Regressor of the Fallen Family Novel

Regressor of the Fallen Family (Novel) Chapter 248

Chapter 248 "Oh, yes, I recall it. The epidemic that erupted in the western part of the Empire......"

The instance where the epidemic was swiftly contained by incinerating the bodies and implementing certain precautions.Indeed, in a previous existence, there was a similar event."If only I had paid more attention at that time, perhaps I would have remembered an alternative method."However, it was beyond his control.The tale seemed distant from the areas where Logan operated, and he considered it irrelevant to Grandia, so he didn't pay much attention to it."At least I'm fortunate to recollect this much."Hence, there was only one course of action he could take."Your argument is persuasive. Very well. Incinerate all the bodies of those who perished from the epidemic."While cremation was a common funeral practice in the broader continent, in the kingdom, burial was the prevailing method unless under special circumstances.Burning at the stake was one mode of execution for serious crimes, so there was a perception that cremating the deceased was disrespectful."There might be some opposition.""Accept it and carry out the directive. It's crucial to halt the epidemic.""...Understood.""Also, when burning the bodies, incinerate the belongings of the deceased as well. If we frame it as a tribute to the departed rather than an insult, the resistance will likely diminish."Upon receiving these additional instructions, Gilbert's eyes widened.After the emergency meeting in the barracks concluded and the relief team members returned to their duties, Gilbert cautiously inquired of Logan."Have you encountered such a situation before?""Hmm? What do you mean?""Well, I was considering suggesting burning the belongings of the deceased, but you brought it up first.""Is that also related to this germ?""Yes. This germ is invisible to the naked eye...""Ah, that explanation suffices. Are you indicating that the orders I've issued will aid in controlling the epidemic?""Yes.""That's reassuring. But, are there any other measures besides burning the bodies? It seems like the priests will soon reach their limit, and if this persists, fatalities will commence.""I apologize. We will strive to swiftly develop a remedy.""Medication. Medicine, hmm..."As priestly healing was quite costly, commoners mostly depended on herbs and traditional remedies. The group that compiled these methods to research and identify the effective ones was known as the Healer's Guild.Their name gained recognition among the public at that time, and in around 20 years, they would be acknowledged as reliable.The people's hope of not solely relying on the priests supported them.Nonetheless, many still viewed them as mere impostors mimicking priests.'What if I lend them support now?'Even though the idea crossed his mind, a skeptical conclusion quickly followed.He lacked the capability and certainty of the effect at present.Shaking his head to dispel such thoughts, Gilbert's response grew more resolute."We will certainly develop an effective medicine. Please have faith in us.""Ah, yes. Give it your all. And if you require assistance, inform me. I'll provide it.""Ah... Th-thank you."Gilbert flinched at the formal reply."...Is there anything you require immediately? If so, speak up. I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to swiftly curb the epidemic. I'll highly appreciate any aid.""...Then, may I have access to the temple's archives?""What?""I wish to review the records regarding the epidemic 70 years ago in Restabum. Drawing a comparison between the current situation and our guild's records might expedite the development of the remedy."Gilbert, mindful of his previous stance towards the priests, hesitated in making this request.After a moment of silence, Logan responded."...Discuss it with Bishop Illya.""Th-thank you!"'Bishop Illya and I had disagreements.'Despite feeling a bit embarrassed even for someone thick-skinned, Logan still sought the bishop's help.However."If it concerns the epidemic, there should be ample detailed information available. The records should be comprehensive."Bishop Illya's response proved to be more proactive than anticipated."...Thank you. Do you require any other support?""I intended to seek additional aid from the temple regardless. Might as well request the records at the same time.""Even if you request, will they comply? It seems they've already committed significantly."Commitment.At that doubtful choice of words, Illya let out a bitter chuckle."Nevertheless, the situation is urgent. We must utilize all means the temple has to end this epidemic as swiftly as possible."Logan's opinion of the unexpectedly admirable and enthusiastic bishop grew, and he felt inclined to trust him a bit more.'I doubt further support will be forthcoming.'Logan harbored pessimism about this notion.The deceased from the epidemic were now being exhumed and cremated as per the relief team's order, and the resistance was not as fierce as expected.The serfs lacked the strength to oppose orders from the priest and the king, having endured successive calamities.Moreover."...Has God forsaken us?""Absolutely not. It's so that you become a guardian spirit to protect your remaining family. It's to save everyone here."When Bishop Illya, of the highest rank in the relief team, consoled a weeping wife about to incinerate her deceased husband's body, who also displayed symptoms of the epidemic, any slight resistance dissipated entirely."Such a noble person... caring for us lowly individuals...""...Let's all maintain our spirits."Partly due to their own volition and partly due to external pressure, the priests vigorously treating the afflicted gained the trust of the serfs.There were other positive developments as well."Lathe grass is proving effective, Sir Gilbert!""What a relief, thank goodness!"The healers, who had been assessing patients and collecting herbs day and night, also achieved a minor breakthrough."A fever-reducing agent?""Yes. Currently, it only marginally alleviates the symptoms of the epidemic, but it's definitely showing an effect.""Excellent. Continue the diligent work.""Yes, Your Highness!"By incinerating the bodies and their possessions, they prevented the 'germ' mentioned by the Healer's Guild from spreading, and the quest for an effective fever reducer began to yield results in the more severe cases. The efforts of the relief team were finally starting to pay off.Consequently, the death toll decreased, and the number of recoveries gradually began to rise. It was at this juncture that Logan breathed a small sigh of relief.Then Illya delivered a somber report."The epidemic is far more virulent than we anticipated.""What do you mean?""The recovery through divine power is slower compared to any other epidemic recorded in the temple. Moreover, a patient I believed was fully cured yesterday exhibited symptoms again."At Illya's pale-faced statement, Logan's countenance darkened."I'll press the temple for more support. The current situation is too challenging."Bishop Illya bit her lip, making the suggestion, but as Logan had predicted, three days later, the temple sent only the records of the past Restabum – nothing more."We are too preoccupied with relief efforts in the regions under our jurisdiction to spare any resources."The emissary who brought the records offered this excuse, but none of the priests found it convincing."Ah! The most critical area is right here! What relief efforts are they referring to!"Fabian exclaimed, his visage haggard.Continuous healing, fasting, and prayers had whittled down the once plump priest to almost normal weight over the span of a week."Dispatch support immediately!"Despite his frenzied outburst and grasping at a low-ranking priest emissary, it was evident that his mind had deteriorated as much as his physique."The epidemic is spreading further! What are the higher-ups doing?"If one were to judge solely by his actions and words, he appeared to be a genuine priest filled with concern for the people.Naturally, no favorable response came from such behavior."They claim... since no new fatalities have occurred, it's under control...?""Nonsense! At this rate, I'll perish before the patients do! Instruct them to send more support immediately!"As Fabian vented his frustration on the unfortunate lower-ranking priest emissary, Gilbert hastily gathered the temple's records and hurried to his comrades. Pale-faced Bishop Illya bit her lip and turned away from the unsightly behavior of the priests.Days passed where the priests grew increasingly fatigued, but the fragile equilibrium was maintained.On the third day after the relief team's arrival in Laphan, and ten days from the outset, the delicate balance was disrupted in an unforeseen manner."Yo-Your Highness. More individuals with the epidemic have been found in other villages of Laphan. Nearly six other quarantined villages!""What?! Wasn't the quarantine properly enforced?!""The issue is... prior to our arrival, it appears there were individuals who had visited the infected villages. And most of them did not report their symptoms until it was too late...""Cursed misfortune!"On the tenth day after the relief team's arrival, new fatalities from the epidemic surfaced, and the congregation of patients began to skyrocket.Fortunately, the warnings Logan had issued upon their arrival seemed to have been effective, as support swiftly arrived from the neighboring nobles.The sound of wagons and the neighing of horses.Dozens of wagons laden with grain, accompanied by a contingent of knights and hundreds of soldiers, under a banner sporting an unfamiliar floral design, approached. Amid perplexed gazes directed their way, a middle-aged knight stepped forward with a respectful bow."From the Count of Kelomman, Your Highness. In compliance with your directives, we bring aid in the form of provisions and soldiers.""... Greetings."Support had been dispatched by the Count of Kelomman, the first noble to clash with Logan."From the Baron of Genchis...""And the Baron of Perona pledges their imminent arrival!"Support was swiftly mobilized from two other regions shortly after, not as extensive as Kelomman's but significant enough to be noted.The assistance from the three families alone was substantial enough to sustain the villagers and relief team for at least three months without concern for provisions.'They had this surplus while they were plotting our demise.'Logan felt both displeased and distrustful of the nobility, but he refrained from displaying it.As the number of afflicted regions escalated from twelve to eighteen villages, Laphan and the relief team, already strained by the blockade, received a reprieve from the nobles' support akin to rain during a drought.But then.Three days later, just as a breath of hope was injected into the relief team, an event spread despair across everyone's countenances."Healers have begun showing symptoms of the epidemic!"Within the relief team, which had been tirelessly combating the outbreak, individuals started contracting the disease."Some of the soldiers manning the perimeter have fallen ill. Their symptoms align with those of the patients."The soldiers responsible for managing the entry and exit of the villages had also started displaying signs of infection."It's all over, isn't it.""How could such a tragedy befall us...""What is the temple even doing?"Even the voices of the relief team's knights and priests began to lament.As Logan received this grim update, his expression turned grave."The recovered?""Excluding those who relapsed, there are approximately 120 remaining.""And the infected?""... From the initial count of 321 reported cases, the number has steadily risen to over 600."At such a disheartening report, Logan sighed deeply and clasped his head.'It's unavoidable.'He had to squeeze out whatever resources remained and request additional support from the temple, at least double what they currently had.'... Can we endure it?'Whether the royal treasury, the military, could withstand it.He released a heavy sigh, feeling the gravity of the situation, but there was no alternative. Allowing the epidemic to spread unchecked risked catastrophic repercussions for the empire even before the war.How had circumstances become so dire?Logan sighed and moved towards the communication device.But at that moment."Your Highness! We've unearthed groundbreaking information!"Gilbert rushed towards him, shouting as if in anguish.