Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel

Regressor of the Fallen Family (Novel) Chapter 244

Chapter 244: My Journey to Laphitan

Logan's announcement created quite a commotion.

The Temple hastily called a gathering of the Bishops, deciding to send an extra 120 priests, along with the existing 18 already sent.

Among them were 20 senior priests, including the Bishop of the Sea and Change, the god Amunda, named Iliya.

The reaction was notably different from before Logan had made his decision to visit.

Certainly, the pledged donation of ten million gold coins must have influenced their sudden actions.

However, the public believed that the King's plan to visit a fiefdom struck by the plague was the main reason.

Chaos ensued at the Royal Palace.

"Your Majesty! What are you saying! You intend to visit a region plagued by sickness!"

Dwayne was visibly shocked.

Logan, anticipating Dwayne to first mention the donation, couldn't help but smile warmly at his vassal's concern, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Do you fret for me, a superhuman? It's unnecessary worry, Dwayne."

"Regardless of being a superhuman, what kind of disease can evade you?! There's little concrete knowledge about this illness!"

"No superhuman has succumbed to the plague yet."

"Do you wish to be the first then?!"

"If I go personally, the nobles and the Temple will be compelled to show some respect. And managing affairs will surely expedite. For a swift containment of the plague, this is the best course of action."

Although Logan spoke to put pressure on the Temple, he soon realized after speaking that this was the right move.However, those around him had differing opinions."Your Majesty. Is it truly necessary for you to go in person? Allow me to go in your place. That should achieve a similar effect to your intentions..."Even his mentor spoke up, with a hint of urgency in his voice for the first time.[We'll utilize the resources of the McLaine fiefdom to assist. Why does the King himself need to go?]Even McLaine's father, from afar, expressed his concern."If it has to be done... then I will go with you."Eileen insisted on accompanying, despite being hard to dissuade, claiming it was part of royal army training.While Logan reassured his closest allies,Preparations for the mission to alleviate the plague leaving the capital were swiftly finished, and its size exceeded expectations."Is His Majesty really accompanying them...?""Look, it's true.""How can someone of such high stature go to such a perilous place...?"Whispers spread among the capital's residents, as they gathered to witness the King's procession upon hearing rumors of his visit to a plague-stricken land.Initially doubtful, the crowd fell silent upon seeing the king crowned and knights carrying fiery banners, observing the procession in amazement.Observing the long procession and the magnitude of the relief team from the back, Logan clenched his jaw.'This should be enough.'120 priests, over 300 healers, 200 knights, and a thousand soldiers.With the Royal Guard's training incomplete, the elite forces from McLaine and Esperanza, stationed in the capital, now clung to the King for protection.And so, the provisions and necessities, along with the herbs brought by the healers, filled the carriages that extended from the inner to the outer city gates, forming a vast procession.Assessing the supplies, Logan strengthened his resolve when suddenly, he spotted Dwayne approaching them and inquired,"Did we have enough surplus to take this much food from our current stock?""We took it from the prepared military provisions. But don't worry. We can replenish it soon. After all, we've utilized 'that asset' to create a small surplus, and I've instructed Philip to procure more food."Seeing the darker circles under Dwayne's eyes, Logan could only offer a comforting pat on his shoulder.And then."Let's go!"The unexpectedly large relief team set off for the southeastern fiefdom of Laphitan on a tight schedule.Under an unusually cloudy night sky, where stars were barely visible, the fields below were illuminated.Fires crackled.Campfires emerged along the elongated procession.At the center, Logan approached a blue carriage decorated with a wave pattern."Your... Your Majesty?""Is Bishop Iliya here?""I will inform her of your arrival!"A Temple soldier hurried off, and shortly after, a woman with silver hair clad in a blue clerical robe emerged from the carriage.With a face that defied age, she held onto a charm that exuded youth, yet wore a headdress symbolizing her role as the head of a local diocese."Were you looking for me, Your Majesty?""Good to see you, Bishop Iliya. We didn't have the chance for proper introductions earlier due to urgent matters.""Given the urgency of our situation, how could one bother with formalities? I appreciate your visit. But it seems you didn't come just to exchange pleasantries?""Indeed, I came to ask you something.""How could I refuse when Your Majesty has come in person? Please speak freely; if it's within my knowledge, I will provide an answer."Iliya respectfully bowed, anticipation shining in Logan's eyes.'With her presence...'She had gained fame as the youngest Bishop in the Grandia, now McLaine, diocese.Known for her expertise in the Temple's doctrine, possessing formidable divine abilities, and esteemed for her wisdom.And.'The only Bishop who occasionally aids in the slums.'Among the nine Bishops in McLaine, she was the only one recognized by the slum inhabitants, even revered by some as a saint.Perhaps she could ease some of his current concerns.With that hope, Logan nodded."No one seems more suitable to address my inquiries than you."Encouraged by Logan's approval, Iliya took a deep breath before speaking, a touch of sadness in her expression."The trials that claim the faithful's lives, deeming them as tests from the gods, should not and cannot exist."With that firm statement, Logan finally understood why she had dismissed the Temple knights."So, what are your thoughts on the cause of the plague?""Each case is unique. Not all plagues fall under one category. However, based on historical records in the Temple, they seem to share certain characteristics.""Commonalities, you say?""Though other Bishops may scorn this, according to those records, my analysis aligns with the Healers' Guild's perspectives."Her gaze shifted to a group of healers gathered together, engaged in discussions.'It's quite surprising.'Logan was aware of the prevalent beliefs in the Temple that Iliya referred to.- Every ailment can be vanquished by divine power; hence, sickness is a trial for non-believers.A notion often disregarded as the fantasies of zealous priests.And contradicting this stance were these healers.- Every sickness has a cause, and if the cause is identified, it can be treated. Illness is not a trial from the gods but a natural phenomenon on Earth.Consequently, the Temple did not officially acknowledge the Healers' Guild.For using remedies without a basis, slower and less effective than the divine healing power.That was the Temple's official position towards the Healers' Guild.Which made Iliya's presence, a Bishop, all the more notable."Do you, in your high position as Bishop, recognize the Healers' Guild?""...While the priests reside within the Temple's sanctuary, those who heal the people for meager pay are them. A true servant of the gods has no choice but to acknowledge them. As Your Majesty is aware, in reality, it's the healers rather than the Temple who provide tangible help to the people."Her words were surprisingly unconventional for a Bishop."The Temple's official stance differs, I presume.""That's why I share this only with you, Your Majesty."Iliya smiled wistfully, an unexpectedly open expression before Logan.'How did such a priestess ascend to the rank of Bishop? Is her skill even greater than rumored?'However, Logan's interest in the Bishop's unusual background paled in comparison to his curiosity about the true nature of the plague."So, according to the healers and yourself, what are the causes of the plague?""...Many afflictions have plagued humanity, but plagues are particularly harmful. Based on history, most share a common origin."Iliya seemed burdened to speak against the Temple's teachings; she paused and sighed softly, but Logan patiently awaited her response."Almost all plagues began in impoverished mountain villages or slums in major cities, in other words, places where survival is challenging.""What do you mean?""The common factor in both primary locations is hunger and poor hygiene.""....""In the past, a plague in the western part of the continent, known as Pestian, was said to have started when the starving population consumed rats. Most plagues originate among the destitute."Her words left a weight on Logan's mind, especially the mention of hunger."...It was mentioned that the current disease resembles the past 'Restaboom' plague. Is there a known remedy?""There has never been an ailment that couldn't be cured by divine power. Even if weaker divine powers fail, stronger ones would suffice. Therefore, the Temple doesn't invest in disease research.""And what about the Healers' Guild?""If an ailment could be cured without divine power, it wouldn't be classified as a plague, would it?"Ultimately, there was no foolproof method to address it."I regret not being able to clarify your queries, Your Majesty."Iliya's regretful expression soon mirrored on Logan's face.'Hunger... A plague born from consuming rats due to starvation.'Could this parallel his kingdom's circumstances, albeit slightly differently? Was this the cause of a plague that had not existed in his past life?A suspicion that emerged in Logan's mind now pierced his heart with increasing anguish.