Chapter 77

The cold of winter had begun to ease, and by February, the traffic on the roads connecting towns and villages had started to increase.

In Noena, the capital of the Arquvist territory, which was in its third year of development, the influx of prospective settlers who had been cut off during the winter had resumed.

Among them, Noena was particularly welcoming an important settler one day.

"Welcome, merchant Philip."

"Heh, to be greeted like this makes me feel like I'm on the rise... I will do my utmost to contribute to the economic development of this land, Lord Arquvist... no, Lord Noena."

Philip, a traveling merchant who had regularly visited from Letvik to support the lives of the Arquvist territory's residents and, at the same time, relayed the territory's conditions to Baron Koenitz, had been recognized by Noena for his life-risking efforts in warning the territory about the approaching bandits. He had come to settle as the first merchant to open a store in the Arquvist territory.

The delay in his settlement until after winter was due to the construction of the store that Noena was to provide for him.

"I will strive as a lord to live up to your resolve to stake your life as a merchant in the Arquvist territory. From now on, we will rise or fall together... truly, we are a community of fate."

"Hehe... As you say."

Philip responded with a slightly anxious heart to Noena's mischievous smile.

Noena was aware that Philip had been reporting the territory's development to Baron Koenitz. However, he allowed it, considering that it was only surface-level information.

Noena's current statement also served to remind Philip, who had been acting as a spy, albeit a minor one, to now work for the benefit of the Arquvist territory. Philip, of course, had noticed this.

"I'm glad you understand. Shall we go to your store?"

As he said this, Noena personally guided Philip to a building on the largest street in Noena, the capital. The first floor was designed as a store, the second floor as an office, and there was a large warehouse in the back.

Seeing this, Philip's eyes widened.

"Such a magnificent store... Can I really accept it?"

"Of course. You are the first merchant to settle in our territory. I want you to take it as a privilege for being the first. In return, I hope you will work hard to contribute to the development of our territory."

"Lord Noena... I will surely meet your expectations."

Given a store more impressive than he had anticipated, Philip, as a person, said this from the heart, beyond his calculations as a merchant.

By doing so, he had fallen into Noena's usual tactic of winning the hearts of settlers by offering them unexpectedly high treatment.

"Do you have any employees in mind?"

"No, to be honest... I was a humble traveling merchant in Letvik and have few connections."

"I see. Most of our residents are farmers, so there are few people who can read, write, and calculate, but I can introduce you to a few young apprentices from tenant farmers' children. You can teach the promising ones and take them as disciples."

"Understood. To receive such consideration for staffing... I don't know how to thank you..."

"This is part of a lord's capacity. Besides, I would be happy as a lord to see new merchants grow in our territory."

Saying this, Noena smiled warmly.

...

Prospective settlers continued to visit the Arquvist territory at a steady pace, and Noena met with all of them.

While he entrusted the detailed procedures to Pense, who was in charge of maintaining order in Noena, the capital, he deliberately met with each settler to leave a strong impression that "the lord himself welcomed them with kind words" and "even gave them a house and farmland."

Most of the settlers were farmers who had lost their homes and become refugees, but occasionally, someone who was not a farmer, such as a craftsman seeking a new place to work, would visit.

However, the new prospective settler who arrived in the Arquvist territory today had a unique situation.

"...I see, you are a group of priests from the Mireon Church."

Facing a thin man in his early twenties, Noena said.

Behind the man were a woman, his wife, and two young nuns.

"That is correct. I am Hazel, from the Retvik Church, which is part of the Northwestern Diocese of the Mireon Church in the Kingdom of Lodberg. I am deeply honored to have the valuable time of Lord Arquvist, despite my humble status."

"Likewise, I am pleased to welcome someone who serves the divine."

In response to Hazel's elaborate greeting, which would not be out of place in high society, Noena replied with a smile.

"Does your visit mean that you wish to establish a church...?"

"Exactly. I humbly request the establishment of a Mireon Church in your territory, Lord Arquvist, to spread the teachings of the great god, perform the 'Blessing Ceremony,' and fulfill the role of a devout follower of the divine."

The Mireon Church is a widely followed religion on this continent and is the state religion of the Kingdom of Lodberg.

In the eastern Palas Empire, the church is deeply involved in politics, but in the Kingdom of Lodberg, religion has been separated from politics since the first king's policy.

The church serves as a ritual group that performs the 'Blessing Ceremony' and as a moral educator that teaches the people the word of God.

Additionally, it acts as a social safety net by providing charity to the poor through humanitarian support, such as donations from devout wealthy individuals.

"This is... as a lord who governs this land, it is what I wish for. I welcome you."

Weighing the pros and cons of having a church in the Arquvist territory, Noena concluded that the cons were minimal and immediately decided to accept Hazel and his group.

Some devout residents of the Arquvist territory pray to God daily at home. Having a church in the territory would be a joy for them.

Moreover, residents with children turning ten would no longer have to travel to Retvik for the 'Blessing Ceremony.'

The Mireon Church also possesses unique techniques and knowledge due to its distance from secular affairs, which would be an advantage to have within reach.

On the other hand, the burden of welcoming them would be limited to the financial aspects of church construction and regular donations as a lord. Noena, who had more than enough assets, did not consider this a significant drawback.

Most importantly, Noena did not dislike the Mireon Church, which preaches that "all humans, beastmen, elves, dwarves, and other sub-races are equal children of God, loved by God." This was because he loved Matilda, a beastwoman.

However, the sad reality is that due to the church's weak influence, discrimination and abuse of beastmen persist in the Kingdom of Lodberg.

"Is it... all right?"

Noena's immediate welcome seemed unexpected, and Hazel looked surprised.

"Yes, I believe the establishment of a church will contribute to the stability and maturity of the Arquvist territory. I would even request it... Is it surprising?"

"Well, yes... I apologize. Many nobles with small territories often show reluctance because the establishment of a church would increase expenses through donations..."

"I see. Fortunately, I have more than enough resources to welcome you all. I am happy to do so. I am also a child of God, so I will assist you, albeit modestly."

"Lord Arquvist's words are greatly appreciated. We will accept your kindness and spread the teachings of God and perform the ceremony to identify those blessed by God in this land."

Hazel bowed deeply, and his wife and the nuns followed.

"Please, I look forward to it... For now, let's prepare your residence and determine the location for the church construction. We will cover all the construction costs."

"Construction costs as well!? I cannot possibly take advantage of your kindness to this extent..."

Noena continued, restraining the anxious Hazel.

"I would like you to consider this as a donation to the Mireon Church. It is a form of atonement for my neglect in showing respect to the Mireon Church for two years since I was granted this territory."

"...The great god will surely see your actions. As a devout follower, I sincerely thank you."

By helping with the church construction, Noena could demonstrate his genuine welcome for the Mireon Church.

Although the church has limited political influence, it is a large organization with nationwide connections. If he could gain its favor, the construction costs would be a small price to pay, Noena thought.