4. Church
4. Church
An afternoon spent offering prayers—written as prayers but read as killing time appropriately—in the chapel.
Due to the high-ceilinged building structure, the interior is cool. And the multicolored light pouring through the stained glass below the ceiling naturally captivates the eyes.
After eating lunch, my stomach is full.
Naturally, I end up coming to the chapel like this to pass the time.
I found a suitable spot in the back row, sat down, and leaned back. With my clasped hands resting on my knees and my eyes closed, I probably looked quite convincing to others.
'...People's reactions are surprisingly positive, I hear.'
Just by me sitting here, the atmosphere around me feels strangely organized, so to speak. People would glance at me subtly even while offering their prayers.
And occasionally, like this,
"...The wise Mage-nim must have lived a much longer life than a humble one like me. Please, grant this old man, with not many days left, a glimpse of foresight...."
An elderly man who had been murmuring prayers softly in the seat next to me cautiously started a conversation.
Frankly, putting on the act of an old elf in front of such a grandfather pricks my conscience...
But unfortunately, consistency is necessary for everyone in matters like this.
I steeled myself and looked at the old man.
On the deeply wrinkled face of the elderly man, a sense of resignation lay like a shadow. But in his eyes, I could also faintly sense a glimmer of hope.
Perhaps it's because he's at an age where he reflects on his life, wondering if he can go to heaven or if he might fall into hell.
Unfortunately, this elf mage named Noah is an extremely ordinary petty criminal with only a flashy exterior, so the dazzling words the old man desires would be nothing but hollow.
However...
Even someone like me can assert one thing.
"...God exists. So, if you've lived without shame, you can go to heaven. I can assert that much."
"Ahh... O God...."
The fact that I opened my eyes in this world. Isn't that proof of God?
Although I've never encountered a god that often pops up without basis in isekai stories, that bastard god must be cackling right about now, watching my situation.
I don't know if my words were comforting, but the old man straightened his posture again and continued mumbling prayers toward 'His' cross.
Even if he has an ulterior motive, if he prays this diligently, perhaps God might answer him.
"......."
There are believers like this and believers like that.
And among them, there are also those like this.
"...Noah-nim, you were a believer of the church as well. I didn't expect to see you in a place like this."
"Be quiet in the chapel."
What do you mean, you didn't know.
This man who, without a moment's hesitation, plopped down in the seat next to me as soon as he entered the chapel.
It was Pavel, the owner of 'Silver Scales,' one of the major merchant guilds in Bellua.
He was also one of our good regular customers who occasionally entrusted us with magical matters or escort requests.
Not exactly likable, with a face full of greed—an extra's impression?
"Ahem."
Pavel pretended to be mindful of the surroundings and clasped his hands as if praying. Then, he subtly showed me a memo on the table.
[Why won't you accept this request? I can match the compensation to whatever Noah-nim desires. For this continental trade expedition, Noah-nim's magic is absolutely necessary!]
I flicked my hand dismissively.
The quick-witted Pavel immediately took out a fountain pen from his pocket and handed it to me. I drew lines on his memo and scribbled briefly below it.
[Impossible. No intention of leaving Bellua for long.]
Pavel's current request was a long-term trade expedition to neighboring countries. I heard that including round-trip time and local stay, it could be a long journey taking up to almost a year.
'Leaving home is a pain in the ass, why would I accept that?'
And though Pavel will never know, I've been sucking his money dry from both ends all along.
Saying it like this might sound strange.
This guy sitting next to me is also one of the long-time customers of 'that place.' He doesn't come often, but he's a good customer who occasionally comes and spends three, six gold coins at a time.
For reference, he's only rich. Premature ejaculator with a small dick.
From my perspective, he's a gullible customer I'd hate to see leave.
"......."
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring up a request I've already refused, especially here in church."
"...S-sorry. B-but Noah-nim. If you ever change your mind...."
"Move. I've lost the desire to pray any more today."
"......."
And feeling the subtle glances from around, Pavel eventually slumped his shoulders and stood up from his seat.
At my chin gesture, he turned his back and left the chapel. It's only natural that many people visit the church with all sorts of various purposes.
'Should I get up around now too.'
I immediately stood up and headed toward the front door of the chapel.
===
Day 2 of temporary church work.
I was given a small single room prepared within the orphanage. High Priest Irene apologized, saying, "I wish I could give you a bigger and better room, but as you know, the Bishop-nim..."
But for me, even this is more than I deserve.
It has a desk, decent ventilation, and a simple bed—good enough to sleep here if needed. I only came for free lunch and dinner, yet they even gave me a room like this.
Just as I was about to turn the doorknob, a clear child's voice came from behind me.
"...Mage-nim!"
Turning my head, a little kid who came up to my waist came scurrying over. Among the orphanage children, this one was particularly bright and energetic.
"Your name was... Nel, right?"
"Yes! It's Nel!"
The kid took out a sealed letter envelope from their pocket and held it out. Judging by the sealed stamp, it was quite a formal item.
"This! A pretty noona came earlier and said to definitely deliver it to Mage-nim!"
"...To me?"
"Yes!"
There probably aren't that many people who would go so far as to seal a letter just to send it to me.
I took the letter and slipped it into my sleeve.
Even after finishing the errand, Nel stood at attention, looking up at me with bright, eager eyes.
"...I only have candy."
"Candy is good too! Ah, I like everything except mint flavor!"
"......."
Well, that's unfortunate.
Because the only candy I have right now is mint flavor.
Nel made a pouty face, clutched the mint candy, and trudged back to the front yard.
'Back in my day, young folks actually raved about mint....'
I chuckled and turned the doorknob. Like this, the atmosphere here was better than I thought. Rather, it could be said to be full of vitality.
I strode into the room and sat down.
And immediately, I carefully examined the envelope Nel had handed me. Thick, good-quality paper. And a clear red stamp on the sealed part.
My eyebrow twitched slightly.
In Bellua, only one person uses this seal.
"Marian?"
It was a letter sent to me by Marian, not as the Marian of 'that place,' but as the 'daughter' of the lord of Bellua.
I suppose the connection between Marian and me exists in this way.
Carefully opening the envelope, there was a single letter with Marian's elegant handwriting, along with a familiar perfume scent.
[My noble Elf-nim. I heard the news. You entered the church to do good deeds, I hear. Is church life peaceful?]
[As a mage whom all look up to, how could I not praise you for doing exemplary work.]
"......."
Why is the introduction like this.
As the only person who knows my secret, Marian's praise like this only sounds sarcastic.
To simply explain the relationship between Marian and me,
It's the kind of relationship where we comfortably exchange vulgar jokes.
A woman who runs a brothel in secret despite being the lord's daughter.
A woman who works at a brothel because she wants to make money easily.
We're a perfect match, two of a kind.
[However... We've run into a bit of trouble, you see.]
[While you were away, a very pre~cious customer came looking for you and nearly turned the brothel upside down?]
"I told you I was taking a break because I was exhausted from the hero..."
[Ah! No need to worry about coming out here during your precious break!]
[Because the customer is actually from the church.]
[Since Noah-nim is also at the church, it works out perfectly. Why don't you crawl under Bishop Valerius's desk and give him a blowjob? That pig would be delighted, wouldn't he? It's what you'd call a business trip service.]
[If you're embarrassed, should I send you a mask?]
[P.S. 1. Received an advance of 3 gold coins plus extra for the trouble.]
[P.S. 2. 7 days is too long for a break.]
[Sent by Marian.]
"...That bastard bishop. He said he had no money to hire a teacher."
In summary, it was a letter telling me to take a proper break and come back out. Business trip service, my ass. I let out an incredulous chuckle.