第５２１堀：神の住まう社 (Part2)
"I am Taiki. As with Yuki, my surname might cause issues, so please forgive me."
"Not at all. But to think you are truly Japanese. Bowing so naturally is not a custom of this world; everyone here is obsessed with establishing clear hierarchies."
In this world—or rather, in Western culture—the act of bowing deeply is reserved only for those of higher status. Among equals, it is generally replaced by handshakes or similar gestures. It is merely a difference in etiquette, not a matter of which is better or worse. Though, in Japan, that can sometimes lead to a "bowing battle," which is a whole other issue.
"Now, I would have liked to talk in the office, but first, please purify yourselves and come to the main hall. Mizu no Tatsu no Mikoto-sama has been waiting a long time for an encounter with Japanese people."
With that, he walked toward the *chozuya* (water pavilion).
"Um, Yuki-san. What are we supposed to do at that place with the strange water?"
"I have no idea."
Ria, Deryu, and the others seemed confused, as this was their first time visiting a shrine.
"You use that ladle to purify your hands. It’s basically a way to clean yourself before visiting the deity."
"That brings back memories."
I went to the pavilion to demonstrate, performing a simple purification. I don't actually remember the proper, formal way to do it.
"Well, ladies, just think of it as a simple hand-washing."
"O-oh, I see. Understood."
Vilia, Dressa, and the others, who had been nervous about committing a faux pas, followed my and Taiki’s lead.
"Now, this way."
"Don't we need to put in an offering?"
"No, this place is like a hidden spot, so the main hall doesn't really require one. There are no other worshippers, and it’s basically just a hobby, right?"
"That is correct. When the first generation built this, they just put it together. Though, the truth is, they wanted it to resemble their home."
"Home, huh..."
"Wow, being a shrine child sounds like a hassle."
"Haha, from what I hear, he wasn't the heir, but he was still drilled thoroughly in the manners and studies of a priest. Now, please, this way. You might not need to be told, but please remove your shoes before entering."
We all entered the main hall. Even calling it a "main hall," it wasn't packed with items; it was just a large room with a small shrine sitting alone at the back. What do you call that again? The *goshintai* (divine body)? Well, whatever.
"Please, have a seat here."
"Oh, I know this. It's a cushion."
"Indeed. Please, don't hesitate."
Just as Ria, Deryu, and the others were about to sit, a voice suddenly echoed.
*“...This presence, is it Amaterasu Omikami? Ridiculous. Even Uga no Mitama no Kami, the main deity, cannot reach this land. Who is it that carries the presence of Amaterasu Omikami, despite there being no shrine or faith here?”*
Everyone else heard it too and jumped.
...The presence of Amaterasu Omikami? Why is the name of Japan's top deity coming up?
*“No, the presence is drifting most strongly from you. Are you not worshipping her? No, this feels closer than mere worship.”*
Hm, now that I think about it, that useless goddess once said she was also Amaterasu Omikami. She just eats, sleeps, and causes me nothing but trouble, so I try not to think about it—or rather, I can't.
*“...Have you manifested?”*
"Manifested? More like she spends her days being lazy and degenerate... anyway, stop reading my mind and just come out already."
*“Hmm. Indeed, that was boorish. ...Sou, Kagura, lend me your strength.”*
"Y-yes, sir!!"
"H-hai!!"
Sou and Kagura, though startled, followed the instructions and poured their magic into the *goshintai*. Water overflowed from the cup provided, forming a dragon made of water that circled around them. The others in our group stopped their killing intent, realizing it wasn't a monster.
*“...I see. It has been a tragedy, child of my homeland. To think that someone other than Souta would be summoned from Japan.”*
"By Souta, do you mean the first generation?"
*“Indeed. Five hundred and thirty-seven years since then. An eternity in human time. Well, Souta himself laughed until the end, saying he was overjoyed to be free from the troublesome shrine work. Yet, he still built this shrine for me, complete with a main deity. It’s a matter of blood, or perhaps pity. Well, perhaps because I manifested using the power of this world, we ran through time like friends. Such nostalgic days.”*
Ah, so she manifested in this world. That explains why they’d worship a powerful Mizu no Tatsu no Mikoto.
*“Now, our small talk ends here. Sou, these people are undoubtedly Japanese. People from the same homeland as Souta. There is no reason for them to lie. You may believe their story.”*
"Yes, thank you very much."
*“No, it is thanks to you who have worshipped me so sincerely. I shall return to the divine body. Kagura, sorry for the excessive magical drain.”*
"Not at all. It is my greatest joy to have pleased Mizu no Tatsu no Mikoto-sama."
With that, the water dragon retreated into the *goshintai*. I guess that saved us from having to explain that we’re Japanese? Things are off to a good start.
Now, what will happen next? Will we successfully gain their cooperation!?
Raise your hand if you just remembered that the useless goddess is Amaterasu. I won't be mad.