Chapter 4 Part-(4.11-4.15)

Chapter 4.11 – Temple

When Kousuke saw the three temples before him, he couldn't help but be overwhelmed.

The size of each temple is also gigantic compared to the surrounding buildings.

Of all the buildings that Kousuke has seen ever since he came to this world, only this gives off an overwhelmingly majestic and magnificent atmosphere.

And there are three of them.

Of course, those are the three temples of the three major goddesses Erisamir, Jamir, and Spika.

However, given the religious view of this world, it is almost impossible for one temple to house only one god's belief.

The three great goddesses aside, there are also other gods enshrined in each temple.

In the first place, it is rare for a city to house three temples.

Most cities only have one temple. And in those temples, several gods are enshrined.

There are gods with many believers and there are also gods with little believers but each of them has either a priest or a shrine maiden aside from the temple head.

Gods who don't have temples of their own are not uncommon so if you believe in a god like that, you will have to pray for other gods in the temple too. Of course, the way to pray differs greatly depending on the gods you worship.

Kousuke's party is now in the City of Mixen.

It is located in the southeast part of the continent and this city is famous as the holy land of the Central Continent.

This is the only city in the Central Continent where all temples of the three great gods are in one place.

Without regard to the danger of being attacked by monsters, many devout believers go there from all over the continent as an act of pilgrimage.

Of course, it is impossible to go on a pilgrimage alone since you'll only become monster food so it is usually a pilgrimage tour with guards.

In order to respond to those believers, many clergies also live in this city.

The reason why Kousuke's party is here is because of something they heard from Sylvia though this is also their preliminary inspection for the installation of the teleportation gate.

—Scene Change—

「…. Mixen?」

「Yeah. That is the holy ground where the three great gods are enshrined. In this city, you might be able to feel the presence and perform divine descend better.」

「….I see. Well, either way, I'll try it once so would Sylvia accompany me?」

「By all means.」

「Okay….as for the other members?」

「I'll join you this time.」

The one who said that immediately as she raises her hand is Kouhi.

「Then, I'll pass this time.」

If Kousuke will go out of the tower, Kousuke wants either Kouhi or Mitsuki to remain in the tower.

「….can I go with you?」

It was unusual but Shrine raised her hand and volunteered to go with them.

「What happened? That's unusual.」

「What? I only wanted to try travel with Kousuke-dono.」

「I see….maa, there's no reason for me to say no.」

「Really…!?」

Shrine's happy expression surprised Kousuke.

Thinking about it, Shrine hardly ever went out of the tower.

It's not because Shrine is a vampire.

In this world, vampire is not a major existence and they are not objects of subjugation.

They are treated like any other demi-human. However, it is not like there's no country that expels demi-humans.

As for why they did not do it from the start, it's because the timing is not right.

「Yeah. If there's no problem with the 76th floor, you're good to go.」

「There's no problem there.」

「Since there's no problem….Collete, there's no point in looking at me reproachfully like that.」

「That…..」

Collete can only shrug her shoulder in disappointment.

Collete is currently undergoing training from Sherryl, the shrine maiden of the elf village, as the shrine maiden of Esena(world tree).

「I heard from Kouhi that Sherryl has been harsh to you.」

「I….when….」

Collete is forbidden from leaving the world tree on the 73rd floor.

The only exception is when she has to come to the management floor when Kousuke's there.

If she's with Kousuke, Esena can easily tell them what's happening.

Still, even if Kousuke's with her, that won't be enough as an excuse.

That was decided by both Esena and Sherryl so Kousuke can only agree.

「Do your best until Sherryl allows you to go out.」

「....haaa. I understand.」

Collete shrugged her shoulders and sighed again. Kousuke can only reply with a wry smile.

—Scene Change—

For that reason, a party of four, Kousuke, Kouhi, Shrine, and Sylvia went to Mixen.

「Sylvia, do you know which one is Goddess Erisamir's temple?」

「The one in the middle.」

「I see. Then, let's go…wait, a normal person may enter, right?」

「Of course.」

It was already decided that they'll enter the center but he still can't help but be overwhelmed.

Kousuke still feels like that even though he came to the temple of Goddess Erisamir for a purpose.

However.

「….mou?」

At the entrance of Goddess Erisamir's Temple, Shrine suddenly let out a strange voice.

「Shri, is something wrong?」

「No, it's just that for a moment….fumu….it turns out that I'll have to take care of something. I will return to the inn at night so I'll take my leave.」

「Ah, wait, Shri...okay….」

Shrine begins to walk away even before Kousuke can stop her.

「It can't be helped. Let's go to the temple.」

「…..are you sure?」

「We've already decided on an inn so it's okay. If we stay here any longer, we'll get in other's way.」

「Okay.」

「Understood.」

The three gave up on chasing Shrine and entered the temple of Erisamir as planned.

As soon as they entered Erisamir's temple, Kousuke got surprised again.

It is not because of the splendor of the interior.

No, of course, the interior won't lose to the magnificence of the outside.

But other than that, there was something that Kousuke unexpectedly felt.

Upon entering the temple, there is a great hall that ordinary people can go to and the statue of the goddess Erisamir is enshrined there.

Benches are also provided so worshippers can offer prayers to the statue as they wish.

What surprised Kousuke was not the statue but something that's drifting around the statue.

「…..that is….」

Kousuke approached the statue and lowered his waist to the floor.

When Kouhi saw that, she took out a piece of cloth from her item box.

「My lord. Here.」

「…ah, thank you.」

The stunned Kousuke sat down on it and sat cross-legged.

He closed his eyes and started to search for a presence.

He can easily feel divine power however, other than that, the presence that Kousuke felt was something he's nostalgic about.

The presence is something that Kousuke's familiar with. And that presence is what's drifting there.

It's obviously much weaker compared to that place.

However, the presence that's drifting around the statue of the goddess is definitely the presence of the "Garden of Eternal Spring".

Kousuke closed his eyes while sitting cross-legged to feel the presence.

Kousuke did it unconsciously but it was clearly one of the things that clergies do as part of their training.

However, he had done it more naturally than anyone Sylvia knows.

As he tries to feel the presence of gods deeper and deeper, he's getting more and more powerful in Sylvia's eyes. Sylvia can't help but be stunned.

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Chapter 4.12 – Conversation with Gods

He closed his eyes and felt the presence of the "Garden of Eternal Spring".

It is very much weaker than the actual "Garden of Eternal Spring". It can only be called a wisp of it.

Even so, it is definitely the real "Garden of Eternal Spring".

He focused on exploring the presence.

It spreads like a pebble falling on a calm water surface.

When he searched the "Garden of Eternal Spring" on the ripple, the ripple returned as if it was hit by another ripple.

He repeatedly did that in order to look for the "Garden of Eternal Spring".

Even if the presence in the temple is feeble, the power of the "Garden of Eternal Spring" doesn't change.

He only needs to go to the place where that power is concentrated.

After some time, he finally found it. If he is correct, he will definitely be able to connect that world to the "Garden of Eternal Spring".

Although it's a contact point, it is like a hole that can't be opened.

Still, it exists. It is the only "place" where you can connect with the "Garden of Eternal Spring" naturally.

He was able to confirm that it is indeed the contact point to the "Garden of Eternal Spring" and he even got connected to it.

Since he was able to connect, all he has to do is to use his divine power according to what he was taught in the "Garden of Eternal Spring".

『Asura, Eris, can you hear me?』

『Yeah, you've connected successfully. You finally use Eris' teaching.』

『I am relieved that you did not do something absurd like what you did last time.』

『Ahahaha』

『….Ara, my apologies. I don't think you can handle more than this. See you next time.』

『Yeah, see you later…you seem to be as busy as ever.』

『Naturally』

『So, you answered my call and replied with one word.』

『It's because it was you who called.』

『Is that so?』

『Other than that, is there any other reason?』

『No. So, what can you say?』

『Haa….Maa, good. Did you finally understand how to make a connection here?』

『Yeah. Maa….I only somehow find this place.』

『Then, it would be better to have a connection of your own. Surely, you don't plan on staying at that place, right?』

『I will do as you advice, Goddess Erisamir-sama.』

『….what are you talking about? Calling me like that gives me goosebumps.』

『Uwa, you're harsh.』

『Joking aside, don't you think that you'll run out of time?』

『Oohh, thanks for reminding me. Okay, I'll take my leave then?』

『Yeah, please.』

—Scene Change—

It has been 30 minutes since Kousuke closed his eyes.

Of course, Kouhi and Sylvia are with him but aside from them, there are also other people who are observing what's happening to him.

Those who are observing him are mainly priests and shrine maidens that are members of the temple.

Sylvia noticed that there are more and more high-ranking people coming.

She did not think that it was impossible.

Kousuke might not be aware of it but what he's currently doing is the goal of all clergies.

Kousuke's state, attitude, and approach are not the things that have been taught by the temple.

However, that's not important.

Even the methods passed down to the temples vary in different ways.

Touching it has always been a mystery.

As long as it is achieved, the clergies won't mind the means and methods.

And currently, Kousuke is showing that off in front of Sylvia and all the clergies there.

The atmosphere that Kousuke gives off is definitely the atmosphere of someone who achieved it.

The higher ranking you are, the more obvious it is to you.

When Kousuke showed signs of movement, the clergies watching began to rumble.

Of course, they are only rumbling in whisper level voices in order to not get in Kousuke's way.

Sylvia, who was watching over Kousuke, naturally noticed it too.

Suddenly, everyone looked in a certain direction.

Sylvia immediately noticed it too.

Which is obvious.

Because that someone is approaching her.

Looking behind to check the identity of that person, Sylvia was surprised and hurriedly bowed.

「To think that showing up after a long time, you'll bring someone unexpected, Sylvia.」

「Temple chief-sama.」

While greeting Sylvia, the woman's eyes never left Kousuke. She's the chief and the person in charge of that temple.

Until a certain time, Sylvia was a member of that temple so they are naturally familiar with each other.

However, the temple chief showed a slightly sad look at Sylvia.

「….It looks like you still can't forgive me.」

「That's not it. I've already left my past self…..for that reason, I left the temple. I'm sure the people around you wouldn't have allowed it.」

The temple chief sighed after hearing Sylvia.

「…..as always, you're still the same….anyway, I'm glad that you are doing good.」

「Yes, temple chief-sama.」

「Good….by the way, can you introduce me to this outrageous person?」

The moment Sylvia was about to answer that question, she felt Kousuke's gaze.

She immediately shifted her gaze to Kousuke.

Sylvia immediately understood what that meant.

「....No. I'm sorry. If possible, can you wait until he wakes up?」

The temple chief was surprised for a moment but immediately smiled after.

「....Right, that might be better. Till then, I will watch over him too.」

The temple chief said so as she sat on a bench nearby where she could clearly see Kousuke.

「Why don't you sit too?」

「No, thank you. I'll stay as I am.」

「Okay」

The temple chief said so as she put her eyes on Kousuke.

The way she looks at him clearly tells that she's a high-ranking clergy.

Kousuke finally opened his eyes 1 hour after closing them.

When he opened his eyes, he was kind of dazzled so he asked Kouhi who's waiting next to him.

「How much time has passed?」

「Approximately one hour.」

「….the passage of time feels completely different. Maybe because it took me time to connect?…..oh」

Kousuke, who tried to stand up, stumbled so he was supported by Kouhi.

He took the same posture for an hour and he also barely moved so it is not surprising.

「Are you okay?」

「Yeah….I'm fine.」

Kousuke said that as he looked at Sylvia.

「Sylvia, do you have the sacred tool?」

A sacred tool is similar to a cross and clergies wear one all the time.

Sylvia, who was suddenly asked of that, looked puzzled.

「Of course I have….however, there's someone I want to introduce to you…」

Sylvia said that and looked at the temple chief.

Kousuke saw a shrine maiden who's wearing the uniform of the temple chief. He thought that it was definitely a high-ranking priest.

However, there is something that Kousuke wants to do first.

He looked at the temple chief and bowed.

「…..my apologies. Can you give us some time before our introduction? I have something that I need to do first.」

Seeing Kousuke's expression, the temple chief nodded.

After working at the temple for so many years, her instinct tells her to agree.

「Of course, I don't mind. Rather, can you show me what you want to do?」

「Yeah. If you can wait, I don't mind.」

Kousuke nodded and looked at Sylvia.

Sylvia took out her sacred tool that's hanging on her neck in a hurry.

Sylvia's sacred tool is in the form of a pendant.

After receiving it, Kousuke put the sacred tool between his hand and closed his eyes again.

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Chapter 4.13 – God Conversing Tool

Sylvia can feel an unusual power from the sacred tool.

That power is something she never felt from the pendant however, that power existed because of Sylvia's continuous prayers.

That is something that is necessary for Kousuke to create something like the crown card.

Depending on an individual's skill, a craftsman who makes magic tools or holy tools should be able to feel the power of the tool first.

However, it is just something that can be felt.

When making magic tools and holy tools, they need to make it that the magic power or holy power can be used.

Presently, Kousuke is trying to make the tool that uses that power but that power is neither magic nor holy power.

Using divine power, he's trying to make a "path" that connects directly with Eris from the "Garden of Eternal Spring".

Until now, it was impossible for him to make something similar because there's no "path".

However, Since Kousuke was able to connect with the "Garden of Eternal Spring" earlier, he finally was able to find it.

Unfortunately, the "path" is not always connected so Kousuke has to create the sacred tool immediately.

This time, Kousuke, who immediately stood up, put the sacred tool on his right hand and presented it to Sylvia.

「Sylvia, put your hands on it.」

「Eh? Y-yes….is this alright?」

As she was told, Sylvia clasps the tool with her right hand together with Kousuke's right hand.

He's trying to adjust the tool to Sylvia using divine power so the sacred tool must be sandwiched between them.

As he planned, he made Sylvia's divine power pass through the "path" he made earlier and made the sacred tool the connection point.

Maybe because he just got connected earlier with the "path", it didn't take much time this time.

「.....ah!?」

Sylvia, who suddenly felt divine power, staggered.

As if he's already expecting it, Kousuke supported her.

「Are you alright?」

「I-i-i-i-I'm alright!」

Sylvia, who is being supported by Kousuke, turns red.

「? Really?」

The red Sylvia is currently resting her head on Kousuke but Kousuke still continued.

「Then, you'll find it easier to understand if you close your eyes, can you close your eyes?」

「Y-yes. I can.」

Sylvia closed her eyes as Kousuke suggested and followed her way to the "path" as Kousuke told her to.

At the end of the "path", Eris was waiting.

『Were we able to connect?』

『Yeah. You're properly connected.』

『Great….Sylvia, can you hear us?』

『…..』

『Sylvia?』

『Ye-yes!? I-I can hear you!』

『You don't have to be so surprised.』

『I-i-i-i-i-mpossible! How can you even talk to a god casually!?』

『No, even if you say that….I just got used to it?』

『Don't you think it would be better to tell her right away?』

『Ah, right. Sylvia, from now on, you can always connect with Eris.』

『Of course, I won't be able to respond if I'm busy but if I'm not, I will respond.』

『Is...is that so?』

『Yes. Of course, there are questions that I can answer or can't answer, okay?』

『There anything that you can't answer?』

『Unlike you, she knows how to be shy. Don't you think you should learn from her?』

『Uwa, you're brutal.』

『I'm only saying the truth. By the way, that sacred tool can also be used in the tower.』

『Eh? Is that so?』

『As the person who made it, what do you think?』

『No, I thought it can only be used here.』

『If that is the case, what's the point in making it?』

『Wh-. Right. You're right.』

『Of course….well, she can't take any more than this so it's time to cut the connection.』

『Okay. As you wish.』

—Scene Change—

After the conversation with Eris, Kousuke found that he's hugging Sylvia, and Sylvia's head is leaning on his neck.

「What's wrong? Did you use too much power?」

「No, that's not it! It was too sudden so I wasn't even able to greet her. What should I do!?」

Sylvia panicked a little.

For Sylvia, Goddess Erisamir(Eris) is an object of faith. Suddenly parting without being able to say anything is something she finds unacceptable.

「No, it's okay. You should calm down first.」

「…..really?」

Sylvia said that fearfully.

「Of course. She knows the circumstances so it's okay.」

「...I see.」

Kousuke said those to comfort Sylvia.

「So, do you know how to use the sacred tool?」

「…..I somehow understand.」

「Good. I can only teach you through my senses. You have no choice but to use it many times to properly learn it.」

「I understand.」

Seeing Sylvia nodding with enthusiasm, Kousuke can only smile wryly.

「No, you don't have to be that enthusiastic.」

「No, this is a sacred tool that you made with great effort, if I don't master it, what's the point?」

「Ah, yeah. Maa, do it in moderation.」

Kousuke gave up admonishing her and just nodded instead.

「By the way, can you introduce me now, Sylvia?」

The temple chief, who was watching what's happening from the side, barges in between Kousuke and Sylvia's conversation.

Hearing her, Sylvia finally remembers and looks at the temple chief in a panic.

「My apologies, temple chief. These people with me are Kousuke-san and Kouhi-san desu wa.」

「Nice to meet you, I'm Kousuke.」

「Nice to meet you, I'm Kouhi.」

「Kousuke-san and Kouhi-san, she's the temple chief, Laurel Alfaid-sama desu wa.」

「It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm the temple chief of this temple.」

Kousuke and temple chief Laurel bowed to each other.

「Sorry for troubling you but, I have a lot of things I want to ask you. Could we talk to a different place? Do you mind having a tea with me?」

Laurel suddenly invited him but Kousuke agreed.

「It's okay. Let's do that…..are Kouhi and Sylvia included?」

「Yes, of course.」

The fact that someone with the position of temple chief has invited him to talk away from the public's eyes means that she wants to talk about something inconvenient for the public to hear.

For Kousuke, the temple chief's offer is like a ship that will save them from trouble since he doesn't want to deal with all the people around them so he agreed.

「Good. Then, please come with us.」

Laurel said so and as she began walking ahead.

Kousuke's party followed after her.

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Chapter 4.14 – Temple Chief

Kousuke's party was brought to a room to receive guests in the temple.

Kousuke's party was made to sit on a three-person sofa while Laurel sits on another one facing them.

There is a table between them and that's where a shrine maiden puts the tea served for them.

Kousuke only says something after tasting the tea.

「Ah, this tea is good.」

「You think so? Thanks. This is also my favorite tea.」

Laurel also drank tea happily.

「Then, what do you want to tell us that the public can't hear?」

Kousuke cut the chase.

「Ara. You have noticed after all.」

「Of course….is what I want to say but it was Kouhi and not me, who noticed it.」

Kouhi only tastes the tea regardless of Laurel's attention.

She's also thinking of how to get tea like this for Kousuke later.

「Fufu. You have a wonderful companion.」

「I take pride on my companion desu」

Laure smiled while Kousuke agreed to what she said.

「….what are you talking about?」

Hearing the conversation of the two, Sylvia can't help but ask.

「Sylvia, did you really think that Laurel-san, the temple chief of this temple, called us to have a casual conversation?」

「….eh!?」

Sylvia looked at Laurel instinctively.

「I'm relieved to see that you have never changed, Sylvia.」

While looking at Sylvia, Laurel smiled.

「On the other hand, it's quite helpful that Kousuke-kun can quickly grasp our conversation.」

Laurel said so as she smiled at Kousuke. Kousuke is also smiling back at her.

「I refuse.」

「I refuse.」

「….isn't that too early?」

Laurel sighed in amazement.

「I know what you want to say even if you don't say it. It will either be you asking me to join this temple or you asking us to hand over Sylvia's sacred tool, or both.」

「….Great, that saves us a lot of time.」

「Given what happened earlier, those are the only possible reason.」

「Ara, don't you think I have other things I want to talk about?」

「Do you?」

Laurel did not answer Kousuke's question.

Her answer is silence.

Seeing Kousuke's meditation(?) and creation of Sylvia's sacred tool, for a clergy like her, those are something she must have or at least must be taught to her.

It is obvious just by looking at the state of the priests and shrine maidens who saw what's happening earlier.

Laurel can only sigh,

「May I ask why?」

「I have a lot of things I need to do. I don't have time to get involved with the temple.」

「You are direct to the point, aren't you?」

「If I say it in a roundabout way, it will cause problems in the future.」

Kousuke thinks that it is better to refuse her clearly to prevent any future problem.

「Why don'...?」

「No need」

「….okay. Then, what about the pendant? Are you not willing to sell it with money too?」

Laurel, who realized that it is impossible to have them join the temple, has changed her target to the sacred tool.

「Ah, that's easy to talk about. Only Sylvia can use it. Are you going to buy Sylvia with money too?」

「Eh!? Really!?」

Sylvia was surprised.

On the other hand, Laurel has a dubious expression.

「What do you mean?」

「Literally. I made it so that it will only respond to Sylvia's divine power. So to speak, Sylvia's divine power is the only key to use it.」

「Divine power….that sacred tool is a divine tool!?」

「Exactly.」

Hearing Kousuke's immediate reply, Laurel was at a loss for words.

To begin with, in this world, only magic and holy power can be used. No one has ever used divine power.

Moreover, even if people can use magic and holy power, it is said that no one can handle divine power.

Even if there are ways to use powerful magic that is similar to divine power or healing spells that are similar to divine power, common sense would say that they only used certain methods and not divine power itself.

Occasionally, things that are called divine tools have been found but they are things that can't be used by normal people.

「You….do you even know what you're saying?」

Given how Laurel said that, Kousuke can't help but smile wryly.

Ever since he came to this world, the place where he spent most of his time is the tower.

He doesn't interact with other people.

However, he is aware that he surely deviates from this world's common sense.

「Well, I know that I'm different from others.」

「No…it looks like you don't really understand.」

「What do you mean?」

Seeing Laurel's expression, Kousuke can't help but squint his eyebrows.

「What you did over there and what you talked about here just now are not something that people like us can overlook.」

Kousuke understood what Laurel was trying to say.

To be precise, he was told. By Kouhi. Using telepathy.

「…..Ah, is that so? However, that's a bad move, Laurel-san.」

「….what do you mean?」

「First of all, as I said earlier, the sacred tool can only be used by Sylvia. Maa, even if I say that, there will be those who'll try to forcibly take it from her….but I don't recommend it. However, if you wish to experience divine punishment, you can try.」

「…Divine punishment?」

「Do you think it's strange? That tool is something that can communicate with a god. In order to create it, don't you think it is normal for me to borrow Goddess Erisamir's power? Do you think that the goddess who personally bestowed power for that divine tool will let others use it?」

「…」

「In addition, the one who'll try is even a temple official of a temple that uses her name…..given the nature of a goddess, do you really think it will be wrong to receive her divine punishment?」

「Personally bestowed by the goddess….not to mention it is Goddess Erisamir….」

In the history of the world, the number of times Goddess Erisamir got involved in something is very few and can be counted. It is common knowledge to the believers of Goddess Erisamir too.

「Maa, it doesn't matter what you think….Sylvia, what about you? If she says she wants it, are you going to hand it over to her?」

「I won't!」

Sylvia has already spoken directly to Eris.

For Sylvia, a devout believer, to hand over that divine tool to others is no less than an act of betrayal to her goddess.

「That's it….and there's also another one. Are you going to use the people outside to capture us by force?」

「…wha!? What do you mean desu no!?」

It was Sylvia who raised that question.

Laurel looked at him with a calm expression.

「It's a misunderstanding. They are merely guards.」

「I see. Guards, are they?」

「Of course.」

It was obvious that they had another purpose but Laurel is still smiling.

Kousuke did not push more about it. Given the situation, it is already enough for him that she knows that he knows what she's planning.

That's why he decided to attack from another direction.

「By the way, can they lay their hands on an apostle of god?」

「….what are you saying?」

「No no. That question is just to satisfy my curiosity….Kouhi.」

Kousuke suddenly called Kouhi who had never joined their conversation.

Kouhi is slightly surprised when Kousuke calls her name but she understands Kousuke's intent.

「….are you sure?」

「Yeah. But just the bare minimum, okay?」

「As you wish.」

Seeing the sudden interaction between Kousuke and Kouhi, Laurel and Sylvia are puzzled.

However, the moment Kouhi agreed to Kousuke's request, she suddenly was shrouded in light.

After the light disappeared, Kouhi appeared in a different form.

She now has white wings on her back.

「「....wha!?」」

The two were surprised. Kousuke then talked to Laurel while smiling.

「 As I said earlier, that's a bad move, right, Laurel-san?」

Laurel was not able to reply so Kousuke continued.

「I'll ask you once again. Can they….no, can YOU attack an apostle of god?」

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Chapter 4.15 – Apostle of God

God's apostle, messenger, angel, and so on.

Since ancient times, their existence has been recognized and they have been called with various names.

What they have in common is that they look like normal people.

However, they have a feature that no humans or demi-humans have, wings on their back.

Color, number span, etc. differ from person to person.

However, their greatest feature is the power they possess.

They are absurdly powerful that it's unbelievable and they have sometimes helped or judged the human race as a whole.

There are shrine maidens that received oracles from god and there are times where they are informed about the coming of an apostle but there are times that they are not.

The reason why an apostle descent has not been known up to this day.

Some say that they appear when the balance of the world is about to collapse while others say they appear on a whim.

In some cases, when god appears in the world, they appear beside the said god. That's the reason why they are sometimes called the apostle of god.

Therefore, for the priests and shrine maidens of the temple, they are objects of both worship and fear.

-0-

When Kouhi suddenly reveals her identity, Laurel and Sylvia bow their heads.

For them, this is a matter of course since she's an object of faith.

However, Kouhi frowned at Sylvia.

「Sylvia, you don't have to treat me like that.」

「B…..but!」

「After all, my lord doesn't want it.」

When Sylvia raised her face, Kousuke nodded.

Though Sylvia has only been together with them for a short time, she knows that Kouhi(and Mitsuki) are moving according to Kousuke's will.

「I…..I understand.」

Sylvia nodded in agreement though she's reluctant.

For Sylvia, if it is someone she worships, she won't hesitate to offend anyone but she won't dare to offend the one she worships.

-0-

「…..now.」

Kousuke, who's watching the two, now looks only at Laurel.

「I'll ask again, are you seriously thinking of pointing your blade on her?」

「No, impossible. This is all a misunderstanding….」

「You, do you really think you can repeatedly lie in front of my lord?」

Laurel's words were interrupted by Kouhi.

At the same time, Laurel thought of the legend, you can never lie to an apostle of god.

「.....」

While being careful not to show it on her face, deep inside, she's sweating cold.

It is true that Laurel herself did not arrange anything that would harm Kousuke's party.

However, it is also true that as someone standing at the top of the temple, she has responsibility and knowledge of what's happening.

While trying to think of any idea how she can escape that situation, Kousuke speaks.

「Maa, as long as you don't do anything to us hereon, you don't have to mind what has happened.」

「That, of course….」

「However, looking at the current situation, there's no point in getting your assurance, right?」

Aside from the people inside the room, she doesn't know how much the people outside the room have heard.

There's no point in making the others withdraw now.

Kouhi has revealed her true identity after all.

Laurel understands what he means.

It is not hard for her to imagine what Kousuke's concern is.

It is almost certain that one member of the temple will bother them.

The petty tricks she has thought of have become meaningless.

She can only sigh as she gives up.

「Do you want me to gather all the people of this temple?」

「Yeah. That's for the best.」

Kousuke nodded to Laurel's words.

—Scene Change—

In the end, before the high-ranking people of the temple, Kouhi decided to reveal her true identity again and say some quality words.

The content is that the temple officials must not bother Kousuke's group.

If a person from the temple acts in a way that will harm them, all of them will take joint liability.

Alternatively, the superior is directly responsible for the subordinate that made a move.

And so on.

After various arrangements(?), the meeting was disbanded.

There were some who had a bitter look but Kousuke's not bothered with it at all. That's the temple's problem.

All they have to do is pray that no one will do something stupid after seeing an apostle.

However, when someone really comes, Kouhi would only need to use her power to crush it.

When she said it earlier, she really meant it.

-0-

「By the way, Sylvia, don't you want to return to that temple?」

When they were going from the temple to the inn, Kousuke suddenly asked Sylvia.

「….what do you mean?」

Sylvia frowned at Kousuke's sudden question.

「I mean, weren't you originally a member of that temple?」

It is obvious seeing how Laurel and Sylvia treated each other.

「Ah, so that's what you mean. I'm fine. To begin with, I was banished from that temple.」

Hearing her saying that casually, Kousuke was surprised.

「Eh? Is that so?」

「It is.」

「Fuh. I see.」

Seeing that there's no follow-up question, Sylvia stares at Kousuke.

「…..is that all desu no?」

「Well, yeah, for now….if Sylvia wants to talk about it, I'll listen.」

「…..no....let's stop.」

「Then, I will ask no more. Also, you don't have to tell me anything…..I mean, no matter what Sylvia chooses, there's no problem.」

In a sense, Kousuke is her strongest backer.

When Sylvia heard him, she wondered for a moment what's the relationship between Kousuke and Goddess Erisamir but immediately removed it from her mind.

She thought that if he wants to talk, he'll talk but if he doesn't want to talk, no matter how much she asks, it is impossible to hear anything from him.

She had a feeling that she'll hear about it eventually and it doesn't have to be now.

Today, it is enough that she learns Kouhi's true identity or rather, that itself already made her dizzy.

She thought of the divine tool that Kousuke created for her.

For now, her priority is to master it.

—Scene Change—

When Kousuke's party returned to the inn, they saw an unexpected scene.

They rented a large room so that the four of them can stay in the same room but Shrine is at the center of the room along with another woman.

…..and the woman's hands and feet are tied up and she even has a gag on her mouth.

「….etho, what is happening?」

Kousuke approaches the two to check the situation.

Shrine is still wearing the clothes she's wearing when she left their group earlier. Though she presently has a mischievous smile, he let her be for the time being.

Next, he looked at the woman whose hands and feet are tied while sitting on the floor.

The moment Kousuke turned his eyes to the woman, he couldn't help but be captivated.

She has a better body than any other woman around.

Her facial feature, though not as beautiful as Kouhi and Mitsuki, will be considered beautiful by anyone.

Her black hair reflects light which makes it give off a glossy luster and her red eyes are suspiciously charming.

It was already too late when he thought something was wrong.

Kousuke is already approaching her.

-0-

「….fumu. As expected, even Kousuke-dono wasn't able to take his eyes off her.」

Shrine, who noticed what happened to Kousuke, said so, as she claps her hand loud enough to distract everyone in the room.

By the time Kousuke was freed because of that sound, there's already an ongoing situation.

Kouhi is already pointing her sword at Shrine.