Subscriber of the Gods Chapter 303 - A Simple Method

“It’s a very simple method.”

The reason for the succession war in the Tschernkastel family is ultimately because the Chancellor Tschernkastel is ill.

Then, they just need to cure the Chancellor Tschernkastel’s illness.

And without the need for a succession war, the Chancellor can control the successor issue.

‘That’s not for me to interfere with.’

The important thing was to save the Chancellor Tschernkastel and build a good relationship with Nadia.

‘Furthermore, I’ll build a good relationship with the Chancellor Tschernkastel as well.’

There were two main things that could be gained through the Tschernkastel family.

‘The ability to protect the territory.’

Just as the Ramsdale family led by the Sword Saint is famous for swordsmanship, the Tschernkastel family was a pro at defense, perfectly defending their territory through countless wars.

‘A magic fortress. I can turn all territories into fortresses defended by magic.’

Ethan’s rapidly growing territory is vulnerable to attacks in many ways.

The names of Princess Evangeline and His Holiness the Pope have absolute deterrence against most nobles.

However, the power of those names doesn’t extend to mercenaries or monsters.

‘Those who do as they please aren’t bound by such reputation and will just charge in regardless.’

Like in the recent Marquis Dren incident, nobles targeting Count Whiskers’ territory might hire such individuals.

There was one more danger following that.

‘The followers of the Moon. If they keep focusing on me and tracking my footsteps, they’ll eventually reach our territory.’

There are quite a few apostles who have already died at Ethan’s hands.

Those who question the deaths of these apostles will begin to seriously investigate the Whiskers family, which has just become one of the Twelve Families, and Ethan.

If push comes to shove, some of the things they’ve been hiding might be revealed.

He had to prepare for that time.

As you grow bigger, there’s more to protect.

‘If a big loss occurs once, we won’t be able to grow as quickly as we are now. It’s okay if we don’t grow as fast as before, but we can’t let growth stop due to damage. No one should die easily in my territory.’

Once burned, twice shy – there’s bound to be hesitation. That must be avoided at all costs.

The power possessed by the Tschernkastel family is needed for this.

If he can learn the Tschernkastel family’s method of creating magic fortresses, he’ll be able to definitively prevent dangerous situations he might face in the future.

‘Moreover, if the Chancellor lives longer, he’ll surely remember this favor and repay it. It will help the territory and greatly assist my movements.’

As it happens, several of the Twelve Families are supporting Whiskers. If on top of that, the Chancellor Tschernkastel, a great elder of the Holy Empire, steps forward to support the Whiskers family, that in itself could be seen as a great gain.

History and tradition? If he doesn’t have those, he can create them through connections.

Through families with long histories and traditions.

‘The situation itself is simple and easy.’

It’s similar to the situation with Princess Evangeline. Like then, the problem is simple. But the method to solve it is by no means simple.

The disease eating away at the Chancellor Tschernkastel’s life is a chronic illness that has been troubling the Chancellor Tschernkastel for quite some time.

‘I heard he’s been suffering from this illness since he was young. Being a person with money and power, he’s constantly sought treatment, but it’s only been suppressed, never cured.’

Such a chronic illness worsened with age and finally reached its current state.

“A simple method…?”

Instead, Nadia wore a puzzled expression.

Although he said it was a simple method, the current situation felt too complex to her.

The succession struggle, the structure of power, how to survive.

It was a serious situation that gave her a headache just to consider each aspect.

But a simple method? She doubted if it could be solved by a simple method.

However, since Ethan said it, there was a weighty sense of trust.

“Can I hear about it? I know it’s too much to ask. I also know that Teacher Ethan has been helping me in many ways.”

“Teacher Nadia.”

Ethan said with a smile.

“Aren’t we teachers? We even formed a social club to help each other. There’s no need to feel burdened. If you need help, just say so.”

Nadia slowly sat back down.

“I’ll help you.”

“Then, if I may be so bold, could I hear about this simple method?”

“The root of all problems is that the Chancellor Tschernkastel’s illness has worsened. What you’re worried about is the aftermath that will occur if the Chancellor passes away, right?”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“So we just need to erase the start of that problem.”

“…?”

“We need to cure the Chancellor’s illness. Then all problems will disappear. More precisely, the Chancellor will be able to solve all the problems himself.”

Nadia’s eyes widened at Ethan’s words.

If, as he said, the Chancellor is the source of this problem, then the Chancellor is also the one who can solve it.

If the Chancellor doesn’t die and recovers his health, he’ll be able to solve all of these complex situations.

“But how…”

Suddenly, Nadia’s expression brightened.

“That medical skill that cured Princess Evangeline… it was Teacher Ethan, right? Teacher Ethan, you can cure him!”

“I’ll have to see, but…”

Ethan said.

“It will work.”

***

That evening.

Ethan headed to the Tschernkastel family’s castle.

The Tschernkastel family’s territory was the largest among all the Twelve Families’ territories Ethan had visited so far.

Crack-. Crackle-.

Blue lightning sparking here and there.

Various magic and artifacts were installed throughout this vast territory, truly worthy of being called a magic fortress.

‘Numerous spells are interlocked like gears.’

The culmination of magic and artifacts accumulated over decades. It was a level of perfection that other territories couldn’t even dream of imitating.

‘It’s okay even if we can’t recreate this exactly in the Whiskers territory.’

Even half of half would be enough to deal with intruders.

“This way.”

Ethan wasn’t visiting Tschernkastel officially. He needed to get inside quickly before Brendon Tschernkastel could properly assess the situation.

“…There are many people gathered.”

“Grandfather’s condition has gotten much worse recently. Someone from Royal Gwyn has come, and probably all the renowned healers from across the continent are here. Those people are likely their companions.”

Nadia gestured for him to come this way.

“Grandfather will be inside. Uncle will probably be there too. If Uncle had known, he would have prevented us from entering. But I gave permission, and we’re already inside the castle, so there’s nothing Uncle can do anymore.”

Having come this far, it was at least reassuring.

Nadia entered the room with Ethan.

It was a massive room. Inside, numerous people were gathered, most of them healers.

“No, aren’t you all renowned healers? But, but why can’t you cure my father’s illness! Why! And aren’t you healers from Royal Gwyn?”

“This isn’t a disease. It’s closer to a curse.”

“Curse or disease! If you’re healers… you should cure it! You incompetent, incompetent bastards! I’m telling you to save my father!”

“Your words are too harsh…”

Brendon Tschernkastel, who had been raging, suddenly sensed a presence and turned around.

And his eyes met Nadia’s.

“Nadia, I’m sorry, but could you leave? No one should be in here right now.”

“I’ve brought an important guest, Uncle.”

“Important… guest?”

Brendon narrowed his eyes as he looked at Ethan.

But the Royal Gwyn healers recognized Ethan faster than Brendon and shouted.

“Isn’t it Sir Ethan!”

“Sir Ethan! It’s been a long time!”

The Royal Gwyn healers approached Ethan with bright smiles. For the Royal Gwyn healers, Ethan was an object of admiration and a symbol of hope.

It was because Ethan had directly shown that there was no incurable disease in this world.

Moreover, Ethan had been appointed as an honorary Royal Gwyn healer.

“Now that the divine one has come, Mr. Brendon won’t be able to complain anymore!”

“It seems Miss Nadia Tschernkastel personally brought Sir Ethan. The academy must have already started. He came despite his busy schedule!”

All the healers looked at Ethan with admiring eyes.

Everyone respected Ethan. It was a natural look when facing the divine one who had cured Princess Evangeline’s incurable disease.

On the other hand, Brendon looked uncomfortable. Although he didn’t show it, he seemed to inwardly not want his father to be cured.

‘Because then all problems would be solved in his favor.’

“Please forgive my rudeness, Lord Brendon.”

Ethan intentionally greeted more politely.

You can’t spit on a smiling face. Moreover, if it’s the words of Ethan, who is treated like a god by the Royal Gwyn healers, there’s no choice but to give way.

“Ah, no. What rudeness? Nadia, you’ve done a great thing. To bring Sir Ethan Whiskers despite his busy schedule.”

“Given the situation. I absolutely can’t let Grandfather pass away.”

For a moment, Brendon and Nadia’s eyes met.

Knowing the circumstances, Nadia was aware that all this commotion between Brendon and the healers was just a show.

“Don’t worry. I’ll treat him.”

“Can you really cure him? Everyone here…”

Before Brendon could finish speaking, complaints poured out from the healers.

“What disrespectful words are you saying, Mr. Brendon!”

“Don’t you know who Sir Ethan is?”

“If you had finished that sentence, it would have been a big problem!”

“Ah, no, these people…!”

Madness erupted from the people who had been maintaining their dignity until just a moment ago.

Ethan watched the scene with satisfaction.

‘This doesn’t feel too bad.’

“Then, I’ll start right away.”

Ethan passed by Brendon and looked at the bed.

There lay the Chancellor Tschernkastel with a pale complexion.

White hair, white eyebrows, and even a white beard.

‘He looks like an immortal.’

Ethan started by taking the pulse.

“Oh?”

Ethan felt a power writhing inside the Chancellor Tschernkastel’s body.

‘This is strange. It doesn’t seem like an ordinary illness.’

There was a unique energy that could be felt as soon as he took the pulse.

‘This is not a simple chronic illness.’

Ethan was certain.

All the healers stared intently at Ethan, who had a serious expression. For them, every movement of Ethan’s was an important clue for their growth.

“Everyone, please leave.”

At Ethan’s sudden words, Brendon Tschernkastel protested.

“Leave? What are you saying? I’m going to watch from beginning to end! In case Sir Ethan Whiskers, you…”

“Are you suggesting that I might do something harmful?”

When Ethan spoke in a strong tone, Brendon mumbled and bowed his head.

Ethan is now the core of the Whiskers family, which has newly joined the Twelve Families, and a figure hailed as divine.

Even though they were both from the Twelve Families, Brendon, who wasn’t yet confirmed as the successor, couldn’t treat Ethan carelessly, so he had no choice but to withdraw as Ethan said.

The healers had quite regretful expressions, but they had no grounds to refuse.

After everyone left, Ethan looked at the Chancellor Tschernkastel, who seemed to be in a death-like sleep, and spoke.

“Chancellor Tschernkastel, it’s alright to speak now.”

Suddenly, the Chancellor Tschernkastel, who had appeared to be unconscious until now, slowly began to open his eyes.

“Since when… did you know?”

In response to the awakened Chancellor’s words, Ethan answered.

“From the beginning.”