Volume 7, Chapter 7 – Entering the Emirate

“Ah, I can see land. Is all of that desert?”

Seeing the yellow land beyond the horizon, I asked Chris-san.

“Yes. The Yellow Planet Federation of Emirates is often called the Land of Deserts. It is said that the federation began when the Emirs of tribes that were once nomadic came together to form a single nation.”

I see. But I wonder how they manage to live in a desert like that?

“Huh? It looks like a fleet is heading our way.”

“Indeed it is. They do not seem particularly friendly…”

While we were talking, about four ships surrounded our vessel. In response, our ship came to a halt.

“You there, ship of the White Moon Kingdom! We shall conduct a boarding inspection!”

Someone shouted, so the crew members waved some flags and lowered a rope ladder.

That was probably a semaphore signal meaning they understood.

Then, a small boat was launched from one of the ships, and three men used it to board our vessel.

Reаd on КatRеаⅾiոgСаfe

Since it was a desert country, I had imagined people with brown skin like Sara-san, but in reality, they were all different. How should I put it… they all had deep-set features and skin that was more lightly tanned.

They all had bushy beards, which made me wonder if they didn’t get hot in the desert.

“We are the Izar Coast Guard of the Yellow Planet Federation of Emirates. Where is the captain of this vessel?”

“I am. This is the cruiser King White Moon, belonging to the Third Knight Order of the White Moon Kingdom.”

The moment those words were spoken, the Coast Guard officer’s face twitched.

“W-Why is a ship carrying royalty in a place like this alone?”

“Our mission is to serve as the means of transport for Saint Fiene Argentata-sama to and from your country. Due to a very serious situation, Saint-sama needs to meet with your President. We request an immediate introduction.”

“W-What! Saint-sama!?”

He looked around the deck, and the moment he spotted me, he suddenly threw himself face-down onto the deck.

No, looking closer, his face was turned toward me, and he had brought both hands in front of his face, clasping them together.

Uh, well, to be honest, it’s a little scary.

Reаԁ οո КаtRеаԁіոɡCafе

But maybe this is also a prayer pose?

What am I supposed to do? Is there no religion in this world that prays normally?

The people in front of me quickly cleared a path, so I had no choice but to walk toward the guards.

“””God is great! God is great! The Saint is the Apostle of God! Gratitude for the Saint’s salvation!”””

The three of them chanted the mysterious phrase in unison.

Ugh, this is bad. I don’t really get religious stuff, so I guess I’ll just go with the usual.

“Yes. As God wills.”

I said this with a beaming professional smile.

“””Ooooh, God is great! God is great!”””

The three of them shouted and then stayed frozen in that position.

Rеаd οn КαtRеαⅾіnɡСαfе

Um, so… what am I supposed to do now?

◇ ◇ ◇

Ultimately, this mysterious ritual ended when I said, “God forgives you.”

Lately, this whole Saint thing I’ve somehow ended up doing is starting to wear me out.

It would be fine if I only had to do it within the White Moon Kingdom, but apparently, greetings, ways of praying, and taboos differ depending on the sect.

I suppose it’s because the Gods actually exist and grant Classes and Oracles, they’re all considered different sects of the same religion worshipping the same God.

That may be the case, but I think there are far too many variations.

On top of that, because we worship the same God, I’m revered even if the sect is different, which means I have to memorize completely different customs for every single sect. Honestly, give me a break.

I wish they’d just unify into one, but I suppose it’s not that simple.

Sigh.

And so, our King White Moon entered the port of Izar, the gateway to the Western Sea of the Yellow Planet Federation of Emirates.

Reαd οn KаtRеаⅾіngСαfe

As far as the eye could see, a yellow desert stretched out in all directions, and many of the houses appeared to be made of sun-dried bricks.

It really had that classic “desert country” atmosphere.

However, despite being a gateway, it didn’t seem to be a very large town; the walls were low and didn’t inspire much confidence, even compared to the town of Semnos we had departed from, let alone the Royal Capital.

Also, perhaps because it was a coastal town despite being in the desert, the air wasn’t particularly dry.

Occasionally, sand whipped up by the sea breeze slapped my cheeks, making me feel a little like I was at the beach.

Though the wind was cold since it’s winter.

“””””God is great! God is great! The Saint is the Apostle of God! Gratitude for the Saint’s salvation!”””””

The moment we disembarked and stepped onto the soil of Izar, the welcoming party all slammed face-down onto the ground and began to pray.

Honestly. I don’t think praying to me is going to accomplish anything.

Somehow managing to get through it with the phrase I’d just learned, I was then led to a hotel by the people who had come to welcome us.