Volume 4, Chapter 4 – The Queen’s Rule

After a night’s rest, we headed into town to gather information. We were told it was safe, but since we still didn’t fully understand the situation, the three of us stuck together just in case.

That brought us to the Sakimori Tenmangu Shrine. It was a shrine-like place with vast grounds, a large torii gate, and a magnificent, well-maintained building—the Haiden, I think it’s called? ¹ Haiden (拝殿) is the public hall of worship at a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine.

“Hello,” I called out to a Miko dressed in the traditional red and white robes, who was sweeping the shrine grounds.

“Hello. How can I help you?”

“Yes. My name is Fiene Argentata, and I am a Saint Candidate. I arrived in this country yesterday. I came here hoping to speak with the Kannushi.”

“??? A… Saint? Um, you’re from the West, aren’t you?”

Oh? The title of Saint Candidate doesn’t carry any weight here?

I thought it just wasn’t well-known because Shizuku-san didn’t know about it, but I hadn’t expected it to be unknown even at a shrine, which should be a place related to the Gods.

“Yes. I have come from the White Moon Kingdom.”

“I see. So you are affiliated with the Church over there? Understood. Please, come this way.”

“Thank you very much.”

Thank goodness. At least it looks like we won’t be turned away.

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We were led to the shrine office, where we sat on the tatami mats and waited, sipping the tea we were served.

Since we had visited without an appointment, this was to be expected.

After waiting for a while, I heard footsteps, and then there was a knock on the door.

When the door opened, an elderly man with graying hair dressed like a priest and a middle-aged woman in Miko robes entered.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting. I am Korezane Mitsuji, the Guji ² Guji (宮司, ぐうじ) refers to the head priest or chief custodian of a Shinto shrine. —er, the person in charge—of Sakimori Tenmangu. This is Miko Azami Suehiro.”

“Thank you for your kindness. My name is Fiene Argentata. I am currently traveling as a Saint Candidate. This is Holy Knight Christina, and my traveling companion, Lumia.”

“Welcome, though you have come from afar. Forgive me, but we have had very little interaction with the Western Church, and we are not very familiar with what a ‘Saint’ is. What exactly are your duties?”

It seems the concept of a Saint really is niche in this country.

“Yes. To put it simply, I am a woman who works to save the people of the world by treating injuries and illnesses, mourning the dead, and driving away evil spirits.”

“I see. So, in other words, you are on a journey of training for that purpose?”

“Something like that.”

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Korezane-san had a look of understanding on his face.

I’ve been a Saint Candidate for a long time now, but even I still don’t quite understand what a Saint actually is, so this was the best explanation I could give. I was just glad he accepted it.

Incidentally, stories about Heroes and Demon Lords feel like things that only happen in fairy tales, so they don’t really feel real to me.

“And so, what business does a Saint Candidate have with us?”

“Yes. Actually, I am looking for a dear friend. We’ve been separated. There is something important we must return to her. There are also promises we haven’t yet fulfilled…”

Korezane-san looked intently into my eyes, and then his expression softened.

“I see. I understand the situation. In that case, we shall help you. What kind of person is she?”

“Yes. Her name is Mieshiro Shizuku, a woman from this country. She is tall, with black eyes and black hair, and she is a samurai. I believe she may have come to this town about ten days ago…”

“Ah, that rumored woman? I am sorry, but I do not know where she went either.”

“I see…”

As we felt a bit discouraged, Azami-san, the Miko, spoke up.

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“I believe I’ve heard of a Miko lineage by the name of Mieshiro in Miyako, but you say she is a samurai?”

“Yes. She was wearing a family heirloom sword.”

“I see. In that case, it might be a different person. Perhaps you should try meeting the Queen? With the Queen’s divination, you should be able to find your missing person in no time.”

“Is that so? I heard about the Queen from the stalls last night. What kind of person is the Queen?”

At that, the two of them began pouring out praise for the Queen as if a dam had burst.

To summarize, the Queen’s name is Suikyou-sama, and she ascended to the throne 35 years ago.

Suikyou-sama is a Miko of immense power; since her ascension, all the epidemics, famines, and natural disasters that had plagued the country were quelled, politics stabilized, and the people’s standard of living improved remarkably.

Thanks to her, it is said that public safety has improved to the point where people can leave their homes without locking their doors and rarely worry about theft, and it is rare for young women to be attacked while walking at night.

Furthermore, rumors say Suikyou-sama is a peerless beauty who does not age, and that she is a personable ruler who meets with commoners to solve their troubles, provided she isn’t too busy.

Hmm, isn’t it rare to find a Queen with such a flawless reputation in every way?

“Then, I shall write a letter of introduction for you. Could you wait a moment?”

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“Would that be alright? Thank you very much!”

After a short while, Korezane-san handed me an envelope containing the letter of introduction.

“Go to Miyako and present this letter at the Imperial Palace. I cannot say when, but you should be able to meet the Queen.”

“Thank you.”

I sincerely thanked Korezane-san for his kindness.

“Also, because of the Queen, peace is maintained in this country, so it may be that your ‘salvation’ is rarely needed here. However, the Queen’s power cannot reach every single citizen and every single piece of land perfectly. If you see anyone in need during your journey, please lend them a hand.”

Korezane-san told me this with a smile. I genuinely found this statement impressive.

While acknowledging the Queen’s power, he also admitted there were gaps, and he entrusted the salvation of those people to someone from another country—and another religion. I don’t think just anyone could do something like that.

“Of course.”

When I nodded and answered with respect in my heart, Korezane-san gave a small nod in return.