第１２８３堀：おなかは一杯食べる方 (Part1)
Chapter 1283: A Hearty Appetite
Side: Hairen
Today, as on any other day, I am hanging the laundry out behind the church.
*Snap!*
The crisp, pleasant sound of the laundry being shaken out echoes through the air—a technique to smooth out wrinkles while spreading the fabric. I suppose that sound is only possible because there’s still a bit of moisture left in the clothes.
Ah, this is what I call "true laundry."
I place the spread-out garments onto the hangers of the drying rack.
"Right. That’s that."
Just as I was about to move on to the next batch...
"...Well, it’s a bit late to say this, but it really is convenient, isn't it? These umbrella hangers and clothespins."
Hearing that murmur from beside me, I turned to see Senal hanging her own laundry with a wry smile, yet looking quite serious about the task.
"Still not used to it?"
"Indeed. I was shocked by that 'washing machine' thing alone."
"Ah, well, I suppose. I used to scrub everything on a washboard, so I was truly astonished by that, too."
"Exactly, right? And now, you just put it in, take it out, and hang it up? No need to scrub, beat the clothes, or wring them out until your hands ache, and there’s no fear of tearing them. And yet, they come out clean."
"That detergent is amazing, isn't it?"
It’s true. For some reason, just adding the right amount of that detergent makes everything perfectly clean and fluffy. It really is a mystery.
"But what’s even more incredible is that 'dryer' thing."
"...To think there’s a machine just to dry clothes when you could just hang them on a rack. I truly don't understand the point. What kind of luxury is that?"
"But thanks to it, we only have to hang a small amount of things like this. Besides, if we didn't have it, we couldn't keep the church running with just the number of people we have."
"That may be true, but..."
The Weed branch of the Litea Church, where we serve, is always visited by many believers from both inside and outside of Weed. We also provide treatment for minor injuries, so a constant supply of clean towels and bedding is essential.
Beyond that, there is our own clothing, of course, so there is always a mountain of laundry; the washing machine and dryer have become indispensable. No, in Weed, they have simply become absolute necessities.
"Besides, those brats will be back covered in mud by the afternoon, and we’ll have to shove them into the bath. You can never have too many towels."
When I said that, Senal smiled.
"That’s true. No matter how many times we tell them, they get covered in mud in an instant."
"It’s proof of their vitality. And the minor injuries, too."
"I’d prefer they stop with the injuries. Well, I suppose I understand it’s a sign of their energy."
By "those children," I mean the ones Senal protected—the ones who were turned into gods. When they were first brought to Weed, they were in such a dangerous state that it wouldn't have been strange if they had vanished at any moment, but Lulua-san arrived and solved everything.
Afterward, after much discussion, those children had their divine abilities sealed away and now attend the school in Weed as ordinary orphans, just like the other students. They are finally reclaiming the time they lost long ago.
Well, they were originally children from a remote rural village, so being brought to such an incredible place must have been quite a shock.
While we were chatting like that, I suddenly noticed the laundry basket was empty.
"Alright. Now we just wait for the laundry to dry."
"Yes. Then, we should head back and help Lilishe."
"You have to call her 'Lilishe-sama' as usual. That name is a secret, remember?"
"I know that."
Lilishe-sama is a senior goddess, and even Senal acknowledges her properly. Perhaps it’s because we both worked hard as goddesses in our own right?
Just as we were about to return to the church sanctuary, Lilishe-sama stepped out through the door.
"Good work, you two. Let’s go take a lunch break."
"Lunch? Oh, is it already that time?"
I checked my wristwatch, and sure enough, it was five minutes to twelve.
"Lilishe. Are we going out now? Don't you have a meeting this afternoon?"
Senal was referring to the discussion with that cheeky Yuki. Apparently, he wants to pry information out of Senal. Well, I understand the sentiment, but if he pushes too hard, I’ll just have to give him a good thwack.
Honestly. I know he isn't a bad guy, but we just don't seem to get along. Even Souta and Enoru are on his side, and on top of that, he’s taken Kagura and Mikos as his wives!
Well, I suppose he has some merit as a man, but... *grrr...*
"That’s why~... The discussion is going to drag on anyway~... Let’s take it easy~. The people for the afternoon are already here, so~."
"Sigh. Fine. Once you’ve made up your mind, there’s no stopping you."
"Mufufu~. That’s right~. Being a priestess isn't just for show~. And Hairen-chan, you’re making such a funny face, what’s wrong? Stomach ache?"
"Ah, no, I’m fine. Let’s go out and eat!"
And so, we decided to stretch our wings outside before the afternoon meeting. Well, I’ll probably end up falling asleep halfway through the talk anyway, so I might as well eat my fill without worrying about it.
"So, where are we going?"
"Let’s see~. How about the cafe today? I don't think many people will gather at our usual spot~."
"Ah, that cafe."
The "cafe" Lilishe-sama is talking about is one of the shops Yuki invested in, run by the first person in Weed to become a barista. The atmosphere is nice, and the food is delicious.
That said, it’s a bit much for children; I think it might be boring until you’re a bit older. Moreover, because Yuki often brings important people there, the word has spread about what kind of place it is, so ordinary people don't come by very often.
That’s why I think it’s a good place for us to relax. Usually, when Lilishe-sama goes to a shop, so many people come to greet her that a conversation starts on the spot, and we can never actually eat or relax.
So, I think it’s the perfect choice.
With that in mind, we went to the cafe, but...
"Oh."
"My."
For some reason, Yuki and his group were also there, relaxing and having lunch.
"Are you lot eating, too?"
"Yes~. It’s our lunch break~."
Lilishe-sama said, and as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she headed to the table where Yuki and the others were sitting.
Well, I suppose there’s no helping it; we’ll have to share the table.