Chapter 7 Act IV-1

Hearing that someone died from eating wheat, the first thing that came to Lawrence's mind was the poisonous wheat called Lidryus' Karma. It is said that if you eat that kind of poisonous wheat, it will rot from the inside of the bones of the limbs as if burned, and die slowly while screaming in pain. Even if you eat only a small amount, you will see that you do not exist in this world. The demonic vision of the woman; if it is pregnant, it is a miscarriage. It is the poisonous wheat produced by the devil adding poisonous false rye to the ears of wheat. If the poisonous wheat is not noticed when it is harvested, and if it is ground into wheat flour without knowing it, where will the poisonous wheat flow? No one knows.

When it is known that it is poisonous wheat, it is the time when someone has eaten it and produced abnormalities. In the wheat-growing countryside, weed is the worst of both drought and flood damage. The horror of this weed is not that the person who eats it dies or suffers. The most frightening thing was that since the wheat harvested that year had not been known to have been mixed into Ridley's karma, all the wheat could not be eaten. [Is there no poisoned person in this village? ] [I remembered the village head, Grandma Jean had a cold and was ill. ] [Everyone just ate bread made of new wheat during the harvest festival, right?Well, at least for that time the ground wheat is safe. ] The large and flat rock placed in the center of the village seems to be the meeting place for important meetings in the village.

A raging flame was burning, and the sleepy-eyed villagers gathered around the fire. The buildings built around the square were the residences of important figures in the village, and those people were expressing their opinions. [According to Hackham's sources, it appears that a cobbler's man died yesterday evening after eating bread made of wheat bought from a flour house on Lint Island.Limbs turned purple and died in agony.Ebin Ruku's council soon found out that it was wheat grown in our village.Because Hakam rode back immediately after hearing the news, so it is not clear what happened after that, but according to the expectation, the counselor of Ebin Ruku will send an urgent envoy to the lord Earl Barton, The work of returning the wheat to the village is probably in progress.Ebin Ruku's official messenger should arrive after dawn. ] [Send the wheat, the wheat back...] As soon as the owner of the hotel finished muttering, all the villagers sitting in a circle on the rock fell silent.

The silence was broken by Imma, one of the few women on the rock, standing outside the circle of villagers. [The payment received must also be returned, right, Village Chief Sim. ] [……………yes. ] The villagers all held their heads pale. If you want to use money, you will have no money. And it is impossible to imagine that the villagers will save money very much. However, among the people on the rock, there are also those who do not hold their heads. The village head Sim, the proprietress Imma of the tavern, the owner of the church, Elsa, and the man who delivered the letter when Lawrence was in Sim, and of course Lawrence and Heluo.

Is it simply because he has a deposit, or is it not because he is bold but just calmly sees the nature of the commotion. Even from the perspective of others, it is not difficult to understand. This turmoil of poisoned wheat is directed and acted by Ebin Ruku. [Village Chief, what should I do now, buying chickens and pigs, or repairing sickles and hoes all need money. ] [And not only that, because of the big harvest this year.Therefore, the wine and food I purchased are top-grade products that are better than ordinary ones, and the reduction in cash required to pay for the goods means that your cash is greatly reduced. ] People who often drink in taverns, no matter who they are, fall into the situation of holding their heads in distress.

Because of Yima's words, more and more men lowered their heads, and Yima said to the village chief: "But, village chief, it's not just like that, right? ] Imma, who used to travel and peddle alone with a brewing pot on her back, has a majesty that is really different from other villagers. If Imma went to a big city, it wouldn't be surprising for her to be in charge of a chamber of commerce. [Yes, since the poisonous wheat has been mixed into the wheat in the village, then the wheat in the village cannot be eaten. Although this year was a bumper harvest, last year was not. ] When the wheat is harvested from sowing to fruiting, if it can be harvested three times as much as it was sown, it will be considered passable, and if it can be harvested four times, it will be a bumper harvest.

If you take out the amount of the next year's sowing, you can know the amount of wheat you need to store for the next year's bad harvest. If you are careless, maybe all the stored wheat will be eaten up because of this year's bumper harvest. In short, the food situation in this village is now the worst. And there is no money to buy new wheat. [What should I do, even if I can endure poverty, I cannot bear being hungry. ] [Although it is exactly like that, but, I——] interrupted what Sim was saying, the man next to the hotel owner suddenly stood up, pointed to Lawrence and said: [Isn’t it the one who mixed the poisonous wheat into it? This guy!Didn't this merchant come to this village with wheat!Mix poisonous wheat into our wheat to make our wheat useless, and try to sell the wheat in your hand at a high price! ] This is what Lawrence expected.

Although Lawrence knew that Sim did not bring Lawrence and Hero here with malicious intent. If Lawrence and Heluo hadn't been seen here, it wouldn't be surprising that the villagers, driven by suspicion, would search around with weapons. [No, that's right, it must be like that!Didn't one of them take the wheat to Ivan to grind the flour!No, it must have joined hands with Ivan to destroy the village! ] [Yes, it is Ivan!He's been to Ivan the Flour Mill, who is a liar!Bind him and Ivan, and let him honestly confess that the poisonous wheat was mixed into the wheat. ] The villagers stood up one by one, just as they were about to attack them all together.

Taking a step forward suddenly, it was Elsa standing in front of the villagers. [Please wait a moment. ] [Now is not the time for women to come out, go aside! ] [What did you say? ] Yima, who was three times the size of Elsa, went straight to Elsa, and the men flinched in frustration. After Village Chief Sim cleared his throat, the scene was temporarily brought under control. [Ivan is in the church. ] [The messy doubts and others will say later that the most important thing now is to solve the refund problem of the wheat that was returned to the village. ] [If you don’t have money, there’s nothing you can do. You can only wait until next year………. ] [Although it would be nice if that could be done. ] For the words of the village chief, the men were all stunned.

[What do you mean by that………………… Village chief. ] [Ebin Ruku may take this opportunity to revoke the contract between the village and the city that he wanted to revoke a long time ago. ] [how is this possible……………. ] The older men showed dry expressions on their faces one after another. [Village chief, what are you talking about, the guys from Ebin Ruku should not be able to attack this village.Is that how Priest Franz helped us? ] Lawrence wondered if Sim hid the details of the relationship between the village and Ebin Ruku, or if the villagers simply didn't want to understand. However, the answer was announced immediately.

[In other words, it is only natural that Elsa should be underestimated because she failed to gain approval for her succession to the priesthood of Franz. ] [That's right, that's right, I stay in the church all day long, and I don't go to work in the fields, but I still receive a share of bread for one person.This year's bountiful harvest is also thanks to Torueon-sama.Anyway, the little girl who taught me anything—] [Shut up! ] Anxiety easily ignites the flames of dissatisfaction. The flames of dissatisfaction also burn in turn from places where it is easy to blame and burn. Seeing Elsa's serious face, it's easy to imagine whether she is planning to protect the legacy of Priest Franz who did his best for the village. Of course, Sim, who has successfully cooperated with Elsa, is also very clear about Elsa's thoughts. And what the villagers think of Aiersa is very clear from the words just now. Lawrence noticed that Elsa clenched her fists expressionlessly. [So, village chief, what should we do now? ] [In short, first confirm how much money is left after the harvest festival, and how much winter reserves are left.Negotiations with Ebin Ruku will have to wait until Ebin Ruku's envoy arrives.It probably won't arrive until dawn at the earliest.We also disband before dawn.Go back and confirm what you just said. ] Although the men let out a sigh of displeasure, they stood up reluctantly after Sim repeated it again. When going down from the meeting place of the rock, he cast hateful gazes at Lawrence and Eru. Although it was very unreasonable for the villagers to do that, at least the village chief, Sim, was on his side. If even Sim became an enemy, Lawrence and Hero would have to resort to the worst possible means. (beautiful girl transformed) [Elsa. ] Among the villagers, Sim walked over to Elsa while holding a cane and said: [Although it may make you very painful, please bear with it for now. ] Elsa nodded silently, then Sim looked at Imma again. [Ms. Imma should also follow Elsa to church, those young fellows might make trouble. ] [Leave it to me. ] Lawrence immediately understood the power relations in the village. Then what is the position of myself and He Luo? [Mr Lawrence. ] Finally, Sim said to Lawrence: [I, like other people in the village, have doubts about you. The timing of your coming is really a coincidence.But please don't think that we are too stupid to make such a judgment right away. ] [If I also stood in the position of the village head of Sim, I would probably say the same thing. ] Sim frowned like that, and nodded as if he was a little relieved. [In order to ensure the safety of the two of you, and to prevent others from deepening their suspicion of you, please invite Mr. Lawrence to live in my house. ] Lawrence thinks that it is good enough not to be tied up indiscriminately, and it is not certain that there may be bloody scenes if there is a commotion casually. So Lawrence nodded honestly, and followed Sim and the villagers towards Sim's home. ' After drinking some wine, he was able to tease out all the money-making information in a joking tone. There was a confinement room in that village, and similar rumors occasionally spread during the banquet. Thinking that something good happened, he entered the village chief's house without hesitation, but he was locked in a confinement room as soon as he entered. If all the villagers kept their mouths shut, no one would know the whereabouts of the businessman. And after selling everything the merchant owned, he was used as an offering to pray for a good harvest. There must be rumors like that circulating in a village where the incredible funds are running well. However, at least this Treo Village does not seem to have such a thing. Lawrence and Hero were arranged in an ordinary room with a window, and the room Lawrence entered when he first came to Sim's house was next to it. The room wasn't locked, so it wasn't impossible to force your way out.But under the current circumstances, it is probably safer here than in church. It is also a good environment for formulating combat plans. [What do you think? ] Lawrence and He Luo sat next to each other on the two-seat benches on both sides of the table shorter than the legs in the center of the room, whispering in a volume that would not be heard even if there was a watcher at the door. [Should obediently give up the book and leave. ] He Luo's speech was unexpected. However, there was no expression of torment by guilt or regret on He Luo's face. He Luo's gaze was fixed on there, and it seemed that he was constantly thinking about something in his mind. [Whether that idea is correct is hard to say.We set off on the day we arrived at Ebin Ruku in order to inquire about the way to the monastery.That was the day before yesterday, and now Ebin Ruku suddenly found poisonous wheat.Generally speaking, it is only natural that the villagers must suspect that someone with malicious intentions mixed poisonous wheat into the wheat.Who will be most likely to be pushed to the forefront at that time?It's us. ] [Because only a businessman with no background and a beautiful girl are traveling, if you ride a horse, you can catch up immediately. ] Although it was an annoying tone like a wry smile, it was more like Heluo than crying because of his own reasons. [The time when we came to this village was suspected to be the time when poisonous wheat was mixed into the wheat.Demons that bring disaster to a village usually come from outside the village. ] [It's impossible to just use your mouth to prove that we are wronged. ] Lawrence nodded. It doesn't matter whether the weeds are brought by the devil or by whom.When disasters happen, people want to find out why. It is not the devil who does evil.It is the devil who provokes evil. [Things are too smooth.No matter how you think about it, this is Ebin Ruku's method to dominate Treo.Speaking of which, Ebin Ruku and Treo are constantly arguing over tax issues, and the princes around here know it.Mixing poisonous wheat into Treo's wheat like it suddenly appeared, no matter who it is, they will probably suspect that Ebin Ruku directed and acted on his own. In that case, those who are Treo's backing will not be silent , so Ebin Ruku desperately needs someone to be a scapegoat, and the businessman who happened to come there is us.Lucky to make that plan work. ] In this way, the final trap is generally understood. [When negotiating with the village, propose such a deal: if the poisoned prisoner is handed over, the return of the arrears can be slightly delayed. ] So Hueben Ruku insisted that this was not directed and acted by himself, and at the same time made Treo his own. Disappear together. [Ebin Ruku also doesn't want to conflict with the Chamber of Commerce I belong to, and of course there will be no ruling on whether we are real criminals.If you just behead your head and settle the matter, you will probably propose to Treo's guy: as long as we don't tell our origin, we can reduce their debt to some extent.That's all. ] He Luo sighed, bit his thumbnail with his teeth and said: [Will you be willing to do that? ] [how come. ] After speaking, Lawrence shrank his neck. Although he laughed, he still didn't think of a way to open the situation. [If you run away, you'll be admitting that you poisoned yourself, and your portrait will probably be posted everywhere. If you do that, you won't even be able to do business. ] [That would be the end of my life as a businessman. ] What should be done. At this time, He Luo seemed to have noticed something suddenly and interjected: "Well, by the way, how about you ask for help from the chamber of commerce you belong to?" ] [Looking for help?If that's the case... Ahhh, right...] Lawrence tapped his head "thump", and He Luo looked at Lawrence suspiciously. [You are here. ] [What's the meaning? ] [In good faith, if you ride on your back, you can escape to other cities faster than a horse, right? ] [certainly. ] [Because it is not a super-long-distance trade, since it is faster than a horse, only a ship is available.The group of people who wanted to set up a net to catch our Ebin Ruku could only open the big net to catch us at the speed of a horse.If so? ] Lawrence didn't know that He Luo whispered [En. ] The sound is sighing or agreeing. [The other party firmly believes that you and I will be caught by the chasing soldiers before we contact the shop there.If we escape into the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce will probably protect us.It would be a very bad thing for the Chamber of Commerce if there was a guy in the Chamber of Commerce who used poisonous wheat to do business by all means.So the Chamber of Commerce will try its best to stop the other party. ] [Then, if those guys who want to frame us think the same way, as long as we escape into the chamber of commerce first, maybe the other party will give up. ] [but. ] Because he felt that the situation might get better, Lawrence recalled the ending of this incident in his mind while he was feeling better. [After that, who will be treated as a criminal again? ] Of course, there is no need to ask, Ivan the flour miller is regarded as a liar, is often cast with suspicion, and is in the perfect position to mix poisonous wheat into wheat. He Luo seemed to have immediately sensed what Lawrence wanted to say. But He Luo said in an obviously impatient tone, as if he had given up at the beginning: "Then just take Ivan with you, anyway, doesn't he really want to go to the world outside the village?"Should not refuse.If that little girl is also in danger, then take her with you.Because you are really a stupid bad guy.It's really troublesome. ] If even Lawrence and Ivan disappeared, it would be impossible for Ebin Ruku to take other people as prisoners. Moreover, if that was the case, at least Ivan the flour miller would be considered a prisoner, and Ebin Ruku would claim to the surroundings that it was precisely because he was a prisoner that he escaped.What's more, knowing that Lawrence belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, there is no need to cause disputes. [The problem, however, is that doing so would have to reveal your true identity. ] Hearing Lawrence's words, He Luo laughed in surprise. [Our hearts are not so small.really………….If someone is afraid, it may hurt our fragile hearts. ] He Luo gave a slightly reproachful look because, when Lawrence saw He Luo's real appearance for the first time in Patz's underground waterway, he backed away shamefully. However, Hero raised the corners of his mouth, bared his fangs, and said with a little devilish smile. [Does it mean that the only one you want to know our secret is yourself? ] Lawrence was speechless, so he pretended to cough twice. The room echoed He Luo's happy low laughter from the bottom of her heart. [If you really want to do that, we don't care. ] Lawrence also felt that there must be no better solution than this. [Of course, what I said is the worst case scenario, but the possibility of becoming that is very high. Although the carriage and goods are a pity, it can only be regarded as falling into the bottom of the valley. ] [It doesn't matter if we become your new carriage. ] What a classy joke. [In what world is there a horse that holds the rein of the coachman. ] Almost at the same time came He Luo's bold laughter and a knock on the door. Standing in front of the opened doors is Sim. Perhaps the crisis in this village is too heavy a burden for the elderly. Perhaps because of the light from the candles hanging in the hallway, Sim looked haggard in just a short time. [I have some things I want to talk to the two of you, is that okay? ] The possibility that the secret conversation with Herro would be overheard was hardly even contemplated. Besides, Lawrence didn't think Heluo would be that careless. [Well, we are also trying to talk to you, the village chief. ] [So, sorry. ] Sim walked slowly into the room with a cane. In front of the opened door stood a villager. Maybe it's because they are not used to fighting, the villagers standing there looked nervous. [Please close the door. ] Hearing what Sim said, the villagers standing there opened their eyes wide in surprise, but after Sim said it again, they still reluctantly closed the door. The villager must have no doubts that Lawrence is the prisoner. [Next. ] Putting the candlestick on the table, Sim said: [Who are the two of you? ] Quite clever way of asking. Lawrence responded with a commercial smile: [Although I want to say that we are not extraordinary people, you must already know who we are. ] [It is true that I once asked who Mr. Lawrence is. Of course, I am not sure whether what you said is true, it must be like that. ] Sim looked at Heluo who was sitting next to Lawrence. He Luo buried her head in the scarf and sat there motionless. Looked like he was asleep. [You are here to inquire about the way to Den Dolan Monastery, so what is the purpose of you going to that monastery? ] Getting Sim to give in is the first step. When Lawrence came to inquire about the monastery, Sim pretended not to know and covered up the past. Sim should be trying to figure out whether Lawrence is from Ebin Ruku's side. However, what do you plan to do after figuring it out. [What the acquaintance in Camelson told us about the abbot of Durn Dolan Abbey, it is not exactly that I am looking for the abbey, but this traveling companion of mine, but. ] What Sim is most worried about is probably that Lawrence and Heluo are from Ebin Ruku's side. However, Sim didn't have the time to deal with Lawrence slowly to find out the real purpose of Lawrence's coming here. Sim took a deep breath as if panting, cast a determined look at Lawrence and said: "Aren't you here on Ebin Ruku's entrustment?How much did you charge to come to this village? ] [We did drop by Ebin Ruku, but that was only a stop on our journey.We sought Den Doran Abbey for our own purposes. ] [Say such a lie! ! ] Sim roared in a hoarse voice, his figure looked like a demon under the flickering candlelight. [We have nothing to do with the dispute between this village and Ebin Ruku. The reason why I can understand the relationship between this village and the city is because of the conversation I heard in the tavern and the words of Ivan and Elsa, and finally based on my own experience inferred. ] What Sim was afraid of was that Lawrence and Heluo were sent by Ebin Ruku to investigate secretly. The problem of poisonous wheat is not like a problem like heresy that can be solved with money. According to the results of the negotiation, the village can start to work again. But if the matter involves the church, it cannot end well. [Is it really really okay? ] Sim himself should also know that his question is an answer that even he cannot fully approve. However, I have to ask again.Lawrence only replied: [Of course it is true. ] Sim lowered his head as if swallowing a burnt red and hot iron ball, sat on the chair and struggled to support his crutches, finally supporting his upper body. Sim raised his face slowly and said: [If that's really the case...] Sim should be very clear about the economic situation of the villagers. After thinking about it for a while, Lawrence immediately understood how hopeless it would be if all the sold wheat was returned. Because the bumper harvest equivalent to half a year or once a year has all become zero. [If that's the case, can you lend us your wit and... money? ] Hearing that sentence, He Luo reacted slightly. Perhaps hearing the words about borrowing money reminded He Luo of what happened in Rubenhagen. Lawrence almost went bankrupt because he fell into someone else's trap.Running around the city trying to borrow money. When drowning in a pool, it seems like you have to barely breathe even if you can drink water. However, Lawrence is a businessman. [Words of wisdom can be lent to you, however. ] [Isn't it just for nothing. ] Lawrence's eyes and Sim's sharp eyes intersected in the air. Lawrence didn't think Treo Village could offer something of equal value. In that case, there are only a few options left. [In exchange for your life safety. ] Although it is a small village, it is still a group, and Sim is their leader. The money owned by merchants is indeed a lot in poor villages. However, when they pick up hoes and sickles, they are not weak existences like merchants. [Is this a threat? ] [The reason why you are not tied together is because Mr. Lawrence once came to me with wheat to greet me. ] It's really a clever way to use it. But even if Lawrence doesn't accept the threat, it won't make the situation any better. Moreover, He Luo has already decided on a course of action, so it will be easier to act if he pretends to obey Sim now. [As if there was nothing I could do but agree. ] […………] [but. ] Lawrence stretched his waist slightly, looked clearly into Sim's eyes and said: [If the situation can be saved, I want a corresponding reward. ] Instead of begging for mercy and leaving some cash for himself but still asking for a reward, Sim was stunned for a moment, but immediately recovered himself and nodded. Sim would probably think that Lawrence is quite a confident character. Or just want to believe that. In fact, what Lawrence said was just a lie to flatter Sim. If possible, Lawrence would like to take a more secure approach to leave the village. In that case, Ebin Ruku's envoy has come, and it is best to see the future of the village clearly. If this incident was not done by Ebin Ruku to create an opportunity to dominate Treo, it would be impossible to tell whether the poisonous wheat was produced naturally or brought in by someone with malicious intentions. There is a high probability that this poisonous wheat incident will be so vaguely strong. [Then please tell me the details. ] Maybe they will miraculously come up with a solution or not. In a corner of Lawrence's mind, he said that to Sim while thinking like that. The more Lawrence listened, the more serious the matter became. Originally, the contract signed by Priest Franz and Ebin Ruku was something I had never heard of before. It was a remarkable thing, from the fact that Treo was almost unilaterally asking for a price to sell Maizi to Ebin Ruku. It does look weird. However, judging from the books in the basement collected by Priest Franz, it is easy to imagine that Priest Franz had a strong backing. The corners are reinforced with iron and the book is bound in leather. Just one book is a fortune. On Elsa's table, the correspondence between the earl of the frontier and the bishop of the archdiocese also seems to be personal friends of Priest Franz. Although he was suspected of heresy several times, it is not difficult to imagine that the reason why he was able to live the life he loved until his death was probably thanks to Priest Franz's connections.Just as a web made of many ropes can be very strong, relationships with people can also become strength in that way. Although Sim said that he himself did not know how Priest Franz signed the contract with Ebin Ruku, what Sim said should not be a lie. Although according to Lawrence's guess, Priest Franz probably signed the unequal contract because he grasped the weakness of the earl who dominated the Ebin Ruku area, but probably the truth is not far from Lawrence's guess. Priest Franz was undoubtedly a formidable figure. But now is not the time to lament the power of the deceased. Lawrence saw that if he saved the current poor state of the village, it would undoubtedly benefit his business.So Lawrence began to think about the problem a little more seriously. Moreover, the villagers who live a luxurious life relying on the contract left by Priest Franz will become miserable. It can also be said that the total amount of gold coins and silver coins held by Lawrence is within the error range. If Maizi were all withdrawn from the membership, that would be the time when the village went bankrupt. However, it is useless even to say that, so Lawrence said from the possibility that can be considered: [If you think about it according to the normal situation, it should be compensated for the part that was not paid this year when selling wheat next year. ] [That is to say? ] [That is to buy the wheat that should be harvested in the field next year at such and such a price. ]Because the villagers didn't even know about the so-called buying of young crops, Lawrence understood: the villagers here have lived a carefree life for an unbelievable amount of time. [That.That, if possible, we can overcome for a while. ] [However, this is obviously beneficial to our side, because it is paying for something that does not yet exist as cash, and it is very uneconomical if the other party does not ask for a little price reduction.Afterwards, if we sell once at that amount, we will not get the additional amount no matter how big a bumper harvest we have in the future. ] [Why, how could it be like that...…………] [In that case, even if next year's harvest is the same as this year's, the income will be reduced.It is necessary to use the next year's wheat to make up for the shortage in the next year, so that the income will decrease accordingly after three years.And if the village encounters a bad harvest, the other party may take advantage of the danger and cancel the transaction.The village head should understand what will happen next. ] It is precisely because of this that in other villages, even in the winter when there is no farm work, they will desperately work as assistants. In order not to seize the village's land, I hope to make as much money as possible, even if it is a little bit. [If the village doesn’t even have to pay taxes………… Because of that thought, I desperately want to protect what Priest Franz left behind………. ] [There is nothing wrong with that kind of thinking, but the villagers have no idea how great the favor left by Priest Franz is. ] [Yep…………….Although it is completely a matter of the present, Priest Franz suddenly came to this village and lived in the church in order to replace Ebin Ruku to improve the relationship with this place.Although we built the church, we did not abandon the people who believed in the local god Torueon from a long time ago.Even in that case, Priest Franz said it was okay, and he did not do anything like preaching, and it was like this until Priest Franz passed away. ] Lawrence thought in his heart: Maybe the villagers think that Priest Franz is the messenger of happiness sent by Mr. Torueon. [I can't think of such a thing........ ] [Hasn't Village Chief Sim envisioned that this would happen one day? ] Hearing Lawrence's direct question, the expression on Sim's face suddenly disappeared and he closed his eyes. He sighed and said, "I thought about it a little bit.......But, like encountering Cobas's wine...] [Cobas's wine? ] [Ah, that's what we call poisonous wheat, Cobas' wine can be made from black wheat.So I don't think it was inadvertently mixed with the deadly poison into the wheat. ] Lawrence agrees with what Sim said. [It is natural to suspect that it was artificially added. ] [The reason why people in the village are suspicious of travelers is because they should be suspicious of people outside the village. ] [The next thing to suspect is Ivan who grinds flour. ] After Sim nodded, he nodded again. [Although I just chatted with Elsa just now, Elsa seems to have suspected Ebin Ruku immediately, and I am really useless.Just thinking that as long as the wheat is planted well and sold, it will be as stable as Mount Tai, without thinking about other things that will happen. ] [Whether this incident was directed and acted by Ebin Ruku, as long as Ebin Ruku's emissary comes, it will probably be clear.I'd like to talk to Elsa before then if I can. ] The reason why Lawrence negotiated with Sim was to say this line skillfully. [Understood…………. ] Sim stood up, walked over to open the door, told the man watching at the door a few words, then turned to Lawrence and said: [Please follow this man, he will lead the way. ] Sim gave way to Lawrence and Hero while sticking his cane and said: [People are getting old...  The body seems to be a little bit overwhelmed.Let's talk about things later.Although it's embarrassing...] Hearing what Sim said, the guard villagers gave up the chair they were sitting on in a panic, and Sim sat down as if in pain. Although Lawrence wished for Sim not to go to church, Sim was also the one who protected Lawrence and Hero from the bloody villagers. If it is for security, there is nothing more secure than having Sim by his side. Because Lawrence would feel sleepy if Sim fell down, so it was not acting, Lawrence left Sim's house after saying some words of care. The fire was still burning in the square, and the villagers gathered together to talk about something. As soon as Lawrence and Heluo came out of Sim's house, the villagers all looked at them. [It's really scary. ] He Luo muttered in such a low voice. If the villagers who were the guides betrayed, Lawrence and Heluo would probably be beaten by the villagers first and then hanged. It's just a touch-and-go atmosphere. Lawrence couldn't help but feel that the short way to the church had become so long. [Mrs. Yima, we were ordered by the village chief. ] After finally reaching the church, the man who led the way knocked on the door and said in a louder voice than knocking on the door. The man who led the way probably told the people around him that the reason why he led Lawrence and Heluo to the church was because of the order of the village chief. What scares the villagers the most is being hostile by their fellow villagers. Not long after, the door opened, and as soon as Lawrence and Hero entered the church, the man leading the way relaxed his shoulders with obvious relief. The man looked at Lawrence and Hero with hatred, but was quickly blocked by the closed door of the church. Lawrence thought to himself: Although it is a strong door, when the villagers take out something beyond their eyes, they don't know how long they can last. [Although it was the village chief's order, what's the matter here? ]虽然进到了教会里面，但也没有领着罗伦斯和赫箩继续往里走，就像是为了阻挡罗伦斯和赫箩似的伊玛那样说道。 [有些话想和爱尔撒谈谈。] [和爱尔撒？]伊玛怀疑似的眯起了眼睛。 [我们和西姆村长约定了只要借出我的智慧和财产就保证我们的人身安全，但是，为了最有效率的运用我拿出来的智慧和财产，正确的情报是必要的。而且，爱尔撒小姐比村长更清楚现在的现状。]如果是曾经一个人旅行过的伊玛的话，应该会同情卷入这种不讲理的事件的罗伦斯的。 伊玛向和起居室相反的方向翘了敲下巴说道：[爱尔撒在那里，跟着我来。]之后就走了过去。 赫箩的目光就那样一直望着礼拜堂的方向。 如果没有罗伦斯的话，或许赫箩早就闯进教堂，衔着书消失在地平线的远方了。 在教会礼拜堂的左侧要吗是记录事要吗是圣务室。 从走廊的拐角处漏出的蜡烛的光亮，一走过去就看见了伊凡的身影。 伊凡站在走廊左侧的门前，罗伦斯一看见手持利斧的伊凡，就很容易明白伊凡为什么站在那里了。 察觉到罗伦斯一行人的伊凡，先是露出了吃惊的表情，之后脸上又浮现出了复杂的表情。 在这个村子里被怀疑投毒的两人，伊凡当然知道不是自己做的，但是，伊凡是村子里能看到麦子处理的全部过程的极少数人之一。 或许伊凡觉得罗伦斯没有向麦子里投毒的可能性。 [爱尔撒在吧。] [啊，恩，但是。] [是村长允许了的。罗伦斯！罗伦斯！]伊凡就像是被伊玛撞开似的从门口移开了身体。 伊凡拿在手里的斧头的斧刃部分看起来已经生锈了，斧柄也好像被蚂蚁什么的啃食过似的。 罗伦斯很了解即使是那样的武器也要拿着它守在门口的伊凡的心情。 因为罗伦斯也曾经在帕茨的地下水道用破烂不堪的身姿守护在赫箩面前过。 [有什么事吗？ ] [有客人。 ] [Eh?啊……………] [我是来找您谈谈的。 ]爱尔撒露出了比想拜访教会却错过了时间时还要吃惊的表情。 [那么，请进——] [爱尔撒。]说话的是伊玛。 伊玛转过头隔着肩看着正要退回屋内的爱尔撒说道：[没问题吗？]这句话指的是罗伦斯和赫箩吧。 罗伦斯被伊玛用毫不客气的就算打起来“能赢罗伦斯吗”的怀疑的目光看着。 伊凡屏住呼吸的在旁边监视着。 [虽然不能信赖，但可以信任。因为我至少知道这两位向神祈祷的方法。]倒像是赫箩喜欢用来嘲讽人的话，说话人爱尔萨这么想着，自己都忍不住笑了。 头巾下赫箩的表情，虽然就好像是在说“不想将小人物看成对手”似的但是如果不反驳的话又不舒服的样子。 [我明白了，那伊凡这里就交给你了，要好好的守着哟。]“磅”的一声在伊凡的肩膀上敲了一下的伊玛从走廊回去了。 没有提出同席的要求，说明伊玛的心胸非常的宽广。 有伊玛在这教会的话，不管是爱尔撒还是伊凡都会感到安心吧。 [失礼了。]罗伦斯首先进入屋内，赫箩也紧跟其后。 拿着斧头的伊凡也打算进入屋内，但是被爱尔撒阻止了。 [你就在外面。] [为，为什么呀？] [求你了。]伊凡这样不肯罢休也是有道理的。但在爱尔撒再一次请求后，伊凡才不情愿的点了点头，但仍然是一脸的不满。 罗伦斯慢慢的将挂在腰间的钱包取了下来，交给了伊凡。 [这个是如果丢了，不管多么有有钱的商人都会痛哭的钱包，将这个交给你，作为信任我们的凭证。]虽然里面并没有放入罗伦斯的全部财产，但是伊凡还像接到了什么滚烫的东西似的来回看了看罗伦斯的脸和手中的钱包，露出就快要哭出来似的表情说道：[放哨就交给你咯。]听了罗伦斯的话后，伊凡向罗伦斯点了点头退出了房间。 爱尔撒走过去将门关上后，转身回到了屋内。 [真是漂亮的手法呢。如果罗伦斯先生是埃宾鲁库的人的话，那我们村子就只有放弃抵抗的份了。]爱尔撒用混杂着叹息的口吻那样说道。 [您也那样怀疑吗？] [如果是那样的话，到这个教会里来的达官显贵，在怎么也不可能乘坐装满小麦的马车来这里。]爱尔撒边自己坐了下来边请罗伦斯和赫箩也坐下后，就像是忍耐着严重头痛似的用手指按着自己的太阳穴。 [另外，要怀疑是你们下的毒，比要相信你们是来查异端证据更难。] [此话怎讲。] [恩…………虽然好像就连西姆村长也在怀疑你们呢，但不这件事………不管怎么看都是埃宾鲁库做的手脚。但是，没有想到会使用这种手段。] [弗兰茨司祭是今年夏天去世的，对吧。只有半年时间就要准备好毒麦的话是非常困难的。不管是在那里如果出现了里德里吾斯的业火…………。不，柯巴斯的酒的麦子的话，都会悄悄的处理掉。]虽然准备好了毒麦，但之所以一直没有实施，或许是因为没有能作为好的借口的像罗伦斯这个样错过季节的旅客的存在。 但是按照常理来思考的话，弗兰茨司祭的存在也是让埃宾鲁库感到害怕的原因之一吧。 反过来说，也可以推断出如果只有爱尔撒了的话，埃宾鲁库就会毫无顾忌了。 [村里的财政已经陷入了绝望的状态，如果向作为村子后盾的大人物寻求帮助的话，大家会因为父亲的缘故而帮助我。但是光是说服他们让村子维持现状我就已经尽了全力了……如果在做这以上的要求的话，或许连好不容易找到的后盾也会失去。] [……。大概会变成那样吧。]罗伦斯说完后，清了清嗓子继续说道：[那么，爱尔撒小姐觉得今后我们会怎么样呢？] [如果相信神的守护的话当然就不用担心，因为神是全知全能的。]是圣职者的话会露出笑容的那样说吧。 因此，爱尔撒嘴角露出了没能隐藏住的笑容小声的说道：[是问我吗？] [能看清埃宾鲁库策划的这场闹剧的大概只有爱尔撒小姐和伊玛太太吧。] [还有您两位吧？]罗伦斯之所以问爱尔撒正是因为不想从自己的嘴里说出来。 这之后，埃宾鲁库的使者来了的话会提出什么样的要求，关于这一点罗伦斯和爱尔撒的见解毫无疑问是一致的。作为和被运回来的麦子的交换大概会有谁被带回埃宾鲁库吧。 罗伦斯点了点头后目光看向坐在旁边的赫箩。 头巾下的赫箩露出了快要睡着的表情。 好像是在说：咱知道自己应该登场的时候，到那之前就让咱好好休息吧。