[Vol. 5] Chapter 222: An Invitation from the ?Light Worshippers?
Seeing Xavier maintain such a calm deanor, a hint of appreciation and a touch of mystery appeared on Elrand’s otherwise extraordinary face as he nodded in agreent.
“Xavier, you truly live up to your reputation as a rchant leader. Indeed, I have a way to address the issue of the ?Defilent? plague. While I cannot guarantee complete eradication, it is entirely possible to suppress and slow it down as much as possible.”
“Slow it down… may I ask to what extent?”
The missionary smiled.
“Under normal circumstances, the incubation period from infection to outbreak for the ?Defilent? plague is between three to six months. However, if our thod is successful, we can at least extend it to over 300 years. With further refinent, it might even be prolonged further, potentially leading to complete eradication.”
Sasha’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly pounded the table to urge him on.
“Then that would essentially be a cure, right!? What is the thod? Tell us quickly!”
“Actually…”
“Wait a mont.”
Before Elrand could elaborate, Xavier suddenly raised his hand to pause him, pondering for a mont.
“Elrand, while I apologize for questioning the intentions of soone who wishes to help us, everything you’ve said so far has been one-sided… I don’t an to imply that you are lying. Rather, as a businessman, I see that while pure goodwill may exist, most benefits are not given without reason.”
“Whether it’s a favor or a reward, there is always so kind of cost attached. I believe the thod you ntioned sounds more like a mutually beneficial transaction.”
“… I do not oppose paying a price. In fact, I am quite enthusiastic about making deals. However, the next topic may involve a long-term collaboration that is completely different from this transaction. Therefore, before we proceed, as the rchant guild leader, I would like to gain a deeper understanding of the background of my potential partner.”
Facing the golden-robed young man’s sapphire-like, brilliant eyes and his perpetually gentle smile, Xavier clasped his hands under his chin, adopting his usual negotiation posture.
From across the table, Elrand let out a casual chuckle.
“Of course, so what does rchant guild leader Xavier wish to know about us?”
“Well, first and foremost, it’s crucial to address why the food supplies, ordered by the Cecilia family for covert disaster relief in the demon-occupied territories, are being handled by your ?Light Worshippers?.”
The golden-haired youth shook his head in resignation but answered without any hesitation.
“The reason is simple, rchant guild leader Xavier. Do you think that in the midst of the ongoing war, the Cecilia family, as one of the three divine lineages, can freely move about to aid disaster victims in the demon-controlled areas of Sarnos Province, Keller Province, and parts of Fulan Province?”
Xavier raised an eyebrow slightly.
“So, you an that the ?Light Worshippers? can do this? Why would the demons allow you to operate freely under their noses?”
Seemingly without any intention of hiding secrets, the self-proclaid missionary Elrand placed his hand lightly on the table, fiddling with a gold gemstone the size of his palm, still smiling as he spoke.
“It seems that rchant guild leader Xavier’s understanding of demons is still not comprehensive enough… Although they are invaders, they are not completely unable to communicate or interact. There is a fundantal difference between them and the Abyssal Beasts that appeared in the extre south of the world.”
“Most of them are intelligent beings who, like you and , pursue interests and avoid risks and crises. They also have clear and steadfast ideologies, or beliefs, and may sotis engage in behavior that resembles willingly walking to their own deaths.”
“The primary goal of demons invading the world is food, and among this, the followers of the Goddess Church who believe in the Goddess of Light are the most delectable. Of course, I don’t an this in the physical sense of eating. I believe rchant guild leader Xavier can understand this, so I won’t elaborate further.”
At this point, Elrand shifted his tone.
“The supply of food requires living beings as sustenance. Even under the command of the ?Slaughter?, demons cannot slaughter all the believers within their dominion. Instead, they maintain them at a sufficient level that does not lead to the formation of resistance forces. It’s like raising livestock, where they periodically harvest to ensure the long-term viability of their interests.”
“But demons cannot do this themselves, which is why they need certain agents who are neither part of the Goddess Church nor likely to lead the people to revolt, , yet can take care of them well… So, rchant guild leader Xavier, who do you think that might be?”
“The Light Worshippers Church…”
Now even Sasha, who was part of the military faction, understood the implications, and her gaze toward Elrand beca sowhat strange.
“You are actually cooperating with demons?”
The missionary nodded slightly.
“If you want to call it cooperation, I suppose you could. While we haven’t made any formal agreents, we’ve tacitly agreed not to interfere in each other’s affairs. This can also be terd as mutual benefit, can’t it?”
“You see, the demons gain a stable food supply, while our ?Light Worshipper Church? can conduct missionary work and enact the will of the Light’s rcy. The living conditions of the people in the ruled areas can also be greatly improved, awaiting the day when the Goddess Church wins the Holy War and recovers lost territory…”
“Both of you, your expressions are quite unfriendly. Do you think there’s sothing wrong with this approach? Or do you believe the ?Light Worshipper Church? should not help those who are suffering, sitting idly by as they are displaced and die in pain and hunger?”
“……”
Xavier and Sasha exchanged glances again, as if wanting to argue, but in the end, they could only fall silent.
After a mont, it was Xavier who spoke up again.
“So, your relationship with the Cecilia family…”
“Yes, it is also a form of cooperation. We have received certain direct commissions from the Cecilia family to care for the citizens of the Holy Empire in the demon-controlled areas. In return, they will provide support in terms of supplies, which is similar to your situation, rchant guild leader Xavier.”
“That is truly…”
Incredible, yet reasonable.
Seeing that the two had not spoken for a long ti, the missionary, who seed willing to share everything, smiled contentedly and waited for a mont.
“It seems you two have no further questions? Then let’s return to the initial topic—about the ?Defilent? plague affecting you and many mbers of your rchant team. While it may not be life-threatening in the short term, as that power spreads and grows within your bodies, it will undoubtedly bring imnse pain and tornt to the host…”
“On the other hand, in order to prevent the plague from continuing to spread, the Holy Empire has closed its borders to prevent further spread. This ans you will not be able to return to the Human United Kingdom, forcing your way back will only plunge you into the aftermath of war and expose you to unimaginable crises.”
“So my suggestion is to consider temporarily staying and accepting treatnt from our ?Light Worshipper Church?. After the situation of the war undergoes significant change, we can discuss the next steps, how does that sound?”
“Hmm, where will the treatnt take place?”
“In the Sarnos Province.”
Seeing that the other party had already put forth formal conditions, Xavier, treating this conversation as a negotiation, pondered for a mont before actively pursuing the inquiry.
“What will be the cost for us? Also, how exactly do you intend to treat the so-called most terrifying plague in the world, the ?Defilent? plague?”
At this point in the conversation, it seed they had finally touched upon the core purpose. The young man nad Erland, with golden hair that shone like ethereal light, nodded and revealed a sowhat familiar, pleasant smile that made Xavier feel an odd sense of recognition.
“Good question~ I wonder if you two are familiar with the omniscient and all-powerful ?Light? that our ?Light Worshipper Church? serve?”
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