第８２４堀：司教のお仕事 (Part1)
Chapter 824: The Bishop’s Duties
Side: Enora
“Bishop. Am I seeing a dream or an illusion? Is the sight unfolding before my eyes truly reality? What does Haire-sama think of those who possess such power?”
“……”
I am currently receiving a consultation that could be called a confession, a prayer, or perhaps nothing more than a desperate attempt to escape reality.
Right now, we are cruising on an aircraft carrier prepared by Yuki-dono. We are touring waters that one could hardly call the "open ocean," as the mainland of the Seasypho Kingdom is clearly visible in the distance.
It is a test run, apparently.
Well, it is important to confirm that a ship of this magnitude functions properly.
However, the dignitaries of the Seasypho Kingdom, who have been forced to accompany this voyage, are utterly unable to keep up with the astonishing reality before them. Consequently, they have been coming to me—the only priest of the Haire Church on this vessel—to seek counsel.
As if he had anticipated this situation, Yuki-dono even had a room designated as a "counseling room" installed on the ship. He told me to provide guidance and listen to everyone’s concerns there, but I never imagined it would come to this.
Or perhaps I should be pleased that the people of the Seasypho Kingdom are more devout than I expected?
No, that won’t do. A believer is here seeking counsel. I must provide an answer befitting a priest.
“Children of the pious Haire. I understand your shock at the events before you. However, this is a miracle brought forth by Haire-sama. It is as if She is saying to use this power and these connections to save your nation.”
“Ohh. Then we have no need to worry?”
“Indeed. The fact that I am here, accompanying the people of Haiden, is proof of the Divine Will.”
“Thank you. A weight has been lifted from my chest.”
“Yes. Please, come again if you have any further concerns.”
And so, another lost lamb found salvation and departed...
“Divine Will, indeed…”
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
After all…
*“Hmm? As a goddess? No, no, Enora. I told you before, didn't I? Humans are beings with the strength of heart and power to eventually make it on their own. Besides, with so many reliable companions around you, Enora, you should just solve your problems without relying on a god. A god is, at most, just a pillar of support for the heart.”*
Having been told that by the goddess herself with a smile, I was left with nothing to say.
In fact, what she said is perfectly reasonable.
We must not rely on gods; we must stand on our own two feet.
*“Well, even if I’m called a goddess, it doesn’t really click. Right now, I’m more of a follower of Lilishe-sama, and I’m busy with that, so I can’t really help out on that front. To be honest, Weed is just more fun.”*
…I have no choice but to pretend I didn’t hear that.
Especially the part about our own goddess being a follower of another god—I have no idea how to even frame that.
Besides, no one would believe it.
Let alone the fact that she prefers to abandon her own homeland to go play in another country…
Well, I suppose Hairen-sama was just a person in the end.
She seemed to be in love with Sota-sama; her position simply changed, that is all.
“That is why, I too…”
I think it might be fine to simply fall in love and get married.
…Though the target of my affection is quite a high-difficulty prospect.
I never expected to harbor feelings for a married man, and I’m not even sure what the catalyst was.
…I wonder if I should consult Hairen-sama about this, I thought, when—
*Knock, knock.*
The door to the room was knocked upon once again.
Again?
“Ahem. Please, come in.”
“Excuse me.”
“……”
“Bishop? Is something the matter?”
“Ah, no. Please, take a seat.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
The person who entered was none other than the young Prime Minister of the Seasypho Kingdom, Aquamarine-dono.
…Asking "why" would be a waste of breath.
There are very few people who can learn of Weed and accept it with a calm heart.
Now then, let me listen to this lost lamb.
“What is troubling you, Prime Minister?”
I speak as gently as I possibly can.
Unlike the elderly gentlemen who came before, she is a young woman. I know full well that the same approach will not suffice.
“…It is about Weed. I heard that you, Bishop Enora, have also been to Weed.”
“Yes. At the request of the Haiden royal capital, I have established a church there.”
Well, originally, my position in the Haiden capital was merely acting bishop, and my mother was the Bishop. I can say that I have been promoted thanks to Weed—thanks to Yuki-dono.
It is easy to imagine that if I had stayed in the Haiden capital, I would still be an acting bishop.
“So, the Haire Church is spreading in Weed as well.”
“There are religions dedicated to many other gods there, and we get along quite well with them.”
Mainly the Ritea Holy Church, but that is a peaceful place, and above all, the senior goddess Lilishe-sama is there to discipline—no, to provide guidance to Hairen-sama.
“There are other gods as well, then.”
“Yes. I have realized that the world is vast.”
Truly. I have been tortured, seen ghosts, been bitten by sea monsters; this past year has truly been a turbulent one.
It makes me sad just saying it out loud.
Though, meeting Yuki-dono and the others was a blessing.
“……”
Upon hearing my reply, Prime Minister Aquamarine falls into a silence, seemingly deep in thought.
“Prime Minister. I cannot fathom what troubles you, as I am but a mere bishop, but there is one thing I can say regarding Weed.”
“And what is that?”
“As you can see from this aircraft carrier, they possess overwhelming technological prowess, and you are likely aware that their individual combat strength is immeasurable.”
“…Yes. We are not just wary of the sea monsters; we fear this nation called Weed, which possesses such unfathomable power.”
The Prime Minister’s hands appear to be trembling slightly as she speaks.
That is only natural.
Any intelligent person who learns even a fraction of Weed’s national power would have no choice but to tremble at the sheer, off-the-charts magnitude of the opponent.
However, I know the truth. This, at least, I can say with certainty.
I take Prime Minister Aquamarine’s trembling hands in mine.
“It is alright. The Prince Consort, Yuki-sama, is not a man who would ever commit an injustice. While he may say harsh things due to his position, I, Haiden, and Findall have all been saved by Yuki-sama’s benevolence. He is a very kind person.”
Yes, Yuki-dono is kind. Boundlessly, endlessly so.
Under normal circumstances, the kidnapping of a Prince Consort would lead to nothing but war.
Despite causing an incident that could have resulted in their nation being destroyed or being forced to pay impossible reparations, not only did he refrain from such retribution, but he even helped Haiden.
He may say, with a plausible excuse, that Weed lacks the national power to rule over other countries, but it is not a matter of whether he can or cannot.