Chapter 34 : The Prosperous Little Town
Chapter 34: The Prosperous Little Town
The forest around Holy Light Town had finally quieted down for the time being.
The thousands of ghouls that Lynn had frightened away that night were, under the sweeping efforts of Buck and the mercenaries who wanted to “earn their entry tickets,” finally cleared out almost completely.
Once the forest became quiet again, the changes were immediate and obvious.
The wild hares and deer herds that had been too terrified to show themselves before now began timidly poking their heads out again.
While Ulf led patrols, he almost stepped on foolish elks several times.
He grinned from ear to ear and said, “Hey~ these beasts’ noses are sharper than dogs’.”
“They know those filthy things are gone and dare to come back! That’s a good sign!”
More beasts meant only one thing—this land had truly become safer.
And Liz was true to her word.
As she had promised, as long as the mercenaries paid the entry fee according to the rules, they were allowed to trade in Holy Light Town—mainly for the precious Holy Water that was nearly impossible to obtain outside.
“To us, Holy Water is about as common as the stream water in the forest—we can have as much as we want.”
In the newly built council cabin, Liz said this to Ulf, Marianne, and Colin, the core members of the town.
“Let the mercenaries share a piece of the cake. It’s no big deal, and it’ll make the town’s name spread even farther.”
“After all, relying solely on the Gray Wolf’s influence still isn’t enough.”
Colin nodded in agreement. “Lady Liz is right.”
“However, we need rules. We can’t let things get chaotic, and prices must stay stable.”
“Our Holy Water is worth its price!”
Soon after, they set the rules.
All mercenary groups who had paid the entry fee and proven their worth could, based on their headcount and contributions, purchase a fixed quota of Holy Water every month.
As for the price—it was naturally much higher than what Reed had paid before, but it still allowed the mercenaries to make a hefty profit.
When the news spread, cheers erupted from the mercenaries camped outside the town, livelier than during any festival.
Of course, when you divide a cake, some people will rejoice, while others will feel a little sour inside.
The Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps, who had been the first to build ties and risk their lives to help the town procure supplies, especially the second team led by the deputy, couldn’t help but feel somewhat uncomfortable when they saw newcomers sharing in the benefits.
Although their share of Holy Water was greater than the others, the monopoly had become a shared business—and that felt different.
But Liz had long anticipated this.
She called the deputy of the Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps aside and sat with him on the steps of the church, where a faint aura of Holy Light shimmered.
“Hey~ brother, feeling a little stuffy inside, aren’t you?”
Liz got straight to the point, clapping the deputy’s sturdy shoulder in her usual bold manner.
The deputy, an honest man, scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly. “Lady Liz, to tell the truth, yeah, a little.”
“But I understand—the town has to grow. The Gray Wolf alone can’t support such a big scene.”
Liz nodded with approval in her eyes. “It’s good you can think that way.”
“Don’t worry—you Gray Wolves won’t be treated unfairly.”
“For one, you still hold the largest share in the Holy Water trade.”
Then she lowered her voice mysteriously. “Secondly, in the future, our town won’t just be selling Holy Water.”
The deputy’s eyes lit up. “Oh? What else do you have?”
Liz pointed toward a newly reclaimed patch of dark soil in the distance, now being irrigated with diluted Holy Water.
Tender green shoots had already broken through the soil, full of life under the sunlight.
“See that?”
“Colin said the crops grown with Holy Water might develop miraculous properties!”
“When the time comes, those vegetables and fruits might be worth more than Holy Water itself—and great for one’s health!”
“And when we start trading these new goods, I plan to give the Gray Wolf priority over them. What do you think?”
The deputy nearly jumped up in excitement. “Really?!”
“Lady Liz, don’t worry!”
“The Gray Wolf will handle this perfectly! We’ll never let you or the Angel down!”
That little bit of resentment vanished in an instant.
After all, there were bigger and more profitable ventures waiting ahead!
……
Now, within Holy Light Town—
Besides Liz’s Holy Sword and the miracles of the Angel, the one who commanded the most respect was Priest Colin.
Once a scholar, he now wore a plain priest’s robe, his presence serene and wise.
He spoke slowly and gently, yet his words always reached straight into people’s hearts.
The mercenaries who came to trade and rest initially only respected Liz’s strength and the Angel’s existence.
But after chatting with Colin for a while, listening to him explain the teachings of the Holy Light, and how, in this hopeless world, Holy Light Town had become a pure land that offered rebirth and hope—
Many hardened men who had spent half their lives licking blood off blades found their eyes turning red.
“So, my friends,” Colin said with a gentle smile, “Holy Light Town is not merely a refuge—it is hope itself, a place of new beginnings!”
“The Angel does not desire your gold or treasures, but your sincerity—and your willing hands to help build this sanctuary.”
“Here, there is no oppression from nobles, no threats from the Undead.”
“As long as you hold goodness in your heart, believe in the Angel, and contribute to the town’s growth, you will find protection—and perhaps even…”
He paused, sweeping his gaze across their eager faces. “Step onto the extraordinary path yourselves—become Priests like me, or receive other divine blessings!”
Those words struck straight at the deepest longing of those battle-scarred men.
Who didn’t want a safe home?
Who didn’t want strength to protect themselves and their loved ones?
Especially when they saw Colin—an ordinary scholar once unable to lift a weapon—reborn as a Priest wielding divine power!
That was far more convincing than any tale of knights or magicians!
“Priest Colin! I—I want to stay!”
A burly man with a thick beard shouted first, his voice choked.
“I’ve had enough of selling my life for others and still starving! I want a home!”
“I’ll stay too! I’ll devote myself to the Angel!”
“Count me in! I’m strong and can work!”
For a moment, emotions surged like a tide.
Colin only smiled gently, raising his hand for silence.
“Welcome. Holy Light Town welcomes every brother and sister with kindness in their hearts.”
“However, to truly become one of us and earn the Angel’s recognition, you must prove your sincerity through action.”
“Just like those who came before you—contribute to the safety and growth of this town…”
Converting people and nurturing believers—Colin was a natural at it!
Watching the scene unfold, Liz couldn’t help but admire the Angel’s arrangements from the bottom of her heart.
She was skilled at fighting, yes—but when it came to persuasion… ahem, inspiring faith—that was best left to the cultured man, Colin!~