Volume 3 Chapter 148: Down the Mountain (1/3)

The next day.

“Thank you for cooperating with me late into the night yesterday.” [Guard]

“Thank you too for letting me spend the night here.” [Ryouma]

“It’s fine, don’t mention it. Here. The reward for those five bandits.” [Guard]

“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

After getting a small jute bag from the female guard, I walked away from the guard office at Kereban.

It was still early, so there were only a few people out in the street. The morning wind’s caress was a gentle chill on my body.

“Ha…” [Ryouma]

I kind of feel exhausted.

I had to go here and there last night… But thanks to that, I was able to find Pedro-san. I left him to the guards as soon as I got to Kereban, but his wounds were a lot less severe than I’d thought, and his life was no longer in danger when morning came. I’ve heard of the beast tribe’s strong vitality, but it’s a lot stronger than I’d expected.

That being said, he does need to rest for the time being, and it will take some time for the pain on his hips to go away… Still, as long as he’s alive, he can start over again. Or at least that’s what I heard from someone who happened to be present there.

As for me, I’m just glad that we were able to avoid the worst case scenario. He’ll probably struggle, but he has an acquaintance who would go out of his way to submit a search request, so I’m sure he’ll be fine.

“Oops…” [Ryouma]

I dropped the jute bag I had with me. As I grasped the fist-sized bag, the sound of silver coins resounded from inside.

If you capture bandits alive and hand them over, the monetary reward is 2,000 suits per person. Part of the reason why the reward is so high is because it’s dangerous work, but more than that, the bigger reason is to encourage adventurers to actively seek out bandits.

Speaking of which, the bandits will be made to undergo penal servitude and penal labor, so this reward is actually paid off by them. In other words, those guys I caught will be taken somewhere and made to live that sort of lifestyle.

They might have regretted their actions after finding out that Pedro-san is alive and is currently unable to move, thoug. Since they were awfully docile at the end there… I pray they’ll bee able to serve their prison term and make a successful return to society.

“…Hmm?” [Ryouma]

As I walked aimlessly, I passed by a building that resembled a church. It was about as big as the church in Gimuru, but it had a magnificent gate and had many decorations, such as curtains. Inside the lot was an old man dressed in clergy clothing. He was accompanied by five younger people who also seemed to be a part of the clergy. They were sweeping the premises. Yeah, this is probably a church.

…Come to think of it, the first time I came here, the guards told me that there’s a World-Creation Denomination and a God-of-Light Denomination here. Two different churches that worship the same gods.

I never paid much attention to it, but the church I went to in Gimuru was really simple. That church is probably a part of the World-Creation Denomination whose doctrines revolve around honorable poverty.

“Hey, you. Are you a lost child?” [Old Priest]

Oops.

Because I stared too long at the building, the old man started approaching me.

“Sorry, I’m not a lost child… Is this a church?” [Ryouma]

“Exactly. A church of the God-of-Light Denomination.” [Old Priest]

“Really? It’s my first time seeing such a spectacular church, so I was a bit taken aback.” [Ryouma]

“I see. I see. A church like this is strange, huh? …I know, if you don’t mind, why don’t you visit the chapel?” [Old Priest]

“The chapel?　But I’m a believer of the World-Creation Denomination.” [Ryouma]

“We both worship the same gods. The difference between sects is a trifle thing. The gods love us without distinction. You should pray if you have the time.” [Old Priest]

“…In that case, I’ll take you up on your offer then.” [Ryouma]

I don’t have anything urgent going on, and it’d be rude to refuse so firmly, so I decided to follow the guy.

We walked up the impressive stone stairs and toward a building with deep crimson carpet.

The church people we passed by greeted me with a smile.

“This is the chapel. Come, enter.” [Old Priest]

The door was opened. Polished brass candle-stands lined up in a row toward the altar of gods where their statues were. On either side of the path were long bench seats with unobtrusive coloring. That’s probably where the believers that come to visit the chapel are meant to sit.

But there’s no one here just yet.

“Come now. There’s no need to hold back. You may approach the altar.” [Old Priest]

I did as I was told and offered a prayer to a statue from the place nearest to it.

“…” [Ryouma]

Oh, it works even here?

It seems being a different denomination really didn’t matter.

As soon as I offered a prayer, I felt light covering me. But I’m so used to it now that it just makes me feel at ease…

“Welcome!” [Rurutia]

“Uoo!?” [Ryouma]

When I got to the divine realm, Rurutia immediately welcomed me. Moreover, the atmosphere suggested that they were expecting me. What’s going on? …To be honest, I just can’t keep up with the mood.

“Look, you two! A special guest has arrived!” [Rurutia]

“Two?” [Ryouma]

I turned to the direction Rurutia called out to. There, were 2 goddesses I didn’t know.

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