Above the Clouds

Immortal... Immortal..

I must find.....

... (Sighs)

What appeared before me at that time was this shrine.

The shrine appeared to have been unvisited for a long time, and had completely turned into ruins.

I managed to purchase that shrine, and it took me nearly a year to renovate it to its current state.

Did you really see god?

Of course, it was the Immortal who brought me here.

I am the shrine maiden chosen by the Immortal!

(Was it really not a hallucination caused by extreme fatigue?)

Yes, I understand.

I accept your employment.

Really?

Do you believe my story now?!

I suppose so.

This is a good place.

(Approximately a month or two without seeing a stranger... Sil was right, it suits me well.)

Phew!

Also, there's one last question.

How is a shrine guard paid?

Well... about that..

May I ask, are your requirements high?

As long as there is food and drink, and a place to live.

No problem! It's on me!

I still have some savings, which are enough to sustain us for a long period of time.

But when I was renovating the shrine, I found a very beautiful natural hot spring nearby. I plan to use this money to refurbish the hot spring inn.

Once it's completed, we will have a relatively stable income, and our benefits will also improve by then!

Renovate the hot spring inn?

Don't worry, it's not a big deal.

My mother used to be the designer for the Forbidden City of Mo Capital, and I learned some architectural design from her.

Wow.

I am the shrine maiden chosen by the god, this minor difficulty is nothing!

I have already contacted the supplier of the building materials, and now we are just waiting for the delivery of the materials.

So normal..

What's wrong with being a bit normal!

I am a shrine maiden, not a professional designer! It's amazing that there are no omissions!

But, isn't your mother the designer of the Forbidden City of Mo Capital?

What does that have to do with me? I have no interest in architectural design.

Being a shrine maiden is the job I adore! It's both elegant and beautiful, full of a sense of ritual!

This is the charm of Eastrise traditional culture!

Not bad for an inn.

Right, for a normal person, this design is already quite impressive!

Ah, I apologize, are you a guest?

Guest? No, no, no, I'm not a guest. I'm the future owner of this hot spring inn.

The future owner? I have no plans to sell this hot spring inn.

You can do it, see what this is.

Is this... my IOU?

How come you have this? I clearly was with..

The building material supplier with whom you signed a contract is not making ends meet, so I bought the supplier with my own money.

Now, I am your creditor.

What?!

Make your choice, either repay the money or execute the contract directly..

This is different from what was said before!

Your verbal agreement with your previous boss? How naive... Take action!

What are you going to do?! Kyubey!

What a formidable samurai!

..

Don't be nervous, there's no problem that money can't solve.

How much did this miko girl pay you? I'll give you double, no, triple!

You!

I refuse.

Kyubey.....

Is the money too little? No worries, we can negotiate.

I refuse.

Well, it seems that you have given up the only way out I offered you.

Do as I say now, and you can still settle your debts in one go. After a while, even if you sell the hot spring inn, you won't be able to pay off your debts.

I'm giving you one final week.

Give it some serious thought.

What happened?

When designing the hot spring inn, I found that my original idea was too simplistic.

Is there a problem with the hot spring?

No, no, it's the area behind the shrine that I forgot about, which hasn't been renovated yet... So, I borrowed some money from the boss for the shrine's renovation.

...How much?

Waah..

As long as the hot spring inn opens for business, the money will definitely be earned back!

Moreover, the shrine is right next to the hot spring inn. Perhaps those who believe in the gods might..

In short, there won't be any problems!

Please! Help me!

I already understand the situation.

But, Ring. Winno, the Captain of Luminary Guard, recently returned to Mo Capital, and the Watchtower really can't spare any time to help you now.

How come..

Don't be discouraged just yet, we may not be able to help you, but there are others who can.

Who?

Teslovik.

What is that?

A transnational organization supported by Bifrost, but recently deviated from Bifrost and lost its funding.

Currently, this organization is seeking cooperation with the four major factions. I believe, they should be willing to support you.

Are they an international organization of hot spring enthusiasts?

Of course not, they won't be attracted just by the hot spring. The key point is that your hot spring is located at Cloudferry.

What does Cloudferry have... Ah, Immortal?

It seems that you have already met the mountain god of Cloudferry, which is even better.

But, that's the Immortal..

Will they be disrespectful to the Immortal?

This is your job now, Ring.

If you aspire to become a genuine shrine maiden, you must learn to persuade everyone you encounter to believe in your faith.

I understand, I will do it.

The Mountain God of Cloudferry..

Is it a Faithling?

It is necessary to conduct an investigation.

It's just that our current manpower...

Call in some reinforcements.

Watchtower is struggling to survive, and our warrant is still hanging in the upper echelons of Eastrise... It's somewhat difficult to find reinforcements in Eastrise.

It may not necessarily be from Eastrise.

Are you referring to... the Empire?

Previously in Siloam, we helped the Campbell family resolve the conflict between the Church and Dark Road.

Ask them to allocate some people to help this time, and they should not refuse.

No problem, I will contact them right away.

Wel..Welcome..

Don't be nervous, we are from Teslovik, here to help you.

I know, but..

Miss Mordred, it seems like you've frightened someone.

A timid soldier is incapable of fighting in a war.

Waah..

She is just a normal person.

Is that so?

I don't think so.

Miss Mordred, our ultimate goal in collaboration is to solve problems, not to create them.

I'll leave it to you then.

Phew..

You're Kyubey, right?

Our employer this time, the shrine maiden of Cloud Shrine, Ring, where is she now?

She's up ahead, today is the day of debt collection..

I'll take you there right away!

Okay.

A week has passed, how are your considerations going?

I won't hand over the hot spring inn to you!

This time, that little samurai is not by your side, yet you're still so arrogant...

Stop!

You, all of you, don't go too far!!!

Paying off debts is a matter of course, as natural as the laws of heaven and earth!

You don't look like you're asking for money.

Of course we want money, and the most valuable thing here is this shrine maiden.

She can't repay the money, so she belongs to us now. Any problems with that?

How much money does she owe?

This is the IOU. She is seven days overdue. We don't count her as a breach of contract, as long as she can pay back the money she owes.

It's okay, not too much.

Teslovik bought this IOU.

As long as you can pay off the debt.

Here you are.

The count is correct, okay, this IOU is now yours.

Wow...so impressive!

You are from Teslovik, aren't you? Thank you so much.

No worries, we are here specifically to solve your problems.

But, this IOU..

There's a reason for this!

The boss who signed the contract with me asked me to help her design a house...

Waah..

Interesting, so does that mean the miko is now Teslovik's property?

Judging solely from this IOU, it indeed appears to be the case.

Huh?

What are you going to do? With this IOU, you can do anything to this miko.

After all, she is already overdue.

Wh..What are you going to do?

Stop teasing her. The Eastrise Codices Department won't recognize such a contract.

Are you well-acquainted with the code of Eastrise?

I had a refresher with someone I knew before I came.

So, I don't need to repay the money?

It's just that the provision of treating people as assets for mortgage is not valid, but the IOU itself still holds validity.

It's left with me for now. When you make enough money, you can buy it back at any time.

Doesn't this just mean I've switched to a different creditor?

What are you whispering about?

No, nothing!

I'm just talking about the weather outside...

Huh? Why is it foggy?

Have you heard? The abandoned shrine on Cloudferry has been renovated.

When did it happen? How did you know?

Not long ago, I heard that a new hot spring inn had opened up in the mountains, so I went up to take a look.

The shrine is right in front of the hot spring inn, and can be seen on the way to the hot spring.

I see, I didn't expect that there are still people who would renovate shrines nowadays.

Which god can now be worshipped at the Cloud Shrine?

At Cloudferry, of course we worship the God Above Clouds. Is there any other choice?

You're right.

Today, I heard rumors about the Cloud Shrine in a town nestled in the mountains!

If this continues, the visitors will soon be coming in an endless stream!

Really?

Perhaps someone is on their way right now.

Kyubey, go take a look by the roadside!

...Okay...

There's no way anyone would come, right..

Help.....

There is someone!

Are you okay?

Thank you so much, I almost lost my life.

The mountains are very dangerous, it's best to travel in groups.

Ah-hahaha..

I understand, I'll be careful next time.

Thank you, I'm leaving now.

After such a long wait, there was only one lost passerby.

I'd better go back... It's getting a bit cold.

It's her!

She is the only combat power of that shrine. Once we capture her, that foolish shrine maiden will be at our mercy!

...How dare you come again!

Should everything be resolved this time?

Also, there's one last question.

How is a shrine guard paid?

Well... about that..

May I ask, are your requirements high?

As long as there is food and drink, and a place to live.

No problem! It's on me!

I still have some savings, which are enough to sustain us for a long period of time.

But when I was renovating the shrine, I found a very beautiful natural hot spring nearby. I plan to use this money to refurbish the hot spring inn.

Once it's completed, we will have a relatively stable income, and our benefits will also improve by then!

Renovate the hot spring inn?

Don't worry, it's not a big deal.

My mother used to be the designer for the Forbidden City of Mo Capital, and I learned some architectural design from her.

Wow.

I am the shrine maiden chosen by the god, this minor difficulty is nothing!

I have already contacted the supplier of the building materials, and now we are just waiting for the delivery of the materials.

So normal..

What's wrong with being a bit normal!

I am a shrine maiden, not a professional designer! It's amazing that there are no omissions!

But, isn't your mother the designer of the Forbidden City of Mo Capital?

What does that have to do with me? I have no interest in architectural design.

Being a shrine maiden is the job I adore! It's both elegant and beautiful, full of a sense of ritual!

This is the charm of Eastrise traditional culture!

Not bad for an inn.

Right, for a normal person, this design is already quite impressive!

Ah, I apologize, are you a guest?

Guest? No, no, no, I'm not a guest. I'm the future owner of this hot spring inn.

The future owner? I have no plans to sell this hot spring inn.

You can do it, see what this is.

Is this... my IOU?

How come you have this? I clearly was with..

The building material supplier with whom you signed a contract is not making ends meet, so I bought the supplier with my own money.

Now, I am your creditor.

What?!

Make your choice, either repay the money or execute the contract directly..

This is different from what was said before!

Your verbal agreement with your previous boss? How naive... Take action!

What are you going to do?! Kyubey!

What a formidable samurai!

..

Don't be nervous, there's no problem that money can't solve.

How much did this miko girl pay you? I'll give you double, no, triple!

You!

I refuse.

Kyubey.....

Is the money too little? No worries, we can negotiate.

I refuse.

Well, it seems that you have given up the only way out I offered you.

Do as I say now, and you can still settle your debts in one go. After a while, even if you sell the hot spring inn, you won't be able to pay off your debts.

I'm giving you one final week.

Give it some serious thought.

What happened?

When designing the hot spring inn, I found that my original idea was too simplistic.

Is there a problem with the hot spring?

No, no, it's the area behind the shrine that I forgot about, which hasn't been renovated yet... So, I borrowed some money from the boss for the shrine's renovation.

...How much?

Waah..

As long as the hot spring inn opens for business, the money will definitely be earned back!

Moreover, the shrine is right next to the hot spring inn. Perhaps those who believe in the gods might..

In short, there won't be any problems!

Please! Help me!

I already understand the situation.

But, Ring. Winno, the Captain of Luminary Guard, recently returned to Mo Capital, and the Watchtower really can't spare any time to help you now.

How come..

Don't be discouraged just yet, we may not be able to help you, but there are others who can.

Who?

Teslovik.

What is that?

A transnational organization supported by Bifrost, but recently deviated from Bifrost and lost its funding.

Currently, this organization is seeking cooperation with the four major factions. I believe, they should be willing to support you.

Are they an international organization of hot spring enthusiasts?

Of course not, they won't be attracted just by the hot spring. The key point is that your hot spring is located at Cloudferry.

What does Cloudferry have... Ah, Immortal?

It seems that you have already met the mountain god of Cloudferry, which is even better.

But, that's the Immortal..

Will they be disrespectful to the Immortal?

This is your job now, Ring.

If you aspire to become a genuine shrine maiden, you must learn to persuade everyone you encounter to believe in your faith.

I understand, I will do it.

The Mountain God of Cloudferry..

Is it a Faithling?

It is necessary to conduct an investigation.

It's just that our current manpower...

Call in some reinforcements.

Watchtower is struggling to survive, and our warrant is still hanging in the upper echelons of Eastrise... It's somewhat difficult to find reinforcements in Eastrise.

It may not necessarily be from Eastrise.

Are you referring to... the Empire?

Previously in Siloam, we helped the Campbell family resolve the conflict between the Church and Dark Road.

Ask them to allocate some people to help this time, and they should not refuse.

No problem, I will contact them right away.

Wel..Welcome..

Don't be nervous, we are from Teslovik, here to help you.

I know, but..

Miss Mordred, it seems like you've frightened someone.

A timid soldier is incapable of fighting in a war.

Waah..

She is just a normal person.

Is that so?

I don't think so.

Miss Mordred, our ultimate goal in collaboration is to solve problems, not to create them.

I'll leave it to you then.

Phew..

You're Kyubey, right?

Our employer this time, the shrine maiden of Cloud Shrine, Ring, where is she now?

She's up ahead, today is the day of debt collection..

I'll take you there right away!

Okay.

A week has passed, how are your considerations going?

I won't hand over the hot spring inn to you!

This time, that little samurai is not by your side, yet you're still so arrogant...

Stop!

You, all of you, don't go too far!!!

Paying off debts is a matter of course, as natural as the laws of heaven and earth!

You don't look like you're asking for money.

Of course we want money, and the most valuable thing here is this shrine maiden.

She can't repay the money, so she belongs to us now. Any problems with that?

How much money does she owe?

This is the IOU. She is seven days overdue. We don't count her as a breach of contract, as long as she can pay back the money she owes.

It's okay, not too much.

Teslovik bought this IOU.

As long as you can pay off the debt.

Here you are.

The count is correct, okay, this IOU is now yours.

Wow...so impressive!

You are from Teslovik, aren't you? Thank you so much.

No worries, we are here specifically to solve your problems.

But, this IOU..

There's a reason for this!

The boss who signed the contract with me asked me to help her design a house...

Waah..

Interesting, so does that mean the miko is now Teslovik's property?

Judging solely from this IOU, it indeed appears to be the case.

Huh?

What are you going to do? With this IOU, you can do anything to this miko.

After all, she is already overdue.

Wh..What are you going to do?

Stop teasing her. The Eastrise Codices Department won't recognize such a contract.

Are you well-acquainted with the code of Eastrise?

I had a refresher with someone I knew before I came.

So, I don't need to repay the money?

It's just that the provision of treating people as assets for mortgage is not valid, but the IOU itself still holds validity.

It's left with me for now. When you make enough money, you can buy it back at any time.

Doesn't this just mean I've switched to a different creditor?

What are you whispering about?

No, nothing!

I'm just talking about the weather outside...

Huh? Why is it foggy?

Have you heard? The abandoned shrine on Cloudferry has been renovated.

When did it happen? How did you know?

Not long ago, I heard that a new hot spring inn had opened up in the mountains, so I went up to take a look.

The shrine is right in front of the hot spring inn, and can be seen on the way to the hot spring.

I see, I didn't expect that there are still people who would renovate shrines nowadays.

Which god can now be worshipped at the Cloud Shrine?

At Cloudferry, of course we worship the God Above Clouds. Is there any other choice?

You're right.

Today, I heard rumors about the Cloud Shrine in a town nestled in the mountains!

If this continues, the visitors will soon be coming in an endless stream!

Really?

Perhaps someone is on their way right now.

Kyubey, go take a look by the roadside!

...Okay...

There's no way anyone would come, right..

Help.....

There is someone!

Are you okay?

Thank you so much, I almost lost my life.

The mountains are very dangerous, it's best to travel in groups.

Ah-hahaha..

I understand, I'll be careful next time.

Thank you, I'm leaving now.

After such a long wait, there was only one lost passerby.

I'd better go back... It's getting a bit cold.

It's her!

She is the only combat power of that shrine. Once we capture her, that foolish shrine maiden will be at our mercy!

...How dare you come again!

Should everything be resolved this time?

So normal..

What's wrong with being a bit normal!

I am a shrine maiden, not a professional designer! It's amazing that there are no omissions!

But, isn't your mother the designer of the Forbidden City of Mo Capital?

What does that have to do with me? I have no interest in architectural design.

Being a shrine maiden is the job I adore! It's both elegant and beautiful, full of a sense of ritual!

This is the charm of Eastrise traditional culture!

Not bad for an inn.

Right, for a normal person, this design is already quite impressive!

Ah, I apologize, are you a guest?

Guest? No, no, no, I'm not a guest. I'm the future owner of this hot spring inn.

The future owner? I have no plans to sell this hot spring inn.

You can do it, see what this is.

Is this... my IOU?

How come you have this? I clearly was with..

The building material supplier with whom you signed a contract is not making ends meet, so I bought the supplier with my own money.

Now, I am your creditor.

What?!

Make your choice, either repay the money or execute the contract directly..

This is different from what was said before!

Your verbal agreement with your previous boss? How naive... Take action!

What are you going to do?! Kyubey!

What a formidable samurai!

..

Don't be nervous, there's no problem that money can't solve.

How much did this miko girl pay you? I'll give you double, no, triple!

You!

I refuse.

Kyubey.....

Is the money too little? No worries, we can negotiate.

I refuse.

Well, it seems that you have given up the only way out I offered you.

Do as I say now, and you can still settle your debts in one go. After a while, even if you sell the hot spring inn, you won't be able to pay off your debts.

I'm giving you one final week.

Give it some serious thought.

What happened?

When designing the hot spring inn, I found that my original idea was too simplistic.

Is there a problem with the hot spring?

No, no, it's the area behind the shrine that I forgot about, which hasn't been renovated yet... So, I borrowed some money from the boss for the shrine's renovation.

...How much?

Waah..

As long as the hot spring inn opens for business, the money will definitely be earned back!

Moreover, the shrine is right next to the hot spring inn. Perhaps those who believe in the gods might..

In short, there won't be any problems!

Please! Help me!

I already understand the situation.

But, Ring. Winno, the Captain of Luminary Guard, recently returned to Mo Capital, and the Watchtower really can't spare any time to help you now.

How come..

Don't be discouraged just yet, we may not be able to help you, but there are others who can.

Who?

Teslovik.

What is that?

A transnational organization supported by Bifrost, but recently deviated from Bifrost and lost its funding.

Currently, this organization is seeking cooperation with the four major factions. I believe, they should be willing to support you.

Are they an international organization of hot spring enthusiasts?

Of course not, they won't be attracted just by the hot spring. The key point is that your hot spring is located at Cloudferry.

What does Cloudferry have... Ah, Immortal?

It seems that you have already met the mountain god of Cloudferry, which is even better.

But, that's the Immortal..

Will they be disrespectful to the Immortal?

This is your job now, Ring.

If you aspire to become a genuine shrine maiden, you must learn to persuade everyone you encounter to believe in your faith.

I understand, I will do it.

The Mountain God of Cloudferry..

Is it a Faithling?

It is necessary to conduct an investigation.

It's just that our current manpower...

Call in some reinforcements.

Watchtower is struggling to survive, and our warrant is still hanging in the upper echelons of Eastrise... It's somewhat difficult to find reinforcements in Eastrise.

It may not necessarily be from Eastrise.

Are you referring to... the Empire?

Previously in Siloam, we helped the Campbell family resolve the conflict between the Church and Dark Road.

Ask them to allocate some people to help this time, and they should not refuse.

No problem, I will contact them right away.

Wel..Welcome..

Don't be nervous, we are from Teslovik, here to help you.

I know, but..

Miss Mordred, it seems like you've frightened someone.

A timid soldier is incapable of fighting in a war.

Waah..

She is just a normal person.

Is that so?

I don't think so.

Miss Mordred, our ultimate goal in collaboration is to solve problems, not to create them.

I'll leave it to you then.

Phew..

You're Kyubey, right?

Our employer this time, the shrine maiden of Cloud Shrine, Ring, where is she now?

She's up ahead, today is the day of debt collection..

I'll take you there right away!

Okay.

A week has passed, how are your considerations going?

I won't hand over the hot spring inn to you!

This time, that little samurai is not by your side, yet you're still so arrogant...

Stop!

You, all of you, don't go too far!!!

Paying off debts is a matter of course, as natural as the laws of heaven and earth!

You don't look like you're asking for money.

Of course we want money, and the most valuable thing here is this shrine maiden.

She can't repay the money, so she belongs to us now. Any problems with that?

How much money does she owe?

This is the IOU. She is seven days overdue. We don't count her as a breach of contract, as long as she can pay back the money she owes.

It's okay, not too much.

Teslovik bought this IOU.

As long as you can pay off the debt.

Here you are.

The count is correct, okay, this IOU is now yours.

Wow...so impressive!

You are from Teslovik, aren't you? Thank you so much.

No worries, we are here specifically to solve your problems.

But, this IOU..

There's a reason for this!

The boss who signed the contract with me asked me to help her design a house...

Waah..

Interesting, so does that mean the miko is now Teslovik's property?

Judging solely from this IOU, it indeed appears to be the case.

Huh?

What are you going to do? With this IOU, you can do anything to this miko.

After all, she is already overdue.

Wh..What are you going to do?

Stop teasing her. The Eastrise Codices Department won't recognize such a contract.

Are you well-acquainted with the code of Eastrise?

I had a refresher with someone I knew before I came.

So, I don't need to repay the money?

It's just that the provision of treating people as assets for mortgage is not valid, but the IOU itself still holds validity.

It's left with me for now. When you make enough money, you can buy it back at any time.

Doesn't this just mean I've switched to a different creditor?

What are you whispering about?

No, nothing!

I'm just talking about the weather outside...

Huh? Why is it foggy?

Have you heard? The abandoned shrine on Cloudferry has been renovated.

When did it happen? How did you know?

Not long ago, I heard that a new hot spring inn had opened up in the mountains, so I went up to take a look.

The shrine is right in front of the hot spring inn, and can be seen on the way to the hot spring.

I see, I didn't expect that there are still people who would renovate shrines nowadays.

Which god can now be worshipped at the Cloud Shrine?

At Cloudferry, of course we worship the God Above Clouds. Is there any other choice?

You're right.

Today, I heard rumors about the Cloud Shrine in a town nestled in the mountains!

If this continues, the visitors will soon be coming in an endless stream!

Really?

Perhaps someone is on their way right now.

Kyubey, go take a look by the roadside!

...Okay...

There's no way anyone would come, right..

Help.....

There is someone!

Are you okay?

Thank you so much, I almost lost my life.

The mountains are very dangerous, it's best to travel in groups.

Ah-hahaha..

I understand, I'll be careful next time.

Thank you, I'm leaving now.

After such a long wait, there was only one lost passerby.

I'd better go back... It's getting a bit cold.

It's her!

She is the only combat power of that shrine. Once we capture her, that foolish shrine maiden will be at our mercy!

...How dare you come again!

Should everything be resolved this time?