Laurel, the Temple Head of the Elisamil Temple in Mixen, was currently receiving a visit from the heads of two other temples.
Superficially, there was no hierarchical relationship between the Elisamil Temple and the other temples.
However, even among the Three Great Gods, there was a clear difference in the number of believers. Of course, compared to other gods, the Three Great Gods had a significantly larger number of believers. Among them, the Sun God, Elisamil, had one more step ahead in terms of believer numbers.
In a temple, the number of believers directly translates into power. Even if there’s no official hierarchy, the number of believers determines the power dynamics between temples. In important matters, it was customary to seek guidance from the Elisamil Temple.
However, the visit from the two temple heads this time was different from the usual.
“What… does this mean?” Laurel tilted her head at the proposal from the two temple heads.
“As we mentioned earlier. Our two temples have decided to officially recognize Kousuke, the ruler of Amamiya Tower, as an Avatar,” said Hiru, the Temple Head of Spica Temple.
“Well, the oracle is already known to the public, and the temple where he worships is inside the tower, so it’s almost meaningless,” added Gil, the Temple Head of Jamil Temple.
“Are you aware of what you are saying?” Laurel pressed.
“Of course,” the two replied in unison.
“We are the temples at the foot of the tower he rules. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t worship his god, is there?” Gil stated.
“Even if the main temple is the one in the tower, there’s no rule stating that other temples cannot worship him,” Hiru added.
In fact, there was already a movement among some adventurers to praise Kousuke as the god of adventurers. However, currently, the only temple where one could pray to this god was the temple in the tower. Even for adventurers, not many would use the costly Teleport Gate to go and pray each time. Since they were adventurers, they didn’t pray fervently, so there hadn’t been any dissatisfaction until now. This was why Laurel felt a slight sense of incongruity with their current proposal.
“What are you thinking?” Laurel asked.
“Oh? You, of all people, Laurel-dono, do not understand?” Gil’s question was unreadable.
Laurel let out a sigh and raised the white flag, admitting defeat. “I don’t understand. Why now, of all times?”
“Precisely because of this timing,” Gil replied.
When Gil mentioned “this timing,” Laurel thought of the announcement yesterday that Kenerusen’s Six Marquises had officially joined Crown. The movements, both overtly and covertly, had been completely undetectable. It was apparently carried out so quickly and secretly. As a result, the impact on the Central Continent was immense. The Six Marquises joining Amamiya Tower. The meaning of that was all too clear.
“Are… are you serious?” Laurel couldn’t bring herself to say the rest of the words.
“Oh, what are you referring to? As I said earlier, it’s natural to worship a god in a temple, isn’t it? Especially now that there’s an oracle. We have no right to be complained about,” Hiru’s reply was off the mark, but it also served as an answer. Gil, listening beside him, also smiled. Laurel sighed.
“Have the internal adjustments been made?”
“Naturally,” they both replied. Laurel was surprised by this. Honestly, she wondered when it had happened. There had been no sign of it. Seeing her expression, which reflected her thoughts, Gil smiled and said, “Even though we are one of the Three Great Gods, we have a foundation that readily accepts other gods. There was no significant resistance.”
“Did you properly convey the meaning of announcing this at this particular timing?”
“Of course. This is the conclusion after that,” Gil confirmed.
“Laurel-dono, to be frank, that Divine Power Summon was quite something to us,” Hiru said, causing Laurel to gently close her eyelids. Even now, she could immediately recall that event. In a sense, it could be said that the dream of the clergy came true at that time. The Three Great Gods had appeared together right before their eyes.
“I see…” Laurel murmured.
“We will leave what you decide entirely up to you,” Hiru stated.
“Regardless of what the Elisamil Temple decides, we will make the announcement,” Gil added. Laurel knew that anything she said now would be futile. More than that, she knew that even if she exercised her authority, it would only lead to backlash. Or rather…
“How much time can we have?” Laurel asked. The two exchanged glances and smiled at her question.
“We’d like to say ‘as long as you need,’ but unfortunately, if it’s too late, it will lose its meaning. So, as soon as possible, please.”
“I’ll do my best,” Laurel replied. Satisfied with her answer, the two stood up simultaneously. It seemed their business was finished. After all, they were both Temple Heads of their respective temples. Unless there was something extraordinary, they couldn’t be away from their temples for too long. Even after the two temple heads left, Laurel remained alone, lost in thought for some time.
***
Silvia visited the Executive Branch on the Fifth Floor, which was a rare occurrence. By the way, although it was rare, when the Crown or the Executive Branch had business with members of the Management Layer, it was handled by members of the Defreya Clan, who had a blood contract. Since only those who could be trusted were allowed into the Management Layer, that was how the response was managed.
“What is it?” Alex asked.
“I have a matter that is beyond my capabilities, so I’ve come to consult with you,” Silvia said, handing Alex a document as soon as she arrived. Alex, with a puzzled expression, accepted the document and read it.
“This is…”
“To be frank, I thought it would be better to speak with you, the ‘Shrine Maiden,’ before making a decision on our end,” Alex explained.
After a moment of thought, Silvia sighed and replied, “I believe you should let them do as they please.”
“Is that alright?” Alex questioned.
“We don’t have the authority to stop them in the first place. Unless it directly causes trouble for us,” Silvia replied.
“Hmm. What about the church factions on other continents?” Alex asked.
“There’s nothing they can do. They have even less authority to stop the three temples of Mixen than we do,” Silvia stated. After all, it was up to each temple to decide which god to worship. It wasn’t uncommon for the gods worshipped to change depending on the surrounding faith situation.
“Well, I understand what you’re concerned about, Alex-san, but I don’t think it will become a major issue?” Silvia said.
“Why is that?”
“Because if they act rashly, they risk incurring the wrath of the gods.” Silvia wasn’t referring to Kousuke here. She was talking about the gods, including the Three Great Gods. In a previous discussion Silvia had, she had thoroughly threatened them on that front. All she could do was pray that they wouldn’t do anything foolish. Alex could only offer a bitter smile at Silvia’s words.
“If that’s the case, then we’ll officially accept it.”
“Yes. More than that, I’ll handle the processing. It would be more effective that way,” Silvia assured.
“Is that alright?” Alex asked.
“Of course,” Silvia replied. For Alex, this was a matter that should have been handled by the Executive Branch. It was likely sent here because the main temple was not functioning, but this was far beyond their department. Since Silvia offered to handle it, Alex gladly handed over the document. After a single glance, Silvia quickly signed it and handed it back to Alex.
“Thank you for your help.”
“No. If there’s anything from the church side, please let me know as well, if possible.”
“Alright. I will,” Alex promised. Frankly, he was inwardly relieved by Silvia’s offer, as matters concerning avatars were often beyond his capabilities. In the end, as a result of the day’s exchange, the three temples of Mixen would begin worshipping the Avatar Kousuke.
Honestly, I wrote this, but I feel unsure if this story is necessary. From this point on, the direction of the temples and churches on the Central Continent will change.
