Yoko: Acting Village Head of Village Five. A Nine-tailed Fox.
Tiselle: Daughter of the Village Head and Tia. Of the Angel race.
Roku: A member of the Mercury race from the Sun Castle. A civil official.
Nana: A member of the Mercury race from the Sun Castle. A spy in the guise of a village girl.
Futa: A member of the Mercury race from the Sun Castle. A fortune-teller-like mage.
Miyo: A member of the Mercury race from the Sun Castle. A little girl maid.
Baker-Maka Company: Ridley’s company, part of the Dalfon Company conglomerate.
Niz: Acting Shop Manager of Sake & Meat Niz. Messenger of the Snake God.
My name was Yoko.
If I were to introduce myself as Yoko the Nine-tailed Fox, I would have been an existence that commanded a certain degree of fear... or perhaps I should have said that was the case once upon a time.
"Lady Yoko! This project requires final approval by today! Please, hurry!"
"Lady Yoko! This was supposed to be finished three days ago! What in the world are you doing?"
"Lady Yoko! Your efforts today ensure our peace tomorrow! Please, keep at it!"
Lately, people had been calling me "Lady Yoko" with surprising familiarity. This was likely the result of my role as the Acting Village Head of Village Five. In the old days, people would have hesitated to even speak my name, but... this was not so bad in its own way.
"Lady Yoko, I do not mind if you are lost in thought, but could you please keep your hands moving while you do so?"
"U-um, yes. I shall do my best."
Autumn was the harvest season for the fields, and on top of that, taxes were being processed in preparation for winter. While the work was made easier by the fact that most residents of Village Five had no qualms about paying their taxes, it became a bit problematic when they paid more than requested.
The storehouses had their capacity limits, after all... Ah, this was no good. I had to build new storehouses. As for where to build them, there was no need to think twice. The only vacant land was at the foot of the mountain. Regarding the arrangement of carpenters... ah, there were none available.
In that case, I would have to make do by pitching tents for the time being. But where could I procure them? The Goroun Company had already made a fortune through the Underground Shopping Street. Relying solely on them would cause the other companies to grumble. However, finding another place that could provide a large quantity of tents was a challenge.
Come to think of it, Tiselle had given me a recommendation. The Baker-Maka Company, which was part of the Dalfon Company group. Their scale was sufficient, and they even possessed enough tents to house an entire army. Very well. Although the profit I could offer them was slim, I decided to entrust the task to them this time, partly to conduct a background check on their reliability.
I handed a wooden tag inscribed with the instructions to one of the subordinates waiting nearby. That subordinate would surely deliver the tag to the person in charge. My subordinates were doing quite well, but that was only within the scope of the authority granted to them. There were only a handful of civil officials under me who could work while keeping the bigger picture in mind—or rather, only Roku, who had been dispatched from Village Four.
This was a problem, but civil officials could not be trained overnight. Thus, the current situation required me to manage by mobilizing Nana, who was scouting the village, and Futa, who was managing the teleportation gate.
I had to consult with the Village Head. I also intended to request that Tiselle work in Village Five once she graduated from the Academy. If that failed, I would look to Miyo in Shashato City.
While I was working away quite busily, an interruption arrived.
"Save me—!"
It was Niz, the Messenger of the Snake God. Judging by the tears in her eyes, it was likely an errand from her deity. I wanted to flee with all my might, but the subordinates surrounding me blocked my path. Honestly, you lot—getting involved in a divine matter like this will only consume more time.
Well, fine. I would at least hear her out.
Hm? Did she want the room cleared? Ah, I suppose so. This was not something that should be overheard. In that case, we could go to the next room... except that seemed impossible, so I asked the others to leave Niz and me alone for a while.
It was fine. I would not run away. I would even bet my lunchtime Inari-zushi on it.
...Good grief, was that all it took for you people to trust me? I said I would not run. I really would not. Understood. I would finish this quickly.
I listened to the circumstances. My head began to ache. It involved monkeys. Monkeys were always a nuisance. That said, I could not simply leave the situation be.
While ten World Tree leaves were kept in Village Five, I could not hand them over. Those had to be reserved for the sake of Village Five itself. I could prepare high-quality healing medicine, but since the patient's exact condition was unknown, it would be best to ask the Village Head for a few of his own leaves.
I could not leave my post here. Without permission... wait, I had called Futa to this location, so the teleportation gate was currently closed. Good grief. I sent Futa back to the gate.
"Go to the Village of the Great Tree. This is all I can do to help."
"Futa, once Niz returns, I am sorry to ask, but please come back here immediately. I am counting on you. Seriously, I mean it."
Night.
Having finally been released from my duties, I returned to the Village of the Great Tree. During dinner, the Village Head offered me words of appreciation while pouring my sake. He was also busy with the autumn harvest and preparations for the martial arts tournament. I was not the only one struggling. I would not complain. I poured sake into the Village Head's cup in return.
Well, this busy period was only temporary. Once winter arrived, the workload would lighten. I would do my best, holding onto that hope.
"By the way, Yoko, can I ask about Niz's situation?" the Village Head asked.
"Hm?"
"Niz seemed quite panicked, so I didn't get the full story... is it normal for her to be called in for a dispute involving monkeys?"
"Ah, well. Ordinarily, she never should have been summoned. Niz is a Messenger of the Snake God, after all. She only moves for snake-related matters. However, because the Monkey God begged the Snake God for a favor, she was forced to act."
"Just because he asked?"
"I do not know the exact dealings between the gods, but there must be some debt or trade that warranted the request. If I asked the Fox God, I might learn the details, but I have no intention of contacting him. It would only lead to more trouble. In that regard, Niz is quite diligent. I admire her for it, though I have no desire to get involved myself."
"But there is a Messenger of the Monkey God, right?"
"Indeed. About that... the situation is that there is one, and yet there isn't."
"What does that mean?"
"I have told you the story of Seiten, the Monkey Sacred Beast, haven't I?"
"Yeah, the beast that approached the Divine Realm, right?"
"Yes. A Sacred Beast evolves to become a divine messenger. In the case of a Monkey Sacred Beast, it becomes a Messenger of the Monkey God. Currently, the roles of the Monkey Sacred Beast and the Messenger of the Monkey God are held by the same individual."
"Wait... how does that work?"
"In short, he is currently pulling double duty. He is both the Sacred Beast and the messenger simultaneously."
"Is there some problem with that?"
"A major one. Not just for monkeys, but for any species, a Sacred Beast must understand human speech, know the ways of the world, and learn the principles of other living beings. One does not become a Sacred Beast simply by being strong or intelligent; it is for those who can deepen their understanding of other species. Through that understanding and faith in a god, a Sacred Beast becomes an apostle—a messenger. However, the Monkey God forced an immature Sacred Beast to take on the role of messenger."
"Why would he do that?"
"Whether a messenger exists or not significantly changes a god's influence. The Monkey God wanted to strengthen his standing at all costs."
"And why was he so desperate?"
"It was a turf war between the gods. A little while ago, the Fox God held a great deal of power, but his messenger fled, causing his influence to plummet. The Monkey God, who never liked the Fox God, saw this as his chance to rise and promoted an immature Sacred Beast to fill the vacancy. However, because the creature is immature, it cannot fulfill its duties as a messenger properly and is still essentially undergoing training as a Sacred Beast. The Monkey Sacred Beast is not a bad monkey, but he is being jerked around by his circumstances."
"I see."
"By the way, the Messenger of the Fox God who fled was me."
"I know that. But you said 'a little while ago'... that happened hundreds of years ago."
"Hahahaha."
"You’re laughing, but is Niz going to be okay?"
"Niz is a person of true talent who reached her rank properly. There are no problems. If she ever decided to quit being a Messenger of the Snake God, I would welcome her as my subordinate in a heartbeat."
"Your subordinate, Yoko? That would be a problem. If she quits, she won't be the manager of Sake & Meat Niz anymore. I also have her working as the Assistant General Manager."
"Hahahaha. Well, there is likely no need to worry. I cannot imagine Niz ever quitting her post. Besides, Niz would probably hate being my subordinate anyway. As long as you do not reject her, Village Head, Niz will remain the manager... though her title was technically Acting Shop Manager. It is not wise to force titles on people."
"My mistake."
"If you are reflecting on it, then pray that divine punishment falls upon the Monkey God for disturbing the peace... though perhaps that is a bit pitiful. It seems the Monkey God is trying his best in his own way to ensure this matter is resolved. If the Snake God ends up standing above the Monkey God because of this incident, Niz might find her life a bit easier. Ah, speaking of things becoming easier reminded me. Village Head, I have a few things to consult with you regarding Village Five..."
Fox God: "My time of glory has finally come!"
Messenger of the Fox God: "You're a slave driver. I'm out of here!"
Fox God: "Eh? Why? Wait, why!?"
Monkey God: "This is my chance! I'll promote a messenger and increase my influence!"
Messenger of the Monkey God (Seiten): "Please don't ask for the impossible..."
(The Monkey Realm falls into chaos)
Monkey God: "For now, monkeys, don't go wild. Don't cause trouble for the neighbors. I'm getting complaints from the other gods."
Monkeys: "Understood. ...We have taken a demon noblewoman into our protection."
Monkey God: "A demon? She’s a dependent of a high-ranking god! Well done!"
Monkeys: "The demon noblewoman has fallen ill."
Monkey God: "What have you done!? Is there a doctor? Is there anyone!? You there, Snake God, help me!"
Snake God: "Hey now, that’s got nothing to do with me."
Monkey God: "You have a connection to the World Tree, don't you?"
Snake God: "I only spoke with them a bit because a higher god told me to. No way, I don't want to get involved!"
Monkey God: "It's fine, it's fine. I'll pay the fee properly."
Snake God: "It's not fine. I don't even know when you'll pay me back."
Monkey God: "I'll pay, I swear! I don't want to cause an international incident before my messenger is even full-fledged!"
Snake God: "I understand that, but..."
Monkey God: "In the next council meeting, I'll support your opinion. I'll even talk to my faction for you."
Snake God: "You’re serious, right?"
Monkey God: "I won't lie! Just help me this once! I don't even want to imagine a fight with a higher god!"
Snake God: "I suppose I have no choice. My messenger is quite excellent, after all."
Messenger of the Snake God (Niz): "..." (Staring with dead eyes)
Snake God: "Oh no, she’s preparing to run away."