Return to the Inn

"No need, this is fine."

Because God doesn't need to acknowledge it.

I don't need the faith of this land.

He raised his head and looked up at the sky.

Renner looked at Higashino Makoto, tapped her cheek with her finger, and seemed somewhat surprised.

After a long while, he spoke.

"Don't you need people's faith? It seems I miscalculated. Judging from your actions, I thought you would be a more flamboyant type."

Higashino Makoto neither confirmed nor denied it.

It's normal for her to miscalculate.

This doesn't mean she's not smart; she simply has no idea about the existence of New World.

To me, this world is just a small part of Garden.

She made it her everything.

"God exists without human approval. Whether humans believe or not, He exists. It makes no difference."

Renner looked at him, her blue eyes flashing with a complex light.

"You really are..."

Renner remained silent for a long time.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto, can I trust you?"

"Believe in what?"

"I believe you are the guardian of humanity, I believe this world will get better, and I believe my choice was right."

Higashino Makoto stopped and turned to look at her. His golden eyes were devoid of any emotion.

You don't need to believe me.

"Why?"

"Because, whether you believe me or not, I will do what I must do. Humans need protection, and I will protect them. Demi-humans need punishment, and I will punish them. Believing in me will not bring you more; not believing will not bring you less."

He paused.

"So, you don't need to believe me. You just need to be yourself."

Renner stared at him for a long time.

"You really... are like a god..."

"Maybe."

He turned around and continued walking.

Renner followed behind him.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto, is the emergence of this new faith a good thing or a bad thing for you?"

Higashino Makoto thought for a moment.

"Good thing."

"Why?"

"Because faith can unite people. Humanity needs unity. This world needs unity."

Another reason he didn't mention was that faith could also hasten his ascension to the throne of the "one God".

However, there were too few humans on this continent, so few that he couldn't be bothered to care about the beliefs that might arise there.

Renner nodded and didn't ask any further questions.

The two walked out of the alley and into a wider street.

At the end of the street, the palace tower gleamed golden in the sunlight.

"Mr. Higashino, aren't you going to see your brother?"

"I'm not going."

"Why?"

"Because it's unnecessary."

Higashino Makoto's tone was flat.

"As long as the Garden is beautiful enough, I don't care who the gardener is."

Renner looked at him.

"The Garden you're referring to, you mean a human nation."

"Yes. But more accurately, it's the nation of the human race."

"Then who is the gardener, the king?"

"Yes. King, Crown Prince, ruler. To me, you are the gardeners. I only come to visit occasionally. If the flowers are growing well, I'm happy. If they're not growing well, I'll lend a hand."

After saying that, Higashino Makoto casually took a fruit he hadn't seen before from a nearby vendor and left the money behind.

I took a bite; it was a bit sour, and the taste wasn't very good.

No wonder I've never seen him much.

He finished it in a few bites and then quickened his pace.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto, where are you going next?"

"Back to the hotel."

"Not going anywhere else?"

"I'm not going."

What about tomorrow?

"Let's talk about it tomorrow."

Renner nodded.

"Do you still need me to be your tour guide tomorrow? There are a few people who really want to meet you. If you're free, I can arrange for you to meet them tomorrow."

"Sure, I don't have anything else to do anyway."

Higashino Makoto looked at her.

I agree.

Renner's lips curled up slightly.

"Good."

She turned and walked towards the palace. After a few steps, she stopped without looking back.

"Goodbye, Mr. Higashino Makoto, and thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

Thank you for listening to me and giving me the opportunity to join the Black Cross.

She continued walking forward.

Her long, golden hair shimmered softly in the sunlight, and her white skirt swayed gently in the breeze.

Higashino Makoto watched her retreating figure, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Shinano.

"Exist."

The voice came from behind.

Shinano emerged from the shadows of the alley, her long, silvery-white hair gleaming in the sunlight. Her nine fox tails were hidden by magic, and only her purple eyes held a dreamy quality, as if she had just woken up.

"Grown ups."

"How long did you listen to it?"

"Start with the period of slavery."

What do you think of her?

Shinano.

"Very intelligent and a great performer. However, she seems quite tired."

"Exhausted?"

"She's been pretending for so many years, to the point where she's forgotten who she is. Now she finally doesn't have to pretend anymore, and she's slowly finding herself again."

Do you think she's trustworthy?

"She's trustworthy. Because she's a smart woman. Deceiving you wouldn't do her any good."

Higashino Makoto nodded.

"Let's go back to the hotel."

"Yes."

The two walked back along the street.

Sunlight shone on them, casting their shadows onto the stone path, where they overlapped.

At the hotel entrance, Rem stood looking around. Her blue eyes lit up when she saw Higashino Makoto.

"Mr. Higashino Makoto! You're back!"

"Um."

Where's the tour guide?

"It's getting late, let her go home now and come back tomorrow."

Rem nodded and followed Higashino Makoto into the hotel.

"Rem, have you been waiting long?"

"Soon."

Are you hungry?

"A little."

"Let's go eat."

"Yes!"

Rem's lips curled up slightly.

The three of them walked up the stairs, their footsteps echoing in the empty corridor.

Higashino Makoto pushed open the door to the room, went inside, and sat down by the window.

Shinano stood behind him, holding a teapot in her hands.

"My lord, tea."

"Um."

Higashino Makoto took the teacup and took a sip.

The tea was at the perfect temperature, with a subtle fruity aroma.

"It tastes great."

"That's good. Miss Rem got this from her sister."

"Ram's tea? That guy's tea-brewing skills aren't great, but his tea-selection skills are pretty good."

Rem, who was standing nearby, heard Higashino Makoto's praise and was happy for her sister.

However, the truth was still revealed.

"Well, my older sister just likes to buy the most expensive black tea."

"That girl... it doesn't matter. Being able to buy the most expensive tea shows she knows how to choose."

Besides, who says the highest price necessarily means the best quality?

Ram is genuinely quite skilled.

Higashino Makoto shook his head slightly, not paying any attention.