Chapter 816 - Chapter 4: Countermeasures in the North ⑥
The materials for the rock hut with a water tank were successfully obtained. Once the materials are gathered, the rest is Beatrix's job.
Originally, as Beatrix had said, it's not something that can be done in a day or two. Therefore, she decided to stay at the Count's mansion alone and work diligently. After all, once April comes, she has to work with the Dragonewts to make Anti-Magic Materials and complete the enclosure for Morandine. There are about ten days left in the schedule.
The Count will also help... or rather, it'll probably be faster and the quality will be higher than if Beatrix does it, but since it was Beatrix who received the request from the Church, she apparently had no choice but to say she'd do it herself, and Lyudmila, hearing that, offered to support her for free. March is technically the off-season for farming. There must be things to do, but the plan is already finished and has been explained to the relevant parties. Apparently, there's no problem staying on Vectis Island until April. Surely she wants to learn Curve. The Count was also happy with Lyudmila's offer, and she ended up being invited to provide agricultural guidance for the island, with all her stay expenses covered along with Beatrix's.
Since the two of them were staying, we parted at the harbor. And then, we set out on our return journey, but at the point we entered the border checkpoint, there was a message for Henry-sama from the King. It seemed to be a request to bring me to the royal palace. If called, it can't be helped. Without stopping at Nakanohara, we went directly to the royal palace.
When we went to the audience chamber, the Grand Archbishop, Bishop Phillips, and Harris-sama had already arrived.
"Ah, Bishop Jeanne. You were called too."
I greeted the Grand Archbishop, who spoke to me as soon as our eyes met.
"Since everyone is here, is it Black Rot Disease countermeasures?"
"I haven't been told anything, but it's likely so."
Is it an urgent matter? Surely it's not that a patient has appeared on the White Island.
When we went to the audience chamber, we were told that a temporary Great Unity Conference would be held. As representatives of Sertoria, Bishop Phillips, Harris-sama, and I were asked to participate.
The Great Unity Conference has been held four times so far, but it was once a year. Autumn. I believe the first time was in September, and from the second time onwards, it's been in October. It was in October last year too. I don't know if it will be the fifth or the four-and-a-halfth, but it seems it will be held as a temporary one in April. Surely it's Black Rot Disease countermeasures. There's no mistake.
The sender is Theresia-sama of Germania. And the venue is also Germania. Theresia-sama also has quite a bit of nerve. She intends to recruit scholars even from countries where Black Rot Disease is currently occurring. At worst, Germania could become a source of infection.
Theresia-sama apparently said she wanted to hold it as soon as possible before Black Rot Disease spreads, having anticipated such a situation. At the same time, if magic water is effective, she wants to make it public at the conference and then discuss prevention measures, including transport routes, with everyone. I think it's a reasonable way of thinking.
"Roland is the same, but both countries say that a large amount of the magic water Jeanne makes is necessary, and if it's supplied, they can become a barrier against the spread of infection to the White Island. I think it's a line to draw out the supply of magic water, but they're not entirely wrong."
In other words, the King seems to be worried that they will beg for magic water at the conference. To be precise, he's probably worried about the possibility that the scholars participating in the conference will unite and point their spears at the source of the magic water supply.
"We are aware of the Northwest Coast Treaty's thinking. As the Church, we are also in a position of absolute opposition to war. Besides, it is an established theory that the movement of armies is encouraging the spread of the epidemic. That being the case, I believe the nations, the Church, and the conference participants should unite to pressure East and West Liber to promise a ceasefire, and then start the full-scale supply of magic water after a suitable time."
It's Harris-sama. As expected of someone acting as a bridge between the Church and the Royal Family, he's wrapping it up well.
"Grand Archbishop, what do you think?"
"Just as Bishop Harris says."
There was an immediate reply when the King asked. They must have already summarized it.
"Bishop Phillips, and Bishop Jeanne. It is as you just heard. As our country, as part of the Black Rot Disease spread prevention measures, we intend to start by taking the lead in cooperating with the Church to call for an early ceasefire between East and West Liber, thereby greatly reducing the danger of the movement of infected people. Do you have any thoughts?"
Of course, neither Bishop Phillips nor I have any objections. In the first place, war is out of the question when a terrifyingly vicious epidemic is right there. Such rulers should be executed first.
Even so, this is the first time we've had such a deep talk before the conference. This must be being said quite strongly by Medioland.
"Also, could you tell them that isolation at borders and ports should be thorough in each country? First of all, not letting infected people into one's own country will be the maximum spread prevention measure. The specific method of isolation can be as written in the report from the Henry Party. You're going to take measures against rats and insects as well, right? That will probably be announced by Medioland, so I want you to repeatedly appeal for that from our country as well."
I have no objection to that either. However, I wonder if that alone is enough.
"Um, is it okay?"
"Is there something? Jeanne. Don't hesitate to speak."
"Thank you very much. Then, by your leave..."
Even if rat extermination using low-level demon magic cannot be done on the continent, it should be possible to treat things like woolens with Magic Water with Insect Repellent and Insect-Attracting Water before export. Implementation at the entrance is of course important, but I think treatment at the exit is also important. Humans are humans after all. They make mistakes. Oversights are a common occurrence. It's no use saying you'll do it all in one go.
"Is that necessary?"
"Yes. Especially if the cargo is fabrics or furs, unless you wash that cargo at the time of export, parasites like fleas and mites that can be infection sources will hide. Clothes worn by sailors or bedsheets can be treated at the exit, but the cargo itself is in wooden boxes or something, right? Can sailors easily open them? Thinking about such things, it might not be possible to be thorough only at the time of import."
He's looking at the ceiling with his arms crossed. The White Island is a production area for wool. And the Duchy of Roland is a major production area for woolens made from wool. The countries of the White Island haven't developed their woolen industries that much. They export raw materials and import processed goods. It seems they're working hard to foster it on the White Island too, but that balance hasn't collapsed yet. In other words, a large amount of cloth products are imported from the continent. Especially from the Duchy of Roland.
He was thinking for a while, but he uncrossed his arms and looked at Evans-sama.
"What do you think, Evans? Can it be a seed for negotiation?"
"I think it can. With conditions attached."
"Conditions?"
"Yes. We won't allow import unless it's been treated. Otherwise, it cannot be thorough."
"Won't there be people who cheat? Just wetting it with ordinary fresh water or something."
"Some kind of official document issued by that country would be necessary. If it's an official document, we have no choice but to not doubt it."
"It's troublesome. I wonder if the other party will swallow it."
"If they don't swallow it, we should just not allow the import. And we should also not supply magic water."
"I see. However, won't they use that as a pretext to demand the supply of magic water?"
"They will. Therefore, we must consult with Medioland. And even if we obtain Medioland's understanding, it's meaningless unless Engrio and Morandine agree."
Thinking about it, it's a big deal. The countries of the White Island had to be in step.
I might have said a bit too much.
"Jeanne."
"Y-Yes!"
That said, I can't retract it now.
"Could you give me a little time for that matter? Consultation with each country comes first. So, please refrain from speaking at this conference. Even if other countries make similar statements and your opinion is sought, please keep it to your personal thoughts."
"Yes. I understand."
"Yes. I'd like to ask this of Bishop Phillips and Bishop Harris as well."
I've dragged the two of them into it too.
"Then, Your Majesty. Is it okay to state a personal negative view, saying that it might not be necessary to go that far?"
It's Harris-sama. He's pretending to be serious, but I feel like his eyes are smiling somehow.
"It's a personal view. Say what you think. If that causes a discussion, isn't that fine?"
"Understood."
I see. If that happens, it'll become a discussion with everyone participating. That might be more interesting.
The departure was after the recovery of the Northeastern Forest in April was finished. Bishop Phillips and Harris-sama had already departed by ship. As for me, as usual, I stopped by Primordia first on the Henry Party's bowl, as we were scheduled to join up.
By the middle of April, it's sufficiently warm. We flew while looking at the mountains covered in soft green. By that time, there had been some changes in the situation on the continent. Eleanor-sama told me on the way. East and West Liber have started to approach each other. I think it's a very good thing. However, in West Liber, there seems to be one selfish great noble who is taking military action. Apparently, he's surrounding a certain town, ignoring the West Liber King's restraint. Honestly, if he has time to do such things, he should just protect his own territory from Black Rot Disease. The opponent is apparently the Duke of Roland, Richard, and a tough battle is expected. I heard it's a place far south from the Duchy of Roland. Because he went all the way there to wage war, Roland apparently cannot receive the supply of magic water. If he just withdraws his troops, he should be able to receive the supply of magic water, so it's laughable to call him a barrier. What on earth is he thinking?
When we arrived in Primordia, Yorg-sama and Jeanne of Sertogne were there this time too. Cadogan-sama and Anri-sama were also there, and it immediately became a meeting.
"The Duke of Roland is currently on the front line, but it seems he is fighting a siege battle under attack from a great noble from southern West Liber."
Why don't they have peace negotiations?
"The Duke of Roland is calling for a ceasefire, but it seems it's not going well."
Something seems to have touched a nerve, and he won't listen. Apparently, when he sent a peace envoy, only the head came back.
"How is the Black Rot Disease situation?"
As for us, we're more concerned about the spread situation. Humans who wage war are beyond saving, but it's the general public who suffers.
"The thing is, the spread has already started in southern West Liber."
Priest Ancelotti's efforts didn't bear fruit...
"Actually, that Priest Ancelotti has been murdered."
"Eh?"
A priest who properly belongs to the Church is murdered? Can such a thing happen?
"We don't know the details of what happened. Various things are being talked about, but since they don't go beyond the realm of speculation, I will refrain from talking about them here. However, immediately after that, port entry restrictions were relaxed temporarily and limitedly. As a result, infected people appeared, and it seems the spread started from there."
What a mess... Everyone was concerned. Priest Ancelotti also risked his life. We did the magic water experiment together. When we found out magic water works on Black Rot Disease, he was so happy...
He was fighting the epidemic on the front line and thought he might get infected and die. He must have been prepared for that himself. He said he wasn't afraid to die. Because he's always with the God he believes in. To think that, of all things, he would be murdered... What kind of idiot would do such a thing... What happened to the eight people who acted with him? Surely they weren't all killed.
"Is there a possibility that the soldiers currently serving in the East/West Liber war are infected?"
I came to my senses at Eleanor-sama's words. No, to be precise, it wasn't her voice. Eleanor-sama, who was sitting next to me, put her hand around my shoulder before asking Yorg-sama and squeezed with force. I think I came to my senses at that sensation.
"There is a great possibility. Because the southern port town where many infected people appeared is also a base for mercenaries."
In other words, is there a possibility that infected mercenaries are serving?
"The advance was at the end of March when the muddiness of the roads due to snowmelt subsided. And the recruitment of mercenaries apparently started in February. By that time, Black Rot Disease had already landed in that land. The mercenaries would have moved north in large numbers to participate in a campaign where they could escape from Black Rot Disease and earn money. In fact, Duke of Roland Richard's opponent has brought many mercenaries. Naturally, including the baggage train they brought."
"Surely there are already victims within that unit..."
"There is, of course, no public announcement. However, according to information gathered by my people, a certain number of soldiers have dropped out for some reason."
What a thing. They're completely infection sources. Moreover, there's a possibility they'll scatter it around. Yorg-sama said that the Duke of Roland, Richard, is likely fighting a thorough resistance because he understands that much.
"Then, if the Duke of Roland is defeated..."
"That town will undoubtedly be exposed to danger. And from there, there's a possibility it will spread further north."
"Do you know the location of that town?"
"Yes, I have a map."
Jeanne of Sertogne spread it out for us immediately. According to Yorg-sama's explanation, as a result of the East/West Liber war, several towns north of that town have come to be occupied by the East Liber army since the war started last year. To the east of that north-south long region, forests are continuous. And a large river flows, connecting to the Duchy of Roland. The Duke of Roland, Richard, is apparently using the water transport of that river to transport his army. To the west of the river is the Kingdom of East Liber. In other words, there is a danger of Black Rot Disease spreading across the river to East Liber. Not only that, there's even a fear it might jump to the opposite shore of the White Island all at once.
"The temporary Great Unity Conference this time is of course hosted by the Duchy of Germania, but as you know, Theresia-sama is the daughter of the King of East Liber. Not only her own country but even her motherland is in a dangerous situation. She must want to stop the war by any means and resume the supply of magic water to the Duchy of Roland by the Northwest Coast Treaty."
This is already an emergency!