第４１６堀：神々の対話（どきっ駄目神だらけの同窓会） (Part2)
It must be something quite significant.
Well, I can more or less guess what it is.
For now, I’ll have Faide shown to the reception room, brew some tea, and hear him out.
“I must say, this is a curious tea. Green, is it? It has a distinct bitterness and fragrance... quite different from other teas. I like it; it has its own charm. It’s delicious. Between this tea and the other supplies from Weed I’ve managed to get my hands on back home, I was already intrigued, but entering Weed itself has been one surprise after another.”
However, it seems Faide wants to prioritize small talk first.
As for me, I’d prefer he got straight to the point...
“Stop rambling and get to the main subject, please. We aren’t exactly on ‘small talk’ terms anymore.”
“No, in a way, my small talk *is* the main subject. But very well.”
Faide sets down his tea and turns his gaze toward Hifi.
“And what about her?”
“She is my friend. I trust her far more than I trust *certain other people*. There’s no problem at all.”
“...Why must you spit such venom? You’re supposed to be the Goddess of Love and Healing.”
“Why don’t you ask your own conscience? Or have you forgotten? You were all so jealous that I became the object of such great devotion on this continent that when the people faced hardships, you refused to help them just because they weren't your own believers.”
“That was only those other fools. I provided support, didn't I?”
“What are you talking about? Then why have you remained so distant from me until this very moment? If you had cooperated with me, that famine would never have happened. In the end, it means you also drew a line around your own domain, didn't you?”
“...For that, I am sorry.”
“No need to apologize. In the end, it just goes to show that we are no different from humans. We cannot act without emotion. I am the same. Perhaps if I had swallowed my pride and bowed my head, I could have saved them, but I chose only to wait for you to come and bow to me.”
...I’m sure if it were Yuki, he wouldn’t have that kind of pride.
The things he takes pride in are likely on a scale we can’t even measure.
“Um, well, I understand you both have a lot of history, but why don't we listen to what Lord Faide has to say? He did come all this way, after all.”
“You’re right. Hifi is correct. So, what is your business? You mentioned that your small talk was related to the main subject?”
“Ah, yes. I want information on this ‘Yuki’ person who created Weed... or rather, this dungeon. Lilishe, you must know him, right? You’ve even built a church here in Weed.”
“I see. So you’ve finally taken an interest in the man Lady Luna told us about?”
“I have. ...But the others are a different story.”
“Ah, I see. That’s why you’ve approached me as an intelligence gatherer, Faide.”
“What do you mean? Do the gods of this continent know of Yuki’s existence?” Hifi asked.
“Yes. We were told to facilitate things for him, more or less. But since he came under my jurisdiction, I’ve mostly ignored the hostile gods from elsewhere.”
“But we can no longer afford to do that. I don’t know how well you know the current state of affairs on this continent, Lady Hifi, but this man named Yuki, who created the dungeon known as Weed, has managed to unite great nations, amass unbelievable national power, and even establish a coalition system in just a few short years. This is a problem.”
“But isn't that wonderful? Lady Luna is pleased, so what exactly is the problem?”
Hifi is so pure.
No, it’s because she’s been released from the curse of having to do everything alone that she can react that way.
“It’s simple. It’s the same as I was back then. Yuki is succeeding too well on his own, so they’re jealous.”
“Eh?! Wait, I suppose I was doing the same thing...”
“Well, to put it simply, yes. But if that were all, there would be no need for me to come here personally, would there?”
“Now that you mention it, that’s true. Then why are you here, Lord Faide?”
“That’s also simple. Because Yuki doesn't do anything that would reveal his true identity. No matter how much they investigate, they can't find anything, so they contacted me to reach out to Lilishe, right?”
“...Exactly. If you’re willing, I would like to hear about this person named Yuki.”
“Well now...”
If I proceed with this conversation on my own, I’ll probably get scolded. I should connect a 'Call' to Yuki.
Still, it seems those idiots are finally making their move. It looks like it’ll be a long time before Yuki can truly relax.
***
A disappointing summit is about to begin!!
Now, let us pray to the gods.
Actually, please spare me.
And so, Faide, the Agricultural God, makes his appearance.
He is serious about many things, but the tragedy is that his seriousness only ever ends up being a gag.
Some might find the gods' behavior strange, but please bear with it, as this is how they appear from the perspective of the locals.
As I’ve mentioned a few times, people tend to come up with answers that suit their own convenience within the scope of what they can accept.
For example, if an acquaintance who used to be poor suddenly has a lot of money, most people would only think they won the lottery or stole it.
Even if the person says, "I earned it myself!", others will think or say, "There's no way." Unless they are shown proof.