As the strongest witch in history, I somehow ended up being feared so much that I’m all alone. So, I figured I’d buy a cute girl slave and ask her for all kinds of things
In front of us, Arona begins to talk about herself and the situation around her.
“W-well, I… I was born in an orphanage. It was an orphanage run by the Holy Church, but the town we lived in wasn’t very big, and it probably wasn’t important to the Church. We didn’t receive much support from the central organization, so the orphanage was struggling.”
The Holy Church.
It was a religion that once enjoyed overwhelming prosperity. The object of worship for the Holy Church was the sole goddess who, according to legend, fought alongside humanity to defeat the gods and entrusted the earth to humans. Stories about this goddess were, I believe, among the most well-known in the world…
Even so, these days, it’s been overshadowed by various newer religions that have sprung up recently…
“Still, we supported one another, living humbly and desperately.”
“That’s a nice story. And then what?”
“…Everything changed when the Ahriman Church came to that town.”
The Ahriman Church… The Ahriman Church???
I don’t know that church.
Where is it from…? Is it one of those newly formed sects?
“The Ahriman Church made large donations and steadily gained influence in that town. Year after year, they increased the pressure on us followers of the Holy Church. Their reach even extended to our orphanage… If things continue like this, our orphanage will collapse due to lack of funds… We’re in debt too… At this rate, at this rate, everyone will lose their home… Please. Please help us protect our place!”
“…Hmm, yes. I can certainly sympathize with your situation to some extent…”
“H-how pitiful this is…! To try and take away the place where children are desperately, desperately trying to survive…!”
After hearing her story, my body trembled with anger.
I’m not particularly knowledgeable about religions or their conflicts, and I don’t have any personal stake in them, so I can’t comment on the two opposing sides.
But no matter what, there’s no justification for involving children with their futures ahead of them in such disputes.
“…Etana. Are you thinking of helping them?”
As I was seething with anger, Tia spoke softly into my ear.
“Y-yes…”
“…Are you really going to stick your head into religious affairs? It’s bound to be troublesome.”
“No, it’s not that big of a deal… We just need money, that’s all.”
“…And how do you plan to get it? Are you relying on me again?”
“Ugh… W-well, I am called a witch, aren’t I? If I really wanted to, I could get money…”
“I’m not saying I mind you relying on me. You can depend on me as much as you want, Etana. I’m your slave. Everything I have belongs to you.”
“I-I see… Thank you.”
“It’s only natural. Well then, let’s do our best for the sake of that girl.”
“Y-yes…!”
Encouraged by Tia’s dependable words, I nodded firmly.