Chapter 237: A place that’s nowhere (1/2)
It has been a while since the shrines (and Tamaki) have appeared in Asora.
I have done shrine visits once a day.
The change in atmosphere after passing through the shrine archway, the refreshing grounds; that silence that is detached from the sounds of life…is something special even in this world and Asora.
Also, the scent of the trees and the incense make me remember Japan and it makes me nostalgic, which is one of the reasons of my daily visits as well.
But it is not like I stay that long there, so I don’t know about the state of it at the other hours.
For the people that live in Asora, just how has the existence of a shrine taken form in them? I have been slightly interested in it.
That’s why I have been looking forward to seeing if Tamaki’s report has something regarding that.
“First of all, about the administration of the shrine: thanks to the direct request of Makoto-sama, all of the races have been helping out frequently. Most people would show there at least once, and now, even children come to play.” (Tamaki)
“Heh~.” (Makoto)
“The cherry blossom viewing event probably worked as a saving for the image of the shrine in Asora. That’s most likely the reason why they can go there with ease.” (Tamaki)
“As expected, it didn’t become a place where people gather because of faith huh. Sorry, Tamaki.” (Makoto)
It is a place where it has a Shinto shrine, a Buddhist temple, and a Parthenon temple, moreover, there’s a shrine maiden as well. And yet, it is being treated as a big public park, which makes me feel bad.
Tsukuyomi-sama, Daikokuten-sama, Susanoo-sama, Athena-sama; these place was created because of our connection with them after all.
But it is not like they are the Gods of Asora, and aside from me, there’s no one that has any familiarity with those names.
Well, it can’t be helped that it isn’t treated as a place to give prayers religiously.
If that’s the case, the divine vessel might starve for worship, so well, at that point, it should endure with my visits.
Does it even have a will? I don’t know if it gets hungry either though.
The divine vessel literally looks like a simple ball after all.
“Please don’t mind that. This is a place where races that didn’t even pray to the Goddess are gathered. Just because a place connected to Gods -they don’t even know about- appears, it would be strange if they immediately take it as a religious place.” (Tamaki)
“If it’s been taken as a resting place at the very least, does that mean it is doing well?” (Makoto)
“Yes. Also…Makoto-sama visits it everyday. Thanks to that, there have been a number of people that come to offer their prayers. The residents here are mostly people that naturally accept things and share their thoughts. Their compatibility with shrines is definitely not bad.” (Tamaki)
“I see. It is good that there have been people going to give their prayers.” (Makoto)
“Yeah. Temples and shrines don’t discriminate races, and the temple one has been expanded, so it is mostly being visited by the sea people. But…” (Tamaki)
“…Is there a problem?” (Makoto)
Honestly, I don’t want to hear about any problems regarding the shrine.
It would be one thing if they were not interested or they are treating it as air, but I wouldn’t be happy to hear that they are against it. This is just my personal opinion though.
“There’s no problem but…the target of their prayers is…uhm…” (Tamaki)
“Yeah, ‘the target is’…?” (Makoto)
“Makoto-sama.” (Tamaki)
“…Hah?” (Makoto)
Why did it turn out that way?
The ones that are enshrined there are different Gods (well, to be precise, Tamaki says that there’s only a mysterious divine vessel and there’s nothing like the divine protection of the Gods or their will in them though), and in the first place, I am not a God.
And I am no overlord either.
This is so unexpected that it just doesn’t make sense.
“…Kukukuku.” (Tomoe)
“Ara, that’s wonderful.” (Mio)
“I see. That’s how it turned out.” (Shiki)
Tomoe, Mio, and Shiki, muttered this with joy.
But it doesn’t seem like they find it strange.
Why?
In the first place, even if I am not always in Asora, I do come here often and they can totally talk to me and touch me as well. I’m totally a feudal lord.
“It probably means that for Asora, Makoto-sama is a living God, or something proportionate to that. It has been a while since this Tamaki here has seen a person that is a ruler, and yet, treated as a God. Moreover, the ruler himself doesn’t see himself in that way, but the people still treat him as a God.” (Tamaki)
“…”
“I have explained the manners and attitude they should take, but…in terms of the divine vessel I spoke about, just by giving their prayers is enough. Currently, it is a trifle matter, but if I had to say one concern of mine, this would be it.” (Tamaki)
“This is not trifle, it is incredibly concerning!” (Makoto)
“Ara~” (Tamaki)
“Can you please explain it well to them? Like seriously, please.” (Makoto)
“If it’s the order of Makoto-sama, I of course will handle it carefully.” (Tamaki)
“I am sure you will be able to explain it properly, so I am counting on you.” (Makoto)
This is no joke.
I am not such a splendid person to be prayed by at shrines.
Those kind of things are probably more fit for people that leave their mark in history.
…Ah, but well, in modern times, there have been people who have done great achievements like flood control which have been revered.
If I remember correctly, they were treated as living deities.
Both cases are way too disconnected from me.
It feels as if something incredibly heavy has fallen on my shoulders.
Sorry, please spare me.
“To persuade them will certainly be relatively hard though.” (Tamaki)
“Of course, I don’t think it will be solved only with words. Don’t worry.” (Makoto)
“That’s a relief. And so, regarding matters aside from the shrine.” (Tamaki)
“Yeah, how is it?” (Makoto)
“Sari and Ema are capable people, so the land and sea are working together perfectly. Even though the numbers have increased quite a lot, the disatisfaction of the residents in Asora is scarily low to the point of being surprising.” (Tamaki)