#784 The Place Where God Dwells

The shrine is finished.

It took about three days.

Impressive.

It’s no surprise, given how many buildings our orcs have constructed so far.

They work incredibly fast, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on quality.

The main part of the shrine has an appearance reminiscent of the Heian period palatial architecture.

It embodies the very essence of Japanese culture, even down to the railings that encircle the main hall.

They’ve even included the iconic torii gates and a place for ritual purification, truly capturing the essence of a shrine.

There’s even a place to draw fortune-telling slips there, you know?

Did I really specify down to the minutest detail, I wonder.

“No matter, the result is beyond perfect! As expected of my orcs! You’re true craftsmen!!!” 

“We’re honored by your praise, My Lord...!” 

The orcs, done with their work, are seemingly satisfied and beaming with pride.

Mhmm. The red paint on the torii gate is dazzling.

“This shrine is perfect to celebrate Junior’s growth! Let’s quickly invite him for a visit!”

Shichi-Go-San! Shichi-Go-San!

I race back to the main house on our farm.

Junior was already there, all dressed up and ready.

“Look, Dear! Junior looks so dashing!!!” says Platy, full-on doting parent mode.

Indeed, Junior looks regal in his ceremonial kimono and hakama, looking every bit like a young lord.

“Ye who are near, behold and wonderrr!”

Despite his young age, Junior puffs up his chest with pride as if he’s aware of his significance.

“Awwwwww, Junior! Look at you! So grown up!!! You’re gonna make Mommy hyperventilateeee!!!” exclaims his mother, almost going overboard with her emotions over her son in his finest clothes.

If smartphones existed in this world, she’d be snapping pictures left and right.

I could hear her heavy breathing from where I stood.

“You look so cool, Junior! Just like a grown-uppppppppp! Haa, haa, haa...!!!”

Even Viel has completely lost her cool.

Given how much she dotes on Junior regularly, it’s no surprise she’s gone off the rails seeing him all dressed up like this.

“Under our esteemed banner, bear witnesssss.”

“WE BEAR WITNESS! WE BEAR WITNESS!!!”

Nevertheless, no one can match the excitement of his mother, Platy.

“Isn’t he just adorabl, Dear?! To have such a grand event on Junior’s birthday... it truly shows a parent’s love!!!”

“Yes, well, I’m glad you appreciate it,” I reply, slightly overwhelmed.

It was well worth the effort doing this.

“But the main event is yet to come! I’ve prepared a special facility to celebrate Junior’s growth on the outskirts of the farm. Let’s head there!!!”

“That sounds wonderful, Dear!!!” 

“Onward!!!” 

The shrine, being a sacred place, was built at a distance from the heart of the farm to avoid disturbance from the mundane world.

Walking from our house towards it is truly a pilgrimage to the shrine.

There, the ceremony will begin in earnest.

“Oh, Dear, you should change your clothes too.”

“Huh?”

“You can’t possibly attend Junior’s special event dressed like that!”

Well, when she puts it that way...

Luckily, I had a kimono with hakama that fit me perfectly, thanks to a mix-up in Batemy’s order.

Wearing it would be just right for this occasion.

With Platy also dressed in traditional attire, our family looked perfectly coordinated.

“Let’s go!”

Finally, we set out.

Norito, not yet a year old, sits quietly in his mother’s arms. 

Meanwhile, Junior, acting every bit the older brother, confidently walks on his own without any assistance. 

Their growth brings such joy.

Visiting the shrine is our way of expressing gratitude and reporting on how our little one has grown and thrived since birth.

Upon arriving at the shrine, however...

***

“Begone, malevolent deity! Vacate mine own domain forthwith!”

“THOU art the wicked one! How darest thou invade upon the temple erected by mine own children for mine own honor!”

The very gods themselves are embroiled in a fierce battle.

What’s going on here?

The gods Hades and Poseidon clashed in the shrine-like area, sparks flying.

These troublesome deities have shown up again.

If they’re here, someone has summoned them from their respective realms...

...Ah, found them.

With just a quick scan, I spotted the summoner.

It’s Sensei the Lifeless King.

“Oh, Lord Saint, you’re looking grand today.”

As always, Sensei exudes dignity.

Go, Junior. You’re the star today. Go and greet Sensei first.

“Good morning, Sensei.”

“Mm, good morning. You’re a good boy for greeting your elders, little Junior.”

Good job, Junior, getting praised by Sensei.

So... 

What’s going on over there, Sensei?

“It seems they heard about today’s event from somewhere. A divine oracle demanded I ‘summon them,’ and I couldn’t go against it.”

Even Sensei is troubled by these gods’ behavior.

Well, that’s typically how gods are, I suppose.

“Ah, Saint! Thou hast arrived most opportune!”

“I perceive thou hast constructed this temple for our sakes! A noble endeavor indeed!”

.............Huh?

Who did what for whom?

“This edifice is a temple, aye? A sanctuary to venerate us divine beings!”

“Naturally, I wouldst be present! For verily, I am a god!”

Hmm, this argument seems valid on the surface but isn’t really.

Sure, the shrine we built is a place to worship gods, but...

It doesn’t mean gods = you guys.

The whole purpose of building this shrine was for Junior to celebrate Shchi-Go-San, and we had absolutely no intention of worshiping you guys here.

In fact, it seems like you’re planning to settle here permanently.

“Hehehe...! A temple is also a place where mortals present their offerings... on each morn and eve!”

“Delectable tributes from the farm... daily!”

These gods and their worldly desires, wow.

“Hence, I, the representative of land, Hades, shall take residence here! Worship me with utmost fervor!”

“NAY! The Saint hath wed one of my children, so I, the sea god Poseidon, should be the guardian of this sanctuary! I am the supreme deity fit to dwell here!”

“Quit your jests; we art on land!”

And so, the usual struggle for supremacy begins.

Also, it’s a shrine, not a temple.

My intuition tells me it’s not a good idea to let them stay.

I must firmly shut them out!!!

“Ahem, I appreciate your sentiments, Your Mightiness. However, unfortunately, we have already decided on the god to invite here.”

Best wishes for your endeavors.

“WHAT?!”

“Hold, Saint! Who, save us, who reign supreme in our dominions, hath greater might? None, I say!”

“Indeed! Thou wouldst fare better were thou to entreat one of us! Choose between me or him!”

Is this like choosing a high-end appliance?

But I won’t budge.

Certainly, there might not be any equivalents to Hades, ruler of the earth, or Poseidon, ruler of the seas, in this dimension.

But we have Sensei.

A Lifeless King.

With his impeccable skills, he can now summon gods from other dimensions.

“Sensei, please!”

“Understood.”

The ever-accommodating Sensei. 

After a solemn chant, a portal to another dimension opens, revealing...!

“In still waters, not the boundless sea, by moon’s light, a pure heart is seen to be.”