidemic, and famine. I believe Anri-sama said something like that. There are probably other natural disasters, but it's impossible to reduce those. It's likely about what to do when a disaster occurs.
The banquet was unexpectedly simple. That's no surprise, as the guests were all priests, starting with Lloyd-sama of Sertogne, who is to be Anri-sama's disciple, and including people from East and West Liber, and other countries on the mainland. If it were normal, they could have invited people from other countries on the White Island too. However, if they did that, royalty from Finis and Northern Gram, and priests from the Royal Capital Great Church from Medioland would participate. The political scent would become thick. It seems the reason Cadogan-sama and Phillips-sama are at the forefront is to emphasize that it is strictly a gathering of priests, disregarding politics and diplomacy. Such consideration was appreciated by me.
However, it seems the influence of the church is greater on the mainland than on the White Island, and that point is something to be careful about. It's just like Mary, who usually challenges banquets with her 'gold digger' fashion wearing the Alraune (male) stone, to be wearing inconspicuous clothes. She must have gathered information in advance. Moreover, she is talking with Theresia-sama, who is not an expert on epidemics. It's surely a talk about the buying and selling of magic water.
Fortunately, everyone is speaking the language of the White Island fluently. I heard later that it was Theresia-sama and Anri-sama's consideration for me. By the way, Mary can apparently speak it to some extent. Truly, she's not to be underestimated.
At the banquet, Anri-sama became the guest of honor. The priests from each country were all acquaintances of Anri-sama, and everyone was amazed at the sight of Anri-sama having overcome the 'Just a Disease', and at the same time, they were reconfirming the effects of magic water. In other words, people gathered around me. They are all priests who worship different gods, but they must be enthusiastic about epidemic countermeasures. They also show sufficient understanding of the magic used on the White Island. If I could use magic, I would surely have been made to demonstrate it many times.
"However, I was stunned when I received the letter saying treatment had begun, but you have truly recovered this much."
"Umu. Setting aside the shape of the eyes and fingers, that skin color is not that of a sufferer."
"Indeed. Moreover, you look younger than your actual age."
"The power of the White Island's magic is truly fearsome."
Everyone is an epidemic researcher. They are examining Anri-sama's body by pointing and touching here and there as if examining a patient.
"Is that so, is that so. Even an incurable disease is like this. This time it's thanks to the miracle of the White Island, that is, magic, but it means it wasn't a disease that couldn't be cured."
Anri-sama, for his part, is showing his body while half-naked as a specimen, with Lloyd-sama's help. Rather than a banquet at a mansion, it's a treatment scene in a hospital ward. The fine wine that Marcelo-san would want to drink and the various dishes whose recipes Angelica-san would want to know are all ignored.
"Did you say Bishop Phillips of Sertoria? I heard that in your country, you have constructed something called a Medical Research Institute and are conducting research on epidemic countermeasures."
"Yes. Unworthy as I am, I serve as the director. If it is convenient for you, I would be delighted if you would come for an inspection."
"Is that alright?"
"Yes, because we wish to exchange information widely with researchers from various countries. If you wish, please speak to me or Bishop Harris here."
Phillips-sama and Harris-sama are also surrounded.
"It has turned out exactly as Anri-sama imagined."
Theresia-sama and Sianya are grinning.
"Originally, they are people who have dedicated their lives to epidemic research. He said they would not even look at the food we prepared and would let the talk of research bloom."
Cadogan-sama, for his part, is enthusiastically debating with someone from some country. Since he isn't wearing priest's robes, he might be a commoner. When I asked Sianya, she said he's a noble from Sertogne.
"He's a strange... no, an admirable person; despite being a legitimate noble, he's enthusiastic about epidemic research."
He seems to be the third son of a family of decent standing. Around thirty years old? He has no need to inherit the family, but on the other hand, he has no intention of becoming a priest. It seems he begged his parents for a small allowance, and is collecting herbs to cure the diseases of the subjects. He is also on good terms with Lloyd-sama, and of course, knows Anri-sama well. He also frequently shows his face in Primordia and has connections with Cadogan-sama. During the war, he apparently acted together with the Sertogne army and worked on epidemic countermeasures for the army using magic water. There are eccentric people out there.
Since Sianya said she would introduce me, I got the chance to talk to that eccentric noble.
I give my first-time greetings.
"Are you Bishop Jeanne, who uses Anti-Sepsis! I am very honored to meet you."
As expected of a Sertogne person. He knows well.
"Bishop Jeanne, what kind of connection do you have with the first King of Sertoria, Guillaume-sama? Is it a blood relation?"
"Eh? No, I have no relation at all. If I had to say, I am a citizen of the country the first King founded."
"Fumu. Then, perhaps you are from the southeastern part of Nakanohara?"
"Ah, yes. I've heard so. How did you know?"
What I heard after that was a surprising fact.
It seems my ancestors are from Sertogne. The first King, for whatever reason he thought, recruited serfs from Sertogne who wished to migrate and created a pioneer village in the southeastern part of Sertogne. It seems to be the origin of the village that is in the same place now.
"Since your name was one I often hear around here, I wondered if that might be the case, but as I thought, you had a connection with Guillaume-sama in that regard."
In other words, my ancestors were born in Sertogne. Right? Well, that's fine in its own way. My ancestors went from being serfs to being free farmers in a country without a class system. Thanks to that, I was born in a good country. I should be grateful to my ancestors.
"How about it? Why not visit the land where Bishop Jeanne's ancestors are thought to have been born and raised once? It's the place where Guillaume-sama grew up, and it's a land connected to the magic Bishop Jeanne uses. Various legends also remain."
I see. Come to think of it, Anri-sama said something similar. A connected land, huh? That in itself, if I can go, I might understand something.