Chapter 31
Chapter 31
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 31
Chapter Title: Habitual Worship (2)
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I gazed down at the plan, sketched out like a complex blueprint, and murmured to myself.
"With this... the basic framework is in place."
It was the result of Yoanna's proposal, refined through our revisions.
The structure of the new organization we were establishing closely mirrored existing religious groups—in particular, it borrowed heavily from the old Christian system.
Of course, in this era, finding even a single follower of that faith was nearly impossible. But back in the modern world where I had lived, Christianity had been one of the dominant forces shaping society. That was proof of just how effectively its system had permeated human society and psychology.
Especially noteworthy were the rituals, sacraments, and worship procedures of Christianity, refined and organized over thousands of years.
According to Yoanna's explanation, such religious ceremonies weren't solely for the sake of the divine—they also served the participants. The repetitive rituals and events fostered a sense of belonging, strengthened communal bonds, and naturally internalized doctrine and faith.
Moreover, even though those ancient mega-religions had faded, their influence lingered deeply in the culture, making such practices familiar and readily accepted by many.
So it was only natural that our new base had been designed to resemble a cathedral or church.
"Here it is, Eve!"
Following Yoanna's guidance, we arrived at a building that had once served as a hideout for one of the gangs whose leaders had been wiped out in the previous commotion.
We could have used the church from the One Heart Society, but it was deemed unsuitable in every way—too many people had died there before.
So this abandoned gang hideout had been modestly renovated in the style of a church.
Pushing the door open carefully, I stepped inside to find it surprisingly well-appointed.
The central area had been transformed into a worship hall lined with long wooden pews, and at the far end stood a clean platform in place of an altar. The adjacent offices were likely intended for private prayer rooms or other uses.
As I toured this makeshift facility that had at least taken shape, the reality of what we were doing began to sink in bit by bit.
'Founding a church... of all things.'
Back in my original world, I'd lived a life with almost no connection to religion. I'd never seriously read the Bible, and my only memory of a church was tagging along with a pastor's son to play table tennis as a kid.
The idea that I—of all people—had to create and lead something resembling a religious organization felt utterly unbelievable.
I even muttered it aloud without realizing.
"Is this... really okay?"
Yoanna, standing beside me, turned to look.
"What's got you so worried, Eve?"
"Well..."
"Are you concerned people won't believe in our church?"
My worries weren't exactly that, but they were close enough, so I nodded quietly.
Yoanna spoke with unwavering conviction.
"You don't need to worry about that at all. Think about it. All the religions so far have demanded faith without proof. They've preached the existence of gods they couldn't show. That was the fundamental contradiction at the heart of every faith. But..."
Her eyes, steady without a flicker of doubt, locked onto mine.
"Your existence solves that problem perfectly. So don't worry. Soon, everyone in the world will worship you."
The girl who said this blushed and began to tremble faintly, as if lost in her own fantasy.
"........."
It was a sight I'd grown numb to over the past few days of planning discussions.
Yoanna's zeal often bordered on dangerous. We'd managed to temper her more radical ideas in advance, but there was still something excessive about it.
'How many times did I have to scale back her overly ambitious plans...'
Our plan was simply to create a small-scale local community disguised as a religion.
The main goal was to gather those who knew the secret of the miracles, not through coercive silencing, but by encouraging them to keep it voluntarily. A sudden influx of followers could make management impossible.
'Expanding the flock won't be as easy as it sounds, anyway.'
Some ominous premonition made me keep that part of the plan as conservative as possible.
Truth be told, there was a deeper reason I hesitated to aggressively recruit followers.
I myself wasn't fully convinced about the existence of this "Radiance."
Since arriving in this world and gaining the Saintess's powers, I'd prayed several times, but never once received a response.
So the idea that "Radiance" was granting me these powers remained mere speculation.
'Is anyone really watching over me?'
Building a church amid such doubts felt, in a way, like deceiving people.
Still, there was one consolation: through this new religion, we could help others.
Our relief efforts to take control of the district and win over the locals would appear as natural proselytizing, raising no suspicions.
For instance, using the slush funds secured from Ricardo to aid street residents still suffering from addiction, or deploying my abilities in unavoidable situations—the church would serve as effective cover.
If we could help people that way... even if it didn't start from pure faith, wouldn't it still have meaning?
I still didn't know if "Radiance" was truly the name of an existing god, or the source of my powers.
But if people believed in it, and followed our doctrines by showing small kindnesses to one another, finding even brief respite from harsh reality... then religion could have a positive impact on the world.
For now, that would have to be enough.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ We were touring the newly renovated cathedral interior under Yoanna's guidance when something in the open worship hall caught my eye—tools seemingly prepared for a ritual.
A crystal basin filled with clear water, pristine white cloth, and a miniature white marble fountain.
Yoanna noticed my gaze and explained proudly.
"It's a baptismal font. New members joining the church will receive baptism here and become followers of the Radiance Church."
She paused to catch her breath before continuing.
"Baptism is originally a Christian rite using water, but it carries great symbolic meaning: being accepted into the community and reborn in the name of the divine. Even if nothing else, I thought referencing the formal entry ritual was fine. These ceremonies help solidify believers' sense of belonging."
Yoanna gently traced the rim of the crystal basin with her fingertips.
Her touch was like caressing a priceless treasure.
"So the first baptism you'll perform, Eve, will be a monumental historic event—the very start of our church."
'I-is it that big a deal...?'
I thought that inwardly, but her passionate, earnest expression made me simply nod.
Thrilled by my response, Yoanna beamed with anticipation.
"Which means, the protagonist of that first baptism will naturally be..."
"It should be me."
At the unexpected interruption, Yoanna's bright expression froze cold.
"...?!"
The voice belonged to Esty, who had been shadowing us silently like a ghost.
Yoanna glared at the intruder without hiding her displeasure.
"......What makes you say that, Esty?"
Her face radiated icy chill, but Esty met her gaze steadily, unflinching.
"Because I met Eve first and have served at her side the longest. Doesn't that qualify me as the first believer?"
The air in the worship hall turned frigid in an instant.
After a brief silence, Yoanna fired back indignantly.
"Does time even matter? If we're going by that, I was the first to witness Eve's deeds! And above all, I prepared this church, this cathedral—everything here!"
Esty didn't blink at the outburst.
"Of course, I wouldn't dismiss Yoanna's efforts. But this organization's foundation is Eve's safety and upholding her will. I've performed that role the longest and closest. Form is important, but true faith and devotion to protect and lead it come first."
"Urgh...! Are you saying my faith is lacking?!"
Invisible sparks flew between them. Esty remained calm but unyielding; Yoanna bristled like a blade, glaring fiercely.
'What in the world...'
I couldn't hide my bewilderment. It was utterly unforeseen.
'Yoanna, sure, but Esty too...?'
I'd never imagined her fixating on something like this.
Esty, who always concealed her emotions and preferences, showing such desire was profoundly unfamiliar.
A side of her I'd never seen.
'Is baptism order really worth this much fight...?'
But neither showed any sign of backing down.
After a tense standoff, both turned to me simultaneously.
"Eve."
Their voices overlapped perfectly.
"Yes?!"
Esty spoke first, firm and resolute.
"Please decide. Who is more fitting as your first."
Yoanna shouted just as fiercely.
"Choose, Eve!"
The sudden spotlight left me flustered.
"W-well..."
Normally, I'd side with Esty, who'd handled every dirty job for me without complaint.
But for this new church, Yoanna's contributions—from planning to groundwork and execution—were undeniable.
It was an impossible choice.
Their piercing stares grew more oppressive the longer I hesitated.
"Uh... umm..."
Stuck between those sharp gazes, I finally mustered a decision only after what felt like an eternity.
"My thoughts are—"