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 cheap cotton kind you'd buy in a three-pack for 1000 yen back in Japan.

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

 

 

Surely the Goddess would know the secret. Or so I thought, and since I had nothing better to do, I headed 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 Solasidor?"

"Oh, that was my cousin. Same name, I know. Confusing, right?"

"A cousin with the exact same name? I guess 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, but we share knowledge and memories. Thank you for your help back in Solasidor."

"… So you're saying there's a Siesta in every church, and you're all actually the same person?"

"The Goddess's handiwork. Keep it a 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 something not worth troubling the Goddess over, I can answer."

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

"Many of them are church piecework sold to clothiers. It's not publicly known, but there's a Magic Tool specifically for making socks."

"A Magic Tool for that, huh?"

Makes sense. Under the Goddess's roof, ridiculously convenient Magic Tools are bound to exist.

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

Siesta eyed my huge backpack as she said that.

Supplying sock materials to the church could be worth looking into. I should also keep a few pairs on hand in case I meet another beauty who doesn't wear socks.

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

"Pricey enough that you'd notice, but not unaffordable."

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

"Just between us, it's not actually a Magic Tool, but a divine artifact. It can convert any material into socks, not just cloth."

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

"And just now, the Goddess told me: 'Don't you dare collect this one; I'd be furious 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 been handing out artifacts to every church… just for socks? No wonder there's an 'energy shortage.' Entirely self-serving. Just as I'd expect from her.

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

"Oh, thanks?"

She handed me a slip of paper I hadn't noticed before.

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

Looks like that 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)!?

"The Goddess also said: 'Your first one's about due, so here's a freebie.' It's valid until your current period ends; if unused, it vanishes."

"Uh, thank you?"

I did want something like this. I just didn't know 'limited-time' versions were a thing.

…

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

Even if the pain is bearable, of course you'd want a divine blessing that could wipe it out entirely when you know it's coming.

And that blatantly limited window! It's designed to make you feel like 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 every month! A small investment on her part! She's planting seeds!

What a terrifying woman! What a devious strategy!!