Global Game: Developing a Knight Clan-Chapter 45: Arrival of the Missionary, Harbinger of the Storm
As the Duke’s Mansion’s convoy entered the Korola Highlands, news had not yet reached the Swamp Territory.
Nearly two months had passed since Oracle Day.
These days, there was a great deal to do in the Swamp Territory.
For one, following the Oracle, York had his wife arrange for the old butler to purchase slaves from the black market in the Korola Highlands. These slaves were to be trained into the Swamp Territory’s core Death Warriors.
For another, York also had to manage the development of his territory.
As for the Rock Steel Giant Dragon, York knew it had already left the swamp.
But where it had gone was not for him to know.
He only figured it must be part of His great Majesty’s plan, so he wasn’t concerned or worried.
What’s more, over the past two months, a pack of Forest Wolves would secretly leave many Tierless Demon Cores and even Magic Crystals by a pond in the forest, several miles from the Baron’s Mansion, every night.
York was well aware of this.
He simply needed to regularly send his two most loyal Knight’s Squires to collect them.
As for worrying about these two Knight’s Squires betraying him?
There was no need. These two Knight’s Squires were retainers of the Smith family.
Their parents, children, and friends were all with the Smith family. Therefore, most Nobility in this world never worried about their own Knight’s Squires betraying them.
Besides, they were Knight’s Squires. If they were to commit an act of betrayal, for any reason, they were destined to be condemned by the rules of this world.
What if York’s father found out about this?
York didn’t care at all. After all, his father was no fool.
Furthermore, from the moment his father had stepped forward to shield him from that Tier Two trouble, York no longer felt the need to hide many things.
And so, amidst this exhausting yet satisfying life, the day soon came when the Swamp Territory welcomed the establishment of the Truth Church.
「One day, at sunset.」
An old man dressed in the white robes of the Truth Church, escorted by two Defender Knights, finally arrived at the Baron’s Mansion.
York received the white-robed Missionary and, as required, had already built a small chapel for him in the territory ahead of time.
But afterward—well, York was stunned to find that the Defender Knights escorting the white-robed Missionary just unceremoniously left on the third day! 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶
’???’
York was bewildered. He even made a special trip to the Church of Truth.
He discovered that, indeed, only the elderly Missionary remained.
However, there was also a nun and two local Commoners who were believers serving as helpers inside the church.
But that wasn’t the most important thing.
Most importantly, this white-robed Missionary had no Entry Tier Power at all, and neither did the young nun.
A slight sense of them revealed they were completely ordinary people.
Of course, York knew from the start that a Church Missionary didn’t necessarily need Power, but since this one had come to a dangerous place like the Swamp Territory...
’Shouldn’t at least one Defender Knight have stayed behind?’
’But both of them left!’
York, who had initially been on high alert, felt like he had punched a wad of cotton.
Seeing York’s arrival,
Missionary Oleg, after finishing prayers with a group of followers, immediately walked up to York at the entrance.
"Greetings, Lord."
The white-haired, benevolent-looking old man smiled and bowed to York.
"I did not expect you would have time to come and worship today, my Lord. We are truly graced by a distinguished guest."
York returned the bow and then said with a smile,
"You are too kind, Resident Missionary Oleg."
"I do have a little free time today, but I am actually somewhat perplexed and was hoping to ask for your guidance. I wonder if Resident Missionary Oleg could enlighten me?"
Oleg led York into the church, saying with a kind and benevolent expression,
"My Lord, are you wondering why those two Defender Knights left so suddenly?"
"Hm?"
York stared at Oleg before him, feigning astonishment, then broke into a smile.
"It seems nothing can be hidden from Resident Missionary Oleg, who has the Divine Favor of the God of Truth and Knowledge."
"Indeed. I wonder if Resident Missionary Oleg would be so kind as to enlighten me?"
Oleg smiled upon hearing this, then said,
"My Lord, you flatter me."
"In truth, there is nothing to hide about this matter."
"The reason is simple. The situation for our Church is not very optimistic right now, so all the Defender Knights in the nation have been given other arrangements and tasks."
"As for us Resident Missionaries, we can only trouble the local Lords to look after us."
York’s brow furrowed instantly. He looked at the Missionary before him, pondered for a moment, then chose his words carefully.
"Has it truly reached such a severe point?"
"Can’t... hm... can’t you take a small step back? Doesn’t the Church always proclaim that the Deities love all people? As a believer in the Deities... well, Resident Missionary Oleg, forgive my rudeness."
At York’s words, Oleg’s expression finally shifted. He sighed and said,
"There is no need for that, my Lord."
"The Deities love all people, as do their believers, of course. But in the end, we are all just mortals."
"In the realm of Deities, who can say for sure what is happening now? Moreover, it has been a very, very long time since the Deities have made their Descent into the mortal world."
"One can only hope that when the dust settles, not too many unfortunate things will have happened."
Hearing this, York looked at the compassionate Missionary, a hint of surprise in his heart.
"Resident Missionary Oleg, it may be rude of me to say, but you truly are different from the other Missionaries I have met in the Duchy."
"My Lord, are you referring to the Resident Missionary of Gale Territory, Stephen?"
York gave a noncommittal nod. After all, he was from the Smith family of Gale Territory, so it wasn’t surprising that Oleg knew who he was talking about.
Seeing York nod, Oleg shook his head slightly and smiled once more.
"Though Missionary Stephen’s personality and methods are a bit radical, he is, on the whole, a good person."
"As for me, I am merely old and have seen much, so I’ve learned to have a broader perspective."
With that, Oleg guided York to clasp his hands in prayer before a statue of a giant book inside the church.
The two of them completed their prayers smoothly.
At this point, York didn’t ask any more questions.
He just exchanged a few simple pleasantries with the Missionary and prepared to leave.
However, just as York stepped out of the church doors...
...Resident Missionary Oleg, behind him, suddenly looked at him with a placid expression and spoke.
"My Lord, I’ve just recalled a kind piece of advice an elder gave me long ago, when I was still young. Would you be interested in hearing it?"
York’s brow twitched, but when he turned his head, his face was already wreathed in smiles.
"Oh? Such an honor? What did this kind elder say? For it to remain so fresh in your memory, Resident Missionary Oleg?"
Oleg looked calmly at York.
Then, he slowly said, "Do not become infatuated with Power that should not be yours. You should always view everything with a clear head."
"Is that so?"
"Those are quite pertinent words from that elder. Well then, Resident Missionary Oleg, until we meet again!"
York smiled at his words, then turned and strode away!
However, the moment he turned away, York’s expression became utterly grim.
And the Missionary, watching York’s retreating back, suddenly had a contemplative smile on his face as he spoke.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a confident young man. And he’s merely the illegitimate son of a Baron?"
"Is it overconfidence and arrogance? Or a clear conscience?"
"Well then, let me have a good look... where does the truth you and your father are hiding truly come from..."
