“Sayuri-san, you said that returning favor with malice is an act against God’s will. Is that right?” (Torimoto)
“………” (Sayuri)
“So you’ll remain silent only when it’s convenient for you? I have no intention of condemning or denouncing what you and your people do. If eliminating men from the world is what you want to do, you are free to act as you please.” (Torimoto)
Perhaps the followers didn’t seem to expect me to say something that overlooked their actions as they looked at me with confused expressions.
“But if you try to harm me, I will resist with all my power. It may not appear so… but I am strong.” (Torimoto)
As a skill user like Riwa, there was sufficient persuasive power behind my words. Everyone got to their feet and took up their weapons in reaction to my display of hostile intent.
But Sayuri pounded her pewter staff on the floor once more, getting everyone’s attention.
“It is forbidden to fight here. Or do you, as devout believers, wish to stain this place with blood? Lower your weapons.” (Sayuri)
Sayuri’s words seemed to be absolute among them, as the followers looked at each other and reluctantly lowered their weapons.
“Torimoto-san, why do you refuse? If you were with us, it would help us out a lot. Besides… Us being reunited again like this is none other than God’s divine providence. So please…” (Sayuri)
It was Riwa’s skill. Even though I wanted to just walk away, I needed to see her power with my own eyes.
If they tried to kill me, I would be able to ensure that I saw her skill, but at that point, I would definitely be labeled as an enemy.
…In that case, I should wait and see while I gather more information.
“…There’s no helping it then. I will show you some face here, Sayuri-san.” (Torimoto)
“…! Really?! Aah, God, thank you for your eternal guidance.” (Sayuri)
“But Sayuri-san. I know that you will be able to depend on me, but it might be difficult for the others, no? What do you plan to do regarding this?” (Torimoto)
“It won’t be a problem. To harm someone who I have acknowledged is to go against the will of God. Such a person would have no place here.” (Sayuri)
No, no. I’m still getting such scary-looking stares. What are those all about then? They’d probably try and assassinate me on a moonless night.
“A room has been prepared for you. Please follow me.” (Sayuri)
“Are you sure about this, milord?” (Shiki)
“Stay wary of our surroundings at all times. No matter what happens, we’ll be able to deal with it.” (Torimoto)
I’d already made a lot of money off of them, and if they tried to kill me, I could just attack this place and help myself to all of their valuables. That would only make it easier for me, since I wouldn’t even have to hesitate anymore.
After leaving the church, we headed towards a building in the distance. It was quite large, and there were various other buildings around it. It was surrounded by a high outer wall, which was being patrolled by a number of followers armed with weapons.
Upon entering the building, we immediately went down a flight of stairs. There was a room that was about 10 tatami mats in size.
It was well-kept and well-equipped with furniture, a bed, and sufficient closet space. However, there was no window, which made the room a bit stifling.
Well, it was probably to prevent me from escaping. There was also electricity, which I had noticed earlier upon arriving at the church. They probably had their own power generation system.
“Please make yourself at home in this room. You may use the documents and materials outside the room as you wish. The restroom is also in the room.” (Sayuri)
“…And what about when I would like to go out?” (Torimoto)
I see. I guess it might be better than Nike’s situation when he was being held captive, but this was no different from house arrest.
“Milord, let’s just leave immediately. How dare they have the nerve to try and shove milord into a place like this…!” (Shiki)
I could feel the anger in Shiki’s tone. As one of my most loyal followers, he would definitely not approve of this treatment.
However, I didn’t particularly have any problems with this place.
I had a bed, and I could use the data room’s books and materials as much as I liked. As someone who was more of an indoorsy person, I didn’t dislike this place that much.
And if I wanted to, I really could leave whenever.
“The person on duty will bring you your meals. If there is anything you require, please let me know.” (Sayuri)
I confirmed to her that I understood.
“I’d like to talk with you more, but I have some other matters to take care of at the moment. I will speak with you more at a later occasion.” (Sayuri)
With that, she left the room. I looked around once more at the room that was now supposedly my prison.
…I thought there’d be a security camera or something at least.
But I didn’t find anything of the sort. I thoroughly checked the walls and furniture, but I didn’t find any cameras.
The room was also a data room that held documents and other materials, so I thought they would be watching this room at all times. But it seemed that they didn’t go that far.
“A bit naive, I would say. If it were me, I would definitely keep a watchful eye.” (Torimoto)
After all, I was the only man here among these women. And they all hated men. No, they all wanted to exterminate men.
I couldn’t imagine them not keeping an eye on someone like me. There were probably many of their people who thought the same. But Sayuri must have forbidden them to monitor me.
“Sayuri-san must still be…” (Torimoto)
A thought appeared in my mind, but I shook my head and sat down on the bed, telling myself it didn’t really matter.