第９４８堀：女神の説得と彼女の在り方 (Part1)
### Chapter 948: The Goddess’s Persuasion and Her Way of Being
**Side: Rurua**
I was genuinely surprised when my husband suddenly announced that he would be exporting those Magic Gears, of all things. However, after listening to his calm explanation, I was convinced.
Currently, the Zurable Great Empire is in the midst of a war against the former imperial faction, and Magic Gears are the linchpin of that conflict. If this supply were cut off, the Zurable Great Empire could be forced into a difficult struggle, which in turn could endanger us in Weed, as we are their allies.
This export of Magic Gears to the Zurable Great Empire is intended to ensure that we, Weed and Sea-Cypho, do not end up on the front lines of conflicts in other continents—in other words, to keep us from being drawn into the war.
In short, this export is a measure to protect us.
That is why we absolutely must have the support of the Haire Church for this endeavor.
Therefore...
"Umm, I don't really get it!"
I have to persuade this goddess, who is worshipped throughout the entire New Continent, but...
"Oh my, oh my~. Let's think about it a little more~."
"Priestess Lilishe. Honestly, I’m not good with politics. It just makes me sleepy."
"..." "..."
My apologies, Husband. To be honest, I feel like giving up.
Enora, who came with me, also has a look on her face that says she doesn't know what to do.
Hairen-sama doesn't seem to be the type who is good at thinking about these things, and the persuasion is proving to be extremely difficult.
"Yes, yes~. I understand how you feel, but I’m explaining this so hard because I want Rurua-chan and Enora-chan to cooperate, you know~?"
"But if I don't understand, I don't understand. Even if you tell me to persuade people because we're exporting Magic Gears, I feel like giving such dangerous things to others is a really bad idea, but then you say it's necessary, and..."
Hairen-sama starts fretting and worrying. She is, in her own way, trying to understand...
Then, she suddenly looks enlightened.
"How about we just say 'Yes'? That would be easy!"
"That’s a brilliant idea~."
"Priestess Lilishe, please, stop with that kind of support. We need her to understand it properly before she persuades them."
"That’s right. This time, even Archbishop Enol will be dissatisfied. Therefore, we need a sincere explanation that can be understood."
If things continue like this, it will look like Enora and I are manipulating Hairen-sama into saying these things against her will. If that happens, it will only lead to trouble. At worst, it could develop into a diplomatic incident.
"Hmm. Hairen-chan, can you remember what we just talked about?"
"Absolutely impossible."
Hairen-sama declares this clearly. I was truly wondering what to do when...
*Whack!*
A crisp, satisfying sound of a paper fan striking echoed through the room.
"Ouch!"
Hairen-sama screams. Well, it certainly made a good sound.
And the one who had swung that fan with such precision was...
"Hey, Enol! What are you doing!"
"Shut up! Honestly, you never make any progress!"
It was Enol-san—Hairen-sama’s comrade-in-arms, the wife of Souta-san (who currently serves as Weed’s Minister of Foreign Affairs), and the first Archbishop of the Haire Church.
Although Enol-san is quite old in terms of her age at the time of her passing, she is now an undead, and since she reinforces her body with magical power, her movements are nimble.
As for why Enol-san is here...
"Try thinking about things a little more. I came here because Yuki-dono asked for my help, and as expected, this is the state of things."
I see. My husband had already taken measures.
My husband must be in Haiden right now, explaining and persuading the others alongside Kagura-san and the rest. Even while being so far away, the fact that he is always looking out for us fills me with warmth.
While I was lost in such sentiments, Souta-san arrived as well...
"Well, since it’s Hairen, I figured it would be like this. Yuki-kun was right to rely on us."
He said this with a wry smile.
"Souta! Your wife is a savage! Stop her!"
"No... no matter how you look at it, you’re the one at fault."
"It seems your airheadedness is incurable no matter what..."
Enol-san sighed deeply, turned to us, and said, "My apologies, Rurua, Enora. We will cooperate fully, so I’m sure we can make it work."
"It’s more reliable than trying to make Hairen learn, after all. If we go together and explain it, I believe we can manage."
I see. If the two of them cooperate, I am sure Archbishop Enol will be convinced as well.
Actually, is it even necessary for Hairen-sama to come along?
Perhaps noticing my doubt, Enol-san smiled wryly.
"At this point, it’s better to let everyone see Hairen’s foolishness clearly. In the end, she only moves based on her mood and the flow of the moment."
"So, it’s a matter of having people think for themselves. Well, I’m sure Archbishop Enol already understands that, but it’s better to convey it clearly here."
That is correct. We humans should not rely on gods, but rather have them watch over our actions—that is the proper way to be. By doing so, we discipline ourselves and grasp a better future.
"Eh~. I think it’s fine to rely on us more, you know~? If it’s Rurua-chan and the others, I don't mind giving you more divine protection?"
"That’s right! You can rely on Priestess Lilishe and me more! I don't really understand what divine protection is, though! Oh, and Carrie is my hero, you know!"
"We are fine. We have enough already."
Enora and I immediately declined in unison. We would only be burdened if we received any more divine protection.
"Still, I had completely forgotten that Princess Carrie was appointed as a hero."
"Me too. Though it seems the title of hero is quite a nuisance for Princess Carrie."
The title of hero is, in the end, just something people use to put you on a pedestal. For Princess Carrie, who desires the stability of Haiden, it must be nothing but a hindrance.
Even so, Hairen-sama, who appointed her as the hero, seems dissatisfied with that.
"Lilishe-sama, why won't they accept my divine protection~?"
"That’s right~. Everyone is so mean, aren't they~?"
The two goddesses were fake-crying, sobbing in an exaggerated manner.
Well, normally, people would be moved to tears of joy to receive divine protection from a goddess, but for us right now, it’s a complicated matter.
As I was wondering how to phrase my response, Enol-san stepped forward.
"Lilishe-sama. Please do not spoil Hairen. She’ll just get carried away as it is."
"What did you say!?"
"Yes, yes. Save the anger for later. We have to explain things properly to the archbishops of the Haire Church now."
"I don't really understand that part, though?"
"That is what we are here to support. I believe they will trust us."
"Ah, I see. If I leave it to you two, I can rest easy."