Chapter 436 I'll Watch
Kallen, standing at the tower entrance, was still wearing the same outfit she had worn when she was standing on the castle platform.
The nine o'clock sunlight shone on the face with soft lines. Even the conservative nun's robe could not completely hide the fullness and health of a country girl.
Traditional Saint Sis nuns are mostly tall and aloof, mainly because most girls in the empire are tall and advocate moderation, like grapes hanging on a high trellis.
The girls of Rhodes Kingdom were just the opposite, more like ripe tomatoes pressed on green vines.
Coincidentally, she was wearing a crown of emerald olive branches on her head.
Luo Yan thought with interest that this might become the standard configuration of the nuns of the "New Saint Sith Church".
"What does the girl in hell look like?" Youyou asked curiously after hearing Luo Yan's inner thoughts.
It was purely out of curiosity.
Luo Yan thought for a while and replied in his heart.
"Probably ripe tomatoes hanging on the vine."
That's actually a bit unscientific, but it seems that there is not much point in talking about science outside of Xuebang?
Especially in a place like hell.
Youyou: "Puff..."
"...I knew you were here."
Kallen walked forward, her clear eyes showing a hint of intimacy, just like a child who has just learned to walk and looks back proudly to see his parents looking at him with approval.
That is better than any reward in the world.
Although Luo Yan was not her father, he was indeed looking at her with approval at this moment.
Just now, he witnessed a new legend again.
"How did you guess that?"
"The Saint's intuition."
Kallen blinked lightly, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly in satisfaction, and her peaceful face was filled with unprecedented confidence.
She is no longer confused about her mission, and Luo Yan is very happy that she can find a new meaning in life.
"This tiara suits you very well."
"Really?" Karen opened her eyes in surprise, and a hint of joy flashed in her bright eyes.
"certainly."
Luo Yan smiled and continued, "That's a good idea. How did you come up with it?"
"There's really no reason... I hope you won't laugh at me."
Kallen said shyly with a blush on her cheeks.
"I heard Brennan wants to get me an iron crown, but I'm worried it's too heavy. If I have to wear it all the time... I'm afraid I can't afford it with my strength."
Luo Yan didn't laugh, but Tafu beside him laughed out loud in a very tasteless way.
Hearing the puffing sound, Kallen's face turned even redder. She stood there, not knowing what to do, with her index fingers twisted together behind her back.
"Did I...did I say something wrong?"
"No, it's just that this little guy is used to being free and undisciplined and doesn't understand what a sense of boundaries is... I will teach him a lesson later."
Luo Yan gently kicked Tafu's tail, and the latter restrained herself somewhat, although she still grinned in dissatisfaction.
At this moment, Sarah, who had been standing in the shade like a shadow, came out. Without a word, she lifted Taffy up from the ground and held her in her arms, just like a big cat holding a kitten.
Taf had something to say, but because of the familiar contract, she grimaced for a long time but could only mutter "humiliation".
"Okay, be quiet..." Sarah patted Tuff's back and muttered softly, like an inexperienced mother cat coaxing her cubs.
And it's a cow cat.
Watching this heartwarming scene, Kallen couldn't help but burst out laughing, covering her mouth with her hands. The sound of her laughter was as clear as a wind chime, diluting the sacred atmosphere of the tower.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing the "Lord God" looking at her, Kallen immediately realized that she had lost her composure.
Her cheeks instantly flushed, and she quickly waved her hands and explained incoherently.
"Yes, I'm sorry, Mr. Colin! I just didn't expect that you would have such a... uh, human side?"
In her mind, both "Mr. Colin" and "King of Fire" are images of being high above and out of touch with the world.
But at this moment, she felt a rare sense of human intimacy from the man who was playing with her "pet".
However, her words were limited, and her expression was so strange that a certain little female dragon without a sense of boundaries started puffing again.
This guy has an extremely strong self-esteem and has G-spots all over his body. However, he lacks the strength and is ridden on the head by a hairless monkey. He can't win and can't argue... He can only win back with inexplicable performance art.
Luo Yan didn't care about Tafu's face-saving behavior. It was too easy to break this guy's defense. He just needed to add an egg when Sarah was down there.
Looking at Kallen who was gesturing with her index finger and explaining incoherently, he shrugged helplessly.
"What are you saying? I am a human being. What do you mean by human-like?"
He had never tried to play a non-human creature, so he didn't know why this guy had the illusion that he was not human.
However, Kallen was shocked after hearing this, and opened her mouth slightly, as if her brain had frozen.
Originally...human?
That divine power that conjured bread out of thin air, and that divine light that dispelled the dark clouds...is this really something humans can do?!
It took her a while to come back to her senses and she asked stutteringly.
"Then, what about the Flame King?"
Luo Yan answered lightly, as if he was talking about a trivial matter.
"That's just my title."
A title...just?
Kallen stared at him blankly, and after a long while she spoke in a low voice.
"Then...are the rumors about the 'Son of God' also lies?"
This honest and simple girl pondered for a long time, but couldn't think of how to choose the words, so she carefully used the word "cheat".
She didn't mean to complain, she was just a little bit unbelievable.
She always thought that she was saved by God, and the purpose of God saving her was that he wanted her to redeem the people in hell.
She also believed in the legend of the Son of God that was later passed down orally.
However, this god told her that he was not a special being but a genuine human being.
Then what am I?
Hearing this interesting question, Luo Yan laughed out loud. Then, looking into those clear eyes, he said.
"As far as I can remember, the term 'Son of God' didn't exist back then. The people of Thunder City were too conservative and lacked a rich imagination. They simply said the Flame King was the 'Son of God,' born near the lava, and only survived thanks to Saint Sith's blessing. The people of Dusk Province are much more imaginative. I'm even a little surprised that in just a few days, I've become Saint Sith's son."
He never claimed to be the Son of God, and almost all the stories surrounding this title were fabricated by people themselves.
There are alcoholics.
There are bards.
And there are adventurers.
Over time, the legend of the Flame King became deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Thunder County, and even the Princess of Campbell believed it.
After all, King Yan’s porridge shop did rescue many refugees outside Leiming City.
"...So, everything is just a misunderstanding?" Kallen said blankly.
Luo Yan shook his head.
"Not entirely. To be more precise, it was a misunderstanding caused by deliberate guidance. I don't deny that I did it on purpose."
"But... why are you doing this?" Kallen asked in confusion.
"It's simple, because the people here need a deity without worldly interests, who can hear their voices and give them affirmation, and I can satisfy them."
Looking at Kallen who still couldn't let go, Luo Yan said with a smile.
"Actually, this isn't a bad thing. Think about it from another perspective. If it was the caravan owner, Thomas, who asked you to do 'what I told you to do,' are you sure you'd have the courage to see it through to the end? Miracles only happen when everyone has complete faith."
Kallen tried to imagine it, but couldn't picture the scene at all, so she blushed and shook her head, then nodded.
"Thank you for telling me this... You didn't have to tell me, right?"
Luo Yan nodded.
"If I had worldly interests here, I really wouldn't have to tell you, but I don't have that kind of demand on you who have nothing. I'm just curious about where you'll end up."
Generally, the "Chosen One" will only teach half of the secrets, because half is enough. If the Chosen One has too many ideas, it will only cause trouble for himself.
However, the situation in Twilight Province is rather special, and the incomplete secret book may not be able to defeat the various forces entangled here.
He needed to make this saint know both the facts and the reasons behind them, so he had to teach her some real things that neither Chaos nor Saint Sith taught her.
Even when they were on the road, in addition to explaining to her the revised Book of the Holy Word, he would also tell her why he made such changes.
She must give piety to fanatical people so that they can escape the hell under their feet. At the same time, she must keep herself sober, otherwise they will go to another hell.
Looking at Kallen who had been silent for a long time, Luo Yan said with a smile.
"Disappointed?"
"No."
Kallen shook her head slightly, that shy and innocent smile returning to her face as she spoke sheepishly.
"Actually... when I heard you were human, besides being surprised, a lot of my confusion suddenly cleared up. Honestly, hearing you share these secrets, I was actually a little... happy."
Luo Yan could understand both surprise and enlightenment, the only thing that surprised him a little was happiness.
He thought that she might be disappointed because of her "fall from the altar" and might be confused because of losing the "right direction", but he did not expect that this girl from the fields would be so optimistic and could even taste the joy from this realistic monologue.
"Happy?"
"That, that... is a secret."
Kallen suddenly looked away, and the pair of hands, not knowing what to do, had secretly moved from behind to in front of her, although their tightly clasped fingers were still entangled nervously.
Looking at the nun who suddenly became embarrassed, Luo Yan thought for a while and decided not to ask any further questions.
He is a god with a sense of boundaries, unlike a certain dragon god who likes to look around and be curious about everything.
Kallen didn't seem to want to continue on this topic. She coughed lightly and showed her reliable side besides her piety.
Earlier on the carriage, she received more than just "oracle" from the Lord God, but also things beyond mysticism.
And now——
It’s time for God to review her “learning results”!
"...Um, regarding the follow-up work of the Salvation Army, I've already made some preliminary arrangements. Could you give me some advice?"
Luo Yan smiled and nodded.
"Of course, I'm happy to help."
He suddenly felt like he was back at the academy, and Ilana's figure seemed to overlap with Kallen... well, not overlapping at all.
The two are completely different types in terms of personality, temperament and appearance.
After receiving the God's approval, Kallen's lips curled up in joy, but she quickly regained her serious and solemn expression.
Just like a real saint.
"First, spring plowing. There's too much abandoned land in Quemu Territory, so I plan to dispatch some of the Salvation Army soldiers to the Wheatfield Village area to assist returning residents in reclaiming and cultivating the wasteland. Firstly, most of our soldiers are farmers and know how to farm. Secondly, many of their villages have been destroyed, so I want to take this opportunity to have some of them settle down in Wheatfield Village... I believe that only with a home can they truly feel a sense of belonging."
Luo Yan nodded.
"That's a good idea, but we must pay more attention to the distribution of land."
Although he had never farmed before, he was roughly aware that the value of different lands was different. Some lands could be used to grow anything, while some could only support the most common crops. There were also issues such as the distance from water sources and the difficulty of reclamation.
If all the fertile land is in the hands of the Salvation Army soldiers, it may not be a big deal in the short term, but it will definitely cause new problems in the long run.
"I've already considered this," Kallen said, her lips curling up with a hint of pride as she spoke with a familiar air. "We've decided to apply different tax rates to different plots of land. We'll also assess the land's output on an annual basis and publish it publicly on a village-by-village basis, including the soldiers' land. While guaranteeing absolute fairness isn't realistic, we'll do our best to ensure relative fairness in principle and satisfy as many people as possible."
Luo Yan nodded.
For a country still in the feudal era, just the promise of "satisfying the majority of people as much as possible" is not easy.
After all, they are not Campbell people sitting on steam engines. The wealth of Thunder City is enough to surpass the output of the entire duchy's farmland.
Even with the help of God, these people who had just become free people from serfs would have to grope forward in the dark for a long time.
Seeing the Lord God nodding slightly, Karen seemed to be encouraged, and her voice became much more natural, no longer as tense as before.
"Secondly, it's about the land along the Rushing River. It's the most fertile land in Quemu Territory, and it has existing irrigation canals and waterwheels. It's only because of Earl Theron's neglect that it's fallen into disrepair. According to Earl Theron's steward, he once proposed repairing the water conservancy facilities and roads, but the Earl, concerned about unrest in the territory, has been unwilling to pay, preferring to use the tax revenue to purchase real estate in Dusk City."
"General Brennan and I have discussed this opportunity. We'd like to take over these water conservancy facilities and the lord's mill and transfer them to the Salvation Army. We will then organize manpower to repair these facilities and provide services to those in need in exchange for a reasonable fee."
"I'm afraid this is not a good idea."
Kallen was stunned for a moment and asked subconsciously.
"Why?"
Luo Yan said without hesitation.
"Because the farmers in Dusk Province used to use these facilities for free, if you suddenly charge them now, they will only think that you are not as good as Count Cyron."
Kallen was a little confused and wanted to try to argue with her mentor.
"But those water conservancy facilities haven't been used for a long time. Besides, the land used to belong to the lord, but now it's theirs. They should understand..."
"That's another matter," Luo Yan bluntly interrupted her reverie and said succinctly, "Don't expect everyone to be rational or have coherent thinking. Even the residents of the Holy City don't have that awareness yet. And the most important thing is that they don't have money, and neither do you."
Food cannot be turned into money just by growing it. A group of serfs who have just become free people may only have a few copper coins in their pockets.
There is no point in taking away those copper coins; it will only make them leave the canal unused and stubbornly carry their buckets to the river.
Kallen was, after all, a humble and eager-to-learn "student". She immediately realized the problem and spoke after a moment of silence.
"Then what do you think we should do?"
Looking at the humble and eager-to-learn Karin, Luo Yan smiled, nodded, and spoke.
"I won't make the decision for you directly. But if it were me, I would let them use it for free and then find the money from other places. That way, they can't find fault or even feel they've gotten a bargain, and the facility can still be maintained."
This involves the art of ruling.
He knew that Kallen wouldn't understand if he just said that, so he continued patiently.
"I've heard that the timber from the Dusk Province is renowned across the continent of Oss, but due to war and famine, the timber export business has shifted to the northern border of the Kingdom of Rhodes. You know what it's like there, with its cold climate and inconvenient transportation. Your Rushing River, however, reaches directly to the Duchy of Campbell in the south and flows into the northeastern estuary of the Whirlpool Sea."
"If it were me, I would consider improving the existing water conservancy facilities and using some of the power for lumber processing. If you can utilize the Dusk Province's forest resources and export them with the unique advantages of the Rushing River, I believe the additional revenue will not only offset the losses of the water conservancy facilities, but even provide a surplus to subsidize other areas."
"Of course, with the war going on right now, exporting to the Duchy of Campbell isn't realistic, but the dwarves of the Wanren Mountains are still something we can consider. While the tools they produce aren't as sophisticated as those of the Campbells, they're just as durable and inexpensive, especially their steam engines."
There was a glimmer of hope in Kallen's eyes, as if she saw hope, but it soon dimmed due to the reality of the problem.
"But... I heard that the dwarves are in the east of Dusk Province, near Brass Pass. They are too far away from us."
Luo Yan guessed she would say that, but he didn't think it was a problem at all.
After all, there are not only dwarves with braids in this world. There is also a group of bald dwarves in the not-too-distant Fortress.
"There are dwarves at Rockshatter Peak too. I saw on the map that it's not too far from here. There's a tributary of the Rushing River that connects to it."
"Rockshatter Peak? I heard from the locals that there are hairless dwarves there..." Kallen whispered, "Are those Hell Dwarves?"
"That's a myth," Luo Yan said calmly, "How many dwarves have the locals seen? What do they know?"
What's the big deal about having no hair?
At worst, let them go to the cemetery and buy a wig to wear!
Now, under the corruption of the players, the Hell Dwarves of the Calamity Castle seem to be obsessed with money, and they will not miss any business that can make money!
There is a railway network from the Fortress of Disaster to the cemetery. As long as the timber can be transported there, it is equivalent to transporting it to the Duchy of Campbell.
Once shipped to the Duchy of Campbell, it was equivalent to shipping it to the empire's trade network. As long as there was money flowing in, merchants like Thomas would naturally come in.
Kallen nodded after a moment of confusion, noting down this crucial clue. After expressing her gratitude to the generous god, she continued reporting on her work.
There was nothing wrong with the subsequent arrangements, including personnel appointments and job settings. They were of course too sloppy by modern standards, but they were too advanced for the Quemu Territory that had been ruined by Count Sharon.
This simple-minded girl with a fanatical nature obviously took everything I told her to heart.
Luo Yan was very satisfied.
So far so good. Instead of making changes for them myself, I let them figure out the rules that suit them.
"...Finally, there's the issue of identity numbering and household registration. We plan to establish a dedicated archive management department based on the existing registration department. The clergy in the castle are willing to cooperate with us. They have extensive experience in transcription and archival management."
"Our biggest problem right now is the lack of seeds, but Thomas said he would try his best to help us find a solution. We should be able to buy some in Dusk City, and there are also some reserve seeds left in the castle's granary."
After finishing her report, she clasped her hands in front of her and looked at her god cautiously, her clear eyes filled with the expectation of affirmation.
Just like a student waiting for test results.
Luo Yan certainly would not hesitate to give her affirmation. In fact, she did a really good job, and a smile of approval appeared on his face.
"You've done well. Although there are some flaws in the details, I can see that your future is bright. As I said last night, you need to let your people see hope so that they can use their own power to create miracles."
After a pause, he continued.
"I can help you with the seeds, including catching up on the spring plowing schedule and repairing the water conservancy facilities... I happen to have some people here who are very good at doing these things."
"Really? That's great!"
Kallen's face instantly revealed an uncontrollable joy, but she quickly realized that she was discussing work, so she coughed lightly and her expression returned to that of a solemn saint. "On behalf of the people of Twilight Province, thank you for your help."
Luo Yan looked at her trying to maintain her dignity and said with a smile.
"You don't have to do that with me."
Karin accidentally let him see through her thoughts again, and she secretly stuck out her tongue, revealing a side of her that ordinary people could not see.
"I'm just worried that you think I'm unreliable."
"Whether I feel the same or not is not important," Luo Yan smiled and said in a gentle voice, "It's enough for those who follow you to think you are reliable."
After the serious business was over, the roof of the tower returned to its relaxed and happy atmosphere.
The sun was almost overhead, illuminating the cold slate and rock walls with a pale glow. Smoke was rising from the distant camp, as if the war was far away from everyone...
Kallen enjoyed this feeling, not only because of the warm sunshine, but also because of the smile in front of her that was as warm as the sunshine.
Only when she was in front of Mr. Colin could she truly take off the heavy mask of "saint" and return to the relaxed and free countryside in her memory.
As for the reason, perhaps it was because he had seen all of her sides, whether she was embarrassed, confused, or pious and holy...
Kallen's voice suddenly tinged with emotion and curiosity. "I never thought Mr. Colin was actually known as the 'Flame King.' To be honest, when I first heard about it from people, I thought it was just a rumor..."
Luo Yan smiled but said nothing.
He neither admitted nor denied it and continued to perform as steadily as ever.
Seeing him being so "indulgent", Karen became bolder.
She suddenly winked playfully, revealing a side completely different from her saintly appearance during the ceremony. "'Colin', that's probably not your real name, is it?"
Luo Yan looked at her in surprise.
This time, not only him, but also Sarah who was standing in the shade and Taf who had her mouth pinched by Sarah, all widened their eyes in surprise.
Especially Tafu, she was so excited that she wanted to scream out loud.
It's exposed!
Puff puff puff, this century's biggest liar is finally exposed!
She was looking forward to seeing that relaxed face reveal a broken expression, but unfortunately it didn't happen. Luo Yan just looked at Karen curiously and asked.
"How did you guess that?"
"This time it's 'Kallen's intuition,'" Kallen drawled the last syllable proudly, a sly smile on her face. "Thanks to what you taught me, maybe I really have awakened some 'special abilities.'"
"Knowing too much is not a good thing." Luo Yan reminded her with a smile.
But this time, Kallen didn't shrink back like usual, nor did she start apologizing out of nowhere. Instead, she bravely met his gaze.
She stared at the handsome and gentle face, and mustered up the courage to ask the question that had been hidden in her heart for a long time.
"Can I...know your real name?"
The believer made a fourth wish.
However, this time, the gods might not be able to satisfy her heart's desire.
However, Luo Yan didn't refuse. That wasn't his style. Instead, he gave an ambiguous but hopeful answer.
"'Colin' is also my name. Just like I was born next to lava, the rumors are not all lies made up by people."
"As for my real name... If your performance satisfies me, I will tell you when the time is right."
Kallen was not discouraged after hearing this answer. At least her god did not refuse her and even made a promise to her.
A comfortable smile appeared on her face. It was the innate optimism of the people of Rhodes, just like her pure smile, coming from the same field.
"Then I'm relieved. I will work hard to prove myself!"
Luo Yan nodded.
This time he didn't say anything vague like "You don't have to prove it to me, just prove it to those who follow you", but gave a definite answer.
"Yeah, I'll watch."
(End of this chapter)
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