Volume 4 Chapter 18 Maybe the Way of Faith Changes When the Place Changes, Who Knows
"So, you mean the western continent was the base of a wicked cult?"
"Yes, that's what I mean. ...Ah, don't worry. You didn't know that fact, and I explained it to His Excellency the Prime Minister. He said there's no problem."
I slowly explained to the captain, who was pale with shock, that the person he was trading with was connected to Abnella, a figure treated as an Evil God.
Abnella worship is banned internationally on this continent, so he probably thought he would be punished too for being involved.
"B-but, if that's true, does it mean we can't trade with that continent anymore!? I can't believe the new land we found is like that...!"
The captain leaned in close to us and started to wail.
It was as hot and stuffy as ever, but I understood his feelings.
He had put in so much effort to find a trading partner, and now there was a problem.
...But, still.
I would discuss it with His Excellency Prime Minister Schnorr, and we would think of a solution.
"Captain, do you understand why worshipping Abnella is a problem?"
"Huh? ...Is it because it's dangerous? I've heard that those called Dark Mages, who are the cult's henchmen, toy with lives."
"...Well, that's true. Dark Mages often appear throughout the history of the continent, sacrificing innocent people to gain power and creating chaos. A few years ago, they showed up in Sartzstadt, just as many legends describe."
Ferron, Adiliana, and Emerada.
Every Dark Mage we've encountered has been a being that toys with lives, just as the captain said.
But why were all the crew able to return safely?
I wonder if the faith in Abnella on the western continent is the same as here.
Maybe the Abnella worship here is twisted──this is the theory His Excellency the Prime Minister has suggested.
"Captain, what was the atmosphere like over there? Did they seem like the kind of cultists who toy with lives, like we imagined?"
"...N-no. Instead, from the children to the elders in the town, everyone was very kind, tending to our tired bodies after the long journey. I believe our sailors have a very friendly relationship with them."
Friendly, huh?
Well, they might just be pretending, but I doubt even the children have hidden faces.
Probably──
"...Surely, the faith in Abnella over there really aims for peace."
"Peace...? The followers of Evil God Abnella...?"
The captain, hearing my murmur, frowned and asked.
I can understand why he thinks that, but I heard it straight from the knights of the Abnella temple, so I'm sure about it.
"I checked with someone, and it seems that Abnella's idea is world peace. But thinking about the cultists causing chaos on this continent, I can't really believe that."
Maybe there's a reason why the Quechua Empire, which worships the Evil God Abnella, destroyed the Sakura Empire.
That country had been in civil war for a long time, far from peace.
I wonder if they really thought about wanting to bring peace to such a place.
In any case, we won't know until we listen to what they have to say.
There's no need to end everything based only on our guesses.
"...Now, about the next voyage to the west, whether we continue depends on His Majesty the King's thoughts, so could you please wait a bit?"
"B-but, international law forbids contact with cultists, right?"
The captain seems shocked by the possibility of continuing the deal, but it shouldn't be too late to understand the situation.
Well, to be honest, it would be a shame to cut off that continent as a trading partner.
I want that coal, after all.
"Circumstances change when places change. It depends on how His Majesty judges, but it's hasty to cut them off without knowing their situation──this is what His Excellency the Prime Minister said. But I promise this: if trading with Abnella's followers brings criticism, we will take the blame. If we continue, let's make a contract in writing."
"W-wait, is it really that serious...? Is there really that much value in that land...?"
"Ah, about that value──hey, it's your turn!"
"Ugh!"
When I poked Aine, who was dozing off, the coal scientist rolled her eyes for a moment, but then her eyes sparkled as she said, "It's coal!"
She wakes up fast.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)