<Chapter 54>

“Opening the Duke’s chapel? Does that mean commoners like us can enter too?”

“You’ll have to use the designated doors and paths, but…… they say there are no special requirements.”

“Anyone who just wants to pray can go in, apparently.”

“I heard the Duchess will offer free treatments three times a week, too.”

It was a groundbreaking announcement.

Regardless of whether she was truly a Saintess or not, the Duchess could restore sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and even limbs to those who had lost them.

Miraculous treatments that no renowned physician could achieve—given completely free of charge! It was no surprise that the entire Winstein estate was buzzing with excitement.

“Seriously? She’ll treat people like us for free?”

“Well, it’s not entirely free. From what I hear, there’s one condition for receiving treatment.”

“What condition is that?”

“You have to offer a prayer of gratitude to God.”

“That’s all? You call that a condition? If she cures me of this cursed cough, I’ll pray to God every day for the rest of my life!”

“Wait a minute, though. It doesn’t sound like she’ll treat just any illness.”

“What, does that mean she’ll only treat terminal diseases?”

“Not exactly. Apparently, you need to visit a doctor first and get a diagnosis that it’s an incurable disease they can’t treat.”

The reasoning behind these conditions was simple.

If people rushed in asking her to cure minor illnesses that could be treated by regular doctors, it would prevent those who truly needed miracles from getting help. Besides, it would undermine the livelihoods of the physicians.

“They’ve already sent official notices to the doctors.”

That was the gist of it.

The day before the announcement was posted in the town square, all the doctors in Winstein’s hospitals received official directives:

First: If you encounter a patient you cannot treat, issue them a referral letter for the chapel.

Second: If you accept bribes or payment to falsify referral letters for treatable cases, your medical license will be revoked immediately.

Third: If a noble tries to strong-arm you into writing a referral, report it to the duchy immediately.

Any such reports would be handled directly by the Duke, leaving no room for later excuses of coercion.

By issuing these instructions to the doctors and posting the notice in the town square, the Duchess made her stance crystal clear.

I have come to the North to elevate the region’s faith, not to heal the wounded. That is merely a secondary act.
If I must prioritize between prayer services and medical treatment, prayer will come first.
Anyone who dares to misuse the power of God through deceit will face punishment in the name of God.

It was nothing short of a divine warning.

Those scheming ways to obtain a referral quickly abandoned their plans.

Even in a region like the North, known for its lack of faith, few doubted the existence of God. After all, wasn’t the cursed half-body deformity of their lord proof of divine punishment?

So, people began hoping their ailments would be deemed incurable as they made their way to the doctors.

Warned thoroughly by Winstein’s knights, the doctors examined their patients diligently. Referral letters were issued only to those deemed untreatable by standard medical means.

Finally, the day of the chapel’s first opening arrived.

Thirty patients, each clutching a referral letter, gathered hesitantly at the duchy’s chapel, joined by over a hundred spectators curious to witness the treatment process.

*  *  *

Severe lower back pain. No viable treatment other than temporary pain relief through medication.

The referral letter for the next patient was brief.

After skimming it, I handed it over to Dr. William, seated beside me.

“Hmm, indeed……. Patient, when did you start experiencing back pain?”

“It’s been a long time. It started when I slipped on ice in my youth, and it worsened after I felt something pop while lifting a heavy box…”

Ah, a ruptured lumbar disc.

There’s no need to hear more.

I stepped forward, signaling Dr. William that I would handle this treatment personally.

“You’ve been through a lot. Now, take my hand, and let’s offer a prayer to God.”

“Do you think I’ll truly be healed?”

“Of course. God, please grant mercy to this poor devotee who has suffered from excruciating back pain for so long.”

“P-please, I beg you, God.”

As soon as the prayer ended, the elderly man’s body was enveloped in radiant white light.

A collective gasp rose from the spectators at the back of the chapel.

Though this was already the thirtieth patient being treated today, their amazement hadn’t waned.

Well, I didn’t mind.

“M-my goodness! It’s gone! The pain is completely gone!”

When the light faded, the old man, now standing with an astonished expression, raised his hands high and shouted, “Hallelujah!”

Moments earlier, he had been seated, leaning heavily on a cane and clutching his back. Now, he tossed the cane aside and even hopped around.

“God, thank you! Thank you!”

“Goodness, that elderly man is jumping without a cane!”

“The Saintess truly has no equal…”

The residents of the North pray in gratitude to God.

Northern faith rises. (+3)

 

The residents of the North praise God.

Northern faith rises. (+3)

 

The residents of the North marvels at God.

Northern faith rises.……

A resident of the North marvels at God.  

Northern Faith increases……}

“Are there any more patients for today?”

“No, Duchess,” Klein, one of the knights dispatched to maintain order, replied on behalf of the others.

‘If only everyone were as composed as Sir Klein.’

The other retired knights keep looking at me with such sparkling eyes—it’s almost suffocating.

‘I hope Kei and Cesare return soon…’

Their humiliating loss to Ferry has shaken even Temenos, who has demoted them from my personal guard to train with the retired knights.

‘I know Ferry’s skills are incredible, but still.’

Watching him play with a baby lamb in the back, it’s hard to see him as a proper guard.

‘Well, they’re both adorable, so it’s fine.’

Since there wasn’t any danger here in the chapel, I let my personal guard relax and turned my attention to the crowd.

The chapel was packed, with even the floor crowded with people.

“Now, everyone. Let us begin the prayer ceremony.”

As I spoke reverently with my hands clasped, someone in the crowd hesitantly raised their hand.

“Um, Duchess…… Forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is a prayer ceremony?”

“We didn’t bring anything with us. Is that okay?”

“Of course. The only thing you need to pray to God is faith in your heart.”

“Is that really all? I heard that at the Great Temple, you have to offer something—money or otherwise—during prayer ceremonies…”

“Money? Ah… donations?”

Does the Great Temple charge donations?

Well, they are human, too. Without a steady income, relying on donations might be necessary.

“This is the chapel of the duchy, not a temple. We don’t require donations to operate, so no donations will be collected here.”

“Oh, I see.”

As the crowd visibly relaxed, a young woman who had received treatment for her menstrual pain stepped forward, holding a basket.

“Duchess, while you may not accept donations, please take this offering for God. I raised these carrots and eggplants myself as a token of gratitude.”

“I’ve brought eggs instead of payment. They’re the best ones I have—please offer them to God.”

“Oh…”

Offerings to God.

‘This might be a great way to amplify faith.’

“It would be rude to refuse such heartfelt offerings. I will gladly accept what you offer in sincerity.”

Orderly, the people came forward, placing their goods—homegrown vegetables, fruits, and freshly picked flowers—before the altar.

The pile grew substantial.

Standing before it, I clasped my hands in prayer.

‘God, these are brought by those who have received your grace. Please accept their gratitude.’

The moment I finished praying and opened my eyes—
 

<To be continued>

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