第１２８６堀：世界の違いからくる常識の違い (Part1)
**Chapter 1286: Differences in Common Sense Stemming from Different Worlds**
"Ugh? What is it today?"
Luna opened the door with a look of utter annoyance, her expression sour as she fired the question at me. It seemed she was spending yet another day lounging about in an apartment room here in Weed. With her messy hair and jersey, she was the absolute picture of a shut-in.
"I have a few things I want to ask."
"Things you want to ask~? What could it possibly be..."
As if to overlap with Luna’s inquiry, a voice drifted from the back of the room.
"Luna-sama, dinner is ready~"
Firia poked her head out, wearing a traditional Japanese apron. "Oh, Yuki-san and the others? What brings you here?"
"No, that’s my line. As for why I’m here... well, I’m here to check on *this*."
There was no need to ask. The reason Firia was in Luna’s room was obviously to take care of her.
"Not 'this,' Yuki-san. It’s Luna-sama. I know you have your grievances, but I believe you should still show some respect."
"That’s right! Listen to Firia and behave yourself!"
"I understand where Firia is coming from, but I have absolutely no intention of showing respect to *this*."
I made that point crystal clear. Pushing all the work onto me while she just lazed around—and not only that, but having a subordinate wait on her hand and foot—was simply unforgivable. Furthermore, Firia, who was doing the waiting, was Taizo-san’s wife.
"Do you have no common sense? Calling a married woman to your home to wait on you?"
"Are you really the one saying that? Anyway, I’m about to have lunch, so wait at least that long. That’s not a request for respect, just a standard human courtesy."
"I have no intention of interrupting your meal. I’ll wait until you’re finished."
"Don't expect me to share."
"I’ve already eaten. Besides, isn't this a bit late for lunch?"
I stepped into the room, brushing past her. Behind me, Fiora and the others looked troubled, unsure of how to proceed. I suppose it’s natural to hesitate to enter, even if it looks like an ordinary apartment, given that she holds the lofty title of "High-Ranking God."
So, how was I supposed to get them inside?
"Hm? Fiora, why are you all standing there like statues? It looks bad to leave guests standing outside, so get in here."
Luna poked her head out from the back room and urged them inside. Then again, she probably just said that because it genuinely looked bad.
"Would you all like some tea?"
"Yes, please. Thank you."
When I answered, Firia nodded and began to brew the tea. Meanwhile, despite it being lunch, Luna was tucking into what looked like a quintessential "Japanese breakfast" set: rice, miso soup, grilled salmon, rolled omelet, and seaweed. It was, without a doubt, a perfectly healthy breakfast.
"Is this your first meal of the day, by any chance?"
"Yep. I was up late last night, and I only woke up an hour ago. *Sigh*... I really hate how much work there is."
"Work, huh? I suppose there’s more to it than just this planet."
"Indeed. Though, it’s more of a hobby, so it’s hard to decide how much effort to put in. But if I leave it alone too much, everything withers, so watering it just the right amount is quite a chore."
"Come to think of it, why do you even bother with such troublesome work?"
The question finally came to me. Why would a "God" go through all that trouble? It wasn't as if she were a Lesser God who needed faith to survive. I didn't know what was required for a High-Ranking God to exist, but judging by her daily routine, it didn't seem like the survival of Aulorith was necessary for her own sake, nor did it look like she was getting paid for it.
"I just told you. It’s a 'hobby.' I’ll spare you the tedious explanation of how gods come to be, but I’ve told you before that I was once human, right? It’s a remnant of that. I want to preserve the things that feel comfortable to me."
"Is that how it works?"
"That’s how it works. Even in countries, you know, right? There’s no such thing as a country without people. Being a god in a place where no one worships you has no meaning or value. Though, there are some who call it 'ascetic training' and just sit in Zen meditation in empty space."
Isn't that just some savior-type person? Well, I wasn't going to ask for names or details. That’s just how you survive in this world. Of course, Fiora and the others didn't dare interject. If anything, they all looked stiff with tension. Even though, no matter how you looked at it, this was just an ordinary apartment room for a single office worker.
"Munch, munch... So, did you come here about god-related business?"
"Yeah. Sorry it’s not an invitation to play."
"What a shame. If it were an invitation to play, I wouldn't have to think at all. So, what happened? Oh, Firia, I need a refill."
"Yes, right away."
Luna handed her bowl to Firia and turned to me while sipping her tea.
"A while ago, I asked Lilishe, Hylen, and Senar about the situation regarding gods. From various angles. And the words 'Sea God' and 'Water God' never came up. Neither did birds or snakes."
"Ah... come to think of it, in this world, they only exist as branches of human professions or lifestyles."
She answered my question with ease. However, that was clearly wrong, so I immediately countered.
"No, there’s the Beast God, right? Was it Tiger and Gota?"
"Ah, that too. Basically, they have a track record of 'being close to humans.'"
"Being close to humans... you mean like being kept as pets?"
"Yes. The Tiger is with Lilishe’s daughter, Litea. Gota was always acting in tandem with a certain god at the time, and faith gathered around that very way of life."
"No, if that’s the case, wouldn't it be strange if birds and snakes didn't gather faith and become deified? And the sea, for that matter?"
"Leaving the sea aside for a moment, there’s a foundation for why faith didn't gather for birds and snakes."
"A foundation?"
"Yes. In this Aulorith, 'Monsters' exist. Well, in Japan, even rampaging gods become gods, but here, they are all treated as 'enemies.' As for birds—things that fly in the sky—there is 'flight magic,' so they didn't become objects of worship."
Ah, I see. So there was no reason for them to be worshipped.
"But aren't spirits and such worshipped?"
"Those are 'Attribute Spirits,' right? Fire, water, forests... they aren't living creatures, are they?"
"Now that you mention it, that’s true. So, does that mean only the Beast God was special? But what about the existence of Monster Tamers?"
Tamers like Aslin, who command monsters, make those monsters follow their orders. Does that not make them objects of worship?