Military Friar.
This title grew increasingly heavy, yet at the same time, it gave people a sense of being light and untethered.
Because the position did not seem formal, and the division of rank and power was unclear, it left people feeling uncertain. This was precisely where the problem lay for many Military Friars.
Specifically for those born of prominent families, they believed in their hearts that they should be associating with dignitaries and nobles.
Now, however, they were at the lowest level, preaching to lowly soldiers — what was the meaning of that?
Aililan was naturally aware of their thoughts.
In fact, on her desk, there was a stack of resignation letters from the friars.
Ultimately, she would definitely let these people go.
“As people who guide thought and faith, if they do not have firm convictions themselves, how can they teach the soldiers?” Aililan said coldly.
“It isn’t that I won’t allow them to leave.”
“It is that I want them to wait a little longer, to participate in combat, and to witness the cruelty of war. At that time, those who still wish to quit will have their requests approved all at once.”
“Otherwise, if one leaves today and another tomorrow, it is no different from desertion. It will shake the army’s morale.”
As the military construction progressed and Aililan focused her energy and gaze here, various systems were quickly standardized, and military regulations were being reshaped.
The mental state of the soldiers changed with each passing day.
The fanatical look in their eyes was enough to make one’s heart skip a beat.
If they hadn’t constantly been shouting “Loyalty to the Church” and “Long live the Saintess,” one might have mistaken this for an army of madmen.
But precisely because of this — they were enough to make their enemies tremble with fear.
—
In the Inner City, on a vacant lot where a granary was being constructed, Aililan was followed by a group of high-ranking Governors.
“This is the granary; it is of the utmost importance.”
“Once war breaks out, food is more important than gold.”
“Therefore, I have divided responsibility zones for all of you, my highest-level administrative officials.”
Her gaze swept over the crowd.
“If the granary is robbed or if there is a fire, I do not want to hear any excuses.”
“I won’t say that your heads will roll, but I will only look to you for accountability.”
Pausing for a moment, her tone softened slightly.
“You have worked with me for one year. You are the people I am most familiar with and who I find easiest to work with.”
“I hope that in the future, throughout the entire Fifth Wing Region, I can see you continuing to serve under me.”
She struck them with one hand and offered a sweet with the other.
Everyone understood this perfectly well, yet they were still willing to accept this “promise.”
After all, the vision this Saintess painted was one that truly had a chance of being realized.
At the same time, she had made her attitude clear: whoever dared to play at “Fire Dragon Burns the Granary,” she would dare to take their head.
Chief Executive Alistair bowed and said, “Please rest assured, Saintess. The rights and responsibilities of the granary are clearly defined. If a single grain of food is missing, I will personally bring the head of the culprit to see you.”
Aililan gave him a cold look. “I hope you remember today’s words.”
With that, she turned and left.
Only after she had walked far away did Alistair reveal a bitter smile.
He naturally knew why the Saintess was dissatisfied.
It was because he had just guaranteed he would “bring someone else’s head,” not “bring his own head.”
But such a thing…
Having reached his current position, how could he easily gamble with his own life?
He turned around and glared fiercely at his subordinates.
‘The Saintess is dissatisfied with me, so I will be even stricter with you.’
In a place like a granary, adding layers of pressure was not necessarily a bad thing.
—
The carriage traveled along the street.
Pedestrians stopped in their tracks one after another to salute the carriage.
This was not just out of faith, but also out of heartfelt gratitude.
One year ago, Atester was still a place of poverty.
Now, however, it had become a place where merchants gathered, showing a faint trend of becoming the economic center of the Fifth Wing.
Especially after the Seven Regents promised tax exemptions, Aililan significantly reduced local taxes.
As a result — attracting merchants led to the bringing of goods, which led to hiring workers, which led to worker consumption, which attracted even more merchants…
A virtuous cycle had formed.
It was a burgeoning, upward trend.
Outside the carriage, Renata looked at the bustling streets and sighed.
“Saintess, Atester is becoming more and more crowded.”
“If this continues, I worry it won’t be able to accommodate so many people.”
Aililan smiled slightly. “This is inevitable.”
“Atester is siphoning the economy, population, and talent of the entire Fifth Wing.”
“Then what should be done?”
“Expansion.”
“The current Inner City and Outer City will be designated as the Upper District.”
“The future expanded areas will serve as the Lower District.”
“When will the expansion happen?”
“After the Orc crisis is resolved.”
Renata nodded and asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Aililan looked at her and said softly, “Renata, you have followed me for so long. It can be said that you were the first person to pledge loyalty to me.”
“How about… I point you toward a way to make some money?”
Renata’s heart jolted.
Her first reaction was — ‘This is a test.’
She was now the Acting Commander of the Chastity Knights, possessing no small amount of power.
She felt that she should be indifferent toward money.
“I… I have enough money.”
“Pfft —”
Aililan’s crisp laughter echoed inside the carriage.
“Don’t be nervous.”
“Buy some houses when you have the chance. Within ten years, it won’t be a problem for property prices in the Upper District to quadruple or quintuple.”
“But do not make a scene, and you are not allowed to force any buys or sells.”
Renata remained silent for a long time before whispering, “Thank you.”
“Can I —”
“No,” Aililan cut her off directly.
“Enough money is enough.”
“In the future, if we take the Beastman Plains, I will need someone to sit in command there.”
“Your loyalty is sufficient.”
“But your civil administration skills are still quite lacking.”
She muttered under her breath, seemingly considering whether to send Renata to a local area for Trial Experience, yet feeling somewhat reluctant.
Renata only felt a warmth in her heart.
After a long while, Aililan sighed softly.
“The environment of the Beastman Plains is harsh, but the land is fertile. It is a good place for training.”
She looked at Renata.
“Are you… willing to share my burdens?”
Renata’s expression was firm.
“I am willing to use the sword in my hand to guard every inch of land you open.”
“Very good.”
“As expected, I did not misjudge you.”
The carriage stopped.
When Aililan moved to exit the carriage, she proactively reached out her hand.
Renata was momentarily stunned, but she reacted quickly.
Performing the highest specification of a Knight’s salute, she took that hand and welcomed the Saintess out of the carriage.
This — was trust.