Chapter 660 - Fifth Story: To West Liber Capital ②
The mystery regarding the attempted kidnapping remained deep, but the voyage proceeded smoothly.
While looking at the plain, we passed under a large bridge and entered a place where there was a sandbar or island in the middle of the river. Originally, the island, which was convenient for defense, was the center of the town, but as the population increased, it apparently spread to both the north and south sides of the river. The island remains the center of the town, and the Royal Capital Great Church is also there.
We arrived at the Royal Capital. We docked at the north bank of the island. There are many guarding soldiers. According to Yorg-sama, they are hired soldiers of the West Liber Capital Great Church. It seems that for the Royal Capital Great Churches of the three Liber nations, regular guards are always on duty. This time, in response to the attempted kidnapping, they probably came out to the port specially. If it were a normal wharf, thugs would be wandering around, but there are no people near the place where the ship docked except for the guards.
At the port, we were greeted by the West Liber priests who had preceded us as coordinators. They are the ones who participated in the Great Unity Conference.
"Bishop Jeanne. I am truly sorry for this time."
He has apparently had a lot of mental strain and is quite haggard.
As soon as the incident happened, he apparently moved for us. He had apparently suggested guarding the inn where the decoy was staying strictly to prevent the incident beforehand, but they chose the method of actually letting her be kidnapped. This was because information was received that an impeachment trial would be held, and there was a possibility of joining up with someone on the way. In fact, the bishop who could be called the leader was on standby at the meeting place.
"But we overcame it. It's thanks to everyone. Thank you very much."
Oh, he's crying.
He said we overcame it, but that's about the incident. For me, I'm much more nervous about what's to come than the kidnapping incident where I was just put to sleep.
We got into the welcoming carriage, and after being seen off by Yorg-sama and Mary, we departed for the town.
The cityscape itself isn't much different from the White Island. However, how should I put it, the buildings feel glamorous and bright. Is it the difference in the color of the stone used, the carvings on the pillars and walls, or the clothing of the people walking in the town that somehow looks glamorous? It's stylish that flowers and paintings are casually placed by the windows of the shops. Could this be the reason it's called the City of Flowers?
The carriage advanced, and when it entered a huge square, many people were gathered. The guards wearing the same clothes as those at the port formed a line, creating a path for the carriage to advance. When we slowly advanced along that path, we arrived in front of a large building with several towers.
While the guards formed a line to the main entrance, the West Liber priest got off first, followed by Sianya, who was wearing priest robes. At the same time, a stir rose from the crowd.
Oh no, since I heard I would change inside anyway, I came wearing autumn/winter Green Marble. Since no one said anything to me, I came in my usual clothes, but I never thought this many people would gather. I felt relieved because the security at the port was thorough.
Hermit-sama was the first, followed by me, Harris-sama, and Sianya. It was when Sianya got off...
Someone in the crowd shouted something in a loud voice. Since it was the local language, I couldn't quite catch it, but it sounded like they said my name, or maybe not...
"Bishop Jeanne!"
Hermit-sama made me crouch down. Harris-sama stood in a position to protect Sianya. The guards formed a circle and surrounded us.
"Please rest assured. The people gathered now are those who came to offer their gratitude for Bishop Jeanne's magic water. I don't think they'll do anything harmful."
The crowd knelt in front of the guards who gathered and formed a circle. Everyone is looking at Sianya. They seem to be misunderstanding. At times like this, do people look at the one with the cuter face? Well, certainly, it's a fact that Sianya is more refined and cuter. I'm wearing Green Marble. I hope they don't think I'm a large hibernating frog.
"Bishop Jeanne, please give everyone a blessing."
The guiding West Liber bishop said specifically to me, and then apparently introduced me to everyone. The crowd, after tilting their heads for a moment, looked at my face. At least the misunderstanding was cleared. It's complicated, though.
However, is it okay for me to give a blessing in front of the Great Church of another religion? It might be a very disrespectful act and provoke the nerves of the exclusionists.
"What should we do?"
I had no choice but to consult with Harris-sama and Sianya.
Harris-sama thought for a moment and said something to the West Liber bishop.
"I understand. I will offer a prayer, so everyone just listen."
I thought that was better, so the priestly side here lined up behind the priests on the West Liber side. When the carriage moved while pushing through the crowd, the crowd gathered in front of us.
The West Liber bishop shouted something in a loud voice.
I asked Sianya to translate.
In short, since the gods we believe in are different, the prayer will be done in our style. Even if the religions are different, the importance of faith is the same, so everyone should pray to the god they believe in as usual, that's what it meant.
This side is basically polytheistic and for coexistence and co-prosperity. Exclusionism itself is against the creed. Each should pray to the god they believe in. So, the priest here chanted a prayer in a clear voice, and the crowd chanted along with it, and it ended with us just watching. The crowd also looks satisfied. In the end, the one saying troublesome things must be the organization called the church that humans made.
This incident was thanked by the Archbishop when I met him after changing into vestments inside. It probably means we protected the face of the church here. I don't know if it's because of that, but regarding the attempted kidnapping, he apologized properly for the lack of education, and told me to please convey his regards to the Northern Gram Royal Capital Great Church. Eowyn-sama will surely be satisfied too. Incidentally, it's not left in a letter. Whether it's Sertoria or Primordia, there's probably no need to go that far. However, Harris-sama received a letter with the Archbishop's signature. In short, it was content saying let's do our best in plague countermeasures with everyone's cooperation. The addressee was the Grand Archbishop of the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church. I think this is enough.
After having lunch in the guest room, I was guided through the isolation facility for plague patients. The facility was not on the island, but on the south bank across the bridge. It was originally in the suburbs, but it seems they moved. It's surrounded by high stone walls, but since it's by the river, it can be said to be suitable for transporting magic water and patients. Also, the river water can be used as much as they want. As long as they don't make a mistake with the drainage location, it's easy to maintain a clean environment. It's different from the White Island where water can be produced with magic.
Fortunately, as autumn deepens, the plague in question fades away. Partly due to the effect of magic water, it's apparently rare for new patients to be brought in now. The West Liber Capital seems to have had a period where it was constantly exposed to attacks by pirate groups coming up the river, and coupled with the large population, there are many small stone buildings that serve as shelters, and they apparently use them to examine and distinguish whether it's the plague or not. It's an ironic story; when the plague is spreading, East Liber or pirates don't attack either. In a sense, now is the most peaceful time. There are apparently many residents who are wary of what will happen when spring comes.
At the facility, I also encountered a place where a ship that had brought magic water was loading local products such as wine and grain. Since it can be made with orbs, even though it's for a fee, it should be much cheaper. However, unfortunately, it costs freight and labor. That part can't be made cheaper. They were turning the autumn harvest into an equivalent exchange for magic water.
"Is the food for wintering okay?"
"Since it's expected to end soon, it's the royal family's policy to refrain from using gold coins."
That in itself is apparently causing rumors that they are hoarding money to hire mercenaries. They are saying they want it to continue until it's completely over, but they won't listen when they hear there's no money.
"I was relieved by the report of the verification results at the Great Unity Conference the other day, that water that has been boiled and then cooled is effective for washing hands and faces. They can just boil water in a pot hung over a fireplace or hearth with rainwater they've collected. I intend to recommend boiling water when using a fireplace at each church and spread it to the common people too."
"That is wonderful."
"Yes, if we practice the prevention methods that replace magic water from folklore that Bishop Anri mentioned together, the cost will also be cheap. If the amount goes down, the purse strings of the royal family and nobles will likely loosen easily."
"That's really true."
After all is said and done, I guess it's about money.
At the isolation facility, I was guided by the priest in charge who works within the facility. The facility seems to be buying bat clothes from Northern Gram, and I put them on after they were handed to me before entering the sickroom. It seems various new industries are being created on the White Island.
Surprisingly, the facility itself was narrow... or rather, the number of sickrooms was small. When I asked the reason, other plague-infected people are apparently in another place far upstream. In particular, prejudice against patients with Just a Disease is still not wiped out, and other patients dislike it, so they say they are specifically separated. However, the patients are spending their time energetically, and even though they are poor, they are apparently working on self-sufficiency by doing agriculture near the facility. I wanted to go, but I was told it was difficult due to the schedule. Even if I went, I couldn't use magic. I had no choice but to give up, thinking that what's impossible is impossible.
When I was introduced to the patients, everyone gathered. They are all infected. Surely, they must have had the experience of losing someone close to them. Some were crying. As we did in front of the Great Church, I had the guiding bishop offer a prayer.
After the prayer, I had them return to their beds and had the opportunity to talk with each person. In particular, I was asked to talk with everyone, even if it was simple, so while having Sianya translate, I asked for their names and occupations.
Among the patients, there was also a sailor. He was apparently involved in transportation between the Royal Capital and the coastal areas by going out to sea from the river.
"Did you also go to the area that has become the territory of the Duchy of Germania?"
The river mouth is Germania. There should be a connection.
The guide is talking with other patients after finishing talking with me.
"No, I wasn't involved with that region. Not just me, I think it's the same for the other guys. Since the amount is small, I think the local guys are in control. That area specifically doesn't have anything to trade with the Royal Capital, and the tribes are different. So there shouldn't have been any major transactions. Of course, it's not like there were none at all, though."
"I see. Then, mainly where?"
"For me, the entire coastal area, I guess. I stopped at the port at the mouth of the river in Germania many times, but it was only when waiting for the wind or when the sea was rough. Oh yeah, there was a skilled shipwright, so I was asked by the shipowner to have him look at the broken parts."
An unexpected answer came back. The region that became the territory of the Duchy of Germania didn't have any items to put out for trade specifically. In other words, the major merchants of the West Liber Capital didn't suffer economic damage just because that area became another country. They probably made donations to the church, but that would have been pure faith. In other words, there were no money-grubbers behind my kidnapping incident.
"Then, please take care of yourself and work energetically again once you're cured."
"Yes. Thank you very much."
When I finished the conversation and moved to the next patient, I had to try hard to smile.
My coming here was not at the formal request of the Medioland Royal Capital Great Church. In other words, it means I came by taking in the intention of the West Liber side to apologize for the misconduct of the affiliated priests. So, I was treated to lunch in the guest room, but the accommodation was here... to be precise, Yorg-sama arranged it. Instead, the church guards were on guard.
The inn was a fairly luxurious one that Yorg-sama uses regularly, and the bed has a canopy. There are three room assignments: Yorg-sama in one room, Sianya and me in one room. Harris-sama and Hermit-sama in one room that's a step down. The Henry Party was put together in one large room. Since they are royalty and high nobility, they should originally stay in more luxurious rooms, but it's the opposite. Since they are treated as servants on the surface, it can't be helped. However, a servant is called by the master to perform tasks. In other words, they can gather in one place, and that was well thought out. In fact, Yorg-sama paid a considerable amount of money to make the dinner for everyone in a party style. He can have it brought to his room and everyone can eat together.
During the meal, there were servants from the inn, so we talked about harmless things. After the meal, we asked for privacy, saying we would do as we pleased here.
Harold-sama and Bonnie confirmed that there were no spies or the like, and the exchange of information began.
From this side, I talked about what I heard from the sailor at the isolation facility, that there were no major transactions with the current territory of the Duchy of Germania. Although it was a coincidence, it turned out that the one behind the kidnappers was not a major merchant.
The Henry Party was investigating the boss who gave instructions to the two guards. Yorg-sama has several informants, and the address was apparently identified from the name. Currently, along with Hermit-sama, the Priestess and Fiona are investigating. Since they are in a pair, they are powerful. It's already late at night. Since they'll be back after midnight, it's about time.
The three returned before the date changed.
"Sorry, we didn't find out the details," the Priestess said.
The two ghosts apparently threatened the boss. The Priestess apparently transformed into me, covered in blood, using her specialty transformation technique.
"'Because of you, magic water can't be made anymore!' we threatened him. 'We'll tell everyone it's your fault.'"
"You're doing well. If such a rumor stood, the boss wouldn't feel like he's alive."
"Hmm, impressive."
"Next time, please teach my son too."
The four denizens of darkness are laughing together. Incidentally, Fiona was in charge of security and was apparently knocking down the people around her one after another with a wooden stick. I hope she doesn't get a bad influence from the Priestess.
The boss apparently didn't know the target was me. Did he think I was a hibernating frog before winter?
When they questioned the boss, who was desperately making excuses, he apparently confessed. The opponent is a ghost. It can't be helped.
"Um, you know. From a certain source? Well, I don't know who, but occasionally there are requests from that kind of direction. It must be a country, a noble, a church, or a major merchant. It's decided not to confirm the other party. They pay half in advance. And half as a success fee. It was that kind of request. This time, the kidnapping itself was the goal, and whether to kill her afterward was up to the priests, so it seems he got the money."
The boss, who was trembling with fear, apparently fainted after being hit by Fiona's blow from behind. When he wakes up, he'll probably think he saw a bad dream.
"As expected, scouts, eh. Well, I suppose we won't know which country's scouts they are."
"That's right. What do you think the aim is?"
"I have no idea."
If Harold-sama and Eleanor-sama don't know, there's nothing that can be done.
Unfortunately, in the end, it remained unknown. In such a case, it's apparently useless to just speculate this and that.