Chapter 45: Colin and His Companions Went Out to Preach, the Youngsters Who Had Never Seen the World

Morning light, thin mist.

The wooden fence gates of Holy Light Town were slowly opening.

Colin stood at the forefront.

He wore a plain priest’s robe and his signature glasses.

Behind him followed Siance and four young faces.

These boys and girls were accompanying them to see the world—after all, the town could not go without fresh blood.

They carried simple packs on their backs, eyes gleaming brightly.

Like fawns newly born in the forest.

Toward the world they were about to step into, they were filled with both anticipation and nervousness.

“Stay close, little ones,” Siance grinned.

He held the reins of his packhorse laden with skins of holy water, walking along one side of the line.

“Oak Town isn’t our backyard. There are more people, more eyes, and a lot more rules.”

“So, look more, listen more, and speak less—especially you, Luke. Don’t go touching everything you see!”

The boy named Luke scratched his head and gave a sheepish grin.

Meanwhile, Daniels walked at the rear of the group, his steps steady.

He wore a half-worn chainmail and had a broadsword hanging at his waist.

He habitually scanned the shadows along both sides of the road.

With this seasoned Third-tier Knight anchoring the rear, and Priest Colin’s unfathomable divine power leading the way, the combat strength of this small group was enough to ensure that most would-be troublemakers would never return once they crossed paths.

However, this preaching journey was not as simple as everyone thought.

For Colin had secretly received an oracle from the Angel!

Besides preaching the Holy Light in Oak Town, Maple Leaf Town, and White Rock Fort, spreading the angel’s divine grace with all their might, they were also to travel to the plague-infested city—Lemon Port!

To resolve the lurking crisis there and save the lives of three hundred thousand people!

Thus, not only was time tight, but countless unknown dangers awaited them.

Truth be told, Colin himself was a little nervous.

But he believed firmly in the Angel’s protection!

This journey would surely go smoothly!

And end in complete victory!!

……

After a full day of travel, when the setting sun dyed the tall city walls of Oak Town in a warm orange hue, the four young people couldn’t help but exclaim in awe almost simultaneously.

“By the Holy Light…”

The girl Jenna covered her mouth, her eyes wide open.

“Th-this wall is taller than Florence’s! And thicker too!”

“Look over there! That’s a windmill! Wow~ it’s huge!” Luke pointed at the massive wheel spinning by the distant riverside.

“So many… people…” another boy, Benjamin, muttered under his breath, instantly drawn by the endless stream of people passing through the city gate.

Mercenaries in worn leather armor carried various weapons as they laughed and chatted loudly.

Packhorses from merchant caravans jingled with bells, loaded with all kinds of goods.

And well-dressed citizens in long robes hurried along.

The clamor of voices, the neighing of horses, the rumble of wheels rolling over cobblestone roads—all blended into a wave of vibrant heat that swept over them.

The sight before their eyes, for these lower-class youths born in the slums of Florence, was overwhelming.

Though Florence was also a baron’s territory, its scale and prosperity were nothing compared to Oak Town, which thrived on mercenary trade.

The population here was more than double that of Florence!

Everywhere was filled with a kind of energy and bustle that Florence had never possessed—a vitality that belonged solely to a bustling commercial town!~

“Haha~ close your mouths, little ones, or your jaws will hit the ground.”

Reed patted Luke’s shoulder.

His tone carried the teasing of one who had seen the world, though his eyes held a faint trace of emotion.

He led the group skillfully through the tall city gate.

The gate guards clearly recognized this captain of the Gray Wolf Mercenary Corps.

After a brief round of questioning and payment of the entry fee, they were allowed through.

And the scene inside the city once again left the inexperienced young people dazzled.

Shops lined both sides of the wide main street.

From the blacksmith’s forge came the sharp clanging of hammer on anvil.

The bakery exuded an enticing aroma of wheat.

Taverns displayed a variety of signboards at their doors, with boisterous laughter and clinking glasses spilling from within.

Craftsmen in leather aprons, adventurers in cloaks, women carrying baskets…

All these diverse figures intertwined, forming yet another vivid tableau of lively prosperity.

“By the Holy Light, this place feels like another world entirely.”

Jenna whispered a prayer softly.

She followed closely behind Colin, as if only by doing so could she feel safer.

As for Reed, he quickly arranged their lodgings—once again at the 【Oak Barrel】 tavern inn.

After unloading their packs, he rubbed his hands together and said to Colin, “Priest Colin, before it gets completely dark—”

“I’d like to take you and Brother Daniels to the lord’s castle, to pay a visit to Baron Old John.”

Colin adjusted his glasses. “Visiting the lord? Captain Reed, you have connections?”

“I do, I do—and it’s quite necessary, Priest Colin.”

Reed’s sharp eyes gleamed. “In Oak Town, preaching without the lord’s permission, or better yet, his support, is almost impossible!”

“Those stubborn priests and the patrols can find any excuse to trouble us and drive us out.”

“And Old John, how should I put it…”

“Compared to a typical noble, he’s more like a shrewd businessman.”

“Our Holy Light Town’s reputation is quite well-known now. With Brother Daniels’s connection too, an introduction won’t be hard.”

“As long as he nods in approval, everything afterward will go much smoother.”

Colin looked toward Daniels.

The steady knight also nodded slightly. “Baron John—I met him a few times when I served on the northern frontier of the Empire. You could say we’re old acquaintances.”

“He’s… reasonably pragmatic.”

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