第１１４５堀：大事なのは…… (Part1)
Chapter 1145: What Matters Is...
What matters is...
Side: Hairen
I am currently walking down a dark school corridor.
Ugh, it’s eerie.
It reminds me of the time back at the church when those little brats asked me to accompany them because they’d left something behind at school after dark.
The place is bustling during the day, but at night, a school becomes deathly quiet.
That’s why...
*Creak.*
"Eek!?"
I jump at the slightest sound, and when I look in the direction it came from...
Haa~, there’s nothing there.
It’s just that this place is quite old, so the building groans whenever we walk through it.
Phew. I really hate things like that "inn haunting" incident.
That was one thing, and in the end, it didn't matter because Yuki, Sota, and Taiki made a mess of it anyway, but this is Popuri’s school, and it’s still in use, so I can’t just go around destroying things. I have to actually talk to people.
Just as I was thinking that...
"What are you so surprised about? You’re a goddess, aren’t you, Hairen?"
"Well, well, don't be so hard on her. She’s just a novice goddess. She lacks experience. Don't expect much from a chick."
"Haaah!?"
I was so blatantly mocked that I couldn't help but get angry.
Naturally. I mean, being mocked by a mere puddle of water? That’s unacceptable.
"Hey! Don't grab my body! You stupid girl!"
"You’re the one who’s crazy if you think you can insult people and get away with it!"
I’m going to snap this snake model in half right now!
"Nngghh... wh-why is it so hard!?"
"You fool! This body is made of divine iron. Do you really think a brute like you can do anything to it?"
"That hurt! Take this!"
I’ll pour all my magical power into physical enhancement!
Ugh, don't underestimate the power of a goddess!
Just as I was about to put my full strength into it, I felt a sharp impact on my head.
"Why are you wasting your divine power? And to attack your own allies, no less."
Sota seems to have chopped me while holding his own head with his left hand, looking like he was in pain.
"Sota, be quiet. This is a battle for my dignity as a goddess!"
"That is exactly why I called you a fool. Realize that breaking my temporary body would only cause trouble for everyone around us."
"Haa~. The water’s provocation is one thing, but Hairen, you should act a little more like an adult. Look, Popuri and the others are dumbfounded."
"Hah!?"
When he said that, I glanced over at Popuri and Lara, and sure enough, they were looking at us with bitter smiles.
"N-no, it’s not what it looks like. This is just... complicated..."
"No, I am actually grateful that you’ve created such an atmosphere."
"Eh?"
What does that mean?
"After all, the other party is a student of this academy. You’ve helped lighten the mood."
"Oh, uh, right?"
No, I had absolutely no such intention.
I just wanted to snap this trash-talking lizard’s body in two and shut her up.
"Popuri, there’s no need to be so polite. Looking at this, she was simply incensed because I pointed out the truth."
"Grrr!?"
"H-Hairen-sama, p-please calm down."
"Both of you, that’s enough playing around. We’ll be meeting with Havia soon. If we can’t protect Kagura, I’m sure Popuri and Yuki will... well, you’ll learn the truth that gods are truly useless."
"Are you going to belittle me too? Very well. I won't let any harm come to Kagura."
"That’s my job! Besides, Yuki would definitely say something like that. Hey, Popuri, you wouldn't say something that mean, right?"
I decided to confirm with Popuri.
She’s not a sadistic nitpicker like Yuki, after all.
"Ahaha, who knows? As for me, Kagura is an important student entrusted to this academy, and above all, she is the bridge to the New Continent, so I would very much like for you to protect her."
"Indeed. It’s impossible to trust someone who can’t even do their job properly. Besides, even before Yuki or Popuri’s trust, I think Micos and her friends would be absolutely furious."
That’s true, Micos and Enora would be genuinely enraged.
Stasia would surely be angry too. She usually hides her emotions by saying she’s a soldier, but she’s an incredibly kind girl.
...Actually, if that happened, it wouldn't just be Kagura’s best friends; all of Yuki’s wives would be furious.
Yeah, conclusion: I’d be dead.
Gods don't hold back.
And they have Luna-sama on their side, too.
"Water. Let’s call a truce for now."
"Agreed. I cannot face Amaterasu-Omikami like this."
"Please just cooperate from the start."
"Ahaha. It’s lively, so I’m happy. Right, Lara?"
"Yes. It’s infinitely better than being depressed. Above all, it’s reassuring."
Oh, these two are such good kids.
They’re completely different from Yuki and the others.
Ah, well, Yuki is kind in his own way, but... how should I put it... Sota and Enor are just so strict.
That’s exactly why we’re entrusting Kagura to them, though.
If they were just useless men, I would have made them regret it thoroughly.
"Now, while it is true that it’s lively and fun, we are finally reaching the place where Havia is waiting, just around the corner of that corridor. Is everyone ready?"
At Popuri’s words, we finally quieted down.
"As planned, Popuri will speak to Havia first. If there is no reaction, or if a conversation cannot be established, we will ask for the cooperation of Kagura, the shrine maiden. Is that clear so far?"
"Yes."
"Wait a minute. You’ve left out my important role of providing backup for Kagura."
To think they’d just casually leave me out...
"Hairen, even if you’re a fool, you are still a goddess, so the target might run away. Or rather, there’s a possibility you might accidentally purify them, so please wait here until I give the signal."
"Nngghh... fine, I understand."
I understand what they’re saying.
I’ll endure it because I understand.
If I don't, it would be like admitting I’m a "fool."
...I’m definitely going to get back at that water later.
And so, I ended up just peeking my face around the corner of the corridor, watching Kagura and the others walk away.
But how am I supposed to send a signal like this? I thought I was just supposed to keep watching...
『Hairen, can you hear me?』
Right, they had prepared an earpiece so I could hear them clearly.
"I can hear you. I can only see their backs from here, but what’s going on?"
『...Please open the call screen.』
"Ah, that’s right. Tee-hee."
『You’re infuriatingly cute when you do that.』
『Hairen. When you get back, I’m going to increase your study time.』
"Wait, what?"