Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 206. The Freeman And The Archbishop

That evening, not feeling like going out, I decided to make do with onigiri and sandwiches for dinner.

By the way, during this journey, I had already told Eutis about my abilities.

It wasn’t something I could hide forever, especially since we were together all the time.

Griffin’s Kukkle was probably yawning next to the camper van around now.

“Alright, let’s gather the trash.”

I collected plastic bags from everyone, tied them into smaller bundles, and tossed them into a container. I planned to burn them later.

The harm of dioxins I’d emit by burning plastic in my lifetime was less scary than the risk of an animal accidentally swallowing it.

“Still, it’s similar to Parpelle sap.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“What was Parpelle again?”

“Parpelle is a tree that only grows in the elven forests. Its sap, when mixed with ash or other saps, can create something similar to this plastic.”

“Ah, right.”

“It’s not as versatile, but… if we adjust the ash ratio, could we make it usable like plastic?”

Seems like I’ve sparked Lalaila’s research curiosity.

As she pinched and examined the plastic, I snatched the onigiri wrapper from her hand and tossed it into the small bag.

“If you want to research it, do it after we leave the city. I don’t want to draw too much attention here.”

“Huh? Oh, right.”

“It’s truly an incredible power.”

For some reason, Eutis seemed impressed elsewhere, but it was probably just my imagination.

We were now at a table in the tavern on the first floor of the inn.

Of course, I was using my abilities in a way that others couldn’t see.

Thanks to Yararai and Hagg keeping watch, it was a manageable feat.

“Akira, what’s the plan for tomorrow?”

“I’m visiting the headquarters of the Aigas Church. I have an invitation, after all.”

“Hmm. The question is whether we should all go or not.”

“I could go alone.”

“Akira-sama, that’s not acceptable. What if something happens?”

“What do you mean, ‘something’?”

“You always manage to get into trouble, so please have some self-awareness.”

“It’s not like I’m asking for it.”

“That’s just how it turns out.”

When Cherina scolded me like that, I could only feel deflated.

“Hagg, what do you want to do?”

“It’s been a while since I’ve been in this city, and I’ve had dealings with the blacksmith guild a few times. I’ll go pay them a visit.”

“Lalaila?”

“Hmm. I’d like to go with you, but a large group might be a bother. I’ll explore the city tomorrow. I also want to visit Master Zergius’s grave.”

“Zergius?”

“Ah, he was my mentor at the magic university. He was the one who proved that magic, sorcery, and aura techniques all share the same origin.”

“Now that you mention it, I remember hearing about that during our travels.”

I vaguely recalled hearing about it during some idle chatter.

Lalaila had been researching at the magic university in Lake Lure or something like that.

“Yeah. After my mentor passed away, I traveled across the continent to spread his research.”

“I see, that’s why you know so much.”

“Hehe…”

Lalaila blushed and squirmed. For some reason, I felt Cherina glaring at her. Probably just my imagination. Yeah.

“Dad, let’s go together tomorrow. I want to visit the magic university too.”

“Alright.”

Just the two of them, huh…

I scratched my head, unsure what to say.

“Cherina, are you handling the Shift Room negotiations?”

“That can wait. I’ll go with you too.”

“Th-then I’ll join as well!”

Not just Cherina, but Eutis too. Why?

“I don’t mind you coming, but it’s just to deliver this, you know?”

“Just…? Akira-sama, you really don’t understand, do you?”

“Yes. Even though Akira denied it, given the high likelihood of you being an apostle, I don’t think things will go smoothly.”

“Is that so?”

““Yes.””

They ganged up on me…

Well, both of them are sensible and knowledgeable about this world. Having them with me would be reassuring.

“What about Faf?”

I turned to Faf, a brown-skinned loli with small horns on her forehead, a member of a race none of us knew.

“Kukuku… I’m a bit torn. But fine, I’ll come along.”

“I can leave some alcohol here if you want to drink alone.”

“Kukuku… You’ve learned how to handle me a bit, but I’d be bored alone. I’ll stick with you tomorrow. Oh, and I’ll take the alcohol.”

“Not giving it to you.”

Our funds are running dangerously low.

I’d like to earn some money in this city, but I want Lalaila to meet her mother as soon as possible.

We can worry about money later. In the worst case, we can rely on SHOP for funds, though I’d prefer not to.

◆

“I am Bren von Ramasainos, appointed Archbishop.”

“Ah.”

A middle-aged man in green priestly robes spoke pompously.

We had avoided the morning worship and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before heading to the headquarters of the Earth Mother Aigas Church. After handing over the letter from Reitia Mutton, a beautiful priestess from the former Pilatus Kingdom, now the economically free city-state of Tessa, we were quickly ushered into a grand reception room. We waited so long that the tea grew cold before the man before us, Ramasainos or whatever his name was, finally appeared.

“First, I thank you for coming all the way from the western edge.”

Despite his words, he didn’t seem particularly grateful. He didn’t exactly puff himself up, but he didn’t hide his scrutinizing gaze either.

His eyes shifted to Cherina and Eutis, then lingered on Faf.

“Quite the diverse group you have.”

“Kukuku… I’m special.”

“I’ve never encountered a race I didn’t know before. May I ask where you’re from?”

“Kukuku… A lady’s secrets are not for sharing.”

“I see. My apologies. More importantly…”

He turned his gaze back to me.

“Are you truly an apostle, Akira-sama?”

“Well, I’ve never once claimed to be an apostle.”

“However, Reitia informed us that you’ve heard the voice of God.”

“Ah… That’s regrettable.”

“Regrettable?”

“No, don’t worry about it. The details are… complicated, and I’d rather not discuss them.”

“If possible, I’d like to hear about it beforehand…”

“Beforehand?”

What does he mean by that?

“Yes. Before meeting the Pope… Damagreus VIII, I’d like to know the general situation…”

“Wait, wait! The Pope!?”

“Of course, this is only if you truly are an apostle, Akira-sama.”

Hey, hey…

From my perspective, I’d rather deny it and go home.

“Whether you believe me or not is up to you, but anyway, if you take this, my business here is done.”

“The holy seal symbol, correct?”

“Yeah.”

I took out the holy seal symbol of the Merchant God Merhes, which I had prepared in advance, and handed it to Ramasainos.

“Hmm… This is…”

He received it reverently and examined it carefully for a while.

Personally, I hoped to leave it here and go home.

“Please wait a moment.”

“Can’t I just leave?”

“It will take a little more time for His Holiness to prepare, so please bear with us.”

That’s not what I meant.

But refusing might complicate things. Reluctantly, I nodded. Ramasainos bowed and left the room, and Cherina and Eutis let out a sigh.

“What a hassle.”

“Akira-sama, you’re as calm as ever.”

“It’s just delivering something, after all.”

I let out a big yawn, and Cherina gave a wry smile. I didn’t get it.

“He’s the Archbishop of the headquarters. He’s on par with the king of a small country, yet you’re completely unfazed.”

“What, does the Church care that much about hierarchy?”

“Externally, they preach equality, but there’s always a difference between appearances and reality.”

“I guess so. Well, I’d rather just go home…”

My wish was not granted.

Ramasainos returned.

“Apostle! Everything is ready! Please, this way!”

“Oh, okay.”

His attitude had changed drastically.

“H-here is your holy seal symbol! I deeply apologize for doubting you!”

Ramasainos bowed deeply, sweat dripping from his forehead.

It was just a wooden carving, something a grade-schooler could’ve made.

All I could do was smile wryly.

“Alright, let’s go.”

…….

At that time, I didn’t realize it.

The true meaning of the seal I had handed over.