Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 470 - 200, What is Compassion? _2

"This kind of statement quickly gained the support of the vast majority, so many peasants started to come to demand that Cavendish give them the black bread from the beginning until now, while some said they didn't want black bread, just money."

"Cavendish was a craftsman, he too needed to live, and he could not satisfy these people's growing appetite; the free supply of black bread he could offer was ultimately limited."

"Thus, their malice toward him gradually intensified, almost everyone insulted him, demanding he regurgitate the relief grain he had consumed. Sometimes, when the free bread ran out, peasants who didn't get any would rush into the shop to loot, seizing whatever they saw, claiming it was their entitlement, granted by the Lady. When the cart did not deliver the free bread on time, peasants even smashed open the shop doors, resulting in chaos and vandalism; even Cavendish's life was threatened. Many peasants who didn't get the bread would attempt to break into his house, throwing stones at his windows, his wife and three children suffered much from the insults of many."

Laine's eyes burned with anger, he clenched his fists: "It's really not worth it, not worth it at all. Isn't the Count here planning to take care of these matters?"

Francois nodded: "Of course, upon learning of this matter, the Count was furious, dozens of peasants were hanged or impaled, and the Count dispatched soldiers to protect Cavendish's shop and his personal safety."

"However, this behavior further enraged the peasants, who saw Cavendish as a complete scoundrel and trash. With the soldiers' protection, they no longer dared to resort to physical violence, but the insults and abuse intensified."

"Facing such a situation, Cavendish decided to no longer remain silent; he persisted in his charitable deeds and decided to speak out about bearing the cost of the black bread himself. He knew the peasants wouldn't believe him, so he allied with the Church of the Merciful Goddess and the Saintess Order of the Lady to explain to everyone in the town center his reasons for doing so, inspired by his grandfather's honor as an Estalia Knight, hoping to glorify the Knightly Path..."

"Heh heh heh~" Laine sneered and shook his head: "At this point, coming out to explain, how could these people believe him? If they agreed with him, wouldn't it be admitting their mistake? Wouldn't they feel guilty in their hearts?"

"Indeed, even with the help of the Lake Goddess's Saintess and the Priestess of the Goddess of Mercy, the residents of Fogler still refused to believe Cavendish's words. They suspected Cavendish's grandfather must have committed unfathomable sins, trying to gain their forgiveness through this method, or he wanted to attract the Lady's attention. In any case, no matter how Cavendish explained, they had only three words: not accepting."

"At the same time, these peasants still unashamedly consumed the free black bread Cavendish distributed, continuing to curse him for being vile and stingy, while Cavendish persisted in his charitable acts."

"This is the story I want to tell you, Laine."

The young Divine Chosen Champion fell silent, unable to speak for a long time. The Duke calmly watched him, signaling for the farmer's wife to bring another bowl. The farmer's wife happily complied, the fact that the Holy Grail Knight asked for more indicating his stew was delicious! She'll have no trouble selling it in the future!

"I think I understand what you mean, my Duke." After a long silence, Laine finally spoke.

"Among the Eight Virtues of Chivalry, compassion is a very important one. We need to empathize with the common people and understand that it is their hard work and taxes that made Brittania a Knight Country and gives knights the wealth and ability to defend the nation, to separate from production." Francois said, eating the stew and speaking to Laine: "But that doesn't mean we must ensure every peasant is fed, nor guarantee everyone's desires are met. Compassion is granted by knights, they cannot steal what we don't give them."

"Laine, you and I both know this country is declining, the peasant system has reached the brink; change is needed, but just like Cavendish's situation, some things can't be rushed, some things we must change gradually, letting them know it's our gift, our compassion, which we may reclaim at any time."

"We fight on horseback, guarding the country amidst the threats of Greenskins, Vampires, Chaos, Beastmen, and other evil beings. They tirelessly farm and pay taxes, and we bleed for our homeland. We owe them nothing, facing threats; knights never shirk responsibility. Mounting their steeds, raising their Cavalry Lances, knights fight for their fellow men, their Kingdom, their glory, and the Lady."

"That is compassion, not inciting peasants to rebel. Remember, Laine, greed is inherent; with the Lady's guidance and teachings, you and I can overcome these, but how many Holy Grail Knights are there? Forming Brittania's knightly main force, 98% or more haven't or couldn't pass the Holy Grail Trial. The chasm between ideal and reality ruthlessly shattered the dreams of most knights, bringing an invisible heavy burden and pain." Francois's deep gaze shone with wisdom: "From your actions, I gathered what you wish to do. You're controlling it well but still, I urge caution lest you face the majority of knights in the Kingdom."

Laine felt a warmth enveloping his heart; he understood Francois was advising him, using this story as support to teach him the way of handling affairs.

The Lake Fairy's Divine Chosen Champion stood up, bowed formally to Duke of Winford, Francois: "I appreciate it, my Duke, your words are like the Lady's teachings, enlightening me! I will be more cautious in governing my domain."

"Haha, How can I compare with the Lady." Francois's joy soared seeing Laine listened, he repeatedly tapped Laine's shoulder: "Between us, we needn't be too formal, Laine, consider me your elder."

"Thank you, His Grace the Duke." Laine sat down finally, he sighed: "You're right, people are greedy; beyond black bread, there's white bread, above chicken and duck, there's beef. The peasants never heard the Lady's teachings; those understanding virtues are few, generosity won't make peasants grateful, only those showing exceptional performance are eligible for promotion."

"Precisely." Francois nodded repeatedly: "People's expectations evolve through your generosity and provision; peasants lack substantial education, easily converting the concept from our giving to their entitlement, often rapidly."

"It seems, these villagers are so obstinate, rejecting belief even with joint testimony from the Lady's order and Church of Mercy. It's not that they don't want to believe, they can't, for acknowledging Cavendish personally funded the bread means admitting wrong, feeling guilty, and losing the right to freely enjoy the black bread."

Laine sighed: "Exactly, thus peasants instinctively affix blame to Cavendish, tarnishing his reputation and suspecting his motives. Hence this situation arises, peasants unwilling to admit fault, conversely any conspiracy theory makes them instinctively agree and firmly believe."

Thinking a moment, Laine suddenly smiled: "Why not call Surya and Yuri to this lesson, I think they need it too."

Francois laughed heartily: "Yuri resembles my younger self; his mind holds only warhorses and Cavalry Lances, battle and glory. Teaching him these now, he won't listen. As for Surya... she's too young; teaching these now would do harm rather than benefit, only you, Laine, are mature enough."

At that moment, a figure cloaked in black slipped from the crowd, into an alleyway, catching Laine and Francois's attention, Laine spoke softly: "Something odd about that person; dressed too thin for the season and too wrapped tightly."

"Might be a Vampire, let's go check!"