Episode 189

I’ve never been a cold-hearted person to the core.

The medieval era, compared to modern times, was a period devoid of compassion, but since I didn’t grow up here from childhood, there’s still a faint trace of modern sensibilities lingering within me.

Even so, by modern standards, I might be considered a villain, but here, that makes me practically a saint.

Perhaps that’s why.

Not a single person mentioned the concerns I initially had.

I wondered if it was because of my position, but that wasn’t it.

In fact, both Al-Adil and the Crusader kings praised me for my mercy.

“Prophet, I’ve heard the news. Your plans are progressing smoothly.”

“Yes.”

“I heard you were worried about using excessively harsh methods against such invaders. To think you have a compassionate heart even for them, you truly are different, Prophet.”

“No, it’s not so much mercy as it is…”

“I agree with Emperor Heinrich VI. If it were me, I would have executed the plan without hesitation. This is why God chose you, Prophet.”

Hearing such words, I felt foolish for having worried.

“Still, isn’t there something unsettling about using disease as a weapon, no matter the circumstances?”

“If it were just us fighting, maybe, but they broke the rules first. From that point, there’s no need to hold back. Anyone who says otherwise would be buried immediately.”

Philip II, who said he would have already carried out the plan, seemed more concerned with its safety than its ethics.

“But Prophet, are you sure there are no side effects?”

“Of course. Thankfully, the devout Muslims who volunteered for the plan have verified everything. I believe I mentioned this before.”

“Time has passed, so I was worried about any new side effects, but it seems there are none. Shouldn’t we also start vaccinating ourselves, not just the soldiers? Ah, you said the Apostle has already done it, right?”

“Of course. How could I recommend it to others if I hadn’t done it myself?”

This is something I must emphasize a hundred, a thousand times.

I continued, my expression serious.

“Out of millions, one or two might have adverse reactions. But in practice, more people might report issues. This isn’t because of the method but due to unsanitary conditions during vaccination. As I’ve repeatedly stressed, a clean environment protects our bodies. You must emphasize this to your subordinates as well.”

“So, you’re saying not to rush and ensure thorough sanitation.”

“Yes. You can easily see the changes since my territory started focusing on hygiene. Our bodies are pure creations in the image of God. Naturally, they fall ill when tainted by worldly filth.”

By doing this, any potential complaints about side effects can be preemptively addressed.

And if it’s considered wisdom granted by God, people will accept it much more smoothly than in the original history.

Currently, we’re prioritizing vaccinating soldiers on the battlefield, and no one has expressed any anxiety.

It’s another moment where I strongly feel the influence of religion on people.

“Still, it’s astonishing how easily we’ve managed to control the plague that tormented us for so long. It’s almost anticlimactic.”

“Indeed. That terrifying disease, once thought only isolation could combat, has been handled so effortlessly.”

Philip II, shaking his head in disbelief, turned to Al-Adil.

“What about the Islamic side? Were there any discussions on countermeasures?”

“There were various folk remedies, but nothing truly effective. You know how hopeless it was. Smallpox, that is.”

Throughout human history, smallpox has been the deadliest disease caused by a single pathogen.

Before the Black Death, smallpox was the epitome of fear.

It wasn’t just a Western problem; Asia also suffered greatly from smallpox.

In the East, it was called ‘mama’ or ‘evil spirit,’ and entire villages were often quarantined when it struck.

With a mortality rate of around 30% and airborne transmission, its infection rate was among the highest.

It brought the fear of death indiscriminately, regardless of noble or common status, making many hesitant even to mention it.

Fortunately, despite its virulence, the prevention method is surprisingly simple.

Known as variolation, it used cowpox pus and was the first vaccine in human history.

Of course, while it sounds simple, the preparation process is extensive.

Mass vaccination requires significant labor and resources, a massive undertaking impossible without my current position.

The method of using cowpox pus, which seems unsanitary at first glance, also raises psychological barriers.

Historical records show many were reluctant to vaccinate due to these factors, and it would have been even more so in the medieval era.

Though religion helped overcome these hurdles, I still couldn’t fully relax.

“By the way, Prophet, do the Mongols know about smallpox?”

“Of course. They’ve suffered from it for a long time.”

Though it was after the Mongols formed a great empire known as the Yuan, many records mention people with the name ‘Bulhua,’ meaning ‘flowerless.’

The ‘flower’ here refers to the pustules that make smallpox so feared.

Even if one survives, the skin never returns to its original state, leaving pockmarks that can shatter self-esteem.

In other words, if you catch it, your life is at risk, and even if you recover, you’re left with a disfigured face for life.

It’s no wonder it was considered more terrifying than other infectious diseases.

“It’s a pity. If the Mongols were ignorant of smallpox, it would have been a shock and awe. But since they know, they’ll have their countermeasures. Not that they’ll be perfect.”

Well… that’s not quite right.

Since the Mongols are aware of smallpox, it might actually be more effective.

Before I could correct Heinrich VI, Philip II interjected, saving me the trouble.

“No, precisely because they know, it will be more effective.”

”…What do you mean by that?”

“What do you think is the biggest factor that eats away at people’s minds during an epidemic?”

“That would be the threat to their lives.”

“Exactly. More precisely, the fear that ‘I could be next’ eats away at people, preventing them from making sound judgments.”

Ah, Philip II, spot on.

A perfect answer, nothing more to add.

Hearing this, Richard nodded in understanding.

“So, the goal was to spread fear, not just the disease.”

“I’m not the Prophet, so I can’t say for sure, but that’s likely the case. Even if the Mongols were completely ignorant of smallpox, it would have been effective. Suddenly breaking out in hideous pustules, burning with fever, and spreading rapidly to those nearby.”

“Just hearing about it gives me chills.”

“If smallpox weren’t such a deadly disease, leaving it as an unknown would have been more effective. Not knowing how easily it spreads or how dangerous it is. But since the Mongol army knows, the moment they realize smallpox is spreading, the soldiers’ anxiety will be uncontrollable.”

Given the nature of the military, close contact with others is inevitable. If a highly contagious disease like smallpox spreads, especially among those who understand its severity, it’s catastrophic.

Even if Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, and Hannibal were all present, they couldn’t control the soldiers.

And even if they miraculously managed to control the information and the situation, they couldn’t stop the disease from spreading rapidly within the ranks.

“Perfect. Then we should time our attack for when the disease starts spreading in their army.”

“Yes. That’s why we’ve prioritized vaccinating the soldiers who will attack. If it spreads to our side, it could be disastrous.”

“But why attack at all? Wouldn’t they collapse on their own? There’s a risk of it spreading to those without immunity.”

As Heinrich VI pointed out, I initially planned to just drop the epidemic bomb and watch from afar.

The Assassins were already vaccinated, so there was no issue, but if it spread to those without immunity, it could be catastrophic.

However, during the final review of the plan, Saladin suggested a change in direction.

“Simply spreading smallpox would indeed cause significant damage to the Mongol army. They would retreat, of course. But we can’t stop there. We must ensure they never dare to target us again.”

“I see. So, you’re saying we should pursue them and inflict significant damage, even if it means taking risks? Of course, if they’re already weakened by smallpox, chasing them down to the last man doesn’t seem too dangerous. Our soldiers, who are immune, won’t be at risk of catching it anyway…”

“Exactly. That’s the key. We don’t get smallpox. That’s the most important thing. Unlike the ailing Mongol army, we can fight them, get covered in their blood, and still not get infected. We need to demonstrate that thoroughly.”

“Ah, I understand now. You want to instill a deep-rooted fear in the Mongols. I always thought you were just compassionate, but it seems you have a rather terrifying plan.”

To be precise, it was Saladin who proposed the idea, but I agree with him wholeheartedly.

It’s surprising to see Saladin, known for his generosity and kindness, so determined to crush the enemy completely.

Perhaps it’s the fury of a father who lost his son.

He once mentioned that he could be as ruthless as Philip II if he chose to be, and now I truly grasp the meaning of those words.

I can easily imagine the predicament the Mongol army will face.

Not only are they struck by a catastrophic plague at such an unfortunate time, but it also has no effect on their opponents?

If they don’t see this as a divine calamity, a judgment from the heavens, then they must be out of their minds.

So, it’s time to ensure they never dare invade this place again.

It’s time to engrave the terror of the name Edward Marshall deep into their bones.