69: Rest (thank you for your recommendation and monthly tickets))

Three days later, on Marmot Prairie, at the Mother Earth Monastery.

Arthur stood by the window, gazing at the drizzling rain outside, lost in thought.

Three days had passed since they departed from Wolf Den City.

Using their intelligence system, they cleverly avoided bandits and monsters along the way, and even managed to gather a good amount of wild game each day.

The veteran soldiers responsible for the escort were filled with admiration for their new lord’s prophetic abilities.

However, despite the smooth and safe journey so far, Arthur was not happy.

Because according to the original plan, they should have arrived at Black Marsh Town, where his brother Henry was located, today, entering the town to rest before the heavy rain.

But upon waking up this morning, updated intelligence forced Arthur to change his itinerary at the last minute.

He could not have imagined that Henry, who was always known for being approachable, benevolent, and generous, would actually make things difficult for him.

Although he did not know the reason, adhering to the principle of avoiding trouble when possible, Arthur decisively changed course and came to this monastery.

Fortunately, the abbot of the monastery was a devout believer.

After Arthur revealed his identity, the abbot gladly agreed to let the pioneering group rest inside.

After some conversation, Arthur learned that there were twenty-one monks living in this somewhat simple monastery.

Unlike standard priests who served believers in towns, cities, and civilized areas, these monks living in the wilderness were closer to druids.

They called themselves “Shanteya’s true priests” and had a certain disdain for the newly emerging city disciples, viewing them as upstarts.

However, they unanimously recognized the scepter and holy book Arthur carried, and they revered him greatly, almost granting his every request.

Seeing the spring rain intensifying, Arthur discussed with his subordinates and decided to rest here for a day.

During this time, Arthur had been trying to understand the new abilities the Goddess had bestowed upon him.

Since he chose to follow Shanteya, he naturally became a cleric of the Life Domain.

Clerics of this domain specialize in mastering the positive energy that sustains all living beings in the multiverse.

Positive energy is one of the primary energies that compose the universe and is the basis for the continuation of all life.

The opposite of this is negative energy.

The existence of life itself depends on the positive energy related to this domain.

Therefore, clerics who choose this domain are often skilled in healing and can use this life force to heal various severe injuries.

Among Arthur’s newly acquired abilities was the Life Disciple feature.

It allowed him to restore the vitality of creatures more extensively and effectively.

In addition, he could cast the four spells: Aid, Bless, Cure Wounds, and Lesser Restoration, without needing to prepare them in advance.

Simply put, besides these four Always ready spells, he could also prepare six additional spells from the holy book.

This greatly enriched his daily spell casting options and gave him more confidence when facing unexpected situations.

Not only that, but he could also channel divine power through his holy symbol to heal all creatures within a certain range.

He had now become a mobile small medical station, capable of continuously providing healing support to friendly forces in combat.

In addition to these combat and healing abilities, Arthur also gained a wealth of knowledge related to agriculture.

This was also why he had not ridden in a comfortable carriage for the past three days, but instead stayed in the caravan filled with crops such as potatoes, barley, and wheat.

He studied these crops based on this new knowledge and meticulously recorded his findings.

At the same time, the Goddess also enabled him to master Druidic and Elvish.

Just as Arthur was immersed in his thoughts, Godwin and Catherine came to find him.

Godwin spoke first: “My Lord, everyone has been settled.”

“Thanks to those generous monks, they cleared out the barn for us to live in.”

Catherine followed closely, saying: “As you instructed, we purchased a large quantity of agricultural products from the monks at a slightly higher than market price.”

Arthur nodded in response: “Since they helped us so much, we naturally have to show our appreciation.”

“Since they refused to accept money, this is the only way.”

“Tell everyone to behave themselves and not disturb the monks.”

“I will, My Lord,” Godwin replied respectfully.

“By the way, is the barn big enough for everyone?” Arthur asked.

Catherine replied: “We arranged for the elderly, weak, women, and children to stay in the barn, some of the others are staying in the monastery, and some are still in the wagons.”

As they spoke, Jessica also arrived.

After Catherine finished speaking, he reported: “My Lord, the forward reconnaissance team will continue to Field Mouse Village.”

“I have already arranged the night watch and daily guard duties for the remaining soldiers.”

Arthur looked at the gloomy sky again and said: “I don’t know when this rain will stop. Prepare to be stationed here for two or three days.”

“Also, tell the guards to be vigilant. I don’t feel very at ease.”

“Understood, My Lord.”

Seeing Godwin hesitate, Arthur said again: “Speak your mind, don’t beat around the bush.”

“I have a question, please enlighten me, My Lord,” Godwin said.

“Ask.”

“Why did we change course and come here? According to the original plan, we should have gone to Black Marsh Town, where your brother Henry is.”

Arthur could tell that Catherine and Jessica also wanted to know the reason.

After a moment of thought, Arthur slowly explained: “Throughout this journey, I have often changed routes or had the convoy stop to rest.”

“I’m sure you’re all curious why. That’s because Mother Earth gave me revelations, guiding me on a safer path.”

Jessica suddenly realized: “No wonder we could always hunt various wild game at the locations you specified.”

Arthur continued: “It’s the same this time. My brother seems to have intentionally made things difficult, which is why I changed course and came here.”

Godwin stroked his chin, thoughtfully: “That makes sense, that makes sense.”

“My Lord, forgive my bluntness, but although your brother Henry is known for his benevolence, generosity, and wise leadership,”

“From what I understand, he places great emphasis on hierarchy and clear distinctions between noble and common.”

“And most of our group are diverse people; I’m afraid he won’t be fond of us ‘second-class citizens’.”

Arthur raised an eyebrow and smiled: “You know my brother so well, did you perhaps intend to follow him back then?”

Godwin answered without hesitation: “Yes, when Lord Henry was dispatched to the swamp, I did intend to follow him.”

“Then why did you change your mind later?”

“Our paths diverged; we couldn’t conspire together.”

Arthur did not press further and turned to Jessica, saying: “We are not far from Henry’s territory. If he learns that we changed course,”

“He might send people to gather information, so we must be vigilant.”

Jessica understood and nodded: “I will go and send more night watchmen now.”

“No wonder you had the forward scouting team go to Field Mouse Village; if Henry sends people, they will definitely pass through there.”

Catherine also realized this now.