episode_0020

“75 silver. No more than that.”

Each piglet costs 15 silver. However, I was aiming for up to 20 silver each and had my eyes set on a sum of 1 gold. In times like these, it’s convenient being in a fantasy world, as once the number reaches 100, it transitions from copper to silver and then from silver to gold.

“Even though this one looks so healthy? Look at it, gaining weight and its eyes sparkling. It seems like it will live a long life without any illnesses.”

Before heading to the meeting place, I had some time left, so I came to a livestock merchant who deals with livestock to sell the piglets, following Malcolm’s suggestion.

And as it appears, I was indeed earnestly negotiating with the merchant.

“Ahem, Serena. How about we negotiate next time? The meeting time is approaching slowly. Pigs and merchants don’t suddenly disappear, so let’s head to the meeting room now.”

Malcolm’s words were reasonable. Since the market and the meeting place were in completely opposite directions, it would take up a lot of time. And I looked at the pigs in the basket.

“Oink!”

Honestly, it pricks my conscience to sell these cute little creatures. But there’s no turning back. If you get attached to them for their cuteness when they’re young, they’ll become burdensome later on.

“Wait, are you wearing… a nun’s outfit?”

“Yes, I have my reasons. I’m on a pilgrimage, but yes, indeed, I am a nun.”

The merchant asked cautiously, and I responded in a hushed tone accordingly.

“My wife has contracted an infectious disease. If you cure her, I’ll pay you double the market price.”

“Let’s settle for 1 gold. And while I step away for a moment, could you look after these little ones?”

“Agreed.”

I may be an opportunist, but I draw the line at profiting off people’s health.

—Affirmative. The user is super racist.

Ah, whatever, let them be human.

With that, I entrusted the pigs to Malcolm and followed his lead to open the door to the meeting room.

Inside the room, there was a lavish figure, Paofu, wiping sweat with a handkerchief even though sitting still seemed to make sweat trickle down.

“There’s plenty of empty seats here, right? And the seat in the center of the table must be for Nade.”

It dawned on me again that I had killed someone. I feel no guilt. Given the perception of being an enemy and the betrayal I faced, along with selling out men to orcs, I thought death was fitting.

“Oh, Malcolm. Your words were true.”

Paofu rose exaggeratedly and firmly shook my hand. Ugh, damn it… My hand got sweaty.

“…This is Serena, a pilgrim.”

“This is the village’s merchant representative, Mr. Kubil. Originally, there were more participants, but due to the epidemic, various hardships and simple military and negotiation issues, if Mr. Malcolm, Mr. Kubil, and Serena can coordinate opinions, the problem will be resolved.”

Honestly, I’d rather discuss this issue with Malcolm alone, excluding Paofu.

My hands felt clammy, and there was a strong odor upon approaching.

“Mr. Kubil, let’s address urgent matters first…”

“Hahaha, a person like me… I was momentarily captivated by the nun’s beauty.”

“…You flatter me.”

Through Malcolm’s mediation, the three of us took our seats, with a bit of snacks and what seemed like tea placed on my spot.

After briefly surveying the market, the absence of such desserts indicated that Nade probably didn’t want to treat me similarly.

“You bastard.”

I discreetly picked up a cookie, and as the sweet taste spread, I felt somewhat relieved.

“Well then, I will provide information on the epidemic.”

***

“So, the miracle drug is essentially a treatment for another disease?”

“Yes, that’s right. That disease, ‘Red Fingertips,’ is occasionally found in the south, and it’s a mild and infectious disease that clears up after resting for about two days.”

Also known as Red Fingertips disease.

Basically similar to a cold, but the distinctive feature is that fingertips turn red.

However, the problem is that this illness is very rare and weak, so there were not many effective remedies or ingredients available.

Interestingly, the epidemic spreading in the village can be treated with this effective remedy and miraculous healing, Cure.

—Skill: Cure. Price 500 points.

—Remaining points: 510 points.

No problem. Without hesitation, I purchased Cure and refocused on the meeting.

“But Cure is just a temporary solution. If we don’t fix the fundamental reason why this epidemic is spreading, more patients will increase.”

Treating over 200 people alone is too slow. Even if I try, without stocking up on immunity or medicine against germs or viruses, it will spread again.

“Infection routes? What is the age distribution of the patients?”

“Infection routes are currently under investigation. Pharmacists and alchemists have investigated the water source together, but it was clean, and the chances of transmission through vapor or airborne were low, so even caregivers who neglected prevention mostly did not show symptoms. The main age group consists of children with weak immunity and the elderly, followed by women.”

Apart from a few details, it’s a typical scenario of an infectious disease.

“Then, it must be…”

“Yes, probably the Demon Lord. Moreover, it’s likely to be someone who engages in subterfuge rather than direct confrontation. Currently, the most probable suspect is the succubus who took away the priest in the village.”

It was already a foregone conclusion from the point where Nade was considered the Demon Lord’s puppet. However, curiosity arose.

“Is the succubus certain?”

Usually, those engaging in subterfuge are cautious not to reveal their identity, but this was too reckless.

“Yes, during the night, the priest shouted a sonic magic spell saying ‘Succubus spotted in the church!’”

“…?”

I looked at Malcolm in disbelief for a moment.

“…It’s true.”

Even though it wasn’t something he did, Malcolm seemed slightly embarrassed and said.

“Let’s think positively. At least we know it was a succubus.”

With nothing to lose, I thanked him for revealing the culprit, feeling a bit embarrassed!

“For now, gather the patients at the cathedral. We need a punitive force.”

“I’ll post a notice in place of Nade.”

“Let’s work with the Rangers to scout areas where the succubus might be hiding. There are a few unused watchtowers or bandit hideouts near the village.”

As things started to fall into place, I naturally began delegating tasks within my role.

***

“Cure.”

As I used the skill, pure white light particles fell like snowflakes onto the woman, and her fingertips quickly returned to their original color.

“Darling, are you feeling better now?”

“Yes, thanks to the nun, I’m completely healed.”

The woman squeezed her hand, checking for any bleeding. Then, she stood up briskly after confirming everything was fine, smiling brightly as if nothing had happened.

That makes it the 70th person. The skill only consumes 30 points of sanctity each time I use it, but after using it 70 times and taking a short break to recharge my sanctity, the sun has already set.

The merchant couple thanked me, offering a piglet and a little extra as a gesture, adding 5 shields to the 1 gold. Donations like these have accumulated quite nicely, earning me a decent amount.

“Amazing. I may not know much about clergy, but I’ve never seen anyone perform miracles to this extent.”

“Sister, you’re amazing!”

Stan, the guard I first met when I arrived in this village, stuck by my side as my escort, praising me along with his daughter.

“Haha, thank you. By the way, what’s the name of our little lady here?”

“It’s Vena!”

Vena energetically replied, raising her hand.

“Even if the illness is gone right now, don’t push yourself too hard. Resting well is important.”

I gave Ben a slightly mature advice while patting his head. By the way, ‘Unni’ is still an unfamiliar title to me. However, seeing this bright smile, I feel like I understand why people volunteer or do good deeds.

Ding dong!

At that moment, Malcolm appeared as the church door opened.

“Serena, are you okay for a moment?”

“Yes, I just finished treating today’s patients.”

“…It should be patients from a few days ago, not today’s. Anyway, we’ve identified the whereabouts of the succubus. An orc was spotted near the surveillance tower during the day. It was sloppy but organized, and overall, the quality of their weapons was good.”

Fast. That means the ranger’s skills were excellent or…

—Caution, possibility of a trap 61%

“The possibility of a trap?”

“It exists. But now that we know a skilled priest has appeared in town, we’ll prepare a response.”

—Logical. In the worst-case scenario, if the opponent has knowledge of alchemy and medicine, there is a possibility of a more virulent pathogen spreading in the village than now.

“So, it’s a preemptive strike.”

It might be too hasty to say, but if we miss this opportunity, the situation will continue with the aggressor and victim dynamic. And like with Neid, there may even be attempts to lure people into becoming part of the demon army.

“Preparations?”

“I’m going with 20 elite troops. We’ll attack when night falls.”

Dealing with the succubus at night is much better than during the day. And my divine power…

—DP 520/1000 10%

—5 hours until full recovery.

“I’m ready too.”

Well, if we fail, we’ll just have to take a bit of a beating.