The Secrets of the World

"Come to think of it, how are socks even made in this world?"

Karina-chan here. Lately, socks have been on my mind.

Thinking back, Harumikazuchi-oneesama's socks were silky and high quality, while Sati-tan's were the cotton kind you'd buy three for 1000 yen in Japan.

The more I think about it, the more mysterious their production seems.

 

 

Surely the Goddess holds the secret — or so I thought, and since I had nothing better to do, I came to Véraldo's church.

No sock delivery this time, but maybe they'll see me anyway.

"… Huh? Siesta?"

"Yes, can I help you — ah, it's you, my fellow Sister. What brings you?"

There she was: pink-haired succubus sister Siesta.

"When did you move here from Solasidore?"

"Oh, that was my cousin. Same name — confusing, I know."

"A cousin with the same name? That happens…"

Like the Nurse Joys from that pocket monster series.

"We're separate instances with shared settings, my fellow Sister. We Siestas are assigned to churches all over, and are officially distinct persons. Please don't pry."

"Separate instances…?"

"Different bodies sharing knowledge and memories. Thank you for your help in Solasidore."

"… So that means there's a Siesta in every church, and you're all actually one?"

"A working of the Goddess. Keep it secret."

She put a finger to her lips. Cute. Can I have one?

Ah, but she can't help me make socks for delivery.

"So, your business?"

"I wanted to ask the Goddess something…"

"If it's not worth troubling the Goddess with, I can answer."

"Then where and how are socks made? Can I source them?"

"Many are church piecework sold to clothiers. Not publicly known, but there is a magic tool for making socks."

"A magic tool for that, huh?"

Makes sense — under the Goddess's roof, overly convenient magic tools exist.

"Materials are cloth fibers like cotton and silk. We're short year-round, so if you can source them, we'd appreciate it. We can't pay much, but we can give you a discount on socks."

Siesta eyed my huge backpack as she said that.

Supplying sock materials to the church could work. I should also keep a few pairs on hand; I might meet another beauty who doesn't wear socks.

"A pair of the cheapest cotton socks is one large copper."

"Pricey enough to notice, but not unaffordable."

If you wear sandals you won't need them, but peddlers might to protect their feet.

"Between us, it's not a magic tool but a divine artifact that converts any material — not just cloth — into socks."

"Uh. I'm supposed to collect divine artifacts."

"And just now, the Goddess told me: 'Don't collect this one; I'd be mad if you did! Also, no using duplicated materials for sock deliveries!'"

Figures.

If I plan to dedicate things to the Goddess, duplication via spatial magic is obviously out. Yeah.

"That Goddess impression was super cute."

"Why, thank you."

She bowed.

So she's handing out artifacts to every church… for socks? No wonder there's an 'energy shortage.' Entirely self-serving. As expected.

"The Goddess also entrusted this to you. Here."

"Oh, thanks?"

She handed me a slip I hadn't noticed.

On it: "Appraisal Value +20% Ticket."

Looks like the pirate drinking contest amused the Goddess.

"And this as well."

"… A pill?"

"A one-time period-skip pill. Limited-time."

P-period-skip pill (limited-time)!?

"'Your first one's about due, so here's a freebie,' is what the Goddess also said. Valid until your current period ends; if unused, it vanishes."

"Uh, thank you?"

I did want it. Didn't know 'limited-time' was a thing though.

…

Wait. Is her actual message: 'Periods are rough, so use the skip pill every month. You know what to do, right?'

Even if pain is bearable, of course you'd try to aim for a divine blessing that could wipe that out when you know it's coming.

And that blatant limited window! Designed to make you feel it's a waste not to use it!

Stopping time to store it won't work on her stuff! Duplication is meaningless!

"Hehe, looks like the Goddess loves you. I'm jealous."

"Ahaha… ngh, I can't honestly rejoice…!!"

This isn't unconditional love! It's bait — to make me deliver 50 SP worth of socks monthly! A small investment! Seeding!

How terrifying she is! What a strategy!!