Chapter 123 : A Coincidental Smallpox
Chapter 123: A Coincidental Smallpox
【In the name of the GM, think back to the past!】
Mitia’s expression was extremely serious.
Though her words sounded like a call to action, her unquestionable tone told everyone that as long as you were a party member, no matter what you thought, this was something you must do.
Hearing her words, the people not only did not feel fear but instead erupted into excited cheers.
The cries of 【Long live Mitia!】【Long live the Federation!】resounded throughout the entire Seris Federation.
To the east and southeast of Sera’s capital, in the northeastern states not yet affected by smallpox, those party members who had merged from Tina’s army and advocated for the cowpox vaccine policy were greatly encouraged.
The explicit and precise order left no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.
Mitia’s final ten words were equivalent to granting them a royal decree — before these ten words, all resistance was pale and powerless.
And in the long-time central stronghold regions of Seris, there was naturally no dissent.
These party members were the first to step forward for Mitia.
From top to bottom, starting with Mitia as the pivot point, the army received large-scale vaccinations, followed by party members, the clergy of the Holy Light Church, and layer by layer it spread down to the common people — continuously reinforcing the public’s trust in the safety of the cowpox vaccine.
The populace, too, was stirred with patriotic fervor.
A flood of community vaccination requests overwhelmed the state-run hospitals and churches responsible for epidemic prevention across the provinces.
While Mitia was rallying the entire nation to build herd immunity, the subcontinent had already begun to see a large-scale outbreak of smallpox.
Smallpox was extremely contagious.
In addition to spreading through the air, the daily items and clothing used by patients could carry the virus, and it was exceptionally resilient — physical fitness had little to do with one’s resistance.
Those with strong bodies would show mild symptoms at first, but the virus quickly invaded the body, infecting it entirely before erupting in full scale, forming red rashes on the surface, and even pustules appearing inside the respiratory tract, blocking the airways.
There was no cure — only survival by luck.
The fatality rate was around thirty percent.
Those who survived were left with countless permanent pockmarks covering their bodies.
Such a disfigured appearance led most to a kind of social death.
This was a disaster for humankind… no, more precisely, for ordinary people.
Mitia had sealed off Sendegas and Bonwich Harbor, which only delayed the spread of smallpox within the Seris Federation.
Other nations still had ports open to the main continent, and thus, the virus would continue to circulate across the subcontinent.
“What do you mean? You’re saying the main continent hasn’t had a smallpox outbreak?!”
Mitia abruptly stood up, her narrow phoenix eyes locking sharply onto Bratt below.
Bratt was momentarily stifled under Mitia’s aura.
After steadying himself, he said:
“The main continent did experience smallpox outbreaks before, and indeed, they caused severe casualties. However, later we discovered that variolation — humanpox inoculation — could protect against the disease. Ordinary people could pay a small fee to the Church for it.”
“I originally wanted to meet you to tell you about this inoculation method, but I never received permission for an audience…”
“I’m terribly sorry… Your Majesty the Empress, my father has summoned me. I’ll need to leave the Seris Federation for some time.”
Mitia smiled politely and replied, “That’s a pity. I truly looked forward to our next meeting. We shall sweep the floor in welcome. Thank you for all you’ve done for the Seris Federation these years — you are a friend of the Federation’s people~”
“Oh, and I have a gift to send you.”
At this, Bratt’s eyes lit up, though Mitia didn’t notice.
She turned to summon a servant and whispered a few instructions.
Then, turning back, she said, “The gift will be personally delivered to you by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.”
Bratt’s face fell in disappointment: ‘Ah?...’
“Hmm?”
Seeing Mitia’s puzzled gaze, Bratt awkwardly waved his hand to say it was nothing.
After a few polite exchanges, he left the guest room.
Mitia leaned against her sofa, resting her chin on one hand, pondering the information hidden within Bratt’s words.
Was this outbreak of smallpox deliberate… or coincidental?
At first, she hadn’t thought much of it.
During wartime, plagues and epidemics were inevitable — wherever there were corpses, pestilence followed.
Perhaps it was mere coincidence.
Goods traveled across seas from all corners of the world; who could say which shipment carried smallpox? The mainlanders, having been inoculated, were unaffected — but in turn had unintentionally doomed them.
But perhaps it wasn’t coincidence.
Perhaps this outbreak was intentional — orchestrated by certain people, or certain forces~
The Seris Federation’s structure differed greatly from that of other kingdoms and empires; it was not ruled by noble mages, but primarily composed of ordinary people.
Using an epidemic against them… truly was a targeted strike.
Never underestimate the power of infectious disease.
Airborne smallpox had nearly a 100% infection rate and over a 30% fatality rate — a supervirus capable of toppling a nation.
Her response had been swift.
Under her strict intervention, population mobility was reduced to a minimum.
Yet even so, the Federation’s import and export trade suffered greatly.
Had she not reacted so quickly, not only trade but many industries across the Federation would have ground to a halt, leaving the entire nation in a weakened state.
She could only hope she was overthinking it~
Mitia’s eyes darkened.
She pressed a button on the side of her chair, and a female Party Guard entered, standing respectfully before her.
“Notify Secretary-General Anna. Tell her to cast the net according to that list.”
‘Yes, Your Majesty!’
On the surface, the Seris Federation and the United Kingdom of Suria maintained good relations and several cooperative ventures.
However, notably, the two nations had yet to establish formal diplomatic ties.
At first, she hadn’t thought it strange — slow progress was fine.
But now, she sensed something sinister in the mainland’s political climate.
She had to eliminate internal instability first before turning her full attention outward.
The issue of those unwilling to receive cowpox within three days seemed small — but if they couldn’t even handle such a trivial matter, how could she entrust them with greater ones?
Failing to thoroughly carry out the Empress’s orders — that reason alone was sufficient.
Retiring early to idle posts dealing with city management and neighborhood disputes suited them better.
And as for “heroes” — the Seris Federation was built upon the collective effort of tens of millions.
Heroes were plentiful.
One steps down, another steps up~
—One week later—
Having packed his belongings, Bratt arrived at Sera Central Station, escorted by Coy.
Before boarding, the two embraced.
‘This journey to the subcontinent has been a delightful surprise. I’ve witnessed so many things I’d never seen before. Your nation’s ideals have given me much to reflect upon about the world.’
‘However, you might consider my advice — to put more effort into cultural development. I believe it’s quite important, even if my father does not~’
‘Regardless, this journey has been most fruitful — and I’ve made a friend: you.’
Coy released him with a smile, taking a bag from a nearby soldier and handing it to Bratt.
“Your proposal has already been taken into consideration.”
“Setting aside our titles, I’m truly glad to have met you, Bratt.”
“Thank you for bringing to the Seris Federation so much knowledge of the mainland — allowing us to truly see the outside world for the first time.
You’re not just my friend; as my sister said, you’re a friend to all the people of the Federation.”
“This is a small gift, a token from me on behalf of the people of the Federation.”
Hearing it was a “small gift,” Bratt gladly accepted it: ‘I don’t know what it is, but I swear I’ll love it.’
Coy smiled faintly.
“It’s a symbol of friendship between you and our nation — a pledge from the people of the Seris Federation, valid forever.”
‘That sounds wonderful.
Then~ farewell?’
“Farewell!”