A sneeze destroys a magical civilization

A magic kettle worth more than five thousand gold coins is undoubtedly something out of reach for a group of slaves who have no private property at all.

Even their lives are not worth as much as a small gem inlaid on this metal kettle.

But now, these lowly slaves, who are regarded as their master's property and talking tools, enjoy the surprises and conveniences brought by magic items.

Suddenly, everyone gathered together to cheer happily, drink the sweet water from the kettle, and enjoy the coolness brought by the water on their faces and bodies.

Seeing the heartfelt smiles on these people's faces, Ailuolin also smiled happily.

Just when she turned around and wanted to take the opportunity to praise and lecture Zuo Si, the smile on her face solidified instantly.

Because she suddenly discovered that in the tent less than twenty meters away from her, a dining table had been set up at some point. Next to the table were placed a large number of fresh vegetables, fruits and a stove for cooking... …

Yes!

Zuo Si asked the soldiers to put a charcoal-burning stove and hundreds of kilograms of charcoal into a dimensional bag to solve the problem of being unable to make a fire for cooking in the desert.

In the big pot on the stove, Calimport's finest lamb ribs were stewed, with a lot of spices added for seasoning.

As the broth in the pot began to boil, the rich aroma began to waft out, making everyone who smelled it unable to stop swallowing their saliva.

However, both mercenaries and slaves know very well that the delicious food in the pot is different from the magic kettle that can provide unlimited water, and they definitely do not have their own share.

So after looking at it twice, he lowered his head and silently ate the dry food, dried meat, beans and pickles in his hands.

Obviously, Zuo Si, who had already made up a meal at noon, no longer planned to endure it any longer, but wanted to cook something delicious for himself.

After all, he is now in a critical period of body growth, and his nutrition must keep up.

What's more, since he experienced the feeling of hunger for a few days in the floating city tower, he has an inexplicable obsession with food. He will never eat bad food if he can eat it well.

"You...how could you be so extravagant!"

Ailuo Lin was obviously angry, and her voice was trembling when she spoke.

She was a little touched when she saw Zuo Si taking out the [Endless Kettle] to share with the slaves, and thought it was the kindness in his heart that had awakened.

But who would have thought that as soon as he turned around, he saw another completely different scene.

"I bought these muttons with money and cooked them myself, so what's wrong with me coming to enjoy them?" Zuo Si asked with a half-smile.

If it were an older paladin, he would definitely be able to find a lot of reasons to refute from all angles, and try to make Zuo Si give up the idea of ​​enjoying the lamb ribs, and distribute the pot of meat equally to everyone. Including those slaves.

Because in the eyes of the paladin, fairness is a very important thing.

But it is a pity that Ailuolin is just a novice, has not experienced so many things, and does not have very good eloquence. She was suddenly stunned and speechless, and her whole face turned red from holding back.

Zuo Side continued unsympathetically: "Look, what you call luxury is actually just an ordinary dinner for me. To be precise, when I was in Calimport, I ate much better than this. More. The most important thing is, what is wrong with a person pursuing a better quality of life within the scope of his own financial resources?"

"But while you were enjoying the delicious food, those other people were eating hard rusks, jerky, beans and pickles." Ai LuoLin emphasized dryly.

"So you think I should share my food with those slaves, right? Just like the church of Ilmat, the God of Suffering?" Zuo Si asked with interest.

He suddenly realized that Aisha, the magic items merchant, was right.

Sometimes it's really fun to tease these paladins.

Ellen nodded vigorously: "Yes! The God of Suffering teaches us that helping others and enduring suffering for others is a supreme virtue. Only when everyone shares their wealth and food with the poor in need, this The world will become a better place.”

"Pfft hahaha!"

Hearing such innocent words, Zuo Si couldn't help laughing immediately.

While still laughing, he questioned: "Are you sure?

Although I never deny that providing help to the poor within our ability is a noble virtue.

But if those poor people get more than they need to survive, they will soon become lazy, greedy and ungrateful.

In my hometown, this phenomenon is called rice rising and rice grudged.

Because poor people who lack knowledge and insight will become dependent on these free donations, and gradually feel that this is a matter of course.

At that time, if the amount of donations decreases, they will inevitably complain, curse, and even resent those who stop donating.

Remember, free help and donations are not always better, nor will they make the world a better place.

Just the opposite!

It will inspire greed, laziness and other dark sides in people's hearts.

There is only one real way to solve poverty, and that is to teach these poor people a skill and provide them with jobs or land sufficient to support themselves and their families.

In other words, it’s about switching from just solving immediate needs to eliminating the root cause of the problem.

Bernard, the leader of this caravan, has already arranged everything for all the slaves in Amn.

What they need is never charity from a certain person or god, but the opportunity to regain their freedom and change their destiny.

In addition, how many of the poor people who regard Ilmat as their spiritual sustenance, do you think, will continue to regard it as their lifelong belief after they get rid of poverty and become rich after suffering?

The reason why Calimshan has become the most important source of faith for the God of Suffering is because it is the only country in the southwest of Faerûn that practices slavery.

If one day all Calimshan's slaves were freed, the number of Ilmat's followers would be greatly reduced.

After all, the fickle nature of mortals who are indolent and indolent determines that they will inevitably pursue better material enjoyment.

Except for a very determined few, no one would desire to endure poverty and misery all his life until the end of his life.

In other words, the god you serve is somehow stuck in a logical loop.

Only when those evil forces and tyranny are rampant, the more mortals who believe in him, the stronger his power will be.

Once evil and tyranny are eliminated, the belief in the God of Suffering will inevitably shrink or even be completely forgotten by people.

So good and evil, order and chaos, are never as simple as you understand and see.

In addition to being opposed to each other, they are also interdependent, and together they build this world full of contradictions and even the multiverse.

The last thing I want to say is, don’t try to influence me with your simple and ridiculous thoughts, let alone preach to me.

I have a very mature and complete set of world views and values, and I will not be affected by any external influences at all.

Even if I do change one day, it will only be my own choice and not inspired by some god. "

After saying these words, Zuo Si took the bowl filled with steaming mutton handed over by the soldier, picked up the tableware and ate it with concentration.

But Ailuo Lin was too pale to eat anything.

The young paladin felt like a stupid, ignorant clown at the moment.

He actually wants to influence a guy who has a deep understanding of good, evil, and human nature through some pale and ridiculous preaching...