"But in contrast, regardless of whether the treatment is successful or not, all members of the family who have received the treatment will have to serve the church for the rest of their lives, doing the most basic and poorly paid odd jobs."
"Doesn't that mean they can just put on a show and get a bunch of free labor?!" I exclaimed in shock.
"That's not all."
Shen Xue sighed: "Because this kind of unfair transaction is coercive. Although there are people who choose to give in in order to gain a glimmer of hope, the vast majority... at least the vast majority I know do not agree with this practice. The poor environment and heavy work are the basics. What's worse is that some people deliberately mock and provoke them, and even use whipping to amuse themselves. These are the secrets that the outside world does not know."
"Isn't there anyone who wants to rebel?"
"Yes, but without exception, those who tried to resist or escape were eventually caught. As for their fate... I think you probably wouldn't want to know."
The atmosphere on the car floor suddenly became colder and more biting than the winter snow.
"...Oh, oh dear, let's not say such hurtful things."
Adjusting her tone, Alice regained her cheerful voice and drew our attention: "I say, we can't just stay here any longer! We'd better decide where to go quickly, the people around here are starting to notice us!"
As the female knight had said, in the shadows within our sight, there were at least a dozen figures, each concealing a weapon beneath their clothing, huddled together, watching us and whispering amongst themselves. From their scrutinizing gazes, sharp as those of wolves, it wasn't hard to guess their thoughts and their impending actions.
I don't want to cause too much trouble in this city for the time being, at least not now.
"Why don't we start moving forward? It's safer than staying in one place."
I suggested it, and then I saw Alice nod lightly, give a soft shout to the hairy ox pulling the cart, and the wheelbarrow immediately began to turn slowly.
"We're not going to the inner city."
The hunters quickly and obediently returned to their role as guides, pointing to the winding, undulating buildings ahead: "After going a little further, at the fork in the road in front of that red-roofed house, we need to turn left and keep going along the right-hand road until we stop in front of a three-story flat-roofed hut."
Are there any doctors or anything there?
I asked casually, but the answer made Miyuki frown instinctively: "We need to go find the Holy Maiden."
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