Bamboo blinds were hung in front of the Eastern Dragon statue I had carved. The official reason given was that the Object of Worship was too awe-inspiring to gaze upon directly. The unofficial reason, however, was that certain members of the dragon family were terrified of it. Apparently, it was decided that if a visitor specifically requested to see it, the priests wouldn't be stingy and would raise the blinds for them.
That aside, something truly surprised me. Dos had mentioned that they "used to exist" in the distant past, but it turned out that Kuon and Kuorn were actually capable of transforming into Eastern Dragons. It was incredible. I instinctively felt like bowing to them in prayer.
"Um... is something the matter all of a sudden?"
"Don't mind me. I was just wondering, why don't you usually take that form?"
I had seen both Kuon and Kuorn in their dragon forms several times before, but they had always appeared as Western Dragons.
"Because Lord Dos finds this appearance frightening..."
"I... I see."
"Based on our lineage, I believe Lady Raimeiren and Lady Graffaloon could also transform into this state if they wished," Kuon added.
"Really?"
"Yes. Though I suppose everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. In the East, this form is more revered, so both my father and mother live their daily lives like this. In these lands, however, Lord Dos's form is held in higher regard."
"I had no idea."
"By the way, there is a foolish chapter in our history where a violent conflict broke out over which form was superior. For the sake of not repeating the past, you must never compare the two."
"Understood."
"In that case, I’m sorry to ask, but could you return to your human forms? The Silver Fox Race is looking on in shock, thinking the statue has come to life. I know I was the one who asked to see it, but perhaps a shrine wasn't the best place for the demonstration. My apologies."
Now then, the reason I had come to the shrine was to hold a formal discussion regarding its management. About twenty days had passed since the Silver Fox Race moved in. They had likely settled into their new lifestyle enough to begin working in earnest. It wouldn't do to leave them with nothing but cleaning duties forever. The foxes themselves had already voiced their readiness to take on new responsibilities.
I had a few business ideas in mind that I wanted them to handle, but I forced myself to stop and think. I wanted to avoid acting on a whim only to have it spiral into something unmanageable. If it were a typical business, a failure wouldn't be the end of the world, but this project involved religious faith. I couldn't afford a clumsy mistake. I knew how volatile faith could be, which was why I convened this meeting—to explain my intentions and decide whether or not to actually move forward with them.
We met inside the Haiden, the worship hall. The space was still mostly empty, but a low round table and floor cushions had been prepared. The participants were myself, Yoko, Niz, Kon as the representative of the Silver Fox Race, Kitsu as the recorder, and Progenitor-san. I had asked Progenitor-san to attend in his capacity as the Sovereign of the Korin religion. While I trusted Yoko and Niz’s judgment, I felt we needed an outside perspective. There was also the pending matter of whether this shrine would officially join the Korin faith. I was grateful he could make time in his busy schedule to join us.
"Now then, a report on our current status," Kon began, acting as the facilitator. "The lives of the Silver, Red, Black, and Round-faced Fox Races are proceeding smoothly. A few issues have cropped up, but all have been reported to Lady Yoko and Lady Niz, and countermeasures have been implemented. Our standard of living has improved dramatically. We expect to see newborns within the next year or two."
That was wonderful news. I was genuinely pleased, but...
"If your numbers increase too rapidly, it will become a problem. Do not forget the importance of self-restraint," Yoko interjected sternly.
She had dropped her "cute" act and returned to her usual serious attire. The reason for this change was that her daughter, Hitoe, had begun to imitate her persona, and Zabuton's Children had already started preparing a mini-outfit for her. Yoko had decided it was far too early for Hitoe to learn such behavior and immediately reverted to her authoritative self. Given that Lu and Tia were also starting to mimic the style, I considered it a wise move, even if the spiderlings and the Village Five Residents seemed disappointed.
"The preparations for the mountain fields are complete; we are merely waiting for spring to sow the seeds," Kon continued. "Additionally, the chicken coop and enclosure are finished, meaning we are now self-sufficient in eggs."
That was a relief. A while back, Yoko and Niz had agonized over whether keeping livestock was appropriate within the Divine Realm of the sanctuary. They naturally wanted to avoid any killing near the shrine. Ultimately, they decided that raising chickens and consuming the eggs they produced was acceptable, leading to the coop's construction. To be safe, the coop was built hidden away on the mountainside, well out of sight of any potential worshippers.
"The cleaning duties performed by those in human form have also improved," Kon added. "While not yet perfect, they have reached a level that is no longer unsightly. Normally, we would continue to practice until we reached perfection, but we cannot remain a financial burden on Village Five indefinitely. We have gathered here today to discuss the shrine's path to financial independence. We look forward to your guidance."
As Kon finished her explanation and bowed, I applauded. I honestly thought she was a better meeting facilitator than I was. Niz and Progenitor-san joined in the applause, but Yoko abstained. I suppose she felt this was the bare minimum expected of them, or perhaps she was simply being strict with the fox-kin because she viewed them as her own people. I'd have to ask her later.
Now, I suppose it was my turn. Just as I opened my mouth, Yoko raised her hand and took the floor.
"Regarding the financial independence Kon mentioned—upon hearing that a shrine was being built, the residents of Village Five began establishing shops along the road connecting the village to this mountain. I have calculated the potential tax revenue from these businesses, and I believe a portion of those funds will be more than enough to cover the shrine’s operating costs."
"Really?" I asked.
Operating costs included facility maintenance, wages for the fox-kin, food, the expenses for regular rituals, payroll for any outside help, and the costs of hosting important guests. It was a substantial sum. Could it really be covered so easily?
"Umu. Several shops have already opened, and they are doing quite well. There is no doubt the taxes will be collected."
I see. The residents of Village Five tended to go out of their way to pay extra taxes anyway, so the estimate was likely accurate.
"However, it would be a problem if the shrine did nothing at all," Yoko continued. "Beyond rituals, I want you to hold events to keep the mountain road lively."
She was right. Still, it was a relief to know the base costs were covered. It meant the shrine didn't have to be obsessed with turning a profit and could instead focus on things that would make the visitors happy.
"...In that case, I'll go ahead and scrap the Lottery idea."
"A Lottery? That sounds like an auspicious name."
I had inadvertently piqued Yoko's curiosity. Niz and Progenitor-san also seemed interested, so I gave a brief explanation.
Essentially, you sell slips of paper with numbers on them for a specific purpose—in this case, to support the shrine. Once a certain amount of tickets are sold, a drawing is held to determine the winners. To encourage sales, you offer tiered prizes: First, Second, and Third Rank. The winning slips are then exchanged for prize money.
Kon and Kitsu thought it sounded like a fun idea, but Yoko, Niz, and Progenitor-san all clutched their heads in unison.
"Scrapping it was the correct decision," Yoko said firmly.
"You must not take faith so lightly," Niz added.
"I also agree that it must be abandoned," Progenitor-san concluded. "Furthermore, I ask that you never mention this idea to anyone else. It is far too dangerous."
I understood their concern, but was it really that bad? Sensing my confusion, Progenitor-san offered a careful explanation.
"As a money-gathering system, it is too effective. When faith enters the equation, there is no stopping it. People might pour their entire fortunes into it just to 'prove' that they have been blessed by God."
"I... I see."
"Furthermore, the Lottery system is easy to replicate. While we might be able to control it under the Village Head's supervision, if other temples began to mimic it, there would be no way to restrain them."
"And the greatest problem," he continued, "is how those who lose would feel. It’s one thing if they think their faith was simply insufficient, but if they start to believe that God has turned away from them, their faith will waver. It would lead to people effectively 'testing' God."
That made sense. In this world, gods were very real and their blessings were tangible. A lottery would complicate that relationship in a dangerous way. It was a hazard I hadn't fully considered. Since I had intended to scrap it anyway, I let the idea die then and there.
"What is it, Yoko?"
"Listen well. You must never tell the Angel Race about this Lottery. Especially not Tiselle."
"I won't. I told you it was a secret, didn't I?"
"I am serious. If you're that worried, shouldn't we draft official rules for Lotteries now? We can establish that they are a test of personal luck, not divine favor. If we set strict limits on how often they can be held and how the drawings are performed, we can minimize any potential trouble down the line."
My suggestion backfired, as Yoko, Niz, and Progenitor-san immediately threw themselves into the task of drafting "Anti-Lottery" regulations. I didn't think there was such a rush, but clearly, they viewed the idea as a legitimate threat to global stability.
Well, whatever works. As for the rest of the meeting...
"We shall continue tomorrow."
Understood. With the three of them occupied by difficult theological debates, Kon and Kitsu transformed back into their fox forms and hopped onto my lap. I spent the rest of the afternoon stroking their backs and tails.
There, there. We'll leave the hard talk to the experts and just relax. Spring is almost here.
Narrator: "Absolutely No Laughing Village Council Extra Time! End!"
Councilors: "Phew... finally over."
Yoko: "Very well. Let us proceed with today's agenda."
Councilors: "Pfft!!"
Yoko: "...What? Is there something on my face?"
Councilors: "S-sorry—pfft! This is bad... the more serious Lady Yoko acts, the funnier this gets!"