Appraisal Results
Today, we three brothers are all going to the church together to accompany the mana appraisal for thirty-eight beastkin. Since there are many of them, it was decided that they could receive the appraisal as a special exception. The beastkin are traveling in three separate wagons.
Upon arriving at the church, they first receive an explanation about the mana appraisal, then wash their hands with holy water in the garden and offer prayers to the Creator God and the God of Harvest at the center.
Since they had never been to a church before, they were confused about how to pray, but the elderly priest kindly taught them.
Maybe it's because we're here too, but there was no sign of discrimination or disdain due to their race. In particular, the priest currently teaching them had a gentle expression.
Once everyone finished praying, they sat down on the pews in the church. Then, one by one, their names were called, and they underwent the mana appraisal.
Everyone had at least one attribute—fire, water, wind, earth, ice, lightning, or healing—though they varied.
A murmur of "Ohhh!" rose from the priests.
It seemed someone had two attributes. It was a young beastkin that resembled a tabby cat. Apparently, fire and earth.
One of the priests said to a beastkin with dark-colored fur resembling a werewolf, "You have received a blessing from the God of Martial Arts."
Including Raul, four wolf-like beastkin and three shepherd-like beastkin—seven in total—were found to have the blessing of the God of Martial Arts.
Then, to Natalia and a few others, the priest said, "You have received a blessing from the God of Plants."
Natalia, along with two dog-like and two cat-like beastkin—five in total—had received that blessing.
In total: one person had two attributes, seven received the God of Martial Arts' blessing, and five received the God of Plants' blessing.
Isn't the blessing rate kind of high?
"Maybe the ones who had blessings were the ones who managed to survive in the forest. But weren’t there about 120 to 130 people in the original village? That’s still a high blessing rate."
"Gerald, maybe the gods pitied their circumstances and granted more blessings so they could survive."
Brother Chris theorized. We’ll probably understand more once children start being born.
"If we report these results to the country, won’t they say something? Like wanting to take them in for protection?"
"We’ll just have to let Uncle Davit handle that."
Uncle Davit, huh?
"In exchange for something?"
"You know that cool fabric, right? I heard it can be used with silk too."
Ah, that’s right—Northtrad is known for its silk production.
It seems our family wants to avoid too much involvement with the central government. We’ll make use of what we can.
Good luck, Uncle Davit.
The next day, Saphid and the other beastkin moved to land near Shinana Village. Around five of Captain Kyle’s men will accompany them.
For a while, they’ll also make periodic patrols. I think I’ll go check on them at some point.
Brother Chris took the train back to the royal capital early this morning. Father entrusted him with a letter addressed to Uncle Davit. I guess Brother Chris will explain the details to him.
Two weeks after Brother Chris returned to the domain capital, I received a letter from Raphael saying his father would be going to Westland for work in a week, and he would be coming along, so let’s play.
Staying at a hotel in the domain capital? Isn’t his father a duke? Shouldn’t they stay at our place?
I brought the letter to Father’s study.
“I was just about to call you. So you’ve learned from the letter that Duke Clondale and his son are coming to Westland, I see.”
“Yes. Raphael wrote that he’s coming along with Duke Clondale on his business trip and wants to hang out.”
According to Father, Duke Clondale is the head of the Magic Tower and is coming to meet the beastkin.
He’s apparently coming to gather information about the beastkin’s homeland and confirm the blessings.
We had expected someone from the Magic Tower to come, but not the head himself.
“Isn’t it a bit soon? It’s only been two weeks, and the village isn’t even functioning yet, so what’s there to ask...”
“I have a feeling meeting the beastkin is just an excuse—his real goal is to see you, Hardt. He missed the audience with the King last time, after all.”
It seems they plan to stay at a hotel because they want to explore the domain capital.
At some point during the stay, we’ll probably have to invite them for a meal.
I’m happy I’ll get to see Raphael again, but... what kind of person is Duke Clondale, really?
What do you think about this chapter?
