episode_0309

“Sir, this is an offering made by new believers.”

“Didn’t you say you received donations last time?”

“You collected it once then, and you paid it again this time.”

“Twice? “You didn’t force it on them, did you?”

“no. “Everyone voluntarily said they wanted to pay more.”

Although they were grateful people who managed the denomination when they were away, it was unacceptable for them to accept donations through coercion.

“The new members of the church are very active in their activities.”

“yes.”

“They went around calling the religious leader a saint.”

“ah… ! I didn’t know that. “I have to tell you to be careful.”

“no. “I think things like this will continue to happen in the future.”

“yes?”

“Considering the abilities you have, you should have noticed this a long time ago. “We admit that we were caught up in stereotypes and did not see our leader properly.”

“???”

While I was speechless, not knowing what to say in response to the unexpected sound.

They continued:

“If you are not a saint, then who would dare call you a saint?”

“yes? Me? Oh my god, you can never say something like that anywhere. “I’m in really big trouble.”

Currently, the position of saint is vacant.

And not just anyone could receive the title of saint.

It was a title given to someone who not only had the most outstanding healing ability of his time, but also lived a life that served as an example to others through that ability.

There was no way he could be called such a great title.

Even if only a few people say that.

“I know you’re humble, but you don’t have to be. Who else but you has the greatest healing ability of your time? And look at the number of church members that has increased this time. “They were all people who followed the church leader as he personally bestowed grace on them.”

Even though he only joined the military for a short time, he said that the number of people coming to the church has increased, saying that he has been a blessing to him.

“I just did my job. “They just got what they deserved.”

“After listening closely to the stories, I realized that these people would have suffered from aftereffects if they had been treated by another therapist. In other cases, he said that he gained respect for the teacher after seeing him make sincere efforts to treat patients until late at night.”

“That… .”

My face felt hot.

I just did what I could, and it was awkward for other people to praise me for it.

He had always been a pain in the ass to the former leader.

“So, it is not at all strange to be called a saint.”

“Don’t lift it too much. “You know I’m not that kind of person.”

“If you look at the records, it is said that all of those who received the title of saint began with others calling her a saint first. “As she built up a reputation, the church recognized her as a saint.”

In other words, it meant that nothing would change even if you denied it and said it was not true.

“I have already started calling the leader that way. “I think this is just the beginning.”

This time, there were so many church members that it was hectic.

I lived so busy that I didn’t even notice how the week of vacation went by.

But I couldn’t breathe when I heard that even this was just the beginning.

After all, he shouldn’t have been the head of the religious sect… .

“Wouldn’t it be better for me to step down from my position as leader?”

“Even if you step down from your position as leader, you are still our leader. Not only is there no one who wants to become the next great religious leader, but is there anyone who recognizes him as the religious leader? “We already have a perfect leader in front of us.”

“I’m not as great of a person as you think.”

Everyone’s gazes on me were gentle.

It was a smile that seemed to somehow soothe a grumpy child, so I felt embarrassed.

“Why do you look at me like that?”

“You are truly amazing. “It is all thanks to you that the denomination was not shaken and was able to enjoy greater prosperity despite the sudden rise to the position of leader.”

What is known to the outside world is that the former religious leader, who suddenly became ill, handed over the position of new religious leader to himself and died in sorrow.

The believers who suddenly lost the leader they followed like a god, father, or mother could not help but be shaken.

Why does a great man get sick and die?

It would have been absurd for an unexpected person to be appointed as the leader of the church even before the questions of the believers who had followed him were resolved.

‘You have to work hard to build trust.’

I know that there are still believers who are dissatisfied with their position as leader.

According to their claims, they seemed to think that the reason he was given the position of leader was because he was an awakened person.

There was a lot of talk about whether it would make sense for a religious leader to join the military and not be able to properly manage the religious order.

However, as new believers appeared this time, public opinion was gradually changing.

“The number of people within the church who support the leader is increasing.”

“No problem. “What can we dare to say as the number of noble believers within the church increases significantly?”

Noble believers are of great help to the church.

The overwhelming wealth they have.

And the power and abilities they had were such that it was embarrassing to compare them to ordinary believers.

“There is no discrimination among believers.”

They should not have discriminated against believers because their donations changed what they ate and wore.

No matter how many times I emphasized this part, it was not enough, so I emphasized it and everyone nodded obediently.

“Yes, I will be careful.”

“But, sir, I want you to know that the forces supporting you are growing.”

“… all right.”

He said he would be careful because he was scolded by his friends for treating soldiers in the military, but he couldn’t disappoint someone who trusted him so much.

“If the number of believers continues to increase at this level in the future, our denomination will be able to grow tremendously!”

The members of the church were very excited and occupied their seats for a while, but when they showed signs of fatigue, they finally left.

“Oh my, it looks like the leader is tired.”

“I didn’t even know that time had passed so quickly. I will come see you again tomorrow. “Master.”

“Yes, everyone please go in carefully.”

As soon as I woke up in the morning, I was busy with church work, and it was not until it was time to go to sleep that I was left alone. It was a life of constant church life.

After washing up and lying down on the bed, I felt tingly and tired, as if my entire body was in muscle pain.

Suddenly, I remembered what my friend said.

That’s what I was worried about because I was working all my vacation.

‘I said I would get some rest, but I can’t keep my promise.’

Now, in just one day tomorrow, I have to end my vacation and return to my base.

After enlisting, I was worried because I couldn’t care about the church’s affairs at all, and just like I was worried about when I actually joined the church, various things were waiting for me.

It was also surprising news that the number of noble believers had increased, which was not expected.

‘Still, I feel proud.’

The people he treated came to the church for him… .

I was so moved because it was unexpected, and a heavy sense of responsibility was placed on my shoulders.

Although it was a foolish behavior to my friends, I was able to take comfort in the fact that it was not completely meaningless and wrong.

I also thought that I would like to continue helping people in the future without going overboard so as not to worry my friends.

the problem is.

‘Hmm, I guess I’ll have a lot of work tomorrow too.’

One day left on vacation.

I suddenly felt a desire to spend just one day for myself.

Since I used 6 days of my vacation for teaching, wouldn’t one day be bad?

However, the people who had left earlier kept insisting that they would come back tomorrow, so I couldn’t even bring up the topic first.

‘If you diligently move early, even if you are late… .’

While I was thinking about how to spend tomorrow, my eyes closed without even knowing when I fell asleep.

When I opened my eyes again, the day had brightened.

※ ※ ※

“You did a really good job. “You have to return tomorrow, so go in early and get some rest.”

“You went through a lot of trouble because of me.”

“no. “It was an honor to be able to serve the religious leader.”

“The next vacation will take some time.”

“I know you’re doing great things there too. “I will do my best to protect this place until you return.”

“thank you.”

I was anxious.

I quickly packed my bags and prepared to move.

The sun was just starting to set, so if I did well, I might be able to get there in time.

‘Will you be there?’

It was obvious that it would be rude to go so late, but I still wanted to be greedy.

That’s why I’m packing my bags in a hurry.

“No, it’s night now. Where are you going… “Are you really going back?”

“yes. Since the schedule is over, you can go. Yes?”

“uh… “I was planning to gather together tomorrow and see you off.”

“no. It’s really okay. Everyone is busy, so I can’t make them waste their time. I will leave quietly. Please let others know tomorrow. Please keep it a secret for now.”

“Still, you put in a lot of effort, but if you just keep going like this, everyone will be disappointed.”

“I really don’t want to do that.”

Perhaps because he felt the sincerity of my desperate and earnest refusal, he sighed softly and spoke.

“All right. Then, please have a few people follow you as escorts. “I cannot allow someone so precious to be sent away alone.”

escort?

“no! There is a place I need to visit separately. “You don’t have to worry about my safety.”

“But, sect leader… Teacher? “Master!!”

“Please keep it a secret! “I’m going!!”

I rushed over with my luggage in my arms.

I was trying to chase after him without realizing it, but I guess I gave up and there was no sign of him.

‘Whew~’

It was fortunate.

If I had kept trying to pursue him, I would have had no idea how to persuade him.

I got into the carriage and hurried to the general store.

“If you go quickly, I’ll give you double.”

“… Hold on tight.”

“yes!”

Every minute that passed was a waste.