The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 22

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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 22. Am I Your Friend?

As I stepped outside, Bella greeted me with evident relief.

“Interrogator, you’re safe!”
“Of course.”

Bella’s eyes fell upon the items in my hands as she asked.

“What are those?”
“Spoils of war.”

I set the box down on the ground momentarily, then extracted a pouch of silver coins from within and handed it to Bella.

“This is your bonus. Donate it to your orphanage, but use a portion for yourself as well.”

A Heretic Inquisitor receives three gold coins monthly from the Papal See.
While one might argue this is no trivial sum, measured against the price of one’s life, it is woefully inadequate.
After all, no one becomes clergy for the sake of wealth.

‘Except me.’

This is why it was essential to claim my share through such means.
The Papal See acknowledged that a portion of heretic spoils constituted legitimate operational expenses for a Heretic Inquisitor.
There was a reason they only dispensed three gold coins monthly.

“Thank you, Interrogator!”
“Good.”

I gestured toward the building.

“Now that you’ve received your bonus, get to work. Burn that building to the ground.”

Within those walls lay countless debt contracts and the lingering resentment of countless souls.
Burning it was the cleanest resolution.

“Yes!”

Bella set down a large bag on the ground. Then, taking a slow, deep breath, she extended both hands toward the building.

A resonant hum echoed forth.

Vast magical power surged from within her.
Even after expending considerable mana during the hymn, she still possessed a reserve of strength.

“Haaah!”

Flames erupted in a torrent.

With Bella’s cry, fire burst forth in relentless waves.
The inferno consumed the Loan Shark Building, transforming into a massive conflagration that engulfed the structure.

“Phew….”

Bella steadied her ragged breathing without collapsing as she had before.
She had grown capable of controlling her mana with sufficient precision to avoid complete depletion.

“At this rate, I should be able to sing properly for a brief moment.”
“Ah, about that….”

Bella scratched her head awkwardly.

“I thought so too, but when I concentrate on the song, controlling my mana becomes difficult….”
“In other words, it’s like trying to draw a circle and a triangle simultaneously.”
“Yes. Though considerably more challenging than that.”

Perhaps it wasn’t merely a matter of mana control—her body simply hadn’t matured enough yet.
Bella possessed vast magical power far beyond her years, but the vessel to contain it remained incomplete; when she sang, the mana automatically released itself.

“Well, the path of faith has always been fraught with trials. Continue your devotion henceforth.”
“Yes!”

Bella nodded once and asked a question.

“By the way, Interrogator, would it be alright if I sang a song? I think it should be fine now.”
“Do you wish to sing this time?”
“Yes.”

Bella had expended considerable mana moments before, so the likelihood of mana leaking beyond the venue was minimal.

“Excellent. Let the heretics hear the demon’s wail, and the humans hear the angel’s whisper.”
“Is that praise?”
“It depends on the occasion.”
“Ah, I see.”

Bella cleared her throat.

“If I sing well, will you praise me?”
“I shall give it serious consideration.”
“Hehe, I’ll make it so you won’t need to think about it….”

I found Bella truly remarkable.
Despite hearing hundreds of times over that she couldn’t sing, no matter how brilliant her talents, she overflowed with such confidence.
What could possibly compose Bella’s unwavering belief?
Could it be that within her dwells another god besides the Goddess?
That god whispers thus: disregard the words of others and believe in yourself.
In any case, it was something I could never comprehend.

Ahhhhh────

A voice as cool as a spring breeze resonated through the Slums.
Sunlight streamed down upon her, and the sight was profoundly sacred and pure.

“….”

Already, crowds had gathered around the massive flames. Yet now they gazed blankly at Bella instead of the inferno.
Bella sang like a single ray of light, and in the dying eyes of the people, a faint glimmer kindled.
The Witch of Envy, who once sang of her own misfortune, now wished peace upon others.

‘Hmm?’

As I savored the song, someone appeared among the crowd.
They picked up the shoes I had left on the box and moved forward.
I said nothing, yet the people parted for me. There was no fear in their expressions.
I stopped before Rak and asked.

“How is your sister doing?”
“She’s well… thanks to you.”
“I see.”

I knelt on one knee to meet Rak’s gaze, then placed the shoes I’d been holding in front of his feet.

“Put these on.”
“Pardon?”
“We’ll exchange them. They’ll be a bit large, but the straps should make them manageable enough.”
“Ah… yes.”

Rak handed over his worn sandals as he spoke.

“But they’ll be dirty…”
“It’s fine. They’re already filthy anyway.”

These holy relics were old, but they rarely tore. They possessed a vitality as stubborn as weeds.
I removed my shoes and changed into the sandals.

‘Ah… this stable sensation.’

The sandals of Saint Bertior were a holy relic that healed the body’s fatigue with each step.
With these, I would never tire during the pilgrimage. They would prove invaluable in prolonged combat as well.
I asked Rak, now wearing the new shoes.

“Do they fit well enough?”
“Yes, they’re warm.”
“Good.”

Bella’s song still echoed in the distance.
I stared intently at Rak before asking.

“Do you want to live like a human being?”
“Pardon?”
“I mean, do you want to work and earn money like ordinary people, living a normal life? I can help you with that much. Of course, that includes your sister as well.”
“Ah…”

Rak asked carefully.

“Your words are kind, but why go to such lengths for us…?”

In truth, there was no particular reason I should choose this sibling pair from among so many others.
In fact, I had no obligation to help anyone at all.
And yet….

“I thought I could manage someone like you.”

Perhaps the soul of Saint Bertior, dwelling within the sacred relic, had passed through my body for a moment.
Of course, such things did not exist, and it would not erase the darkness that clung to me, but I wished it to be so.
I would repay the debt of gratitude I owed Sandel in my past life by extending charity to another.

“What do you mean—”
“Enough. Give me your answer. Will you remain here and accumulate more debts to others, or will you earn honest coin and buy medicine for your cold with your own money?”

Rak hung his head low, then nodded quietly without a word.
In my previous life, Mordak had severed Rak’s ankles, and he died. After that, his sister Rami, deprived of care, slowly succumbed to illness.
This time, I merely cut down beasts that should have vanished long ago with my blade.

A surge of power washed over me.

Holy power suddenly flooded inward.
I had neither prayed nor offered a demon—this was unexpected.
Could it be that someone had developed reverence for me?
No, the quantity was not sufficient for that.

‘Then what is this?’

I suddenly recalled my conversation with Ludian.

– The scriptures speak of seven virtues. The more a Holy Knight practices them, the stronger they become.

Could it be that I received holy power because I showed charity to Rak? Did the Goddess grant it to me for that reason?

‘That must be it.’

So to grow stronger quickly, I must practice the seven virtues—the Seven Great Virtues.

‘Hmm….’

Yet forcing myself to act feels terribly insincere. If my heart isn’t truly in it, the Goddess won’t grant me her divine power anyway.

‘I suppose I’ll just have to proceed as I always do.’

Just then, Bella’s song came to an end. A brief silence fell before the audience erupted into applause as if under a spell.

“Haha, thank you so much!”

Bella bowed repeatedly to them. By now, she must have truly grasped the extent of her own talent.

“Interrogator!”

Bella waved her hand enthusiastically at me.

“How was I?”

I had already exhausted all my light for the day. I had no divine radiance left to bestow upon her.
So I simply looked at Bella and turned away without a word.

“Ugh, seriously!”

Bella grabbed her bag and the money box, hurrying after me in a flurry.

* * *

We rented a carriage and set out toward Luminara Territory. It wasn’t far from Rustben Territory, so a day’s journey would suffice.
As we drew near the mansion, Rami hesitantly opened her mouth.

“Um, Interrogator.”
“Speak.”
“Th-thank you for saving me. I’ll eat only a little.”

This was the first time Rami had spoken since her condition improved this morning.
I let out a scoff and rested my chin in my hand.

“Eat as much as you like. With that tiny mouth of yours, how much could you possibly consume anyway?”
“But still….”
“Enough. From now on, call me Young Master.”
“Ah, understood. Young Master.”

Just then, the carriage that Bella was driving came to a halt, and I stepped down.
The household staff were already waiting at the main gate, having heard of my arrival.

“Father.”

I displayed my priestly vestments to him with pride.

“The Family Estate’s wayward son has returned as a distinguished Heretic Inquisitor.”
“….”

Father stared at me intently before exhaling a long, weary sigh.

“Are you injured?”
“I seem to have hurt my head somewhat. My mind feels a bit scattered….”
“So you’re fine, then.”
“Yes.”

Father glanced around my surroundings before speaking.

“You’ve brought back quite the haul again this time.”

I gestured toward Bella standing beside me.

“She’s my Deacon. Her singing is absolutely exceptional.”
“How do you do? I’m Bella, a Deacon!”

Bella bowed respectfully. Mother approached her and marveled.

“My, what a lovely child.”
“Hehe, you’re quite beautiful yourself, Baroness. Now I understand where the Inquisitor gets his looks.”
“Hoho, thank you. Though I wonder where his personality comes from….”
“Hahaha!”

When Bella suddenly burst into laughter, I shot her a glare.

“What’s so funny?”
“Oh, my apologies.”

I nodded in acknowledgment.

“I’m amusing.”
“…?”

Bewildered gazes fixed upon me, but I paid them no mind and continued with the introductions.

“These two are Rak and Rami, whom I picked up from the Slums. I’d like you to take them on as servants.”
“Ah, hello there….”

The children greeted me cautiously, as if frightened.
Cedric, the head butler, observed the children before speaking.

“First, they must have a proper meal. True service begins with presenting oneself with dignity and refinement, so as not to shame one’s master. Both of you, come along.”

The children looked up at me with bewildered eyes. I gestured toward Cedric, who was heading toward the Mansion.

“Go with him. Learn. Understand how to work, how to live.”
“Yes… Young Master.”

The children nodded and scurried after Cedric.
Father watched them for a moment, then turned his gaze toward me.

“Kael.”
“Yes, Father.”

A faint smile bloomed at the corners of Father’s mouth.

“Well done.”

The praise came somewhat unexpectedly, and I blinked in surprise.

“Pardon?”
“To be honest, when you said you were going to become a Heretic Inquisitor, I was deeply concerned. With your temperament, there’s no telling what might happen.”

Father continued, his hands clasped behind his back.

“But after hearing about you from Cardinal Barun and seeing you now, it seems such worries are unnecessary. You are fulfilling your role admirably.”

Father’s reaction struck me as oddly peculiar.
Truth be told, ever since I came of age, I had endured nothing but his reproach.
He would tell me to grow up, to cease my reckless behavior, to find my own path….
So when I returned, I had braced myself for his scolding—yet this was something altogether strange.

‘Is he unwell?’

Judging by his gaze and posture, that didn’t seem to be the case….
In any case, since this turn of events favored me, I thought it best not to dwell on it and simply asked.

“But what of the matter regarding Scalen Territory?”
“Once we resolve our own territorial issues, we’ve decided to take over Scalen Territory.”
“I see.”

By then, we would no longer remain a baronial house. With two vast territories under our command, we would be a true lord.
Aren spoke.

“Brother.”
“What is it?”
“I’m relieved you’ve returned.”

I let out a soft chuckle.

“I’ll visit whenever I have the chance.”
“Yes. I’ll be waiting.”

Aren offered a gentle smile.
Father, who had been listening to our exchange, opened his mouth to speak.

“Well then, let us deliberate on the details at leisure. For now, let us retire inside.”
“Yes. Bella, you bring the money box and return.”
“Understood!”

Bella and the servants entered the mansion with Father. In that moment, a figure who had been standing in the shadows was revealed.

“So you survived?”

At my question, Sriben adjusted his spectacles.

“I am Sriben, Young Master.”
“It seems you’ve been helpful to my Father in my absence. I’ll grant you another month to live.”
“I am grateful for your mercy, Young Master….”

Sriben straightened his posture with proper courtesy.

“Young Master, there is something else I must tell you.”
“What is it?”

Sriben approached and whispered to me.

“To be frank, the financial condition of the Estate is not in good shape.”
“Why? I brought money with me.”
“It’s not a problem that sum can solve. Many fields lay fallow last year, and this season the plague Baron Scalen spread has left our harvest far below previous yields.”

I furrowed my brow.

“That bastard again?”
“Yes, that bastard again.”
“Damn it—I can’t even beat him since he’s in Hell.”
“Indeed, what a frustration.”
“Would you go beat him up for me?”
“Pardon?”
“I’m joking.”
“I see….”

Sriben adjusted his spectacles.

“In any case, the Family Head has also become aware of this situation. Even the modest donations he used to make have ceased since last year.”
“So despite preparing for the fallow fields, we’ve ended up in this predicament.”
“Raising taxes on the residents would solve this immediately, but I suspect the Family Head would not wish for that.”
“He wouldn’t, and neither do I. Such methods don’t sit well with me.”

After all, we collected taxes to make the Estate prosper—if the people suffered, it was all meaningless.

“So then, Treasurer Sriben.”
“Yes?”
“You must have a solution in mind?”

Sriben’s lips curved upward slightly.

“Of course, Young Master.”
“Excellent. With a blade at your throat, your mind works with admirable desperation.”
“You’re too kind.”
“Now then, allow me to explain the method.”
“Yes.”

Sriben spoke.

“First, Baron Scalen’s wealth will flow into the Papal See, minus the operational costs of his estate. Cardinal Barun said he would use that to persuade them.”
“And?”
“But there’s something they don’t know. Do you truly believe he left all his wealth in his warehouse?”
“Of course not. Dogs like that always bury their best bones underground.”

Sriben nodded.

“Precisely. Baron Scalen entrusted his wealth to another organization.”
“And the location?”
“I don’t know the exact location myself. However….”

That was when it happened.

“Is the Baron of Luminara here? We need to have a word with you.”

Two men with a sinister air emerged from the main gate and spoke brazenly.
I turned to Sriben and asked.

“Who are these disrespectful fools?”
“Ah, they’ve conveniently found their way here. They’re likely from the Dark Blood Gang I mentioned before. They’re a criminal organization—contract killing, prostitution, drug trafficking, all manner of crimes. They’re also the ones who procured prostitutes for the Pleasure District and elsewhere.”

I had heard the name Dark Blood Gang a few times in my previous life.

“I see. So if I follow those bastards, I can also obtain Baron Scalen’s wealth.”
“As expected of you, Young Master.”
“How fortunate they’ve arrived. I must collect payment for ruining another’s territory.”

As I stared at those men, they sneered at me.

“Listen here, priest. Stop standing around doing nothing and fetch Baron Luminara for me.”

I narrowed my eyes and transformed my vocal cords.
What emerged from my lips was none other than Father’s voice.

“Listen here? Am I your friend?”
“What?”

I cleared my throat and clasped my hands behind my back. Then I introduced myself kindly to them.

“I am Baron Luminara. What business do you have with me?”

Well then, shall I go collect some money?

(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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