The state religion of the Kingdom of Lordberg is the Milléon Holy Faith. The Milléon Holy Faith Mission Society, whose mission is to uphold, spread, and preserve this faith, remains relatively unsullied by secularization.
Although not entirely isolated from the secular world, the mission society’s political influence is quite minimal. Bishops, priests, and nuns live modest lives while steadfastly maintaining their faith.
The society has developed its own unique know-how and techniques, born from its nearly self-sustaining monastic lifestyle. Although these methods are rarely shared outside the organization, some nobles have taken notice and have received offerings in exchange for donations.
One such noble who took an interest in the knowledge of the church was Noein.
“I appreciate you making time for me today, Priest Hasel.”
“It is my honor, Lord Earlkvist. We are always grateful for the special kindness you show us and are delighted to welcome you.”
Noein visited the church in the capital city of Noeina and was greeted with a respectful welcome by Priest Hasel, who spreads the teachings of the Milléon Holy Faith here.
Still in his early twenties, the young and devout Priest Hasel relocated to the Earlkvist domain with his wife and nuns, taking it as a test of his own faith, and now manages the church. The land for the church, the house where Hasel and others live, and the grounds for their ascetic practices were all provided by Noein free of charge. It was only natural for Hasel to welcome such a patron.
“There is, in fact, a matter for which I would like your cooperation, Priest.”
“Oh, if there is anything I could possibly assist with, I would be honored to hear it.”
“Thank you. Then, to be direct, I desire some ‘Angel’s Nectar’ held by the Milléon Mission Society.”
“Angel’s Nectar” is a medicine produced by the mission society. Made from special medicinal herbs, its production method has been kept secret within the society.
Depending on the concentration, it has different effects. The mildest dilution is used as a pain reliever, while a slightly stronger dose serves as an anesthetic and is distributed to clinics and hospitals, providing an important source of income for the society.
Despite its innocent-sounding name, “Angel’s Nectar” is, in its raw form, potent enough to become a deadly poison.
When the undiluted solution enters the bloodstream, it can render the body unable to move for several hours, making it impossible to stand. Even after its effects wear off, partial paralysis can remain for years—or, in severe cases, for a lifetime.
The degree of paralysis varies by individual, but even a mild reaction could make one of the limbs difficult to move, while severe cases may leave one bedridden.
“I see, so Lord Earlkvist is also interested.”
“Yes, well, I am a noble, after all.”
As if he had anticipated Noein’s intentions, Priest Hasel showed no surprise, smiling as he responded. Noein returned the smile.
It was common for nobles to request “Angel’s Nectar” from the mission society in exchange for donations.
The uses of the nectar varied: it was employed as a tool for punishing criminals with penalties lighter than capital punishment, used in interrogations or as a form of threat, and even exploited by court nobles in political maneuvers.
“So, how much do you require?”
“Let’s see… enough to fill a pot, for now.”
“A—a potful!?”
Hasel’s voice rose in surprise at the unexpected request.
Normally, when nobles requested the undiluted “Angel’s Nectar,” they sought only a small vial. Asking for an entire pot was anything but ordinary.
“Is that a problem?”
“Well, that would depend on your intended use. It is certainly possible to gather the quantity if I seek assistance from other churches, but I would need an explanation regarding the purpose for such a large amount…”
Hasel responded with slight anxiety, while Noein asked with a calm expression.
“If you are planning to use it in a way that contradicts the teachings of our faith, Lord Earlkvist, the mission society would not be able to fulfill your request. Although, personally, I trust that you would not do such a thing…”
In other words, Hasel was saying, “I would need a reason that doesn’t violate the beliefs of the Milléon Holy Faith if I am to justify this to other churches.” Understanding this, Noein promptly revealed his purpose.
“Of course, it is not for anything contrary to our faith… Priest Hasel, you are aware that the Kingdom of Lordberg’s situation has grown unstable, correct?”
“Yes, of course. The tragedies in the conflict-ridden southwest are well-known to us through the church’s information network. It is truly a source of sorrow for those who serve God.”
The Milléon Holy Faith Mission Society has numerous branches throughout the kingdom. Hasel, more than Noein, might be well-informed about the nation’s current state.
“I, too, am concerned about the current situation as one of the kingdom’s nobles. If things continue as they are, a large-scale war could erupt, potentially plunging the nation into further turmoil… In the worst-case scenario, clashes between nobles or even a civil war could break out.”
Noein spoke with a sorrowful expression.
“If that happens, there might be conflict between fellow countrymen. When caught up in such a situation, I would prefer, as much as possible, not to harm my compatriots. I thought that with ‘Angel’s Nectar,’ I could render opponents powerless without taking their lives and thus overcome such unrest. That’s why I desire a substantial quantity of it.”
“I see…”
Priest Hasel murmured, uncertain of how to respond. Noein’s reasoning indeed sounded humanitarian.
Although “Angel’s Nectar” had occasionally been used as a weapon, its primary purpose was not for combat, especially since purchasing the undiluted form from the Mission Society required a large donation and it only paralyzed rather than killed.
However, Noein had judged that “Angel’s Nectar” could be useful precisely because of its non-lethal properties.
“I wish to protect my people and, if possible, also protect any unfortunate compatriots I may have to cross swords with… With such a reason, do you think it would be difficult to explain to members of the Mission Society?”
“Well… if that’s the case, I think it’s explainable. Using ‘Angel’s Nectar’ to avoid taking lives in battle is quite a novel and intriguing idea. I will promptly contact other churches to gather the amount you requested.”
“Wonderful, thank you. In return for your kindness, I promise a modest donation.”
Since church officials live in this world, money is a necessity.
Although requesting a whole jar of undiluted “Angel’s Nectar” was unusual, Priest Hasel agreed to Noein’s request, as it was explained in a way that did not contradict divine teachings and was accompanied by a sizable donation.
…
When informed by Noein that the undiluted “Angel’s Nectar” would be added to the supplies of the Earlkvist domain’s army, Yuri looked puzzled.
“The undiluted ‘Angel’s Nectar’ is typically used as a punishment or a threat. I understand Noein-sama possessing it as a lord, but why make it a part of the military’s supplies? And in such large quantities, no less.”
In the military warehouse, Yuri asked this while looking at the jar.
“Well, that’s the usual assumption… But I think of it as the ultimate weapon for emergency situations.”
Noein replied, flashing a wicked smile he hadn’t shown in some time.
“In a war with the Kingdom of Lancel, domestic turmoil, or perhaps even a different conflict down the road… When this territory, faction, or kingdom is pushed to the brink, this will serve as a nearly forbidden, powerful weapon.”
“If you’re saying that much, you must have a reason. What exactly are you planning?”
Suspicious, Yuri asked, and Noein countered with a question.
“For example, imagine coating arrows with the undiluted liquid and firing them from a crossbow, showering the enemy with a barrage of these poison-tipped arrows. What do you think would happen?”
“Well, those hit in critical spots would die, and those who only sustain injuries would be paralyzed and unable to move.”
“Exactly. The enemy would be left with a large number of heavily injured people who can barely move.”
“I see… So that’s your intention.”
Yuri understood Noein’s aim.
Injured soldiers are a heavy burden on an army, but considering morale, they can’t simply be abandoned. Transporting a large number of severely paralyzed soldiers incapacitated by ‘Angel’s Nectar’ would be a massive drain on the enemy.
“That’s not all. The paralysis from this undiluted nectar lasts for years. Imagine a society flooded with men who return with their bodies still crippled. What would happen?”
At that, Yuri was struck silent.
Not only would they lose labor due to the war, but they would also be left with a significant population of disabled individuals. The kingdom, territories, and society itself would struggle to function.
Noein intended to use the undiluted “Angel’s Nectar” as a poison capable of eroding the very fabric of the enemy’s society.
In comparison, quickly killing enemy soldiers would almost seem merciful.
In Yuri’s mind, he pictured scenes of streets overflowing with disabled veterans, with towns left desolate for lack of workers.
“…This is… no matter how you look at it, it’s…”
“Inhumane, right? That’s why this is a last-resort weapon. Using such a tool recklessly would certainly invite hatred. Only in the direst of circumstances, when survival is at stake, would it be deployed. Ideally, it would never be used.”
Noein spoke of such things with a calm expression, words that even a seasoned warrior like Yuri found unsettling.
“But why did the Mission Society agree to give you ‘Angel’s Nectar’? They’re strict about divine teachings. They’d never happily hand it over knowing it would be used for something so terrifying.”
“I told Priest Hasel that I wanted a means to avoid killing people during potential unrest. He willingly provided it. Quite a humanitarian reason, don’t you think?”
Noein smiled brightly. If the conversation wasn’t about such dangerous matters, his expression might even have seemed innocent.
For the sake of protecting his domain, Noein would stop at nothing and show no mercy to others. Yuri was once again reminded of Noein’s ruthless compassion.
