Chapter 81: Pirates' Favorite - Sloop

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Translator: Cinder Translations

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The day after the Foster family arrived in Alden Town, Paul eagerly led a group of shipbuilders to Frand Port.

As for the details of their business cooperation, Old Ford and others would slowly negotiate with Supervisor Christopher.

Quiller and the adventurers also accompanied them, discussing the situation in the South along the way.

"Giles is currently annexing those lords south of Thorn Gate who refuse to submit to him. I'm afraid no one can hold out against him, given how strong he is," Quiller informed Paul.

Paul thought to himself: It seems the war will continue for a long time.

Since Hansel started working for him, he had received quite a bit of information about the capital. The main rebel army probably wouldn't march south until next year. Until then, if the kingdom's army could hold Thorn Fortress, it would be considered good.

Another piece of news from Quiller caught his attention—there was a resurgence of witch hunting in the South.

"A few days before we set off, a witch was burned alive in the square," Quiller shared.

Curiously, Paul asked, "How do they determine if someone is a witch?"

Quiller rubbed his chin and said, "There's something called a 'Demon-seeking Stone.' They say it changes color just by touching objects with magical traces."

Wasn't that the same stone they used when they first met Chancellor Leonard? Back then, they had mysteriously rubbed the stone on their own firearms, ultimately clearing themselves of suspicion.

"But what if a wizard can disguise themselves well, refraining from displaying magic in public or carrying objects with magical traces? Would they be safe?" Paul inquired.

Quiller shook his head and replied, "Not necessarily. Most of the time, it still depends on the judge's varied methods of judgment."

With such flexibility, the possibilities were vast. Paul shuddered, recalling the methods used to identify witches during the European Middle Ages. He had read about many cases of wrongful convictions admitted by the Church itself.

He sighed and said, "I truly wish we lived in an enlightened era."

This statement drew the attention of everyone around him.

Meru spoke up, "Lord Grayman, why do you say that?"

Paul pondered how to respond. He didn't want to say anything too radical.

"I believe... even if someone is truly a wizard, as long as they don't break the law or harm others, there's no need to take their life. And if they do break the law, they should be punished like any other person, based on the severity of their crime."

Quiller shook his head again, "Paul, you're being too idealistic. Many people have proposed similar viewpoints. But have you considered this—if magic truly exists and is as sinister as legends say, wizards could commit crimes completely unnoticed by others."

Paul replied, "I've heard a saying: when the flood comes, it's better to guide than to block."

"So, I lean towards establishing an official organization to uniformly manage wizards, influence their moral tendencies, utilize their abilities for public good, and at the same time monitor them for any criminal intentions, promptly eliminating those who are truly evil."

He added finally, "Just like the Adventurers' Guild, where every adventurer is skilled in their own right."

Meru smiled warmly and said to Paul, "Haha, Earl, your proposal is indeed innovative."

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