Chapter 51

As I parted ways with Carries and headed towards the village, I walked with the equipment for strength training, firmly holding the letter containing secrets that my mother had given me.

Leoriga City was bustling when I left in the morning, but I arrived at the village in the evening, just as they were preparing for dinner.

The village was smaller compared to Leoriga City. It was a bit larger than my parents' village, but not by much. Houses were scattered here and there.

"This is Niguru Village."

"Yeah... It's strange."

"Yes, even Lady Rini can sense it."

At the village entrance, Samieu and I exchanged glances.

At first glance, everything seemed normal. But—

"There's no one around."

"Yes, at this time, there should be people returning home, children's voices, and the sounds of dinner being prepared... "

"It's so quiet."

What is this feeling? It doesn't seem like there's a problem, but it's so quiet. It feels like something is being hidden...

"I'll turn into a cat."

"Yes."

I equipped the [Cat's Hand Gloves] and [Feather Rabbit Boots]. And one more thing. With this, I should be safe if anything happens.

I held hands with Samieu and entered the village. Our first destination was a church at the edge of the village.

We didn't encounter a single villager and made it to the church.

The church had white walls and an orange roof. Part of it was tower-like, with a large bell hanging from it. It looked similar to the churches I saw before my reincarnation.

However, there was one difference—

"That's a flower crown?"

"Yes, the symbol of this sect is a flower in a circle."

The symbol on the tower was a flower crown. I was used to seeing a cross, so it felt a bit strange. But of course, if the world is different, the symbols would be different too.

"It doesn't look much different from other religions."

"Shall we go in?"

"Yes, let's."

After confirming with Samieu, we approached the entrance of the church. The decorated brown wooden door had a flower-shaped door knocker. It was made of metal, and when Samieu used it, it made a "kan-kan" sound, which probably echoed inside.

"Yes, what can I do for you?"

After a while, someone came out.

The person was wearing a long white robe with a green cloth draped over the shoulder.

He looked like a middle-aged priest.

"We would like to tour the inside."

Samieu stated our purpose.

The man looked at Samieu and—

"What...! An elf...!?"

"Exactly as you see."

"Oh...! What a fortunate day. Welcome to this humble village. It feels like a dream. This must be the blessing of the goddess."

The man dramatically expressed his surprise, clasped his hands, and closed his eyes, as if in prayer.

From his tone, it seemed he was more impressed by the elf race than by Samieu personally.

Samieu didn't react to the man's attitude and calmly continued.

"Can we tour the inside?"

"Yes, of course. Please, this way."

Receiving Samieu's gaze, the man hurriedly moved away from the door, revealing the inside of the church.

"Wow... It's beautiful."

"Isn't it? This is a place to worship the goddess. We value beauty."

The man nodded in response to my involuntary exclamation.

As he said, the interior of the church was very beautiful. It was about the size of a small auditorium, with white floors and walls, and a higher ceiling than a regular house. The upper part of the high walls was adorned with beautiful stained glass. The sunlight from the west was shining through the stained glass on one side, casting diagonal light. The stained glass used various colors, and the floor, reflecting these colors, displayed vivid patterns.

The benches, likely for worship, were made of white stone and were also stained by the glass. Various plants were placed around the room, adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise inorganic space.

"Lady Rini, let's go in."

"Okay."

Prompted by Samieu, we walked down the central aisle.

At the end was an altar, where prayers were likely offered. There, a statue was displayed—

"Huh?"

A white statue, larger than me, had an incredibly beautiful face.

—Yes, it was my mother.

"This is the image of the goddess we worship."

"The ears are pointed."

"The goddess has a form similar to the current elves. This is because it is said that the goddess first created the elves."

I nodded at the man's explanation.

I always thought my mother was as beautiful as a goddess, and perhaps she really was. My mother is now human with round ears, but when she was the queen of the elves, her ears were pointed like the statue.

"Elves inherit the appearance and power of the goddess. Unlike us humans, they have strong magic and long lifespans, which we consider evidence of this. We respect and admire the elves."

"That's a troublesome story."

Samieu bluntly cut off the man's enraptured explanation.

I'm sure it's not a pleasant feeling for elves to be worshiped by humans. If the object of worship says it's troublesome, it would be shocking. However, the man nodded.

"We understand that our thoughts are not necessary for the noble elves. Being able to speak with you now feels like a dream."

The man, with a flushed face, gazed at Samieu.

He looked genuinely happy. Samieu, however, looked extremely cold. ...Yes.

"More importantly, are you aware that there have been frequent cases of missing children recently?"

Samieu's direct question. This rumor shouldn't have reached the village...

"Yes, I am aware that such incidents occur outside the village. It is very sad. Fortunately, our village has not been affected. This may be due to the goddess's blessing."

The man clasped his hands and closed his eyes, as if in prayer.

Samieu and I looked at him—

'This man knows about the incidents.'

'Yes, he knows about the incidents, even if the rumors haven't spread.'

'Suspicious, isn't it?'

'...Yes.'

We communicated secretly using [Mental Sensitivity].

According to the man, the village is not involved, and nothing has happened here. But—

'There's a hidden room here.'

'A hidden room?'

'Yes.'

While communicating with Samieu using [Mental Sensitivity], I showed her my right hand.

There—

'Is this a new item?'

'It glows when there's something suspicious.'

A silver bracelet on my right wrist, with a golden magic stone in the center, was softly glowing.

This is the [Exploration Bracelet]. When there's a hidden room or hidden item, it shows up on the game screen.

I equipped this new accessory after giving the [Detection Bell] to Carries.

"There's something here."

Perfect.

There's something here.

"Is this the only room in the church? Are there any other rooms?"

"Since this is a small village church, there is only this chapel."

"...I see."

The man smiled gently and answered.

I didn't sense any evil intent, and he didn't seem to be lying. But—

'He's lying.'

'Yes, he is.'

In front of the strongest four-year-old, his lie is clearly visible.

My item is revealing the man's lie!

"By the way, what are your plans for today?"

"Our purpose was to visit this church, so we have no plans after this."

"Is that so! It was truly a fortunate day that you came. If you haven't decided on a place to stay, please consider staying in this village. We can ask the villagers to help!"

The man looked at Samieu with shining eyes.

It seems he wants us to stay in the village.

'Lady Rini, what should we do? We could take down this man and search for the hidden room...'

'Yes, but since we're here...'

'...Yes. This man seems to have something planned.'

Samieu and I nodded in agreement.

We could take the initiative, but if he does something, it would be better to see what it is.

So—

"Reverend."

"Please, let me take care of you."

The man apparently entrusted us to a family. The villager we met for the first time had a stern face and called the man "Reverend."

The man—Reverend—smiled gently as he entrusted us to the villager.