CH 192

Chapter 192 – Role in the Order

“…Ah, I kind of get what you mean, but could you please elaborate?” (Torimoto)

“I mean that men like you, who have the abilities we need, will be excluded from being a target of our purges. However, if we deem you to be a detriment to us…” (Sayuri)

“The suspended sentence will be retracted, and you will punish me, huh?” (Torimoto)

Honestly, I wanted to shout out, ‘who the hell do you think you are to decide this?’, but…

“Well, this is the religious order we’re talking about here, so it doesn’t really have anything to do with me.” (Torimoto)

“Why not? You promised to help us.” (Sayuri)

“I don’t intend to allow myself to be controlled by anyone. The only contracts I sign are those where the relationship is purely in the interest of profit. In exchange for my help, I will have to ask for something of proportionate value in return.” (Torimoto)

“You would request compensation from companions?” (Sayuri)

“Please don’t misunderstand me. I said that I would help you, but I didn’t say that I would be your slave.” (Torimoto)

“A slave, you say… I did not intend to call you anything of the sort.” (Sayuri)

“‘If you defy us, you will be purged. You will work for the religious order without any compensation.’ What part of that is not slavery?” (Torimoto)

Even a black company wouldn’t go that far.

“We can provide you with a place to live and food to eat. Would that not be considered compensation?” (Sayuri)

“Living in fear that you might be killed at any moment. After living through such hellish circumstances, how can you expect me to agree to something that’s just the same?” (Torimoto)

“The ability to turn treasures into medicine… It’s hard to believe, but I know for certain that such a medicine certainly exists. And only you have it, Torimoto-san. So… I will believe you.” (Sayuri)

“Thank you. So if you would like to make use of me, please prepare the appropriate compensation. As long as you do, I will heal any illnesses or injuries you and your people may have. Just like you and that girl from yesterday,” I declared with a smile.

A silence flowed between us momentarily, but Sayuri eventually let out a small sigh and spoke.

“…Fine. I would have wanted you to take the initiative to help us, if possible, but for now, I will accept a compromise on our relationship. However, I believe that one day, you will become a believer of God.” (Sayuri)

That day would never come, but it was up to her to believe.

“So? Is that all you wanted to talk about?” (Torimoto)

“No, this is where the main question begins.” (Sayuri)

Oh, we haven’t even gotten to the main topic yet, huh? I did have a feeling the talk was kind of going in a roundabout way.

“Right now, we are in a conflict with a certain organization.” (Sayuri)

“Organization? Are you asking me to participate in this war?” (Torimoto)

“No, the conflict itself is almost over. With our victory, of course.” (Sayuri)

“Then why are you telling me this?” (Torimoto)

“Victory is secured, but we did not emerge unscathed. There are still many wounded at the frontline bases.” (Sayuri)

“I see. You want me to heal them, is that right?” (Torimoto)

“But conflict, huh? I guess it would be quite common for fellow organizations to clash with each other. This is no exception, I suppose.” (Torimoto)

“Resources are limited. There is no end to the fighting over supplies.” (Sayuri)

“Doesn’t your god feel sorrowful about the warfare taking place?” I asked, somewhat sarcastically.

“Of course, our God does not condone indiscriminate conflicts. However, our God does not condemn the conflicts that are necessary to survive and uphold the ideology of the order.” (Sayuri)

What a convenient god.

“I would like you to take care of the wounded who will be brought here, Torimoto-san.” (Sayuri)

“That’s fine. But as I’ve said before…” (Torimoto)

“You will need valuables to make medicine, yes. I am aware of that. Fortunately, we have some means, so this won’t be a problem. You don’t mind if it’s precious metals or jewelry like yesterday, right?” (Sayuri)

“Yes. I can appraise goods, so if you need me to, I can check and verify them.” (Torimoto)

“I understand. Ah… right on time.” (Sayuri)

When I strained my ears, I could hear the sound of a number of vehicles entering the grounds.

“It seems that the wounded sent from the frontlines have arrived. May I ask you to tend to them right away?” (Sayuri)

I nodded, and Sayuri got up from her seat on the couch and opened the door to the entrance.

The two blue bandana women were standing there as they had been told. Aside from them, there was one follower, who was bowing her head as if she was afraid to look at Sayuri.

“Founder-sama, I have come to report that Asamine and the others have just arrived.” (Follower)

It seemed that the person who had their head bowed had come to deliver a report.

“Yes, I am aware. We will go right away.” (Sayuri)

“…! Is this person…?” one of the women in the blue bandanas asked, furrowing her brows.

“There are people severely wounded, aren’t there? As long as he is here, he can save them from needless suffering.” (Sayuri)

“B-But there are followers who still don’t know about him.” (Blue Bandana Woman)

It certainly was troublesome. They might panic if they saw a man they had never seen before in their nest.

“I will explain it to them personally.” (Sayuri)

“Founder-sama, you will go down there yourself? Are you sure?” (Blue Bandana Woman)

“It won’t be a problem. Please guide me there.” (Sayuri)

“…As you wish.” (Blue Bandana Woman)

The two blue bandana women bowed and led the way to the place where the wounded were being brought. I also followed, walking behind Sayuri.

In the meantime, I bought several recovery-related items from the <Shop>.