Chapter 592 - Chapter Eleven: To the Duchy of Naonent
It was the day after the full moon in mid-March when we switched from the Henry Party's bowl to Harmonia's boastful fast ship off the coast of the wetlands on the Primordia border. Bishop Lloyd was already on the ship.
"Jeanne-bishop, you have made a good decision this time."
He thanked me immediately. Bishop Lloyd will be the factual guide for this journey. We set sail as soon as we boarded. The main participants are Bishop Lloyd, Sianya, Harris-sama, Hermit-sama, Will, Bonnie, and me. In addition, several Harmonia priests are on board. It's to negotiate with the local nobles and the Church. This time, Bishop Lloyd became the chief envoy, and Sianya became the deputy envoy.
"From here, it will be a journey of about six days one way. On the way, we will stop at Naonent and stay for one night."
We'll apparently stay at the site for about three days. It's going to be quite busy.
Where I'm going is the edge of the Duchy of Naonent, which is part of Sertogne. The Duchy of Naonent is located south of Harmonia, and although it straddles another Duchy, it's on the same coastline. It's the southernmost land of Sertogne.
Sertogne was once divided into five countries. Naonent was the family second only to the Royal Family among the five families called the Five Houses of Sertogne, and the capital Naonent seems to have boasted considerable power. Truly, it could have been the center of the country and become the capital by uniting the Five Houses, but as a result of discussions including political marriages, it apparently became the current Kingdom of Sertogne. I was taught this part by Will.
After setting sail off the coast of Harmonia, we headed south along the coastline. We go up from the mouth of a large river. This river flows from West Liber. The territory of that noble also seems to be along the river. It's precisely because this river exists that this talk was established. Because magic water and patients can be transported by ship.
There are almost no undulations... in other words, the river flow is gentle. Moreover, perhaps because it generally flows from west to east, we can catch the wind from the sea in the sails. Since it's a Harmonia ship with many oars, we proceeded at considerable speed.
Going up the river, there is a place with many sandbanks. On its north bank, the capital of the Duchy of Naonent, Naonent, spreads out. Being of noble origin, the town and the fortress are large, and the number of ships coming and going is also high. It must be wealthy. By the way, the south bank is also apparently Duchy of Naonent territory, and the capital Naonent is said to be quite wide if the south bank is included.
Perhaps because we came south, the wind is much warmer compared to the White Island. Even though it's March, the height of the weeds is long and the number of flowers on the windowsills of the houses lined up along the riverbank is high.
When we reached the quay, we took the carriage that had come to meet us and headed for the Great Church. The one who welcomed us was the Archbishop.
"Everyone, welcome. I have heard the story from Archbishop Lloyd."
The Archbishop is a refined person, and he wore his vestments to welcome a stray priest like me. He also replied politely during the first-time greeting.
We were shown to the guest room and given drinks. I gave a first-time greeting to the three bishops who assist the Archbishop. When I asked about the plague situation at that time, I was thanked again.
The plague that broke out mainly in the West Liber coastal areas not only spread to the inland but also jumped to the coastal areas of neighboring countries. The movement of people due to the war might also be a factor in the epidemic. The provision of magic water to Sertogne has been carried out with Harmonia as a base since before the spread became severe, and next, magic water made in Engrio, and further in Northern Gram and Finis, was provided to East and West Liber, and containment was attempted.
In Naonent, since it's far from the northern coast of West Liber where the great epidemic occurred last year, the possibility of infection itself was low. Besides, magic water jumped from Primordia to Harmonia by Teleport is transported by ship. Regarding the usage, a detailed instruction manual was distributed by Bishop Lloyd, and they apparently thoroughly checked for infected people among those getting off the ships, mainly sailors and merchants, upon entering the port, and if suspicious, they isolated them, and even if not suspicious, they thoroughly enforced hand washing and face washing. They did that after designating ports where foreign-going ships arrive. Fortunately, since the only place they share a land border with is West Liber which is at war, that was simply settled with a blockade. After that, since it's the border with other Duchy territories within Sertogne, they blockaded it except for some highways where magic water can be used. They must have built a good cooperative system within Sertogne. The problem is this year's summer, but compared to last year, the orbs managed by the Wetlands Priestess will be operational. Probably, the orbs managed by Count Vectis will also be operational. Production volume in Engrio will also increase. At least, it'll be better than last year.
Thanks were given not only for the plague countermeasures but also for the improvement in the missionary situation. Even within Sertogne, in regions close to the White Island like the Duchy of Harmonia, it's one thing, but when coming as far south as Naonent which shares a border with West Liber, the number of people who have converted to the monotheism popular on the mainland increases. It seems that those who saw the effects of magic water have started to convert back. When the local faith became deep, the effectiveness of magic seemed to improve, and although it's only here and there, basic-level mages have apparently started to increase. The southern part of Naonent, where the number of people who had converted to monotheism was increasing, is said to be recovering considerably.
It's a materialistic story, but people often turn toward profit. It's also a fact that the Church organization has been maintained by utilizing such aspects. I think "what the heck," but that must be the reality.
After that, we went to the Royal Palace and greeted the Duke of Naonent. Being a person from a family of noble origin, the Duke of Naonent was a person with a generous feel. He feels similar to the King of Medioland. I heard that the people of Sertogne were originally people of the White Island. Especially the Royal Family and nobles are proud of being of White Island lineage, and their awareness of protecting this land is apparently strong. Accordingly, they also did not forget their gratitude to the Goddess for the effects of magic water and apparently increased the amount of donations to the Church. In return, the Church is apparently striving to enhance isolation facilities and increase the number of priests in charge. He seemed to lament that lately, the number of people converting to monotheism, mainly among commoners and serfs, had increased, but people have started to convert back due to the effects of magic water. He was also very grateful for that point.
"I hear you have come for the sake of the people of West Liber this time. Personally, I think there is no need to convert the people of that land for the time being."
Those who worship the Goddess have coexistence and co-prosperity as their principle. Even if a neighbor worships a different god, that's that, and they should just get along. Therefore, the Duke of Naonent's statement is not particularly impious. However, to say it at this timing, could it be sarcasm?
"Saving the infected is an important thing. Based on the spirit of coexistence and co-prosperity, we want to save those who can be saved even if they are heathens. However, we are technically at war with the neighboring country. It would be unbearable if a large number of converts appeared and people who use magic freely emerged."
Saying that, he winked.
It seems the people of Sertogne have a strong sense of playfulness. And it's black.
After the Royal Palace, we headed to the isolation ward. Since it's one of the sandbanks, it's surrounded by the river. It's perfect for isolation. Taking a dedicated ferry across the river, we could enter the site surrounded by wooden fences directly from the waterway. Getting off the boat, several huts are built. The structure is similar to the facility in Primordia designed by Cadogan-sama, and entering the main gate, there is an office, and there are herb gardens, workshops, and places to store magic water. Passing through the path in between, there is a station, and we put on infection prevention clothes made of bat wings. Beyond that is the isolation ward.
Currently, there are five wards, and they were dividing the infected people into five stages based on the difference in infectivity found by investigating records, and assigning patients according to that strength. This idea didn't exist on the White Island, so I decided to consult with Sianya, learn how to divide them, record it on parchment, and take it back.
Basically, if one is accommodated in this facility, it's half for research purposes, so it's apparently free of charge.
By the way, patients with severe symptoms like colds that spread in winter, which were judged to have no effect from magic water in Primordia's research, were apparently transferred across the river. Because the Church sells herbs.
Magic will be at best a two-stage drop, so I chose only five people with severe symptoms and cast mid-level magic with the intention of casting ultra-high-level. Usually, it's just administration of herbs and bathing in reused magic water. They filter it well to remove dirt, but even for diseases where fresh water works, it takes a long time until complete recovery. If I cast mid-level magic, the recovery will be faster. Actually, the patients who were lying in bed reached a state where they could sit up.
Promising to come again on the way back, we exited for the day.
That night, there was a banquet at the Royal Palace, but almost all the nobles who came to give a first-time greeting asked me to sell them magic water. In extreme cases, some even said that since they have connections and can resell it at a high price, they would give me half of the sales. Of course, I refused them all.
The next morning, I boarded a ship with several people in charge of border-related procedures and the Archbishop of the Naonent Great Church and several priests including the bishop in charge of the plague, and after going up the river for about half a day, we arrived at our destination. It's a small town along the highway a little north of the river. There is a fortress on the riverbank, and from there, the opposite bank is West Liber. It's the territory of that noble. Since the river width is sufficiently wide, they can probably carry patients on large riverboats. Since the flow is gentle, it's easier for the patients than coming in a shaking carriage, and they can carry many at once. Since I have to fire magic repeatedly for treatment, it'll basically be basic-level using high-level magic control, but I'll do what I can in three days.
When I went to the local church, people had already gathered. They were all people who seemed well-off. Those hanging swords at their waists must be nobles. Some are drinking wine poured from bottles held by attendants. Are they really sick?
In a place away from the self-proclaimed patients, there is a group of people wearing priest-like clothes. I saw similar clothing during the Great Unity Conference. They must be priests of the local monotheism. The believers they went to the trouble of converting are being taken back. It would be bad for their position if even the West Liber nobles were converted. They must have come to see the situation.
"Um, where are the sick people? Please guide me."
I said it with plenty of sarcasm.
Hearing my voice, one fat old guy spoke to the man with a sword drinking wine next to him.
"Your Excellency! Jeanne-sama has arrived. Come, quickly!"
"Oh, I see. Thank you. By the way, are you fine with this?"
"It is fine for us lowly people to be later. First, please, the high-born people go ahead."
"Oh, that's a good attitude. Then, shall we finish first?"
Apparently, they are a noble and a wealthy person. The noble has a magnificent mustache. Perhaps they have their own order, as they started to form something like a line while exchanging glances. Since those hanging swords at their waists came forward, they must all be knights. There are about three. The front of the line is the mustached old guy called Your Excellency.
"Oh! You are Jeanne-sama. How lovely..."
Everyone passes in front of me and gathers around Sianya. They seem polite, as they are greeting her properly.
Well, certainly, Sianya is a princess and my ancestor was a former Sertogne serf. The dignity or rather the presence is different, and it's undeniable that there's a difference in looks. But hey, just because her face is cute doesn't mean she can use the First King series.
Sianya introduced herself, and finally, the misunderstanding was cleared. I gave a first-time greeting to everyone again.
Hey! Mustached old guy! Don't go to Sianya's side as soon as you're done greeting me!
"What kind of business do you all have with us, exactly?"
After the round of greetings was over, Bishop Lloyd spoke up again.
"We have come to bathe in the miraculous light that exorcises the disease demon of Jeanne-bishop. We have also obtained permission from the Duke of Naonent in advance. We have families too, but we were told that a large number of border crossings is a no-go, so we have them waiting in carriages beyond the checkpoint. They are scheduled to come and bathe in order, but first, I would like to ask for myself as the head of the family."
Light that exorcises the disease demon, huh. Well, that might be easier to understand. There's also a preventive effect, though only for a very short time.
"Are there no people who are actually suffering from the disease?"
"They are here. Waiting on the ship. Because the condition for participating this time was to bring at least ten patients on a ship, regardless of rank."
I see. That noble is quite smart.
Without calling it magic, he calls it light that exorcises the disease demon and leaves the preventive effect ambiguous, and has only those who brought patients receive treatment. If he says it that way, it might be easy to understand even for heathens who aren't familiar with White Island magic. Moreover, if he has them bring more than a certain number of patients, they bring a collective number of infected people... in other words, poor people. If he has them brought by ship, they are isolated in a sense.
However, originally it should have been for that noble's territory. Where on earth did the three well-dressed nobles come from?
"We have come at the call of the lord of the land across this border. Each of us has territory along this river."
I see, they utilized the transport power of the river.
"This is my son."
A young man is standing behind the noble. He's probably just become an adult.
"Jeanne-sama, I have come in my father's stead."
Come to think of it, he did say he wouldn't cross the border himself.
Anyway, there are too many things I don't know, so I tried talking to the proxy young man.
Organizing the claims, the patients are on the river. And since there are three nobles, they gathered them from three territories along the river. Of course, all three are West Liber nobles. The wealthy people were those living in the nobles' territories, such as wealthy merchants or wealthy farmers.
The plague that affects the stomach, which started to increase gradually from the year before last, showed signs of a great epidemic from last spring and became full-scale in the summer. At first, it was centered in coastal areas, but it gradually spread to the inland as well.
West Liber is receiving provision of magic water from Northern Gram. Of course, since the spread is severe, they are also putting out Finis's portion. They are using it as it is, but treatment takes time, and since the effective period is fixed, it just doesn't reach the inland. They appealed to the Royal Capital many times, but were told "we don't have what we don't have" and couldn't get any. The fact that they aren't exactly high nobility but mid-ranking might also be an influence. Eventually, they were told to negotiate directly if they wanted it.
Fortunately, since a large river flows, they thought that maybe they could manage something if they went around the Sertogne side and transported it by riverboat. That's why he apparently traveled all the way to Sertoria.
By the time he came to Sertoria, as a result of studying various things called plague countermeasures, he thought that above all, giving top priority to completely curing the infected people in his territory was the best. And also completely curing the patients in neighboring territories. He also considered burning down villages with many infected people along with the patients, but that would naturally be a last resort and would go against God's will. First of all, it's not like that many infected people have appeared. So, he apparently called out to the lords connected by the river. How he called out to them must be as the mustached noble said.
This is Bishop Lloyd's turn. Let's have him explain plague countermeasures thoroughly.
Actually, Cadogan-sama secretly gave me an amount equivalent to a large barrel of magic water. If push comes to shove, Sianya and Harris-sama are supposed to strengthen it with Holy. Depending on the case, I'll also participate. This will be a major experiment this time. I don't know how much we can do in the limited schedule, but let's do what we can.