Editing Ghost Hunt:Volume 8 Chapter 10 (section)

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“Well? In the end, how was the aftermath dealt with?”

“The blame was taken by the assistant.”

When Bou-san said this, I looked into his face.

“Blame?”

“After all this time, they don’t want to get in trouble with the police or anything, right? At the same time, it’s impossible for them to feign ignorance after corpses are found strewn about.”

Certainly.

“And it seems he discovered it. Afterward, those guys probably went about it in their own way without telling anyone.”

“I see. …Well, you reap what you sow.”

“That’s right.”

...Speaking of corpses.

“Hey, what’s happening with the effort at the dam?”

I hate myself for eating a meal while asking that.

“It’s currently in progress. Also, it seems it was postponed yesterday due to the rain.”

“Hmm...”

It must be tough…

“How can you eat while talking about such a thing?”

Ayako appeared disgusted.

“Give me a break. Ayako, you’re pretending to be delicate.”

“Unlike you, I actually am delicate.”

“Tchhh. It can’t be avoided. It’s the same for spiritualists as it is for monks.”

“What’s that?”

“If people don’t die, you’re useless.”

A few people burst into laughter.

“That’s true.”

“The job of a monk isn’t only funerals, young lady.”

Because of Bou-san’s frown, I asked,

“Is there something else beside funerals and memorial services?”

“We also do wedding ceremonies.”

“That’s a lie.”

“Simpleton. More or less, that’s what you call a marriage before Buddha.”

“Really?”

“At a proper temple, taking a vow and exchanging prayer beads before Buddha.”

“That’s not really romantic, is it.”

“Well, this won’t be done unless it’s a child of the temple.”

I see. I don’t think girls will yearn for that.

“Hey, it’s okay. Because you can wash your hands of all this.”

Being said by Ayako, my shoulders fell a bit.

“That’s right. When the office closes, I won’t have to go on investigations anymore.”

At great pains, it finally became possible for me to cleanse spirits. Well, that doesn’t necessarily mean I want to continue doing such a thing.

“After the office is closed, I’ll have a lot of free time.”

It was John who told me this.

“...Yeah. I’ve been going to the office for a while, so I’ll have trouble figuring out how to use my time.”

It’s possible I’ll also have trouble with money. How did I support myself before working part-time? 

“Then, why don’t you come to Sunday school sometime soon?”

I looked at him blankly.

“Sunday school? Is that when you gather the children and study the Bible in church?”

“Yes, it is. I usually look after them. It’s fun with all the rambunctious children. Mai-san, do you not like children?”

“I like playing with children. But I’ve never read the Bible...”

John smiled elegantly.

“Actually, it’s mostly playing with children. If you don’t mind, please come visit sometime.”

Sunday school? I wonder what it’s like.

As I was thinking about this, Bou-san chuckled.

“What?”

“Well, I can imagine what it’s like.”

“What it’s like?”

“John, the male nanny.”

There was a roar of laughter inside the building.

No way, it’s true! He would definitely be like a male nanny. John, playing with the children and wearing a troubled expression, but laughing nevertheless.

“Is Sunday school great?”

“Yes. Takigawa-san, too, please come if you like.”

“I think I will go. It would be nostalgic.”

I blinked in surprise.

“Nostalgic?”

“Right. I used to go often when I was little.”

“...Wait a minute.”

“Oh?”

“Bou-san, isn’t your home a temple?”

“It is a temple. Isn’t it okay even if the child of a monk goes? When I went to Sunday school, there were picture-card shows of Biblical stories and I was given sweets.”

...was that your aim, you corrupt monk? Honestly, this old man.