In February, as the cold of winter began to ease, the movement along the roads connecting towns and villages started to increase.
In the capital city of Noeina, in the Earlkvist territory, which had entered its third year of development, the flow of hopeful immigrants, which had ceased during the winter, began once again.
Among them, Noein was personally welcoming a particularly important immigrant one day.
“Welcome, Merchant Philip.”
“Ah, hearing you say that makes me feel quite accomplished… From now on, I will dedicate myself to the economic development of this land, Your Excellency Earlkvist… no, Noein-sama.”
Philip, the traveling merchant who had regularly visited from Retvik, had played a role in supporting the lives of the Earlkvist territory’s residents while also relaying news of the territory’s condition to Viscount Keinitz.
He had gained Noein’s recognition through his life-risking work of “quickly notifying the Earlkvist territory of approaching bandit groups,” and had moved here to establish himself as the first merchant with a shop in the Earlkvist territory.
The delay in his immigration until after winter was due to Noein waiting for the construction of the shop he would be provided.
“I will strive as the lord to meet your determination to bet your life as a merchant in the Earlkvist territory. From now on, our fates are intertwined; we either prosper together or decline together… truly a shared destiny.”
“Haha… you are quite right.”
With a playful smile, Noein replied, while Philip felt a slight anxiety within himself.
Noein was aware that Philip had been conveying the development status of the Earlkvist territory to Viscount Keinitz. However, he tolerated it as long as it was only the surface-level situation of the territory being communicated.
Noein’s current statement served to remind Philip, who had been acting like a spy, “From now on, think and act in a way that benefits the Earlkvist territory.” Philip was certainly aware of this as well.
“I’m glad to see we share this common understanding. Now, shall we head to your shop?”
Saying this, Noein personally guided Philip to a building facing the largest street in Noeina. The first floor was designed to be a shop, while the second floor could serve as an office, and there was also a spacious warehouse in the back.
Upon seeing it, Philip’s eyes widened.
“A shop this splendid… Is it really okay for me to receive this?”
“Of course. You are the first merchant to immigrate to our territory. I hope you see this as a privilege of being first in line. In return, I hope you will work hard for the development of our territory.”
“Noein-sama… I will certainly meet your expectations.”
Given a shop more splendid than he had anticipated, Philip spoke from the heart, transcending his calculations as a merchant.
Thus, he too had fallen into Noein’s usual tactic of “giving immigrants unexpectedly generous treatment to capture their hearts.”
“Do you have any employees in mind?”
“No, unfortunately… I was merely a humble traveling merchant in Retvik, so I have almost no connections.”
“I see. Most people in our territory come from farming backgrounds, so there aren’t many who can read, write, or do math, but I can introduce you to a few children from self-sufficient farms who can serve as apprentices. You can teach them and choose one with potential as your apprentice.”
“I understand. Thank you for considering the staffing. What can I say in gratitude…”
“This too is part of a lord’s capacity. Moreover, if a new merchant rises from our territory, it brings me joy as a lord.”
Saying this, Noein wore a gentle smile.
…
Hopeful immigrants to the Earlkvist territory were arriving at a steady pace, and Noein met with all of them.
While he had delegated the finer details of procedures to Pence, who was in charge of maintaining order in the capital Noeina, he made a point of meeting and exchanging words with immigrants to leave an impression that “the lord personally welcomed them” and “provided them with land and homes.”
Almost all immigrants were farmers who had lost their livelihoods and become refugees, but occasionally, individuals like craftsmen seeking new opportunities would also arrive.
However, the new hopeful immigrant who arrived today carried circumstances unlike any seen before.
“…I see, so you are the priests of the Milion Holy Church.”
Before him sat a thin man in his early twenties, accompanied by a woman whom he identified as his wife and two young nuns.
“Indeed. I am Hasser, from the northwest district of the Milion Holy Church’s missionary association in the Kingdom of Roadberg. I am deeply honored to have received such valuable time from Your Excellency Earlkvist for someone as lowly as myself.”
“Likewise, I am pleased that someone who serves God has come to visit.”
Noein responded with a smile to Priest Hasser’s roundabout greetings that could rival those of the nobility in high society.
“Since the priest has come, may I assume it is for the establishment of a church…?”
“That is correct. I would like to establish a church of the Milion Holy Church in your territory and preach the teachings of the great God, as well as fulfill the church’s role, including conducting the ‘Ceremony of Blessing,’ and serve as a devout believer of God.”
The Milion Holy Church is a widely practiced religion on this continent and has been established as the state religion in the Kingdom of Roadberg.
While it is said that the church’s influence deeply intervenes in politics in the eastern Palas Empire, the Kingdom of Roadberg has kept religion separate from politics since the first king’s policies.
The church serves as a ceremonial group that conducts the “Ceremony of Blessing” and a moral educator that preaches God’s teachings to the people.
Additionally, it takes on a role akin to a social safety net by receiving humanitarian support—essentially donations from pious wealthy individuals to offer alms to the poor.
“That is… as the lord governing this land, it is an unwelcome matter. I welcome you.”
Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of establishing a church in the Earlkvist territory, Noein concluded that there were hardly any disadvantages at all and immediately decided to accept Priest Hasel and his party.
In the Earlkvist territory, devout subjects are said to offer daily prayers to God in their homes. The establishment of a church within the territory would be a joyous occasion for such citizens.
Moreover, it also means that the children of the subjects reaching the age of ten will no longer need to travel all the way to Retvik for the “Ceremony of Blessing.”
Additionally, the Milione Holy Church possesses unique techniques and knowledge due to its somewhat detached stance from the secular world. Having access to such resources nearby is also a benefit.
On the other hand, the burdens of welcoming them involve only financial aspects, such as the construction of the church and the regular donations expected of a lord. For Noein, who currently finds himself more than comfortable financially, this hardly qualifies as a disadvantage.
Above all, he does not dislike the Milione Holy Church, which upholds the doctrine that “humans, beastmen, elves, and dwarves are all equally loved as children of God.” This sentiment resonates with him, especially since he loves Mathilda, who is a beastman.
However, it is a sad reality that the weakness of that church’s influence has allowed discrimination and abuse against beastmen to persist strongly within the Lordberg Kingdom.
“Is it really alright?”
Surprised by Noein’s prompt welcome, Priest Hasel displayed a look of astonishment.
“Yes, I believe it is a fortunate matter for the stability and maturity of society in the Earlkvist territory that a church is established here. I would rather be the one to request it… Is this unexpected for you?”
“Y-yes, well… I apologize. When a church is established, the increase in expenses from donations is often met with resistance from nobles with small territories…”
“I see, so that’s how it is. Fortunately, I have ample means to welcome all of you, and I am more than happy to do so. As I am also a child of God, I would like to offer my humble assistance.”
“I am truly grateful for your words, Lord Earlkvist. Then, we shall accept your kindness and begin to preach God’s teachings here, conducting the ceremony to find those blessed by God.”
As Priest Hasel deeply bowed, his wife and the nuns followed suit.
“Please take care of us… Now, let us prepare accommodations for you and identify a location for the church’s construction. I will cover all the construction costs.”
“Construction costs as well?! I-I cannot impose upon your kindness to that extent…”
Suppressing the anxious expression of Priest Hasel, Noein continued.
“I would like you to understand this as a donation from me to the Milione Holy Church. It has been nearly two years since I was granted this territory, and during that time, I have failed to show my respect to the Milione Holy Church by not inviting anyone here; let this be my meager atonement.”
“…Surely the great God is watching over your deeds. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude as a devout believer.”
By even assisting with the church’s construction, Noein could demonstrate that he wholeheartedly welcomed the Milione Holy Church.
Though the church may have little political influence, it is a large organization with connections on a national scale. Noein considered that if he could gain favor with them, the construction costs would be a small price to pay.
