I don't believe in God, but I'll use the "Miracle of God" freely ~I'll increase my magic arbitrarily and become invincible in another world~ - Chapter 4

Three days had passed since Ritsu made the decision to live as Mika.

 

He walked around the inside of the fence that surrounded the village, observing the village and its surroundings. The fence was more than 2 meters tall, made by pounding wooden stakes into the ground and attaching horizontal boards to them. Considering the entire village of Rish was enclosed in a similar manner, it seemed like a considerable amount of manpower would be necessary. Probably, the construction of Rish village must have required a significant workforce. Was there really something valuable in this village to justify that effort? Or perhaps, something was expected of them.

 

Mika didn’t know what that something was, but if he observed the village long enough, he might eventually figure it out.

 

(I don’t have detailed knowledge for historical accuracy… But I imagine it’s something like a rural area in medieval Europe? But there are glass windows here.)

 

He tried his best to understand the world he was in, but he didn’t have much knowledge to begin with. While glass itself existed even before the common era, it wasn’t transparent back then. The widespread use of transparent glass windows started around the 17th century, he believed, but he couldn’t be sure. Initially, making large transparent glass was technically challenging, so small pieces of glass were used for windows. The windows in this village were made of lattice patterns using several pieces of transparent glass, each about 10 centimeters in size.

 

He had casually asked Amalia and Loretta about this world, but he didn’t gain much from their responses. Both of them had rarely ventured outside the village. Amalia had lived for 30 years but had never been to the neighboring Cotton Tessa. There might be people among the village’s elderly who had lived for 60 years without ever leaving the village.

 

(There were eras in history where that was normal, but being in that situation myself is…)

 

Thanks to Mika Noishaim’s memories, there were few things he didn’t understand in his daily life. Situations where he would be immediately troubled were rare, but they did happen. Even though he had the knowledge, actually putting it into practice was quite different. It was what they called cultural shock.

 

(…I’ll have to get used to it, but it’s certainly inconvenient.)

 

Firstly, there was no running water, so he had to draw water from the well every morning. He also had to wash the used dishes at the well, so he used them as minimally as possible. Still, there were wooden utensils like plates and spoons, and it was relatively better than using his hands. Considering the lack of hygiene in this world, he was genuinely grateful for the existence of cutlery. Although he had to think about the hygiene of the person preparing the food. The good thing was that most of the food in this world was either grilled or boiled. They had to believe in disinfection through heating.

 

By the way, the wooden stick he used as a fork substitute was essentially like using a single chopstick. He used it to stab or lift food when it was difficult to do so with a spoon. Would this evolve into a fork in the future? He was looking forward to it a bit.

 

There was a toilet in the house at least. They had a habit of cleaning themselves with hot water. It was there, but considering there was no running water for the toilet or cleaning, you can imagine the situation. At least there was a small relief—the toilet was a squat type, but there was a pot placed under the floorboard, and they used that. It was part of the system, where the pot was periodically collected and replaced to be used as fertilizer for the vast cotton fields, the raw material for weaving. It maintained a minimal level of hygiene.

 

Moreover, religion was excessively pervasive in this world, to the point that it was somewhat terrifying. It was fine to say a prayer before a meal, but the concept of a “God” lingered in the center of their thoughts. This was extremely troublesome. Everything, whether something fell, fire was hot, the sun and the moon existed, or flowers bloomed and fruits grew, was attributed to God’s grace. Perhaps it was because he was originally Japanese, or maybe because he came from a world where science was advanced, Ritsu couldn’t comfortably adapt to a way of thinking and living that was centered around religion.

 

He was aware that there were times in history where such norms were prevalent, but to be a part of it was…

 

Thanks to the memories of Mika Noishaim, the villagers were truly kind to Mika. The story of him collapsing due to an injury had already spread throughout the village, so whenever the adults saw Mika, they all said, “It’s great you’re feeling better now.” Some even gave him the fruits they had picked from the fields in the morning, saying, “Eat a lot and get well.” Ritsu couldn’t help but wonder how the villagers would react if he were a stranger like Kyuhashi Ritsu. But that was a somewhat malicious assumption to make.

 

Treating a village child and an outsider on the same level was impossible, no matter how you looked at it.

 

“Now then, we’ve arrived.”

 

Mika arrived at the southern gate of the village.

 

For the past three days, he had been helping other children in the neighborhood, and in the afternoons, he explored the village.

 

Although Mika had a general understanding of the village from Mika Noishaim’s memories, there were many things he wouldn’t notice until he saw them with his own eyes.

 

Children and adults had different points of interest. Moreover, with a vastly different cultural background, their perceptions of things could be drastically different. That’s why he made it a daily routine to walk around and see things for himself.

 

On the first day, he had gone to the northern gate, which was the main entrance and exit of the village. He had passed by it in the morning while helping in the fields, but at that time, he had just walked past it. So this time, he observed various things, including the area around the northern gate.

 

The gate was solidly built with stones and timber, appearing quite sturdy. Its metal gate opened inward, towards the inside of the village. The road leading to Cotton Tessa, the town Mika wanted to visit, extended straight north from the front of this northern gate. On both sides of this road were fields, mostly planted with cotton.

 

Just outside the gate, there was a river, and the bridge over the river seemed to be well over 30 meters long. It was the lifeline of the village, made of wood but firmly constructed. When entering the village from the northern gate, there was an observation tower right away. Beyond it, a wide road called the “Main Street,” which penetrated the village, extended southwards.

 

From what Mika saw, there was no one in the observation tower at that moment. He wondered if it was alright, but there was no one there. Perhaps there was a shortage of manpower.

 

Beyond the Main Street was an open area called the “Central Square,” which was quite northward from the village center. In front of the square, there was a church, and around the square, there were the village chief’s house, the assembly hall, the village’s only store, and other buildings.

 

In front of the village chief’s house, there was a large box-shaped object resembling a clock, placed in a way that it was visible from the square, next to which was a bell tower. The object seemed like a mechanical clock, but unfortunately, he couldn’t confirm its interior. It had only one hand, probably indicating hours. It was easy to imagine a relaxed lifestyle that didn’t require minutes or seconds. It circled once to represent 24 hours, with 6 AM and 6 PM positioned horizontally.

 

The next day, he went to the west side of the village. There wasn’t anything particularly significant there. Houses were scattered over a wide area. He confirmed them while glancing from afar, saying things like, “This is Mr. X’s house,” or “This is Mrs. Y’s house.” He also researched the buildings like barns standing near the fences, thinking, “There’s space between the fence and these buildings; it’s a perfect hiding spot.”

 

In short, he was wandering around, but if he had done such a thing in his original world, it would likely lead to reporting to the authorities.

 

(…Well, if it’s a familiar child, it wouldn’t be reported in either world, I guess.)

 

He couldn’t help but perceive things from Kyuhashi Ritsu’s perspective, but it was unavoidable. If a 47-year-old man could fully pretend to be a 7-year-old child in just three days, that would be even scarier. He should just be careful and continue acting as Mika Noishaim to the best of his ability.

 

He walked all around the west side of the village, but there was still nothing noteworthy. If anything, there was a forest beyond the fence. Mika approached the fence and looked at the forest beyond it. This forest surrounded the village from the south to the east. Or rather, the village seemed to have intruded into the forest from the north. Perhaps the village had gradually encroached into the forest as it expanded.

 

“Why did they build the village on this side?”

 

Mika questioned as he looked at the forest. It was because of the river to the north. There were animals in the forest, and they were warned not to go there because it was dangerous. In reality, packs of wild dogs and wolves had attacked the village in the past, and animals like wild boars had broken through the fence and invaded. It seemed that there were injuries caused by animals every year.

 

However, if there was a forest, one could easily anticipate such damages. There was a river immediately to the north, so if they had built the village on the other side of the river, these damages could have been significantly reduced. The river was a natural barrier. It made sense to take advantage of it.

 

Mika crossed his arms and placed his hand on his chin, lost in thought.

 

(Isn’t the assumed external threat the animals…?)

 

If the goal was to reduce damage from forest animals, it would make sense to construct the village on the north side of the river. But if they were anticipating external threats from the north, the current location made sense.

 

“…Am I overthinking this?”

 

Seeing the western sky turning reddish, Mika turned on his heel.

 

And today, he was at the southern gate.

 

Compared to the northern gate, it was a large and sturdy gate that seemed just as formidable. There was also an observation tower here. It seemed like someone was actually there, indicating that they were guarding against the forest. However, the southern gate appeared to be closed, with a large latch on it. Mika wondered why the gate was so big when there was hardly any human traffic here. Maybe it was meant for transporting timber.

 

It wouldn’t be necessary for such a size if it was just for fetching firewood or supplies. They probably used horse-drawn carts or ox carts to bring in large amounts of timber.

 

“Hello, Mika-kun.”

 

As Mika was observing the area around the southern gate, he heard a voice from behind. When he turned around, he saw a petite woman in a nun’s habit walking towards him. She had a gentle smile, and her beautiful golden hair sparkled in the sunlight, making her look like the Madonna.

 

However, Mika knew that this beautiful Madonna could turn into an old man. He hadn’t forgotten the sight of Mika panicking when Loretta suddenly hugged him and burst into laughter.

 

“Hello, Sister Radi.”

 

He replied in a bright tone, not showing a hint of the thoughts running through his mind. Radi seemed to visit the elderly, the injured, and the sick in the village every day, providing healing and counseling. She might be returning from someone’s house or heading to another.

 

“It seems like you’re completely recovered. I’m glad.”

 

“Yes. I heard that you helped me. Thank you very much.”

 

Mika politely bowed his head. He almost said, “Thanks to you,” or “I apologize for the late thanks,” but that would be strange considering his age. Although he could get away with slightly rough language due to being a child, it was actually easier to interact this way. Even when apologizing, Mika was careful to say “I’m sorry.”

 

Usually, once you become an adult, the way you apologize changes to phrases like “I apologize” or “I’m sorry.” Especially the phrase “I apologize” was convenient and had been used in various situations. It was used when expressing gratitude or when requesting something. Being deprived of this all-purpose phrase made conversations a bit challenging at times.

 

“Haha… Mika-kun, you’re very good at saying thank you. It’s alright, don’t worry about it. But please don’t do anything dangerous anymore, okay? Everyone is worried about you.”

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

Radi squatted down to meet Mika’s eyes and gently stroked his head as he apologized sincerely. As Mika looked straight into Radi’s eyes, he saw his own reflection in her blue eyes.

 

Mika had always been curious about Radi. Yes, about the “Miracles of God.”

 

When Mika collapsed on the road, his life was supposedly saved by the “Healing,” a “Miracle of God.” It was a mysterious phenomenon that came up when Loretta explained it, and it was also in Mika Noishaim’s memories. Mika had seen it a few times before he switched places with the original inhabitant of this body. The “Miracle of God” instantly healed people who were injured in farming accidents or attacked by animals. It was strange and eerie, but Mika himself had experienced it. He had wounds all over his body, and they had healed overnight.

 

However, he couldn’t help but think. What on earth was it?

 

This was the most significant evidence that this world was fundamentally different from the world he came from. And because of this power, people’s “thoughts” were centered around a certain god, and their thoughts stopped there.

 

Gravity, combustion, heat transfer, weather, celestial movements, human diseases, life, and death were all actions of God, it seemed. Because of this “extraordinary” phenomenon, people didn’t dare delve further. Even physical phenomena without the intervention of “God’s Miracles” were dismissed as “what God had ordained.”

 

“Sister Radi, what exactly are the ‘Miracles of God’?”

 

Mika had intended to ask Radi directly. In times like this, it was convenient to be a child. Children couldn’t be blamed for not knowing something. Even if adults wouldn’t be let off the hook for saying they didn’t know, children were forgiven for such ignorance. Even if something happened, they could be forgiven with a simple “I’m sorry.”

 

“The ‘Miracles of God’ are… the love of the gods.”

 

Radi’s face, momentarily surprised, turned into a very sparkling expression the next moment.

 

Seeing Radi like that, Mika was taken aback this time.

 

“When the gods created the world with their great power, humans were also created together. The gods entrusted the management of the world to the people, but humans couldn’t stand up against the great power of nature on their own. It was only natural. Humans were created by the gods, and the world was also created by the gods. The gods lent a part of their great power to people so that they could shape the world correctly—”

 

She kept talking about it. It was a parade of praising and extolling the gods. She endlessly spoke about how wonderful and merciful the gods were, enveloping people with their overflowing love, watching over them.

 

(Oh no… )

 

The reverence and love for the gods that poured out of Radi’s mouth were unstoppable, and her expression gradually changed from ecstasy to bliss.

 

(This was a landmine, huh… Please, someone stop her.)

 

Mika tried to find a way to interject, but when was she going to take a breath? Radi’s words flowed without hesitation.

 

“The great power heals and fulfills the righteous, but it dries up and destroys the wicked. The Water God has spoken. Listen, faithful children of God. You will be eternally nourished, healed, and fulfilled. The First Saint. When Saint Hildelethrandel received the blessings from the Water God and raised his glorious right hand—”

 

What should I do? Mika felt like banging his head against something. At that moment, a voice came from above.

 

“What’s wrong, Sister Radi?”

 

Mika looked up and saw a man in his forties looking down at them from the observation tower. He had somewhat long hair tied back, and there were scars on his left cheek and the right side of his chin. His face looked stern, but at the moment, he seemed somewhat deflated.

 

“Oh, Diego-san. Thank you for your hard work,” Radi greeted.

 

“Yes, Sister, thank you. By the way, is it okay for you to be here? Is your work done for the day?” Diego asked.

 

In Mika Noishaim’s memories, there was hardly any information about this man called Diego. He occasionally saw him, but that was about it. Upon Diego’s words, Radi exclaimed, “Ah!”

 

“Right. I still have something to do after this. Thank you, Diego-san. Well then, Mika-kun, if you’re feeling this way, you should be fine tomorrow,” Radi said, excusing herself. But then, she stopped and turned back toward Mika.

 

“Let’s try it tomorrow when you come to the church. It’s a bit early, but… it might be a good opportunity,” she said with a smile and resumed walking.

 

Watching her go absentmindedly, Mika heard a voice from above again.

 

“Quite a predicament, kid,” Diego said in a voice just loud enough for Mika to hear, realizing that Mika was in trouble.

 

“Um… thank you,” Mika replied.

 

“Sure thing,” Diego said.

 

Leaning on the railing of the watchtower, his chin resting on his hands, Mika continued to watch Radi with his eyes.

 

“That lady, she’s a good person and amazing, but that aspect of her… I don’t know,” Diego said, wearing a troubled expression.

 

“I was saved by her too once,” Mika said.

 

“Oh, was it a big deal? Well, when you’re around the kid’s age, things like that happen, you know?” Diego remarked.

 

Dying at the age of 7, was that something that happened often? This guy was saying quite scary things.

 

Unable to reply, Mika found himself being spoken to again by Diego.

 

“Well, I didn’t do anything too reckless. Part of it is because people around me worry…,” Diego paused, then continued, “But also… it’s because there will come a time when you’ll have to do something reckless whether you like it or not. Look forward to it.”

 

Saying that, Diego burst into hearty laughter.

 

Later, Mika received the valuable advice, “Remember to strike a balance. Practice a bit of recklessness to learn moderation.”

 

“I understand what you’re trying to say, but that’s not something you say to a kid,” Mika thought.