第１８５２堀：寂れた教会 (Part1)
Chapter 1852: The Desolate Church
Side: Seraria
"So, this is the Clear Church."
As Nina’s voice drifts through the screen, the image reveals...
"Isn't it a bit more run-down than I expected?"
As Kishua notes, it is a weary-looking building, hard to call grand by any stretch. That said, it possesses a certain scale; while it may not rival the Great Cathedral in the Holy Capital—the stronghold of Litea—it is certainly larger than your average parish.
Well, if one were to offer a compliment, perhaps it has a certain "character" born from the weight of history?
Still, that doesn't excuse the lack of maintenance or the repairs left undone. In several places, the decay is plainly visible. A crumbling church like this affects the morale of the faithful, and more importantly, it invites contempt from the state and the local lords. It signals that they lack the wealth or power to even maintain their own headquarters.
Then again, circumstances vary, and there is inherent meaning in the fact that they have managed to maintain a church within the walls of the Giadana Kingdom’s royal capital, so it’s hard to judge too harshly.
"It has a certain charm, I suppose. Come, let’s head inside, deliver the cargo, and hear what they have to say."
Following Sia’s lead, the four of them step into the church. Ostensibly, they are here on a delivery job. As for the goods they’ve brought...
"Ratz, what are the details of the cargo?"
"Hmm? Nothing too grand, really. There are a few things intended for the King of Giadana and the Chancellor, but nothing special. Just items from the Micos catalog. I couldn't exactly have them carrying heavy loads. Oh, and while they aren't exactly 'rare,' I included some high-quality potions for the Clear Church and the King’s party."
"Potions? Ah, now that you mention it, you did say that."
If I recall, the King of Giadana mentioned that while not everyone had left, most of the Clear Church’s personnel had defected to the more prosperous Clearstream Church, leaving them struggling with both funding and supplies. We decided to use this as an opportunity to boost our favorability by providing a few samples.
Of course, if the Clear Church treats us with any disrespect, the support ends there. This is the moment where the true worth of the Clear Church will be tested.
"When people leave, you rely on tools. But when the people are gone, the funds dry up, and you can't even rely on tools anymore. It’s a harsh truth, but a vicious cycle, isn't it?"
"That’s the way of it. You can’t survive on good intentions alone. You need business acumen and the talent to earn," Eris remarks in response to Ratz.
Indeed. You can’t survive on idealism alone. That holds true for any organization; for a church, it simply boils down to how many believers you can gather. Well, I’m sure there’s more to it than that, but the Clear Church likely ended up in this state because they were inferior to the Clearstream Church.
As we discuss this, Vilia and the others enter the interior of the church.
Inside, it is less dilapidated than the exterior, showing signs of humble, diligent care. Yet, for a church of this size, it is remarkably empty. Even if it isn't the hour for prayer, one would expect to see at least a few people about. Or perhaps, given the doctrines of the Clear Church, this is a time when people don't gather?
"Um, excuse me? We’re here from the Micos Trading Company," Vilia calls out, her voice echoing through the hall.
A moment later, a door at the back opens, and a man who appears to be an elderly priest emerges. He stands with a firm posture, possessing a certain vitality that belies his age—a gentleman, one might say.
"Oh, I have heard of your arrival. Please, this way."
With that, the priest guides them toward the back. It seems they are heading toward the living quarters on the same grounds, rather than the sanctuary. Well, since this involves handing over supplies and discussing delicate matters, we couldn't very well talk in the chapel.
The room they are led into is a stark contrast to the sanctuary; it is a living space with a lived-in feel, and one could hardly call it tidy. It is, in a word...
"Oh, Father. What’s going on?"
As if to answer my unspoken question, a little girl peeks out from an inner room. It feels just like the spaces where our own children or the school children spend their time. Children are bound to make messes; that is simply what they do. In other words...
"Ah, we have guests, my dear."
"Oh, I see! Hello there!"
"Yes, hello. Sorry to intrude."
"Yo, sorry for the interruption."
"Pleased to meet you."
"Mm, nice to meet you."
Each of them responds to the girl in turn.
"Could you ask Kui to prepare some tea?"
"Okay! I’ll go ask big sister Kui!"
With that, the girl scurries back into the depths of the room.
"My apologies for the clutter. We are short-handed, and the cleaning has fallen behind."
"No, no. My place used to be just like this."
"Exactly. Brats are always like this."
"Yes, it brings back memories."
"It was just like this."
Ah, that’s right—Vilia grew up like this, and Nina and the others were originally taken in and cared for by Comet. That is why this scene feels so nostalgic to them.
"I appreciate your understanding. Now, let me introduce myself properly. I am Dodona, the Archbishop of this Clear Church."
" ' ' 'Eh?' ' ' "
At that introduction, not only Vilia and the others but we ourselves let out cries of surprise. What did he just say?
"Haha, it is a surprise, isn't it? An old man like me being an Archbishop."
"U-um, is that... true?"
"Yes. Most of my subordinates have left for the Clearstream Church. 'Archbishop' is a laughingstock of a title these days. Still, it carries a bit of weight, so I continue to use it."
His expression is one of half-loneliness, yet he doesn't seem to harbor much regret.
"I see. My apologies. We are Vilia, here to deliver the cargo and speak with you. And these are..."
"Kishua."
"I am Sia."
"Nina."
"I see. I heard from Chancellor Daeda that you would be coming. He asked for as much cooperation as possible. Though, I must admit, I didn't expect such lovely young ladies to arrive."
Ah, so they did have a connection through Chancellor Daeda. I never imagined an Archbishop would come out to greet them personally.
"It’s good to know the message got through. But first, let’s get the delivery out of the way."
"Yes. It’s best to finish the work properly."
Kishua is right. Let’s start with the handover of the supplies.