Unexpected Story – Isekai

As I stood at the entrance to the church, I suddenly was frozen in silence, unable to say a word. It wasn't because of magic or anything else that stopped me. Nor was it because of the events that were happening in front of me. I knew it because I had done it myself.

I was standing still and it was hard for me to take one more step. My body stopped moving because my mind didn't want it to. My head was immediately filled with thoughts that made it impossible for me to decide on any one thing.

'Enter... into the church?'

Earlier I was very eager to find a clue to my chaotic reincarnation. As far as finding a little clue, then I would keep trying to get it until I got it.

I'm actually an impatient person, but my life experience has taught me to always think calmly and clearly when faced with problems.

As I imagined it in the games I've played, the church is a crucial place in the story. Although you can pray anywhere, it's the physical home of the gods and goddesses in this fantasy world.

It is also a sacred place where heroes are baptized and receive revelations before going into battle. And it's always been that way.

'What should I do...'

I had forgotten that my chances of finding those responsible for me were increasingly likely to be here. And because my original intention was not only to ask questions but also to give at least some ‘payback’ for what they had done to me so far.

'I want to beat them up, but is it possible? Is it possible?'

It might not be as easy as one would think. I would still dare to do anything to vent my anger that I've been harboring all this time. But if they're really gods, demon kings or even the strongest beings I still can't surpass them for now.

While this crazy man and Elene were being charged, I had no strong weapons to defeat powerful enemies.

'No, I can't just rely on them all the time, damn it... that's the truth'

And what troubles me is that if the strong give orders to the weak then they can't refuse. Even the gods give indirect obligations to humans to do the tasks they want.

I realize that there must be a meaning for me to be in this world, but if I'm suddenly forced to do something, I don't think I have the will to submit.

‘Up to now I had a hard time living. And so, I don't want to be ordered around by a god or whatever bastard it is!'

I was still thinking about the possibilities of what could happen and trying to find a way out.

'Negotiation! That's right, I'll try to do it'

If it comes to the time when I face them then I will use various means so that I can be free from responsibility and also be able to live peacefully.

I don't know what kind of creature summoned me here but I will try to negotiate.

"That's right! Live with fun! No need to be ashamed! Live for myself!"

The sudden anxiety instantly vanished. Now I could boldly take another step.

"What are you doing. Your rent is over my friend, please settle your bill."

"Donation, huh? You talk like the church is a place of business."

'Hope nothing happens'

I ventured inside again. I was actually still wary but when I entered this place, I was so amazed by what was inside.

The hall was exactly like a normal church but what kept intriguing me were the sculptures lined up from the sides and a larger sculpture at the back.

'This is crazy! How detailed are these? And they're actually glowing? No, this must be holy energy'

Each sculpture varied in shape but the level of detail was very high. They may have been made of stone but they looked completely natural. And each of them had a holy energy radiance that felt quite strong.

"Amazed?"

"Yes."

"I don't need to explain who they are unless you're a newborn baby"

"Please explain to me"

"Hold on, you really don't know?"

"Hmm... yes?"

I answered because I didn't know.

"God... where have you been. Look on the right is the god of war, a god favored by warriors. The god of magic, one of the oldest gods in this world. The goddess of fortune, you'll never forget to pray to her every time. Are you still following?"

"Yes, yes."

"Next to your left is the Goddess of Fertility, who has few believers because she is only worshipped by farmers. The god of civilization, a unique god because people call him the god of politics and humanity. Then... the Goddess of Death, you must always be careful not to provoke her"

"I completely forgot that, aha-ha-ha"

"And the most glorified! Our Lord, the Goddess of Justice. The Goddess who represents the endless truth, the Goddess who shines brightly in the darkness of this world. She brings blessings to her faithful followers. May the Goddess bless us all, Amen"

"...Amen"

"Those sacred gods and goddesses are believed to have created this world, to have granted our world its life and to have protected it from any harm. Those of us who have a better life should remain grateful with every breath we take, because there are still many people out there who are less fortunate than us. And with just a small donation, you can help ease their burden."

She spoke as she pointed to the large wooden box at the end of the room.

"Thank you for this sudden preaching, Miss Priest. Now my mind is much clearer"

"And with that donation, we can get close to our great goddess"

She was still pointing in the same direction.

"Stop that money-hungry preaching. I have enough of it"

We continued into the room on the far left. The room we entered was designed like a reception area.

Priest Mia, who had accompanied me, rushed up and quickly intercepted one of the nuns. They talked for a while and then she returned after taking something from behind the reception desk. She handed me a piece of paper and a copper brooch with a sword motif surrounded by flowers and chains.

"This is a bill for spirit exorcism assistance"

I examined it carefully and thoroughly.

"Woah... it says hourly service? Isn't this like a business, and the total is... 35 gold? Are you crazy?!"

"Pssstt! I've also discounted the cost of the holy water, you are benevolent lady"

Wink 2x

"You mean you're asking me to treat you to a daytime hangover? What kind of place is this?!"

"Cough... You saw those orphanage kids anyway, right? Don't you feel sorry for them? Count it as charity to erase your sins as well, no?"

Wink 2x

She said that while winking her eyes again and I'm getting sick of it

"Looks like I walked into a cheap bar to be forced to buy a lot of expensive tasteless booze"

"It doesn't hurt to be a generous person, does it? And this is our token for you"

"Especially this one."

"As a benefactor who has donated over 30 gold, you can get all our services by showing this. If you need anything, just look for me. Ghost exorcism, healing party, prayer blessing or confessor, I will do it with all my heart. I'll make sure you get the best service from me!"

"Thanks, but I am already thinking of a switch to another church right now"

"And don't forget our vows, ma'am"

Wink 2x

"For fuck's sake, what else do you want?"

"I'll see you tomorrow night at the downtown restaurant. I don't expect a banquet as a reward but I do expect another favor from you."

She's still winking to emphasize her blackmail. I was already sick of it.

"I know where Celi got the idea to rob"

"That's all I gotta tell you. You are free to go home now, my dear lady. Sorry for keeping you here so long. Oh... and there's a hot spring in town to ease those aching muscles, please try it tonight"

"Sounds like a good idea."

She stretched out her hand to ask for payment, not wasting any more time. I reluctantly gave her the money we had agreed upon.

"Thank you again, my generous one, bye!”

She immediately ran inside like a person who had no shame.

"So... this is it? Just like that?"

I have even prepared physically and mentally, only to find out that nothing happened.

***

Inside the simple little house, with its weathered wooden walls and shabby roof, someone was entering.

It was no different from the others. However, this house in the middle of the slum looked a little bright because of the candle that had been lit a while ago.

It is rare for anyone to move around at dark, except for those who have magic stones for night lighting. The neighborhood didn't allow any night activities either. This meant that the occupants of this house must have just returned home.

"As if I'm going to die!"

After carrying heavy luggage every day, my legs couldn't move. When I saw the straw mattress in front of me, I immediately fell down without thinking.

‘Now my body is totally numb!’

"Damn it, nyaa! Damn it! Damn it! Nyaa!"

I banged on the straw mattress to vent my frustration.

Ever since that night, I couldn't let go of this necklace. This necklace that binds me like a slave always makes me weak and helpless in front of them.

"That's right! Ever since I met them, everything has gone to hell! They're bad luck!"

She- no, they all made my fate worse. I can't help but obey their commands. Otherwise I'll be punished.

I don't know how many things happened every night, my body suddenly moving on its own like someone was ordering me. I don't need to know anymore who did it, it must be that person, the one who put on this damn necklace!

"Shhh! Ahhh! Huh-huh! One more time- Shhh!"

I had also tried to get rid of the damn necklace many times, but failed.

I've tried the Magician’s help to get it off but they say it's much stronger than a normal slave collar. I want to try it again but I'll run out of money for that.

"Slaves... I can try at an illegal auction- No-no, I don't want to deal with them"

For beastmen, illegal auctions are the hell that can drag them down without mercy at any time. Once they found out I was one of them then my life would be completely ruined.

I've lived in this town since I was a child, when my parents left me in the forest. I don't know their faces anymore but sister Maria from the church brought me here and raised me like a normal human child.

She taught me various things and gave me a camouflage ring so that I could live in the human city.

"But-but I promised to live on my own, nyaa. I'm embarrassed to keep asking her for help..."

I put an end to my frustration, and as I took another look at the two gold coins that I had kept, I began to smile.

I don't know why my heart, which was full of anger, slowly became cheerful. I felt like I was in a good mood again because of this little thing.

"Two coins a week isn't bad either, he he"

...

"Two gold coins as long as I obey that ugly old bitch isn't bad either, he he"

...

"Two gold coins without working at high risk again isn't too bad, he he"

...

"Next week she told me to gather the kids... But I didn't mean to sell my friends...

...

"...But the 2 gold coins aren't bad either, he he he"

I speculated how much I would get from that ugly old hag if I worked with her for a year.

To work as a maid for a noble family, you would be paid 1 gold coin every month. Even then, you have to work every day.

Adventurers aren't always good either. It's really luck.

Especially being an official merchant. Opening an official shop requires a lot of money and I'm not cut out for that either.

But with this not-too-hard work I was able to earn 2 coins. That's an amount I can't get with just one job, not even by robbing.

'Because I have to share it with the kids...'

"Wait a second! What would happen if the two gold coins were to be shared with them instead? That's bad!"

I forgot about that possibility. If the work is done by many people, then the income is also shared.

"Damn... but I don't think that's possible, nyaa"

Like when I was in cat form, I licked my hands and rubbed them on my head. I did it without realizing that I was thinking about something.

'Yes, it's impossible'

Her clothes were nice, though she was an ugly old woman. She gives a lot to the church and my salary as agreed without a second thought. Maybe she was really generous.

"Being her slave might not be bad either but I really don't like her smell"

She always smells like milk and I dislike it very much.

***