Chapter 221: An Invitation from the Church of the Light

Seeing Xavier’s calm demeanor, Aland’s handsome face, which was unlike that of ordinary people, displayed a hint of appreciation and mystery as he nodded in agreement.

“Mr. Xavier truly lives up to the title of President. Indeed, I have a way to address the issue of the Unclean Plague. While I can’t say it can be completely eradicated, I can certainly suppress and slow it down.”

“Slow down… may I inquire to what extent?”

The missionary smiled.

“Under normal circumstances, the incubation period for the Unclean Plague, from infection to onset, ranges from 3 to 6 months. However, if our method proves effective, we can delay it for at least 300 years, and with further improvements, it might be possible to extend it even more, or even completely eliminated.”

Sasha’s eyes lit up, and she eagerly began banging on the table.

“Doesn’t that mean it’s a cure?! What methods? Hurry up and tell us!”

“Actually…”

“Wait a moment.”

Before the young member of the Light Tribe could elaborate, Xavier suddenly raised his hand to halt him, pondering aloud.

“Aland, I apologize for saying this to someone who wishes to help us, but what has been said so far is merely your one-sided narrative… Ah, it’s not that I doubt you’re lying. I’m just a merchant; in my view, pure goodwill does exist, but the vast majority of benefits aren’t handed out for free.”

“Whether it’s human kindness or remuneration, there must be some costs involved, and what you’re proposing seems more like a mutually beneficial transaction.”

“…I do not oppose paying the price; rather, I’m quite enthusiastic about trade. However, what follows may be a long-term cooperation completely distinct from this business. Therefore, before that, as the President of the Merchant Association, I’d like to understand more about my cooperating partner.”

Facing the dazzling sapphire-like eyes of the golden-robed youth and his ever-present gentle smile, Xavier interlaced his fingers and supported his chin, assuming his usual negotiation posture.

On the other side, Aland’s indifferent chuckle broke the silence.

“Of course. So, what does President Xavier wish to know about us?”

“Well, first and foremost, the key point: it’s clear that the Cecelia Family ordered supplies meant to aid those affected by the demons in the disaster-stricken areas. Why… does it fall upon your Church of the Light to handle the procurement?”

The young member of the Light Tribe shook his head helplessly, yet he answered without hesitation.

“The reason is simple, President Xavier. Do you think that amidst the fierce battles between both sides, the Cecelia Family, one of the three divine families, can simply roam about the demon-occupied regions of the Sanos Province, Keeler Province, and parts of the Fran Province, helping the disaster victims?”

The merchant raised an eyebrow slightly.

“So you’re saying the Church of the Light can do this? Why do the demons allow you to move freely beneath their noses?”

There seemed to be no secret being withheld, as the self-proclaimed Aland relaxed his hand atop the table, playing with a golden gemstone the size of a palm, still smiling.

“It appears that President Xavier does not have a comprehensive understanding of these demons… While they are invaders, they are not entirely incapable of communication or interaction, being fundamentally different from the abyssal beasts that appeared at the world’s southernmost end.”

“Most of them are sentient beings, pursuing interests to avoid risks and crises, holding clear and firm beliefs, or what one might call faith. Sometimes, they even engage in what might seem like self-sacrificing behavior.”

“The fundamental goal of the demons invading the world is simply food, and among that, the believers of the Church of the Goddess, who worship the Light Goddess, are their most delectable. Ah, of course, I don’t mean literally devouring them. President Xavier should understand that part without me needing to elaborate.”

At this point, Aland shifted the topic.

“The supply of food requires living beings as support. Even under the banner of Killing, the demons wouldn’t be able to massacre all the believers within their controlled territories; they only keep them at a sufficient number that wouldn’t lead to any resistance. It’s akin to herding livestock; periodic harvesting is essential for ongoing benefits.”

“But the demons cannot do this themselves. Thus, they need certain agents who don’t belong to the Church of the Goddess and won’t lead the populace to resist, yet can still take care of them… President Xavier, who do you think that might be?”

“The Church of the Light.”

Even Sasha, who was usually more forceful, now understood the reasoning behind it, and her gaze towards Aland began to change.

“You’re actually collaborating with the demons?”

The missionary nodded slightly.

“Calling it cooperation isn’t wrong, although we haven’t reached a formal agreement; we simply maintain a tacit understanding and don’t interfere with each other, but that can also be considered mutually beneficial, can’t it?”

“You see, the demons obtain a stable food supply, and our Church of the Light can thus spread the teachings while embodying the merciful will of the Light. The living conditions of the people in the controlled areas can greatly improve, awaiting the day when the Church of the Goddess wins the holy war and regains lost territory…”

“You two seem to have unfriendly expressions. Do you believe there’s something wrong with this approach? Or do you think the Church of the Light should not help those suffering people, letting them wander helplessly and die in pain and hunger?”

“…”

Xavier and Sasha exchanged glances, seemingly wanting to counter with something, but ultimately fell into silence.

After a while, the former spoke again.

“So, what’s your relationship with the Cecelia Family…”

“Indeed, it’s also a form of cooperation. We received certain direct commissions from the Cecelia Family to care for the citizens of the Holy Nation within the demon-controlled areas. In return, they would provide support in supplies whenever possible, which is the case for you, President Xavier.”

“That’s truly…”

Incredible yet reasonable.

Seeing that the two had remained silent for a long time, as if they were willing to remain candid about everything, the missionary smiled in satisfaction and waited for a moment.

“It seems neither of you has any further questions? Then let’s return to the original topic—regarding you and many members of your merchant caravan carrying the Unclean Plague… Although it won’t pose an immediate danger to life, as that power spreads and grows within, it will undoubtedly bring immense pain and suffering to the host…”

“On the other hand, to prevent the plague from continuing to spread, the Holy Nation has already sealed all entry points to the interior region. You won’t be able to return to the United Kingdom anytime soon; attempting to force your way back would only plunge you into the aftermath of war, facing unimaginable crises.”

“So my suggestion is this—you could consider temporarily staying and accepting our Church of the Light’s treatment, and once the war situation changes significantly, you can think about further steps. How does that sound?”

“Um, where specifically would the treatment take place?”

“Sanos Province.”

Seeing that the other party had put forth formal conditions and regarded this conversation as a negotiation, Xavier pondered for a moment before actively pursuing the question.

“So what price do we need to pay? Also, how exactly do you plan to treat the so-called one of the most terrible plagues in the world, the Unclean Plague?”

With the topic finally touching on the core purpose, Aland, with his short golden hair glowing ethereally and pure, nodded and revealed a familiar yet slightly pleased smile.

“Good question ~ May I ask if you two have any understanding of the All-Knowing Light that our Church of the Light serves?”

   

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