LIGHTNOVELWORLD Episode 48
Chapter 48
“This is the largest church in this city.”
Three days after deciding to visit the church, I arrived in front of the largest church in Baltzfeld with Alshade, Orto, Vivian, and a few soldiers as escorts.
Man, I’ve used this place a few times in the original world, so standing here in person brought a sense of nostalgia.
“I thought it was big, but it’s even bigger up close.”
The church building, while not as grand as the Baltzfeld family mansion, was clearly larger than the other buildings, so it was clear from the mansion where it was.
Its exterior featured a distinctive design with a spire topped by a bell, extending from the center of the building. The building had white walls and a blue roof. Aside from the absence of crosses, there were symbols resembling halos in various places. While it departed from the image of a church in my previous life, it still held a resemblance.
“It’s quite different from the church in the slums, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, you can say that. I can’t even guess how many times bigger this is.”
I nodded in agreement with Alshade’s words.
“Well, this church is a branch of the Comprehensive Church in Baltzfeld territory, while the one in the slums was mainly focused on the graveyard.”
Alshade mentioned the Comprehensive Church. It is the name of the organization operating churches in this world. They don’t worship a specific god but believe in all gods except the evil ones. Their main activity is to mediate disputes between religions.
It seems that when conflicts arise between different religions, divine intervention by the gods themselves or their apostles eventually leads to severe consequences, so the first emperor of the Wildia Empire established this long-standing organization as a buffer.
It’s somewhat akin to a parent stepping into children’s squabbles – ‘Come on, gods, show some restraint.’ Despite thinking this, recalling Milo’s personality makes it quite understandable.
As I was pondering these things, Alshade peered into my face.
“Is something wrong?”
“Oh, no, it’s nothing. I was just recalling what the Comprehensive Church is all about.”
“Hmm, well, never mind that. More importantly, do you have a god you believe in, Rio?”
“…No, I don’t.”
Well, if I had to say, it might be Milo since the artifact is embedded in my soul and I’ve been reincarnated, but I wouldn’t really say I have strong faith.
“‘I see, well, that’s fine.'”
“Why did you ask such a thing?”
When I asked her that question, she had a somewhat relieved expression. She leaned in closer to my ear, wearing a slightly serious look, and whispered softly.
“Rio might already know this, but in this country, many people worship the gods of the World Tree. And, the head of this church is one of the most devout followers among them… maybe a bit too devout, to the point of disdain for followers of other religions.”
The gods of the World Tree likely refer to the gods of Norse mythology.
It’s fine if he’s devout, but I hope he doesn’t push it onto others.
No, more importantly, as a member of the Comprehensive Church, isn’t he in the wrong?
“…Is it okay for someone from an organization that mediates between religions to behave like that?”
“…Internal factionalism within the Comprehensive Church has been a long-standing issue. It’s a relief they don’t openly engage in conflict. If it were to escalate into a war among the gods themselves, it would be far more than just troublesome.”
Saying this, Alshade shrugged.
Well, the factional conflicts within the Comprehensive Church have often played a role in the main story and side quests in the original, so I was aware of it
I used to find this entertaining as an event in my past life, but dealing with it directly is way more of a hassle than I expected.
“It’s a hassle… but, isn’t it okay if I just don’t mention the god I have faith in?”
“Not quite. This church head usually starts by asking newcomers about the god they believe in… It’s not like you can lie about the god you believe in.”
“That guy is such a pain!”
In a world where gods actually exist, falsely claiming the name of a deity might indeed invite divine retribution.
Taking advantage of that situation would be rather unscrupulous.
I’ve never met the church leader, but I already don’t want to meet them
“You don’t have to make such a displeased face. Despite being persistent in recruiting, he’s a kind priest even to those without a god… although his recruiting can be a bit relentless and annoying.”
“…Looks like I’ll just have to endure.”
I swallowed the sigh I was about to let out as I looked at Alshade, who was smiling wryly.
“Sorry, it’s just that if we avoid meeting, it might seem suspicious and lead to unwarranted suspicions” Alshade apologized.
“Alshade, you don’t need to apologize for that.”
While Alshade looked apologetic, her judgment was undoubtedly correct.”
Saying I don’t want to meet them here would be selfish.
Well, there’s practically no real harm, so let’s just go with the flow.
“Thanks. Alright, let’s go.”
With Alshade’s words as a signal, the guards started walking, and we approached the entrance of the church, surrounded by them.
At the entrance, besides the gatekeeper, there was another man who clearly seemed to be waiting for us.
“We’ve been expecting Lady Alshade and her esteemed entourage.”
As we got closer, the man courteously bowed and spoke.
The man was dressed in a white-themed ceremonial robe, a garb that clearly marked him as someone from the church.
“Hello, Archbishop Feralt. It’s delightful that the head of the church would personally welcome us.”
“My apologies for the inconvenience. Given any lapse of respect toward Lady Alshde would be a grave matter, I shall also serve as your guide.”
“Got it. We’re counting on you today.”
The man Alshade addressed as Archbishop Feralt, was undoubtedly a representative of the church, and moreover, the head of the church.
With a serene smile and a gentle countenance, he didn’t seem like someone who would disdain followers of other religions.
People say appearances can be deceptive, but religion clearly holds such a powerful influence that it can change a person.
It’s understandable that religious conflicts persisted even in my previous life.
While Alshade conversed with Archbishop Feralt in an outward manner, her demeanor and tone were different from usual, causing a significant sense of dissonance.
Perhaps due to this dissonance, I felt uneasy and restless internally, so I started wanting to finish the business sooner and head back.
“…Your purpose today was to confirm the blessing for the knight appointed by Lady Alshade, correct? Who might this knight be?'”
“Allow me to introduce him. My knight, Rios.”
“…As I’ve been introduced. My name is Rios. Pleased to meet you.'”
In response to Alshade’s introduction, I stepped forward before Feralt and executed a courteous bow, using the manners I had hastily learned during the past three days of practice.
“That’s quite polite… I am Feralt. By the way, Lord Rios, do you have any gods you believe in?”
There was a glint of sharpness behind Feralt’s kindly narrowed eyes, but I delivered the safe answer I had prepared for this question.
“No, not particularly… If I had to say, I believe in all the gods except the malevolent and wicked ones.”
“Hoho, that’s wonderful. I, personally, have a strong faith in the gods of the World Tree, especially Odin-sama—”
“Sorry, but I’d appreciate it if we could discuss that some other time. Right now, I’m eager to learn about his blessing.”
“Oops, my apologies. Please follow me.”
As soon as it became clear that I didn’t specifically worship a particular god, Feralt, who had started speaking rapidly, almost leaning forward to explain his own faith, was interrupted by Alshade.
This seemed to calm him down, and he regained his composure, offering us a warm smile and leading us into the church entrance.
…Orto and Vivian seemed content to take on the roles of guards and attendants, so it looked like I would have to rely on Alshade again if a similar situation arose.
Suppressing the sigh that almost escaped, I followed Feralt’s lead.
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