The Central Cathedral wasn't far from Kaori-san’s shop, so we decided to make the trip on foot. As we walked toward the massive structure together, we fell into easy conversation.
"By the way, Kaori-san, do you visit the Central Cathedral often?"
"Hmm, I go for the Heaven-Light Prayer, but that’s about it. A lot of people in this world attend services once a month or so, so I think I’m on the infrequent side."
The Heaven-Light Prayer was held twice a year—once during the Month of Heavens and once during the Month of Light. Offering prayers at the temple every six months was the most popular form of worship in this world.
It was very similar to the traditional New Year's shrine visits back in Japan, so the vast majority of people living here participated. Since it was more of a social custom than a strict obligation, there were no hard rules about which specific day to attend, and I imagined some people skipped it entirely.
During those two months, stalls and vendors would crowd the area around the temples to cater to the worshippers, making the atmosphere feel even more like the holiday season back home.
Incidentally, the Month of Light had been renamed in honor of Noin-san’s legendary achievements. It had previously been the Month of Earth, so before the signing of the Friendship Treaty, the service had been known as the Heaven-Earth Prayer.
"Do you ever go for the Heaven-Light Prayer, Kaito-kun?"
"No, if I try to go, I get complaints..."
"Complaints? If anything, I’d think the temple staff would be thrilled to have you visit."
"No, it's not them... I get complaints from the Sanctuary. Specifically, 'If you have time to go pray at a temple, why aren't you just coming here?'"
"A-Ah... I see... That makes sense."
Exactly. The complaints didn't come from the temple personnel, but from the source itself—the God of the World. Her stance was that if I was going to bother offering prayers to God at a temple, I should just come directly to her instead.
(It is a natural demand. I am much happier when Kaito-san comes to see me than when he prays at a temple, so that is what he should do.)
And so, because the God of the World had made her desires clear, I usually spent the holidays having tea in the Sanctuary instead of attending the Heaven-Light Prayer.
As we discussed these things, we arrived at the Central Cathedral. No matter how many times I saw it, the scale of the building was breathtaking—a landmark truly fitting for the heart of the Friendly City.
Even though no special festivals were being held today, there was still a significant crowd, giving me a glimpse into just how devout the people of this world were.
As soon as Kaori-san and I stepped inside, a priest standing near the entrance approached us and gave a deep bow.
"We are deeply honored by your presence at the Central Cathedral. Shall I arrange for an audience with the Pope-sama?"
"Ah, yes. Please."
"Understood. This way, please. I shall prepare a reception room for you."
After bowing again, he led us through a corridor that seemed reserved for staff. Ever since my first visit, the priests and clerics here had been remarkably proactive. They almost always called out to me the moment I arrived and ushered me toward Olivia-san, making the whole process incredibly smooth.
I suspected—or rather, I was certain—that Olivia-san had enforced this policy with absolute strictness.
"...It’s just as I thought. You have a total Face Pass at the Central Cathedral. My junior is as terrifyingly influential as ever."
"I'm sure it's only because of Olivia-san’s instructions."
"Well, that’s true. There’s no way Olivia-sama hasn't briefed the staff on how to handle you. It makes sense when you put it that way."
Olivia-san seemed to receive instantaneous reports of my arrival; I had never been made to wait even five minutes for her. It was extreme VIP treatment, but as Kaori-san said, it felt logical once you remembered that Olivia-san was the one in charge.
"Please wait here. The Pope-sama will arrive in approximately two minutes."
"I understand. Thank you very much."
"Your gratitude is more than I deserve."
The efficiency was great, but the problem was that almost all the personnel in the Cathedral—even the rank-and-file priests—treated me with the same profound reverence they might show a god. It always left me with a bit of a wry smile.
Then again, given that this was Olivia-san’s domain, I suppose this level of intensity was to be expected.
"...So, I wonder what kind of position they think I hold?"
"Oh, right. Kaori-san, you usually only talk to Olivia-san at your shop, don't you?"
"Yeah. So I don’t think the priests would have any idea who I am, and unlike with you, Kaito-kun, there’s no reason for Olivia-sama to brief them about me. In that case, do I just look like some random person you dragged along?"
"Who knows? They might think you're some incredible legendary figure they just happen not to recognize yet."
"Eeeh... I really hope not. Sincerely."
While I couldn't say for sure, Olivia-san and Kaori-san were genuinely on good terms. Even if she were only known as the Pope’s friend, I had a feeling she was going to end up receiving some pretty significant VIP treatment regardless.
Serious-senpai: "It’s bizarre how VIP treatment this extreme feels perfectly logical just because Olivia is the one in charge... This must be the power of faith..."