To cut to the chase, the escape was a success.
And through that escape process, I realized that the power of the church was much weaker than I had imagined.
Of course, compared to the general religions of the world I lived in, it has overwhelming influence.
While it’s not at the level of a regular army in terms of manpower and equipment, they still possess thousands of combatants armed with military-grade weaponry.
They are responsible for the overall health and welfare of society, going beyond simple volunteer work.
There were countries with state religions, but none that fully took over what should be the government’s responsibilities like this one. Especially when it comes to health and welfare, these aspects are inseparable from politics. This is even more so because they cannot be separated from the people’s everyday lives.
By tightly holding onto aspects that can overtly influence the masses, they can maintain a certain level of support.
Of course, that is a double-edged sword… but the current support for the church is certainly not low, so I don’t think it needs to be pointed out.
However, the problem is that the church’s authority is “just that far.”
Though I thought the church was one of the two governments that effectively controlled humanity by holding onto a significant portion of “state authority,” that wasn’t quite the case.
You know? If I had taken a car instead of a train when I escaped from the church, it would have taken much less time for them to catch up with me. I might have even been intercepted before reaching the airport.
But I took the train. And trains move according to set schedules and tracks.
The tracks on which trains can run have to be laid out in advance. And it’s not just my train that uses those tracks.
Trains, which can carry a lot, are a crucial mode of transport for not only people but also a multitude of goods. And all those trains and tracks are owned by the government. The church’s train was also rented from the government. Once it departs, it has to follow the government’s orders.
And human society is always fighting against the invading monsters, demons, and the trains carrying supplies run continuously toward the frontlines.
Naturally, they wouldn’t stop an entire train just to catch “one person.” Furthermore, if that person is not a vicious terrorist, whether detained in the 1st District or not, from the government’s perspective, they care very little about that individual.
Even if it was a request from the church, competent officials responsible for the society’s economy would shake their heads after doing the math.
Moreover, even if the government honored that request, it would be too late.
The government and church are forces that check each other. There are hotlines, and departments where priests and officials work together, but there’s still a delay when incidents are transferred from the church to the government. If it’s a precedent-setting incident, that delay would be even longer.
Moreover, being a saint or a holy figure is entirely a status within the church.
Of course, the government knows how significant their roles are within the church and that they can be utilized more effectively than ordinary heroes. But the authority to choose them lies completely with the church. The government has no protocols other than treating the saints and holy figures as such.
That’s why, even when hearing about a “saint running away!” they can only respond with, “Uh… is that a big deal?”
I am technically a registered believer in the church, a nun, and also a saint, but from the government’s point of view, I’m just a civilian. I can temporarily participate in combat with the church’s troops with permission from the church, but once that time passes, I’m just a civilian again.
Thanks to the freedom of movement and the government’s secular country aspirations, I, with no criminal record, was able to escape without hindrance.
“Saint, are you really going back to the 21st District?”
When the train was almost at the airport station, Turner asked.
“Yes. I want to go back.”
I answered with strong determination, and Turner nodded.
“Then, we should change clothes first. However, there aren’t any spare clothes here at all. No matter how you look at it, a church train wouldn’t be carrying a ton of priest or nun outfits,” he said.
“Yeeah…”
“So, as soon as we arrive at the airport, we should stop by a clothing store. I think we need to change into something comfortable first.”
“But then they will know I’ve arrived at the airport?”
“That can’t be helped. Honestly, it would be the same even if we changed here. The record of us leaving on the train is already made, so they’ll find out the location anyway.”
Well, that’s true. I literally said I was going out in the open.
“Then can’t we just take a flight right away?”
“That flight belongs to the church. The pilot and co-pilot are also all church members. Trains can’t be rerouted due to track issues, but planes are different. If they say they’re landing, the airport will find a way to accommodate them.”
“Ah…”
As I murmured in realization, Turner nodded.
“This is just my speculation, but it seems like you don’t enjoy being in the spotlight. That’s probably why you want to return quickly?”
“……Yes.”
I nodded, and Turner smiled in response.
“So we’ll change into everyday clothes to not draw attention. A nun’s outfit might not be a big deal, but… a saint’s robe would be too eye-catching.”
Just changing into the saint’s robe wouldn’t completely avoid being recognized. But it would definitely reduce the number of people who would recognize me. Even if someone from the 1st District knew my face, they would have seen me through the media or press. And in those instances, I would have been wearing the saint’s robe.
I don’t expect that changing clothes would make it so nobody would recognize me. Celebrities can still be recognized no matter how they dress differently.
Still, the amount of gazes would undoubtedly be different.
“Yes, let’s do that.”
Having made up my mind, I nodded again.
*
Thinking about it, it had been a long time since I wore non-religious clothing after coming to this world.
I did try on a swimsuit once when I went shopping for one… but that was literally just trying it on and not actually wearing it.
Plus, I have to wear it for at least six more hours.
“It’ll probably take about ten hours.”
And with that thought, Turner completely shattered my expectations.
“Yes?”
As I replied blankly, Turner shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, I bought the fastest ticket to the 21st District. The aircraft is large, so its speed is slow, plus it doesn’t go directly; it stops at other airports midway. You’ll have to get off once in between… but it’s not like you’ll be switching to a completely different aircraft.”
Ah.
That makes sense.
When there’s a direct and a connecting ticket available, there’s no guarantee that the available ticket will be the direct one immediately.
When it comes to a difference of six hours and ten hours, the later departing flight could arrive earlier than the earlier one… but what I need urgently is not the arrival but the departure.
“Ah, by the way, I can’t go. If it’s revealed that I helped the saint return, I would have to make my own excuses. It’s obvious they would think I ran away too if I went along.”
“Is that so…?”
“And there’s no issue with that, right?”
As I pondered blankly, Aurora, who was next to me, asked with concern. By the way, Aurora, Linea, and Uncle Paul had all changed into normal clothes as well. While Uncle Paul might be an exception, it seemed that both Linea and Aurora weren’t too awkward in casual clothes, despite hardly ever wearing them.
Well, they weren’t overly revealing outfits either. It was just hoodies and pants.
…Speaking of which, the outfit I wore today seemed the most decent among all I had worn since coming here.
The religion in this world feels rather off.
Most of that can be attributed to someone back then who couldn’t control their youthful energy, though.
…
“I’m fine. Being part of a small organization means there aren’t any alternatives besides me.”
I wonder if this person is optimistic or just clever in making use of their position. Looking at their actions, it could be both.
“Then, Captain of the Knights, I’ll rely on you to take care of the three of them.”
“Don’t worry. Although I may look like this, I’ve spent quite a considerable time in the secular world.”
As Uncle Paul laughed, I couldn’t help but think he might even have children. Having spent a long time in the secular world might mean he joined the Knights after becoming an adult, right?
If he came all the way to join the church’s knights, it must have been due to some significant event.
…Hmm, I don’t think it’s appropriate to pry into the details.
“Thank you for your help.”
“Well, there’s no need to thank me so much. To be honest, if the saint wanted to, she could have returned safely even without me.”
“But it wouldn’t have been today, right?”
“I suspect it would have taken at least a week.”
Turner said casually, almost jokingly.
“Ah, it seems it’s time for you to leave. Since you’ve bought tickets and clothes, time’s tight.”
As Turner said that, I bowed my head once more. Linea silently bent her waist, and
“Well, take care.”
Aurora smiled brightly, waving her hand.
“Yes, you too stay safe.”
Turner replied with a light smile.
“Then.”
And without any lingering sentiment, he swiftly turned around and left us.
“…Wow, he’s quite straightforward.”
Uncle Paul scratched his head, muttering as he watched Turner leave.
“Let’s go then. To be honest, the seats will be much narrower and uncomfortable than a private jet.”
Following Uncle Paul’s words, we made our way to the boarding area.
Ah, now that I think about it, Turner bought all the airplane tickets and clothes.
…I’ll have to reimburse him later.
*
Matthew really had no reason to return to the Central Church.
In fact, Matthew, who had been leisurely staying at the airport without the intention to head back right away, had a surprisingly relaxed thought of having dinner before going back, considering he just rescued the most important figure, the saint.
…Well, of course, he checked the prices at the airport restaurant and immediately gave up.
Normally, he wouldn’t hesitate to grab a random bite, but he had just purchased tickets and clothes for four people. Although it wouldn’t impact his daily life much given he typically only spends money on cigarettes, it didn’t mean he could afford to splurge freely.
“And I still have to buy a train ticket.”
At least the fastest ticket ended up being a budget airline’s, thankfully. It would mean the saint would have to suffer a bit, but…
After giving up on eating out, Turner made his way to the nearest church. The 1st District, having survived for 500 years, was genuinely the center of human society, vast and complex. There were many churches.
It was just as meal time had ended. He would likely manage to get at least one meal at the church dining hall.
As he walked, entertaining thoughts he would never have entertained as an ordinary believer or priest—
Vroom, his smartphone vibrated.
“Oh, they caught on sooner than I expected.”
Just a little later and things could have gotten complicated. But then again, this was likely a response to the saint’s disappearance. After all, compared to what happened, it was almost like the Pope had disappeared. It was shocking enough to warrant concern.
He answered the phone.
[Where are you right now?]
And immediately, that voice was heard. Oh boy.
“Is this really you, Your Holiness?”
It was rare for someone like the Pope to call a specific priest directly. Because of his position, he often pushed away even those he’s close to. The Pope must remain impartial.
…Well, I wonder how many of the Popes in real history acted like that.
…That says a lot about the current Pope’s depth of faith.
[Is the saint safe?]
“She just boarded a plane without any issues.”
[…There wasn’t any contact from the airplane side for such a thing.]
“That’s because she took a cramped budget flight to avoid being tracked?”
[…!]
There was an inaudible sound from the other end of the line. Though he didn’t shout or anything… Matthew could easily imagine the Pope grabbing his neck in distress. It was a sight he often saw in his childhood.
The tiger priest who would sharply reprimand them when they caused trouble had now become a symbol of gentleness, proving that the world is indeed full of surprises.
Of course, Matthew knew very well how to infuriate that Pope thoroughly. It wasn’t intentional, but he noticed that whenever he acted exceptionally, the Pope would have a similar reaction.
“Don’t worry overly. The Captain of the Knights is with her. The plane will make a stop in the middle, but it’s not like the saint is suddenly going to run far away from the airport.”
[…….]
“If you’re that worried, just contact the local church and have them wait. But I recommend not being discovered by the saint. She’s currently on high alert.”
[Right… that seems necessary.]
Since the saint had declared her intent to “leave” through her actions, they wouldn’t capture her anymore. In truth, she had even actually left, so there wouldn’t be any justification for saying the saint should stay, no matter how they twist the words. It would only lead to disgrace.
Moreover, the reason the saint had grown wary this time was entirely the church’s fault.
“Let me ask you this. What exactly did the saint do that made her run out of the room without telling anyone?”
[She ran out of the room?]
“At least that’s how it was when she faced me.”
On the other end of the line, there was an elderly groan that seemed to resonate with age.
“Could you tell me what happened?”
[Of course. I must tell you since you’ll likely be involved soon. If you prefer, I can let you review the documents in person.]
“I’d rather not be involved, to be honest.”
[After considering what we heard that day, we cannot just let it slide. We might have to rewrite our definitions of faith.]
“……”
Anyway, that old man’s religious passion was something nobody could match.
“So, could you tell me about the ‘actions’ you took, Your Holiness?”
With every word, Matthew felt that excitement building, and he quickly interrupted.
While he had heard of the confession being requested, he had never heard in detail how the Pope behaved during that process. When he was recounting the story, the Pope had been in a religious frenzy and hardly mentioned his own actions.
There are plenty of stories about saints in the Bible, but the accounts written by someone on how they acted are nearly non-existent. Turner learned this when he met and listened to the Pope today.
So, he wanted to know what exactly the Pope had done. What kind of actions would make a teenage girl freak out and run away, was something he couldn’t imagine.
[What I did… Hmm.]
The Pope paused for a moment, seemingly thinking,
[The saint realized she was an apostle sent by the goddess and prostrated herself.]
He said something completely nonsensical, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
“…You knelt down?”
[That’s right.]
Matthew asked again, but the reply was the same.
[It seems that it didn’t sit well with her. She probably felt it was inadequate to express her faith solely through actions without showing it in her heart…]
“No, no, no.”
This time, it was Matthew’s turn to grab his neck.
“Your Holiness, let’s think about this from the beginning.”
Matthew let out a long sigh and continued.
“If a seventy-year-old man suddenly kneels down in front of a teenage girl who just entered high school, what do you think she would feel?”
Just the thought of it gave him chills.
Moreover, the saint was not very self-aware of her own status as a saint. Since she only had truly good people around her, there was no room for her to think, “I am someone of a higher status than others.” Aurora had pointed that out, after all.
…Even someone who dislikes the saint seems to belittle her, meaning she had no chance to think, “I stand above others.” She understood the theory but wasn’t the type to wield power from her very core.
Yet if the Pope—the highest person in the church—suddenly kneels down in front of her, how would she feel?
Of course, he didn’t even bring up the Pope being a Pope. For someone who had lived in the embrace of the church since childhood and had spent over half a century there, this would be something he couldn’t comprehend.
[That… Hmm.]
The Pope fell silent.
As unfortunate as it might be for the Pope, it’s possible the saint now views him as a sort of perverted old man.
[Anyway, make sure to come back quickly. There’s a lot to discuss. We might even need to hold a council.]
“Ugh…”
The saint seems not to particularly enjoy having an influence over the world…
But to be honest, the influence she’s already had is far too large.
It seems like the saint herself is completely oblivious to it.
You may also like Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy
