Chapter 3. Faith and Status (8)

“Kyaa!?”

As I was following the Cardinal, I let out a scream without realizing it.

Ria, who was walking with me, had poked my ribs again.

Sophie and some clergy walking ahead turned to look at me, so I quickly covered my mouth with both hands.

I gave Ria a resentful look, but she giggled and pressed closer to me.

…Hmm.

Even if we’re in the same room, it’s a bit overwhelming when you stick so close to me.

It’s not that I dislike it. I like pretty women, and I like women with good figures even more. Ria is a bit younger than my preference, but I don’t dislike her. Isn’t age just a matter of a few more years?

Minor… Well, according to the law, she’s an adult starting this year.

But even so, unfortunately, I don’t have much immunity to women. I haven’t had much luck in that regard in either my past life or this one.

“What’s wrong?”

When I spoke softly, Ria grinned and said,

“About that story about God earlier.”

“The conversation we were having earlier was entirely about that being, so unless you specify which part, I don’t really know.”

“You know, about discussing the types of gods.”

“Ah.”

About whether we would remove the word ‘God’ after its name was established.

“You thought of that because of what I said, didn’t you?”

“…….”

“That spoon.”

If people call a spoon a spoon, then it’s a spoon.

Therefore, if you call God God, then it’s God, and the type is not that important.

“……No.”

Actually, it was true.

I am a rational and logical person, so I review the debates I’ve lost and perform corrective work to strengthen my logic. Isn’t that natural? Atheists have no scriptures, so there’s no other way but to reinforce their logic with appropriate materials as needed.

Of course, I was extremely frustrated, and I set my logic while grinding my teeth with the determination to never lose again.

“……This country’s religion is monotheistic, isn’t it?”

That’s right.

As the term ‘heresy trial’ exists, ‘heresy’ is treated as a crime in this country. Not to the extent of hanging or burning at the stake like in the Middle Ages, though.

“So, strictly speaking, Ria’s spoon analogy is incorrect. Other gods should not be gods.”

Moreover, there is a rational reason for treating them as ‘heretics’.

Since this is a fantasy world with holy power, there are naturally opposing powers, and people who worship those powers.

Of course, magic is a power that greatly benefits humanity, so it wasn’t completely forbidden, but in this world, and beyond the gate, there are people who are born with inherently strong ‘magic power,’ the power to wield ‘magic.’

And when people have power, they want to show it off.

Some people worship those who wield power that brings immediate benefits in front of them, rather than the distant power of holy power, which they cannot wield.

Look, even in a world without any fantasy phenomena, there were individuals who claimed to be ‘living gods’ or ‘saviors,’ and people who believed them and devoted their bodies, minds, and fortunes.

Historically, there have been instances where it was on a national scale, and religion formed the basis of the country.

But what if someone with immense, mysterious power, power that is almost scientifically unprovable, starts proclaiming themselves as God?

And what if such individuals suddenly spring up like mushrooms after rain?

There must be a ‘standard’ in the world. This is something the people of this world learned from the chaos of over a decade ago.

So, strictly speaking, ‘calling something God makes it God’ must be a false assumption. If you think about it that way, there would be too many gods in this world.

Damn it, why couldn’t I think of that at that moment?

Moreover, judging by her current attitude, Ria seems to have been thinking that far back then.

“Tsk, my stubborn one.”

I felt very offended when Ria placed her palm on my veil while saying that.

Even if I pushed her hand away, Ria just chuckled.

“Ahem.”

The Cardinal, who was walking at the front, cleared his throat, perhaps having overheard our conversation. Ria and I quickly fell silent.

*

“…I heard what you said earlier. It was a lot to think about for me as well.”

“……Thank you.”

I was a little surprised by the Cardinal’s words.

Well, it’s true that I don’t deny the existence of that being, and it’s also true that I can use holy power generously because of it. However, I absolutely do not affirm the word ‘God’ as they understand it.

From my perspective as a non-religious person, and from the perspective of many other atheists besides myself, the word ‘God’ is not very important.

Evolution can be wrong at any time. The positions of the numerous human subspecies within it have been constantly revised. New facts are discovered, leading to revisions, restorations, or even expulsions.

Sometimes, believers see this process and say, ‘Therefore, it is wrong,’ but scientists usually see such situations as ‘it can become healthier.’

However, in religion, the meaning of the word ‘God’ is different.

It is especially different in monotheistic religions that worship a single God. If someone uses the word ‘God,’ it means challenging that authority.

Even if they were to revise the scriptures according to my words-which is unlikely to happen anyway-that word ‘God’ would remain.

If it’s not separated, people will think they can ascend to that position.

“I still believe that God is watching over us-“

See, that’s what I mean.

“-but at least, I have come to know that you deeply believe in that being.”

Huh?

“No, it’s not just believing. You ‘know’ it.”

“…….”

“To be honest, that might not be enough to become a Saint. Not many people will properly agree with your words. Even if they know your heart is sincere, many will oppose it.”

“Oh.”

Oops.

I blurted out something and covered my mouth.

So, in the end, it means I’m not qualified, doesn’t it? Doesn’t that mean there’s no reason for me to ascend to the position of Saint?

Isn’t that how religion and politics always work?

Even if someone says something idealistic or righteous, there are cases where the group’s interests don’t align to fully accept that person’s words.

So, I-

“Very well. For now, I will restore your rights as a Saint Candidate.”

Huh?

As I gaped, the Cardinal smiled slightly at me and said,

“Ah, but that doesn’t mean the verification is over. There are still many stages left. You haven’t even passed the first stage.”

It’s something that normally takes years, after all.

I understand that, but…

“Therefore, I will give you an opportunity to prove your thoughts.”

“……An opportunity?”

“Yes. Sister Sophie.”

“Yes, Cardinal-nim.”

“What rights can a Saint Candidate normally possess?”

“The right to move around relatively freely outside, Cardinal-nim. The right to help people as much as you want and prove that you are qualified to be a Saint.”

“That is correct.”

So, you mean voluntary volunteer work?

I felt my ears perk up.

Perhaps sensing my expression brighten, the Cardinal smiled wryly and said,

“But as I said, that right is given due to your position as a Saint Candidate. Previously, I thought your ideology was somewhat dangerous… Hmm, perhaps I was mistaken. Although I cannot agree with the talk about scientific names.”

The Cardinal said that and stood up from his seat.

And.

“Kyaa!?”

I jumped up from my seat in shock at the Cardinal’s subsequent action.

Seeing the people looking at me with cold eyes, it seemed that wasn’t a very appropriate reaction.

The Cardinal bowed to me.

In other words, he sincerely apologized.

This place is absolutely not a private meeting. It was a very, very official occasion with the Cardinal accompanied by his retinue, and even the defense attorney of evil present.

It would probably be recorded.

It’s not easy for high-ranking officials to apologize. It’s one thing if it’s a personal apology, but this is the church admitting to a ‘mistake.’

…….

Could it be?

Was that the reason I was summoned here in the first place?

The Cardinal stood up and looked at me, saying,

“This is my apology. I only hope that you can do the things you couldn’t do as a Saint Candidate during the past time.”

“…….”

“I hope that my restricting the Saint Candidate does not bring harm to this world.”

“……Uh, no, that’s…”

I was flustered, not knowing how to accept the apology.

I looked around and finally saw the person closest to me.

But Ria, standing next to me, was just wearing a playful smile.

In the end, unable to find words, I chose to simply bow my head slightly to the Cardinal without saying anything.