Mushoku Tensei Vol. 20 - Chapter 9: Headquarters of the Millis Church
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Chapter 9:
Chapter 9:
Headquarters of the Millis Church
Headquarters of the Millis Church
NOW THAT MY WASTED meeting with Claire had concluded, I returned to Cliff’s residence in low spirits. What I saw when I got there knocked the wind out of me. Inside that house, I saw Cliff and a woman I’d never seen before holding each other in their arms.
NOW THAT MY WASTED meeting with Claire had concluded, I returned to Cliff’s residence in low spirits. What I saw when I got there knocked the wind out of me. Inside that house, I saw Cliff and a woman I’d never seen before holding each other in their arms.
The woman had a humble air to her. She was petite, freckled, and had short, bright brown hair. She was slender overall, but I there was real softness to her, like she’d never had a worry in her life and it’d made her sweet.
The woman had a humble air to her. She was petite, freckled, and had short, bright brown hair. She was slender overall, but I there was real softness to her, like she’d never had a worry in her life and it’d made her sweet.
She looked similar to Elinalise, yet different. If Elinalise was a cat in heat, then this girl was a spayed dog. But here’s what really got me: I didn’t know this girl.
She looked similar to Elinalise, yet different. If Elinalise was a cat in heat, then this girl was a spayed dog. But here’s what really got me: I didn’t know this girl.
Not you, Cliff. Not after all those lectures you gave me over the same thing… Did you really leave Elinalise behind for this? What about Elinalise’s heart? She might’ve been a horndog, but she’s the mother of your child… Did you hold a candle for someone else?
Not you, Cliff. Not after all those lectures you gave me over the same thing… Did you really leave Elinalise behind for this? What about Elinalise’s heart? She might’ve been a horndog, but she’s the mother of your child… Did you hold a candle for someone else?
Cliff, please, tell me it isn’t true. The House of Latria just let me down, so if you aren’t who I thought you were, I wouldn’t know what to believe in. Ah, damn it all, whatever happened to true love? Oh Sylphie, Roxy, Eris, anyone, I beg you, pull me close and whisper sweet nothings into my ear so that I can keep going…
Cliff, please, tell me it isn’t true. The House of Latria just let me down, so if you aren’t who I thought you were, I wouldn’t know what to believe in. Ah, damn it all, whatever happened to true love? Oh Sylphie, Roxy, Eris, anyone, I beg you, pull me close and whisper sweet nothings into my ear so that I can keep going…
“Oh, Rudeus, good timing. Could you get the box on top of that shelf? We’re not tall enough to reach it even with a step stool.”
“Oh, Rudeus, good timing. Could you get the box on top of that shelf? We’re not tall enough to reach it even with a step stool.”
“Oh, sure.”
“Oh, sure.”
Cliff had untangled himself from the girl at some point while I was narrating my next episode preview. He wasn’t even blushing or anything. Apparently, he just caught her when she nearly fell off of her step stool.
Cliff had untangled himself from the girl at some point while I was narrating my next episode preview. He wasn’t even blushing or anything. Apparently, he just caught her when she nearly fell off of her step stool.
“Wendy, are your ankles all right?”
“Wendy, are your ankles all right?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you.”
They had a normal, boring conversation as I brought down the box. I blew off the last of the dust from yesterday and handed it to Cliff.
They had a normal, boring conversation as I brought down the box. I blew off the last of the dust from yesterday and handed it to Cliff.
“Sorry about that. I think this is it… Yep, it is. Thank goodness, now I’ll be all right tomorrow.”
“Sorry about that. I think this is it… Yep, it is. Thank goodness, now I’ll be all right tomorrow.”
Cliff took out what looked like an iron-on patch from the box. It was the emblem of the Millis Church. I guess he needed it for work?
Cliff took out what looked like an iron-on patch from the box. It was the emblem of the Millis Church. I guess he needed it for work?
“Anyway, Rudeus, what brings you here? Were you not going to stay the night at the Latria home?”
“Anyway, Rudeus, what brings you here? Were you not going to stay the night at the Latria home?”
That question made me lean in; I wanted to tell Cliff all about that circus.
That question made me lean in; I wanted to tell Cliff all about that circus.
“Yeah, about that. Listen to this…”
“Yeah, about that. Listen to this…”
I let my fury take the wheel as I gave Cliff a full account of the day’s events. About how I went to the House of Latria. About what Claire said and how she acted. About how I couldn’t stand the indignity and went ballistic, leaving the mansion immediately after. I was quite a bit calmer, but I could still barely contain my anger. Just the thought of it pissed me off again.
I let my fury take the wheel as I gave Cliff a full account of the day’s events. About how I went to the House of Latria. About what Claire said and how she acted. About how I couldn’t stand the indignity and went ballistic, leaving the mansion immediately after. I was quite a bit calmer, but I could still barely contain my anger. Just the thought of it pissed me off again.
“Hmm…”
“Hmm…”
Cliff’s face hardened as he listened to me. He was a saint among saints, so I was certain he’d have my back on this.
Cliff’s face hardened as he listened to me. He was a saint among saints, so I was certain he’d have my back on this.
“True, the nobles in Millis have a tradition in which the parents decide their children’s marriage partners, and there are even some people who say that bearing children is what makes a woman a woman…but even I find it questionable to marry off someone who can’t speak for herself.”
“True, the nobles in Millis have a tradition in which the parents decide their children’s marriage partners, and there are even some people who say that bearing children is what makes a woman a woman…but even I find it questionable to marry off someone who can’t speak for herself.”
“I know, right?”
“I know, right?”
It was inhumane. It was downright monstrous. I consider myself hard to shock, but even I couldn’t overlook that. I couldn’t believe that person was Zenith’s mother. Where is God in all in any of this? Wait, right, she was in the Magic City of Sharia.
It was inhumane. It was downright monstrous. I consider myself hard to shock, but even I couldn’t overlook that. I couldn’t believe that person was Zenith’s mother. Where is God in all in any of this? Wait, right, she was in the Magic City of Sharia.
“Perhaps we should consider Madam Claire might be in shock, given what happened to her daughter, and so suddenly. Imagine if it happened to your own child… You could understand, no?”
“Perhaps we should consider Madam Claire might be in shock, given what happened to her daughter, and so suddenly. Imagine if it happened to your own child… You could understand, no?”
Cliff sounded like he was trying to reason with me. Part of me was hoping he would share my anger. But from Cliff’s perspective, there had to be another side to this story. He must have wanted to stay calm and think about it from the other point of view.
Cliff sounded like he was trying to reason with me. Part of me was hoping he would share my anger. But from Cliff’s perspective, there had to be another side to this story. He must have wanted to stay calm and think about it from the other point of view.
So, I gave it some thought. My own children, huh? Maybe Lucie… No, it was still a bit hard to imagine for her. I tried with Norn instead. Let’s say that Norn left on a journey as soon as her coming-of-age celebration ended; just when I think she’s returned, her personality is dead. And worse, she came with the child of a man I didn’t know and a mistress’s child she had no blood ties with. I’d certainly be in shock. I’d want to do something for her…
So, I gave it some thought. My own children, huh? Maybe Lucie… No, it was still a bit hard to imagine for her. I tried with Norn instead. Let’s say that Norn left on a journey as soon as her coming-of-age celebration ended; just when I think she’s returned, her personality is dead. And worse, she came with the child of a man I didn’t know and a mistress’s child she had no blood ties with. I’d certainly be in shock. I’d want to do something for her…
But.
But.
“No matter how shocked someone became, I can’t see how anyone would think about making Mom remarry.”
“No matter how shocked someone became, I can’t see how anyone would think about making Mom remarry.”
“This may not be as callous as you think. Putting the talk of children aside, having her marry a noble would ensure that she’d be taken care of. Even after the parent’s death.”
“This may not be as callous as you think. Putting the talk of children aside, having her marry a noble would ensure that she’d be taken care of. Even after the parent’s death.”
That was not the conversation we had. It was more like she wanted to recycle a tool because it still had some utility left. This was my mother we were talking about. Her own daughter, who I brought all the way here. Seriously, what the hell was her problem? I swear…
That was not the conversation we had. It was more like she wanted to recycle a tool because it still had some utility left. This was my mother we were talking about. Her own daughter, who I brought all the way here. Seriously, what the hell was her problem? I swear…
I could remember Claire’s face when I went ballistic in her mansion. Even when the shock waves from my Stone Cannon sent her guards flying down the halls, she was cold. As though she couldn’t understand why this boor was wrecking the place over nothing.
I could remember Claire’s face when I went ballistic in her mansion. Even when the shock waves from my Stone Cannon sent her guards flying down the halls, she was cold. As though she couldn’t understand why this boor was wrecking the place over nothing.
To be fair, I saw my memories through my own filter. Claire could have been taken aback, her face simply frozen in fear. But that didn’t change the words that came out of her mouth beforehand.
To be fair, I saw my memories through my own filter. Claire could have been taken aback, her face simply frozen in fear. But that didn’t change the words that came out of her mouth beforehand.
“Still, I understand the situation you’re in. You’re free to use my home as you wish.”
“Still, I understand the situation you’re in. You’re free to use my home as you wish.”
“Thank you very much, Cliff.”
“Thank you very much, Cliff.”
“This is papal territory. Even if the House of Latria wishes to make a move, they won’t be able to touch you here.”
“This is papal territory. Even if the House of Latria wishes to make a move, they won’t be able to touch you here.”
Cliff’s assurance made me realize that I hadn’t actually considered the possibility of retaliation from the Latrias. As far as I was concerned, Claire and I were through; we would never see one another gain. But the House of Latria might have their own ideas. They might try to get Zenith back. If that were the situation, we needed to get Zenith to Sharia.
Cliff’s assurance made me realize that I hadn’t actually considered the possibility of retaliation from the Latrias. As far as I was concerned, Claire and I were through; we would never see one another gain. But the House of Latria might have their own ideas. They might try to get Zenith back. If that were the situation, we needed to get Zenith to Sharia.
“It would be a shame if your mother had to turn right around just after arriving in her hometown,” Cliff said.
“It would be a shame if your mother had to turn right around just after arriving in her hometown,” Cliff said.
“Hrm…”
“Hrm…”
Millis was Zenith’s hometown. Now that Cliff mentioned it, I was sure she would prefer to stay a little longer. If I could make time for it, I would have loved to take her around to all the sights.
Millis was Zenith’s hometown. Now that Cliff mentioned it, I was sure she would prefer to stay a little longer. If I could make time for it, I would have loved to take her around to all the sights.
“But still…”
“But still…”
“Zenith’s needs will be taken care of while you’re out,” Cliff said, turning to the new girl. “She might be a bit of a klutz, but you can trust her.”
“Zenith’s needs will be taken care of while you’re out,” Cliff said, turning to the new girl. “She might be a bit of a klutz, but you can trust her.”
“Oh, Cliff, about that…who is she?”
“Oh, Cliff, about that…who is she?”
“Ah, my apologies. I forgot to introduce you. Her name is Wendy. If I had to describe it… Yes, I’d say our relationship is similar to what you and Sylphie have.”
“Ah, my apologies. I forgot to introduce you. Her name is Wendy. If I had to describe it… Yes, I’d say our relationship is similar to what you and Sylphie have.”
“I see. I understand completely.”
“I see. I understand completely.”
A relationship like mine and Sylphie’s… I see, so that’s how it was. Every last mystery had been solved. Opening up the cat box revealed that, indeed, only one truth prevailed.
A relationship like mine and Sylphie’s… I see, so that’s how it was. Every last mystery had been solved. Opening up the cat box revealed that, indeed, only one truth prevailed.
“Don’t worry, I won’t rat you out to Elinalise.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t rat you out to Elinalise.”
“No, wait. Hold on! Don’t jump to conclusions, it’s not like that.”
“No, wait. Hold on! Don’t jump to conclusions, it’s not like that.”
Cliff hurriedly explained what he meant. While Cliff was handling paperwork at the church headquarters, he was also setting up his household. One of the things he apparently needed was a helper, which brought Cliff to the orphanage he used to live at. As part of the orphanage’s job training program, it taught its children how to cook and perform housework, so Cliff recruited one from there.
Cliff hurriedly explained what he meant. While Cliff was handling paperwork at the church headquarters, he was also setting up his household. One of the things he apparently needed was a helper, which brought Cliff to the orphanage he used to live at. As part of the orphanage’s job training program, it taught its children how to cook and perform housework, so Cliff recruited one from there.
“Wendy here was the oldest child there. She’s almost at the age where she’ll have to leave the orphanage, in fact. That wasn’t the reason I chose her, per se, but for now, she’ll be commuting here to help with the house. Doing housework here will give her real work experience too.”
“Wendy here was the oldest child there. She’s almost at the age where she’ll have to leave the orphanage, in fact. That wasn’t the reason I chose her, per se, but for now, she’ll be commuting here to help with the house. Doing housework here will give her real work experience too.”
So, she was more or less hired as an intern. Working at the home of Cliff, the pope’s grandson, was sure to impress future employers. She’d have an edge in the job hunt.
So, she was more or less hired as an intern. Working at the home of Cliff, the pope’s grandson, was sure to impress future employers. She’d have an edge in the job hunt.
“I’m Wendy. I can handle all sorts of housework. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m Wendy. I can handle all sorts of housework. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Just like Sylphie,” he says. That phrasing made me think something scandalous was going on, but basically, they were old friends who used to play together as kids. But while I didn’t know Wendy’s exact age, I had to wonder if Cliff wouldn’t have a moment of weakness with this young girl…
“Just like Sylphie,” he says. That phrasing made me think something scandalous was going on, but basically, they were old friends who used to play together as kids. But while I didn’t know Wendy’s exact age, I had to wonder if Cliff wouldn’t have a moment of weakness with this young girl…
Nah, Cliff would be fine. It wasn’t like he was me or anything.
Nah, Cliff would be fine. It wasn’t like he was me or anything.
“…”
“…”
Anyway, storming out of the Latria home was a huge wrench in the works. At this point, it might be best to stop and take Zenith home before continuing. But after Claire’s objectification of Zenith made me flip my lid so bad, I at least wanted to give her a nice walk around the city with me… Ugh, was I being careless? Perhaps I should wait for Cliff to establish himself first. Then we could team up and knock the House of Latria down several pegs, and then we could take risks like that. True, there was no guarantee that things would go so smoothly…
Anyway, storming out of the Latria home was a huge wrench in the works. At this point, it might be best to stop and take Zenith home before continuing. But after Claire’s objectification of Zenith made me flip my lid so bad, I at least wanted to give her a nice walk around the city with me… Ugh, was I being careless? Perhaps I should wait for Cliff to establish himself first. Then we could team up and knock the House of Latria down several pegs, and then we could take risks like that. True, there was no guarantee that things would go so smoothly…
“Aisha,” I asked, “What do you think?”
“Aisha,” I asked, “What do you think?”
“Uh… Huh?”
“Uh… Huh?”
When in doubt, talk it out. I wanted to hear Aisha’s opinion.
When in doubt, talk it out. I wanted to hear Aisha’s opinion.
“Do you think we should take Mom back home and come back? Or do you think we should stay at this house for a while and let her sightsee around the city when we find the time?”
“Do you think we should take Mom back home and come back? Or do you think we should stay at this house for a while and let her sightsee around the city when we find the time?”
After I asked, Aisha crossed her arms to think. But not for long; she soon raised her head and looked toward Cliff.
After I asked, Aisha crossed her arms to think. But not for long; she soon raised her head and looked toward Cliff.
“Is this house really a safe place?”
“Is this house really a safe place?”
“Yes. It may be small, but the Latrias won’t be able to touch us here. Not without causing quite a stir.”
“Yes. It may be small, but the Latrias won’t be able to touch us here. Not without causing quite a stir.”
“What are the chances that the Latrias would make a move knowing full well what the consequences were?”
“What are the chances that the Latrias would make a move knowing full well what the consequences were?”
“Slim to none, I would assume. That house has their own reputation at stake.”
“Slim to none, I would assume. That house has their own reputation at stake.”
Reputation, huh? Given how much lineage mattered to that old woman, she’d definitely take that into account. She may be stubborn and rotten to the core, but she wasn’t an idiot.
Reputation, huh? Given how much lineage mattered to that old woman, she’d definitely take that into account. She may be stubborn and rotten to the core, but she wasn’t an idiot.
“I think we’ll be fine,” Aisha concluded as she unfolded her arms. “It’s just a hunch, but I don’t think that house…that person sees much value in Mother Zenith after what happened to her. I think.”
“I think we’ll be fine,” Aisha concluded as she unfolded her arms. “It’s just a hunch, but I don’t think that house…that person sees much value in Mother Zenith after what happened to her. I think.”
She had a point. The Latrias surely weren’t going to use Zenith as a key part of any plan. Cliff said as much earlier; marrying someone who couldn’t even speak might have fit into the nation’s values, but it would raise eyebrows. And considering that the partners would be forced onto each other, it was hard to imagine the bonds of their matrimony would be terribly strong.
She had a point. The Latrias surely weren’t going to use Zenith as a key part of any plan. Cliff said as much earlier; marrying someone who couldn’t even speak might have fit into the nation’s values, but it would raise eyebrows. And considering that the partners would be forced onto each other, it was hard to imagine the bonds of their matrimony would be terribly strong.
Maybe she wanted to make good on her investment in the Fittoa Search and Rescue Squad, but if so, she could bill me. Give me a number and I’d pay her to go away. It was safe to say that they had absolutely no emotional bond. If it were, then there was no way she would have treated Zenith like a thing.
Maybe she wanted to make good on her investment in the Fittoa Search and Rescue Squad, but if so, she could bill me. Give me a number and I’d pay her to go away. It was safe to say that they had absolutely no emotional bond. If it were, then there was no way she would have treated Zenith like a thing.
“I think today taught them that they ought to be afraid of you, Big Brother. They didn’t send anyone to chase after us, either. I don’t think they’re very attached to Mother Zenith.”
“I think today taught them that they ought to be afraid of you, Big Brother. They didn’t send anyone to chase after us, either. I don’t think they’re very attached to Mother Zenith.”
Points were being made. We took our time coming back from the Latria home, and even then, nobody came after us. Claire could have easily reported me and had soldiers go after me. I didn’t know if she feared me or simply stopped caring, but she knew the rapport I had with Cliff. While I had no clue where she got that info from…the fact remained that given what happened, it would’ve been easy to guess that this home would be my hideout. And yet, she left us alone.
Points were being made. We took our time coming back from the Latria home, and even then, nobody came after us. Claire could have easily reported me and had soldiers go after me. I didn’t know if she feared me or simply stopped caring, but she knew the rapport I had with Cliff. While I had no clue where she got that info from…the fact remained that given what happened, it would’ve been easy to guess that this home would be my hideout. And yet, she left us alone.
“It’d be one thing if it were a place they could do something about, but we’re under protection in enemy territory. I think we’ll be fine.”
“It’d be one thing if it were a place they could do something about, but we’re under protection in enemy territory. I think we’ll be fine.”
“I see.”
“I see.”
It was high-risk, low-reward. With stakes like that, it was hard to imagine that they’d try to take Zenith back by force. Atta girl, Aisha. You really thought this through.
It was high-risk, low-reward. With stakes like that, it was hard to imagine that they’d try to take Zenith back by force. Atta girl, Aisha. You really thought this through.
“In that case, Rudeus,” Cliff interjected, “I’ll be meeting my grandfather tomorrow, so would you care to come along? Causing trouble with the House of Latria will surely make your future endeavors in this country more difficult… I’m sure you want connections, no?”
“In that case, Rudeus,” Cliff interjected, “I’ll be meeting my grandfather tomorrow, so would you care to come along? Causing trouble with the House of Latria will surely make your future endeavors in this country more difficult… I’m sure you want connections, no?”
“Are you sure?”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course, it depends on you as to whether you gain my grandfather’s backing. I’ll introduce you, but I won’t do more.”
“Of course, it depends on you as to whether you gain my grandfather’s backing. I’ll introduce you, but I won’t do more.”
“Oh, of course.”
“Oh, of course.”
Cliff had refused my assistance, and I had no intention of providing it directly. I wasn’t sure exactly how much he’d be willing to acknowledge me professionally. I’d assume that introducing people to enlist them as allies was an intervention Cliff didn’t want me to make. But it seemed that Cliff was willing to swallow his pride and introduce me anyway.
Cliff had refused my assistance, and I had no intention of providing it directly. I wasn’t sure exactly how much he’d be willing to acknowledge me professionally. I’d assume that introducing people to enlist them as allies was an intervention Cliff didn’t want me to make. But it seemed that Cliff was willing to swallow his pride and introduce me anyway.
Helping Zenith was important, but I also had to make progress in building the Mercenary Band. Having the pope’s backing would work towards both goals. I didn’t exactly need the pope to personally provide Zenith protection; just having a connection with him would make it hard for them to interfere.
Helping Zenith was important, but I also had to make progress in building the Mercenary Band. Having the pope’s backing would work towards both goals. I didn’t exactly need the pope to personally provide Zenith protection; just having a connection with him would make it hard for them to interfere.
“It’d be an honor,” I answered after finishing my calculations. I bowed my head to Cliff.
“It’d be an honor,” I answered after finishing my calculations. I bowed my head to Cliff.
Hey, I had other things to do here in Millis, so I had buck up and get back to it.
Hey, I had other things to do here in Millis, so I had buck up and get back to it.
***
***
The next day. After breakfast, I headed to the church headquarters. I left Aisha and Zenith at home.
The next day. After breakfast, I headed to the church headquarters. I left Aisha and Zenith at home.
The church headquarters, being a gold-colored building with a giant onion on top, was a little hard to miss. The tranquility so valued in the Holy Country of Millis was reflected in the many shades of white and silver it was swathed in. And then there was this single, sparkly building with its downright clownish gaudiness. And with that gilded onion on top, the whole thing stuck out. Tacky.
The church headquarters, being a gold-colored building with a giant onion on top, was a little hard to miss. The tranquility so valued in the Holy Country of Millis was reflected in the many shades of white and silver it was swathed in. And then there was this single, sparkly building with its downright clownish gaudiness. And with that gilded onion on top, the whole thing stuck out. Tacky.
From afar, it wasn’t too bad. It looked like a golden accent perched atop its white and silver surroundings. But once you got close, the effect fell apart. It came from a different planet.
From afar, it wasn’t too bad. It looked like a golden accent perched atop its white and silver surroundings. But once you got close, the effect fell apart. It came from a different planet.
But a trashy home didn’t necessarily reflect on its resident. After all, this was the headquarters of the Millis Church. It was basically filled with upgraded Cliffs, fresh off the production line. It might have looked in poor taste, but the fact that surely only the purest of saints lived inside…was far from guaranteed. I knew that much.
But a trashy home didn’t necessarily reflect on its resident. After all, this was the headquarters of the Millis Church. It was basically filled with upgraded Cliffs, fresh off the production line. It might have looked in poor taste, but the fact that surely only the purest of saints lived inside…was far from guaranteed. I knew that much.
In my past life, everyone knew that politicians and religious leaders were the most corrupted by money. At least, that’s how I saw it. It seemed to hold true for this world, too. And the people who held so much power that they didn’t even try to fake it always went mask-off in the end. Then again, keeping that crowd at arm’s length shouldn’t pose any problems.
In my past life, everyone knew that politicians and religious leaders were the most corrupted by money. At least, that’s how I saw it. It seemed to hold true for this world, too. And the people who held so much power that they didn’t even try to fake it always went mask-off in the end. Then again, keeping that crowd at arm’s length shouldn’t pose any problems.
I took a deep breath and prepared to market myself. I’d show off my deep ties to Orsted and Ariel to make myself look big. I think that was one of my failures at the Latria home; it could have been why Claire looked down on me until it all went to hell.
I took a deep breath and prepared to market myself. I’d show off my deep ties to Orsted and Ariel to make myself look big. I think that was one of my failures at the Latria home; it could have been why Claire looked down on me until it all went to hell.
But today, I would be the most interesting man in the world. For him. That was why I came in my formal robes; they were what I wore when I meant business. I was the Right Hand of the Dragon God, Rudeus Greyrat. I talked myself up a little in my head.
But today, I would be the most interesting man in the world. For him. That was why I came in my formal robes; they were what I wore when I meant business. I was the Right Hand of the Dragon God, Rudeus Greyrat. I talked myself up a little in my head.
“My apologies, but I can’t allow anyone who doesn’t have a permit inside.”
“My apologies, but I can’t allow anyone who doesn’t have a permit inside.”
I got stopped at the entrance to one of the buildings. Sad emoji.
I got stopped at the entrance to one of the buildings. Sob.
“Huh? Is my entrance permit not enough? I could have sworn that companions used to be able to enter with one…”
“Huh? Is my entrance permit not enough? I could have sworn that companions used to be able to enter with one…”
“The rule’s always been one person per permit.”
“The rule’s always been one person per permit.”
“I see. Hmm. Guess people looked the other way since I was a child back then…”
“I see. Hmm. Guess people looked the other way since I was a child back then…”
Cliff eyed the patch he’d found last night with a troubled expression. Apparently, that was the permit. He was currently wearing his official Millis Church vestment. The patch was sewn onto the vestment’s breast last night.
Cliff eyed the patch he’d found last night with a troubled expression. Apparently, that was the permit. He was currently wearing his official Millis Church vestment. The patch was sewn onto the vestment’s breast last night.
“You already have a permit, Reverend Cliff, so I believe you can ask for them to issue a temporary permit inside.”
“You already have a permit, Reverend Cliff, so I believe you can ask for them to issue a temporary permit inside.”
“Ah… Yes, that’s right. Apologies, Rudeus. I’ll get a permit for you, so wait for me here,” Cliff said apologetically.
“Ah… Yes, that’s right. Apologies, Rudeus. I’ll get a permit for you, so wait for me here,” Cliff said apologetically.
“I understand. I’m in no rush, so feel free to take your time.”
“I understand. I’m in no rush, so feel free to take your time.”
I did as I was told and watched Cliff disappear inside. I stumbled at the first hurdle…but hey, at least I didn’t get kicked out before the starter pistol. I decided to take a stroll around the complex for a bit.
I did as I was told and watched Cliff disappear inside. I stumbled at the first hurdle…but hey, at least I didn’t get kicked out before the starter pistol. I decided to take a stroll around the complex for a bit.
The complex was wide, and the building was huge. It was easily four times the size of the Latria home. The building was four stories tall, and from a bird’s-eye view, the whole place was structured like a diamond on top of a square. That is, rather than overlapping to make an octagon, one square was inset inside the other. The diamond was inside of the square.
The complex was wide, and the building was huge. It was easily four times the size of the Latria home. The building was four stories tall, and from a bird’s-eye view, the whole place was structured like a diamond on top of a square. That is, rather than overlapping to make an octagon, one square was inset inside the other. The diamond was inside of the square.
The square on the outside consisted of the office building for the church headquarters. That was probably where all the office workers related to the church and regular priests pushed their paper. They seemed to handle religious conversion permits, funeral arrangement applications, and even sales of symbolic charms. That was headquarters for you; if you had any business with the Millis Church, this was the place for it.
The square on the outside consisted of the office building for the church headquarters. That was probably where all the office workers related to the church and regular priests pushed their paper. They seemed to handle religious conversion permits, funeral arrangement applications, and even sales of symbolic charms. That was headquarters for you; if you had any business with the Millis Church, this was the place for it.
The inner diamond held the Millis Church Curia’s residential and office space. It even had holy statues and temples. As a rule, only the highest of the top brass were permitted to enter; not even the office workers here were told what went on in there. It was the nucleus of the Millis Church. No wonder you needed a permit.
The inner diamond held the Millis Church Curia’s residential and office space. It even had holy statues and temples. As a rule, only the highest of the top brass were permitted to enter; not even the office workers here were told what went on in there. It was the nucleus of the Millis Church. No wonder you needed a permit.
It was understandable, but as I continued looking around the complex, the sun climbed high overhead. I was getting hungry.
It was understandable, but as I continued looking around the complex, the sun climbed high overhead. I was getting hungry.
Maybe Cliff had miscalculated on getting me a permit. Surely debriefing the pope on just the trip back would take hours. He must have only gotten an appointment with the pope yesterday, an exception they made for him because he was family. But me? I was an outsider. Would it put the pope on his guard if his newly returned grandson said he wanted to introduce him to some weirdo?
Maybe Cliff had miscalculated on getting me a permit. Surely debriefing the pope on just the trip back would take hours. He must have only gotten an appointment with the pope yesterday, an exception they made for him because he was family. But me? I was an outsider. Would it put the pope on his guard if his newly returned grandson said he wanted to introduce him to some weirdo?
I’d had a rough night trying to help Zenith, but I hadn’t forgotten about Elinalise’s request. I wanted to absolutely avoid holding Cliff back.
I’d had a rough night trying to help Zenith, but I hadn’t forgotten about Elinalise’s request. I wanted to absolutely avoid holding Cliff back.
“Maybe I should have waited a few days first, and then made the appointment myself…”
“Maybe I should have waited a few days first, and then made the appointment myself…”
As I reconsidered my plan, I found that I’d reached the garden.
As I reconsidered my plan, I found that I’d reached the garden.
The Millis Church Headquarters had four gardens. They made up the four triangular corners between the inner diamond and the outer square. Each one was planted with vegetation representing one of the four seasons. It was currently spring, and coincidentally, the springtime garden was the one I walked into. This springtime garden was spilling over with a rainbow of blooming flowers—but the bright, light hues of yellow, white, and pink dominated.
The Millis Church Headquarters had four gardens. They made up the four triangular corners between the inner diamond and the outer square. Each one was planted with vegetation representing one of the four seasons. It was currently spring, and coincidentally, the springtime garden was the one I walked into. This springtime garden was spilling over with a rainbow of blooming flowers—but the bright, light hues of yellow, white, and pink dominated.
I took it all in as I walked. I used to walk with a plant encyclopedia in one hand as I looked up the names and everything of all the flowers, but I didn’t know a thing about the plants in Millishion. Actually, wait, I’d seen that tree with the pink flowers before. Its name was similar to “sakura,” like the cherry blossoms, so it stuck out to me. I felt like I’d heard someone say the name recently, but what was it?
I took it all in as I walked. I used to walk with a plant encyclopedia in one hand as I looked up the names and everything of all the flowers, but I didn’t know a thing about the plants in Millishion. Actually, wait, I’d seen that tree with the pink flowers before. Its name was similar to “sakura,” like the cherry blossoms, so it stuck out to me. I felt like I’d heard someone say the name recently, but what was it?
“Look, the Sarakh Trees are in bloom!” someone said.
“Look, the Sarakh Trees are in bloom!” someone said.
Yeah, Sarakh, that was it. They were trees that grew by the mountains in the northern lands of the Asura Kingdom. They had pink flowers at the tips of their branches that bloomed as spring came in, so they were known as “The Trees That Call Forth Spring” over there. Their lumber had a particular fragrance that made them popular among nobles too. But they grew only in the mountains, so they were expensive. Currently, the Asura royal family oversaw all cultivation of Sarakh Trees, sometimes even exporting them to other nations.
Yeah, Sarakh, that was it. They were trees that grew by the mountains in the northern lands of the Asura Kingdom. They had pink flowers at the tips of their branches that bloomed as spring came in, so they were known as “The Trees That Call Forth Spring” over there. Their lumber had a particular fragrance that made them popular among nobles too. But they grew only in the mountains, so they were expensive. Currently, the Asura royal family oversaw all cultivation of Sarakh Trees, sometimes even exporting them to other nations.
Or, that’s what Ariel told me the last time I went to the Asura Kingdom.
Or, that’s what Ariel told me the last time I went to the Asura Kingdom.
“Yes, they’re quite beautiful indeed!”
“Yes, they’re quite beautiful indeed!”
“The Sarakh Blossoms suit you very well, Blessed One!”
“The Sarakh Blossoms suit you very well, Blessed One!”
“Did you know that these Sarakh Trees were a gift from the Asura Kingdom when the current pope ascended to the throne?”
“Did you know that these Sarakh Trees were a gift from the Asura Kingdom when the current pope ascended to the throne?”
“Ohoh, Blessed One, how pure you are…”
“Ohoh, Blessed One, how pure you are…”
I heard some voices that made my skin crawl. Out of curiosity, I turned to look toward their skin-crawling sources.
I heard some voices that made my skin crawl. Out of curiosity, I turned to look toward their skin-crawling sources.
“Come, look, look! It’s as though we’re in a rain of Sarakh petals!”
“Come, look, look! It’s as though we’re in a rain of Sarakh petals!”
“Ah, the sight of the Blessed One standing tall amidst the descending petals… it’s almost ethereal.”
“Ah, the sight of the Blessed One standing tall amidst the descending petals… it’s almost ethereal.”
“How beautiful!”
“How beautiful!”
There, I saw an e-girl and her simps. The woman wore a frilly, almost princess-like dress as she held her palms upward and spun beneath the gently flitting flower petals. I could almost call her a young girl…except she was probably around twenty years old.
There, I saw an idol and her otaku. The woman wore a frilly, almost princess-like dress as she held her palms upward and spun beneath the gently flitting flower petals. I could almost call her a young girl…except she was probably around twenty years old.
Her face was on the refined beauty side, but also a bit plump. Wendy looked soft despite having dainty arms and legs, but this girl’s upper arms and thighs were a little thicc. Both were unhealthy, but where Wendy seemed to lack calories, this woman seemed to lack exercise.
Her face was on the refined beauty side, but also a bit plump. Wendy looked soft despite having dainty arms and legs, but this girl’s upper arms and thighs were a little plump. Both were unhealthy, but where Wendy seemed to lack calories, this woman seemed to lack exercise.
Swarming around this woman was a crowd of men. There were seven of them—a lucky number. Every time the woman said anything, they would agree and breathlessly praise her in this fawning-for-attention kind of way. Yeah, simps and their e-girl…heck, you could probably call her an e-princess. I think the reason they struck me as simps was because not one of them was a looker. Those unfortunate faces reminded me of a familiar one I used to see in my mirror. I suppose the blue cuirasses they all had equipped were a bit outside the scope of typical white knights, though.
Swarming around this woman was a crowd of men. There were seven of them—a lucky number. Every time the woman said anything, they would agree and breathlessly praise her in this fawning-for-attention kind of way. Yeah, otaku fawning over their idol... Heck, to them she may as well have been a princess. My mind presumably jumped to "otaku" because not one of them was a looker. Those unfortunate faces reminded me of a familiar one I used to see in my mirror. I suppose the blue cuirasses they all had equipped were a bit outside the scope of typical white knights, though.
“Hm?”
“Hm?”
Note that while they felt like kindred spirits, I didn’t feel an iota of comfort. I could feel the tension prickling at my neck.
Note that while they felt like kindred spirits, I didn’t feel an iota of comfort. I could feel the tension prickling at my neck.
Was this hostility? Well, that shouldn’t have been a surprise. Odds were that those guys were treating her like royalty because she was royalty, or at least had some similar status. And those guards probably weren’t just your ordinary simps. One look at their demeanor and muscles said these were all hardened warriors. They could have been Advanced-tier, if not Saint-tier swordsmen.
Was this hostility? Well, that shouldn’t have been a surprise. Odds were that those guys were treating her like royalty because she was royalty, or at least had some similar status. And those guards probably weren’t just your ordinary nerds. One look at their demeanor and muscles said these were all hardened warriors. They could have been Advanced-tier, if not Saint-tier swordsmen.
That meant they must have noticed me. I came prepared for the worst and wore my Magic Armor Version Two underneath my robes. While I should have seemed unarmed given my lack of a staff, I clearly wasn’t dressed for a picnic. They were, understandably, on their guards.
That meant they must have noticed me. I came prepared for the worst and wore my Magic Armor Version Two underneath my robes. While I should have seemed unarmed given my lack of a staff, I clearly wasn’t dressed for a picnic. They were, understandably, on their guards.
But still, something was off. This feeling had a dimension of something, I dunno, disconcerting, like a rumbling beneath the surface. It was an unease I found hard to describe…
But still, something was off. This feeling had a dimension of something, I dunno, disconcerting, like a rumbling beneath the surface. It was an unease I found hard to describe…
It was possible that one of those men could have been the Man-God’s disciple. Should I test it out? No, wait, I had to stop and think. Specifically, I had to calculate the chances that saying the word “Man-God” out loud would go horribly, horribly wrong. Substantial. No, I would not be saying “Man-God” out loud. But how else could I catch them out…?
It was possible that one of those men could have been the Man-God’s disciple. Should I test it out? No, wait, I had to stop and think. Specifically, I had to calculate the chances that saying the word “Man-God” out loud would go horribly, horribly wrong. Substantial. No, I would not be saying “Man-God” out loud. But how else could I catch them out…?
“Hm? I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before. Are you here to convert?”
“Hm? I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before. Are you here to convert?”
While I was contemplating my strategy, they made the first move.
While I was contemplating my strategy, they made the first move.
“Oh…”
“Oh…”
The girl looked up at me with an innocent smile. She crossed her arms behind her hips and leaned forward toward me. It was the kind of pose that would make me lose all control if Sylphie used it on me. Roxy would never pose like this. If Eris tried it, she’d look like a snake sizing up her prey; I’d be frozen stiff, prepared to meet my maker.
The girl looked up at me with an innocent smile. She crossed her arms behind her hips and leaned forward toward me. It was the kind of pose that would make me lose all control if Sylphie used it on me. Roxy would never pose like this. If Eris tried it, she’d look like a snake sizing up her prey; I’d be frozen stiff, prepared to meet my maker.
“What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong?”
Ah, right, good question. I had more important things to be thinking about. Um, uh… Well, I wasn’t here to convert… I needed to sniff out as to whether they were the Man-God’s disciples, so, um…
Ah, right, good question. I had more important things to be thinking about. Um, uh… Well, I wasn’t here to convert… I needed to sniff out as to whether they were the Man-God’s disciples, so, um…
“S-so you’re allll, uh, god…guys?”
“S-so you’re allll, uh, god…guys?”
It happened in an instant. Three of the simps whipped out their swords and pointed them at my throat. The remaining four grabbed the e-girl and pulled her back, hiding her behind them.
It happened in an instant. Three of the otaku whipped out their swords and pointed them at my throat. The remaining four grabbed the idol and pulled her back, hiding her behind them.
There wasn’t a trace of that simp shit remaining in them. The men now before me had the ferocity of soldiers on a battlefield. Their sunken pupils bored down into the shining whites of their eyes.
There wasn’t a trace of that fanboy shit remaining in them. The men now before me had the ferocity of soldiers on a battlefield. Their sunken pupils bored down into the shining whites of their eyes.
Crap, these dudes were serious. I was sweating. I should not have started this conversation. Oh, wait. I hadn’t.
Crap, these dudes were serious. I was sweating. I should not have started this conversation. Oh, wait. I hadn’t.
“There is a God.”
“There is a God.”
“Saint Millis is the one true God.”
“Saint Millis is the one true God.”
“For what purpose would you ask something so obvious?”
“For what purpose would you ask something so obvious?”
“Could it be that you don’t believe in Saint Millis?”
“Could it be that you don’t believe in Saint Millis?”
“You don’t believe in God?”
“You don’t believe in God?”
“A…traitor?”
“A…traitor?”
“A heathen!”
“A heathen!”
The simps interrogated me without my input as their eyes grew darker. Oh no, this was turning into a witch trial!
The otaku interrogated me without my input as their eyes grew darker. Oh no, this was turning into a witch trial!
“S-sorry… I was, uh, thinking about something and that came out wrong. Please forgive me.”
“S-sorry… I was, uh, thinking about something and that came out wrong. Please forgive me.”
This situation called for an honest apology. They were right; this was the headquarters of the Millis Church. Everyone here surely believed in only one god, Saint Millis. There was no worse place to ask something like that. I understand, I came off as cynical; suspicious and therefore suspect. Please, find it in your hearts to forgive me.
This situation called for an honest apology. They were right; this was the headquarters of the Millis Church. Everyone here surely believed in only one god, Saint Millis. There was no worse place to ask something like that. I understand, I came off as cynical; suspicious and therefore suspect. Please, find it in your hearts to forgive me.
“Grave, what do we do?”
“Grave, what do we do?”
“Dust, you give the call.”
“Dust, you give the call.”
“All right, we’ll kill him. He’s probably a heathen. He seems unusually calm too… And even if he is a believer, putting such bizarre thoughts into our Blessed One’s head is a crime in itself.”
“All right, we’ll kill him. He’s probably a heathen. He seems unusually calm too… And even if he is a believer, putting such bizarre thoughts into our Blessed One’s head is a crime in itself.”
“Got it, we’ll kill him. Good idea.”
“Got it, we’ll kill him. Good idea.”
Wow, decided already, huh. They worked together like an oiled machine. I’d probably hesitate if I were in their shoes.
Wow, decided already, huh. They worked together like an oiled machine. I’d probably hesitate if I were in their shoes.
“Whoa, whoa, wait a second! Let’s all calm down, maybe let me explain myself—”
“Whoa, whoa, wait a second! Let’s all calm down, maybe let me explain myself—”
It’d make Cliff look bad if a fight broke out here, and I certainly didn’t want to ruin such a beautiful garden. Who would want to see those lovely Sarakh Trees torn out by the root? There was nothing in it for either of us, so let’s talk about it, no?
It’d make Cliff look bad if a fight broke out here, and I certainly didn’t want to ruin such a beautiful garden. Who would want to see those lovely Sarakh Trees torn out by the root? There was nothing in it for either of us, so let’s talk about it, no?
My thoughts were leaning t
My thoughts were leaning toward