Regressor of the Fallen Family (Novel) Chapter 249

Chapter 249

"Stay calm and explain slowly. What are you trying to say? What sort of information?" Exhaling heavily, Gilbert, flushed with urgency, caught his breath and proceeded to elucidate, presenting the papers he had brought.

"It's reminiscent of the epidemic that occurred 70 years ago, the Restaboom. A region in the east remained completely unscathed!"

"What?"

"While 15 regions in the east were devastated, not a single person perished in Baron Grant's region at the far eastern edge."

Gilbert's eyes gleamed as he shared the data, but Logan furrowed his brows upon reviewing it.

"...Could it be that the epidemic simply ended before reaching that far?"

It would be understandable if it was at the epicenter of the outbreak.

Considering it as a victory over the epidemic just because it was at the edge and remained untouched seemed inadequate.

Nevertheless...

"This data only covers the situation in the McLaine kingdom, but when combined with the old data we've gathered from the guild, it becomes significant."

"Significant?"

"At the time, five western regions of the small kingdom union beyond Grant's region were also ravaged by the Restaboom. Look at it this way... If you follow this circle Gilbert drew, it becomes clear."

"What?!"

"Among all the areas affected by the epidemic, only Grant's region had no casualties."

This data could be crucial, even groundbreaking.

"If we can investigate what prevented the epidemic in that region, perhaps we can effectively contain this one too."

"...I will order an immediate investigation of Grant's region."

"I will personally go!"

"You, personally?"

"Grant's region is about two days north from here. I can make the trip there and back."

Observing Gilbert's confident demeanor, Logan internally deliberated.

In truth, the least indispensable individuals in Laptan territory's battle against the epidemic were himself and the knights.

It would be more logical for him to lead the investigation rather than Gilbert, a healer, but recalling his conversation with Bishop Ilya the previous day, it didn't seem like a wise choice.

- Is there nothing I can do on my own? I am a powerful figure after all.

- ...Your Highness, your mere presence here is already beneficial.

- What does that imply? I don't need empty praise...

- It's not flattery. Your presence here gives strength to the people. It signifies that the kingdom has not abandoned them. However, the opposite is also true—if you leave before the epidemic is contained...

'I would appear to have abandoned them to the epidemic. She does have a point.'

The position of a king could be inconvenient at times like this.

"...Alright. Go. But leave the other healers here. Some are already displaying symptoms."

"Ah... yes, that's correct. Oh dear..."

Though Gilbert responded, his embarrassment was noticeable.

"In their place, take the knights with you, as intermediate-level and higher Force users have never contracted the epidemic..."

"Your Majesty. While knights would be helpful, it would be more beneficial to have individuals with medical or herbal knowledge. Or someone skilled in investigation... I will request assistance from the guild in the capital..."

"If you require such personnel, we have the right individuals. Proceed to Grant without worry."

Logan dismissed Gilbert's concerns with continued assurance.

"I will assign you specialized personnel in addition to knights. They will find Grant's region on their own, so ascertain as soon as possible why it remained unharmed."

Though somewhat skeptical, how could one refuse a royal command?

"...Yes, Your Majesty!"

As a 4th-circle mage and a physician, Gilbert set out north from Laptan territory with five intermediate knights promptly.

"Halt!"

"Whoa, whoa!"

Heeiiing!

"Who are you?"

The soldiers guarding the gate of Grant's region halted the galloping group of horsemen.

Their composed demeanor was unusual for soldiers in a rural region, but they had no choice but to hurry into the castle upon the knight's declaration.

"On orders from His Majesty the King! Baron Larry Grant, comply with His Majesty's decree!"

However, it didn't take long before Gilbert and the knights encountered the lord of the region.

"Haha, looks like you've had quite a journey. So you're from Laptan..."

A middle-aged man with a chiseled face and sturdy physique awkwardly greeted Gilbert.

Welcoming such a visitor to a plague-stricken region was undoubtedly challenging.

'Maybe they will seek assistance...'

But Gilbert, with little peace of mind, couldn't afford to allay the baron's anxieties.

"Baron, let me ask you directly. I know that your region remained unharmed while a plague raged nearby 70 years ago. We are here to uncover why."

"Hm?"

At that, Larry Grant's expression turned puzzled.

"Was that the case...?"

A disheartening scenario.

The twitch in Gilbert's tense brow betrayed his anxiety.

The only silver lining emerged when someone who could genuinely aid them appeared.

"My name is Damian. I come from the royal investigative team. My subordinates and I will support Sir Gilbert in his mission."

"... Pleased to make your acquaintance."

Although initially suspicious, Gilbert regarded the man with brown hair and blue eyes, who was evidently skilled in gathering intelligence.

He managed to gather information about the region within half a day that even Baron Larry Grant was unaware of.

The only issue was that even with Damian's discoveries, no significant peculiarities surfaced.

"Local produce... Mainly apples. But those can also be found in Laptan."

"Anything else?"

"Not really, based on our investigation—people's diets, lifestyles, clothing materials—nothing seemed particularly extraordinary. Most of it could be considered average for the kingdom."

Upon Damian's remarks, Gilbert couldn't help but sigh.

'There must be something unique, something must exist!'

According to the research conducted by him, no, by the guild, regions with high resistance to specific diseases typically exhibited distinctive features in their diet, homes, and ways of life.

'The guild's information cannot be inaccurate...'

He clenched his lips, resolute in not entertaining the notion that their research was flawed.

If the current region had nothing exceptional, then the solution might have been lost over the 70 years.

The right course of action was to discover those overlooked paths.

Hence,

"Sir Damian. I wish to converse with the oldest residents of the region."

"The elderly?"

"Yes, I must uncover what has not been documented over the past 70 years."

"I understand. We will seek the baron's cooperation."

The following day after arriving in Grant's region, with Baron Larry Grant's collaboration, they managed to meet the oldest inhabitants.

Yet, this endeavor encountered its challenges.

Primarily, individuals who were alive 70 years ago were scarce, numbering less than ten across the region. Moreover, these elders were dispersed among various villages.

And sometimes...

"70 years ago? Ah, how could I remember that far back."

An outright denial from the outset.

"It's all the same. What could change in such a rural area?"

Most were equally unhelpful, despite comprehending the question.

Occasionally,

"I'm old; my memory is foggy. Who are you again? Ah, 70 years ago? I'm old; my memory is foggy. Who are you again?"

The frustrating response from one elderly gentleman, though pitiable, persisted.

However, after numerous attempts, they did encounter some positive testimonies.

Still,

"When I was young, hunting was quite popular."

"Hunting?"

"Yes, especially since there were many deer in this vicinity, damaging our fields and consuming the crops. So, during the season, people united for deer hunts."

"Deer?"

"And now?"

"After decades, the animal population must have diminished as they are not spotted as frequently. Hence, we no longer engage in such activities."

The narratives from a diminutive nonagenarian appeared almost as the sole sensible response obtained.

For all intents and purposes, they seemed irrelevant.

"What does deer hunting have to do with the epidemic?"

Damian's logical observation remained valid.

Does hunting deer cure the epidemic?

Or does the presence of deer prevent the spread of an epidemic?

Without delving into deep theory or scrutinizing data, it simply sounded preposterous.

Gilbert's countenance gradually darkened until the final elder they encountered broached an intriguing point.

"It's not that the deer vanished due to reduced deer hunting."

"Excuse me?"

"The custom here was quite... peculiar, so the temple issued a warning. That's why it ceased. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of deer around."

An octogenarian, still robust, confidently addressed Gilbert's query.

"A peculiar custom?"

"Well... it's somewhat challenging to articulate. The priests became quite enraged, deeming it sacrilegious and the like..."

The man appeared hesitant.

'This is it!'

Realizing a crucial clue, both the fatigued Damian and Gilbert's expressions brightened.

"Please share with us, sir. We have no affiliations with the temple. We are not here to assign blame."

"...You may speak freely. I only participated once when I was young. But since the priests warned against even mentioning it for fear of misfortune..."

"Evil must be repelled by the pure. Here, I'll offer you this talisman. Please, enlighten us."

Gilbert's anxious hand proffered a sparkling charm.

A 5 gold piece dispelled the elder's ominous aura.

"Cough cough. Back then, deer hunting involved consuming their blood. It was a tradition that everyone in the region attempted at least once. It was believed to ward off evil and wish for longevity, but after the priests declared it impure, the practice disappeared..."

Deer blood.

At that moment, realization dawned on Gilbert and Damian.

"Deer blood?"

[Yes. It warrants further investigation.]

"Hmm... It does sound plausible, but aren't deer rare in this area?"

[In Grant's region, there is an abundance of deer. If the effectiveness is proven, we can capture them in large quantities and transport them here.]

"...Alright. It's a situation where we have nothing to lose."

Following Gilbert's report, Logan concurred. Shortly after, Laptan's knights scoured the region's forests for deer.

"Suddenly, deer hunting?"

"Who knows. Maybe the nobles grew bored."

"It must be due to the king..."

The rumors were met with disapproval by the already distressed commoners.

Yet, three days later...

Logan carefully slit the deer's throat as it collapsed and collected its dripping blood.

"Now. Consume it."

"...Yes, Your Majesty."

A man with a pallid countenance, kneeling and gazing up at Logan.

His entire face was markedly flushed, and pus trickled down his visage—a critical condition.

In Laptan territory, individuals beyond the reach of the priests were multiplying rapidly.

Should deer blood prove ineffective, mass casualties were inevitable within a few days.

'It must not come to pass.'

Logan's fervent desire weighed heavily on the individual.

With a grimace of revulsion, the man raised the bowl brimming with deer blood and commenced drinking it.

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