第１３３６堀：急な休みの予定 (Part2)
For Weed, it was clear that if the Haiden region were to fall into disarray, the diplomatic back-and-forth would become a tedious headache once again.
But setting that aside for a moment...
"What about Enora? Have you cleared things with the Haire Church?"
I wasn't the only one announcing a break. Enora, too, held a position as a mediator for the Haire Church. In fact, she had been appointed as their bishop within Weed. Her standing was effectively on par with the royalty of any nation. Though we were often called the "Three Great Houses of the Modern Era," I sometimes felt like my own status was the lowest of the bunch... but that was neither here nor there. The point was whether Enora had properly communicated her time off.
"Of course. Unlike your situation, I got permission easily. Both Mother and Archbishop Enol agreed that celebrating a good thing is a virtue. Well, they did add that they’d love for the First Generation to visit while I’m away, though."
"Ah, come to think of it, Lord Enol doesn't seem all that interested in the Haire Church, does he? I mean, the Goddess the Haire Church worships is right here with us."
As Mikos pointed out, the Goddess Hairen, whom the Haire Church venerated, was currently living a leisurely life as a sister at Lilishe’s Ritea Church. Lately, she had also been busy treating and supporting Riel. Given that reality, there was no reason for Lord Enol or Lord Souta to go out of their way to show their faces at the Haire Church.
"...It’s a fact, yes, but it’s not something they can just openly admit. And more than anything, the Archbishop is dying to hear stories from Lord Enol."
"Stories, you say? Lord Enol only founded the Haire Church to pass down the deeds of Lady Hairen and to wait for the day of her resurrection."
"That role is already finished, isn't it?"
"It is not. The Haire Church is now the religion that stabilizes the hearts of the people in that region. They know that perfectly well."
"Well, I suppose. But as those two said, the dead shouldn't meddle in the affairs of the living. It is the people living in the present who must build the future."
Indeed. When the Akuenoki were operating in the shadows, Lord Enol and Lord Souta had acted to settle their own pasts, but once that was resolved, they had effectively retired to Weed and taken up posts here. Of course, this wasn't because they disliked Haiden or the Haire Church, but to prevent unnecessary chaos. To both Haiden and the Haire Church, the presence of Lord Souta and Lord Enol was impossible to ignore; if their true identities were recognized, it would spark a massive crisis where the current leaders might be forced to step down.
"I know that. I’m just saying they want to hear their stories. What’s wrong with returning to one's hometown while on break?"
"I didn't say it was wrong, but there’s no guarantee they’ll agree to go."
"True. Speaking of hometowns, I haven't heard from my old man lately. Maybe I should go check on him."
"Ngh."
Ignoring Enora’s insistence, Mikos’s comment made me realize I hadn't been back home in quite a while. It felt a bit foolish for a married daughter to be itching to return to her parents' house... but it had been over a year since the wedding, so perhaps a visit wouldn't be out of the question?
"Then, how about we invite them by framing it as a trip home for the holidays?"
"Eh? Lord Souta and Lord Enol’s 'home' is my house, not the church, you know?"
"If it goes that far, I can drag the Archbishop along."
"Ahaha, well, it wouldn't hurt to bring it up. But before that, we have to talk to Yuki-sensei. Even if it’s a sudden break, he might have already set plans for us."
"That’s true. Enora, are you planning on ignoring Yuki’s schedule?"
"Of course not. Yuki comes first."
That was the one thing among us that was absolutely non-negotiable. Still, the idea of returning home sounded nice, so we decided to go and talk to Yuki. If we said we were taking a break, we were taking a break. Then, we would plan accordingly. Though, knowing Yuki, it would likely just involve games or sleeping. And maybe going out for a meal?