Chapter Twelve

While the existence of a religion that preaches to a deity does not exist in the entirety of the empire, there are individuals who are called as 'priests'.

Individuals who has the ability to heal others.

Such individuals were sought after by the wealthiest among the empire.

Unlike physicians who would use medicine created from medicinal plants that takes time to take effect, the so called 'priests' could heal any disease or injury as long as they had the mana for it.

Interestingly enough there is a restriction imposed to all individuals who had the ability to heal, it was what made even those of royal blood to treat priests who are sometimes born of common origin as equals or greater...

The restriction of sincerity.

No matter how much you force a priest into healing someone, nothing will happen unless they wholeheartedly want to save that person.

If you were to add this and the fact that such individuals are very hard to come by, physicians still play a major role for the public.

It was unanimously decided by everyone to never kill a physician since long ago. After all, no matter how powerful a nation is, they are no match against the overwhelming power of nature.

"By the time they get here, this shop will have a solid reputation. They will make sure to satisfy our needs in exchange for treating their soldiers who will be protecting this city"

Baal leaned back against the soft chair and released the tension on his body with an exhale.

"Of course, that is in the event that they win"

With an almost depressed tone, he said, "Once that happen, they can attack the front of Ridone while the Caxia army in the rear gets to constantly receive supplies from Lerdin that has been taken over"

"You have figured it out. As a reward, I will answer another question you have"

"Then... how come the upper echelons are not doing anything despite knowing about this fact? I am assuming they know of this"

"The answer to that is simple. It is because Lerdin has already been taken over.

To be more specific, there are spies giving Caxia intel about what is going on in here"

"....? But that does not answer as to why they are not doing anything about it"

"It does actually, Baal"

Lucifer took out a handkerchief from his pocket and then placed it evenly on top of the counter.

"Right now, I am the Count of Lerdin while you are the head of Caxia's forces"

Lucifer poured water onto a glass from a nearby pitcher and went back to the handkerchief.

"Let's say that this handkerchief represents the entire city. Now..."

By dipping his finger on the glass of water, Lucifer started to drip some water droplets onto the handkerchief.

"These water stains are movement in preparation for the attack. Your spy informed you of this which allowed you to come up with a better plan thus making my preparation to catch you in surprise futile"

"Can they no just attack Haldren or the Lesser Noble Alliance instead of waiting?"

Paimon, who used to be Heinrich, asked after processing everything he heard just now.

"They can't. The moment they do, Caxia's spy will inform this to them which will allow them to prepare for a siege. Once the forces of N'hara is divided into two fronts, Ridone will be at a disadvantage in the sea as they will no longer be able to receive supplies from Lerdin, the closest territory.

I also doubt neighboring nobles from the imperial lands will help in fear of getting erased from history due to siding with the obviously losing side"

The other two county that supply N'hara are at the eastern and southern side of N'hara.

Even if you consider those like Baal who can create ice, it will take at least two months by carriage to move such supplies from either territory all the way to the front lines which will become useless as it would have already gone bad before it could even reach the desired location.

For this reason, the river that allows the ship of Lerdin to arrive Ridone in less than a week plays a very important factor to this war.

"I am guessing that they plan on taking care of Caxia's forces once they arrive here. If Lerdin could successfully stall for time until reinforcements from nearby cities, that are waiting for Caxia's arrival, will be the deciding factor for this war.

That is why I said their plan is to take over Lerdin as quickly as possible"

"....."

After thinking that there was nothing that could surprise them on their first day of work, the two felt like the world stabbed them in the back after hearing such news.

The two does not have a choice but to believe Lucifer's words as the truth as there was no reason for him to lie to them.

"Since you two have no family or relations in this city, there will be nothing for you two to be afraid of. So don't go around spreading this information elsewhere, otherwise our heads will be rolling on the ground after being assumed to be Caxian spies"

"Understood" The two said in unison.

"Now that I have finished my business here, I will get going to the public library"

As soon as he got out, the two went back to acting as a mentor and a disciple to ensure that the image of this store go along their master's wishes.

...

Passing through the wet market people from all direction clamored creating an almost harmonious buzzing sound.

Some were haggling the prices down. Some were admiring the street foods' aroma. Some were walking through the streets uninterested. While some were busy making a living.

Ignorant about their uncertain future, the possibility of them either dying or becoming a slave, they all carried on continuing on their daily lives to make ends meet.

"This is a bit larger than what I expected it to be. Then again, folks from the past always created big infrastructures with over the top detail in their architecture"

Just right behind the public technical school built by the Count of Lerdin, imitating the education system of the imperial family, was where the public library open to all who has received a special identity tag.

There at the entrance, knights clad with leather armor beneath their metallic chainmail with swords on their waist stood tall.

After showing a gold tag to the soldiers guarding the entrance, they bowed slightly to pay respects to Lucifer.

"Uncle's tag sure is wonderful!" He whispered to himself.

Similar to old libraries back in his previous world, Lucifer was indifferent to the sight of books in the library unlike the others who were admiring the amount of books they saw in one place.

With no time to lose, Lucifer headed to the librarian.

"Hello Sir, may I know where the books regarding botany and agriculture is?"

The librarian pointed to his left as he answered, "Here on the right wing, fourth to seventh aisle is where the things you are looking for"

"Thank you"

Unlike from his previous world Lucifer, or rather Elizabeth, knew only a handful or tidbits of knowledge regarding agriculture and botany.

Even if you were to add her current self, Lalaine, who specialize in said field to the mix, it was severely lacking for someone who is planning on further knowing everything at her disposal to make use of her magic to the fullest.

"My power also works on mushrooms so... adding some on my garden should prove useful in the future"