Chapter 90

The Mireon Holy Church, the state religion of the Roadberg Kingdom, is dedicated to preserving and spreading its teachings. The Mireon Holy Church Mission, which is committed to this mission, remains largely unsecularized.

While it is not entirely separated from the secular world, the political influence of the Mission is very small. Bishops, priests, and nuns continue to lead a simple life while maintaining their faith.

The Mission, which has established a unique position in society, possesses unique knowledge and techniques that have developed from a life of near self-sufficiency. Although these are not widely disseminated outside the organization, some nobles have taken notice and received them in exchange for donations.

Noein was interested in the knowledge of such a church.

"Thank you for your time today, Father Hazel."

"Your Excellency Alcquist, we are deeply honored by your frequent kindness, and we welcome your visit with heartfelt gratitude."

Noein, who visited the church in the capital Noeina, was greeted respectfully by Father Hazel, who preaches the teachings of the Mireon Holy Church in this region.

Father Hazel, still in his early twenties, moved to the Alcquist territory with his wife and nuns, partly as a test of his faith as a devout follower of the Mireon Holy Church, to run the church.

The church, the homes of Father Hazel and the others, and the grounds for their ascetic life were all provided free of charge by Noein, the lord of the territory. It was only natural for the priest to welcome such a visit from Noein.

"Actually, I have a request for your cooperation, Father."

"Indeed... If there is anything I can assist with, I would be honored to hear it."

"Thank you. To be straightforward, I want the 'Nectar of Angels' that the Mireon Holy Church Mission possesses."

The "Nectar of Angels" is a medicine manufactured by the Mission. Made from special herbs, its method of production has been kept secret within the Mission.

Its effects vary depending on the concentration. The weakest version is used as a painkiller, and a slightly stronger version is used as an anesthetic, both of which are supplied to hospitals. It is an important source of income for the Mission.

However, the "Nectar of Angels" has a darker side. In its pure form, it is so potent that it becomes a deadly poison.

When the pure liquid enters the bloodstream, it can render a person unable to move for several hours, and even after the effects wear off, it can cause long-term, sometimes lifelong, paralysis in parts of the body.

The degree of paralysis varies from person to person, but even in mild cases, one limb may become unusable, and in severe cases, it can be difficult to get out of bed.

"Ah, I see, so you are also interested, Your Excellency."

"Yes, as a noble."

Father Hazel, perhaps having anticipated Noein's request, did not seem surprised and continued to smile. Noein responded in kind.

It was not uncommon for nobles to receive the "Nectar of Angels" from the Mission in exchange for donations.

Its uses were varied. It could be used as a tool for punishment, slightly less severe than the death penalty, or as a means of interrogation or intimidation. Court nobles also used it in political struggles.

"So, how much would you like?"

"Well... let's say a full jar."

"A full jar!?"

Father Hazel, taken aback by the unexpected request, exclaimed.

Usually, the amount of "Nectar of Angels" that a noble would request is at most a small vial. A full jar was an extraordinary amount.

"Is that difficult?"

"That... it depends on the purpose. It is certainly possible to gather the required amount by seeking assistance from other churches, but I must also explain the reason for collecting such a large amount of the pure liquid..."

Noein, with a calm expression, asked, and Father Hazel, slightly flustered, responded.

"If you intend to use it for a purpose that goes against the teachings of God, it would be difficult for the Mission to comply with your request. Personally, I do not believe that you would do such a thing, Your Excellency..."

In other words, Father Hazel was saying that he could not sell the pure liquid without a reason that did not contradict the beliefs of the Mireon Holy Church, which he needed to explain to other churches. Understanding this, Noein immediately revealed his purpose.

"Of course, it is not for a purpose that goes against the teachings of God... Father Hazel, are you aware that the situation in the Roadberg Kingdom is becoming unstable?"

"Yes, of course. I have heard through the church's information network about the dire situation in the southwestern region, which is a source of great concern for me as a servant of God."

The Mireon Holy Church Mission has countless bases throughout the kingdom, and Father Hazel might be more informed about the domestic situation than Noein.

"As a noble of the kingdom, I am also concerned about the current situation. If things continue as they are, a major war could break out, leading to further chaos within the country. In the worst case, conflicts and civil wars among nobles could occur."

Noein spoke with a sorrowful expression.

"If that happens, there might be conflicts among the people of the same country. In such a situation, I do not want to kill my fellow countrymen if I can help it. I thought that with the 'Nectar of Angels,' I could incapacitate the enemy without taking their lives and help overcome such turmoil. That is why I want a substantial amount."

"Ah, I see."

Father Hazel, unsure of how to respond, muttered this much. Noein's reason sounded genuinely humanitarian.

The "Nectar of Angels" had been used as a weapon before. However, the need for substantial donations to purchase the pure liquid and the fact that it only paralyzed the enemy without killing them made it less common.

However, Noein judged that the non-lethal nature of the "Nectar of Angels" made it useful in certain situations.

"I want to protect my people, and if possible, I also want to protect my fellow countrymen who might have to cross swords with me... Would it be difficult to explain this to the church officials?"

"That... if that is the case, it should be possible to explain. Using the 'Nectar of Angels' to avoid taking lives in battle is a very new and interesting idea. I will contact other churches urgently and gather the amount you require."

"Thank you, I appreciate it. To repay your kindness, I promise a substantial donation."

Church officials, like anyone else, need money to live.

While the request for a full jar of the pure liquid was unusual, given the explanation that it would not contradict the teachings of God and the promise of a substantial donation, Father Hazel agreed to Noein's request.

...

When Noein told Yuri that he intended to add the pure liquid of the "Nectar of Angels" to the supplies of the Alcquist territory's army, Yuri looked puzzled.

"Usually, the pure liquid of the 'Nectar of Angels' is used for punishment or intimidation. I can understand if you, as a lord, would have it, but why add it to the army's supplies? And in such a large quantity?"

In front of the jars in the army's warehouse, Yuri asked.

"Well, usually, that's what people think... but I see this as the ultimate weapon for a crisis."

As Noein said this, he displayed a wicked smile, something he hadn't shown in a long time.

"Whether it's a war with the Lancer Kingdom, domestic unrest, or some other conflict in the future... whenever this territory, faction, or country is cornered, this will be a powerful weapon, like a forbidden move."

"If you say so, there must be a reason. What are you thinking?"

Yuri, looking skeptical, asked, and Noein countered.

"For example, imagine coating arrows with the pure liquid and firing them at the enemy with crossbows. A large number of arrows coated with the pure liquid would rain down and pierce the enemy. What would happen then?"

"Well, the enemies who are hit in a bad spot would die, and those who are only injured would be paralyzed and unable to move."

"Exactly. The enemy would end up with a large number of severely injured soldiers who cannot move on their own."

"Ah, I see, that's what you mean."

Yuri understood Noein's plan.

Injured soldiers are a significant burden for an army, but they cannot be easily abandoned for the sake of morale. Rescuing and transporting a large number of paralyzed injured soldiers to the rear would be a tremendous burden for the enemy.

"That's not all. The paralysis from this pure liquid can last for years. What would happen to a society if a large number of men returned with paralysis?"

At this, Yuri was speechless.

Losing labor due to war is bad enough, but if a large number of people with aftereffects are added, it would be difficult to maintain a normal society, territory, or country.

Noein intended to use the pure liquid of the "Nectar of Angels" as a poison that would erode the society of the opposing force.

In that case, it would be more merciful to kill the enemy soldiers outright.

Yuri imagined a city devastated by a lack of labor, with the streets filled with disabled veterans.

"...That's... even if..."

"Isn't it inhumane? That's why it's the ultimate weapon. If you use such a weapon recklessly, you will surely be hated by the enemy. It can only be used when you have to survive at all costs, even if it means destroying the enemy's society. It would be best if we never had to use it."

Noein spoke calmly, even though it was something that even a seasoned warrior like Yuri found shocking.

"...But why did the Mission agree to give you the 'Nectar of Angels'? They are strict about the teachings of God. They wouldn't willingly hand it over for such a terrifying reason."

"I told Father Hazel that I wanted a means to avoid killing people in times of chaos. He was happy to comply. It was a very humanitarian reason, wasn't it?"

Noein smiled, an innocent expression if the conversation were not about such a dangerous topic.

Yuri saw Noein's cruel compassion, his willingness to be merciless to others to protect his territory, for the first time in a long time.