第１０５９堀：彼女の歩いてきた道 (Part2)
"Honestly, it’s laughable, isn't it? The very deity that this Seraphina Church is supposed to be worshipping is just a mere priest. Ah, well, Lilishe herself chose to live a laid-back life as a simple priestess, so perhaps that’s just how gods are?"
With the limited authority she holds as a priestess, she has managed to keep her companions in the infirmary of a church where faith gathers. In other words, just because I brought Senal along doesn't mean I can move the patients on a whim. I don't know if they have a doctor—or rather, a recovery mage—on duty, but regardless, if I don't get permission from the church's higher-ups, it’s going to cause trouble. That is precisely why we are here under the guise of an inspection and investigation.
While I was thinking this, the sister who had gone to relay our purpose of visit hurried back to us.
"I apologize for the wait. The Archbishop will meet with you, but she asks for a little more time. Until then, if you would like, I would be happy to give you a tour of the church. Please, follow me."
Well, that was unexpected. I had rushed here to save the life of Senal’s companion so that I could properly recruit her. We hadn't made an appointment beforehand. After all, I had only contacted Yupia via radio just moments before we arrived. I hadn't expected the Archbishop to go out of her way to meet us. Then again, if they are fully aware of our standing, it’s only natural they would drop everything to see us. After all, we have dignitaries from both the Zurabl Empire and the Hain Empire in tow. It’s no wonder they think we aren't just ordinary people.
The interior of the church lived up to its exterior. It wasn't pointlessly opulent, yet it was properly decorated and even felt solemn.
"What a wonderful church. You don't just have people offering prayers; you’ve made it so they can receive treatment as well," Rurua said.
Her gaze was fixed not on the people praying in the chapel, but on a room marked "Infirmary," where people were lined up in an orderly fashion, and sisters were constantly moving in and out. Moreover, those waiting weren't just being left alone; the sisters were moving among them, checking their conditions to ensure no one was in critical danger.
Well, they certainly have their act together in that regard.
"Yes. We do our best to ensure that many people feel comfortable in our church. Above all, prayer and healing are not just things to be given, but things to be shared."
"Is that the doctrine of the Seraphina faith?"
"Yes. Everyone is equal in offering prayers and receiving treatment. There is no discrimination whatsoever."
The sister spoke without a hint of hesitation. The sheer lack of doubt in her voice actually made me wonder if she was truly a follower of that Senal. Or perhaps, this is just how they have been striving all along. Regardless, I couldn't just stand here listening.
"Excuse me, but what about that room over there?" I pointed to a room guarded by the church’s monk-soldiers. Yes, my target was behind that door.
"That is the infirmary for those with severe injuries or illnesses. However, unfortunately, there are those among them who have no hope of recovery or whose causes remain unknown, so we have restricted general visitation."
"I see..."
As I muttered that, Rurua immediately took action.
"Master, if you don't mind, I would like to examine them."
"That’s right. My apologies. She is a highly skilled recovery mage; would you mind if she took a look at the patients in there?"
"Are you sure? It is a completely unknown illness. I worry about the danger to dignitaries such as yourselves..."
The sister seemed genuinely concerned about high-ranking individuals falling ill, but Shou stepped in to smooth things over.
"Didn't you say yourself, Sister, that there is no hierarchy in the value of life? More importantly, I, Shou, can personally guarantee that Lady Rurua is an excellent recovery mage. And no matter what happens, neither I, nor General Wave, and certainly not Yuki-sama, will hold the church responsible. Isn't that right?"
"Yes. Of course. If there is even a chance to save a suffering patient who is on the verge of death and deemed beyond hope, we cannot put that off."
"In that case, until the Archbishop is finished with her work, would you mind letting us examine them?"
"Yes! Right this way! Oh, thank goodness! Please, move aside! A new healing mage has arrived!"
Perhaps moved by our words, the sister pushed past the monk-soldiers guarding the room and headed for the door.
Alright, time to get them out and start the treatment.
Luna... wait. I’m starting to get really worried.
It turns out Senal was actually taking her job as a goddess quite seriously. Perhaps that is why she couldn't bring herself to accept heartless sacrifices. It wasn't that she didn't put in the effort; it’s just that the results didn't follow. In reality, if you don't produce results, it doesn't mean much. That is certainly true, but even so, was there truly no meaning in the process?