Reincarnated To Evolve My Bee Empire

FARINI MA MICHKA HETSHA HAD NO IDEA WHAT HE WAS GOING TO SEE WHEN HE SET FOOT ON THIS JOURNEY.

The place he had to see wasn't too far or too close. On a fast horse, as long as the weather stayed good, he could reach it in four or five days.

Krisha village. Farini found it on a map—there was nothing special about it or its location, except that it was in Lower Grazahmich.

However, it was close to the border, and with the successes of Farini's armies, he knew he could reach this place safely if he took unpopulated roads and hid his face.

Farini had a better idea.

There was a city relatively close to the village that, after being taken, could be a good garrison for Farini's armies in the enemy territory.

It would be an opportunity to trade with Lower Grazahmich's merchants for food and supplies, and to prevent the High King's forces from surprise attacks from this direction.

Whisper approved his idea and blessed Farini for victory, and soon Farini gave the order—he would join the army and his general in this city, talk about their next plans…

Then, he would travel to the Krisha village.

***

The plan proceeded soundly until Farini's modest army reached the city.

He expected some resistance. Although he broke the back of ma Ruchish's main fighting force, this city was big enough for its own garrison. It wouldn't be enough to defeat Farini, of course. Especially since the city's buildings have grown way too far past its original fortifications.

When Farini's army approached, those who hadn't run away in time would only have the city's meager guard for protection.

But he didn't see even a token resistance! Instead, the scouts sent ahead told that there were white banners hanging from the walls—an universal sign of a spreading plague.

Despite this, a throng of people were trying to enter the city, only to stop at the outer part of it, not protected by walls. Their tents were visible from far away.

"This isn't good, my lord. If we enter this den of plague, we might as well abandon our army…" Farini's general, Gresch ma Hammani Kima, said.

Gresch was a devout follower with a personal guardian watching over him, the same as Farini. Though, even before knowing that, Farini never doubted Gresch's loyalty or competence. They grew in neighboring households and played together as children… Although their friendship became less close over the years, this connection helped them bridge a lot of differences.

Nowadays, Gresch was a scarred veteran of many fights who liked to lead his armies from the front despite the danger it brought. But he was also smart and cunning when maneuvering his people.

"But we still need this place," Farini mused, eying the distant buildings. "And people inside clearly need help."

Gresch scowled.

"As if we have anything to spare for these poor souls…"

"But we do. Then, these people will bow their heads in gratitude and join our cause," Farini said with self-assurance. "The army doesn't have many healers, but we still have the written instructions for them. Some of these instructions can be shared immediately, and with all the people who will hear."

'Yes, you have a wonderful idea, Farini,' Whisper's voice sounded in Farini's head. 'While Gresch brings it to life, you can go on your pilgrimage. But be careful to not draw sicknesses to your army—you will surely need it in the future.'

Farini nodded to herself and to his thoughts.

"Order our people to build a camp near the city—but don't besiege it! Instead, build tents where our army's healers can treat the sick, and where our people can share the holy instructions. Then, send a negotiator there. Tell them that sick people can come to us for free treatment. Even if the people will be distrustful, the most desperate ones will come, regardless. The others will follow."

"You are a magnanimous ruler, my lord," Gresch said. "But what about our supplies? We won't last much without new ones, even if I send some people to hunt in nearby forests of living mountains."

"Tell the people in the city that we will buy food from them. The merchants are a lot that has more greed than self-preservation, anyway." Farini clicked his jaws humorously, and Gresch echoed the sound.

"Of course. They probably would've come even without being called."

"Just don't let them bring any pleasure-girls. They carry sickness even in the good times, and these days—in this era!—they are more dangerous than ever."

Gresch click-laughed even harder.

"Of course, my lord! The soldiers will have to train their sword arms harder."

The joke was crude, but Farini couldn't help but laugh with his general.

***

The army camp and tents for healers were built in a single day. The city's army didn't even try to attack Farini's; all the garrison did was prevent people from entering the inner city.

As soon as the camp was finished, the first people came there asking for help.

These were the most desperate ones: beggars who had nothing to lose but their wretched lives, mothers with ailing children on their hands, and people so sick that they could barely walk to this place. And there were enough of them to make the healers' hands full.

Farini ordered some smart soldiers with the holy scriptures to help them, and to spread the blessed knowledge forth.

Sadly, they couldn't offer immediate relief to people. Farini knew from experience that the holy scriptures promised healing mostly to those strong enough to fight the sickness on their own.

But they were still more effective than the work of healers who used traditional medicine and helped a lot to prevent sickness from spreading.

The first merchants also came to Farini's camp, and with the funds from the province's treasury, Farini bought supplies from them.

"Things are stable, and I know I can leave the rest to you, Gresch. Now, I must go on a pilgrimage," Farini said to his general and friend.