Chapter 238.1
The rumbling from above subsided, and the fall of the canopy came to a halt.
A faint lingering sound remained.
“The sky beneath the earth trembles and cries. This is called a sky tremor.” said Arcana, gazing up at the canopy high up.
“Hmm. Even on the surface, earthquakes occur. However, that would mean the canopy would gradually fall.” (Anos)
“The Underground World is supported by divine pillars. They will lift up the fallen pieces of the canopy.” (Arcana)
Which meant that there was no problem.
“That’s quite unusual. On the surface, the sky never falls, after all. I would like to see those so-called divine pillars if I ever have the chance.” (Anos)
“The divine pillars are the pillars of order. Ordinary people cannot see them, but you might be able to.” (Arcana)
The pillars of order, huh?
It seemed that this cavernous Underground World was supported by something akin to magic.
“Which god created those Pillars of Order?” (Anos)
“It is said that the world was created before the first dragonborn. The name of the god has been lost, but there is no doubt that the god in question governed the order of creation.” (Arcana)
“If it’s the God of Creation, that would be Militia.” (Anos)
“I don’t know that name.” (Arcana)
Since she could use the Moon of Creation, then it was possible that she was the god who did it.
And that she didn’t remember it due to forgetting her own divine name.
However, in this Selection Trial, devouring the order of other gods is possible.
I wasn’t sure whether Arcana participated in the Selection Trial before she forgot the name, but the possibility that she might have devoured the Order of Creation was there.
Or it could be that there was another God of Creation down here.
Well, surely things would become clearer if she could recall her memories.
Speculating about this or that wouldn’t lead us to any conclusion.
“Well, shall we go?” (Anos)
With Arcana leading us, we walked to the bustling part of the city.
Apart from the unusual architecture made from materials like dragon bones and the unfamiliar clothing, the streets of Jiorhaze were generally no different from those of Azesion or Dilhade.
There were passersby, shops lined up, and street stalls.
Churches that presumably worship the gods are everywhere, and around them were people dressed in blue robes.
“This country is ruled by the pope — or in other words, the Church of Jiordal — in the name of the gods. Those dressed in robes are all clergymen. And those who wear armor are holy knights.” (Arcana)
As we walked, Arcana gave us a rundown about the city.
The students were all looking around curiously at their surroundings.
The divine dragon’s singing faintly echoed in their ears.
It was so soft that no one would notice it unless they focused on it. Here in Jiordal, it must’ve been as common as the murmuring of a water stream.
“Hey girls, do you hear someone singing from over there?” (Ellen)
“Yeah! People are signing, right?! What’s this sound? A string instrument? It’s such a beautiful melody.” (Fangirl A)
The Fan Union girls were looking off into the distance, listening closely.
“Anos-sama, may we go listen to that song?” Ellen asked me.
As I turned to Arcana, she replied.
“The public safety in Jiorhaze is good. Strict rules are imposed on those who live here, but they are relatively lenient on travelers. As long as you don’t disrespect the gods, even if you break a rule, all the church will do is arrest you. You will be granted a grace period before you are tried for heresy.” (Arcana)
That didn’t seem to be a problem.
“Then, let’s have ourselves three hours of free time. Go and broaden your horizons. You may do whatever you wish, but I suggest not staying too close to me. The pope here might be targeting me.” (Anos)
I used to tell Ellen and the other students as well.
“Thank you very much!” (Ellen)
“We’ll be off now, and I’ll learn the song too!” Catha said.
“Hm. I look forward to hearing it,” I replied.
“Yay! I did it! What a reward!” Catha cheered as she ran off happily, pumping her fists.
“Ah, no fair, Catha! No head start!” (Fangirl A)
“Give us an indirect reward! An indirect reward!” (Fangirl B)
“Hm. I look forward to hearing it,” Catha said with a straight face.
Hearing that, Nono turned around with the same expression.
“Hm. I look forward to hearing it.” (Nono)
This time, Maia said with a striking pose.
“Hm. I look forward to hearing it.” (Maia)
The Fan Union girls repeated this phrase for each other, lining up, each mimicking the Demon King’s expression perfectly and harmonizing as they said it.
“Hm. I look forward to hearing it.” (All the fangirls)
Squealing with excitement, the girls dashed off.
“Our song is going to reach Anos-sama’s ears…!” they sang, as if they were in an opera.
“Oh, what kind of emotion will that conceive?” (Fangirl A)
“Can we even conceive such an emotion?” (Fangirl B)
The passing draconids stopped and glanced at the girls who were improvising their song.
“Let this emotion be born!” (All the fangirls)
With a bit of vibrato, the girls left for the source of that song they heard.
“…Why can’t they have any sense of danger…? Right Mi—” (Sasha)
Misha was munching on a fried dragon skewer she had just bought from a food stall.
We had distributed some pocket money to the students beforehand for the purpose of broadening their horizons.
“You’re right about that. We have to be careful” Misha replied, with some difficulty due to eating the piping hot meat.
“What are you eating?!” (Sasha)
“Fried dragon skewer.” (Misha)
“I can already tell just by looking at it! I’m asking why you’re eating it!” (Sasha)
“The food stall vendor said it’s delicious.” (Misha)
“This is enemy territory. With an emphasis on “enemy”. And we’re right in the middle of it. What if this was poisoned?” (Sasha)
Misha gulped down her meat and spoke.
“I checked.” (Misha)
With her Magic Eyes, Misha could probably detect most poisons.
“I made sure to save some for you too, Sasha.” (Misha)
“It’s not like I was angry because I thought there wasn’t any for me…” (Sasha)
“You don’t want it?” Misha asked, tilting her head.
“…I’ll take it.” (Sasha)
Sasha took a bite of the fried dragon skewer with appetite.