Once we began a proper search for the remains, they turned up in droves.
Furthermore, inspired by the buzz surrounding us, volunteer organizations sprang up across every planet in the Chronos territory. The recovery effort proceeded at a staggering pace.
Recognizing the opportunity, Joint Funerals were organized throughout the Chronos territory. It was decided that every priest in the Chronos Religion would be deployed to officiate.
Naturally, we were still severely understaffed. Even after recruiting funeral companies to help, it wasn't enough. Finally, the Galactic Empire's "Gaming Monks" and their shrines joined the fray. Apparently, the contact had come through the shrine where Zashiki-warashi-chan stays.
They weren't interested in cultural imperialism; the reality was that shrines and temples on rural planets were mostly neglected. They were strictly helping out under the guise of an "exchange program," utilizing event companies for memorial services and festivals. As a bonus, they promised to send religious studies researchers from their universities to Chronos.
So far, no harm done.
The Chronos Religion likely wanted to play hard to get as a negotiation tactic, but they couldn't afford to be stubborn. This was a landmark event that would define their future.
The Empire’s event companies were top-tier. They had prepared items equivalent to the Empire’s prayer beads or tamagushi ritual branches—though I wasn’t entirely sure what they were. In Japanese terms, I suppose they were divine statues, lamps, and incense burners. Oh, and daggers.
Stalls were set up to sell these items. They were actually goods my company, Cervantes, had already been selling within the Chronos Nation. They’d started manufacturing them before we even got the briefing. Staff dressed in Chronos Religion mourning robes sold them from tents. They also set up donation boxes for the "Leo Association" volunteer group and sold Chronos Religion talismans.
The prices were heavily discounted; they said they didn't need a profit. They were selling almost at cost, with maybe a tiny margin for labor costs. Apparently, earning trust was the priority.
Man, trading companies are terrifying!
They even sold incense with a sign saying: "A portion of proceeds will support victim relocation and reconstruction."
They were incredibly thorough.
The Latarnia Religion was a bit slower to react to this breakneck pace. Since there are many Latarnians in Chronos, they contacted Cervantes directly. Cervantes was already handling funeral supplies in Latarnia—everything from formal wear to candlesticks, scriptures, holy oil, and even small ritual crackers. Cervantes sold those at the venue through mobile stalls.
I doubt they made a profit on anything except the formal wear. Everything else was sold at a discount.
There weren't many people from the Taikyoku Nation, but we didn't overlook them. I asked Shiyun to call in some of their religious officials. I even gave a speech, manuscript in hand. I prayed for the departed and vowed to bring peace to Chronos.
For some reason, my approval rating is through the roof. I honestly hadn't realized there were so many remains left. I might have been a bit tactless initially, but after I apologized sincerely and organized the funerals, my popularity exploded. The Chronosians were also shocked by how many remains had been left behind. Instead of being angry, they were grateful.
I wonder why?
I make plenty of mistakes, but for now, I seem to be in their good graces.
The joint event featuring the "monks" of the Chronos, Latarnia, and Taikyoku religions lasted until evening. I was glad I’d begged Ha-san, the leader of the neighborhood ladies, to ensure food was available for the public. And I’m certainly glad I put so much effort into the portable toilets. Trading companies really are something else.
After the ceremony, I had a meal with the dignitaries. Honestly, this was the real main event.
High-ranking religious leaders, economic titans, and military officials from various nations were all there. It was basically an international conference. The Ogre God Nation attended too, and Saria made an appearance.
“Leo-san, you’ve been a lifesaver. Because you returned the remains, we were able to hold our own funerals,” Saria said with a smile.
“Was it okay not to join the group funeral?” I asked.
“For us, the vendetta afterward is more important than the funeral itself.”
Apparently, for them, a funeral is more of a declaration of intent to avenge the family’s honor. If someone dies of illness, the ritual is a celebration that they "beat fate." It’s impressive, really.
The Ogre God Nation’s culture feels simultaneously close and far. Chronos is relatively easy to grasp. Latarnia is the tricky one—it seems understandable on the surface, but it's fundamentally alien.
A Latarnian funeral is a ceremony to "celebrate liberation from slavery through death, while praying never to be enslaved again." When explained, it makes sense, but we’re not seeing the same world. Assuming you understand them is the most dangerous pitfall.
That’s why I’m constantly in touch with the Latarnia Religion Archbishop for advice. I ask because I don't know. By staying humble and thorough, our relationship remains strong. I think they see it as, "For a pagan, he's surprisingly sensible."
It was the same with the Chronos Religion. I won't convert, but I will respect them.
Now, about the meeting... I had intended to lurk in a corner and just eat. I was whispering to Isono and the others about how much I wanted some yakisoba. Saria was on our side, too, craving okonomiyaki. We all just wanted to eat. Shiyun was right there with us, saying, “In fact, I want to eat the fried rice Lord Leo made.”
Then, the religious leaders from every nation approached us with beaming smiles. Even the Taikyoku Nation Grand Taoist in his clerical robes joined them.
Ah, here we go.
“Greetings to His Majesty the Grand Duke of Chronos, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Shiyun of the Taikyoku Nation, and His Majesty King Saria.”
The leader of the Latarnia Religion spoke first. Since we were in Chronos, my name came first, followed by the others in order of national scale. I’m still a bit shaky on the protocol. It’s complicated.
The Taikyoku Nation Grand Taoist gave the same greeting. Finally, the Chronos Religion High Priest stepped forward. He didn't look hostile, but he definitely looked like he was plotting something. I mean, if he wants money, I’ll give it to him, but...
Then, all three turned grave.
“Regarding the conflict with the Zen God Race... we wish to offer our full cooperation.”
I knew they’d say that. That’s why I was hiding in the corner.
“It hasn't been officially decided that we're going to war yet,” I replied.
To be clear, I personally intend to slaughter them, but the Grand Duchy of Chronos hasn't officially committed. It’s not that we don't want to fight; it’s that we haven't gauged the enemy’s scale, strength, or even where they live. One thing was certain: they were looking down on us as inferior beings. Because they were overconfident, they were only sending their forces in small waves. I suppose even the powerful have their own internal politics to deal with.
Dripping out forces piecemeal due to political red tape always results in more casualties. Or maybe a military amateur just made a series of moronic decisions. But these religious leaders were heads of organizations. They understood our position.
“That does not matter. The appearance of the Saint and the Divine Tree... this is a Reenactment of Myth common to us all. We are in the midst of a historic era-defining shift. And at its heart stands Your Majesty, Leo Kamishiro Chronos.”
“I can't ask religious figures to go to war,” I said. “But I do ask for your help if the people suffer.”
I meant I wanted them to handle the burials and the grief. I wanted them to take care of the souls of the departed.
“We shall put forth our utmost effort,” they replied.
Wait. I don't think they quite got my meaning.
“We, the various religious orders, shall join hands to foster unity among all people,” they continued.
Uh-oh. I didn't mean you had to go that far...
Then Wifey arrived.
“Well said, all of you! This is a struggle for the freedom and peace of the people! Lord Groom, my most beloved wingmate, Leo Kamishiro Chronos! Show them your resolve!”
If Wifey went that far, I had no choice.
“It won't just be Chronos,” I declared. “I promise peace and justice for all allied nations and the Galactic Empire itself.”
By "justice," I didn't necessarily mean "I'm going to murder the Zen God Race." I just meant, "I'm going to choose the option that’s better overall."
Still, I found myself smirking. Having a common enemy makes things so stable. Now, as long as I don't make any catastrophic blunders... I think we'll be okay.
And then, a few days later, a request for a meeting arrived via the Diplomatic Channel from Parcion—an entity I had completely forgotten existed.