NABC Chapter 35
Chapter 35
The Dog of Flanders.
“Is this really possible?”
A group of people had gathered around a single book, engaging in a heated discussion. Their topic of debate was the contents of the newly released Volume 2 of The Iron-Blooded Alchemist.
“The secret alchemy left behind by my master, the Alchemy of Flames, is the ultimate and most terrifying form of alchemy, controlling the hydrogen and oxygen particles in the air!”
People were amazed by the scene where enemies were incinerated with just a snap of the protagonist's fingers.
“You see? I told you the Iron-Blooded kid wouldn’t stand a chance against the Flame Alchemist!”
“You have to admit it! Is the Flame Alchemist a god?”
As everyone read at their own pace, some urged others to turn the page faster, while others pleaded to slow down, saying they hadn’t finished reading yet.
While getting a limited edition or a deluxe hardcover version was nearly impossible, the standard editions were still released in sufficient quantities, so at least one person in each village managed to get a copy.@@@@
Whoever got their hands on a copy could strut around like a victorious general returning from war.
‘Didn’t you insult me a few years back, calling me bald?’
‘That was ages ago at a drinking party!’
‘I haven’t forgotten, so you can’t read this with me!’
People who had become engrossed in the manga tried to curry favor with those who had secured a copy, hoping for a chance to read it together.
Of course, the standard edition would eventually be available to everyone as more copies were printed, but waiting for that was excruciating.
Especially when those who had already read it would say things like:
‘Ah... that Chimera Alchemist introduced in Volume 2 is suspicious, don’t you think?’
‘No kidding! Anyone who creates such hideous creatures can’t be normal!’
Whether intentional or not, those who hadn’t read it yet shuddered at the thought of spoilers being carelessly revealed by those who had.
But even those who had finished reading didn’t find any solace.
“How could it end like this?!”
“Nana... Nana is in danger! That father is definitely up to something!”
“Forget that, who are these new homunculi? Their names are based on the Seven Deadly Sins, so there must be something more to them.”
Readers felt a deep sense of frustration at the cliffhanger in Volume 2, which left them on the edge of their seats, desperate for more.
Considering it had only been a month between Volumes 1 and 2, the thought of waiting another month for the next volume left them feeling utterly helpless.
“What’s this?”
Those who reached the final page of Volume 2 discovered a small slip of paper at the back of the book.
‘Raffle ticket for the newly released The Iron-Blooded Alchemist Imperial Alchemist’s Pocket Watch.’
It was an entry ticket for a special edition merchandise raffle, with only 12 winners.
“Are they saying they’re raffling off the pocket watch from the manga?”
“Wait, doesn’t that mean the more tickets you have, the higher your chances of winning?”
One thought crossed everyone’s mind simultaneously.
The main temple of the Church of the Goddess was located in the Empire’s eastern region, in a place known as Celestial, the ‘Heavenly Garden.’
According to legend, this was where the goddess lay down to rest after creating the continent, making it the holiest site of the Church.
It was said that in Celestial, flowers bloomed year-round, regardless of the season, and the place was so bright at night that it seemed like daytime.
Even the monsters, descendants of the demons that roamed the continent, dared not approach this place. It was nothing short of a miracle of the goddess.
Given its importance, only the pope and the highest-ranking clergy resided in Celestial, but recently, a small commotion had occurred there.
“Has everyone read this fairy tale?”
It was due to a statement by the saintess.
One day, the saintess had come forward with a book and gathered the clergy, opening to a specific page.
“The content is truly admirable. Despite being the children of the goddess, the book realistically portrays those who discriminate and oppress the poor.”
Many of the clergy, having already read The Dog of Flanders, agreed with the saintess’s sentiment.
“The author included this scene at the end.”
In the final scene of the book, the protagonist and the dog were depicted lying before a grand and holy painting, a depiction of the goddess herself.
The contrast between the humble, small characters and the large, majestic, and sacred painting was striking.
The image was so beautiful that it left viewers in awe.
“I realized something while looking at this painting of the goddess! This is our divine mission from the goddess.”
“What do you mean?”
The clergy were puzzled by the saintess’s words. They understood the part about helping those who were discriminated against and oppressed, but what divine mission did she see in this painting?
“Until now, we have neglected the paintings and murals depicting the goddess, treating them as insignificant.”
The truth was, it wasn’t so much neglect as it was that the artists on the continent of Silvania weren’t very skilled.
When they commissioned someone to paint the goddess, they often received bizarre and poorly executed works, and the prevailing opinion had been that it was better to give any spare funds to the poor than to hang such disgraceful paintings.
“But imagine if paintings like this were displayed in every church across the Empire, how beautiful and awe-inspiring it would be!”
“Indeed, a painting like this would not only be appropriate but would also help people feel the grandeur of the goddess.”
The saintess’s suggestion wasn’t unreasonable.
The final scene of The Dog of Flanders, which Rupert had poured his heart and soul into, was so beautiful that it was hard to believe it was from a mere fairy tale.
In fact, it far surpassed the work of the imperial court painter, Saint, who was considered the greatest artist in the Empire.
“I’ve heard that a new church is being built in Goldpool Valley, the estate of Rupert Somerset, the author of this fairy tale.”
“Yes, that’s correct, Saintess. Brother Manuel has already been dispatched, and the construction is well underway.”
“What if we had a large and magnificent version of the goddess’s painting from this fairy tale painted in that church for everyone to see?”
“That’s an excellent idea! We could start there and see how people respond before expanding it further.”
As the clergyman agreed with her plan, the saintess decided it was a good idea, and then added,
“In that case, it would be fitting for me to personally visit and oversee its installation.”
Thus, without Rupert’s knowledge, the saintess of the goddess’s church, who wielded power second only to the emperor, confirmed her visit to his estate.