''That's an honor to meet you, your holiness.'' Louis began as he faces the middle-aged priest.
He supposed the young girl accompanying him to be an apprentice priest.
''Please'' The priest said smiling – probably because of Louis' words. '' You can drop the politeness between us''
They began walking towards the prison.
''So? How is the prisoner ?''The middle-aged priest, Ermes asked, making sure to address her as a 'prisoner' and not a 'demon'. The difference was subtle as the majority of demons were considered criminals as long as within a human's territory. Still, there did not exist any discriminating rules in the laws. Though no one would take up the party of the demons, the rules being more of a guideline than an obligation.
''Still in one piece, for now at least'' Emilie bluntly answered
They arrived at the prison.
''Our paths split here'' The priest glanced towards Louis.
''Then I shall bid you farewell. Don't hesitate to call me at any time if you ever feel so''
''Please wait a second.'' The priest stopped him '' You see, this child would like to see this village's functioning to form herself so that she could excel in the future, bringing peace and prosperity to our great empire. May I – this mere servant of Gods – trouble you asking to help her ?''
''You're too humble. It'll be my pleasure to help her. You can be sure that I will do my best in your regards, despite my limited skills.''
''Good, that's a great feat your village has created. I'll be sure to relegate this information using all of my care'' He put one of his hands on Louis' shoulder before entering the prison.
- - -
''Nirl's situation is a bit special as Cleppe is around. So, you can't take it as a standard. I guess you already know of the basics don't you ?''
She nodded.
The building methods, the distribution of classic resources like sal .. all this stuff were basics he didn't need to speak off. To tell the truth, apart from those low IQ inhabitants of great cities, all people knew of them.
Still, he needed to be sure. As the Dhorkar empire takes up 1/7 of the human territory, the disparity was bounded to happens. The north was richer, more populated, and with an altogether different culture. Some northerners even thought the glass was a component you'd only found in town.
''Cleppe takes care of the food supplies as we don't produce them ourselves. Cultivating vines is way more profitable. As for the water supply, we don't lack it. Most part of our culture is growing near the lake. They are also some wells that were built in the forest by our ancestors.''
''Wouldn't it be better to produce your own food?''
''No, it doesn't bring in as much money. Merchants come and go from time to time to bring food and at worst we can get it from the market.''
She looked puzzled.
''Of course, we would rather avoid the risks and produce, but this land isn't very good. We have only so many workforces, which will be used in diverse domains like forging, defending, …. The problem lies in this soil: it's just too low in energy causing both quantity and quality to drop. At best we could grow level 2 plants and harvest them 3 or 4 times a year. That's too little.''
The ones they bought from Cleppe were level 3 wheat and potatoes. Sometimes they'd even be some of level 4. Those could purify their body a bit, making it easier for them to absorb and use energy.
Louis continued to introduce the village.
…
''Alain ?'' Louis called him
''Shouldn't you be touring Nirl to the girl ?''
''Nah it has ended, she wanted to visit it herself, but hey! you should be more involved in this''
''Huh? Isn't it just some small talk? Honestly, I feel like I would be more useful training''
''Even if you say so…'' Louis sighed ''You see, it's not like I want to do it too. That's just how societies work.'' how could one's create a connection if not like this? Then with these one's could take some opportunities. There were only so many opportunities you could monopolize for yourself after all.
''Nevermind.'' seeing Alain's expression he knew it was hopeless. ''So? What did you want to tell me ?''
''See it for yourself'' he gives Louis a piece of paper with the result of his appraisal.
[Ermes Tiuop
Strength: Advanced level Great Knight (Elementary level Grandmaster Knight)
Occupation: Cleppe's Bishop
Skills :
- Divine Sacrifice
- Deep meditation
- Financial, administrative, and political expert
- Boost
- Heal]
[Mathilde Jirodis
Strength: Apprentice knight (Intermediate)
Occupation: Apprentice priest - a member of a sect
Skill :
- Memory
- Concentration]
The reason he wrote it down was that he was afraid of being spied off by the priest. At the same time, he didn't want to forget it.
While reading it Louis seems a bit surprised but then returned to his typical expression.
''So ?'' Alain asked ''What do you think ?''
''I didn't expect him to be this strong'' he nonchalantly replied ''though I don't understand why he would have two strength values''
Alain began writing his answer on the paper. He used a pen as energy would left traces ''I wondered it myself. This man, he has 5 artifacts and 22 magic devices''
Louis had a look of enlightenment as if he had found the solution to a riddle.
''Alright, thanks for the information'' Louis turned around preparing to leave
''Wait !'' Alain stopped him ''Shouldn't we do something about that ?''
''huh ? what do you want to do? And stop writing, he can't hear us''
Alain didn't know how to answer this. Pondering over it for a few seconds he responded
''Well, I mean, isn't it strange for Cleppe to have someone this strong? Not to mention his number of artifacts, why would someone this strong travel for a low-level demon ?''
Even at her peak, she couldn't rival a Knight, he had to make sure of it analyzing her. Furthermore, this priest clearly wasn't just anybody his artifacts serve as the best proof.