[A/N: Check the updated map of Sol here. The 2K version is on Discord.]
It was a great relief that King Conrad had acceded to the demands of Kaecilius. The rebellion that had lasted for months and the constant pressure on the entire industry of Riveria had finally shown their effects. It was another testament to Sylvester's technique of conquering through propaganda. Spreading certain ideas and propagating them did more harm than any sword or arrow could have.
But the following day, instead of returning to Riveria, both King Conrad and the newly appointed Viscount Kaecilius were summoned by King Highland to visit his recently developed farmland that was built using Sylvester's drip irrigation method.
"The entire landscape of my kingdom is changing slowly. Where once there was no grass or crops, now we see food growing. The previously infertile land is gradually turning cultivable," King Highland declared as they arrived near Lake Elixir, which was quite a distance from Sand City and lay on the path to Riveria.
King Conrad marveled at the sight of people toiling in the fields and strange apparatuses of pipes sprawling all over the fields, with sprinklers throwing water all around in some places. The fields were well constructed and maintained, evident from their appearance.
"I constructed a few canals all over the region, an effortless task for us wizards," King Highland added. "With all that I have done this year, I am optimistic that the next year's harvest will be the most abundant in the kingdom's history."
King Conrad had spent his life in Riveria, the wealthiest kingdom in the East, with the most fertile land in the continent, making it the breadbasket of Sol. Hence, he could not fully comprehend what a significant achievement it was.
However, for those who had witnessed the hunger and poverty while living in that region, what was happening was nothing short of a miracle of Solis.
"This fills my heart with satisfaction," Sylvester murmured. "It appears that the idea worked."
Sylvester had only suggested the irrigation style to the King as a fleeting thought. He did not expect the man to have so much faith in his words and go so overboard with irrigation.
Like before, the King's Prima and younger brother, Gladius, gazed dubiously at Sylvester, just like before. "Lord Bard, where do you get all your ideas from? I have read about all the things that you have invented, and none of them seem to have any predecessors from which you could have taken inspiration."
Sylvester chuckled, finally finding a man who didn't just bow to him while fearing Solis.
"Undoubtedly, Lord Prima. There were no preceding innovations to draw inspiration from," Sylvester clarified.
"However, finding inspiration isn't difficult. We can find it in nature itself. Don't mosquitoes suck our blood with their sharp, slender needles? So why can't we create something similar to inject medicine into our bloodstream? Thus, I created the injection. I was tired from constantly dipping my quill in ink and wasting precious moments, so I invented the pen. And concerning this irrigation system, I simply thought of an effective way to provide water to crops without wasting too much of it, an apt approach for a water-scarce region like Highland and Sorrow Kingdom."
"What about the musical instruments?" Gladius inquired further.
Sylvester laughed at that. "That? Hah, that's just an inspiration from the heart, my lord. I wanted to hear beautiful melodies, so I made them. I tried repeatedly until I perfected it, as simple as that."
"Let's not overlook the fact that he is God's Favored," King Conrad chimed in. "Regardless of what the Holy Land asserts, the decision is evident. There are only two more God's Favored candidates remaining, and they are merely Archpriests at Master Wizard ranks. None of them have accomplished anything significant like Lord Bard."
Kaecilius agreed, trying to act like a nobleman. "He's blessed. That's why the lands he travels to are blessed. Gracia was saved from Masan's invasion, and Riveria is at peace." Kaecilius glanced at King Conrad and nodded. "Highland won't starve, and Sorrow Kingdom knows no sorrow anymore."
"Are we forgetting the cure to the plague?" King Highland pridefully interjected. King Highland interjected with pride. "It is possibly the most significant contribution any clergyman has made to humanity in centuries. Lord Bard has single-handedly saved millions!"
Sylvester sighed, getting bored and frustrated as the same topics came up whenever he met someone. They all start praising him and crying about the second coming of Solis or something.
'Now I understand why Kings and Princes often become overconfident and end up ruining everything. Constant praise can be a temptation akin to the lure of the devil. Succumbing to it will only lead to degradation.'
"I am merely doing my duty, your majesties," Sylvester replied, remaining humble and calm. After all, the duty he had set up for himself was taking over the Church. So every single action he took was for one goal.
Eventually, their short tour came to an end, and they all decided to go their separate ways. Sylvester, Sir Dolorem, and Bishop Lazark intended to travel with Kaecilius and King Conrad as they were headed in the same direction.
Pat!
King Highland impulsively pulled Sylvester into an embrace. "Although your stay was brief, I am grateful that you came. I will keep you informed of our progress with farming through letters. Please take care of yourself, and I will pray to Solis to clear any obstacles in your path."
Sylvester reciprocated by patting the King's back. "I will do my best, your majesty. Give my regards to the Queen and the Prince. Remember, humility is the most valuable lesson for any future monarch. Please do not spoil the Prince, as I have witnessed too many downfalls that stem from such indulgence."
King Highland thumped his chest. "Do not fret, Sylvester. If he makes any foolish decisions, I will send him to the Holy Land to be mentored by you, his Godfather!"
"..."
Sylvester felt as if he had dug his own grave, thinking, 'Damn it, I do not want any more responsibilities, my friend.'
"I hope it does not come to that. Oh, one more thing." Sylvester remembered something and took out a small pouch containing fifty gold coins. "There is a family in Gravel City. The woman's name is Gianna Lionis. She has a daughter named Elis Lionis and a son named Moris Lionis. They are the family of my deceased friend Markus. Please give this money to them."
King Highland received the pouch respectfully. "Do not worry. It shall reach its destination."
With that, they bid farewell again and finally went on their separate paths.
Soon, they passed by the Governor's Keep and crossed The Rich Wall, which demarcated Riveria and Highland with a tall, well-defined wall.
Just beyond the wall was Fort Sunflower, the seat of Kaecilius. The gates swung open, and King Conrad briskly strode in, encircled by his soldiers. It was a hostile terrain for him, as the message of the truce had only just been conveyed.
"It's best you don't stay here for long, your majesty. Although we have peace now, some of our men may not have yet received the news. You are welcome to visit again soon, and I will receive you openly," Kaecilius suggested, aware of the hostile glare of his soldiers.
King Conrad didn't take his chances. "Then, I will not hold you back. However, I expect you to visit the River City later and pledge your loyalty before all the other nobles so that your status may become permanent."
"I will do so once things have normalized here, Your Majesty."
King Conrad then turned his attention to Sylvester. "Will you be accompanying me, Your Grace?"
Of course, Sylvester could not, as he had to provide weapons to Kaecilius. "Not yet, Your Majesty. I intend to visit the monastery and assess the conditions there. Furthermore, I must alleviate the Holy Land's concerns regarding the clergymen here, as no report has been able to leave these towering walls in the past few months."
"Yes, yes! Please do so." Conrad replied hastily, wanting to avoid the church meddling in his kingdom at all costs.
Once it was confirmed that the King and his men had departed, Sylvester headed to the monastery. However, he had to be cautious, for he knew there were spies from Riveria within the fort. Thus, he changed his appearance multiple times after visiting several shops. Once he was certain he wasn't being followed, he proceeded to the Fighting Arena, which was now unused.
He entered the same underground room where Kaecilius used to live and opened the underground hole through the runes. Then he raised Miraj on his wrist.
"Go ahead."
Woosh!
Miraj threw out tons of armor, sacks of crystal, and some money as well. It was a quick job, and no one else was present when they did it. Even Kaecilius had gone in a different direction to lure any potential spies.
'I hope all this works out. I have no idea where my next assignment will take me, but no matter where I go, my plans should not stop.' Sylvester muttered to himself, feeling mentally taxed. Having to deal with so many things alone was not easy. But, he had no other choice, as he had made up his mind long ago.
"Maxy, why are you sad?" Miraj suddenly asked, having sensed a change in emotions of Sylvester.
"Not sad, Chonky, just tired. Let's head home now and relax while feasting on Mum's special baked banana pie and honey cake." Sylvester closed the underground chamber and headed back to the monastery.
Miraj melted on Sylvester's head, relaxing while gleaming and giggling, already thinking about reaching home.
"We've been away for eight months this time," Miraj muttered. "I can't wait."
Sylvester remembered the bone spurs on Miraj's back. "Ah, I need mum to check you too. I believe you are growing wings, Chonky."
"What?" Miraj's ears perked up, twitching. "I can fly?!"
"Hold your horses, my fluffy falcon. Let's keep our expectations low in case it's something else."
Miraj had none of it. "No, Maxy. Now I know why I hated those pesky eagles so much. I'm one of them! Now I know… I'm certain! I believe I can fly…!"
"You're a cat." Sylvester corrected him.
"Hehe… A flying cat!"
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[A/N: One more chap incoming!]
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