Wizard: I Have a Cultivation System

Chapter 362: Chapter 77: Shouldn’t a Candle That Illuminates the Darkness Be Lit?

The Church Court acknowledged that the Holy Protector Clan of the Monte Territory had handled the matter appropriately. They left their blessing, reinforcing the castle’s defenses.

As for the source of the Evil Power, the Archbishop was vague, only hinting that it might be related to certain ancient shadows in the Northern Lands that had not yet been fully quelled, and was not the responsibility of any single territory or lord.

Regardless, under Archbishop Oriane’s authoritative ruling, Carl’s death received an official conclusion that was "reasonable" and did not damage the Monte Territory’s reputation.

The Imperial court’s anger and suspicion were temporarily suppressed by this holy verdict. Although the full resumption of trade negotiations would still take time, the most dangerous accusations had at least been eliminated.

To further ease the tension and to display the Monte Territory’s sincerity and strength, Kaiden extended an invitation to Miss Adela, who was temporarily staying at the castle, to tour New Wood Town, located not far from Monte Castle.

Adela accepted with almost no hesitation.

For one, she was intensely curious about what life was truly like under the rule of the reclusive Legendary Knight.

For another, His Highness the Third Prince had instructed her not to give up on this trade deal.

Thus, on a bright spring morning, Kaiden and his wife, Alina, personally escorted Adela out of the castle with a small, simple entourage.

New Wood Town was situated on the gentle slope below the hill where Monte Castle stood, backed by a forest and facing reclaimed fertile fields, with a clear stream flowing through its center.

Unlike the pastoral scenery of Glamorgan Territory, steeped in history, the scene here was orderly and structured.

The town’s layout was square and methodical. The main road was wide and flat, compacted from a mixture of gravel and lime, and flanked by open drainage ditches.

The streets were lined with rows of uniformly styled wood-and-stone houses, their walls plastered in a light-colored stucco and their roofs covered with neatly fired ceramic tiles.

The streets were very clean, and the pedestrians coming and going were mostly well-dressed with rosy complexions.

When they saw Kaiden and Alina, they would stop, bow respectfully, and greet them, "Good day, My Lord, My Lady."

Their tone was sincere, their gazes filled with obvious respect, and even adoration.

This reverence did not stem from simple fear of their noble status, but rather from a heartfelt approval of the rulers who had brought them a better life.

Adela observed all of this in silence.

She saw colorful, thick woolen and linen fabrics displayed in the window of a clothier’s shop.

She saw the enticing aroma wafting from a bakery and cleanly prepared meats hanging in front of a butcher’s shop.

There was even a small shop that sold books.

In the center of the town was a small square with a public well and a stone pavilion, where several elderly people were sitting, leisurely soaking up the sun and chatting.

"This place... is very different," Adela couldn’t help but murmur with a sigh.

"My father often says that a territory is like a tree, and its people are the roots. Only when the roots are strong can the tree flourish." Kaiden walked half a step ahead, guiding them, his tone calm. "My father planned New Wood Town himself. Every detail, from the layout and housing regulations to the arrangement of its industries, was meticulously considered."

Alina added from the side, "The town has its own council, composed of representatives elected from various trades and a Deacon appointed by the castle. It handles daily disputes and public affairs. The tax rates are fixed and public, adjusted according to the quality of the harvest each year. All children, regardless of their birth, may enter the town’s school at the age of seven to learn basic literacy, arithmetic, and the fundamentals of the territory’s laws."

Adela listened, making mental comparisons.

’The governance here is clearly more systematic and transparent than in most Imperial territories. The taxes might not necessarily be lower, but the rules are clear, with few arbitrary levies.’

What surprised her most was that children could learn to read freely.

In the Imperial territories, that was a privilege only wealthy merchant families could afford.

She couldn’t help but ask, "Is it like this in all the towns and villages of the Monte Territory?"

"They all generally follow a similar framework, with minor adjustments based on geography and local industry," Kaiden nodded. "But every village and town has a school. My father believes that literacy and arithmetic are fundamental to managing one’s own affairs and understanding the territory’s laws. A citizen who doesn’t even understand their own rights and obligations can hardly participate meaningfully in the life of the community."

Just then, they passed a general store where several women had gathered by the entrance.

A sturdy-looking little boy, about three or four years old, was chasing a wooden ball and accidentally bumped into Kaiden’s leg, plopping down on his bottom.

The boy paused, stunned, then looked up at Kaiden. Instead of crying, he broke into a grin and called out in a high, childish voice, "Brother Kaiden!"

The boy’s mother hurried over, scooped him up with an apologetic look, and gave his bottom a light swat. "Mind your manners! You must call him ’My Lord’!"

But Kaiden just smiled and reached out to ruffle the little boy’s soft hair. "It’s all right. Jamie’s gotten taller again."

He then took a small piece of honey candy wrapped in oil paper from his pocket and handed it to the little boy.

The little boy’s eyes lit up, and he took it with a cheer.

The surrounding women all laughed, the atmosphere relaxed and harmonious.

One of the older women remarked with emotion, "Please don’t be offended, My Lord and My Lady. If it weren’t for the Governor’s diligent rule all these years, people like us would never have such good lives. Every brick and tile in this town is a testament to the Governor’s kindness."

The other women chimed in, their words filled with sincere gratitude for Murphy.

Adela took it all in. She could tell that this gratitude was not feigned flattery, but a genuine, heartfelt appreciation.

However, amidst this harmonious atmosphere, a dissonant sound drifted out from the open door of the general store. It seemed to be two adolescents, hiding inside and muttering: