In the situation of losing several major battles, Puzilio understands when to cut his losses.
He quickly withdrew his forces, spreading rumors that Joan was a witch, and wherever she went, everything would be cursed and no grass would grow.
Clearly, these are extremely superstitious and absurd lies mixed with rumors, but unfortunately, the villagers just bought into it.
Since the refugees from Waterwheel County have already left, the remaining people's living standards are quite good, so they are relatively conservative.
Of course, being conservative is relative; for the Holy Alliance, they are conservative, but for the Empire, they are quite progressive.
Compared to the doctrines of the Holy Sect of the Holy Alliance, they are more inclined to the ancient Juanist Faction.
There are similar regions within the Holy Alliance, such as Kasha County.
No matter how you put it, Puzilio managed to maintain the situation through either obvious or hidden, skillful or clumsy means.
