Chapter 116: Asama’s Excuses
The looting activities by the expanding Neo-Homotestants, which engulfs the impoverished masses, continue in the central part of the imperial capital.
The desperate citizens of the capital, trapped in extreme social chaos, must be yearning for something to hold onto. If there were symbols like Archbishop Nicholas, even the destitute, who have nothing left to lose, would gather.
And there is nothing to stop the new cult that has gained religious legitimacy.
The soldiers who should maintain order are already absent from the capital, and the new emperor seems not only to tolerate but even encourage the Neo-Homotestant festivities.
「Herman, what’s with that strange cloth?」
「That’s the holy visage cloth. It’s said to be a miracle caused by the Archbishop, with the face of Asama appearing on the fabric.」
The bare priest with an ankh around his neck looked at the holy visage cloth he held up on a pole like a flag and couldn’t help but laugh.
The black charcoal pattern on the linen might vaguely resemble the goddess’s face if you looked closely, but it reminded me of a Rorschach test.
My laughter was because, with all due respect, the supposed holy visage of Asama emerging from the fabric looked like a comical mask.
I don’t know what Asama’s actual face looks like, but it’s often described with this kind of puffy appearance. The depiction of Asama in ‘The White Tower of Trials’ was equally absurd. 「Seriously, is Asama okay with this? Just letting it happen…」
As I muttered for what felt like the umpteenth time, Archbishop Nicholas, who had been fervently giving a speech, suddenly grimaced and bent forward.
In the blink of an eye, large silvery wings sprouted from his back.
The crowd exclaimed, 「Oh! A miracle has occurred!」 and 「It’s the descent of the Holy Goddess Asama!」.
I had a very bad feeling.
「Sorry, Herman, but I’m running away.」
I dashed off, but it was already too late.
Just as I had predicted, a naked man with only fig leaves covering him with silver wings flapped toward me.
The revered Saint Nicholas, who can even certify a first-class hero, possesses the ability to manifest silver wings through holy magic.
However, seeing him using the wings normally, instead of shaking his crotch to fly, it must mean that Asama has already descended, and that person is no longer Archbishop Homo.
Although I managed to avoid the detection of Saint Nicholas, the stealth effect of his black robe was ineffective against the Holy Goddess of Creation.
Of course, the hero’s dash ability would not work on Asama as she’s the one who bestowed that power.
Refusing to give up, I fled desperately. However, my arm was seized firmly, and I was lifted into the air by Asama who had descended upon Archbishop Nicholas.
「Ah, my apologies, Asama!」
「Ah, yes, testes. I am currently speaking through the body of Saint Nicholas. Can you hear my voice, Hero Takeru?」
Realizing that the situation was quite obvious, I raised the hood of my black robe.
「It has been a while since we last met. I am most honored to see you again, Asama. I can hear you. Please proceed.」
「Very well. I descended to provide a brief explanation, as there seems to be a misunderstanding.」
Listening carefully, I realized I was being cautioned not to say anything unnecessary.
Yet, shouldn’t we be more concerned about other individuals, such as Ria or Nicholas, rather than me??
「By the way, can you also hear my thoughts?」
「Indeed. I couldn’t remain silent due to the misunderstanding. It also happened that a suitable vessel—Saint Nicholas—was nearby.」
However, the visual of Asama inhabiting Archbishop Nicholas’s body was rather absurd.
While Nicholas had fair skin and a well-proportioned face, the presence of a goddess within him only intensified his homoeroticism.
「Hero Takeru, I just told you that I can hear your thoughts.」
「My apologies.」
「Well, it’s fine. Even a goddess cannot stop someone’s thoughts. Considering the limited time I can stay here, don’t get all too mushy mushy on me.」
Once again, Asama subtly mixed in broadcasting industry jargon.
Although I’m tempted to retort, I’ll refrain. I heard Asama liked to kick ass.
「Umu, you seem to immediately understand what I’m talking about. You’re quick to the point, Takeru.」
「I am honored by your compliments.」
「Allowing Archbishop Nicholas’s rampage to continue serves a purpose. Unfortunately, the New Cult’s naked festival and controlled looting are the optimal solutions to address this chaotic situation.」
「Are you saying the naked festival is optimal?」
「In the besieged capital, pain, suffering, grief, lamentation, resentment, wrath, fury, hatred, treachery, despair—every form of malevolence abounds. The frustration of the desperate populace is on the verge of explosion, and we need a release valve.」
「I see. It makes sense.」
「Indeed. The unruly frenzy of the dispossessed is challenging even for a goddess. Archbishop Nicholas orchestrates the naked festival to channel the pent-up energy of the people into peaceful release. While looting isn’t ideal, it’s better than descending into chaotic mass slaughter. The starving masses and complacent merchants share some responsibility, and regardless of the process’s darkness, the act of giving is inherently virtuous.」
「No need for excuses. I understand.」
As a ruler and general as I presently am, one sometimes must make ruthless decisions.
In other words, sacrificing one to save ten.
「Apologies for my inadequacy as a powerless goddess. While Archbishop Nicholas vents through the naked festival, I also need Hero Takeru’s assistance to swiftly resolve this situation. I am not in any way in favor of believers fighting amongst themselves.」
「It’s challenging even for a goddess.」
「Also, I want to clarify that I never told any followers to ‘get naked’!」
「I know.」
Suddenly, Archbishop Nicholas stumbled and sat on the church roof. It seems Asama has departed.
「Fu fu fu….」
「Are you all right, Nicholas?」
I’m unsure whether I should be hostile or sympathetic toward him. Dealing with Nicholas always leaves me uncertain.
「Ha ha ha! At last, Asama has descended upon me!」
「Uh, yes.」
Archbishop Nicholas remained seated, tears streaming from his eyes.
「Hero Takeru, do you understand? Asama’s descent upon a male saint is an unprecedented achievement. Despite our historical conflicts due to differing ideals, I shall forgive everything today.」
「Ah, I appreciate that.」
I’m not one to celebrate being embraced by a sweaty, naked man.
I’ll need to wash this black robe later.
-0-
I manage to push away the tearful Archbishop Nicholas, who clings to me.
Dealing with Asama Church members is always challenging.
「By the way, Hero Takeru, why are you dressed so strangely?」
「Don’t call it strange! I’m infiltrating enemy ranks, obviously—engaged in covert operations!」
Upon further inquiry, it appears that the New Cult is indeed collaborating with the Fist Emperor. The New Germania Empire consists of the Fist Emperor’s army, the New Cult, and the peasant rebels—a three-way political situation.
「After the Golden Lion Emperor Freed, you are now a close aide to Fist Emperor Dyson. You seem like you lack principles.」
「I am merely giving my all to realize my dreams.」
「You are planning on making Dyson a hero too, aren’t you?」
「I thought so, but I’ve given up on that. While Dyson indeed possesses the kind of muscle beauty that one might want to devour, he didn’t fit my ideal.」
「You’re quick to see through things. Is it because Asama told you to reconcile with me?」
「No, it’s because Dyson announced his intention to marry the imperial granddaughter. A married hero is simply inconceivable!」
No, I’m a married hero myself. Whatever your true feelings are, why do you have to be so disgustingly honest when you could have just safely said it was because Asama told you?
Since arguing with Archbishop Nicholas won’t get us anywhere, I decide to go along with the conversation.
「True, the imperial granddaughter is only eight years old. It’s indeed impossible.」
「Yes, exactly! While it would be fine for a boy, it’s just not feasible. Why not a boy…」
Nicholas seems to be muttering something scary.
Why does the upper echelon of the Asama Church consist of such odd characters?
「Now, will you ditch Dyson and join our side?」
「Yes. For now, you’re free to use the New Cult’s church as a hiding place. Within the church, you can likely deceive Dyson’s troops. In return, if the old empire regains power, please allow the New Cult’s activities.」
Nicholas’s willingness to betray easily is almost refreshing.
Although I don’t fully trust him, as long as our interests align, he’s a reliable partner.
However, should we really tolerate this cult?
I hesitate, but given that Asama herself even descended and admonished me, I reluctantly compromise.
Can we really leave such a cult unchecked? Asama’s leniency toward her followers sometimes puzzles me.
※※※
「Indeed, having a new hiding place is a relief.」
The delighted court musician, Zither, remarks. Thanks to Archbishop Nicholas’s arrangement, we were able to secure a warehouse in a branch-church, sparing us from sleeping rough.
Well, it’s understandable that Zither, being a young girl, would feel that way. As for me, I’m a bit ambivalent about indebting ourselves to the New Cult.
Listening to the branch-church priests, I learned that the New Cult engages in rather devious practices. They extort money from the merchants and conduct looting only against those who defy them. It’s disheartening to think that we’ve allied ourselves with such a force.
They claim that all the money squeezed out is used for feeding the poor, but the church’s tactics—extortion and playing at being righteous bandits—paint a grim picture of our world.
After a long time of acting independently, I thought I could spread my wings, but trouble keeps finding me.
I just want to rescue the old emperor and return home. When I asked about planning a rescue operation, I learned that tomorrow, the Fist Emperor will address the citizens in the imperial capital. During that time, we’ll break into the castle from behind and rescue the old emperor.
If push comes to shove, with my Sword of Light, breaking through the castle walls won’t be an issue.
Kaara, who seems eager to play the strategist, keeps saying things like, ‘I know the structure of the imperial capital’. But honestly, we don’t need elaborate plans. As long as the enemy’s attention is diverted elsewhere, any approach will do.
Besides, the castle’s layout is something any knight who served there would know, so Kaara won’t be needed this time.
「No need to worry, once we infiltrate, there’s bound to be an escape route from the imperial castle that only the imperial family knows.」
And then, when I mentioned Herman, he turned pale and exclaimed, 「How did you know? 」
Apparently, my random guess hit the mark. Herman, being Prince Freed’s guardian knight, was already aware.
Well, I had assumed there would be an escape route after the rescue operation. If they’d planned the rescue without considering an escape route, I’d have to reconsider my involvement.
「Herman, why didn’t you just assassinate the Fist Emperor Dyson?」
「Her… No, Gunner-sama. I fought Dyson directly, but he is stronger than me. Escaping was all I could manage.」
That was a troubling statement.
Why? Because Herman was the man who fought on par with Louise, wielder of the Orichalcum Greatsword.
「Seriously? If Herman is weaker, does that mean Dyson is stronger than Louise?」
「Battle outcomes depend on compatibility. The Ten Thousand Sword is an expert of different weapons, so it’s hard to say.」
Herman evaded the question.
Well, I understand. In delicate situations, one must be cautious with their words.
「What’s the deal? Tell me what you know. I don’t think Dyson is that strong.」
「The current Fist Emperor Dyson possesses the Orichalcum Gauntlets. His strength rivals that of the Ten Thousand Swords.」
Herman grimaced, squeezing out the words as if in pain.
The words of a formidable knight like Herman carried weight. He believed that Louise was better in terms of versatility compared to himself, even after their evenly matched battle. It was a remarkably analytical perspective.
Certainly, Herman’s Orichalcum Shield boasted impenetrable defense, but lacked offensive power.
Fist Fighter Dyson, whom Herman couldn’t defeat, likely possessed combat abilities equivalent to a martial arts cheat.
But thinking about it, I began to want to face Dyson myself. Martial arts cheats excelled in close combat.
With a long-range magic rifle that complimented my abilities, perhaps I could take him down. No matter how skilled a fighter he was, he couldn’t beat the latest firearms.
If I ever got the chance, I’d eliminate him.
Of course, from an absolute safe distance.
「Kukuku, wash your neck and wait, Fist Emperor Dyson…」
I adjusted my hood, its dark fabric casting shadows over my face.
I wonder if this hood is cursed as I’m starting to feel more and more like a villain.
「Nation’s father is quite impressive lately. I’m liking you more and more.」
Kaara said so as she touched my shoulder. She had a penchant for all things dark, which made me uneasy.
Ever since I donned this black robe, Kaara, who usually kept to the shadows, had been appearing more frequently. She really had a thing for black.
And when Kaara clings to me, Oracle-chan will stick to me too as to not be outdone.
Surrounded by these demonesses, I felt like one of them.
As expected, the rescue team from the Resistance forces was visibly uncomfortable. Zither, the court musician, approached, trying to ease the tension.
「Gunner-sama, the ham is ready. Would you care for a meal?」
「Indeed, I’ll gratefully partake.」
Despite the city’s dire situation, the New Cult’s food supply remained intact. I accepted the bread and ham they provided, feeling like an accomplice. Well, I was playing the villain, after all.
「Now, as a diversion during our meal, I, Zither, will be presumptuous and humbly offer to play a tune.」
Zither produced a peculiar trapezoidal stringed instrument and began to play.
The melancholic melody, an ancient Germania composition, captivated the knights who had infiltrated enemy territory. They listened in silence.
I felt like I was part of a back-alley dinner show, but the atmosphere didn’t allow for such commentary.
Truly, the former elite court musician’s melodies were refined, yet as I sat listening, a sense of melancholy washed over me.
-0-
As the Germania night deepened, I gazed at the blazing fire where the ham cooked. Gradually, nostalgia crept in.
Of course, my true homeland wasn’t Japan; it was the royal city of Silesie, where my wives awaited.
Perhaps this renewed sentiment justified my journey to Germania. Although I’d left with the casualness of a business trip, it was time to focus on the task at hand and return swiftly.