The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 121

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 121. Why?

I had secured both the elixir promised by the Papal See and the medicinal herbs from the Aholo Tribe. We used the herbs we possessed to treat those afflicted by Dominion.
We remained at the Papal See for one additional day.
Arturo needed to explain the medicine to the Papal See’s physicians in order to treat those who had suffered at Dominion’s hands.

“Remarkable indeed… How did you conceive of such an idea upon witnessing the very crop your enemy sought to spread…?”
“Young Master Kael was the one who conceived the idea. I merely accepted his suggestion and manufactured the medicine.”
“Hah, we believe the audacity and knowledge to realize it are equally extraordinary. This medicine shall surely become salvation for those trapped in mental anguish.”

The Papal See’s physicians marveled ceaselessly at the anti-anxiety remedy crafted from Galma.
Until now, no plant with such properties had existed, and even if one had, it would have been difficult to manufacture medicine so perfectly from it.

“Kael Inquisitor, Arturo, thank you. I will do my best to live on.”

The others’ conditions were too severe to employ the same method used on Valentis.
We could only prescribe the anti-anxiety remedy and monitor their progress.
Still, their conditions stabilized enough that some received their diagnoses and returned to their hometowns.

‘Valentis still sleeps.’

Yet even he would not have completely overcome it. Memories of that day would surface from time to time.
I had merely redefined and separated those memories as the past—they had not vanished.
But at least he would not be paralyzed by those nightmares any longer.

“Young Master Kael, thank you.”

Arturo spoke while observing those receiving treatment from the Papal See’s physicians.

“For what?”
“After Lunatic departed, I accumulated knowledge solely to kill Baron Viper. So throughout my entire life, I never imagined my knowledge could save anyone.”
“….”
“Yet now I find joy in this. My knowledge is being used for righteous purposes. It feels as though she is praising me as she watches….”

Arturo gazed at me.

“That is why I thank you.”

No one called him “Viper” anymore. They simply referred to him as “Arturo” or “the physician.”
His current knowledge differed little from his past life, yet the evaluation was vastly different.
I let out a soft laugh.

“Since you understand, work diligently. It benefits me, after all.”
“Understood.”
“Then we’ll take our leave. The other physicians can handle things from here.”

* * *

The moment I returned to the Mansion, I consumed the sacred elixir I’d received from the Papal See.
Indeed, befitting an elixir blessed by the Goddess, a considerable surge of holy power filled me.

‘This is more than enough to reach the realm of sorrow.’

After that, I took a leisurely stroll through the quiet streets with Bella.
The sun was setting in the sky, yet the path remained bright.
This was thanks to the “street lamps”—long poles fitted with mana stones.
Luminara Mainland had now become inseparable from magical artifacts.
With wealth overflowing from the premier mana stone mine, I intended to gradually increase magical artifacts throughout Haven City as well.

“So this is where you all live.”

At that moment, a figure in a pulled-down robe appeared before me. It was Valter.

“Quite peaceful.”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“I’ve simply made it peaceful. There are still those who target me and my family.”
“The Evil Book Society, and Barsenon….”

I told him about Barsenon, wondering if perhaps he knew something.
But he too only knew that Barsenon was a demon of considerable renown from before.

“By the way, you don’t operate in the Empire?”
“It’s distant, and besides, the authority of the Heresy Inquisitor doesn’t extend there. Thus, I’m merely a somewhat exceptional citizen of the Theocracy within the Empire.”

Thus, there was no need to venture to the Empire unless some event significant enough to twist humanity’s fate occurred, or unless it benefited me directly.
Hunting heretics kept the Theocracy busy enough as it was.

“Hmm, I see… If you had business in the Empire, that would be troublesome.”
“Inconvenient, perhaps, but not troublesome. As long as I don’t get caught.”
“Tsk tsk, now that you mention it, that was the case back then too.”

Valter chuckled softly.

“Still, wouldn’t it be convenient if you could use the Heresy Inquisitor’s authority in the Empire as well?”
“Of course it would. I’m planning to use that against the Emperor later if needed.”
“I see.”

Valter nodded in acknowledgment.

“Still, you must have no shortage of worries. There are those eyeing your territory, yet you must go about hunting heretics.”
“I don’t have any major concerns. Thanks to Barsenon, some of the Theocracy’s Knights patrol the area, and above all, I have Arturo.”
“Ah… Arturo? You mean that gloomy-looking fellow? He certainly seemed strong.”
“When did you see him?”
“I first saw him when entering the Papal See. The next time was when I returned to this territory.”

What? Did he actually follow me all the way to the Papal See?
That kind of thinking was abnormal, and the fact that he wasn’t detected was equally so.
However, for him, such things were hardly unusual, so I paid it no mind.

“I see.”
“I’d like to stay here myself, but there’s a risk of being discovered by the Papal See, and I have other matters to attend to, so that won’t be possible.”
“You have business as well?”
“I didn’t, but I just acquired some.”
“Why, will you kill Barsenon in my stead?”
“Tsk tsk, if he falls within my sight, there’s nothing I couldn’t do. But more importantly, how do you feel about the current Pope?”
“Not bad so far. He’s reasonably rational.”
“I see.”

What would have happened if I’d answered that I didn’t approve of him?
Somehow, I had the feeling he would have deposed the Pope just as he had the Emperor.
Since this didn’t feel like a jest, it was oddly refreshing.

“Hmm, it seems there’s nothing I can truly offer you right now after all.”
“You’re getting on in years—there’s no need to overexert yourself.”

Truth be told, it’s I who should be doing something for him.
Valter helped me in exchange for the swordsmanship I taught him, but that assistance meant far too much to me to leave it unreturned.

“Yet I find myself wanting to, regardless.”
“Why? Our acquaintance hasn’t been particularly long, to be honest.”

I may possess memories from my past life, but to Valter in this present moment, we are merely kindred spirits passing through each other’s existence.

“Why, you ask…?”

Valter pondered for a moment before responding.

“I suppose it’s the process of pursuing the ‘Bliss’ you taught me about.”
“And you believe this will aid in that?”
“I’m not certain. But the fact that I feel compelled to do this suggests I’m not walking the wrong path, at least.”
“I see.”
“Then step back for a moment.”

Valter drew his blade. The crystalline ring of steel sang out in the stillness.

“So that my disciple may take one step closer to ‘Bliss.'”

Uncertain of his intent, we withdrew without question.

Thunk—

Valter drove his blade into the ground. Grasping the hilt with both hands, he closed his eyes steadily.

Whoosh—

Flames bloomed along the blade’s surface, seeping slowly into the earth. From Valter’s body, a majestic surge of mana pulsed forth in rhythmic waves.
It beat like a heartbeat, intermittent and powerful…

Boom—————!

Condensed mana erupted outward in all directions.
The sky trembled softly, and a warning flashed through my mind as if a massive thorn had been driven into my spine.
Goosebumps rippled across my arms—a primal instinctive response as a living being.

‘…Now I understand what he’s done.’

Demons crave mana, but they never approach those overwhelmingly superior to them. Even they possess survival instinct.
Valter had used that principle to issue a warning to every creature in this vicinity.
Do not dare set foot in Luminara Territory unless you wish to be torn to shreds.

‘But the ordinary residents won’t perceive this.’

It was a threat and command transmitted only to those sensitive to mana—demons and others of that ilk.
Bella, a Mage standing close to Valter, swallowed hard with a tense expression.

“Did you drive away the demons?”
“Tsk tsk, remarkable. I didn’t expect you to discern my intention.”

Valter nodded.

“Indeed. With this, demons won’t threaten Luminara Territory for some time. The residents likely felt nothing unusual.”

Luminara Mainland possessed farmland, making it far more expansive than most territories.
Yet from its heart to the territory’s edge, he had dispersed mana potent enough to strike fear into demons.
It was an art requiring both meticulous mana control and an immense reserve of power.

“I’m grateful.”
“Think nothing of it. For me, it’s trivial.”

But for others, it would be impossible in a lifetime.

“It seems you’ve grown closer to ‘Rapture’?”
“At least it doesn’t feel like I’ve moved further away.”
“That’s fortunate.”

I let out a soft laugh.

“Once a month or so, I’ll visit with Bella. If you wish, you’re free to visit our territory whenever you like.”
“…Is that truly acceptable?”
“You’re not a demon, after all.”
“Tsk tsk, I see…”

Valter’s gaze suddenly shifted to a distant point.

“Something’s coming.”

I followed his gaze. I too sensed the presence.
A man shot down like an arrow, landing on the ground with a short sword drawn.

“Who in the—!”

Then he spotted me standing beside Valter, and his eyes widened.

“Young Master Kael…?”

Arturo must have sensed the magical surge just now. Given what I knew of his power, it was hardly surprising.

“Kael!!”

Someone came rushing from the mansion. It was Father.
But something seemed off. While Father possessed considerable strength, he shouldn’t have been able to sense that level of magical power.

‘What’s happened?’

Judging by Father’s grave expression, something extraordinary was unfolding…

“Has something terrible occurred?”
“Yes!”

Father cried out urgently.

“I just checked the weather prediction magical artifact—a typhoon is heading this way! And it’s massive enough to swallow this entire territory!!!”
“Ah…”

Now I understood the situation.
The mana Valter had scattered caused an error in the mansion’s weather prediction magical tool, and Father had rushed over upon seeing it.
Valter scratched his cheek.

“Hmm… Did I do something unnecessary?”
“No, compared to its effects, this is merely a minor incident.”

I shook my head and gave Father a brief explanation.

“Father, the typhoon has already passed, so please calm yourself.”
“What do you mean…?”
“It’s the aftermath from this man driving out the magical beasts. Think of it as a disinfection across the entire territory.”

I pointed to Valter. Father, who had been blinking in confusion, soon cleared his throat and composed himself with dignity.

“Ah, I see. I’m not entirely certain what occurred, but thank you for assisting our family.”
“…”

As Father bowed lightly, Valter fell into a bewildered silence.
Unsure how to respond, I spoke in his stead.

“He says not to worry about it.”
“Haha, I see.”

Father chuckled softly and studied Valter.

“But… might I ask who you are?”

Valter’s face was obscured by his robes. Only his white beard was visible.
I couldn’t tell Father the truth about Valter.
He was called the strongest of villains—Wrath of the Seven Deadly Sins.
Even if Father didn’t mind the fact, it was clear Valter would be uncomfortable.
So I answered thus.

“My master and my disciple.”

Valter, listening quietly, simply nodded in acknowledgment.

* * *

Valter stayed for about a week after that before departing the territory. Before he left, I made sure to give him several more disposable magical artifacts.

“Haven’t you noticed the lack of magical beasts lately?”
“Right? By this point, we should be seeing at least one sighting, but there’s been nothing at all.”
“Well, isn’t it nice to have peace?”
“I suppose so.”
“It’s probably thanks to Young Master Kael’s influence. After all, he’s the one who defeated the Five Great Calamities twice.”
“Haha, that’s right! What a remarkable person!”

Regardless of other matters, my accomplishments in defeating the Five Great Calamities had spread throughout the Theocracy to some degree.
Because of this, my holy power accumulated even when I did nothing, as others revered me from various places.
Of course, increasing my holy power this way didn’t significantly impact my growth, but it was certainly helpful.

Time passed quickly, and two months had gone by.
During that time, I refined my physically developed body and captured visible heretics.
As a result, the lingering stubborn cold of winter dissipated from the air, warm winds began to blow, and small hints of green sprouted from the brown earth.

It was March—the spring season.

Great and small changes occurred within the Theocracy and the territory.
First, a law was established allowing only our family to import anti-anxiety medicine and magical artifacts, which attracted many nobles attempting to appear friendly.

– Baron Luminara. These are spices produced in our territory.
– How generous of you… Wait? What is this glittering thing?
– Huh? Why is there a gold ingot in here?!
– Ahem… I’ll gratefully accept this without the gold ingot.
– Tsk, it seems this wasn’t enough.
– Pardon?
– I apologize for attempting to build relations with the Luminara Family with something so meager. I shall visit again next time.

Father simply refused because he was a devout believer, but the nobles misunderstood and brought even larger bribes.
Afterward, Father politely declined as expected, but Sriben would intercept and secretly accept them.
Of course, only from families with potential to become close allies.
Still, magical artifacts would remain solely in our possession. If others handled them carelessly and caused trouble, I’d have no choice but to crush their skulls.
Therefore, we needed at least the level of trust that Baron Viper House or Rainward Estate possessed.

– Viscount Luminara, I’ve heard remarkable things about Kael Inquisitor’s recent exploits. Such refined features paired with overwhelming martial prowess—I find myself in awe.
– Haha, I’m grateful for such kind words.
– But I hear you remain unwed. My daughter sings “Young Master Kael, Young Master Kael” whenever she has a moment. So I wondered if perhaps….
– Ah, I apologize for that. My Kael is simply too busy traveling the world.
– Kekeke, of course. With such a beautiful Deacon always at his side, he must be quite particular.
– No, that’s not quite it….
– Please forgive my rudeness.

Such was the repetition of daily life.
Still, I distributed the anxiety suppressant freely to those who needed it.
After all, people needed to understand its efficacy before they could appreciate its true value.
But the people misunderstood my actions. Or rather, Sriben and I deliberately cultivated that misunderstanding.

– The Viscount of Luminara must surely be a saint. To distribute such precious medicinal materials freely for the afflicted….
– I agree.
– Who created the anxiety suppressant?
– Arturo!
– Whose idea was it?
– Kael Inquisitor’s!
– How remarkable—they’re all from Luminara!
– Haha! Truly a land of miracles!

Thanks to their enthusiasm, the Luminara Family’s reputation continued to rise.
And the greatest change within the mansion was this.

– Brother, I’ve decided to walk the path of the clergy.

Aren had chosen to work under Cardinal Barun. In many ways, it was the most fitting path for him.
At least he wouldn’t bring down the Empire with his own hands as he had in my past life.
Father and Mother shed tears, but I sent him off gladly.
After all, as a Heresy Inquisitor, I was bound to encounter him frequently anyway.
Just as things were flowing smoothly, word came from Barun.

– The Saint of Foresight has seen the future. Certain regions within the Theocracy will suffer from severe drought. Indeed, rain hasn’t fallen recently.

The Luminara Mainland was among those regions.
March and April were the height of the planting season.
Though wealth poured from the highest-grade Mana Stone Mine, the residents who depended on agriculture would suffer greatly if drought came.

– “This appears to be a natural disaster, so even our Theocracy finds itself powerless to intervene. We can only hope the impending drought ends swiftly. It would be wise for the Luminara Territory to prepare accordingly.”

No matter how formidable a Holy Knight might be, they cannot halt the forces of nature. It was only natural that the Theocracy, despite knowing the future, could do nothing.
But fortunately…

“Do not worry. I shall resolve this matter.”

I knew the true cause of this drought. This was no natural calamity, after all.

– “A drought? But how could you possibly…?”
“Perhaps a rain-summoning ritual would suffice.”
– “I… I see…”
“In any case, I shall inform you once the matter is resolved.”
– “Yes. I confess I don’t understand, but I place my trust in you.”

After ending the conversation, I adjusted my sword belt and set forth.

“Bella, come with me.”
“Yes, Interrogator!”

Last year, the plague Baron Scalen had unleashed caused suffering to every inhabitant.
But this year, I could not allow such calamity to befall them again.

‘Thanks to these fools, I’ll finally get to stretch my muscles after so long.’

This year would be a bountiful harvest without fail. I would ensure it myself.

(To be continued in the next chapter)

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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