Ch. 321Innocence
Key Plot Points and Events
- Refugees, starving and desperate, enter the city, seeking help from the Valkyrie, Brunhild.
- The city's lord, Dicarnon, and nobles accuse the refugees of laziness and rebellion, while the refugees claim they're victims of exploitation and lack of food.
- An old farmer, Curis, commits suicide by disemboweling himself to prove the refugees' claims about the lack of food, shocking Brunhild.
- Brunhild promises to help the refugees and asks about the Undead sightings in the forest.
Character Developments
- Brunhild: Realizes the plight of the common people and their treatment by the nobles, leading her to question her role and the church's policies.
- Dicarnon: Reveals his cruelty and disregard for the common people's suffering, further alienating him from Brunhild.
- Grus (former Holy Army soldier): Shows bravery and determination in speaking against the nobles and reveals his personal loss due to the relief food distributed by the church.
Significant Themes
- Exploitation and Injustice: The nobles exploit and mistreat the common people, leading to their rebellion and suffering.
- Corruption within the Church: The church's representatives, like Dicarnon, are corrupt and uncaring, tarnishing the image of the church and its teachings.
- The Struggle for Survival: The refugees' desperate situation highlights the harsh realities of life in the post-apocalyptic world, where survival is a constant struggle.
Character Interactions
- Brunhild vs. Dicarnon: Brunhild's growing disillusionment with Dicarnon's actions leads to a clear conflict between them, with Brunhild standing up for the refugees against Dicarnon's accusations.
- Grus vs. Dicarnon: Grus's open defiance of Dicarnon's accusations and lies further emphasizes the nobles' corruption and the common people's suffering.
- Brunhild vs. the White Wolf: The White Wolf's silent presence and words serve as a reminder to Brunhild of the consequences of her choices and the path she has taken.