第１５４３堀：それでも零れ落ち、進んでいく (Part2)
“Besides, look at all these people gathered here seeking treatment. If they were to attack us now, the Dark Guild’s reputation would sink to the bottom of the earth. Certainly, if they managed to wound or kill us, their mission would be a success. But if that were to happen…”
“The Dark Guild would be branded as an absolute enemy of the people,” Seraria finished. “They already are, in a sense, but this would be on an entirely different level.”
“Exactly. Even the Dark Guild doesn’t harm people without cause. Their clients are people, after all, and it is people who maintain the very society that keeps money flowing. If they were to attack high-ranking officials of the Litea Church—the very people providing aid—right in front of a crowd, they would lose all public support. The Dark Guild’s prestige is rooted in the shadows of assassination. Doing something so brazen in public is the worst possible move they could make.”
“So we’re safe in that regard. But isn’t there still a chance of the unexpected?”
“Well, the possibility exists, but we’ve already secured the perimeter. Unless something truly extraordinary happens, they won't be able to lay a finger on us.”
“Oh? Has the enemy not secured the capital of Hinsua?”
“It seems not. If they had that much leeway, they wouldn't have resorted to the same tactics they used in Suurus, would they?”
Indeed, while the Great Stampede in Suurus had been a significant threat, it was only on the scale of a small nation. Looking back at the history of the continent of Rogari, there had been outbreaks so massive they had toppled even great empires. Whether the great nations of old were truly equal to the powers of today was a matter of debate, but if the enemy truly possessed the strength, they could have launched diversions against the major powers while simultaneously crushing Suurus.
“...So, does that mean the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master don't have as much breathing room as we feared?” Seraria mused.
“Likely so, judging by the current situation.”
“Which means all that’s left is the information from the Church…”
As they spoke, the sound of laughter drifted toward them.
“Bye-bye!”
“See you later, big sister!”
“See you!”
“Be careful not to get hurt now!”
“““Okay!”””
Turning toward the source of the voices, they saw Highlen waving goodbye to a group of children heading home. Mikos stood beside her, looking utterly exhausted. Noticing the group, Highlen turned and approached them.
“Are you and Agil on a break, Seraria?”
“A break? Well, the treatments finished an hour ago. We’ve been tidying up since then… so I suppose you could call this a break. What about you? Have you and Mikos been looking after the children?”
“Yes. Once the critically ill were taken care of, the children who were playing nearby came over asking me to fix their scrapes. It’s a wonderful place. It’s rare to see children feel so comfortable asking for healing. I’ve only really seen that in places like Weed.”
“Lady Highlen,” Mikos interjected, playing the role of the voice of reason in Kagura’s absence, “normally, one cannot receive treatment without an offering or a donation.”
That reminded Seraria of someone. “Oh, where is Enola?”
As Highlen’s attendant, Mikos or Kagura were fine, but for the Haire religion, Bishop Enola was the proper authority to be at her side.
“Ah, Enola is presiding over a mass funeral for the deceased. I’m… not very good at those formal things. You know how it was—I lived through war, we never had time for ceremony. We just did what we could on the fly,” Highlen said with a wry smile.
It made sense. Highlen had lived through an era of constant strife; it was only natural she wasn't well-versed in the modern funeral rites of the Litea or Haire religions. Seraria wondered if Lilishe had ever taught her those things, or if Enola even knew the specific Litea customs.
Highlen added a clarification. “She’s working alongside the Litea clergy, of course. The sisters insisted that since she’s a Bishop, she should lead. I’m technically just an apprentice here.”
“Ah, I see.”
Seraria had forgotten. Highlen might be a goddess, but within the hierarchy of the Litea Church, she was treated as an apprentice sister under Lilishe. Unless they were desperately short-handed, she wouldn't be expected to lead a funeral service.
“Still, I wonder if Lady Lilishe and Rurua are done talking yet,” Highlen wondered aloud.
“Who knows? I doubt it’s a conversation that can be settled quickly.”
“Um, in that case, why don’t we go inside to rest? Mikos is reaching her limit,” the attendant pleaded.
“Good idea,” Yuki agreed. “I’ll go get Light as well.”
With that, they made their way into the church. For the moment, while the sun was up, all was well. They could only hope the night would pass just as peacefully.
The idea that starting a single initiative can save everyone is a miracle reserved for manga, movies, and novels. In reality, countless souls still slip through the cracks. Yet, it is a cause worth pursuing. Because it is an undeniable fact that for every effort made, there are those who are truly saved.