The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 125

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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 125. Farewell.

We drove the carriage toward Count Cavinel’s Estate.
Since we had hired a Nomadic Settler who knew how to handle horses as our driver, Bella and I could rest comfortably.
It was morning when we arrived at the estate, but the rain was still falling.

“Haha! Kael Inquisitor, what brings you here?”

Count Cavinel’s eyes as he greeted us held equal parts warmth and caution.
He didn’t know why I, a Heretic Inquisitor, had come to his estate.
But this time I hadn’t come as a Heretic Inquisitor—I explained to him what had happened with the Nomadic Settlers.

“Hmm… So the reason it hadn’t rained in this region was because of a Demon?”
“Yes.”

However, I said nothing about the Mage. The same applied to the Nomadic Settlers and the Papal See.
Given the prejudice against magic, I intended to thoroughly conceal the Mage’s misdeeds.

“A Demon capable of such sorcery must have been formidable… Truly, you live up to your reputation as the one who defeated the Five Great Calamities.”

Aside from the Clergy of the Papal See, even high-ranking nobles didn’t know I was a Holy Knight.
I hadn’t even told my Father.
There was no particular reason—I simply thought his faith might be shaken, so I refrained from telling him out of consideration.

“But why explain this directly to me? Though it occurred in my territory, if the Papal See learns of it, the information will naturally reach my ears as well.”

He was indeed cautious, befitting a Count.

“Perhaps you seek compensation? My territory was included in the region without rain, and since you’ve slain the culprit, it wouldn’t be difficult to offer something.”

He remained vigilant while maintaining a favorable attitude toward me.
It wasn’t solely because I was a Heretic Inquisitor. He desired the Luminara Family’s magical artifacts and anti-anxiety potions.
In fact, he had visited my estate directly once before.

“To be honest, yes. Though it’s difficult to call it compensation, strictly speaking.”
“Haha, there’s no need to fixate on terminology. So what do you want? I’ll show my sincerity within reasonable bounds.”

There was only one thing I desired from him.

“What I want is the Mana Stone Mine.”
“The Mana Stone Mine?”

Count Cavinel tilted his head in confusion.

“Yes. I discovered a Mana Stone Mine on the mountain where those nomadic settlers were dwelling. By the Zarkan Empire’s standards, it would be classified as high to mid-grade.”
“Hmm… There was something like that in my territory?”
“I was surprised when I saw it too.”
“I see.”
“Though mana stones of that grade circulate commonly throughout the Empire, the Theocracy is different. If our Luminara Family were to manage it, the supply of magical artifacts would accelerate considerably. Even if we possessed the finest mana stone mines, we would still need to import lower-grade mana stones from the Empire.”

Count Cavinel, stroking his chin, responded.

“That’s certainly true. So how much are you hoping for? Ten percent of the reserves? Or perhaps twenty percent?”
“No.”

I regarded him with an unwavering gaze.

“The mine itself.”
“…Pardon?”

As if he hadn’t heard correctly, he blinked. Once he regained his composure, he spoke.

“Now listen here, Kael Inquisitor. I’m grateful for preventing the drought and for slaying the demon that was in my territory. Had you left it alone, our losses would have been considerable.”
“…”
“However…”

He regarded me quietly, his eyes bearing the wisdom of decades spent among nobility.

“Don’t you think this is an unreasonable demand? Even if you discovered that mana stone mine, it’s still legitimately within my territory.”
“I’m aware.”
“If you’re aware, then you shouldn’t press the matter. Why not settle for thirty percent instead? That’s already a considerable concession on my part. I have no desire to sour relations with your family.”

Count Cavinel spoke in measured tones, coaxing me toward compromise. Had he harbored no expectations of our family, he would have thrown me out with harsh words long ago.
But I had no intention of backing down.

“No, I desire only the Mana Stone Mine itself.”
“Sigh… Why on earth would you─.”
“Of course, I’m not asking for it freely.”

At that, the man who had been about to furrow his brow showed confusion instead.

“Then?”
“As I mentioned earlier, this isn’t a matter of seeking compensation. It’s a transaction of sorts.”
“A transaction?”
“Yes. Judging from the fact that you visited our mansion previously, I suspect you desire magical artifacts and anxiety suppressants.”

Reluctant to show weakness, he pretended to deliberate for a moment before responding.

“That much is true.”
“If you transfer the rights to the Mana Stone Mine to our family, I will supply magical artifacts to the Cavinel Family with the highest priority until the mine’s mana stones are exhausted.”
“The highest… priority?”
“Yes. Of course, only within what’s possible for us.”

I continued with a troubled expression.

“In truth, we had no intention of distributing magical artifacts to other families at this time. We can barely keep up with supplying our own family, and besides, we cannot predict what problems other families might cause with such artifacts.”
“….”
“However, with a man of such distinguished reputation as Count Cavinel, I believe we could entrust magical artifacts to you.”
“….”

He opened his mouth slightly.
He must be calculating the profits that could be gained by introducing magical artifacts into his territory.
The corners of his mouth began to rise, then he suppressed it, his expression hardening into stern composure.

“Hmm, even so, that doesn’t seem like an equitable trade. But fifty percent would seem just about right.”

I had anticipated he wouldn’t concede so easily. A high-ranking noble of his station rarely found himself in a position to back down.
Yet the advantage was unmistakably mine.

“One hundred percent.”
“…Sixty percent.”
“I see.”

As I showed signs of acceptance, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

“Then I’ll take 60 percent─.”
“Farewell, Count Cavinel. I’m uncertain whether we shall meet again.”

I bowed and rose from my seat. As my back receded swiftly, the Count, growing desperate, called out to stop me.

“K-Kael Inquisitor!”
“Yes?”

I feigned reluctance and halted my steps. In truth, I had no intention of actually leaving.
Surrendering the Mana Stone Mine would cost me nothing, but abandoning profits I could otherwise claim was another matter entirely.

“80 percent. I cannot go higher than that. It’s not merely my own greed—if I receive magical artifacts in exchange for transferring all rights to the Mana Stone Mine, what would the Papal See think?”

His objection held a grain of truth.
But that was not his concern. If I simply framed it as a straightforward transaction, the Papal See would have nothing to say.
So I decided to drive the final wedge.

“I heard that your second daughter was married recently and now lives separately.”
“Ah? Yes, that’s… correct.”
“Don’t you wish to hear your daughter’s voice whenever you think of her?”
“Of course I do. Though she lives within my territory, her pregnancy keeps her from visiting, so I must always go to her. And even then, because I glare at that worthless wretch every time, I’m always driven away…”

The daughter’s husband was a commoner.
The Count had opposed the marriage, and because of it, whenever the husband was present, the Count and his daughter would quarrel.

“How troublesome that must be for you.”
“Don’t even mention it. But why do you suddenly bring this up?”
“Count Cavinel, what if you could hear your daughter’s voice without ever seeing that husband of hers?”
“Th-then it would be perfect! I wouldn’t quarrel with my daughter at all!”
“I see. Then this magical artifact will make that possible.”

I displayed the communication artifact Bella had given me like a merchant hawking his wares.
Count Cavinel’s eyes widened as if he had discovered fire itself.

“Is that… a communication artifact?”
“Yes. With this, you can hear your daughter’s voice whenever you wish. Since her husband won’t be there, you won’t quarrel, and your daughter will speak so tenderly: ‘Father, have you been well today?'”
“…!!”
“Then you would reply: ‘Ahem, hearing your voice brings me such peace.’ And your daughter would say again: ‘Hehe, Father, you’re still the same as always…'”
“…!!!”

Count Cavinel’s pupils trembled violently. But I pressed on without pause.

“And these days, many mothers who’ve recently given birth suffer from considerable stress. Even with a servant, there are countless things to worry about.”
“….”
“But that’s when you, Count, present her with this anti-anxiety remedy.”

This time, I displayed a small container holding the anti-anxiety remedy.

“Then the young lady will surely be moved by your kindness, Count. ‘After all, only Father truly thinks of me!’ she would say….”
“…!!!!!!!”
“Ah… with merely a magical artifact and an anti-anxiety remedy in hand, such a harmonious household becomes possible…. It must surely be thanks to the affection you’ve cultivated all this time, Count.”
“….”

I observed Count Cavinel. The corners of his mouth twitched convulsively.
He was nearly at the breaking point.

“Kael Inquisitor.”
“Yes, Count.”

He spoke with an expression of utmost solemnity.

“I’ll give you the entire Mana Stone Mine.”

Yet the excitement underlying his voice was utterly impossible to conceal.
Soon his lips curved upward in a gentle smile.

“Is there anything else you need?”

Count Cavinel was, after all, a fool.
A man utterly besotted with his daughter.

* * *

“Hehehehehehe!”

A smile never left Count Cavinel’s lips as he affixed his seal to the contract.
Thus I successfully obtained the rights to the Mana Stone Mine. After instructing Sriben to handle the Nomadic Settlers, I received a message from Barun on my way to the estate.
After instructing Sriben to handle the Slash-and-Burn Farmers on his own, Barun contacted him on the way to the Mansion.

– The future that the Saint of Foresight saw has vanished, and rain still falls upon the Papal See. Thus, His Holiness wishes to know what you desire, Interrogator, and has instructed me to ask you. What shall we do?

I had already explained the situation to Barun.
I told him that a Mage had wielded demon magic, but reported to the Papal See that it was the Demon itself.

‘What I desire….’

The methods I employed with Count Cavinel would not work on the Pope. He bestows only fitting compensation for overcoming trials.
Even if I spoke, it would improve things only marginally—there was no substantial difference.
Still, having prevented a severe drought across the region, the compensation would be considerable. Yet at this very moment, no suitable reward came to mind.
No, I did have one idea in reserve, but I needed to observe the situation a bit longer.

“Nothing comes to mind at present. I shall think it over and inform you within a week.”
– Yes, I shall convey that. Please take care on the rainy roads.

We arrived at the mansion thereafter.
Rain still fell. According to the forecast, it would continue for a week. It seemed the backlash from the demon’s magic was partly responsible.
A guest had arrived at the mansion.
A woman with long, violet hair—Ravenna, who had become the Viper Family Head.

“Ah, you’ve arrived. Interrogator. It’s been a long time.”

Her eyes were haggard. The previous Family Head had died by my hand, and she must have been burdened with duties.

“Indeed. I hear you came to request administrative personnel?”
“Yes…. Most of those remaining are only brutes, and I purged all the previous administrators myself…. I managed somehow until now, but it’s becoming overwhelming.”

Baron Viper House was a family built through force by the previous Family Head, who had been a mercenary.
It was only natural that there were no talented administrators.
In truth, our family was fortunate. Sriben handles most matters and resolves them himself.
Though he’s one who occasionally needs a beating, his competence cannot be denied.

“They’re all blockheads!”

Ravenna’s temper flared at that moment.

“From what I can see, those bastards must have eaten poison! How can they not do simple arithmetic? What? Can’t count without fingers? They’re complete idiots!”
“Calm yourself.”
“Ah…. Yes. My apologies, Interrogator.”

Stress is terrifying in its own right. I should ask Arturo for some anti-anxiety medication before I leave.

“So what did Father say?”
“Ah, he graciously said he appreciates people of talent. Most of this territory are farmers, but he said if we search in Haven City, we should be able to find some.”
“I see.”

I paused for a moment in thought. Perhaps now was the right time.

“How is the estate faring?”
“To be honest, it’s rather precarious. The structure is holding, but morale isn’t great. The previous Family Head’s death was a significant blow.”
“I see.”

I gazed at her intently before making my proposal.

“Then what if your family became a vassal house of the Luminara Viscounty?”
“…A vassal house?”
“Yes. That way, we can help you with peace of mind, and you can focus on raising guards and soldiers.”

Ravenna stood frozen, her mouth agape.
It wasn’t a proposal one could easily accept, no matter how dire the estate’s situation.
Becoming a vassal essentially meant becoming a subject of our family.
She might escape immediate danger only to bear a greater price later. That’s why I hadn’t asked until now.
But soon, light returned to Ravenna’s eyes as she cried out.

“Y-yes! Please accept us as your vassal house! Right now! I swear my loyalty this very moment!”

Ravenna dropped to one knee before me.
…She must have suffered far more than I imagined, given how quickly she accepted without hesitation.
Above all, it seems our reputation played a significant role. She believed we would never treat her unjustly.

“Then go speak to Father directly. We’ll work out the details later.”
“Yes, Interrogator!”

Ravenna answered briskly and strode toward Father’s office with determined steps.
My proposal of vassal status to Ravenna wasn’t mere goodwill. It was a necessary step for my plan.

‘I will elevate the Luminara Family to Count status.’

I already possess considerable authority as a Heretic Inquisitor and Holy Knight.
However, my family remains merely a Viscounty, which pales in comparison to the higher nobility.
Of course, even if we were to become a County, we would still lack the history and prestige of other families—our rank alone would be insufficient—but even that alone would undeniably grant us formidable power.

‘Still, becoming a County requires meeting certain conditions.’

At first glance, the Luminara Family might seem lacking to achieve County status.
Though I, as the eldest son of the family, have already accumulated numerous achievements, the family itself lacks inherent power.

‘But I’ve inherited that power from the Pope.’

Specifically, the monopoly on magical artifacts and anti-anxiety medicine.
In the future, our influence over these will only grow, so we already possess formidable authority.
In fact, I’ve already used these to thoroughly crush Count Cavinel this time.

‘What we lacked was territory, but if the Viper Family becomes our vassal, the conditions will be sufficiently met.’

Based on this, I plan to request a County title from the Pope as my reward this time.
Even I cannot be certain how this will turn out, but at least it’s not an impossible request.

‘I should at least try.’

Returning to my room with Bella, I contacted Barun to explain what reward I desired.

– It’s certainly not impossible. If this proposal is accepted, the Luminara Family will be remembered as the house that ascended from Baron to Count in the shortest time possible.
“Then I’ll leave it in your hands.”
– However, is your father, the Luminara Viscount, truly comfortable with this? The weight of a County title is hardly insignificant….
“Ah, Father doesn’t know about this yet.”
– …Pardon?
“There’s no need to give him false hope, in case His Majesty decides to refuse. Isn’t that considerate of me?”

Such is my thoughtfulness.

– I, I see….

Barun let out a small cough.

– Then I shall convey your opinion to His Majesty and report back to you with the results.
“Thank you.”
– Ah, and there is something important I must mention….

That was when it happened.

Knock, knock!

– Kael! Kael! Come out for a moment!

Father rapped against my door.
Tsk, did he sense something when Ravenna declared herself my consort?
This is precisely why I dislike Father’s sharp intuition.

“What is the matter? I am occupied at the moment.”
– You must come out at once! Someone from the Imperial Palace has come seeking you!

…The Imperial Palace?
Not the clergy of the Theocracy, but the Imperial Palace of the Zarkan Empire?

‘Indeed, a genuine Imperial carriage procession.’

Through the window, I glimpsed a magnificent carriage trimmed in gold stationed at the main gate of the mansion.
Where the Papal See’s carriage had emanated reverence, the Imperial carriage radiated an air of noble dignity.

– Ah, it appears they have already arrived. Just moments ago, someone from the Imperial Palace visited the Papal See and expressed a desire to meet with you, Interrogator.
“What is this matter regarding?”
– I cannot provide the details. His Imperial Majesty stated that if he revealed the reason, it would bring harm to you, Interrogator.
“I see.”

Whatever the matter, it does not seem they have come with intent to harm me.
The Emperor’s message suggests as much, and the Imperial Palace even notified the Papal See of their visit in advance.
Though it was closer to a notification than a request for permission, it demonstrated sufficient courtesy nonetheless.
Judging by the carriage they brought, they likely intend to escort me to the Imperial Palace.
Had they merely sent an envoy, they would not have brought such an elaborate conveyance.

‘In any case, I had business with the Emperor anyway. This timing is fortuitous.’

I rose from my seat.

“I’ll leave now.”

(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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