第６１３堀：ハイデン建国記簡易版 始まりの章 (Part2)
"No, no, I haven't been summoned to any court or anything."
"Court? Ah, a trial. Why a trial?"
We tilted our heads at each other, both looking as if we were wondering what the other was talking about.
"Calm down, Hairen. There's still a possibility of a mistake."
"Exactly. He might not be from around here, but that doesn't mean Hairen was the one who summoned him."
"What are you saying? I did exactly what Mother told me to do, so there’s no mistake! Besides, he doesn't look like he’s traveling, does he? He only has that one strange bag."
"…Well, he certainly is dressed strangely for being here."
"…That’s true."
I didn't fully understand, but it was clear they were discussing my identity.
To be honest, since I’m wearing a sword—or something like it—at my waist and what looks like armor, I was on guard, thinking I might have been cornered by some lunatics. However, they didn't seem to have any intention of harming me, and since they have horses, I figured if I tried to run, I’d just be caught anyway. It was better to stay quiet.
Saying the wrong thing and angering them wouldn't be a smart move.
I wanted to believe this was a dream, but the thought that this might be reality was starting to creep in.
I began to wonder if I had been caught in some sci-fi warp or the classic "kamikakushi" (spiriting away).
Sci-fi warps aside, since there was a sub-shrine right there, the idea of being spirited away actually seemed plausible...
"Anyway!! We cannot leave this person here. I’m taking him back with us."
"That’s true. He doesn't even seem to have any proper weapons; it’s definitely dangerous."
"Yes, as Fable says. Besides, we aren't exactly swimming in resources ourselves. It would be wise to take him back and have him help out."
"Hey! This person is the hero I summoned. Don't make him do chores!"
"That’s why I said calm down. He doesn't seem to understand the situation, so like Hairen said, let’s take him back and hear the details. That’s fine, right?"
"That’s fine."
"Mmph. I’ll prove he’s a hero once we get back, just you wait."
It sounded like I was about to be taken somewhere. I didn't mind that, but before then...
"Um, if you don't mind, may I ask your names? My name is Sota Kamishiro."
"Ah, my apologies. My name is Fable."
"My name is Enoru."
"I’m Sota, is it? I’m Hairen. I am the daughter of Canaan, the Goddess of this world, Aulito."
"The daughter of a Goddess?"
What was she talking about? This red-haired girl...
"Sigh, well, never mind Hairen. Please, get on my horse."
"You’d be better off thinking of Hairen as a girl with a troubled mind."
"Hey—!? It’s the truth!! Really!!"
And so, led by these three, I stepped forward into this world.
***
Side: Sota
I had intended to keep it brief, but I realized as I spoke that it had turned into a long story.
"I apologize. I wasn't sure where to begin. The tea has run out, so let’s take a break."
"No, I think you summarized it quite well. Besides, those three are key figures, right? If they turned out to be meaningless characters in the beginning, I’d be so annoyed I’d give you a piledriver."
"Indeed. Fable later becomes the first King of Haiden, Enoru is the first Archbishop who founded the Haire religion, and that crazy red-haired Hairen is the Goddess herself, whom the Haire religion comes to worship, born to the Goddess Canaan."
When I said that, Yuki and the others looked at Luna with a 'yikes' expression.
"I forgot that was a possibility. The gods here can have children. No wonder they weren't on the registry. I remember seeing the name Canaan, the mother, on the list. So, how much of their specs do the children inherit?"
"It varies. It’s all about training. Yuki, you know this well. Even if you lack power or talent, you can compensate with other methods. Well, since they summoned Sota, it seems they inherited quite a bit of power if we're talking about potential. Besides, the gods of Japan and Earth have children too, you know."
"That’s right. Well, for now, let’s listen. How this connects to what happened 500 years ago... But, it’s break time. I’ll go get some tea."
"Oh, please add some rice crackers."
"Get them yourself."
"What’s with you? You’re as stingy as ever."
"Here you go, Luna-san."
"Oh, thank you, Rurua. Honestly, that Yuki is such a handful."
"Ah, ahaha..."
Now, I thought, as I stood up to get some tea...
"Sota. I’ll have a refill too."
"You’re a water spirit, what’s the point of you drinking tea? Besides, get it yourself."
"You lack faith even in death."
"Eek!? I, I’ll bring the tea!! For the First Ancestor and for Mizutatsu-no-Mikoto as well!!"
Kagura rushed off to follow Yuki.
Kagura was here as a witness for the Haiden side for this story, as the other relatives and academy staff were busy investigating the kidnappings.
"You’re the worst, Water. Making Kagura fetch tea."
"You’re the worst. Honestly, since you were standing up anyway, it’s just a matter of convenience. Besides, when is the part where I appear?"
"Is that what you’re worried about? It’s still a ways off, though I’m sure you know about that time, Water."
"I know, but I can’t talk about it until the story reaches the point where I appear. Though, hearing how much of a blockhead you were when you first arrived here was a first and quite amusing."
"Water, don't you ever think that because of that personality, you won't get any tea?"
"Hmph. To be stingy over something like this shows how small your vessel is."
" "Huh!?" "
"I, I brought the tea, so please, please, calm down..."
I’ll forgive him for Kagura’s sake for now, but... once this story is over, I’ll need to remind him who is in charge.
And so, can we unravel the current problems from the past?
The history Sota walked is briefly explained here!!
If you wish to read this story properly, please purchase the separately published "Shrine Son (Second Son) Goes to Another World" series for 1,200 yen (tax excluded).
Just kidding. It doesn't exist.