When Roland returned to the castle, it was already late, and the snow outside had intensified.
He went into the bedroom, took off his coat, shook off the snow from the collar and hung it on the hanger by the fireplace.
"Your Highness, don't you think this matter was handled too hastily?" Nightingale revealed herself to the Prince.
"Nana Wa?" Roland poured himself and the other a glass of beer. Though the wheat beer was far more bitter than modern beer, he had grown accustomed to the taste.
The Nightingale took the cup, holding it in her hand but not drinking—she was waiting for Prince's reply.
"There's no better time than now," Roland drained his glass and refilled it. "To unleash Nana Wa's power during the Moon of Demons, we must abandon our witchhood. Instantly healing mortal wounds is beyond ordinary herbs or bloodletting—this is common knowledge." "Thanks to this border town beyond the western frontier, which is practically insignificant, the Church's influence here is minimal. If we were them, we wouldn't waste the Golden Dragon on a place that could be abandoned at any moment," Roland continued. "The town doesn't even have a chapel. The missionary has returned to Long Song Fortress with Noble. What do you think this Border Town is now? A desolate island cut off from the world." "...You've been planning this all along?" Nightingale asked.
Roland nodded. "The heavy snow will bury the road to the Long Song Fortress, but I control the shipping at the dock. We have at least three months to change the perception that 'Witches are evil.' Propaganda alone will have limited effect; we need direct contact to quickly dispel this misconception." This was why he was determined to keep Nana Wa. He wanted to create an alternate-world version of Florence Nightingale.
This legendary nurse, through her tireless care for the wounded, dramatically reduced the casualty rate from 42% to 2%, earning her the title of 'Lantern Goddess' from the soldiers. Her sacrifice elevated the entire nursing profession to a state of reverence.
Nanava's abilities are even more God-like, using Magic Power to heal wounds. As long as the injury isn't fatal on the spot, it can save a life. This is probably more effective in boosting the militia's morale than any weapon.
Moreover, her father was a fallen Noble who regularly interacted with hunters and farmers, maintaining a remarkably gentle attitude toward commoners. He even allowed Nana Wa to study at the academy founded by Teacher Karl. In contrast, any other Noble—even the lowest-ranking baron—would never want their daughter associated with such people, who were seen as so-called lowly folk in their eyes.
"Is this... really possible?" Even a nightingale seems utterly powerless when facing a behemoth like the Church.
"Without taking this step, you'll never know the answer." Roland didn't expect the whole town to change their minds, but at least he wanted to keep the new team he formed firmly under control. Later, he planned to spread his ideas by relying on these seeds from within the community.
Three months is enough time to change a lot of things.
The Nightingale fell silent for a moment before whispering, "Why did you go to such lengths for the Witch?" To unleash productivity, to gain greater power, and to secure a place in the future King's Contest—though these answers were ill-advised to be spoken now. Though Roland was a mechanical dog, he had played numerous GALGAME games and was battle-tested. His twenty-something years of experience across two lifetimes had taught him that he now faced a pivotal question.
After carefully weighing his words, he spoke slowly, "Didn't I tell you before? Border Town doesn't care about origins. I hope that one day, even witches can live as free people on my land." The Nightingale remained silent for a long time, leaving only the crackling of the charcoal fire in the room. Her profile, illuminated by the flickering flames, was like a breathtakingly beautiful painting.
When she spoke again, Roland felt time flowing anew. "You needn 't have done this," her voice drifted softly from afar, "forgive my earlier deception... The Sisters of the Confraternity have wandered for too long. They seek no grand ambitions—just a place to call home, even in this castle." "What difference is it from a prison?" Roland shook his head. Suddenly, he stared at Nightingale with wide eyes. "Wait... you mean to bring them here?" Nightingale sighed, avoiding Prince's gaze. "Then you'll be at odds with the Church." "Their reach has grown too far," Roland remarked nonchalantly. "With the God-given right of kings declared, conflicts between the Church and continental nations are inevitable. As for Border Town, they can do little more than endure these three months. This place is worlds away from the Church's stronghold. Would the Bishop lead the Inquisition Army across Graycastle to attack me? My father would never allow such a thing—this would be a grave affront to royal dignity." "..." After Nightingale bowed and left, Roland lay down on the bed, breathing a sigh of relief.
He didn't say everything. The Church was thousands of miles away, and given how fast news spreads in this world, it would likely take until late spring for them to react. Given the distance and his status as a Prince, the other side was most likely sending an envoy to investigate.
This back-and-forth process is likely to take nearly half a year. By then, I should have developed the capability to sever ties with them.
Therefore, the greatest danger does not lie with the Church, but with the Witch herself.
Only Roland can see this.
Although witches currently hold a disadvantage, this situation won't last forever. Unlike those relying on bloodline inheritance, witches awaken randomly without any discernible pattern. This means they can't be eradicated—they'll only multiply.
The Church relies on God's punishment stone to maintain its advantage over Witches, though this advantage only offsets Magic Power. Currently, Witch Awakening has not only granted them diverse abilities but also enhanced their physical strength, mental agility, and even their appearance beyond ordinary levels.
In essence, they are already considered the 'new humans'.
The more brutal the oppression, the fiercer the resistance. When a rebellion led solely by witches erupts, how much destruction will it bring to Graycastle? The hatred bred by the Church, once it spirals out of control, could easily transform into indiscriminate hatred toward all the kingdom's people.
Roland doesn't want to see that happen.
Therefore, he must begin at Border Town to build a framework that accommodates both elements, then extend it throughout Graycastle and even the continental kingdom.
A world where witches and ordinary people can coexist.