Chapter 196 – The Head Shrine Maiden and the Goddess

“I see… So the key lies in how you apply the spin.”

Talcott furrowed his brows while muttering about the movement of the cue ball I had struck. Quite the keen observation.

“You hit it slightly above just now, didn’t you? By moving it skillfully like that, you can either secure an advantageous position for your next shot or adjust the trajectory after the carom.”

“When it hits the rail, the rebound angle changes depending on the strength of the impact.”

“This runs deeper than I thought…”

Alfred, Talcott, Chester, and Miriam—all four of them—were engaged in a serious discussion about billiards.

They wanted to see my skills, so I joined the game, and it seemed to be providing good stimulation. Attempting techniques that lead to comebacks or digging your own grave adds depth to the game.

As expected, Chester, originally skilled with a spear, showed considerable finesse with the cue as well.

Next, I applied backspin to the cue ball, caroming it off the 8 and 9 balls into the pocket. Cheers and applause erupted.

“There are methods like making the ball jump or curve… but if you’re not used to it, you might tear the cloth, so I’d appreciate it if you stuck to regular play for a while.”

“Understood. In that case, let me try the technique you just showed us.”

It was good to see everyone enjoying themselves, not just with billiards. I wondered how the others were doing.

Seraphina seemed to have taken a liking to the custom darts. She appeared to be having fun playing darts with Ashley.

Forestbird, Oswald, and Auria seemed to be playing cards.

“Come on, Oswald. Hand over your cards.”

“Damn you…”

It seemed Auria was currently dominating. Oswald was being forced to surrender his powerful cards to her.

“…Um, excuse me. I’ve been wondering since we met at the theater the other day… Have we met somewhere before? It’s as if I’ve known you since long ago, I suppose. I feel something… peculiar.”

As I scanned the recreation room, I saw Penelope speaking to Claudia with a somewhat puzzled expression. Nearby, Marlene was smiling happily.

Penelope was the Head Shrine Maiden. Perhaps she sensed something about Claudia’s presence.

“Perhaps—we have.”

Claudia glanced in my direction. She seemed to be asking whether she should reveal it.

I nodded and headed over to them. Penelope was trustworthy, especially considering her relationship with Marlene. Claudia didn’t seem to enjoy being treated with special regard… but if I explained the circumstances, Penelope would understand.

Claudia likely had some understanding of Penelope’s character and wanted to reveal the truth to her, which was why she sought my opinion. In that case, I wanted to honor Claudia’s wishes.

“Could you come with me?”

The three of us stepped out into the courtyard and moved to a bench a short distance away.

“I imagine this will come as a shock—”

With that preface, Claudia revealed that she was Shuath.

“That… I, well… I am indeed shocked…”

Penelope seemed stunned at first, but soon she nodded with a serious expression, narrowing her eyes as if beholding something divine.

“But indeed… now that you mention it, it makes sense. I sense the same presence from Claudia-sama as during the Oracle.”

Marlene nodded repeatedly, and Penelope smiled as she patted Marlene’s head.

“I’m sorry I don’t look like the figure described in the Temple. If you require proof, I can send a revelation to you, Penelope.”

Ah, that’s right. Claudia was somewhat self-conscious about her childlike appearance.

“That won’t be necessary. I’ve heard legends that the Messenger takes the form of a beautiful maiden. Reflecting on it now, that must have been Claudia-sama.”

“If you’re referring to the tales from the Labyrinth… perhaps so.”

Claudia gave a wry smile.

“If it is Claudia-sama’s wish, I shall keep this conversation to myself. I am honored to serve Claudia-sama, who has watched over and guided us all this time.”

Penelope placed a hand over her heart, closed her eyes, and bowed. Knowing that Claudia disliked being treated as a goddess, she seemed to avoid excessive ceremony while still showing the utmost respect.

“I am grateful to the children of the Temple as well. Without you, the people here might not have been accepted so easily.”

Claudia tilted her head slightly and smiled gently. She was probably right about the foundation for the Labyrinth Village residents’ acceptance.

“…Speaking of which, what about the other gods besides Claudia?”

The question occurred to me suddenly.

Claudia—Shuath—wasn’t the only one worshipped as a deity. In various sects, there were undoubtedly beings who answered the prayers of shrine maidens and supplied power as blessings.

So—perhaps the other so-called gods were members of the Moon King’s lineage?

“Those are most likely Spirit Kings who have existed for ages.”

“Spirit Kings… I see. Since spirits are influenced by human thoughts…”

It was similar to how Seraphina gained strange traits during the spirit incident.

“Exactly. Powerful spirits, through being revered, eventually had their aspects fixed and attained divinity. I have similarities, but unlike spirits, my essence isn’t swayed.”

That explained why the Moon Goddess’s commandments were comparatively lenient. Spirits with fixed aspects would likely be less flexible than Claudia in many ways.

Still, since they originated as spirits, many tended toward nature worship, leading to mutual relationships rather than conflicts between deities, which minimized religious strife.

Well, with threats like Magical Storms, monsters, and demons abound, perhaps it also fostered unity among humans.

“Ah, that was a wonderful bath.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

The banquet had ended, and Miriam returned from the large bath in high spirits.

“This will be your room.”

“Oh my… This is quite an interesting design.”

Miriam, guided to the guest room by Cecilia, let out an admiring voice. As expected, the loft seemed to catch her interest.

Lofts had the drawback of trapping heat in summer, but by engraving simple Wind Magic and Water Magic into Magic Stones, we could cool and circulate the air, paying some attention to climate control.

“If the room gets too warm, please insert a Magic Stone into this recess to adjust it.”

“You’ve thought of everything…”

We skipped it this time since it required somewhat elaborate Magic Tools—but by winter, I hoped to use Magic Construction to install central heating with warm water pipes in every room.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.”

As Miriam answered, the door opened to reveal Grace, who bowed.

“Is something the matter?”

“Ophelia-sama, Talcott-sama, and Cindy-sama have also expressed a wish to stay the night.”

“Hmm. We have spare rooms, so I don’t see why not.”

“After their baths, they mentioned wanting to gather in Alfred-sama’s room for a card tournament… What would you like to do?”

“I’ll join. What about you, Miriam-san?”

“I’d be delighted to, if I may.”

Miriam smiled.

“Cecilia, why don’t you join us too? It’s nighttime, so your workload should be lighter.”

“Is that alright?”

“You worked hard during the banquet as well. Please invite Mihaela-san too. The other servants are probably taking breaks in shifts.”

“Thank you. I believe Mihaela-sama would be pleased.”

Cecilia nodded happily.

“Then—I’ll finish up the remaining tasks so I can join you all as soon as possible.”

With those words and a bow, she left the room.

Grace watched Cecilia depart with a smile.

“In that case, I’ll prepare some tea.”

Right. It looked like we’d be up quite late tonight. Let’s all enjoy a relaxing game of cards together.