That's How We Necromancers Do Things

Chapter 182: Chapter 102: Advancement! Lynch Becomes a Tier Two Mage

That’s what she said, but her heart pounded with anxiety, completely unsure if this fabled better future truly existed.

Along the way, they had heard too many promises, but almost all of them had turned out to be empty. Some places even lured people in with the promise of work, only to enslave them.

But now, they had no other choice.

Belinda obediently nodded, trying to stand on her tiptoes as she looked curiously toward the front of the line.

Inside the town gate was a long table. A young and exceptionally beautiful female Knight in bright silver Armor sat behind it, focused on registering the refugees.

But the line of refugees was incredibly long, with new ones joining from time to time, so even though she worked quickly, the line shortened at a snail’s pace.

Suddenly, an enticing aroma of food drifted through the air.

The family of three, who had once been comfortably well-off, immediately recognized it. It was the smell of white bread—freshly baked white bread.

Belinda couldn’t help but swallow, her little head turning as she searched for the source of the aroma.

Then, she saw a young girl who looked like an Angel that had stepped right out of a Holy Light Church mural.

The girl had long, silver-white hair and wore a pristine white Priest’s robe with exquisite gold trim. Her features were stunningly beautiful, and she had an air of pure sanctity.

She was carrying a basket covered with a linen cloth, walking slowly along the line of refugees. As she walked, she took still-warm white bread from her basket and handed it out to the frail children and elderly in the line.

Soon, she reached Belinda.

She crouched down, holding a soft, sweet piece of white bread out to little Belinda, and said with a gentle smile, "You’re hungry, aren’t you? Go on, eat."

Belinda stared at the angel-like young woman, hesitating for a moment, too timid to reach out. She could only swallow unconsciously.

Seeing this, the young Priest’s smile grew even softer. She pressed the bread directly into Belinda’s small hands and gently stroked her grimy hair. "Go on, it’s okay."

After speaking, she stood up and moved on to the next child.

"Thank you, miss..." Belinda finally whispered. She held the bread and took a small bite. A soft, sweet sensation instantly filled her mouth.

She closed her eyes in bliss, then quickly held the bread up to her mother’s mouth. "Mama, you eat..."

"You eat it. Mama’s not hungry." Martha pushed it back, fighting back tears. She then exchanged a look with her husband, Arthur, and they both saw a glimmer of hope in each other’s eyes.

’Maybe... this place really is different?’

After another long wait, it was finally Arthur’s family’s turn to register.

Catherine’s expression remained stern, but her tone was surprisingly gentle. "Name, origin, age, any special skills or trades?"

Arthur nervously bowed and said respectfully, "Ma’am, my name is Arthur. This is my wife, Martha, and my daughter, Belinda. We’re from Oak Town in Sardinia Province. I... I used to be the town’s Secretary. I can read, do arithmetic, and keep accounts..."

The hand Catherine was using to write paused slightly. She looked up, sizing Arthur up with a hint of surprise.

Literate refugees were a rare sight, especially one who had held a formal position as a Secretary.

That one look made Arthur’s heart pound in panic. He quickly pleaded, "Ma’am, I can endure hardship! I can do any kind of manual labor—mining, roadwork, hauling... I can do it all. I beg you, please don’t turn us away."

He had finally seen a glimmer of hope and was unwilling to lose it, no matter what.

Martha, her face pale with anxiety, quickly chimed in, "Ma’am, I can do anything too. I can wash clothes, cook, and mend. I can do some farm work as well..."

Belinda nervously clutched the hems of her parents’ clothes.

"Oh? You can read? And you know arithmetic and accounting?"

Just then, a gentle male voice came from nearby.

Arthur’s family looked toward the voice and saw a handsome young man with a calm demeanor, dressed in clean and proper clothes, smiling as he walked toward them.

The surrounding guards and passing townspeople immediately showed respectful expressions upon seeing him, calling out one after another, "Lord Aus!"

For more than half a year, Aus had been responsible for training Soldiers and helping to issue and enforce various decrees. He had long since built up a great reputation in Lakefront Town, earning everyone’s heartfelt admiration.

Seeing everyone’s reaction, Arthur knew this must be an important figure in the town. He bowed even lower, his voice trembling slightly with nervousness. "Yes, my Lord."

Aus casually asked Arthur a few simple arithmetic problems, as well as some questions about document formatting.

Although nervous, Arthur answered fluently. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

Aus showed a satisfied expression and turned his head. "Miss Catherine, if his background check comes back clean, this man and his family can be prioritized for settlement. Have him report to the clerical office at the Garrison Office for now. I’m short-handed over there."

He then looked back at Arthur and said in a gentle tone, "Don’t be nervous. We need all kinds of talented people in Lakefront Town. The fact that you can read and do accounts is a great asset. Work hard, and you and your family will be able to settle down here."

Arthur was instantly overwhelmed with joy. He bowed again and again. "Thank you, my Lord! I will work hard! I promise!"

Soon, after confirming that he wasn’t a wanted criminal or a suspicious individual, Arthur’s family was granted permission to enter Lakefront Town.

On the other side of the gate stood a number of clerks in clean uniforms.

Seeing Arthur’s family enter, a young clerk came over and led them toward a temporary settlement area.