Chapter 56 - The Problem of God (2/2)

It was said that all the rituals in the world and all the knowledge about gods originated from the ancient “eternal stone tablet”, and that legendary stone tablet had been broken and lost after the period of the first settlement. Now, there were only a few large churches in the world called the “central sects” which keep the scattered fragments of the stone tablet in their headquarters, but even though the stone tablet was already broken, the knowledge and power of the gods were still working today.

However, Gawain had never seen a real god.

At least not in this continent. The sky… He did not know if there were any in the sky. After all, he was not able to look up then. Thus, he could not know if there might be a white-bearded old man holding a spotlight standing in space…

But no matter where the gods actually lived, Gawain maintained an attitude of three parts respect and seven parts cautiousness toward these powers that were hard to understand with logic.

Magic power could still be studied and understood through calculation and reasoning. Although it was supernatural, it was actually still a natural power that could be analyzed. However, rituals required that you devote yourself to the belief, even to the extent of aligning one’s personality and thoughts to “god’s spiritual nature” so as to only gain a little insight. This meant that if he wanted to study gods, he must first become a believer and be infinitely reverent toward gods. Once he had entered this state… how could he still study gods?

Gawain shook his head and tossed these questions aside for now. In any case, it would be very difficult to get the church’s attention on account of this inhospitable environment. He looked at Herti and continued to ask about increasing the production of crops, “If we can’t count on the three goddesses of fertility, is there any other way to solve the problem of increasing production?”

“Increasing production… To be honest, with the conditions of these lands, and the first year of food provided by the King, actually we are not short of food.” Herti frowned. “There are only about 800 people in the territory. We can feed all of them.”

“But we can’t just have 800 people forever. In fact, I have already planned to increase the population by purchasing serfs and attracting pioneers.” Gawain shook his head. Herti obviously still did not understand the value of people. “The food problem is a fundamental problem that we would have to deal with sooner or later.”

Herti did not understand the value of people, but Norris understood the importance of food. He thought about it seriously and replied boldly, “In addition to rituals, another way is to ask the druids for help. The alchemical potions made by forest druids can effectively increase food production. Although their potions are less effective than rituals, it is better at protecting the soil. In addition, they usually also have some plant-based spells, which are very helpful for crop growth.”

Hearing that, Gawain’s eyes lit up. This option sounded great!

And upon hearing that druids made alchemical potions to increase the fertility of the land… Could those alchemical potions be this world’s equivalent of artificial fertilizers? Or something of similar effect?

In any case, if it could be prepared using a fixed method (and with the potential of mass production), be easily used, produce a relatively stable gain in crop yield, regardless of the nature of the alchemical potions, Gawain decided to name them “fertilizers”!

Besides, this kind of “fertilizer” actually had a role in protecting the soil!

He asked eagerly, “Where can I find the druids?”

Norris looked at Herti awkwardly, and Herti frowned slightly. “This is another problem… There are not many druids living amongst humans. They are usually centralized in the west near Moss Woods, and in the south… you could say that they are very uncommon in these parts. The Cecil territory has almost never made any deals with druids before. I don’t know where to find them either.”

Gawain showed a disappointed expression while Knight Philip said thoughtfully, “But because of their legacies, druids and elves have been close. Almost every druid legacy can be traced back to elves, including gray elves and silver elves…”

The gazes of those present fell upon Amber, who was behind Gawain. Then Amber’s pointed ears suddenly quivered.

Gawain’s face instantly drooped. “Come on. You call this elven disgrace an elf? Which druid would care for a dishonorable…”

Before he could finish speaking, Amber’s voice rang, “Speaking of which… I think I really do know a druid!”

Gawain, “?!”