The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 126

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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 126. Please Tell Me.

I exited through the main gate with Bella. The servants and Arturo seemed curious as well, peering out from the mansion.
Rain had fallen, but thanks to Bella spreading a mana barrier over me, I remained dry.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Kael Inquisitor. I am Noden, an envoy sent by order of His Imperial Majesty.”

A dignified old man bowed with utmost courtesy. His demeanor treated me as an honored guest.

“Ah, thank you, Bella.”

When Bella extended a mana barrier to Noden as well, he expressed his gratitude. I spoke.

“Welcome. What brings you to our estate?”
“His Imperial Majesty did not provide details. I was merely ordered to bring you to the Imperial Palace with proper courtesy.”
“I see.”
“Of course, should you refuse, I am instructed to return. However, His Majesty mentioned you would miss out on several opportunities.”
“….”
“And he added this: ‘Ah, if I say it that way, it might be misunderstood poorly, so please convey it as respectfully as possible.'”

Miss out on several opportunities…
This was hardly coercion. It seemed merely a considerate way of expressing himself.
Now that I thought about it, the reason the Imperial Court had not revealed their purpose to the Papal See was likely to prevent harm from coming to me.
Yet I found it difficult to comprehend.
That arrogant and audacious Emperor treating me, a Heresy Inquisitor of the Theocracy, with such consideration.
Even knowing I was a Holy Knight, he would not have extended this degree of courtesy.

‘Regardless of his reasons, it is clear he regards me favorably.’

I spoke.

“Very well. But there is no objection to bringing Bella with me, correct?”
“Of course not. In fact, His Majesty expressed that it would be preferable if Bella could accompany us.”
“I see.”

Even Bella welcomes me….
Could it be because I defeated the Five Great Calamities? They were a headache for the Empire as well.
In any case, I’ll learn the details once I arrive.

“Then let’s go.”
“Yes. I shall guide you.”

* * *

Noden took hold of the horse’s reins, and Bella and I boarded the carriage.
The comfort was certainly different from ordinary carriages. Gold was inlaid everywhere, making it visually splendid as well.
I obtained a disposable communication artifact from Bella. It was about the size of a walnut.

– Hmm, what is it?

Valter’s voice leaked from the artifact.

“Where are you now?”
– I’m always the same. Just trudging about the surroundings.
“I see. How is your progress with enlightenment?”
– Still the same. It’s not easy.
“That’s precisely what makes it worthwhile.”
– Tsk tsk, I suppose so. But did you contact me just to ask that?
“No, I’ve had business come up in the Empire. Once it’s finished, I’ll stop by briefly with Bella.”
– I see. Do as you will. I’ll be waiting where I always am.
“Very well.”

Just then, Bella tapped my forearm.

“Bella wants to speak with you.”
– Hmm, today I was hoping to enjoy some peace without lectures.
“What are you saying!”

Bella protested beside me. I handed her the artifact.

– Tsk tsk, I was joking. Still, spare me the lectures. The enlightenment right before my eyes might slip away.
“Hmph, I wasn’t planning to lecture you anyway. I just wanted to share how things have been. If you don’t want to hear it, never mind.”
– No, do tell. It won’t be tedious.

Bella then elaborated at length on recent events, while Valter listened in silence, responding only occasionally.
They continued their conversation until the disposable communication artifact lost its efficacy.

Eight days later, we arrived at Imperion, the imperial capital. The rain had ceased during our journey, and the sun blazed brilliantly across the blue sky.
We effortlessly penetrated the stringent imperial security and entered the Imperial Palace.
The passionate crimson light and noble golden hues visible throughout the palace flaunted the empire’s splendor. An imposing dignity flowed through it—something one could never feel in the Papal See.

“….”

As I followed Noden, a massive door appeared ahead—the Emperor’s Audience Chamber.
I swept the interior with the faintest whisper of my power. I sensed two presences. One must be the Emperor.
Yet to meet a Heresy Inquisitor from the Theocracy, there was only one guard. That alone proved how formidable that guard must be.
Indeed, though their power was suppressed, something extraordinary emanated from them.

“Your Majesty, Inquisitor Kael and his Deacon Bella request an audience.”
– Admit them.

A weighty voice flowed from within the Audience Chamber. Noden straightened his posture before the door.

“Then I shall take my leave.”

As he vanished to the side, we stood towering before the grand doors.

Screeeeeech─

With a sound like scraping stone, both doors began to open slowly.
Bella’s expression was tense. This was her first time seeing the Emperor, let alone visiting the Imperial Palace.
But I had been here before. Of course, it was the Imperial Palace that had been destroyed by Aren when he became a Demon.

Whoooosh──

The moment all the doors swung wide open, the interior of the Audience Chamber was revealed.

Fwooooooosh!

Like a dam bursting open, a vast torrent of magical power surged from the Audience Chamber, crashing over us like a tidal wave.
My bangs were blown backward as if caught in a gale, and Bella shrank slightly, swallowing hard.
Though the doors to the Audience Chamber had opened, the overwhelming surge of magical power made them seem firmly sealed.

‘There’s no killing intent in this magical power.’

If that were the case, the meaning of this magical power was simple.
It was a test to see whether I could pierce through it and set foot in the Audience Chamber. As if that were the minimum qualification to stand before the Emperor.

‘How absurd.’

I opened my mouth with a sneer.

“I’m not sure what you think you’re accomplishing here.”

Kwaaaaaaang!

I unleashed the sacred power I had been suppressing in a violent burst.
The magical power that had enveloped my entire body was gradually pushed back, and I walked step by step deeper into the Audience Chamber.

“Does the Zarkan Empire believe it can bear the consequences of this action?”

I am the Heresy Inquisitor of the Theocracy. Moreover, they had even notified the Papal See that they intended to take me.
Yet to do something like this was no different from showing contempt for the Theocracy.

“…!!!”

As I pierced through the waves of magical power and entered the Audience Chamber, the pupils of the two men dilated.
I fixed my gaze on the source of this magical power.
A middle-aged man wearing a uniform with a golden trim and a sword at his side.
A man who had transcended his commoner status through skill alone to become the commander of the Imperial Luminous Knight Order, and was counted among the Empire’s greatest warriors.
Kaljeron.

Sssssss….

As he withdrew his magical power, the momentum that had filled the Audience Chamber gradually subsided.

“Indeed…. There was a reason he chose to protect you.”

I narrowed my eyes as I regarded him. It was not merely a display of displeasure.

‘Did that bastard have a scar on his cheek?’

A long scar etched across his cheekbone. If my memory served correctly, that scar had not existed in my previous life.
Kaljeron was among the Empire’s strongest. Even his direct magical output in the previous exchange had not been his full power.
It was curious that so few possessed the strength to leave a mark upon him.
But since that was not immediately pressing, I turned my gaze toward the man seated upon the throne.

“Your Majesty, I believe you owe an explanation regarding this situation.”

A man of imposing stature who appeared far younger than his sixties.
He was Ksabar Jarkan, the current Emperor of the Zarkan Empire and the figure who had revitalized magic throughout the realm during his forty-year reign.

“Hmm, to clarify—this was not my intention. The Knight Commander made an earnest plea to me.”
“Then I should understand it as Your Majesty granting permission?”

Both the Empire and the Theocracy possessed supreme rulers, yet the power wielded by Emperor and Pope differed greatly.
The Emperor could act as he pleased in all matters, whereas the Pope typically had to gather the Cardinals’ opinions.
Though the Pope could make certain decisions independently, they paled in comparison to the Emperor’s authority.

“I cannot deny that. I shall apologize for it.”

…An actual apology? From that haughty Emperor to a Heresy Inquisitor of the Theocracy?
Though his tone carried no genuine remorse and his posture remained rigid, for one who knew the Emperor as I did, it was remarkable.

‘There must be a reason I’m unaware of.’

There was no other explanation for such a response.
The Emperor shot a glance at Kaljeron.

“What are you doing? Apologize as well.”

Immediately, Kaljeron bowed his head to me.

“My apologies, Kael. I harbored no ill will toward you.”

He was the Commander of the Imperial Luminous Knight Order. There were few before whom he would lower his head, and the Emperor was the only one.
Even with an imperial command, such an occurrence was rare.

‘I know not what intention lies beneath this, but such treatment is indeed extraordinary.’

And so, observing them both, I deliberated before turning to leave.

“That’s enough. My feelings are hurt, so I’ll just take my leave.”
“…?”
“I’ll have to inform His Holiness about today’s events. I came for an audience with His Majesty, and some Knight unleashed magic at me as if trying to kill me. Sigh, with my heart already in poor condition, what if I collapse on the way back?”

I turned my steps toward the door. Bella glanced between me and the Emperor before bowing to him and following in my wake.

“…Wait, Kael Inquisitor.”

The Emperor called out to stop me. His eyes held a rare glimmer of bewilderment.

‘As an Emperor, he has no choice but to intervene.’

The Emperor was an arrogant being, yet simultaneously a leader who pursued only the Empire’s interests.
What would happen if discord arose here between the Empire and the Theocracy, whose military strength was equal?
Surely the Empire would suffer both great and small losses.
But I mustn’t let my guard down.
The Emperor was the sort who had coveted the Theocracy’s territories and power bit by bit once the Holy Knights and Holy Maidens fell and the Theocracy weakened.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“If you truly intend to leave, I won’t stop you. But then you’ll return to the Theocracy having gained nothing.”

The Emperor’s eyes grew solemn.
He spoke softly yet refused to lower his pride. After all, the Emperor was a being who reigned supreme over all.

“Hmm….”

So I feigned deliberation. I was not an Imperial citizen but a Heresy Inquisitor of the Theocracy.
When I didn’t yield easily, the Emperor glared at Kaljeron once more.

“What are you doing? You won’t take responsibility for what happened at your behest? Show some sincerity.”
“I shall obey, Your Majesty.”

Kaljeron, maintaining formality, struck his forehead to the ground.
…It wasn’t a figure of speech—he was literally pressing his forehead to the floor with his hands clasped behind his back.

“I apologize, Sir Kael. Please accept my sincere apology.”
“….”

To be honest, I was a bit taken aback. The Kaljeron in my memories had always been aloof and cold.
Then again, it wasn’t strange—the Emperor had commanded it.

“I shall forgive you.”

I withdrew at that point. I hadn’t come all this way to leave empty-handed.

“Thank you, Kael.”

Kaljeron rose stiffly. As he brushed the dust away, he returned to his immaculate appearance.

“How curious, though.”

The Emperor spoke with a gleam in his eyes.

“What do you mean, Your Majesty?”
“That gaze of yours—showing not a shred of tension even before me. Are you truly the one who vanquished Gluttony and Dominion, two of the Five Great Calamities? And to have pierced through Kaljeron’s mana as well.”
“Walking through Hell has become second nature to me.”
“I see.”

The Emperor chuckled softly.
I had used holy power just moments before, but they would not know that I am a Holy Knight.
Only Holy Knights and Holy Maidens who possess holy power can discern such subtle differences.
Moreover, neither Kaljeron nor the Emperor had ever fought a Holy Knight, so they likely felt only the faintest sense of incongruity.

‘Valter is a special case, after all.’

I posed my question.

“So then, Your Majesty, what is the reason you summoned me, a Heresy Inquisitor of the Theocracy, all the way here?”
“Ah, yes. The previous situation was so intriguing that I nearly forgot.”

The Emperor nodded and regarded me.

“How do you find your work as a Heresy Inquisitor?”
“Well enough, I’d say. Thanks to it, I can apprehend the wicked with relative ease.”
“But that would be impossible in my Empire.”
“Indeed. While the Papal See has never limited the Heresy Inquisitor’s authority to the Theocracy alone, this is nonetheless a sovereign nation.”
“It is a waste to confine talent like yourself to the Theocracy alone.”

The Emperor spoke.

“Therefore, I shall grant you alone the authority to use the powers of a Heresy Inquisitor even within the Empire. What do you say?”

I concealed my surprise and asked in return.

“…Is that truly so, Your Majesty?”
“When a strong one like you captures the Empire’s vermin for me, it eases my burden considerably. For us, there is nothing but gain in this arrangement.”

On the surface, it was sound logic.
And for me, there was no reason whatsoever to refuse. The reason I had wanted to meet the Emperor from the beginning was precisely for this.

‘Yet you summoned me specifically for this?’

Unable to make sense of it, I pressed further.

“Is that truly all, Your Majesty? Even if I am one who toppled the Five Great Calamities, I do not believe you would go to such lengths without reason.”
“Why are you so certain?”
“Your Majesty’s demeanor and that of Kaljeron. Despite witnessing my rudeness, your favor remains unchanged. And this sudden reward as well…. There must be something hidden here that I do not know.”
“….”
“Please, tell me. Why is this?”

They both wore expressions of mild surprise. Then, exchanging glances with one another, the Emperor let out a brief laugh.

“Hahaha! So it is not merely strength in arms. Yes, indeed it should be so. Only then would I be satisfied.”
“So there was another reason after all.”
“Yes. Your suspicion is accurate.”
“Then might you tell me?”
“Hmm….”

The Emperor stroked his chin, deliberating deeply.

“I am no saint. So allow me to weigh this for a moment. Which choice would truly benefit us?”

I waited in silence.
The Emperor did not gaze upon me, but rather contemplated something alone, and after a minute, he opened his mouth.

“Very well. I have decided.”

The Emperor regarded me with solemn eyes.

“Our favor toward you stems entirely from Valter’s request to me.”
“…Valter?”
“Indeed. It was a sort of bargain. I once asked Valter to become my guardian knight, and in exchange for his acceptance, I granted his request.”

Valter despises the Empire. He has personally annihilated the Bran Duchy and even deposed the Emperor of that time.
That is why, despite the Emperor’s previous pardon, he lived alone in isolation.
Yet he volunteered to become the Emperor’s guardian knight? Why?

– Still, wouldn’t it be convenient to use the Heresy Inquisitor’s authority within the Empire as well?

Suddenly, a conversation I had with Valter months ago came to mind.

– Of course. I’m thinking of finding fault with the Emperor later and dealing with him then.
– I see.

I had answered thus, and Valter nodded.

– I would prefer to remain here, but there’s a risk of being discovered by the Papal See, and I have matters to attend to, so it’s impossible.
– You have matters to attend to?
– I didn’t, but I just acquired some.

Could the matters he mentioned then have been this?

– Hmm, in the end, there’s little I can do for you immediately.
– You’re getting on in years, so there’s no need to overexert yourself.

…Recalling that conversation, it seems certain now. The pieces finally fit into place.

“Thus he became my guardian knight. We’ve spoken since then, and he’s crossed swords with others as well. The Knight Commander’s scar was acquired during one such duel.”

So that’s why Kaljeron bears a scar that didn’t exist in my previous life.

“And his pouring of magical power into you was also due to that. The Knight Commander lost his family to Valter. He had merely been away in another territory for a few days, yet the Bran Duchy had been annihilated in his absence.”

Indeed, Valter protected me precisely because he wanted to understand what manner of being I was.

“I have not yet forgiven him. However, I cannot help but acknowledge the overwhelming might he possesses.”

Kaljeron touched the scar on his cheek with evident displeasure.
If I had explained this straightforwardly, the Papal See would have been thrown into chaos. After all, Valter was officially declared dead as the former Wrath of the Seven Deadly Sins.

“But why didn’t you tell me sooner? There would have been no problem here, at least among us, even if the Papal See would have objected.”
“Ah, that’s because I made a promise with Valter. He asked me not to tell you this fact. I’m not sure of the detailed reasons, but it seemed to embarrass him.”
“I see.”

Somehow, that seemed like something Valter would do. That’s probably why he said nothing when I contacted him through the magical artifact.

‘Hmm?’

Then I suddenly looked around.
According to the Emperor’s words, Valter had become a Guardian Knight. And a Guardian Knight, unlike Kaljeron, meant a knight who constantly remained by the Emperor’s side.
Yet in this place, I could see nothing but Kaljeron—not even a trace of Valter’s beard.

“Where is he now?”
“Before that, let me ask you one thing.”

The Emperor’s gaze deepened.

“What is Valter to you?”

Of course, it made sense that he would be curious—the former Wrath of the Seven Deadly Sins and the Theocracy’s Heresy Inquisitor knowing each other.
My answer had been determined from the start. A relationship similar to my past life, yet subtly different….

“My disciple and my master.”

I taught him my swordsmanship, and he taught me many things.
The mindset when facing enemies, various martial techniques, and how far humanity could grow in strength, and so on….

“Complicated.”
“Human relationships are naturally that way.”
“Haha, indeed.”

The Emperor nodded with satisfaction.

“Then I shall answer your previous question directly. Valter, he….”

The Emperor spoke with all trace of amusement wiped from his face.

“He retired two weeks ago.”
“…Retired, you say?”
“His body has been in poor condition for some time. Eventually, even grasping a sword became difficult for him. That is why he stepped down from his position as my guardian knight.”

There was no need to dwell on his words. I knew well the state of his body.
Each time we met, he grew more frail.

– Kael. Rather than rust, do not break.

Those final words Valter had left me in my previous life flashed through my mind.
He was originally meant to pass away from old age two months from now.
But unlike in my previous life, he had exhausted himself by defeating Dominion, rupturing his magical power to prevent demons from reaching the Luminara Mainland, and taking on the role of the Emperor’s guardian knight.
So his condition must have deteriorated far more rapidly than before. And I had already been aware of this.
But I never expected Valter to say nothing to us about it.

‘This mad old man….’

Grinding my teeth, I lowered my posture and offered my back to Bella.
Valter’s location was not far from the Holy Capital, so we would not be late.

“Bella!”
“Yes!!!”

The moment Bella settled onto my back and wrapped her arms around my neck, I pushed off the ground and burst from the Audience Chamber.
The Emperor watched my departure and let out a weary sigh, muttering softly to himself.

“So humanity’s great sword crumbles in this manner….”

There was still one thing I had yet to teach Valter.

(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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