OVERLORD- CH-86. Nun

The richest and most luxurious nobles in the world use carriages that can travel smoothly even on the most rugged roads.

The reason is that they employ magical artifacts called "Comfortable Wheels" on some of the wheels. However, the carriage Aya rode in did not use such enhancements; it had only ordinary wheels.

These luxurious carriages are often large, with their bodies crafted using a magical item called "Lightweight Cargo."

Similarly, Aya's carriage did not receive such treatment. It was a simple, small-looking carriage without any extravagant modifications.

Yet, despite the absence of "Comfortable Wheels," the carriage moved smoothly, seemingly unaffected by the rough terrain—for the simple reason that its wheels did not touch the ground at all.

Upon closer inspection, one would notice that the lowest part of the wheels hovered about two centimeters above the ground, spinning in mid-air.

Likewise, the pale blue hooves of the two horses pulling the carriage—winged Radiant Unicorns—never touched the ground.

At first glance, it seemed as though the carriage was moving on the ground, but in reality, it was floating just above it. This allowed it to traverse any bumpy terrain effortlessly.

This carriage, its value beyond measure, had no visible guards surrounding it—though, in truth, it was well-protected.

A team of six Shadow Fiends and elite ninja warriors from the Hanzo Clan concealed themselves around the area, ensuring their masters' safety while remaining unseen.

Further away, a group of powerful silver-white wolves carried female warriors clad in silver-white animal pelts. These warriors, the [Silver Wolf Sowars], followed Aya and her companions from several kilometers away.

These warriors were Pleia's followers. Since she was not a professional summoner, the levels of the silver wolves and cavalry were only around sixty.

This particular species had an interesting trait. The males of the Holy Silver Wolf Clan could only transform into human form on full moon nights, while the females had the opposite ability, remaining in their human form except on full moons.

Each cavalrywoman and her mount were bonded pairs, an aspect that fascinated many.

If Aya and her group encountered danger, Pleia's [Summoning Followers] ability would call these wolf riders to their side, where they would act as shields in battle.

"There wasn't a fence here the last time I visited." Aya noted, reclining comfortably against the window, her legs stretched out in a relaxed manner.

From the outside, the carriage looked small, seemingly only capable of seating one or two people. However, its interior was surprisingly spacious, furnished with two beds and even a "refrigerator" for cold drinks.

"It's just a wooden fence. Nothing to worry about." Pleia replied casually while stealing glances at Aya's outstretched legs.

She had offered to give Aya a leg massage during the trip, but Aya had declined, preferring her daughter to enjoy the journey instead. Now, Pleia could only admire from a distance.

"The entire village is surrounded." Aya observed, noting the neatly arranged wooden fences encircling the village of Ester.

The structure was impressive, far beyond what one would expect from a simple village.

"The village has expanded quite a bit." Pleia commented, unsurprised. The development of the village was within her area of responsibility.

"But the farmland has changed even more." Aya remarked, using her [Wide Area View] ability to survey the land.

The farmland had expanded by at least 30%, possibly closer to 40%. Even without accounting for yield improvements, this would significantly boost the village's overall income.

According to her agreement with the villagers, Aya had taken ownership of the original farmland as compensation for saving them and treating their wounded. However, she had leased the land back to the villagers, collecting rent based on harvest yields while also providing protection.

Additionally, she rented oxen to the villagers, with repayment made in portions of the harvest. Aya strongly encouraged land reclamation, as trials with magical wooden oxen and flowing horses had proven that the process required minimal effort from the villagers.

Under her policy, newly reclaimed land was subject to a tax exemption for one year, a 50% tax reduction for three years, and a partial reduction for five years—provided the villagers completed their share of the work.

"We're harvesting wheat." Aya noted. It was the season when wheat fields ripened. While the newly reclaimed land had yet to produce fully, the older fields were in their harvest phase.

"Let's go."

Aya disembarked from the carriage some distance away from the village and stroked the head of a Shining Unicorn. The unicorn neighed, licked her hand, and then vanished along with the carriage.

She strolled toward the village entrance, where a wooden Grem at the gate respectfully saluted her.

'Clever.' Aya thought, just as she heard urgent footsteps approaching.

"Lady Tiamat!" A man in his thirties or forties bowed deeply upon opening the fence gate.

"I am today's guard captain. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner."

Aya waved dismissively, "It's fine. I'm just here to check on things."

"Thanks to you." The man said, his voice filled with gratitude, "Everything is going very well."

"Good." Aya had been slightly concerned that the villagers might resent the tax system, but that didn't seem to be the case.

In reality, she didn't need the money. Her earnings as an adventurer far exceeded what she gained from managing the land. It was more about the pleasure of running a business.

"You may raise your head now." Aya said, "Is the village chief here?"

The village chief was an elderly woman who had taken over after the previous chief was killed by a werewolf.

"Yes, I'll go fetch her immediately."

"Okay, I'll wait here." Aya said calmly.

"Understood." The guard captain ushered Aya inside, closed the gate, and hurried off.

Soon, the village chief arrived, accompanied by a girl in a nun's robe.

"Lady Tiamat!" The girl's joyful voice caught Aya off guard.

"Maria?" Aya recognized her only after she trotted over, clutching the cross pendant around her neck.

Aya's gaze fell on the silver necklace adorning the girl's snow-white neck, finally recalling her name. Maria had been among the wounded villagers Aya had healed, the most critically injured among them. She was also the first person with supernatural abilities Aya had encountered in this world—though her power was weak, only allowing her to move small stones.

Regardless, Maria's existence had provided Aya with valuable insight into the concept of "superpowers," leaving a deep impression.

Still, Aya only fully recognized her when she saw the cross pendant she had given her.

Perhaps it was the clothing. Dressed in her nun's habit, Maria exuded a completely different aura.

"She's quite pretty." Aya mused. By village standards, Maria was undoubtedly a beauty, and even in a city, she would be considered above average.

More than her looks, however, her demeanor stood out. Her expression radiated solemn piety, perfectly complementing her attire.

"I never thought I'd meet Lady Tiamat again. I'm so lucky." Maria clutched her pendant tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Lady Tiamat still remembers me. I'm so touched."

Aya sighed in mild embarrassment. It was awkward making a girl cry over her.

"Lady Tiamat." The village chief interjected respectfully, "Please come this way. Maria, enough with the tears. You should be happy she returned."

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Thank you all for supporting me.