Returned from Another World, Earth Turned Out to Be Quite the Fantasy Too. Also, Losing Heroines, Stop Looking This Way. - Chapter 51

Chapter 51: “Feels like I’ve asked for something troublesome, hasn’t it?” ②

“Um, I don’t intend to get involved, but it’s really bothering me, so could you please tell me? If it continues like this, I’ll be too worried to even sleep when I return home.”

The old woman was speaking her mind freely, but the family head and Counselor Seiun seemed reluctant to inform Natsuki about the “sacrifice.”

They clearly had bitter expressions on their faces. 

Natsuki, for his part, had no obligation to help the Minazuki family, but he thought that if they were being deceived by a false god, he might consider doing them a favor.

“If it’s something that can be shared just among us here, then I will tell you.”

“Of course.”

It seemed better to them to share the information than to have Natsuki grow suspicious by keeping it hidden. 

The family head glanced at Mio before beginning to speak.

“The Minazuki family has, for generations, worshipped a local water deity, borrowing its power.”

“Um, just to make sure, is it real?”

“Of course, it is.”

Kaya stated confidently.

Natsuki decided to secretly investigate the Minazuki family further. 

Although there were places he couldn’t understand due to seals or barriers, he did not feel any divine presence like that of Koume. Instead, he faintly sensed the residue of an opposite force.

“The deity helped the people. However, the cost was significant; it became tainted and could no longer maintain its divine power.”

“So, is that where the sacrifice comes in?”

“…Yes. It was performed five times in the past. And you might think it foolish in this modern age, but Mio became the sacrifice.”

(Offering a sacrifice five times… Aren’t they being deceived? Or is it that the power of the water deity is temporarily restored, but it becomes tainted again, requiring another sacrifice in a cycle?)

Natsuki thought about voicing his concerns about the wastefulness of it all but hastily shut his mouth. 

Saying something unnecessary about the deity worshipped by the Minazuki family and potentially becoming their enemy seemed too troublesome. Even in front of these people, Natsuki chose to keep his thoughts to himself. 

Though he could handle them attacking him, dealing with the aftermath seemed like a hassle.

“But, why Mio?”

“Because Mio is a failure!”

“…Grandma seems pretty lively for someone who just fainted. Natsuki-kun is surprised too.”

The old woman who had just fainted sprang up, pointing at Mio with spittle flying.

“This girl is even more of a nobody than you are.”

“Why?”

“Her mother might be Kaya, but her father is unknown! That’s the reason. She lacks spiritual power and talent, inferior in every way to Miyako! Thus, she’s only fit to be a sacrifice!”

(Wait, that’s absurd! Mio clearly has higher potential. Hmm…? Wait, could it be?)

“I don’t intend to meddle in your family affairs.”

“That would be best!”

“But—”

“What is it!”

“So basically, because Mio is considered useless, she’s to be sacrificed to the deity?”

“And what of it! This is a matter for the Minazuki family! It’s not something outsiders should concern themselves with!”

“It’s not about that, grandma. What I’m saying is, are you okay with that?”

“Gran… What did you say?”

Being called “grandma” by Natsuki seemed to take the old woman aback, but she was more interested in the meaning behind Natsuki’s words.

“So, think about it carefully. Is there any point in offering someone useless as a sacrifice?”

“…What are you saying?”

“Ah, right, like with offering rice. I don’t know much about it, but isn’t it the good-quality rice that’s offered? You wouldn’t offer poor-quality rice, right?”

“…That’s true.”

“So, I was thinking it might be the same with the gods. If I were a god and the sacrifice was useless, I’d wonder why they’re not offering someone better. I’d be really angry. I’d curse them. Curse them for seven generations!”

“…That’s…”

“Grandma, try to see it from the perspective of a god. If you’re offering a sacrifice, and you say it’s because they’re useless, wouldn’t you get mad? Furious, right?”

“—You have a point.”

(No waaaaaay!?) 

Even though Natsuki himself said it, he was shocked.

He hadn’t expected the old woman to actually listen to his words.

“Indeed, this child is correct. If you question the value of a useless person as a sacrifice, it’s nothing but doubtful. If any person would do, I’d gladly become a sacrifice myself. But it has to be a young woman. If only I were ten years younger.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! You mean fifty years younger!”

“Impudent brat! Just when I thought you said something sensible, sixty years old is plenty young enough!”

“…Sorry about that. That’s fine.”

“Young people these days! Kaya, no, the family head.”

“What is it, Unkai-dono?”

Kaya was surprised that the old woman, who had been furious, had calmed down. 

Even more so, she seemed unable to hide her astonishment at the old woman actually being convinced by Natsuki’s words.

“Upon further consideration, it’s undeniable that Mio also carries the blood of the family head. Then, wouldn’t it be possible to choose the superior Miyako as the sacrifice and buy time until the next one?”

(This grandma is too flexible in a weird way! I tried saying it to be annoying, but I can’t keep up with this rapid development!)

〜〜Afterword〜〜

Even Natsuki didn’t expect the grandma to actually listen to him.

Your follow-up and reviews are very encouraging!