第１９４３堀：そんな馬鹿なと思うことがある (Part2)
If these actions against the demi-humans run contrary to the intentions of the Clearstream Church, then Petra—their leader—will surely take action. Those who have gone along with this will face retribution, or at the very least, be forced to answer for their complicity.
In other words, it wouldn’t be strange if a conflict were to erupt, splitting the world into the Clearstream Church and the anti-Clearstream factions. That is precisely why we cannot afford to let slip any half-baked information. If we aren't careful, the central region—including the nations currently participating in this scheme—could be torn right down the middle.
"Wait, are they really doing something so foolish? It seems like something that would be exposed immediately."
It seems the doubt I harbored was shared by the others. After all, the whole setup is incredibly flimsy. If even one person were to leak the truth, it would all be over—yet, in reality, that hasn't happened.
As I was thinking this, Milly spoke up.
"That was a question we had as well. And yet, up until this very moment, no one has realized it. We must assume that some form of intense prejudice against demi-humans, or perhaps even cognitive manipulation, has been at play."
"Cognitive manipulation, you say? ...I would like to deny it, but that is exactly what is happening."
Just as Milly pointed out, while I thought it was impossible, the reality is that it has been happening all along. Well, their actions were even more absurd—or rather, more depraved—than I had anticipated; even Archbishop Dodona didn't seem to trust them. Is this a case of truth being stranger than fiction? Though, in this instance, it’s a particularly idiotic kind of truth.
"That is why we came here."
"By 'here,' do you mean the Adventurer's Guild?"
"Yes. Given how twisted this situation has become, considering the central region's attitude toward demi-humans and the cooperative framework established with the demi-humans of the north, don't you think this is fundamentally impossible? If things go poorly, it wouldn't be strange for the northern demi-humans—or rather, the northern nations themselves—to launch an invasion on their behalf. After all, they are a vital military asset for their defense."
"Indeed. If they are torturing the very demi-humans who serve as their military strength, it wouldn't be surprising if the northern nations attacked just to appease them. Wait... isn't this incredibly dangerous?"
"It is. I assume that is why you referred to them as rebels?"
"Ah—well, I hadn't gone that far. I didn't think it would escalate to the northern nations moving. I thought, at the very least, the northern branch of the Clearstream Church might intervene... but based on what you're saying, this could lead to the collapse of the north, so they would likely come at this with everything they have."
Hearing it spoken aloud seemed to help him organize his thoughts. Even so, we hadn't moved any closer to a solution.
"But that’s what makes it so strange. What possible meaning could there be for the central Clearstream Church to treat demi-humans this way? If they wanted to invite the wrath of the north, there would be no reason to hide it."
"...Ah, I see. I understand what you are getting at. You mean the motive is so unclear that it makes no sense?"
"Exactly. King Giadana and the Prime Minister are both scratching their heads, unable to make sense of it. I don't get it either."
"No, wait—Master, you were on good terms with the Clearstream Church, weren't you?"
"I was. That said, we weren't exactly face-to-face every day, nor did I visit them often. I don't even know where their central headquarters is located."
"You're starting from there?!"
As I threw out that retort, Guild Master Sanarugi sighed and looked up.
"What about the investigation into the central headquarters?"
"The Kingdom of Giadana is looking into it. It isn't a matter we can just clumsily involve ourselves in."
"True. In that case, investigating why they are going so far as to ostracize and torture demi-humans to achieve some goal will lead us to the true purpose of the central Clearstream Church, won't it?"
"Yes, that is correct. But since the state is already moving..."
"What remains are the various guilds with long histories, who wouldn't find it strange to poke around in such matters. Especially the Adventurer's Guild, given our deep ties to the Clearstream Church through monster subjugation."
"Now that you understand, you can investigate it immediately, can't you?"
"Master, it’s not that simple. We have to move very carefully, or things will go south."
Yeah, Archbishop Dodona really is a power-type, isn't he? It’s no wonder the Clear Church hasn't been able to expand its influence until now. I can only imagine the struggles those people in the north, like Petra, must have gone through.
Common sense is, surprisingly, often forged through imposition and education. It seems they’ve been conditioned to believe that this treatment of demi-humans is simply the norm. I’m sure there were those who tried to investigate or protest, but... it seems Archbishop Dodona solved everything with brute strength and kindness, while his companions handled the cleanup. It was a functional arrangement, but it feels like they reached a dead end, which is why they eventually parted ways.