第１２８５堀：意図的に伏せられた？ (Part1)
Chapter 1285: Intentionally Concealed?
Side: Yuki
"..."
Lilishe, Hylen, and Senal exchanged glances, their faces etched with confusion. It was as if they were wondering who on earth I could be talking about. My question had been simple: did they know of any gods associated with "water"? I had assumed it would be an easy inquiry, but it seemed there was more to this than met the eye.
Or perhaps it was just a matter of how I phrased it.
"Alright, let's try a different perspective. Maybe you can't think of one because you're limiting it to 'Gods of Water.' For instance, if a drought occurred and the rain stopped, how would you supply water? No, wait—to whom would you offer prayers?"
"...Ah, in that case... that idiot they call Faide, I suppose."
At that simple mention, Lilishe’s face twisted into a scowl. It seemed their relationship hadn't improved in the slightest. I decided to leave that be—there was no fixing it, after all.
So, it fell under the domain of the Agricultural God, did it? Well, water is essential for farming, so that made sense.
"Of course, it’s not just that idiot; the Litea Church has prayers for rain as well."
"Mm. I had such rituals in my domain, too... I think? Ugh, I can't recall clearly, but if I checked with Enora or someone, they might know..."
"It’s the same in my territory; the Seraphina Church handles those."
Hylen was as airheaded as ever, but surprisingly, it seemed all three goddesses doubled as water deities themselves. Was this the result of the world’s climate, where they were all rivals and enemies, leading them to avoid creating a dedicated "Water" god—a figure everyone absolutely needed? It would certainly be easier to gather followers if you advertised yourself as being able to do everything.
In Japan, we speak of the "eight million gods," but they often possess overlapping domains and benefits. I had used Sota-san’s "water" as an example, but that was merely a local, isolated belief. If we were talking about a true God of Water, the "Yamata no Orochi," often considered the mother of the autumn sky, would be the most famous. In other words, gods who are "jacks-of-all-trades" are common in every world. Perhaps this reaction wasn't so strange after all.
But still.
"I understand that much. But if, as in the case of the children Senal protected, various beings were elevated to godhood, I don't see why there wouldn't be gods corresponding to specific races. Do you know anything about that?"
"Hmm. I certainly understand what you're saying, Yuki-san. You might find someone who knows, like the Beast God Gota, but I don't have a clue."
"Yeah. I have absolutely no memory of anything like that."
"True. As Lilishe said, the others who fled might know, but I certainly didn't."
Seriously?
Then again, these women were at the very top of their respective religious hierarchies. It was possible they simply hadn't paid any attention to other deities. In Japan, we are surprisingly tolerant of other religions, but in many other countries, people often show open disgust toward them. In fact, given the history of wars fought under the banner of religion, "other religions" were often treated as heretical cults that had to be purged. It was unlikely these three had ever heard much about other faiths.
Well, being at the top, they might hear whispers if a sect was struggling or in decline, and since they were fundamentally good people, they would likely lean toward acceptance. If even they didn't know, it was safe to assume such gods truly didn't exist in their knowledge.
"...I see. Thank you."
I offered my thanks and fell into thought. Something was still bothering me. It was pointless to accuse them of lying when they genuinely didn't know. If they didn't know, there was nothing more to say. They didn't seem to be intentionally withholding information from me. So why did I feel this persistent snag in my mind?
"Um, Yuki-sama? Would you like me to brew some fresh tea?"
"Hm? Ah, wait a moment."
I downed the now-lukewarm tea in one gulp and handed over the cup. Fioria replaced it with a fresh, steaming brew. Over there, Orelia and the others were serving fresh tea to Lilishe and her companions.
"Thanks~. There's nothing like freshly brewed tea, is there?"
"Indeed. It’s so soothing."
"True. I think this green tea has a sweetness that’s hard to describe. I never imagined that tea which hasn't been fermented at all could be this delicious."
"Right? I’d heard of 'green tea,' but I only started drinking it after coming to Weed. I wonder why it's so good?"
"Perhaps it’s because of the effort put into it? That’s why it’s considered a luxury item and sent to the higher-ups as a tribute."
Senal was right; tea used to be a luxury. Even now, the high-end stuff is shockingly expensive. Though, the fermentation of tea leaves isn't caused by microbes like yogurt or sake, but by the enzymes within the leaves themselves. If you don't heat-treat them while they're as fresh as possible, they turn into black tea. Maybe the reason black tea is more common is that it’s easier to handle, or perhaps it’s because green tea only tastes good when made from young leaves.
"Well, it tastes good. And since it suits my palate, that’s all that matters."
"That’s true. It really is delicious."
"But it’s strange, isn't it? Tea can be grown in any country. Well, the flavor differs, of course."
"It’s quite mysterious how cultures can end up so similar even without exchange between continents."
That is the mystery of humanity. Or perhaps, the mystery of living things. Even on Earth, similar cultures existed in countries that had never interacted. Even if the lands they lived in were different, if the climate and environment were the same, they would likely follow the same path of evolution.
"Hm? Hmmm...?"
As I thought that, I felt that snag in my mind again.
"Um... Yuki-sama? Are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?"
"Ah, Yayui. Don't worry. It's just... I've been feeling like something is stuck in my mind since a while ago."
"Stuck, you say?"
"Yeah, but I don't know what the source of this discomfort is. I feel like I've forgotten something, but I don't know if I've actually forgotten it, or if I just don't know what it is I'm supposed to be looking for."
" "Ah..." "
The two of them nodded, seemingly understanding my predicament. Then, Orelia spoke up, as if she had just realized something.
"Yuki-sama. If I may be so bold as to offer an opinion?"
"Did you notice something?"
"It is nothing as grand as a realization, but... regarding the 'other gods' you are searching for, would it not be better to ask Luna-sama, a higher-ranking deity, directly?"
"...Ah. You're absolutely right."
Yes, that was it. Orelia’s suggestion was perfectly sound.