第１５４２堀：教会の友人たち (Part2)
The pilgrims and the infirm gathered at the temple watched on, their eyes wide with wonder and confusion at the spectacle before them. This served as our formal, grand announcement; the word of our arrival would surely spread like wildfire now.
“The official story is a treasure hunt, of course... but we all know the ‘real’ reason~,” Lilishe chirped.
“You always have a habit of pushing yourself like this,” one of her companions remarked with a sigh. “Was it Weed? Back when that country was first established, you heard that the refugees who fled to Litea were being driven toward Weed, and you immediately volunteered to be the priestess there, didn't you?”
“I thought she was joking at first, but then I found out she actually had Priest Gordana’s full backing. It was quite a shock.”
“Ahaha, well, I simply found myself moved by her passion,” Priest Gordana said, bowing his head. “And for this visit, I must express my deepest gratitude—not only to Priestess Lilishe, but to all the members of the various churches who have come to lend their aid.”
As the priest bowed, the other sisters followed suit, lowering their heads in a synchronized gesture of respect.
“Please, do not mention it,” Light replied. “This matter concerns us all. The alliance means we are comrades, and one must always help their comrades.”
Agil quickly followed up on Light’s sentiment. “Indeed. It is only natural for the Church of Enaria to lend a hand.”
“The Church of Heire feels the same,” another added. “If the people are suffering, we reach out to them. It is the only path.”
“Mm-hmm! We’re all in this together when things get tough~.”
“Goodness, you really are far too easygoing. But you aren't wrong,” a representative from the Church of Seraphina said. “Our church will also gladly assist in the salvation of the people. We look forward to working with you.”
One by one, the representatives from the various churches offered their greetings and pledged their unwavering cooperation. However, there was a lingering shadow of regret.
“I must apologize,” I said. “By all rights, Litea should be providing large-scale support, but for the sake of our cover, we must maintain the pretense that we are here only to search for the hidden treasure.”
As Lilishe had mentioned earlier, our presence in Hinsua was officially framed as a quest for a lost relic. Under that guise, the various churches had sent small delegations—ostensibly to protect my husband, but also to demonstrate the Church’s mercy and devotion to the people.
And, of course, it was a trap to lure out the Dark Guild.
Logic dictated that with so many prominent figures from the various churches gathered in one place, such a small escort was unthinkable. The Dark Guild would undoubtedly realize this. They would know they were being baited. Because of that, the enemy would seek a battlefield that favored them—which meant they would likely try to settle the score within the depths of the dungeon.
As I turned these thoughts over in my mind, the local sisters who had heard my explanation spoke up.
“It is quite alright. With the Saintess at the lead, and so many renowned figures from the churches of other continents here, your sincerity reaches us clearly.”
“She is right. It is not about numbers. Priestess Lilishe always says that the heart behind the action is what truly matters.”
“Exactly. We have no complaints. We are simply grateful for Priestess Lilishe’s hard work and the dedication you have all shown.”
They accepted our situation with overwhelming grace. Perhaps they were a bit too optimistic, but I suppose that was to be expected of those who worked alongside Lilishe.
“Well, we shouldn't stand about talking in the open,” Priest Gordana suggested. “Please, come inside. We must discuss our future plans, and I fear the crowd is becoming quite restless.”
Following Gordana’s gaze, I looked around and saw that the people visiting the church had all fallen to their knees, heads bowed in prayer.
“Ah, the Saintess has come to Hinsua...”
“This is all thanks to Lady Lilishe.”
“Praise be, praise be...”
“I heard there are others here from different churches as well. To think there are still those willing to help the common folk... the world isn't lost yet.”
“P-please, my child... the fever won't break...”
Among the crowd, nearly half seemed to be suffering from illness. Some cradled sick children in their arms, while others were visibly struggling just to remain conscious. Even if this was all according to plan, I don't think I could ever truly grow used to seeing such misery.
“No,” I said, “before we discuss the plan, let us begin the healing.”
“I agree~,” Lilishe said. “Everyone, could you help me guide them into position~?”
“Of course. Leave it to us.”
“We’re going to clear this all at once with a wide-area burst, right?”
It seemed Lilishe’s friends were quick to catch on; they immediately began making the necessary preparations. It was time to show them that we hadn't come here just to be decoys. We would make the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master regret ever making an enemy of Litea.
Looking at Lilishe now, her web of connections was truly staggering. She was a goddess who lived her life solely to help others.
Though, that didn't make her any less of a handful.