CH 40

“Ahahaha… to be intercepted by Akira-sama’s holy water is so… hilarious that… it makes my stomach twist and ache… As expected of Sora-san.”

“Grr… if you saw Akira onee-sama in wet clothing, I bet Hono-san would have acted the same way…”

“The tea tastes good…”

“Akira-san, I think you should stop them…”

Sora-san subsequently joined us after I have completed switching back into my original attire, and the three of us, including Toki-san, move to the women’s dorm cafeteria of the eradication squad to enjoy dinner. There, Hono-san and others show up as they do every time… No, perhaps some of the girls from the R&D Team are there as well.

Regardless, the scenario is increasingly resembling a simple girls-only gathering of women from various factions.

The subject of lingerie is one of the common topics of conversation, which makes me, as a male, feel slightly uncomfortable.

“So, I understood that Akira-san was in such a state for training, but aside from the purification ceremony, what is the meaning of the ‘salt separation ceremony’?”

Toki-san then interjects, trying to shift the subject.

Speaking of which, I mentioned the names of the purification ceremony and the salt separation ceremony when explaining these to the two of them, but I had not mentioned the specific effects of these ceremonies.

Yeah. Even though Ys just informed me a moment ago, I should give an explanation nonetheless.

“The ceremony of separating salt is the closest thing to a harvest festival in the Japoterasu’s ceremony. By separating the source of life called salt between the Gods and the people, it is a ceremony that grants the salt more power than mere salt.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“So, in the ceremony, four different quantities of salt are produced, each serving a different function.”

Soon, everyone in my immediate vicinity is paying close attention to what I am saying.

Leaving that aside, Ys asserts that the four types of salt collected during the ceremony have the following effects.

The first type of salt, the one with the largest quantity, is called offering salt. As the name suggests, it is served at festive events to strengthen the bond between the Gods and the populace and is used to present salt directly to the gods or to prepare food to be offered to the gods.

The second kind of salt is known as exorcism salt, and it may be used to sprinkle salt with divine power on evil things—including monsters—in order to destroy them. It is especially effective when the target is something without a physical form, such as a malicious or demonic spirit.

The third is protective salt, which is positioned at a building’s four corners to impede the entry of undesirable things. As I recall, Japoterasu likewise has a similar type of salt called “piled salt”.

The fourth form of salt is purifying salt, a combination of salt and food that purportedly expels impurities and, to a lesser extent, evil spirits that may be dwelling in the body.

It is claimed that feeding exorcism salt to a huge monster is preferable to pouring salt on it. Well, such huge monsters rarely exist, so I don’t bother to mention it.

“I see. So now the offering salt is being used to make curing, is that right?”

“Right, but it won’t be available until at least a week from now.”

“That’s something to look forward to.”

The narrative begins to spread from the individuals around me in turn after it is determined that the discourse has progressed to this stage and a break has been reached.

“A week from now huh… Since the Special Operations Squad is about to kick off, why not have a celebration or something?”

“That sounds great… I’d love to be a part of that.”

“Is that curing made by Akira-sama?”

“As long as advance notice is given, the Provisions and Fodder Squad can open the cafeteria and prepare the food.”

“The more people and food, the better, given this is a celebration.”

“In that case, shall I bring some alcohol from my parents’ house?”

“We could invite some of the guys from the Documentation Squad, too.”

“We might as well make it a welcome party for the newcomers.”

“I like that idea.”

“Can I recruit for the Akira-sama fan club?”

“Wouldn’t that be the main focus for the newcomers?”

“I mean, if we’re going to this extent, shouldn’t we also speak to the director and the overall leaders of the groups?”

“Then, tomorrow, I’ll have the head of the Fanclub contact the other squad leaders.”

[[[Please do so.]]]

The topic eventually spirals out of my control due to the horrendous pace, and by the end of the day, each girl in the Security Organization is discussing organizing a welcome event for the female newcomers.

…Yup. Nothing will be able to prevent this once this occurs.

“By the way, I was wondering about one thing…”

“Hmm?”

Toki-san shouts out to me at this point, appearing to be equally bewildered by her surroundings as I am.

“Aren’t the salt separation ceremony and foods created with salt related to the Graecian Gods? If we ate them, wouldn’t they be offended?”

“Oh, now that you put it that way, indeed… (What do you think? Ys.)”

Since Toki-san’s question is quite reasonable, I confirm with Ys about that.

[I have no issues with it. The Graecian Gods, led by Himuro No Yumiru-sama, thought that anyone should rejoice and have merriment regardless of the God or country they believe in, as long as it is a joyous thing that can be shared. The question is what Susanoo-sama and the others will say about it… I suppose it’s okay, but it’s not for me to pass judgment, and I’ll check with them tonight.]

“(I understand. Please take care of it.)”

“How did it go?”

“Ys said there is no issue on Graecian’s side. She said she would ask Susanoo-sama about it soon.”

“I see. Then everything will likely be fine.”

Accordingly, after consulting with Ys, it appears that everything is well on the Graecian side.

If the Gracian side is as I had heard, then Ys may be the last one remaining.

The rest are Gods on the Japoterasu’s side, such as Susanoo-sama… Well, I have a feeling that they will forgive us if proper discussion and offerings are made to them. 

After all, this is a country that accepts Ys, a God from a different world, without any objections.

“What’s all the fuss about…”

“Hey, Matsunami!? What are you doing here!!”

“This is a girls’ dormitory! What are you thinking!!”

“Hmm?”

“Looks like Matsunami-san has shown up.”

When the atmosphere around us abruptly differs, I turn to look at the source of the commotion only to find Matsunami-san coming our way while clutching a bag in one hand.

“I’ve got some business with the princess of the Special Operations Squad. Here.”

“!? W-What is this? It’s rather heavy.”

As he approaches, Matsunami-san throws something resembling a bag my way. Even though the bag’s weight astounds me, I accept it and check what’s inside.

Within is… a thick book and a set of tools?

“No, you see. It’s fine to entrust a motorcycle to the Special Operations Squad, but you must be capable of administering first aid in an emergency. So here are the manual and tools.”

“Huh… (Ys?)”

[What is it, Akira?]

“Then, I’m leaving.”

Matsunami-san turns his back on us as if to say that the things handed over to me have been delivered, and departs the cafeteria of the women’s dormitory, he is met with scathing criticism, primarily by the female members of the R&D Team.

So, while they are doing that, I take a quick look at the contents of the book labeled “Motorcycle Manual”… Yeah.

“(I can’t understand about this book. Please read it…)”

[I don’t get why you are speaking in katakana, but I am more intrigued by the manual so I will read it.]

“(Thank you!)”

Since I have no grasp of the subject at all, I decide to leave it to Ys.

Indeed, Ys is a real lifesaver at times like this.

The approval for the greeting celebration for newcomers is thus easily granted when Ys verifies with Susanoo-sama.

It seems that the Gods of Japoterasu like festivals, no matter how grand or trivial they are.