Chapter 93: It’s Truly Amazing
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 93: It’s Truly Amazing
Neratil.
She is one of the five goddesses existing in this world, said to be the second goddess who presides over darkness and fate.
A pentagram with the top-left horn protruding slightly longer is the symbol of Neratil, and this Neratil Cathedral is, as the name suggests, a place that serves her.
And our devout Sister Esha Tizl was currently...
“O Neratil, weaver of the threads of fate and guide of the darkness. I pray that my voice reaches you, and I ask that you hear the plea of this profane soul. The flow of the world bends beneath your will, and your providence shines like the stars in the night sky. However, due to the mistake of a single human, that order has been disrupted, and so I pray with all my heart. The Contract of the Dead that should belong to you has been intercepted by the hands of a foolish man.. ThedestineddeathhaslostitswayandthesoulsthatshouldbeguidedhavenowheretogotheonebearingthisguiltdoesnotevenrealizetheweightofitandhasdistortedthestreamoffatebutONeratilIknowyourgenerosityinforgivinghumanignoranceandsoIpleadwithyoucallbacktheoneislostinthedarknessandleadhimtohisproperplaceensurethecontractremaininginhishandsdoesnotwanderindistortionbutreturnstotheoriginalflowifallofthisisanirredeemablesinthengrantusthecouragetobullybearthepunishmentONeratilunveiltheveilofdarknessandlookdownuponuswearebutweakbeingswhocannotlivewithoutyourtouchmayyourwillguidestepsandmayyourprovidencerectifytheflowonceagainIpraywithallmyhumblebodyandsoulOregulatoroffateOdarknessthatconnectsallpathsmayyourwillbedonemayyourprovidencenotbebrokenandpleaseforgivethisfoolishmanAhwatchoverusprotectusandhelpusONeratilpleaseuseusasatoolinthelonghistoryyouwillachieveandpleasehelpusensurethatpridearroganceanddiscontentdonottakerootinourweakheartsshedarayofsalvationlikeastarlightuponthedarkearthandkeepthislittlesoulfrombeingtaintedbyevil.”
“Right. Uh, sure. Amen.”
“...Say, ‘As you will.’”
“Right... As you will.”
After the long, long prayer ended, Sister Esha, wearing a refreshed expression, released my hands which she had been gripping tightly. She stood up and spoke.
“It’s unbelievable. So much so that a profanity almost slipped out...”
“Is that so?”
“It’s not just a mere ‘is that so.’ It truly is the case.”
Sister Esha’s explanation continued incessantly afterward. While the Lich’s brainwashing played a part, she explained that those who became Skeletons were all moving even after death as a price for offering up their souls.
Since I had essentially extorted the price they paid for giving up their eternal rest, she was saying my own afterlife would not be peaceful.
“Doesn’t that mean there’s no problem while I’m alive?”
“It’s not such a simple matter, Brother...?”
Sighing deeply, Sister Esha opened the door to the reception room and stepped out. Since this was a cathedral in an isekai with magic, I thought maybe I’d get a direct hit of divine blessing or something, but it didn’t seem to be the case.
It was unexpectedly bland—just a single prayer and that was it. Is this really the end?
“Sister Esha. Is that all?”
“Pardon?”
“You know, like a blessing or something...”
“I just prayed for a blessing, didn’t I?”
“Ah, yes. Right.”
I guess there are no magical-feeling buffs. Since she said she prayed for a blessing, I suppose I have to take her word for it. If I suddenly said, ‘Hey, nothing’s changed at all. This is a total scam,’ I’d look like a madman.
Besides, I came here with a letter of recommendation from the Lymain family, so I need to avoid standing out as much as possible.
“By the way, where did everyone else go? You can’t be using this huge cathedral all by yourself.”
“Ah...”
“I saw quite a few other buildings in the back. What are they used for?”
It was like a single block. On a square plot of land, a small chapel was built, and next to it were several buildings of unknown purpose. I had heard that this wasn't the only cathedral around.
Are the other cathedrals this empty too? Or is it just because Sister Esha is on duty?
“That is... the other brothers and sisters...”
“And?”
“They are not in the city right now... So, I am currently managing this cathedral alone...”
“Why? Where did they all go?”
Sister Esha hesitated for a long time, unable to continue. She gave an awkward smile and dodged the question. I didn’t pry any further, but it meant she was indeed alone for now.
“So you manage this entire chapel by yourself?”
“Yes... for now...”
“Until when will you be alone?”
“That... I’m not sure...”
It seemed there was some circumstance she couldn't talk about. Since she wasn't speaking, that much was obvious. To be honest, while the chapel wasn't exactly massive, it wasn't a size that could be managed by one person either.
If it were empty, I guess you could just scrub and sweep, but true to its name as a chapel, there were plenty of long benches and bookshelves lined up against the walls.
“How are you going to fix that?”
I pointed to a storage cabinet I had noticed when I walked in. The wooden plank supporting the bottom looked like it was struggling, and it was clearly at a height Sister Esha couldn't reach even on her tiptoes.
“Ah, I have this chair for that.”
“What the heck is this?”
It was a wooden box that looked like it had been roughly split and fashioned by a very unskilled carpenter. It wasn't even a chair, just a box, but seeing as she called it a chair, I guess she used it as one.
The finish was poor, with the corners being splintered and sharp. Feeling the surface, I figured if you sat on it wrong, you’d get a splinter in your butt.
“How is it? I made it myself.”
“Ah.”
“Most of the chairs in the cathedral are heavy and hard to move...”
I take back what I just said. It hasn't been three minutes, so it's fine. It’s got... character. You have a talent, Sister.
“Hmph. Well then, how do you manage the other buildings?”
“The slightly larger building is a warehouse... and the other one was a dormitory built for officials...”
“I guess you don't use the dormitory.”
“Yes... since I’m alone right now, I eat and sleep here...”
The building intended for the clergy's living quarters was currently abandoned. Because the warehouse wasn't being managed properly, she said rats were appearing. She had moved all the necessary tools and food into a room attached to the chapel.
“And how did you end up in debt?”
“I-I’m actually not sure. When I was dispatched here, there was already a lot of debt... and not long after, everyone who was here...”
“Everyone?”
“Ah, no. That’s... it’s nothing...”
“What on earth happened?”
After hanging her head for a few minutes, Sister Esha stroked her own arm and spoke.
“May Neratil’s blessing be with you hereafter. Please, you should head back now.”
“Pardon? Ah. No, wait.”
Sister Esha pushed me right out of the chapel. She quickly closed the doors and bolted them shut.
“Well, I’ll be.”
What the hell happened here?
* * *
“Hmm.”
“Brother, what are you thinking about?”
“Ah, you’re here, Tresha.”
“Ta-da! Look at this.”
“Hm? What is it?”
I was sitting at a table on the first floor of the inn, spacing out a bit, when Tresha returned from seeing Iris and showed me something.
It was Walter, who had grown large enough to be considered a sub-adult. Tresha placed a basket of apples into Walter’s talons and reached out.
“Walter! Give the apple basket to Brother!”
—Krrr!
As if he understood her words, Walter flapped his wings and handed the apple basket in his feet to me.
“Wow, Walter can even run errands now.”
“Right!? He’s much stronger than before, and he’s gotten smarter too!”
“I see, I see. But Tresha, haven't you learned any magic?”
Walter getting smarter and stronger was probably just because he was being fed and growing up. I sent her to a mage to learn magic, but I don't think I've ever seen her use any.
“Magic? Of course I learned some! Here, watch this.”
Tresha reached her hands forward, gave a loud shout, and opened the book she was carrying under her arm, beginning to mutter something like an incantation.
“Less Gravity!”
“Oh, what’s that?”
“Now, Brother! Try lifting me!”
“You?”
I stood up and hoisted Tresha into the air, and what do you know.
“Hmm, did you lose weight, Tresha?”
“No! I used magic to reduce my weight! It should be at least ten percent lighter!”
“Really? What do you use that for?”
“When Walter gets even stronger and I can use magic more precisely? Walter might be able to pick me up and fly!”
I see. It certainly would be convenient if Walter could carry me around. He’s a predator, so his flight speed is quite fast, and owls are known for their precise wing movements.
Seeing as he understands words well, he could become a great means of transportation if I just give him directions.
“Ah, and also. My master says you should come by soon.”
“I just woke up, and she’s already nagging me.”
Tresha receives training from Iris about three days a week. I think she said she went all three times this week, so it was about time I showed my face.
‘Ah, I should go see Ravi too.’
There are too many people I need to see regularly. It definitely wasn't like this until recently; why did I get so busy?
“Yoo Eon? Meal’s ready. Can you help me move the dishes?”
“Finally.”
It was Sera’s voice, her head peeking out from the kitchen. What a pleasant voice to hear. Following Sera into the kitchen, I saw three plates. What did she make so much of?
Just as I was about to pick up the plates with a grin, Sera grabbed my hand.
“Yoo... Yoo Eon.”
“Yes? What is it, Sera?”
“When... when are you going to have dinner with me...?”
“Ah.”
I should definitely make the dinner date with Sera a priority. I have to go to Ravi to ask about the skill research results, and I have to show my face to Iris. There’s also the practice session hosted by Delbaheim once a week.
There’s still quite a bit of time left, but I also need to coordinate schedules with Theodora.
“When would be good for you, Sera?”
“I... anytime is fine...”
“Then shall we go as soon as tomorrow?”
“To... tomorrow...?”
Looking at her expression, tomorrow seemed a bit difficult.
“Then the day after tomorrow?”
“The day after tomorrow... that’s good. Let’s have dinner together then...”
“Yes. Let’s do that.”
The dinner date with Sera was set for the day after tomorrow. I’ll have to quickly meet the others before then.
“Man, I can’t wait for this meat.”
After enjoying my meal slowly, I should go see Ravi for the first time in a while.
* * *
“What is this?”
“It-it’s me. Aven.”
“It clearly isn't. Where did you take Ravi? And calling me by my pseudonym, too.”
“Ack! W-wait! Last time...? Or the time before that...? You told me to call you Aven!”
“Did I? I don't really remember.”
“Yoo Eon! I even know your real name!”
It was my first visit to the Sateria Appraisal Office in a while. But the human Ravi was nowhere to be found.
“What on earth happened?”
“I went into the labyrinth for an investigation...”
“Good grief. So, what kind of skill is it exactly?”
On the desk sat a single white cat wearing a witch’s hat.
“I-I think it’s a Magic Cat skill.”
“A cat is a cat, but what’s a Magic Cat?”
“It’s a magical cat that can speak.”
“Amazing.”
It really was amazing.