214th Episode: There’s One Thing I Want to Make. (2)
Ghislaine clicked her tongue and continued speaking.
“I only know that we need it. So hurry up and research to find a way. If you just understand the concept, you can do it.”
Alfoy immediately grimaced.
“Seriously? I’m already tired of construction site dust, and now you want me to wrangle with chickens? It stinks! And you want me to learn magic too!?”
It’s frustrating. Where the heck is there a mage researching something as lowly as an incubator?
Such menial tasks should be left to other technicians!
Just when he was about to argue out of anger, Claude stepped in first.
“Well, if we succeed in research, it might be possible. But do we really have to do it now?”
“Why?”
“Livestock will increase over time. The supply of meat will surely increase as well. But if the mages are taken out of the equation, it could delay other schedules.”
“First, gather more laborers to work. The urgent parts are somewhat resolved.”
“There’s an abundance of food, and no one is starving, so is it really that urgent? If we fail, it’ll just waste time.”
“We need it. To strengthen all soldiers and territory residents, they need to eat well. We can make a lot of combat food with jerky.”
“Then wouldn’t it be better to just make more weapons?”
“A weapon is only good if it’s used well.”
“Huh….”
Claude groaned and shook his head.
In the past, he would have outright opposed it, but not now. They had said they would become lords, so they probably would.
‘It still feels like half-baked knowledge just grasping the concept… but seeing that conviction, they must have something figured out.’
Unlike Claude, Galbarik the Dwarf took it as a given.
‘It’s not just technique; the lord’s true strength lies in that idea and concept. I never thought about an incubator, but it sounds plausible. Ah, I want to eat a lot of meat too. I used to eat plenty back when I was elsewhere.’
Anyway, for others, the meat supply wasn’t seen as an urgent matter. There were indeed many other priority tasks.
But for Ghislaine, trying to prepare for the impending war meant all standards had to align with strengthening the territory’s military power.
Especially since jerky was easier to supply than dried grains, and its calorie retention was exceptional.
As Claude seemed to understand and was about to let it go, Alfoy opened his mouth again to argue. But Vanessa’s words came in even faster.
“I’ll give it a try! Temperature control magic isn’t that hard, so I think I just need to study magic related to humidity. If I succeed, there will definitely be an abundance of meat, and people will love it!”
Vanessa’s expression was overflowing with enthusiasm.
She had always wanted to help the territory. Partly because she wanted to repay Ghislaine for her kindness, but also because it made her proud to see people happy as the territory prospered.
Having lived a hard life for so long, her concern for others was greater than anyone else’s.
She had lived a tough life, which made her more considerate of people than anyone else.
Seeing Vanessa act like that, Alfoy closed his mouth. If he had to do it anyway, he might as well maintain his pride.
“Well… if it’s really necessary, I’ll try to handle it. The stubborn flame man Alfoy will take care of it.”
As he tossed his hair back while boasting, the people once again responded with hollow applause.
The mages needed to do well to reduce the tasks that would come to them.
Once the situation was roughly sorted out, Ghislaine gave Claude further instructions.
“Let’s breed only the largest and strongest chickens. We should try to improve the breed even a little.”
“Um… understood.”
“And the dwarves should immediately help with incubator development once the mages complete their research.”
Galbarik’s eyes widened as he asked, “Why us? Aren’t we focused on developing new materials right now?”
“The dwarves need to start working first to carefully design it according to the magic developed by the mages. Isn’t that right? We just need to make one properly, and then other technicians can learn from it and replicate it.”
“Ugh… I see.”
Knowing that refusing would be pointless, Galbarik nodded with a face like he had bitten into a bug.
So, the mages and dwarves were somewhat reluctantly assigned new tasks.
“Alright, let’s move quickly again this time. It will definitely work, so don’t worry and push ahead.”
With Ghislaine’s words, the mages and dwarves, now with increased workloads, left with downcast faces.
Fortunately, the others, whose tasks hadn’t increased, left with greatly relieved expressions.
*
Developing the new incubator inevitably took some time.
In the meantime, Ghislaine planned to handle another urgent matter.
It was a problem regarding the person right in front of her.
“Lord, when will you send me away? Haven’t you spent all the money yet? You said you’d send me if I helped with the work!”
Piote asked gloomily as he visited Ghislaine’s office, where he was vigorously active with infinite potions.
Thanks to him, the speed of all tasks had increased several times over. That was an undeniable fact.
Of course, for Piote, who was used to living comfortably his entire life, being worked to the bone here must feel like a nightmare.
Ghislaine’s gaze lingered on his pink hair as she lost herself in thought briefly.
“Hmm… he’s definitely not an ordinary priest.”
It wasn’t that he was hiding a sinister nature or concealing his identity. But he certainly had distinguishing characteristics compared to other priests.
“His divine power is increasing too rapidly, isn’t it?”
Divine power doesn’t increase easily. A lot of it is innate.
Normally, it would grow only a little, if at all, and the efficiency would simply improve as one got used to using divine power.
Nobody knew the principle and structure behind it. Those born with divine power naturally became priests, so it didn’t have much to do with faith either.
“I’ve heard that doing good deeds doesn’t suddenly increase divine power.”
This had been a well-verified fact for a long time.
Even doing good deeds or strictly following the doctrine wouldn’t significantly change the amount of divine power.
As a result, not every priest was good. They only pretended to be kind out of doctrine and social standing.
Yet Piote was noticeably increasing in divine power. He seemed oblivious, using it daily until it was nearly exhausted.
“He’s getting closer to the infinite potion. It’s becoming a shame to send him away.”
Originally, Ghislaine planned to hold onto him longer before sending him off. But the more she looked at him, the more greedy she felt.
At first, he would weep and wail daily to be sent away, but lately, such behavior had significantly diminished.
With this thought, Ghislaine subtly probed Piote.
Sel subtly tested Piote.
“Okay. Then when do you want to go? Right now? I can even send a guard with you.”
“Four?”
Piote was taken aback by the sudden suggestion.
He thought they wouldn’t let him go today again, so he just asked like usual. He assumed they’d never let him go for life, but suddenly they say that!
Of course, he wanted to go back right now. But he couldn’t answer immediately.
‘If I return… the people here will have a hard time…’
Honestly, it was so tough. He wanted to escape at any moment.
However, there were just too many people in need of his help here. Thinking about the ill and suffering, he couldn’t casually say he would leave.
Outside the temple was truly hell. Realizing that, he couldn’t just turn away and ignore it.
He was a priest who had genuinely learned the compassion of the goddess.
Seeing Piote hesitate, Ghislaine smiled softly.
‘He still hasn’t been tainted too much.’
He must have spent his childhood studying doctrine and growing up brightly. That’s why he was so innocent and naive.
If they had met just a bit later, he would probably be no different from a typical priest.
After contemplating for a while, Piote murmured softly.
“I’ll just… help a little more before I go.”
“Yeah, good thinking.”
With a droopy face, Piote moved again to assist the people.
As soon as he left the office, Ghislaine pulled out a piece of paper from his desk and chuckled.
“If he wants to stay here so badly, I should help him out. How considerate of me.”
Ghislaine began to carefully write a letter.
[To the esteemed Bishop Porisco of the Juana Church.
…Unfortunately, the priest Piote, who came to assist me with the goddess Juana’s grace, was struck directly by an enemy mage’s fireball 26 times and… not even a body could be found… Therefore, I must express my deep regret… and offer my condolences for the deceased…]
Bishop Porisco was Piote’s direct superior and the one who had sent him here.
While writing the letter, Ghislaine suddenly tilted his head and muttered.
“Is 26 too many? Can he not endure that?”
Even an ordinary knight would be dead on the ground after being hit directly by a fireball 26 times.
No matter how specialized his divine power was in defense, Ghislaine’s standards were excessively high.
The very fact that he was still taking those hits was already a problem.
“Hmm, this doesn’t seem right.”
Ghislaine promptly tore up the letter he was writing.
Saying he was dead and forcibly detaining him was a method he preferred, but it felt like it would leave a bad aftertaste.
If it were someone else, it wouldn’t matter, but he didn’t want to do that to the pure and kind Piote.
But he had already been held for several months. If he delayed any longer, the Juana Church would send someone looking for him.
If that happened, Piote would have no choice but to return.
“Hmm, I can’t ask the Crown Prince faction for help.”
The church was even more closed-off and authoritarian than the Mage Tower. No kingdom could meddle with them recklessly.
If the nobles from the Crown Prince faction, who were opposing the Duke faction, pressured the church, it would just create a bigger problem.
Even Marquis Branford would likely refuse such a request.
“Then there’s only one clean method.”
It was for the church to send Piote back on its own.
They already needed to go to the capital soon, so it seemed like a good opportunity to handle everything at once.
Ghislaine immediately called for Lowell. This guy was just as good as Claude at scheming and playing tricks.
As soon as Lowell arrived, Ghislaine cut straight to the point.
“You need to come with me to the capital.”
“Me? Right now?”
“What?”
“Yeah. Let’s move together with the cosmetics merchant group this time.”
“What’s going on?”
Ghislaine gestured for Lowell to come closer and whispered a few words.
Listening intently, Lowell nodded ominously a few times before replying.
“Understood. I’ll prepare for the departure right away.”
“Great, let’s hurry back.”
Ghislaine and Lowell immediately packed their things and headed to the capital.
This time, no one opposed or followed them to the capital. Delivering cosmetics was an important business in the Penris Territory.
Since the war was over, everyone just assumed they were going to rendezvous with the Crown Prince Faction nobles as well.
The escort for the cosmetics merchant group heading to the House of Marquis Branford was substantial, so there was nothing to worry about.
When Ghislaine personally brought the cosmetics, Rosalyn was taken aback.
“I didn’t expect the Baron to come personally! What on earth were you thinking during the war…?”
Just as she looked like she was about to start lecturing, Ghislaine cut her off.
“Thanks for sending people over. They’re being quite helpful.”
“Being helpful? Are those people still in Penris?”
“Yes, their hearts are truly generous. They said they felt bad leaving and would help with the territory’s affairs for a few years before they go. So, no need to search for them on purpose.”
At that remark, Rosalyn tilted her head in confusion.
They could help for a little while. But a few years? Who on earth does free labor for years just out of guilt? And all ten of them?
“Is the priest with them by any chance? Ah, let’s discuss the details inside. I have so many questions about the drought you predicted.”
“No, I’m too busy right now. I’ll come back later. The payment is sure, right?”
‘Does this guy really have nothing to talk about other than money?’
Rosalyn’s enthusiasm deflated. The capital was in chaos because of the war, but the very one who caused it seemed to have just taken a casual stroll.
She felt almost pathetic for having caused such a ruckus.
Swish.
Rosalyn hid her face behind her fan, leaving only her fiercely raised eyes exposed as she said,
“The payment is sure! Do I look like someone who’d cheat you?! How dare you look at me like that!”
“Ah, why are you getting all angry? It’s just a habit, a habit. Cough cough, your personality hasn’t changed at all. Well, I’ll come by next time.”
Ghislaine left in a hurry as if he were fleeing the scene. Rosalyn puffed up for a while and then sighed.
“Am I really that unlikable?”
Well, she had thrown quite a tantrum during treatment. Even she thought she was almost acting like a crazy woman.
Still, that wasn’t an excuse; her manners towards a lady were still a mess. If only she had just half the decorum of the other young lords and knights in the capital.
“Well, he does suit that kind of demeanor.”
With a self-deprecating laugh, Rosalyn shook her head a few times and returned to her mansion.
Ghislaine headed straight to find Meriel. She, like Rosalyn, was delighted to see her and tried to ask a bunch of questions, but Ghislaine’s busy response meant she could only hear the important part.
“You want to meet Bishop Porisco?”
“Yes. They say it’s hard to meet nobles, so I’d appreciate it if you could arrange it as quickly as possible.”
“Okay, well… since it’s a request from a younger sibling, I’ll try to set up an appointment right away. Just wait a few days.”
The wait wasn’t too long. Thanks to Meriel, Ghislaine was able to easily meet with the Bishop of the Juana Church.
Bishop Porisco, seated at the head of the table, looked down at Ghislaine with an arrogant expression.
He appeared quite rotund and seemed to have trouble moving. His image was vastly different from Piote.
“So, what brings you to see me?”
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