Takuto had been touring Dragontan with Mayor Anterize as his guide.
What had once been a desolate town was now showing remarkable prosperity.
Buildings unique to Mynoghra—such as the Man-Eating Tree, the Wine Pool and Meat Forest, and the Deformed Beast Zoo—projected the nation's evil majesty, while newly constructed residences and various shops supported the city's growth and prosperity.
The expressions of passersby were bright, brimming with vitality.
The Dragon Vein Well, a critical facility, had also been excavated, and it continuously produced the earth's Mana in a faint green glow without ever running dry.
In Dragontan's promising results as Mynoghra's second city, Takuto sensed tremendous potential and a bright future.
It was in the midst of such thoughts that—
—he noticed a colossal structure in the city center, precisely where he believed a large estate had once stood.
The first thing to catch his eye was the twisted, interlocking spires. Then came the windows—arranged with deliberate haphazardness, as if intentionally placed out of alignment.
Ringing with a ghastly bell toll that resonated deep in the heart—seemingly from nowhere—it loomed toward the heavens, clearly reflecting Mynoghra's evil culture while simultaneously carrying a distinctly religious flavor.
Takuto carefully looked the unfamiliar facility over from top to bottom, then finally asked Anterize in a quiet, unhurried voice that sounded as though he had already resigned himself to the answer.
"Mayor Anterize. What is that?"
"The Grand Cathedral of the Ira Faith. Dumeli Tula."
Her voice was quiet and filled with sorrow.
It was the kind of voice that seemed to have kneaded every ounce of her reluctance and disgrace into it.
Well, he had figured it was probably something like that—nine times out of ten.
But he really didn't want to know the details. Knowing would only mean more work for him.
"What about from a city planning perspective?"
"It is entirely outside the plan, and furthermore, I have no recollection of issuing any permits or approvals as mayor."
"So it's an illegal structure. Let's have it demolished..."
This is likely the Cathedral in "Eternal Nations". You can construct one in the capital when establishing a religion, but it would have cost a considerable amount. There's no doubt that Takuto used Vittorio's ability to force through the construction order, but I'm curious where he scraped together the missing funds. Yet, thinking of the fervor of Ira's believers Takuto knew, and the illicit fortune he likely had in the recently acquired Selduchi, the answer seemed to reveal itself naturally... I sighed.
My inspection of Dragontan hadn't been meaningless. Things like construction and administration were supposedly running smoothly, so I'd even considered just leaving things be. But here lurked a bombshell. Anterize probably found it difficult to bring up. If it were me, I'd have been so awkward I wouldn't know how to report it, so I couldn't really scold her for the blunder. After all, it was the responsibility of the direct superior—me—for the hero's antics.
And that awkwardness apparently wasn't limited to Anterize and me. From beside me, a voice, wretched and filled with utmost anguish and despair, leaked out.
She was the young goat beastkin girl who had been summoned to the former administrative office before the inspection, and who until recently had been giving Takuto a tour alongside Anterize with a beaming, genuinely happy smile.
Ira Religion's Acting High Priestess, Yonayona.
She was, one could say, a crucial witness regarding this bizarre and unauthorized construction.
"Uuu, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! To think I went against the great will of the divine! This is all my responsibility! Please, please, use my life as forgiveness!"
"Oh no, Yonayona, this isn't your fault. You've been doing a great job. Don't put yourself down like that."
I tried to calm and reassure the girl who, left to her own devices, looked ready to prostrate herself in an instant. It would have been easier to just blame it all on Vittorio, but the fact that she still felt responsible was both her good point and her bad point.
"Uu, such kind words are too good for someone like me... I am, I am... a gaaaod..."
"Yeah, I never get used to you calling me that..."
The Ira Religion was a faith created by Vittorio that deified Takuto without his consent.
It is also a mechanism for aggregating power that worships only Takuto and directs prayers only to Takuto.
This religion, crafted using Vittorio's abundant mind-control skills, has followers who are every single one of them possessed of fanatical faith.
If Takuto commanded, they would all joyfully offer up their lives without hesitation—they are, in a sense, people whose screws have come completely loose. Honestly, Takuto finds them unsettling.
And it is the acting pontiff of such a religion who is, in tears, clinging to Takuto, the one regarded as a god.
Fortunately, there are few passersby at this hour, so it isn't too conspicuous, but he wished they would stop, as it was about to become a troublesome situation.
More importantly, Takuto wanted Yonayona to stop crying and explain the current situation.
"Well, regarding this building, ratifying it after the fact is probably the safest course. I said what I did earlier, but demolishing it now would be such a hassle, and if we had that kind of leeway, it would be better spent elsewhere. But Anterize, you truly couldn't handle it?"
Since Yonayona was useless, Takuto turned to Anterize.
Unlike the goat girl, she seemed to have retained her composure.
"No, actually, it turned out that the surrounding residents are Ira followers who have also been bribed with money. So, if the administration tries to intervene, they stage protest marches day and night in front of the city hall, and..."
"The ringleader? It's Vittorio, isn't it. He's gotten away with causing this much trouble before, so making him take responsibility would probably smooth things over the most, right? How about calling him out and beheading him as an example, for starters?"
"We have called him out repeatedly, but he absolutely refuses to appear... Forgive my presumption, but could you, Your Majesty, also issue a summons?"
"At a time like this, I don't think he'd appear even if I asked... No?"
"I... see..."
Vittorio's escapades were wide-ranging.
Takuto could comprehend his intentions, and therefore didn't fret over it that much, but not everyone else was like him.
The higher one's position in the state, the more serious and dutiful the person tended to be.
The Dark Elves, Anterize, Yonayona—all of them.
Those serious people who strove to be dedicated to both the nation and Takuto were not accustomed to Vittorio's misdeeds.
Thus, they felt a sense of responsibility, and their hearts ached like this.
(Well, can't be helped. Guess I'll offer a lifeline.)
"Ah, what Vittorio did can't be helped. That area is under my jurisdiction, so let's say this matter is now in my hands. Also, from now on, if you even sense he's about to cause trouble, tell me directly. I won't let you two be held responsible for anything."
First, establish responsibility.
All responsibility for Dragontan falls on Anterize, and all responsibility for the Ira Cult effectively falls on its top figure, Yonayona.
Naturally, the responsibility for this great cathedral nominally falls on them too, but Takuto twisted the logic.
Or rather, if he didn't twist the logic, the settlement wouldn't go smoothly. Exceptional operations are undesirable in an organization, but when it came to Vittorio, not doing so would lead to greater damage.
That was why Takuto chose his words carefully so the two wouldn't feel even more discouraged.
And his next words were also chosen with consideration for their positions.
"More importantly, the process wasn't great, but the result is excellent, isn't it? It seems to be functioning well. What do you think, Anterize?"
"Yes, as you can see, the main building is splendid, bizarre, and extraordinary—fitting to be called a Grand Cathedral. It has gained immense status among the adherents of the Ira Cult. Consequently, many pilgrims come from within and outside the country, naturally contributing to Dragontan's economy..."
"Ah, the so-called holy site pilgrimage? Because practices like idol worship are forbidden, it serves as a clear outlet for faith."
"Y-yes! Adherents from all over the continent come to this building. So if the Goddess were to deny this Dumere Tura, that would be a bit problematic... Ah, no! I'm not questioning the Goddess's decree!"
"I understand, I understand. That would indeed be a problem."
He was explaining its effects to ensure Anterize wouldn't take responsibility or unilaterally order its removal, but in doing so, he spotted an advantage even he had missed.
Specifically, that this great cathedral had become a destination in itself.
Adherents came here to this cathedral with the purpose of offering prayers to Takuto, which was why peace in the Great Cursed Realm was maintained.
If this hadn't been built, by now, adherents would have been swarming the palace in the Great Cursed Realm where Takuto resided.
(Thinking about it... should I officially recognize this cathedral as much as possible as the object of Ira Cult worship? I thought I'd need to caution them so the authority didn't become excessive, but doing that would actually put me in a bind.)
Vittorio understood this situation perfectly, which was why he had initiated the construction of the Grand Cathedral.
Failing to report it was just his nature, but this ability to proceed rationally through seemingly opaque matters—this hero of verbal missteps was apparently in top form even in this world.
"Hmm. Well, perhaps I should consider the handling of this cathedral a bit longer before making a decision. Ah, this isn't because I have any particular issues with the two of you, so don't misunderstand."
It would be wise to deliberate carefully on how much approval to give.
Since Mynoghra's capital, the Great Cursed Realm, is not well situated for commerce, the development of the second city, Dragontan, is desirable.
That this cathedral would become a catalyst for that is inevitable, and it will surely contribute greatly.
However, allowing it to become an entirely religious city would be less than ideal.
In Takuto's view, he wanted the second city to excel in economic and manufacturing aspects.
He had to strike a balance, utilizing the prestige of Dumuri Tuura while ensuring commercial activity did not wither.
It seemed Vittorio had once again presented a complex problem.
But that, too, was something to be enjoyed.
As someone fond of domestic affairs, Takuto greatly preferred this direction of wrestling with such complexities to govern a nation.
Lately, constant combat operations had been encroaching, robbing him of too much time for domestic matters.
He considered that he could allow himself this small respite to enjoy the situation.
That train of thought was probably his mistake.
His focus on domestic affairs had tilted too far, leaving him lacking in consideration for his immediate circumstances.
"Is it... is it perhaps, a god?!"
Suddenly, a voice called out to Takuto.
It was almost more miraculous that he hadn't been found out until now.
Yes... they were followers of the Ira faith.
A wave of commotion spread with tremendous force, and from every direction, people with unfocused, drug-glazed eyes began to creep toward Takuto.
"This is... this is bad. Extremely bad."
"Please flee, my King! The festival is about to begin!!"
"Why is everyone so enthusiastic about this!? And why a festival!?"
Anterize's cry was not the one she made when joking, but rather a serious concern for Takuto.
Takuto was bewildered by the sudden festival, but such time was not left for him.
"Th-That's because the god of Ira religion has descended upon the holy land of Dumeri Tura! Such a great and glorious thing... it will surely be passed down through generations... Hah! In other words, we are now experiencing a myth with our own bodies!?"
"Y-Yonayona! Try to somehow calm everyone down... It's no good! They're completely tripping out!"
"You mustn't, my King! The retreat has been cut off! Believers are gathering from everywhere!"
"R-Religion is too scary..."
In the end, Takuto fled into the back alleys to escape the believers, and by releasing the mimicry of his body double, the "Incompetent", he managed to avoid danger.
Later, when he confirmed with Anterize, it turned out the festival was indeed the Takuto Ira God Descent Festival, and upon hearing that, Takuto did not approach Dragontan for a while.
=Eterpedia===
[Grand Cathedral] Building
Sect: Ira Religion Name: Dumeri Tura
Destruction Mana +1
National Believer Growth Rate +10%
National Magic Power Production +20%
The Grand Cathedral is a special building that can be constructed at the headquarters of a religion.
It has powerful effects, but only one can be built per religion, and construction requires a high cost.
Also, this building cannot be destroyed by enemy occupation, and it remains in the city even if the city's ownership changes.
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