Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 208. The Freeman And The Archbishop Again

At the headquarters of the Earth Mother Goddess Aigas Church, I finished my interview with the Pope.

Even though it’s not on a mountain, why is it called “headquarters”?

Probably the translation ability I received from Merhes is translating things in a way that’s easy for me to understand.

While returning to the inn with Cherina, Eutis, and Faf (the church provided a carriage for the return trip), I took out the remaining holy seal and fiddled with it.

“Divine trees… have either of you heard of them?”

“No, I haven’t.” 

Cherina said, pulling out a wooden holy seal of the same shape from her chest.

It’s quite large, but it fits… somehow.

“I know a little…”

“Can you tell me what you know?”

“Yes. I don’t know the location, but I’ve heard that there are places called sanctuaries owned by the church, and some of the trees that grow there are divine trees that harbor a small amount of divine power.”

“Divine trees in sanctuaries… like shrines?”

“Shrines?”

“Ah, it’s like a church from the country I was born in. The culture is different, so there’s quite a gap.”

“I’m a little interested.”

“Please forget about it.”

I ended up making Eutis unnecessarily curious.

“For some reason, that holy seal was made from a divine tree, which is why that arrogant Ramasainos suddenly changed his attitude.”

“Probably. If you’re an important person, you might be able to consecrate it, right?”

“I see.”

Well, there’s no point in thinking too deeply about that.

When we arrived at the inn, we surprised the people around us. Don’t mind it.

While receiving some strange looks, we decided to rest on the first floor of the inn and ordered some drinks.

“Oh! You’re back! Can we talk about that carriage deal right away?”

Of course, it was Aggai from the Alabant Trading Company.

Was he waiting for us or something?

“Ah, Aggai, right? Sorry, but I’m not planning to sell that carriage…”

“Ah, I understand. How about starting with a deal that doesn’t involve the carriage?”

At that moment, the bar area buzzed slightly.

Probably because they were all merchants, and being offered a deal by the top trading company on the continent was like a dream come true for them.

It’s true that my funds are running low, so doing business might be an option…

But the thought of selling something rare to the top trading company on the continent made my stomach churn.

“Sorry, but I’m not planning to do business in this town.”

“What? Then at least sell me that carriage… of course, not just for money, but I’ll provide a replacement carriage too!”

“That’s not the issue. I can’t sell it. Please understand.”

“Hmm. You’re surprisingly good at driving a hard bargain. No, it’s obvious that I want it that badly. Hahaha!”

Don’t “hahaha” me!

I glanced at Cherina for help, but she returned a complicated expression.

A little concerned, I whispered to her so Aggai couldn’t hear.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, I understand that the carriage can’t be sold, but isn’t it a waste to throw away the opportunity to do business with the Alabant Trading Company?”

“Ah, I see. I understand Cherina’s feelings as a merchant, but think about my position. Nothing good will come of it.”

“Well, that’s true.”

Cherina gave a wry smile.

I see, as a member of the Verriero Trading Company, she wants to maintain the connection.

But…

“Sorry. Even if we were to do business, I’d need some preparation time. If I started doing business without thinking, I’d definitely mess up.”

“True. The other party is the Alabant Trading Company, after all.”

“So please understand.”

“I wasn’t opposing it.”

“Thanks.”

After finishing my private conversation with Cherina, I was about to refuse Aggai’s offer again when the bar area buzzed once more.

What’s going on? I looked up and saw dozens of men in splendid priestly robes standing at the entrance of the inn.

For a moment, I thought the people accompanying the carriage had returned, but their robes were different from those of the Aigas Church.

“Pardon the interruption. May I have a moment?”

“Isn’t this the Archbishop? It’s been a while.”

“Ah, it’s been too long, Mr. Aggai. Are you well?”

“Yes, Archbishop, it’s good to see you in good health.”

“It seems you’re in the middle of a business discussion, but may I have a moment of your time?”

“That’s fine, but…”

The man Aggai called the Archbishop turned his gaze to me.

“Excuse me. I am Fos Ineodoros, a bishop of the Sun God Heolis Church. Are you Akira, by any chance?”

“Eh? Ah, yes.”

I see, there’s a sun emblem on his robe.

But if he’s an Archbishop, he must be quite an important person, right?

“I apologize for the sudden visit. I received word from the Sevites Church and came to inquire about you, Akira.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Yes. According to the letter from Sevites, you are planning to visit the headquarters of the Atlantia Empire. As a token of gratitude, I would like to invite you to our church.”

“The Archbishop of the Heolis Church himself?”

It wasn’t me who muttered that, but Aggai.

Listening closely, the onlookers were saying similar things.

“Hey, who is that guy?”

“He’s being eagerly offered a deal by the Alabant Trading Company, and now the Archbishop of the Heolis Church is visiting him personally?”

“Is he some kind of prince?”

“But he doesn’t look like any race I’ve seen.”

“Idiot, that’s why I said he might be a prince from some small country.”

“Ah, I see.”

Stop making me a royal.

As I scratched my head and was about to refuse, I reconsidered.

If I handed over the holy seal here, maybe I wouldn’t have to go all the way to Atlantia. Plus, I could escape from Aggai.

“Ah… then just for a little while.”

“Oh! Thank you! I’ve prepared a carriage outside, so please come this way!”

“I have companions.”

“Of course, everyone is welcome!”

“Then I’ll take you up on your offer. Oh, Aggai, that’s why I’ll be leaving now.”

“Ah, yes. It’s a direct invitation from the Archbishop, after all. We’ll talk later.”

“No, I’d like to end the discussion here.”

“Hahaha!”

This guy’s hopeless, I need to do something…

Anyway, we got on the carriage to escape from Aggai.

While reintroducing ourselves on the carriage, we arrived at the church.

Although it couldn’t compare to the Aigas Church headquarters, it was still a huge church.

In situations like this, should I shout something like “Long live the whatever!”?

Since I was with the Archbishop, the highest-ranking person, we were taken straight to the audience room without stopping.

After Archbishop Fos expressed his gratitude again, we got down to business.

“I’ve heard the rumors. That you, Akira, are a new apostle of God.”

“No, I think you’re probably mistaken.”

“No, no. Since ancient times, only apostles or shrine maidens have been able to hear the voice of God.”

Shrine maidens, huh?

I can only think of the red and white shrine maiden outfits.

“That’s why I have a request for you, Akira.”

“A request?”

I have a bad feeling about this.

“Yes. I would like you to accompany us to the Atlantia Empire and meet with the Pope.”

I knew it.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and shook my head.