Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

Karn Doppler accompanied his sisters from the Church of the Goddess of Benevolent to the competition this time. He himself was a member of the Church of the Goddess of Harvest in Higgs City. His team had failed to qualify in the selection process of the Serent Plains parish in the Western Administrative Province. So, with nothing else to occupy him, he could only serve as a bodyguard for his sisters as they made their way east.

"Compared to you, it seems you live quite free and easy," the young man remarked as he looked at Malin’s carriage, somewhat sentimentally adding, "It’s strange to say, but even though Carterburg is just a small region, it has its own parish. You guys don’t even have to go through a selection process."

At this, Malin himself grew curious—indeed, Carterburg’s parish was unique in the entire Sydney Union... no, actually, it was the only one of its kind in the entire Western Human World.

In general, parishes are categorized by entire regions, such as Karn’s Serent Plains parish, which spans the vast plains covering the entirety of the north of the Western Administrative Province. After having been established as a parish, about one-third of the towns were included in it. According to Karn, the competition for selection felt as grand as going to the Central Administrative Province for the finals. Teams from various cities and towns would first compete for three months, then the champion would be chosen, reinforced, and sent in the strongest condition to the Central Administrative Province.

As for Carterburg, to the north, it bordered Slonnie Forest, inhabited by both humans and elves. To the east, it abutted the vast plains, where towns of humans, half-humans, and gnomes were scattered like stars across the sky. To the west lay Tovto Hills, with cities of dwarves nestled within. These dwarves were a naturalized race within the borders of the Sydney Union, with several dwarf legions in the army of the Sydney Union. Of course, when the dwarves of the Royal Court and Chaos started their operations, these dwarves would also contribute manpower and supplies.

Slonnie Forest, the great plains, and Tovto all had their own parishes, whereas Carterburg Parish only included Carterburg itself and a very small plot of nearby land.

What merits and abilities did Carterburg have to establish its own unique parish?

However, this question was obviously one that Malin would not find an answer to. After Karn sighed, he joined his sisters on the Church of the Goddess of Benevolent’s train.

"Speaking of which, Carterburg really is strange." Clovis leaned against the window. Having listened to Malin and Karn’s conversation, the bunny girl thought doubtfully, "I seem to have never questioned why."

"Maybe it’s because Carterburg has its unique specialties, after all, it’s the only nearby port." Faye offered her opinion, which Malin agreed with wholeheartedly—indeed, upon reflection, perhaps it was the port’s uniqueness.