Volume 6 Chapter 24-2 The Temple Of The Great Shrine’s Brothel
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I guessed with my nose that the greedy men were drawn in by food. Even though they were about to get squeezed out of their money, they still acted like hungry puppies. Men are truly hopeless. Then again, this place is part of the temple, so maybe it counts as a donation? That’s what they’ll tell themselves later. Well, even if I go broke here, I can always live on Wall Barley.
* * *
By the way, it looked like a secret visit. His Eminence the Cardinal came with only two attendants. I guess for someone that important, quality matters more than the number of guards. And those two? Yeah, they weren’t just for show. I bet either one could take on a mid-level summoned hero.
”Calling me to a place like this, Donovan? You’ve grown bold, haven’t you?”
So this man is the cardinal. He seems to be in a good mood. I thought he’d be a fat, greasy old pervert, but no—he’s actually a well-built, handsome guy. His nose is a little too big, which stands out, but not in a creepy way. Honestly, with that face, he’d be popular with women. Or maybe he turned into a womanizer because he was popular?
I stayed back, letting Mr. Donovan take the lead. I planned to just watch from behind and keep quiet. The cardinal gave me one bored glance, then ignored me. Just like we planned.
”As you said… I was too proud before.”
”No worries. If you’ve repented, that’s good. Still, it’s bold to think you can become one of my pieces now. I might allow it—maybe.”
Then, out of nowhere, the cardinal grabbed a woman’s chest. Hard. She didn’t even flinch. Instead, she smiled like it was part of her job.
Seriously? That was way too rough. This guy’s just another pervy old man—but with a good face, he actually gives off that “big bad” villain vibe.
”Your Eminence seems mistaken. Aren’t we all just pieces of the gods?”
”What’s that supposed to mean? Don’t get clever with me.”
He got irritated fast. Guess he doesn’t like word games.
Either he can’t control his emotions… or he doesn’t want to. A third-rate villain, then. Not even second-rate. Mr. Escalion was also lecherous, but he had class. That guy had real presence. This one? Just a brat with power.
The cardinal kept groping the poor woman like a machine. His eyes, though—they were locked on Mr. Donovan, probably thinking up some punishment.
Poor woman. But honestly, I’m more worried about Mr. Donovan. Whether he’s smart or not, ticking off someone with this much power is dangerous.
”Just now, I received a divine message from God Keras,” Mr. Donovan said. “I am now a pawn of the god. No one is allowed to interfere.”
”…Using God’s name so lightly? Are you insane? I could have you tried for heresy. Burned alive.”
”Are you trying to go against God? Good grief… You sound like the second coming of Emperor Umara.”
They just taught me about Emperor Umara earlier. He ruled during the Holy Empire’s peak. Tried a bunch of bold reforms. But then, according to legend, God Keras got angry. A great plague hit. Half the world’s people died. Nations fell. He made one mistake and ruined everything. Some “wise” emperor.
But that story became a warning: even smart people can make huge, history-ending mistakes. Plagues blamed on divine anger happened several times in this world’s history. On Earth too, the Black Death spread far and wide, and people called it God’s wrath. Maybe it was. Maybe not. No one really knows.
”God wrath… is that so.”
”When people stop fearing God, divine punishment will come. That’s something you used to say, no?”
The cardinal froze. His face turned pale, sweating hard, but still glaring to look strong. Mr. Donovan met his stare—cool and calm. The one who looked away first… was the cardinal. There was definitely a battle in that short silence. I saved the moment using my Editor skill. I’ll go back later and see what kind of duel that really was.
”But… the Great Temple won’t move with only my say.”
”Make it move. You too are a piece of God Keras.”
Then I saw it. A man change before my eyes. The cardinal, who looked like a sulky kid after losing, suddenly straightened up like a proud soldier. What happened in his head?
”Of course. I am but a loyal servant of God. If it’s what God Keras wants, I will obey.”
He turned to Mr. Donovan like a puppy seeing a stronger dog.
”And the divine message is real, Donovan. That person is a saint—a savior. Leave the elder council to me. No matter if they are kings or emperors, if they resist, they are enemies of God. We’ll do what must be done.”
…Huh? Did he just switch sides that fast? If so, that’s scary. He’s no idiot. He’s just quick to bet on the winning side. Maybe he plans to use the divine message to grab more power for himself.
All I can do is stay quiet and watch.
* * *
Now that the cardinal’s on board, we’re moving into the politics of the Great Temple. Apparently, divine punishment from God Keras will become our big trump card—like a nuclear weapon. The temple’s power had been shrinking lately, just watching the big countries from the sidelines. But now… it’s rising again.
I think it’s wrong to use divine punishment like a threat. But if it’s just to stop divine punishment from happening… is that okay?
I’m still not part of the core team, but Mr. Donovan hasn’t forgotten the village. He’s still making sure it’ll be treated well. I hope it all goes smoothly.
Even during the meeting, beautiful women served food and drinks with the grace of goddesses. The silk they wore was so sheer, it was actually more tempting than being naked. Ah. That’s why silk is so expensive.
Honestly, even just sitting here, I’m not bored.
Since the cardinal started calling me a saint, I barely talk—just say “yes” or “no” when they ask something. Mr. Donovan handles all the smart talk. If I speak too much, I’ll mess up the act.
To the cardinal, I’m like a hidden weapon. He probably wants to keep me as secret as possible.
So here’s the policy: The Great Temple will stay quiet for now. They’ll only step in if other powers interfere with the village. Once the village starts making money, the nobles and merchant guilds will definitely get curious. That’s when the temple will show off a “miracle” and protect us.
If we ask for too much help from the temple early on, people might think we’re puppets. And the wonder of divine power will lose its shine.
”We must create myths the people believe in. The miracle village—reborn by the hands of a humble Hero. We’ll go with that story.”
He’s right. The early setup, the groundwork—that’s all handled by temple insiders. We just need to avoid anything that might bring real divine punishment.
”God Keras is a kind and gentle goddess of cleansing. Too much fire and brimstone… it might ruin their image.”
Even after playing the divine punishment card, Mr. Donovan still says things like that. Smart move.
”The temple’s full of greedy men right now,” the cardinal added. “This is the perfect chance to clean house. We’ll purge them all. Donovan, take up a great axe and become God’s Apostle. This too is divine will.”
”If it opens a path for the saint, I’m honored to obey.”
They both wear smiles thicker than steel. I feel like they’re deep in the temple’s power games, being used—or maybe doing the using.
Me? I just don’t want to betray God Keras. Ever. The cardinal probably only respects strength, not actual piety. But in this world, the gods are the strongest. So maybe that’s enough.
When I get back, I’ll have to explain all this to Miss Floria. With the way plans keep changing, she’s probably going nuts. I feel bad. I can’t even bring her energy drinks… But I can give her Dragon God’s Herb to help her recover.
Character Notes:
• Donovan – Head Priest of the Great Temple. He has a newfound respect for the MC, referring to them as a ‘Saint.’ His actions suggest he is highly organized and influential within his organization.
• Escalion – Male. An old swordsman who claims to be the ‘true Hero.’ He is Mia’s lover and appears to be a human from the same world. Despite his shabby appearance, he is incredibly strong and has a frightening presence. He dislikes humans and has a complicated history with them, including an experiment involving a fox.
• Keras – God of Purification in this world. While not directly involved in the narrative, Keras is referenced through the High Slime, a noble being that serves as a servant of the god. The High Slime is summoned by the protagonist due to their connection with the earth spirits and their status as a spirit vessel. A figure who purified the cursed old Toyata Village, making it a viable relocation site.
• Umara – A past emperor. A historical figure known for bold reforms but also for offending God Keras, leading to a catastrophic plague.
• Miss Floria – Elegant, silver-haired noblewoman in her 40s, referred to as an ‘older sister’. Judge of the Supreme Court and Baroness. Former tutor of Princess Auroora. Initially stern but warms up, showing a playful side. Close with Ms. Nina (Princess Auroora’s doll copy), treating her like a sister. Trustworthy and explains legal matters clearly.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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