第１８５３堀：聞いている話と事実が違うというのは (Part1)
Chapter 1853: When the Story You Hear Doesn't Match the Facts
Side: Nina
"I see."
It was a simple enough summary, but I had just finished explaining the entire sequence of events, starting with the invasion of Ohe, to Kishua and Vilia. Naturally, I also touched upon why we had come to this Clear Church—to investigate the Clearstream Church.
Honestly, just explaining that much had easily taken an hour. And since we still had to ask about their side of the situation, it was bound to take even longer.
"Oh my, the tea has gone completely cold. Would you like me to prepare a fresh pot?"
Ah, Sia-nais. You’re right; the cups were already empty. A short break wouldn't hurt.
"Oh, my apologies. But please, allow us to prepare it here."
"No, no, it won't take a moment."
With that, Sia pretended to reach into her bag, but in reality, she pulled a thermos from her item box. Since it was the one she always used, I knew exactly what was inside...
"Ah, it’s just some local black tea. Is that alright?"
"Yes, that’s perfectly fine. I’m actually looking forward to it."
"Right then, I’ll bring out some tea snacks, too. They’re the same ones I gave to Sister Una, but here you go."
Kishua followed Sia’s lead and produced some cookies. They were simple, unadorned things—maple-flavored. I sighed internally; I suppose we couldn't exactly pull out chocolate or anything fancy.
"My, thank you. Both look delicious."
"Yes, please, help yourself."
"Exactly, consider this a break. Go on, don't be shy, have some."
Archbishop Dodona reached for the cookies and the tea. We followed suit and began to eat. It was a decent enough snack, I suppose. I couldn't help but wonder what we’d be having for dinner.
"Oh, this has a wonderful aroma. It’s delicious."
"I’m glad it suits your palate."
Archbishop Dodona and Sia seemed to share similar tastes. I didn't dislike Sia’s tea, but personally, I preferred green tea.
"These cookies are quite good as well. The sweetness is unique, but I find it to my liking."
"Glad to hear it. It’s maple. I’m sure you can find it in this country, too."
"So it is called maple."
"Yeah, though the process to make it is a bit of a hassle."
"I see, I see."
Ah, I’d gone and shared some strange information about maple syrup. Well, I suppose it didn't really matter. I did feel it was better to stay on good terms with Archbishop Dodona. After some light chatter, we resumed the conversation.
"I understand your circumstances now. And that the members of the Clearstream Church are doing such things..."
"Are you saying you were unaware?"
"No, I have heard that they are attempting to exclude demi-humans. But those who come to me claim that they are doing no such thing."
"They claim they aren't? But in reality..."
"Yes. There is no doubt that what you, who have come from Ohe, say is true. However, the Clear Church originally—well, it’s a bit complicated, but there were demi-humans among my friends and myself. In fact, many of our core members were demi-humans."
"Eh? And yet, they are excluding demi-humans?"
"That is exactly why I find it hard to believe. Besides, they only ever contact us with invitations—or rather, requests to transfer over."
I see. That was hard to swallow. Making enemies of the demi-humans who formed their core strength would surely cause the Clearstream Church’s combat power to plummet. Or rather, it would lead to open hostility. If that happened, the Clearstream Church would surely fracture, or at the very least, face severe condemnation. But...
"The Clearstream Church still maintains its influence. In fact, they’ve grown by absorbing the Clear Church, haven't they?"
"Yes. That is why it is so strange. There should still be demi-humans among our friends there, yet we have received no word from them. I suppose it’s possible they were caught off guard... but they aren't the type to fall so easily."
"So, the lack of contact is what you find strange."
"Precisely. Though, given that the Clear Church is as desolate as it is now, one could argue they’ve simply been left to their own devices."
I understood what he was saying, but it was still odd that none of his demi-human friends had reached out. The silence was the most suspicious part.
"Well, that is about all I know regarding the Clearstream Church."
"I see. Do you happen to know anything about the founder—the person who started the Clearstream movement?"
"Ah, yes, I know of her. It might sound strange to call her a 'founder,' as she doesn't use the title of Archbishop; she calls herself a 'Clear Bishop.' Her name is Petra, and she is in her forties, I believe. She was one of the children I once protected."
Petra. So that was the head of the Clearstream Church. Wait... something didn't add up.
"Please, wait a moment. I heard that the Clearstream Church was founded fifty years ago. If the leader is in her forties, the numbers don't match."
Vilia pointed out the contradiction. If it was founded fifty years ago, a leader in her forties would leave a ten-year gap.
"Ah, that is a slight misunderstanding. Are you aware that the headquarters of the Clearstream Church is in the far north?"
"Yes, we have been informed of that."
"That is where they became independent—that is, they began to force their way into monster subjugation, which is said to be the origin of the Clearstream faith. It only took shape, and was given the name 'Clearstream,' about thirty years ago."
"I see... No, even then, that would mean Petra became the head of Clearstream in her teens?"
That was usually impossible. A teenager at the head of an organization? Well, it wasn't unheard of for a new group, but the movement had started with the people from the northern churches. Wouldn't it be standard to choose a representative from among those original members?
"Haha, well, it was a matter of image. She had the talent and was an excellent 'face' for the organization. The people before her were all rather... rugged types."
"““Ah.””"
That made sense. She had the appearance and the ability to serve as the face of the Clearstream Church. I suppose it was hard to preach about saving people when you were a hulking man who looked like he spent his days killing them.
"At first, she was literally just a figurehead, but by her late twenties, she had gained the knowledge—or rather, the experience. She began to push for the expansion of the organization. With her at the center, the number of female applicants increased. That was likely the key. It brought people together."
"Women, you say? Please forgive me for saying this as a woman, but in terms of combat, isn't it less stable for fighting monsters?"
Indeed. Setting us aside, if ordinary women aspired to hunt monsters, men were generally considered more reliable in terms of raw combat power. After all, women have their own unique... complications.