𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟒: 𝐈’𝐦 𝟏𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐬𝐨 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝
The Kingdom of Saitishiga celebrated the 732nd year of the continental calendar, which they named the “Year of the Second Coming.”
This was to honor the appearance of the Land God Kai and the miraculous deeds attributed to him.
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During that period, numerous rumors circulated about the enigmatic saint who had emerged.
One rumor claimed that the revered saint of the past era, who had returned from another world, was the one who summoned Land God Kai.
Another suggested that the first saint was reincarnated in response to the nation’s crisis and saved the country by offering prayers to Land God Kai.
There were even speculations that the first saint, after being reborn in another world, returned as the leading saint of the previous era.
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Some rumors went as far as to propose that the original leading saint and Land God Kai were one and the same.
Others disputed this, asserting that just before the miracle of Land God Kai occurred, a little girl who had been running around here and there was the true Kami-sama!
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With numerous tales circulating, religious debates ensued day by day without reaching a clear consensus.
However, they all agreed on one thing.
――Our Land God did not forsake us and safeguarded our country.
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“That’s the biggest misconception.”
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Every time I heard these discussions, I could only smile wryly.
They don’t understand anything about people. Kami-sama is simply my companion and the Land God. Nothing more.
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――Two years have elapsed since the “Year of the Second Coming.”
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🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
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The commercial city of Makeido.
In a corner, a little away from the shopping district, on the ground floor of an apartment building, there’s a shop selling herbal teas. Apart from the windows facing the street, it’s filled with herbal tea products. From jars sold by weight to ready-packed bags, and even rusks that the local bakery occasionally brings, the shop has a rather impressive variety for its size. The shop was previously a café, so it’s furnished with elegant mahogany pieces that appeal to women.
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Perhaps because the shop was closed the previous day, customers kept coming in from morning. It was only in the afternoon that I was finally able to hang the “Break” sign on the door.
I went to the kitchen inside the shop to prepare a late lunch.
I grilled some bread lightly, melted butter, and fried an egg on it, sandwiched it with some honey and whatever green vegetables I had. I casually munched on the sausage that I’d forgotten to put in the sandwich while brewing some tea. The café’s previous kitchen is easy to use, which is helpful.
While I was sitting in the kitchen, a small white snake came slithering over, flicking its tongue.
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“Do you want to eat?”
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When I showed it a smile while licking my lips, the snake coiled up, seeming uninterested. I finished my meal quietly with the snake, and just done when the doorbell rang.
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“You’re late. . . Ah, Chairman Robertson of the Chamber of Commerce.”
“Hehe, sorry for the mix-up, Charte-chan.”
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The chairman raises his hat with one eye closed. As always, he’s a tall and handsome man. I prepared the usual herbal tea for him.
After handing his coat and hat to his attendant, the chairman takes a seat in the tasting area. By the time he arrives, the snake has already disappeared.
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“Is it just you, Charte-chan?”
“Yes. My husband’s out on some business.”
“Isn’t that careless?”
“Haha, don’t worry. There’s a guard, after all.”
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There are guards everywhere. Above the ceiling, under the floor, even in my sleeves.
I could tell him that there’s one watching him right now, but that’s a conversation best left unsaid.
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“I’ve just returned from the capital, so I’ve brought a souvenir and a story.”
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The chairman occasionally drops by unannounced for a bit of small talk and a substantial shopping spree. He’s the one who took over this tenancy for me.
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“Why don’t you sit over here, Charte-chan? You were having tea, weren’t you?”
“Haha, you caught me.”
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Taking advantage of the chairman’s kindness, I sit down in the chair opposite him, and he hands me a rectangular package in a paper bag, saying, “Here, a souvenir.” When I opened it and peeked inside, I involuntarily looked up at him.
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“This is. . .!”
“Ah, I thought you’d recognize it. It’s the latest book on herbalism. I don’t know much about it, but it’s quite popular in those circles.”
“This book isn’t even in the central library of the Church in this country. . . I’m so happy. . .”
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Reading this book might offer insights into the medicine my father used to make. His knowledge of pharmacology was based on a completely different system from the one prevalent in this country, so during my tenure as the leading saint, I had researched extensively but ended up with more questions than answers.
I hold the book close to my chest and express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart.
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“Thank you.”
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The chairman of the trading company narrows his eyes in satisfaction, re-crosses his legs, and takes on a far-off look.
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“Well, what should we discuss first? Perhaps we should start with the recent controversy over royal succession that’s become a hot topic in the capital? . . . . . .”
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In this way, he often casually drops by to share news about the capital that’s not covered in the newspapers.
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The advent year may bring good fortune, but for two years since that time, the kingdom has been in utter chaos.
From scandals involving Prime Minister Duke Horsewood to suspicious deaths, the disappearance of Lulumia—Duke Horsewood’s daughter—after being written off, exposure of multiple murder cover-ups within the church, to the mysterious vanishing of the second prince after studying abroad (there are rumors that he died of an unknown disease in a foreign land or was cursed, but as it’s an international issue, even the Chairman of the Robertson Trading Company isn’t privy to the details), the retirement of High Priest Mauricio and the reorganization of the church, to the queen assuming official duties due to the king’s illness. . . it appears that many troublesome events have transpired.
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What exactly happened to Lulumia, the second prince, and the evil god?
Well, who knows?
I don’t know because I’m only 10, and even Kami-sama won’t tell me. . . but neither the world nor the Kami-sama who had that power that day could forgive, of course.
It seems the second prince disappeared after that, and all the mirrors turned to ash.
The Strelitica United Kingdom officially claims to have no involvement — but it’s certain that their God, Magai, intended to invade and kidnapped the second prince, and that they attacked. Diplomatic relations are almost severed. I don’t want to dig any deeper into the matter of the gods at the moment.
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Lulumia has been erased even from the list of leading saints. She lost all her supporters and has apparently been socially obliterated as a “person who must not be mentioned.” When I ask God whether she’s alive, he narrows his usual black eyes and pretends he didn’t hear. . . what has become of her that he doesn’t want to talk about?
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Well, I don’t understand because I’m only 10.
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“Well, the nobles and the priests in the capital must be having a tough time right now. The crown prince, who they thought was living a cushy life, is now undergoing mental training in the monster extermination squad, which is said to be the most grueling in the Knights’ Order. The queen is also doing well, isn’t she?”
“It must be tough.”
“Well, while many people are having a hard time, it’s saving me as I’m making a lot of money from it.”
“Hahaha. . . . . .”
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Those in the church who were colluding with the Lulumia faction have fallen from grace in an instant. In their place, the opposition forces, including the chairman of the Robertson Trading Company sitting in front of me, have risen. They named the era when Saint Charlene was the leading saint as the “Decade of Hope,” and they are expanding their influence in the country, which has become unstable, under the pretext of “social activities inherited from Saint Charlene who returned to another world.” I don’t understand it because I’m just a 10-year-old child.
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“Oh yes, Charte-chan. I’ve become friends with a good can shop, so I’ll introduce you to them next time through my introduction. You said you were looking for a can to put tea leaves in, right?”
“Thank you. But as I’ve said many times, shouldn’t you be telling my husband about such business matters?”
“Hehehe, you think so?”
“Hehehe, after all, I’m only 10, and the shop owner is my husband.”
“Hehehehe, that’s right.”
“Hehehehehe.”
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We smile at each other with harmless smiles.
Only the then-collaborators, such as Chairman Robertson of the trading company and church officials, know about my activities as Charlene’s Envoy. This is because it caused a bit of a fuss as I was about to be elevated to the leading saint.
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[Oh, since then, I’ve not heard the voice of Charlene-sama even once. . .]
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Somehow, while occasionally tampering with the memories of the particularly persistent ones, I’ve managed to maintain my role as the peaceful young wife of an herb tea shop owner. The shop is, of course, run under the guise of being Kami-sama’s.
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Everyone thinks I’ve returned to being just an ordinary child.
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For some inexplicable reason, the chairman of Robertson Trading occasionally treats me as an adult.
Considering my future safety, altering his memories might be a better option, but for now, I’ll maintain the status quo. He has been quite helpful as the guarantor of my and the enigmatic Kami-sama’s identities, and he could prove to be a valuable ally if anything untoward happens.
It seems that he is also shielding Kami-sama and me from the prying eyes of the palace and the church. I have no clue about his intentions, but for the time being, I’m thankful and content with the situation.
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I hope he won’t delve any further.
I wish to continue being perceived as an innocent, unknowing little girl.
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Oh, yes. The church has returned to its original state in a positive manner. The saints now humbly heal the people, and the priests protect the sanctuary of God. The position of the leading saint no longer exists; it has been permanently retired, with the first saint being the sole one to have held it.
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After some chit-chat and discussions about procuring tea leaves, the chairman of Robertson Trading checks his watch and stands up.
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“I guess it’s time to go. I’ll visit when your husband is around.”
“I look forward to it.”
“I’ll discuss business when he’s here too. . . Of course, Charte-chan will be there, won’t she?”
“Well, who knows?”
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After finishing his tea, he rises and lets his servant, who has been standing stiffly by, help him with his coat. As always, he generously purchases tea leaves and places an order for the next delivery.
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“Thank you very much.”
“Oh, by the way.”
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He must be planning to smoke it outside, but as he’s about to leave, the chairman turns around with a cigarette in his mouth.
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“The summer festival is coming up soon. This year, a variety of foreign peddlers will be coming. Have you noticed any unfamiliar merchants in town?”
“Oh?”
“You should check out the stalls. They’ve already started selling unusual stuff. Of course, be cautious around strangers.”
“Alright.”
“If you want to set up a stall again, Charte-chan, just let me know.”
“Thank you. Take care, Mr. Chairman of Commerce!”
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After gently patting my head and giving me a warm smile, the chairman gets into his carriage and departs.
As I watch his retreating figure and return to the shop, I find Kami-sama already sitting in his spot.
