Adventurer Life with Exiled Daughter

Chapter 34

The Church, it is a group that claims to be servants of God.

Their doctrine is just one thing.

Save the weak.

Truly, that's all there is to it.

And they are faithful to that doctrine.

You could say that applies to everyone, from top to bottom.

Of course, factions form in any group, but their factions are based on how to help the weak, which shows their unwavering commitment.

Saving the weak is something they do earnestly and with full force; they have churches everywhere in every country, their network is strong, and their support from the common people is immense.

They are far removed from secular power, and from the lowliest priest or sister to the highest ranks, they are a group of magic masters striving to perfect the divine art of magic.

From the perspective of the royal family or nobles, they aren't exactly a favorable group, but their existence brings more benefits than drawbacks.

They actively engage in helping the weak according to their doctrine, and from the viewpoint of the royal family or nobles, if they do it on their own, it's welcome.

The fact that the Church has no interest in secular power also works in their favor.

So, the Church and those in power have maintained a relationship of mutual respect but generally non-interference for many years.

Well, of course, when it came to planning the assassination of the Priestess of Light, talk of non-interference went out the window.

*

I barely managed to hold back a click of my tongue.

Hekatai is a large city.

I cursed myself for naively thinking that if I avoided the Church, I wouldn't run into them so easily.

The sister approached us in a fluster, clutching a large, bulging paper bag.

I'd prefer to ignore her and leave the shop, but no matter how I think about it, that's going to be difficult.

"You're the Longdagger couple, right!"

The sister said, peeking her face out from behind the paper bag.

I almost wanted to say she had the wrong person, but for some reason, Erika smiled and replied that it was us.

The sister placed the paper bag on the counter and bowed her head politely.

"Thank you so much for that time; thanks to you, both I and the village were safe."

"No, we just completed the request."

The sister smiled at my response.

I had intended to reply as curtly as possible, but was there something in it worth smiling about?

"Yes, just a request from a mere girl, right?"

I clicked my tongue inwardly at the sister's reply.

If she knows the circumstances, then of course, someone from the Church would think that way.

Adventurers who fulfilled a girl's plea without charge.

Having the Church remember us favorably brings no benefits to us.

In fact, I'd rather they just forget about it.

I racked my brain for a way to end this conversation and get away, but a voice interrupted from the side.

"Shara, sorry to interrupt when you're so excited, but shouldn't you at least introduce yourself?"

No, we're not excited.

Tepe said this while checking the contents of the paper bag on the counter.

Her attitude was quite casual, so they must be acquaintances or something.

Maybe even friends.

"Ah, my apologies. My name is Shara Lansra. As you can see, I'm a sister. Thank you very much for saving me and the village from danger the other day."

Finishing her introduction and thanks in one go, Shara looked at us with sparkling eyes.

What's this about? I wondered inwardly, only to receive an elbow jab from Erika standing beside me.

That's when I realized.

"I'm Shin Longdagger, and this is my 'wife,' Erika Longdagger. As you can see, we're adventurers. So, that was just work, don't worry about it."

I returned the introduction with the basic courtesy I had forgotten, though I'd rather have left without giving my name.

Honestly, I still didn't want to say it.

I could have given a fake name, but no, that'd probably cause trouble later.

Well, introductions are done, and the sword restocking is finished, so let's get out of here quickly.

"Are you all right with your injuries?"

Just as I thought that, Erika continued the conversation.

"Yes, thanks to you, I was able to receive treatment slowly."

"What, Shara, you were injured?"

Shara nodded at Tepe's surprised voice.

"Yes, I was attacked by three Golden Ogres on my way to treat injured villagers."

"You're lucky to be unharmed!?"

"Yes, I was saved by the Longdagger couple over there."

Tepe made a thoughtful face for a few moments.

"You two defeated three Golden Ogres on your own?"

She asked hesitantly, and when I nodded, Tepe clutched her head and looked up at the ceiling.

"Damn it! I should've charged more!"

What an honest person. Isn't she actually unsuited for business?

No, maybe she's aware of that, which is why she uses this kind of unique sales approach.

Ah, I get it now, I thought, coming to an understanding.

The reason Shara knew about the request from the girl must be because she was called to the village to treat that father.

The Church and the Adventurer's Guild have a good relationship since both claim to protect the weak.

I'd rather avoid being remembered too favorably, though, since it might lead to specific requests from the Church.

"By the way, is your business here taken care of?"

Erika said, glancing at the paper bag on the counter.

Oh, nice, this could create a flow to leave the scene.

We shouldn't interrupt their business, after all.

"Oh, right, Tepe."

Shara turned her body toward Tepe.

Good, now I can casually slip out of the shop.

"I've brought the repair items for the orphanage as requested."

The moment I heard the word 'orphanage.'

I realized my plan had crumbled pathetically.

"Orphanage... you say?"

Erika asked in a murmur.

Ahh, of course it'd turn out like this.

I kept my expression blank, careful not to let my gaze drift far away.