Kays Translations

Chapter 155: Cathedral

　After I saw my brother Alex off, I left too. It was just after ten o’clock. The school is still on summer vacation, so I guess it’s okay to spend the morning leisurely. However, this is only if he’s not already meeting up with Daniela-sama.

　At this time of the day, the royal capital was already bustling with activity. As I passed through the streets reserved for nobles, I saw waves of people. This is the royal capital. Is this the way common people live? If it were not for the horse-drawn carriage, we would have lost each other. As expected, there were more people than in the main street of the territorial capital.

“This area will be the most crowded place in the capital, little Julius.”

“That’s a lot of people, as I expected. I’m glad we took the carriage. The number of people in the capital has also increased, but it is still not as large as in here.”

　I’d like them to stop calling me little boy, but I wonder if that’s what it’s like for the servants. Maybe I won’t be able to graduate from being a little boy until I’m at least old enough to attend school.

　When I looked out the window from the carriage, I saw people walking very close by. I’m scared that the carriage is going to jump people. When I return to the capital, I will advise my father to make a clearer separation between the paths of carriages and people.

　The number of people in the capital will continue to increase in the future. This is a precautionary measure for that purpose.

　The carriage is moving forward at a brisk pace. Apparently, the cathedral is located far from the royal castle. Perhaps they are trying to keep the clergy from getting involved in the management of the country.

　A common pattern is for the clergy to get involved in politics. A powerful clergyman will be at odds with the royal family.  What about this country?

　At least, the clergy in the capital never interfered with Margrave Heine’s governance.

　A chalk castle-like building came into view before me. If I had not seen the royal castle, I would have no doubt that this was the royal castle. The white brick building was lined with stained glass windows.

　There were quite a few people around the church. I could see other aristocrats as well, but there seemed to be many times more common people were visiting the church.

“There are so many people here. I thought the church in the capital had a lot of visitors, but here there are even more people.”

“The cathedral is the only one in the country that has a statue of the  goddess. That’s why so many people come here.”

“What?”

　A servant spoke to me with a smiling face. I was surprised at his words. The servant saw my expression and chuckled. Did he think it was a childish reaction?

　There is a statue of a goddess. This is a surprise. The church in the capital did not have one. Therefore, I thought that statues of goddesses did not exist.

　I entered the church and made an offering. Margrave Heine is a fairly high-ranking aristocrat, so I made many donations. He was happy to receive it.

　The priest showed us around the church. Perhaps it was because I had given him so many offerings, but I was guided by a man dressed in very fine clothes. He must be a person of high rank in the church. The name of Margrave Heine should now be better known than ever.

“In this chapel, a statue of the goddess who saved the world is enshrined.”

　Finally, I was face to face with the statue of the goddess. All the windows of the chapel we were led to had stained glass windows, shining fantastically in the sunlight. All of the stained glass windows had different designs, and I could tell that a lot of effort had been put into them.

　He must have noticed that I was looking at the stained glass windows intently. The priest explained to me.

“The stained glass windows in this chapel depict the battle that once took place between the Goddess and the Demon King.”

“Was there really a Demon King?”

“Yes, there was. It is not a myth.”

　Seriously. That’s what they told me …. She didn’t tell me to defeat the demon king directly, though. I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen. I hope it’s just my Imagination.

　No matter what, fighting the Demon King is a different story. My mission should be to develop magic potions.

　I arrived in front of the statue of the goddess. Two statues of goddesses are standing side by side. Does that mean there are two goddesses?

“The two goddesses fought alongside us humans against the Demon King in ancient times. They became our shields and were defeated by the Demon King.”

“Yeah!?”

　The priest returned a nod at the sound of my voice. It seems to be true. Goddess, have you been defeated?　But you met me, right?　But you were alone. So, it might be half true.

“Thanks to the power of the Goddess, the Demon King lost so much of his power that even those of us who remained behind could defeat him. And the Demon King was defeated by the hands of a brave warrior.”

“This is the first time I have heard of this.”

“Normally, you should learn it thoroughly after you enter the academy. Margrave Heine and his wife may have thought it was too early. It’s hard to teach young children that the goddess who protects this world no longer exists.”

　The priest gazes at the statue of the Goddess with a somewhat sad look on his face. If the Demon King appears again, he may be thinking about such a thing.

　Maybe the reason why there is a statue of the goddess only in the royal capital is to encourage people to be independent. So that when something happens, they can stand up to it on their own, instead of relying on a goddess that doesn’t exist.

“Oh yes, if you like, would you like to see the orphanage as well?”

“An orphanage?　Is there something like that on the church grounds?”

“Of course. If a nobleman such as yourself shows his face. I’m sure they’ll be pleased to see.”

　Perhaps they would like to make a donation to the orphanage as well?　Noblesse oblige, that’s what nobles are obliged to do. Since I had nothing urgent to do, I decided to ask him to show me around. The servants didn’t stop me, either.

　When I went out from the back door of the church, I found a nice garden. There were several tables on the lawn, where one could take a rest. The flowers in the garden were in full bloom, showing that it has been well taken care of.

　Is there an orphanage in a place like this? I just can’t believe it. As I walked through the garden with this in mind, I saw a large building that looked like an inn beyond the hedge. Apparently this is an orphanage. As expected, the orphanage is located in the biggest church in the capital. If it’s this big, the maintenance costs must be expensive. Let’s give generously to the orphanage.

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