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I Got Transported to Another World, but Who Even Summoned Me? Chapter 43

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Chapter 43 – Louise's Considerations and the Church Library

After finishing his morning preparations, Tenma headed downstairs and found Mario already deep in conversation with Louise across the inn's counter. As he approached, Louise noticed him and beckoned him over.

"Mario tells me you're unfamiliar with common customs? You don't look the type. Is it true?"

"I suppose that might be the case," Tenma replied, not denying it.

"I see. First things first—return your room key after breakfast on the fourth day. That's all you need to do. For nightwear and towel replacements, just bring the used items and we’ll exchange them. If you want to extend your stay, let us know by the morning of the third day at the latest."

Her tone grew firmer as she continued:

"When keys aren't returned and there's no contact, we keep the room reserved for three extra days. During that time, we inquire with your guild or other affiliated groups. If someone knows why you're delayed, we'll hold the room. You'll still be charged for the extended stay when you return."

"If we still hear nothing by the morning of the fourth day, we’ll report it to the guards and your guild as accommodation fee evasion."

"These are the standard procedures for inns under the Innkeeper’s Guild. You’d do well to remember them."

After her thorough explanation, Tenma nodded appreciatively. She had made the unspoken rules of the world that much clearer.

"Tenma-kun, you haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? Would you like to join us?" Mario offered kindly.

"I don’t mind," Tenma replied.

They sat together and had breakfast. After Tenma finished eating, Mario leaned forward with a curious glint in his eye.

"So, Tenma-kun—where are you planning to go today? You said you wanted to explore the town."

"That’s right. I was thinking of visiting the library, if this town has one. Also, I want to stop by the shops I missed yesterday."

"There are two main libraries. One’s at the Mage Guild—its collection is focused on grimoires and magical texts. The other is at the Church. The Church library has more general literature, but it's tilted toward theology. As a guild member, you can use the Mage Guild library for free. The Church library, though, charges a registration fee—one small silver coin. You spent quite a bit yesterday. Will you be alright?"

"I’ll be fine. Do either of them allow book loans?"

"Loans? I don’t think any libraries offer that service. Even at the Mage Guild, you need the Dean’s written approval to take books even into a research room."

"I see. Then I’ll buy some paper and writing supplies before heading to the library. Do you know a good shop?"

"I’ll show you. Seniors in the Mage Guild are expected to guide juniors, after all."

"The Mage Guild seems pretty strict," Tenma commented.

"It certainly is," Mario replied with a wry smile.

They left the Boa’s Nest Inn together. As they stepped outside, Alf, just descending the stairs, gave them a faint smile as he watched them go.

Mario led Tenma to a nearby stationery shop, where the prices floored him.

In Japan, a 100-sheet pack of B5 paper would cost under 400 yen. Here, 30 sheets of slightly smaller paper cost 6 medium copper coins, while 60 sheets cost 1 full copper. Quill pens ranged from 5 medium copper coins (cheap) to 3 copper coins (premium). Ink went from 1 copper coin (basic) to 5 copper coins (high quality).

Tenma chose to buy 60 sheets of paper, two cheap quill pens, and one bottle of basic ink.

As they walked toward the Church, Mario explained the region’s religious customs.

"The major religions in this world worship one of four principal deities: Kazu, the God of Beginnings; Luna, the Goddess of Light; Iza, the Goddess of Darkness; and Urs, the God of War. Together, they’re known as the Four Great Faiths."

"Among humans, it’s common to include long vowels in girls’ names—like Leaf—because it reflects the parents' hopes their daughters will grow to be as beautiful as the goddesses."

"The Church enshrines three of these gods—all except the God of War, who is solely worshipped by the Mercenary Guild. The Church handles healing, purification, oath ceremonies, weddings, funerals—life events, essentially."

Eventually, they arrived at Gomena Church, located just past the Mage Guild. Mario pointed to the adjacent building.

"That’s the library."

Upon entering, the first floor was barren, save for a spiral staircase in the back. Poorly dressed figures huddled against the white walls. A faint sour odor hung in the air. The sight unsettled Tenma.

"These people seek salvation from the Church," Mario explained. "They’re homeless, unable to even live in the slums. The Church provides them a meal a day, a weekly bath, and basic medical care."

Tenma’s perception of this world deepened as he silently followed Mario up the spiral staircase. At the top, a counter stood before massive doors. Two nuns were stationed there.

Mario presented both his Guild Card and a second card, and was quickly waved through.

Tenma approached and presented his Guild Card, explaining it was his first visit. A bell was rung. A monk soon arrived with a silver plate holding a blank card, a needle, and a clean cloth.

After listening to the rules, Tenma offered one small silver coin as a “heartfelt donation.” The nun pricked his finger, dabbed his blood on the card, and then chanted:

"Light of miracles, grant healing to this one—‘Petit Heal’."

Tenma watched in surprise as the prick on his finger completely vanished.

The nun handed him the blood-stamped card and admitted him through the doors, where Mario was waiting.

Past another counter sat long reading tables and shelves lined with books. Overhead, a ceiling fresco gleamed with celestial imagery.

"Tenma-kun, what kind of books are you looking for?" Mario asked quietly.

"An encyclopedia. Something that can help explain terms I find in other books."

"Ah, an encyclopedia. Right this way."

Mario led him to a set of 14 uniform volumes. Tenma took the first two, returned to the reading desk, and dove in.

His reading speed was extraordinary—30 minutes per volume. Occasionally he jotted notes, which impressed even Mario.

After finishing the seventh volume:

"Tenma-kun, shall we go get lunch?" Mario asked.

"Sure. Anywhere you'd recommend?"

"Alf and the others seem to be waiting outside. How about the Church cafeteria?"

"Wait—how do you know Alf-san is outside?" Tenma asked.

"Message on my Guild Card. If you register someone’s magical signature, you can exchange messages like this."

Mario showed him the card’s back:
“Waiting outside. —Alf”

He then erased the message with a finger swipe. Closing his eyes and gripping the card, he muttered:

"Let’s go."

Sure enough, Alf and the others were outside.

"There you are! What’s going on?" Alf grumbled, showing his own card:
“Coming out from library now. Don’t erase until Tenma-kun sees this. —Mario”

Tenma read it and nodded.

"Handy, right? Want to register with us too, Tenma-kun? Just overlap the cards—registration’s automatic. To send a message, touch the crescent pattern here, picture who you want to talk to, and think your message."

Tenma followed Mario’s guidance and registered with the Orochi members. He quickly tested the system with Alf, amazed by the simplicity.

Mario led them to the cafeteria on the far side of the Church.

"The Church has a cafeteria?" Tenma asked in surprise.

"Yeah," Leaf leaned in, whispering:
"It just doesn’t serve alcohol."
Then louder:
"That’s what’s got Alf grumbling!"

Alf scratched his head sheepishly.

The cafeteria used a pay-first system: 1 medium copper coin got you a tray. Servers provided the food—today’s menu included round bread, soup, fried chicken, salad, and sautéed meat with vegetables.

The four sat down together at an empty table. Just as Tenma was about to eat, Alf spoke up with a grim tone:

"About those goblins... the situation’s looking pretty bad."

Translator’s Notes:

  1. Petit Heal – A common low-tier healing spell used by Church clergy.

  2. Guild Card – A magical identification card that doubles as a messaging device when magic signatures are registered.

  3. Currency – 100 copper coins = 1 small silver coin. Meals at the Church cafeteria cost 1 medium copper (10 copper coins).

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