Kays Translations

Chapter 63: The Ultimate Divine Object

Benedict, the chief priest, visited with a young woman who seemed to be a sister.

Upon hearing about Orihime's involvement, Nicolette and Annemarie rushed to the reception room at surprising speed.

"Um, so the divine object for Orihime is complete, right?"

Once everyone was seated, Isamu brought up the topic again.

"Yes. We, the church, wish to enshrine Orihime-sama, who is considered the apostle of the otherworldly god, alongside the creator god. Orihime-sama played a significant role in the recent battle against the monsters, and even before that, she saved the young lady and knights. To say the least, Orihime-sama can be considered the guardian deity of the capital city, Klaufendamm. It is absolutely unacceptable not to honor Orihime-sama."

The chief priest responded with incredible force.

While his tone was calm, and he wore a gentle smile, his eyes didn't share the same warmth. With a slightly strained expression, Isamu asked,

"I see... I'm not well-versed in the church or religion of this country, but is it allowed for the church to enshrine something on its own?"

"No, there's absolutely no problem. While we will always enshrine the creator god, other gods are typically enshrined based on the region's characteristics, culture, and history. For example, here in Klaufendamm, we enshrine Dieresis-sama, the goddess of the forest and plants, and Brightlite-sama, the god of blacksmithing and craftsmanship, alongside the creator god. Many churches also enshrine heroes who saved the country or city. Of course, worshipping evil gods is strictly prohibited... Considering that the hero of this country might be seen as a symbol of invasion in other countries, it can be a tricky situation."

In the latter part of the explanation, Benedict looked down slightly as he provided the information.

It seemed to be a highly flexible religious perspective. There were similarities to the Japanese Shinto shrine system, so Isamu didn't feel too uncomfortable.

If he were a fervent monotheistic believer, things might have become difficult.

"I see. If there's no issue with the structure, I don't mind. How about you, Nicolette?"

He couldn't make a decision based solely on his own wishes, and there may be disadvantages that Isamu is unaware of, so he asked Nicolette, the lord's wife, for her opinion.

"I think it's fine if Orihime-chan is okay with it in the end. Saving the town is an undeniable fact, and it's also a fact that she's receiving the god's protection."

Nicolette speaks slowly and thinks

"Just to confirm, do you plan to inform the church headquarters about enshrining Orihime-chan?"

"Yes. We won't be requesting funds from the headquarters, so we don't need to provide detailed information. However, we have an obligation to convey the general idea. If left unattended, it could lead to enshrining evil gods..."

"Well, that makes sense. So, how do you plan to convey it?"

Nicolette looks at Benedict with sharp eyes.

"When Klaufendamm was attacked by monsters, a brave familiar who courageously fought alongside the lord, disregarding the danger, received a desire from the residents to enshrine her... That's the plan for the report."

The priest answers without losing his gentle expression.

"...Yes. It seems like you understand."

Nicolette's expression softened as she gave a small nod.

Understanding smiles appeared on everyone's faces as they exchanged glances.

“It would be putting the cart before the horse if we caused trouble to Orihime-sama and Isamu-sama…”

"I understand. Then one more thing. How do you plan to expand this? Knowing you, it won't end with just enshrining the divine object in the church, right?"

Nicolette asked, narrowing her eyes again.

"At the moment, I plan to obtain permission and distribute small divine objects. Considering Isamu-sama's story, as she is considered a household guardian deity. Similar to having a small statue of Brightlite-sama enshrined in a blacksmith's workshop, I thought each household could enshrine one..."

"You've thought it through. Alright, I approve. But..."

"Yes, yes. Regarding the amount of offerings and tax rates, we can discuss that separately."

The chief priest answered with enthusiasm, as if he were ready to negotiate with a corrupt official. To Isamu, the chief priest looked like an unscrupulous merchant offering mountainous yellow-colored sweets to a corrupt governor.

"Now, the only problem is the quality of the divine object. How much of Orihime-chan's charm and greatness can you convey?"

Brushing aside the unpleasant topic as if pushing it aside, Nicolette changed the subject.

"Of course. With the center being Priestess Mimilia here, we are gathering the church's power. Mimilia, please introduce yourself."

Prompted by the chief priest, the female priest who had been silently listening opened her mouth.

"I am Mimilia, a priestess serving at the Klaufendamm Church. I'm honored to meet you, Nicolette, Annemarie-sama, Matsumoto-sama, and the apostle of the god, Orihime-sama."

"Mimilia, huh. Nice to meet you. You can call me Nicolette. But you're quite stiff... I seriously doubt if you're really from their church."

"Please call me Annemarie. Thank you for your greetings, Mimilia-san."

"Nicolette-sama, Annemarie-sama, thank you very much."

Mimilia bowed again with great politeness.

"Mimilia is the daughter of a tailor in the Visseling territory. Her sewing skills are indeed remarkable. When it came to creating the divine object for Orihime-sama this time, she was the most suitable, so I appointed her as the chief."

The Visseling territory is governed by Viscount Visseling, who is an ally of the Klaufeldt family.

Located slightly north of here, the territory is known for the grazing of sheep-like animals and the production of textiles using their wool.

"A sewing skill for a divine object? That's unusual, isn't it?" 

Nicolette tilted her head.

Divine objects are mostly statues carved from stone or wood, so it's not unreasonable.

"Yes. To express Orihime-sama's charm, stone or wood statues are unsuitable. After numerous trials, we concluded that this form is the most suitable."

Saying so, Benedict smoothly removed the cloth that was on the table.

"This is!"

"My goodness!"

"Eh!?"

Upon seeing what appeared, Nicolette, Annemarie, and Isamu reacted in surprise.

"Hoo!!"

And then, Orihime, who had been silently curled up on Isamu’s lap, jumped up and let out a growl.

Her tail swelled more than twice its size.

What appeared was an intricately crafted "Stuffed animal."

It was a perfect reproduction of Orihime, sitting with a slightly tilted head, looking up with an adorable gesture.

Because she hadn't seen a fellow cat since she came here, Orihime, who had been standing on the tips of her toes on Isamu’s lap for a while, was surprised once she realized it was a creation. She then approached with curiosity, bringing her nose closer.

"It's amazing, this... It's just like Orihime."

"Indeed, I was surprised..."

"S-So cute..."

Observing the three people's reactions for the first time, Benedict nodded in satisfaction.

"May I touch it?"

"Yes, please go ahead."

Isamu, impressed by the incredible texture, asked a question. 

"Are you using fur or something?"

Just as Isamu asked the question, the chief priest seemed to make a face, and Mimilia began her explanation.

"Yes, that's right, Matsumoto-sama! To reproduce the beautiful and dignified fur of Orihime-sama, I tried every available fur and thread! As a result, the combination of the golden fur of the Killer Lop-Ear and the white fur of the Snow Hound had the highest level of reproduction! The intelligent and compassionate eyes are made by polishing yellow crystals covered with Swamp Leech mucus! And for the cute yet robust paw pads and the elegant nose, I processed the feelers of the Fire Snail!"

Mimilia, with both hands clenched, passionately explained. Overwhelmed by the overwhelming force that was unimaginable from her usual calm self, Isamu was taken aback.

"I-I see. That's amazing..."

That was all Isamu managed to reply. Orihime literally had round eyes as she observed.

"Mimilia, don't you think you should calm down a bit? Everyone seems surprised. Really..."

Sighing, Benedict admonished her.

"Huh!? I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

Regaining her composure, Mimilia bowed deeply while blushing red up to her neck.

However, the outcome was truly splendid.

Above all, what surprised them the most was the reproduction of the fur.

Orihime's fur consists of two types: a firm, long fur called a double coat, and a soft, short fur. The reproduction was so accurate that it was astonishing.

"Well, um, I was just a little surprised, so it's okay. About the materials you mentioned earlier, are they materials from monsters?"

 Isamu inquired, curious about the somewhat ominous words mixed in with the names of the materials.

"Yes. We are considering distributing it to everyone in the future, so we are prioritizing easily accessible materials from defeated monsters."

"Then, I'm relieved. It's good that we don't have to recklessly kill living creatures for the divine object. Considering the quality, I have no issues with it, but what about you two?"

Relieved that the materials come from monsters that are targets for subjugation, Isamu turned the conversation to the mother and daughter.

"Yes, this is perfect. Hey, Mimilia, can you make it in various poses?"

While resting her chin on her hand, Nicolette asked Mimilia.

"Yes, I can. Since it's just changing the shape of the core material, there's no problem."

"I see..."

"Mother, wouldn't it be better to have a variety of sizes?" 

Annemarie chimed in.

"!! Yes, that's a good idea. You're right, Anne."

Smirking at her daughter's words, the mother raised the corner of her mouth.

"No, no. I still have a long way to go to catch up with you, Mother. Hehe..."

"..."

To Isamu’s eyes, even the mother and daughter seemed to resemble corrupt officials and unscrupulous merchants.

"Mimilia, please spare some time later. Let's discuss what kind of divine object we should make."

"Yes! Understood!"

"In that case, Benedict. I'll borrow Mimilia for a bit. Also, please hurry and establish a mass production system. It will probably run out quickly."

"Understood. I have already contacted the wives of knights and soldiers, as well as the orphanage."

"You work fast. What about the Adventurers Guild?"

"No oversight. I have already submitted a request for additional materials under the name of the church."

"Good. We'll contribute money from our side, so add some color to it as a lord's request and distribute it to neighboring guilds as well."

"As you wish."

Decisions were being made one after another in front of Isamu, who was staring blankly.

"Alright. Let's settle the details right away. Mimilia, come to another room."

"Yes, Nicolette-sama!"

"I'm counting on you too, Benedict."

"I understand the details."

With a deep bow in response to Nicolette's words, Benedict left the mansion.

"Hime, it looks like something amazing is about to happen."

"Nya fu."

While holding up Orihime and smiling wryly, Isamu muttered.

And so, the making of the Orihime stuffed animal, referred to as the "ultimate divine object," began.

※... It may be a well-known fact among cat lovers, but when cats are surprised, their pupils dilate, showing a truly round-eyed expression of surprise.

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