CH 271

Chapter 271 – Securing the Reward

“―Torimoto-san.”

“…! …Ah, it’s you, Sayuri-san… and Aoyama-san, huh?” (Torimoto)

The people who approached me were the people I was about to go see next.

“What’s wrong with you? Mentioning me like an afterthought.” (Aoyama)

Aoyama glared at me sharply. I guess her hatred of men hadn’t faded at all.

“Come on, Kanade-san, that won’t do. Besides, you have something you’d like to say, right?” (Sayuri)

“Ah……Yes.” (Aoyama)

Aoyama stood in front of me with an awkward expression, her eyes swimming around somewhat nervously.

And then, she suddenly bowed deeply.

“Thank you very much for saving me.” (Aoyama)

“Eh? …Ah, this is about reviving the dead, huh? It was nothing, so don’t worry about it.” (Torimoto)

“No, it was quite the outrageous… or rather, a completely impossible feat…” (Aoyama)

Aoyama lifted her head and stared at me.

“Well, consider yourself lucky. Besides, it was Sayuri-san who wanted me to save you. If you want to thank anyone, you should be thanking her.” (Torimoto)

“Still… I should have been dead. It’s all thanks to you… that I can be with Sayuri-neesan like this again. So… thank you.” (Aoyama)

She suddenly felt a bit more gentle. It would be nice if she was always like this, though.

“Again, it was really nothing. I just did what was requested of me… Sayuri-san.” (Torimoto)

“Yes. I’ve come to find you regarding this matter. Torimoto-san, please come this way.” (Sayuri)

Sayuri led the way, and I silently followed.

I was led to the church, where we entered through the back door.

If I wasn’t mistaken, the hidden passageway leading to the underground waterway was here.

But instead of heading in that direction, we went straight down the passageway to the end of the hall. I thought there was nothing there, but when she pressed a switch that was ingeniously hidden in the wall, a part of the ceiling opened up, revealing a stairway leading up.

This church has so many hidden passageways…

I was told that we would be going up, so I followed the two of them.

“Hoh, this is quite something.” (Torimoto)

The area was something like an attic. It was fairly large, and there were food, weapons, and other supplies being stored here.

In this day and age, food and weapons were more valuable than money. Under Sayuri’s instructions, they were being hidden away so they wouldn’t be stolen.

Apparently, only Sayuri, Aoyama, and a few others knew about this place, and it was under Aoyama’s supervision.

When they were being invaded, they could have holed up here, but in the end they had to abandon it because they would have had no way out. Sayuri said that she was delighted to be able to come back here.

Then, Aoyama pointed at a large rectangular box directly in front of me, at the end of the room.

It was a huge safe. Aoyama went up to it and began turning the dial to unlock it.

When the door opened, there were stacks and stacks of cash and precious gems and metals.

“Wow, this much…?!” (Torimoto)

“With the world as it is now, we have no need for it, but I asked Aoyama-san to gather them to compensate you if needed.” (Sayuri)

In other words, they were planning to use this money to tie me to the religious order.

“Go on, you can take it.” (Sayuri)

“Eh? All of it?” (Torimoto)

“It was originally prepared for your commission fees. Besides, you saved many of the followers… and Aoyama-san. No matter how much I offer you, it wouldn’t be enough.” (Sayuri)

“Ah. Your mysterious powers are as surprising as always.” (Aoyama)

Sayuri’s eyes also widened.

“Ah… Should I return the safe?” (Torimoto)

“No, please keep it.” (Sayuri)

Having received Sayuri’s permission, I decided to oblige. At a mere glance, it looked like a little less than ¥100,000,000, but I was looking forward to seeing how much it actually was later.

“Well then… Sayuri-san.” (Torimoto)

“…You’re going to leave?” (Sayuri)

“Yes. I have no reason to stay here any longer.” (Torimoto)

“…I’ll miss you.” (Sayuri)

“But if there’s anything you need, please let me know at any time. I’m a man who will come and do my best work as long as there’s a reward for me.” (Torimoto)

“…How manly of you.” (Aoyama)

No need to put in a smart retort every time, Aoyama.

“But… There’s something I’m worried about.” (Aoyama)

“Is that so? Well… I think you’ll be fine.” (Torimoto)

“Huh?” (Aoyama)

“There will definitely be divine punishment for scum like her, who return favor with spite.” (Torimoto)

“Fufu, you, who doesn’t believe in any god, is saying something like that?” (Aoyama)

“…Oh? I’ve never seen you laugh like that before, Aoyama-san.” (Torimoto)

“…I’m not really laughing.” (Aoyama)

“No, Kanade-san. Your smile is quite lovely, you know?” (Sayuri)

“S-Sayuri-neesan, you too?! Ugh, no I don’t!” (Aoyama)

Aoyama turned her face away, pouting at our teasing.

Setting her aside, I began to think about Kagaya.

Right. Her punishment will be handed down. She will be judged.