The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 15

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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 15. Good to See You.

“Cardinal Barun, what brings you to these parts?”
“Ah, I’ve come regarding your son, Baron. I was the supervisor for the Heresy Inquisitor examination.”

Benedick’s composure began to crack as anxiety seized him.

“Did Kael cause some grave incident?”

Kael was the sort of person who invited worry even when confined to the estate—one could never predict what foolishness he might commit.
And now that this boy, who had never even glanced at the scriptures, had gone to take the Heresy Inquisitor examination, there was no telling what chaos he had wrought.
Moreover, for a Cardinal to visit Benedick in person meant this was no ordinary matter.

“A grave incident indeed. The examination was ruined, and a Cardinal even lost his life.”

A Cardinal… dead?
Could Kael have actually killed a Cardinal in a fit of rage?

“Ah…”

Benedick’s legs gave way beneath him, and he collapsed to the ground.

“Husband!”
“Father!”

Lillian and Aren rushed to his side in alarm.

“I’m… I’m fine.”

Benedick drew a deep breath, gently pushed them away, and rose to his feet.
With his dignity restored, Benedick asked once more.

“Cardinal Barun, would you be so kind as to explain what happened? Once I understand the circumstances, I shall determine how best to respond.”

Barun spoke upon seeing Benedick’s grave expression.

“Ah, my apologies. I misspoke and caused confusion. It wasn’t the Baron’s son who sabotaged the examination and murdered the Cardinal.”
“What? Then who?”
“Baron Scalen himself. We currently suspect he was connected to the Evil Book Society, a group that worships the Demon God.”
“…Could you explain in more detail?”
“Of course.”

Cardinal Barun explained the attack that had occurred today and how Kael had become a Heresy Inquisitor.
Benedick’s eyes widened as he asked his question.

“Kael resolved such an incident?”
“Yes. The other examinees performed their roles adequately, but the greatest credit belongs to Inquisitor Kael. After all, it was Inquisitor Kael who defeated Baron Scalen after his demonization.”
“Hmm…”

Benedick had always known that Kael was stronger than his peers.
He’d been stronger since childhood, and recently he’d even single-handedly dismantled the Pleasure District.

‘But to this extent?’

In merely half a year since departing on his pilgrimage, he had grown far too powerful.
I couldn’t even begin to imagine what had happened to Kael during that time.

“Is Kael unharmed?”
“Yes. He’s so unscathed that one might doubt he fought at all. At most, he has a few minor scratches.”
“I see. Well, I’m relieved he hasn’t caused any trouble.”
“Trouble? Rather, we should be grateful that he rooted out the heretics hiding within the Theocracy.”

Cardinal Barun spoke with measured formality.

“Ah, and Baron Luminara.”
“Yes, please speak.”

Cardinal Barun posed his question with gravity.

“Do you perhaps have any plans to govern the Scalen Territory?”
“The Scalen Territory?”
“As you know, with Baron Scalen’s death, there is no one to govern the Scalen Territory. And he has no relatives to inherit the estate. However, we cannot simply leave a perfectly good territory unattended—someone must claim it.”
“…”
“And it will become the territory of the Luminara Family. I will make it so. Your reputation within the Theocracy is excellent, and the Scalen Territory is conveniently close to your lands.”

Barun’s lips curved upward in a subtle smile.

“So, what are your thoughts on this matter, Baron Luminara?”

The absorption of Scalen Territory.
Any ordinary nobleman would have accepted such a tempting proposal without hesitation, but Benedick considered it carefully before responding.

“I understand what you’re proposing. But why are you being so generous to us? We had no prior connection until now….”
“Kkhkhkh…. You are indeed cautious.”
“….”
“Ah, I apologize if my laughter was unpleasant. It’s a habit I simply cannot break.”
“It’s fine. Our family has someone similar.”
“Hahah! I see.”

Barun nodded.

“The truth is, I’m not trying to curry favor with the Luminara Family, but rather with Inquisitor Kael. In other words, I’m laying groundwork in advance.”
“With Kael?”
“Yes.”

Barun continued.

“Inquisitor Kael will rise far higher than he is now. It’s not just my insight—anyone with eyes would see the same.”
“….”
“And above all, I find Inquisitor Kael’s temperament appealing. He’s the great missing piece I’ve been searching for.”
“I’m grateful you see such value in my son.”
“He’s worthy of it.”

Benedick felt a fresh wave of emotion wash over him.
Until now, wherever he went, he heard nothing but complaints about Kael. Yet now, a Cardinal himself was singing his praises….

“Does Kael know about this?”
“Yes. I explained the general outline to him.”
“What did he say?”
“He approves of the territory absorption, but said the final decision rests with you, Baron.”
“That boy….”
“So, what is your decision, Baron?”

Benedick pondered deeply before finally speaking.

“I….”
“Wait a moment.”

Sriben, who had been observing from the side, interjected.

“Forgive my sudden interruption, Family Head. If you don’t mind, would it be acceptable for me to share my thoughts?”

Though I’d only observed him briefly, Sriben’s competence was undeniable.
There was no harm in hearing what he had to say before making a decision.

“Go ahead.”
“Thank you.”

As Sriben bowed his head, Barun asked a question.

“And who might you be?”
“I am Sriben, Treasurer of the Luminara Family.”
“Ah, so you’re Sriben.”

Sriben adjusted his glasses.

“You know of me?”
“I’m about to.”

Barun’s impassive gaze sent an inexplicable chill down Sriben’s spine.

“Then allow me to share my opinion.”

Sriben turned his gaze toward Benedick.

“While I also believe absorbing the Scalen Territory is favorable, I believe the timing is premature. The issues surrounding the Pleasure District and the market remain unresolved, and the plague that Baron Scalen unleashed still lingers in the territory.”
“In other words, you’re saying we should accept the proposal once the territory is stabilized.”
“Yes.”
“But who will govern the Scalen Territory until then? Setting aside the Pleasure District issue, we don’t even know when the plague will be resolved.”

Sriben let out a soft chuckle and responded.

“After all, it’s not we who are desperate. Those who are truly desperate are the ones who want to pull Young Master Kael to their side.”
“So for now, I just need to show willingness?”
“Yes. But absorbing the Scalen Territory will take time regardless, with various procedures involved. There’s no harm in deciding later.”
“I see.”

Barun, who had been listening to everything from the side, spoke with a hint of displeasure.

“Well, it’s true that I’m the one who’s more desperate.”
“If I’ve offended you, I apologize. I thought it would be even more disrespectful to whisper with the Cardinal right in front of us.”

Sriben lowered his head.

“It’s fine. You seem to understand the currents within the Theocracy quite well.”
“It just happened to turn out that way.”
“I see.”

Barun turned to look at Benedick.

“Then may I ask for the Baron’s opinion now?”
“For now, I’d like to ask you to lay the groundwork regarding the Scalen Territory matter. We’ll inform you once our territorial issues are resolved.”
“Yes, understood. I’ll contact you again then.”
“Very well.”

Barun then turned his gaze to Sriben.

“Then Sriben, you’ll need to come with me.”
“Suddenly?”
“Yes. Interrogator Kael said that if he’s to understand the full details of this attack, he needs to find you. You’ll need to go to the Papal See and undergo questioning.”

Sriben looked toward Benedick.

“Head of the Family?”
“I’m sorry, but this isn’t a matter I can do anything about.”

He then spoke to Lillian.

“Baroness?”
“Go carefully and return safely.”

Sriben turned his head, searching for his last remaining hope.

“Young Master Aren?”
“Why don’t you go and atone for all your sins while you’re at it? If you return alive, it will mean Sriben’s sins aren’t so grave after all.”

Aren was far colder than expected.
Barun let out a low chuckle upon seeing Sriben frozen like a statue.

“Kkhkhkh, there’s no need to worry so much. I promised Interrogator Kael that I would send you back safely.”

Sriben exhaled a deep sigh.

“Damn it, let’s go.”

Sriben began walking. Then he looked up at the night sky.

‘Ah… I wish I were an ox.’

Though this time he would travel comfortably by carriage, Sriben thought it would be better to pull the cart that Kael rode in instead.

* * *

I registered Bella as a deputy Heresy Inquisitor in the Holy Capital, then rode for two days before arriving at the Divinar Diocese.
First, I stopped by the Divinar Church District.
It was to notify the Bishop that I had come to investigate the vicinity of the Diocese.
This way, I could move more smoothly with justification, and if needed, I could receive support from the Diocese.

‘Above all, gathering information comes first.’

We had a private meeting with the Bishop in his office.
I asked the Bishop, who introduced himself as Roselle.

“Has there been anything suspicious in this area recently?”
“Hmm, something suspicious, you say…?”

Roselle paused briefly in thought before answering.

“I’m afraid I don’t know. However, a few days ago, another Heretic Inquisitor did arrive in the Divinar Territory.”
“A Heretic Inquisitor, you say?”
“Yes. A remarkably capable individual who has apprehended nearly a hundred heretics to date.”
“Do you know why such a person would remain here?”
“No, I’m afraid I don’t know much about—”

Roselle shook his head.

“As you know, a Heretic Inquisitor has no obligation to report investigation details to the Diocese Office. There’s always the risk of information leaking out.”

A Heretic Inquisitor need only submit a detailed report to the Diocese Office after the fact. Considering their authority, they operated with considerable freedom.

“Then do you know where this Heretic Inquisitor is located?”
“Well… they never mentioned where they were going specifically.”
“I see.”

The thought occurred to me that the perpetrator of the attack might be this Heretic Inquisitor. The timing was far too coincidental.

“By the way, you mentioned your assistant is named Bella, correct? She’s from the orphanage in this area, isn’t she?”
“Yes, that’s right!”
“I see. Then there’s no need for me to explain the geography to her.”

Roselle looked toward me.

“Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”
“No, I believe that’s sufficient. We’ll take our leave now.”

I rose from my seat.

“Thank you for your visit. I hope you both will diligently root out heresy going forward. I shall do my utmost in my position.”
“Thank you for your efforts.”

I nodded and turned to leave. Perhaps I was more courteous than I gave myself credit for.
After leaving the Diocese Office, we made our way toward Bella’s orphanage.
The orphanage was a small chapel, and in front of it, children of various ages played about.

“Oh! It’s Sister Bella!”

When one child shouted, the little ones rushed toward Bella in a swarm.
Bella retrieved something from her bag and handed one to each of the children.

‘Now I understand why her bag is so impossibly large.’

Bella conversed with them for a while, and occasionally the little ones would gaze at me in wonder.
They were recounting what had happened today.
During this, a middle-aged Nun approached me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Interrogator. I am Dominica, the Orphanage Director of this establishment.”

The Orphanage Director was lean, yet her body was well-trained and firm—like observing a single keen dagger.

“The pleasure is mine.”
“Bella mentioned that you saved my life, Interrogator Kael. I am uncertain how to repay such a debt….”
“Then might I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“You mentioned another Heresy Inquisitor is staying in this territory—have you encountered him anywhere?”

To uncover the culprit who destroyed the Divinar Diocese, I first needed to gather information from multiple sources.

“Ah, I haven’t seen him directly myself, but I’ve heard he was spotted in the Eastern Forest to the east of here. However, since I heard this a day ago, I’m uncertain whether he’s still there.”

Dwelling in the Eastern Forest rather than lodgings….
Something about this smells suspicious.

“I see. Thank you.”

I turned back toward Bella.

“Bella. We’re leaving now.”
“Huh? Already?”
“You stay here. In exchange, your singing will forever remain as the roar of a demon….”
“I-I’m coming!”

I headed toward the Eastern Forest that Dominica had mentioned, with Bella in tow.
First, I intended to confront that Heresy Inquisitor and demand why he had come here.
Perhaps he was responsible not only for the assault but also for burning the Diocese Office.

‘But still, this is frustrating.’

Even using ‘Fair Wind’, finding a single person in this vast forest was extraordinarily difficult.
In fact, after wandering for three hours, I hadn’t spotted a single monster, let alone a person.
Moreover, even if I managed to locate that Heresy Inquisitor, he might know nothing at all.

‘I’ll call it a day here. I can sweep through the nearby orphanages tomorrow.’

As darkness began to settle, I spoke to Bella.

“Let’s head back. I’ll teach you how to manipulate mana.”
“Okay.”

Bella was following without tiring.
Part of it was because she’d left behind that large bag, but she was likely unconsciously reinforcing her lower body and waist with mana.

“By the way, what’s that mana stone necklace? You’ve been wearing it constantly except when there were crowds, just like at the Diocese Office.”

Bella had worn the diamond-shaped mana stone necklace ever since I rescued her from the monster.

“Oh, this? The Orphanage Director said I was wearing it when I was left at the orphanage.”
“How old were you then?”
“Four years old.”
“Then you might remember your biological parents.”
“No.”

Bella laughed awkwardly.

“Strangely, I can’t remember. All that comes to mind is fire and a rainbow.”
“Fire and a rainbow? What connection do those have? Or are those the only two memories you retained?”
“I’m not sure myself….”

This time, I gazed at Bella’s simple hairpin.

“And that hairpin?”
“The Orphanage Director gave me this. It’s cute, isn’t it?”
“It is cute. Wearing that while singing would make anyone look like a madwoman….”

I stopped abruptly mid-sentence. Not because Bella was glaring at me.

‘A madwoman who sings?’

Suddenly, something struck my mind like a thunderbolt.
The Theocracy branded the worst villains with the names of the “Seven Deadly Sins,” and among them, I was publicly designated as Wrath.

‘Naturally, that led me to take interest in the other Six Deadly Sins.’

Among them, there was one villain who wore a necklace and hairpin while singing.
A being with a voice and appearance that captivated all, and despite possessing formidable magic, endlessly envied the happiness of others.

‘The Witch of Envy.’

Now that I think about it, that witch’s characteristics bear a striking resemblance to Bella.
Beautiful. Hairpin. Necklace. Song. Vast magical power….
What if Bella had somehow learned to manipulate magical power and become a sorceress, and as a result, could sing with complete freedom?

‘It’s entirely possible. No, I’m almost certain.’

The reason I hadn’t realized this until now was simple.
In my past life, the witch never once encountered me and was killed by Ludian.
The Witch of Envy had primarily targeted clergy.

‘But Bella doesn’t seem like the type to kill clergy….’

I organized the facts I knew.
The witch was a sorceress. But among the clergy, there were those who viewed magic as a remnant of demons.

‘Then could it be?’

What if some clergyman had tried to execute Bella, claiming to cut off the budding magic user?
What if, in that process, Bella harbored hatred toward the clergy and became a witch?

‘Wait a moment….’

Now that I think about it, Bella stays at an orphanage in Divinar Territory.
And soon, an orphanage in Divinar Territory will be attacked, and within a month, the Divinar Church District will collapse.

‘Could this be coincidence?’

No.
What if a veteran Heresy Inquisitor had discovered Bella’s existence and come to the Orphanage, and in the process of the Orphanage Director resisting to protect the innocent Bella, had slaughtered her and the children?
And then, after witnessing that horror, Bella awakened and used her formidable magical power to kill the Heresy Inquisitor, ultimately destroying the Divinar Church District?

‘That’s it.’

I stared at Bella, whose eyes were wide and vacant.

‘So it was you? The one who burned down the Divinar Church District?’

To think I’d been searching for the culprit while keeping them right beside me all along….

‘Then I know exactly where that Heresy Inquisitor will come from.’

The only question was when he would make his move. Whether it would be days from now, or….
I swiftly drew my sword and wrapped one arm around Bella’s waist, lifting her.

“Huh? What—?”
“There’s no time for explanations. Just come with me quietly.”

I kicked off the ground and shot forward like the wind.

(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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