kscans

Chapter 210 - Servants of the Gods (Part 2), or An Unknown Patron

The scene changes. This is the church after Yuri's departure.

"Priest-sama! Did you use the appraisal crystal for free again?!"

"W-well, you see, an innocent child received the blessing of Lady Anatea. I thought I should at least give them an appraisal certificate as a congratulatory gift."

"It's because you say things like that that our operating costs are always in the red! Do you have any idea how much I struggle?!"

"N-no, I have never forgotten my gratitude to you, Sister Aruta."

"If you understand, then please think a little more about our income!"

The sister berating Priest Naudo was named Aruta, and she was the de facto head of this church, managing its operations. Priest Naudo was a man of character, and many admired his virtue, but in this world, one cannot get by on virtue alone. The one who fought a lonely battle day after day to navigate this world was this Sister Aruta, who was recognized as the church's shadow master.

Let's take a moment to explain the church in this town.

In this world, not only do multiple gods actually exist, but they frequently display their divine power. Therefore, the existence of the gods is never doubted, and there is no room for monotheism to be established. Thus, a situation where various religions compete for supremacy does not occur. A rather lenient form of faith, where it was up to the individual to decide which god to believe in, had spread.

The churches that existed under such a religious view were places of prayer to each god, as well as places that taught morality to the people. At the same time, the church also served as a meeting place and a shelter for the people of the town or village. A church that served such social functions naturally also came to have the character of a clinic and an orphanage. In short, it came to bear almost all of the social welfare functions of that town or village single-handedly. Inevitably, it became impossible to leave the management of the church to a single clergyman, so in addition to the priest, or in some cases a bishop, as the head of the clergy, monks and sisters resided permanently in the church, diligently carrying out their duties of medical care and caring for orphans. Under these circumstances, not only the lord, but also each guild and wealthy merchants could not ignore the church, and they began to provide both tangible and intangible support. In the case of the orphanage in particular, there was also the aspect of nurturing and securing human resources, so donations and aid from these wealthy classes were considerable, but...

"Lately, the number of refugees from the neighboring country has increased, so the funds we can allocate to the children have been decreasing. What are you doing, letting an opportunity for cash income slip away!"

That was the situation.

"W-well, this time, the child actually made a proper donation."

"You got money?"

"Y-yes."

"Hand it over."

"Yes."

How could a mere priest defy the order of Sister Aruta, who was also known as the church's Minister of Finance? Priest Naudo obediently handed over the leather pouch, but...

"Priest-sama! Wait, this is...!"

"Gold coins?"

"There are five of them! Five gold coins!"

Yuri, who was making a fortune from various materials, would have been happy to pay a little more, but Adon and Old Man Audel had warned him not to make conspicuous bulk purchases.

"With this, we can pay our debts. Thank heavens."

Sister Aruta was piously thanking God, but suddenly she turned around with a fierce intensity.

"W-what is it, Sister Aruta?"

"Priest-sama, who is this child who gave you this?"

Anyone, not just Sister Aruta, would be curious. But...

"I-I don't know. I didn't ask for their name or anything."

"You let such a big fish get away without even asking for their name?!"

"N-no, Sister. For a servant of God to treat a believer like a valued customer is..."

"Be quiet! Taking care of orphans, patients, and refugees requires money. If God's wrath is to fall, then I alone will accept it! Find that child, no matter what!"

Under Sister Aruta's strict orders, it would be a little while later that the boy in question was found to be an acquaintance of Eto.