第１５３２堀：誰が来るのか？ (Part1)
Chapter 1532: Who is Coming?
Who is coming?
Side: Enola
I listened to the story and came to Yuki.
It was his usual office, but faces that didn't usually gather there were assembled.
The members, led by Lilish-sama, were Rurua, Hairen-sama, Senal, and Agil – members of the church, with one exception.
Moreover, they were a motley crew, mostly from different church affiliations.
Normally, one might think a war was about to break out, but since they had gathered under my husband, Yuki, such things wouldn't happen.
"We're here, Yuki," I announced.
As I spoke, many eyes, including Yuki's, turned to me.
Lilish-sama and the others wore wry smiles, likely amused by the unusual gathering.
Meanwhile, Orelia and her companions were bustling about.
It must be because we arrived.
As I was thinking this, the very person who had summoned us spoke.
"Ah, sorry to bother you when you're busy," Yuki said, acknowledging my efforts.
Indeed, my work had become quite demanding lately.
Specifically, it had been constant since the Sulus incident began.
The Hairen Church had no intention of actively spreading its influence on the Rogari Continent.
After all, the true Goddess Lilish resided there, and more importantly, our Goddess Hairen was undergoing training under Lilish.
Of course, this was known only to the highest echelons.
If they mentioned a true goddess, they'd be considered insane, and if they said Hairen was training under Lilish, it could be misconstrued as the Hairen Church becoming a subsidiary of the Litea Church.
No matter how you looked at it, it was a ticking time bomb.
Fortunately, neither the Litea Goddess nor our Goddess Hairen were interested in power struggles or territorial disputes; their fundamental principle was the happiness of many.
Furthermore, encroaching on other spheres of influence invited trouble.
Thus, they had maintained a policy of non-aggression until now. However, following the aforementioned Sulus incident, opinions within the Hairen Church began to emerge advocating for sending aid.
Taken at face value, these opinions could be interpreted as a "wonderful spirit of salvation from the church." However, there were indeed those with ulterior motives, aiming to "spread the Hairen Church across the Rogari Continent."
Aware of these factions, we in the upper echelons were at a loss.
Frankly, there was no way they could win against Weed, and if they were ostracized by the alliance, the Hairen Church's position would worsen considerably.
It could even lead to their expulsion from the Haiden region.
Therefore, to curb these foolish individuals, myself and the other higher-ups were agonizing over the situation.
"Don't worry about it. I also had things I wanted to ask and discuss," I replied.
It was high time I, along with Yuki and the other higher-ups who understood the circumstances of each church, had a discussion.
Normally, such a meeting wouldn't be easy.
It was more like a fantasy, but it was possible within Weed.
Well, there were a few minor complications, but the higher-ups from churches across various continents had gathered here, at my husband Yuki's place.
"Discuss something?" Yuki inquired.
"Yes, I was hoping to speak with Lilish-sama, Hairen-sama, and Senal-sama as well."
"Oh my, what is it?"
"Did something happen in Haiden?"
"Me too?"
The three goddesses tilted their heads in unison.
"It's a rather delicate matter. It seems like it will drag on, so what are your thoughts, Yuki?"
I began to explain the church's expansion plan. Since it seemed like it would delay Yuki's main topic, I decided to consult him first.
"My matter isn't expected to take long. I was thinking of asking for the cooperation of churches from various continents for relief efforts when we visit the former Vinocia territory, the country of Hinsua."
"Yes, it's not a simple matter, but I understand your hope. In that case, I should also voice my concerns, as it involves other churches."
Thus, I explained the current situation of the Hairen Church.
I kept the explanation simple, merely stating that there were factions within the Hairen Church aiming to expand their influence through this endeavor.
I then asked for the opinions of the other churches and Weed regarding this matter...
"From Weed's perspective, freedom of faith is paramount, and we generally allow people to believe as they wish. However, it seems this isn't that simple, is it..."
"Indeed. There are those who would find it inconvenient if their influence grew through this matter... After all, part of the reason for not directly offering cooperation in this instance was to consider the potential decline in Litea's authority."
"Um, I don't really understand, but does it mean they're trying to spread the Hairen Church with wicked intentions?"
"That's correct. However, increasing influence also means enhancing the authority of each continent and determining their hierarchy within the alliance, so it's not entirely negative. Moreover, it's a way to raise funds. Without money, nothing can be done, and more is always better."
Hairen-sama's thoughts were affirmed by Senal-sama, who also conveyed the practical realities.
Indeed, expanding influence wasn't inherently bad.
To those unfamiliar with the internal hierarchy of the alliance, it might seem foolish, but it was necessary for the future standing of the nation.
The truly malicious would actively instigate turmoil to undermine others, a practice common to all religions, nations, and organizations. The fact that they were making a formal offer instead of resorting to such tactics suggested they understood that acting too maliciously could damage their reputation within the alliance.
"Hmm. I don't quite understand, but I don't feel any malice in this matter, so I will cooperate."
As expected of our Goddess.
She had decided to act solely for the sake of the people in the Vinocia relief efforts, without considering political implications.
"Since Hairen-sama says so, the Hairen Church has no particular objections regarding the Vinocia relief dispatch. So, Yuki, what are your thoughts after hearing this? If things go poorly, a covert war between religious states on each continent could begin."
Yes, it wasn't as simple as just following the Goddess's proposal.
The balance between the nations was crucial.
The sole arbiter of this decision, possessing the leverage of being able to intervene in Vinocia, was Yuki.
"As you've likely surmised from gathering Enola and the others, we will be assembling representatives from the churches. The official reason is that, with Litea taking the lead, I will provide support under the guise of searching for a hidden treasure, and conduct relief efforts as a secondary objective."
"That's quite a stretch... but I suppose it's a reasonable compromise," Agil remarked, nodding at Yuki's explanation.
However, Agil was a former general of the Enaria Holy Kingdom and not affiliated with the Enaria Church.
I wondered how that was possible. As I pondered this,