The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 74

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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 74. Haaaahhhhh….

‘Of course, I didn’t act so recklessly without careful consideration.’

I had confidence in cleaning up the aftermath, which is why I dared to move so boldly.
Even if my interrogation couldn’t uncover Rorik’s crimes, with someone’s assistance, it would be possible.

“My lord, please withdraw!”

The male servant who had been standing beside Earl Rainward and the nearby knights suddenly rushed out, surrounding Bella and me in a circle.
The sword of the male servant beside the Earl was wrapped in blue mana. He was likely the Captain of the Guard.

‘Indeed, they’re stronger than most, befitting the Earl’s personal guard.’

It made sense that the Earl could venture out to a place like this.

“Kael Inquisitor. What in the world are you doing?”

Earl Rainward, who had regained his senses from behind, protested.

“No matter who you are, I cannot overlook this action. How dare you burn my territory without my permission? And those precious crops at that!”

It was a natural reaction for an Earl.
He had planned to elevate the prestige of the Galmaros Family, and my actions could have disrupted that plan.
But since I had already anticipated this situation, I responded calmly.

“I’ll explain the details after you withdraw your guard.”
“Now listen here, Kael Inquisitor!”
“Earl Rainward.”

I fixed my gaze firmly upon Earl Rainward.

“Consider why I, a Heresy Inquisitor, have come all this way.”
“Even so, I have no intention of backing down. How can you be certain whether I pose a threat to you or not?”

Earl Rainward’s demeanor was resolute.
I glanced at Rorik, who appeared bewildered. Since he showed no sign of moving rashly, I opened my mouth.

“Do you truly believe that Galma is a crop that will save the starving, Earl Rainward?”
“I cannot say with certainty, but there have been no immediate problems. I’ve witnessed with my own eyes how it grows in this barren land within a single month.”
“Yes, that’s true. Galma certainly has excellent vitality, rapid growth, and high caloric value.”
“Then what exactly is the problem?”
“There is a problem. A grave one that devours all those advantages.”

Earl Rainward’s eyes narrowed.

“So you burned that field?”
“Yes.”
“There surely would have been a better way. For instance, explaining it to me first.”
“After prolonged prayer and deep contemplation, this was the finest course I could devise. Had I explained the matter to you, the problem would not manifest in the short term, and you would never have granted me permission to burn the Galma.”

I continued.

“If Galma truly posed no threat, why would I have burned it? If it were supplied to Luminara Territory, my family would inevitably benefit as well.”
“Hmm….”
“Therefore, withdraw your Royal Guard. I have no desire for unnecessary conflict. I ask only that you remember my accomplishments.”

Earl Rainward’s gaze grew heavy and grave.

“You claim you can break through my Royal Guard alone?”
“If you cannot trust my words, I have no choice but to demonstrate.”

Our eyes locked, and silence fell between us. Flames still danced along my blade.

“Everyone, fall back.”

At the Earl’s command, the Captain of the Guard’s sword tip trembled.

“But my lord….”
“Now! Young as he may appear, this is the man who toppled one of the Five Great Calamities! There’s nothing to gain from making an enemy of such a warrior. For now, I’ll observe the situation. We can take action afterward if needed.”
“…Understood.”

The Captain of the Guard withdrew his azure mana and gestured to the others. In unison, the swords pointed at us lowered.
Bella, who had been tense with vigilance, exhaled in relief and relaxed her guard.
As they opened a path, I walked toward Rorik. Seeing the Sword of Wrath, Rorik spoke hastily.

“Y-you, Inquisitor? Why are you suddenly doing this?”
“….”
“There’s a problem with Galma? Galma is a strain we’ve verified through careful procedures. Why won’t you acknowledge our sincere desire to help those starving to death?”
“A sincere desire to help those starving to death?”

I stopped at a reasonable distance and fixed my gaze upon the man before me. A laugh escaped my lips, and I let out a low chuckle with my jaw barely open.

“Hahahaha….”
“Y-you, Inquisitor?”

As he flinched in fear, I hardened my expression instantly.

“I told you. If you mock their hope, I won’t let it slide.”
“But the truth is─.”

Crack!

I drove my head directly into his face. He let out a sharp cry and fell hard on his backside.

“W-what is this….”

Rorik looked up at me, clutching his bleeding nose. I’d controlled my strength—he wouldn’t lose consciousness or die from this.

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice the narcotic compounds in Galma?”
“N-narcotics?”

The Count and the servants and knights nearby were startled.
Rorik protested vehemently.

“Narcotics? How dare you level such a false accusation! When your servant consumed it earlier, there were no problems whatsoever, and besides—you yourself consumed it, did you not, Inquisitor?”
“That’s right. And after eating it, I felt an inexplicable sense of ease.”

Then the servant who had eaten Galma chimed in.

“Now that you mention it, I did feel a certain ease as well.”
“That’s simply due to its high caloric content! It’s a natural biological response!”

Rorik glared at me with blazing eyes.

“If you truly doubt me, why not verify it? I’m genuinely wronged!”

As expected, he’d respond this way. Verification would take considerable time, so it wasn’t an efficient approach.
His reaction was so convincing that I couldn’t distinguish between genuine distress and performance.
Of course, Rorik might have simply followed orders without knowing anything. If he became a problem, he could be discarded like a lizard’s tail.

‘Confirming whether he knows the truth about Galma is simple.’

I planted my sword into the ground and lowered my stance to meet his eye level, bringing my face close enough that our noses nearly touched as I muttered.

“Barsenon.”

Rorik’s pupils dilated instantly—the reaction of someone genuinely startled.
He rolled his eyes as if deliberating, then parted his lips slightly, moving his tongue. A small nodule beneath his tongue became visible.
Poison.

A sharp cry escaped him.

Without hesitation, I shoved all my fingers except my thumb into his mouth and stirred. He gagged, unable to swallow the poison.
Once I’d secured the poison, I withdrew my hand and flung it to the floor. The Captain of the Guard picked it up and examined it.

“…It’s poison, sir. It appears he was attempting suicide.”
“Suicide? For what reason?”
“Likely to prevent divulging information to the Inquisitor, sir.”

The Count’s faction finally dropped their guard against me entirely.
Since it didn’t matter what they thought anyway, I wiped my hand with the damp handkerchief Bella had given me.

‘Ugh, saliva.’

A surge of heat flooded my head. With my clean hand, I slapped Rorik’s cheek hard. His head snapped to the side and he collapsed like a tragic heroine in a melodrama.
I tossed the soiled handkerchief at him and asked.

“Still feeling wronged?”
“Ha… I’m not sure what you mean, sir.”

Still trying to evade? There’s no point in further interrogation.
He’s prepared to die rather than divulge information.
That’s precisely why I didn’t explain the details even when surrounded by the Royal Guard. Without being this close, I couldn’t respond immediately.
I rose from my seat, a smile playing at my lips.

“Well, you don’t need to answer. There’s someone else who can verify the truth.”
“What…?”
“Until then, get some rest.”

I kicked Rorik’s jaw upward, knocking him unconscious. Then I turned to face Earl Rainward.

“Have you grasped the situation, my lord?”
“I understand he was hiding something. But is there really a narcotic component in Galma?”
“We can ask this man about that.”
“How? Given that he was even willing to take his own life, I doubt he’ll talk….”
“The Saint of Truth.”
…!”
“She can ask him.”

The Saint of Truth, Lenika.
She possessed a stigma that allowed her to discern the veracity of words. No lie could deceive her presence.
Of course, I was an exception—I who had seized Baron Scalen’s pendant long ago.

“Indeed… then there would be no problem in learning the truth. But would the Holy Maiden lend her power for such a matter?”

The Holy Maiden is dispatched either by her own will or through deliberation by the Papal See.
The stigmata of the Holy Maidens were so precious that they had to be used with utmost care.

“This is no trivial matter. If Galma had spread unchecked, the entire nation would have become addicted to it.”
“Ah… true enough. Without the narcotic component, it would have been flawless as a staple commodity.”
“And if this is a matter I’ve brought forth, they will grant my request.”
“Ho? Why is that?”
“I’m afraid I cannot elaborate on that point.”
“…I see.”

I am an entity mentioned in the Primordial Scripture.
Whether my words are truth or falsehood, they would be compelled to discern my true intent out of sheer curiosity.
Earl Rainward gazed at the field where the flames were gradually subsiding, then opened his mouth.

“Kael Inquisitor.”
“Yes.”
“Should your words prove true, I shall express my gratitude for this matter. Had narcotic crops truly been distributed, my family could never have escaped unscathed.”

I knew well enough what might have transpired regardless.
Yet it could have been dismissed as though it never happened at all.
I acted not to serve the Earl’s interests, but merely to fulfill my duty as a Heresy Inquisitor.
This might stem from the Earl’s nature, though something told me it was more than that alone.
After all, I had even hindered the Heresy Inquisitor’s enforcement, and it could only benefit me to stand in his favor.
It bordered on a bribe masquerading as compensation.

“Then I should prepare compensation in advance, it seems.”

Yet I considered it compensation. I am a faithful Heresy Inquisitor who does not accept bribes, after all.

“Ha, I see. Is there any particular reward you desire? I shall do my utmost to arrange it.”

Money was not necessary for now.
With a premier Mana Stone Mine at my disposal, financial concerns were virtually nonexistent.
Besides, any sum I might request from the Earl would hardly impact Luminara’s finances significantly….
Thus, the finest reward remained singular.

“Something that would allow me to grow stronger would be most welcome.”

My Uncle was stronger than I am now, yet he ultimately fell to Barsenon.
Though my Uncle wielded demonic power rather than holy force, putting him at a disadvantage against demons, there is no denying that Barsenon is formidable.
Barsenon surely weakened considerably from his clash with my Uncle, but that was eleven years ago.
By now, he may have fully recovered his strength, or perhaps grown even more powerful than before.

‘I possess holy force, but it is wise to cultivate strength against unforeseen circumstances.’

Peace of mind and composure spring from overwhelming power. Desperation yields only contempt and despair.
Just as my former self was stripped of everything.

“Hmm, already formidable yet still yearning for greater strength?”
“The world is vast. There are those stronger than I am now, and with my reputation spreading, I must also guard against unseen blades aimed at my back.”
“I see….”
“Thus, it is only natural that I, who purge heretics that disturb the world, should aspire to greater heights.”

I must eventually defeat Barsenon, who killed my Uncle and covets our Family Estate, but in the end, I will have no choice but to face the true Demon God.
My strength from my previous life alone was insufficient to deal with the Demon God.

“I see. Then I cannot simply sit idle either. I shall certainly search for something that will be of aid to you.”
“Thank you.”
“Then the name of the Rainward Family shall also be inscribed upon your footsteps.”

Earl Rainward drew a serpentine smile across his face.
Indeed, it was an action undertaken for the glory of his Family Clan as well.
For my part, I had no objection—he would provide me with even finer treasures.

“Then I shall remember that as well.”
“…As expected, you are perceptive. Subtle yet resolute. I find myself growing fonder of you by the moment. Would you not consider an introduction to my daughter?”
“I am still occupied with wandering the world.”
“She is quite beautiful.”

Earl Rainward’s expression grew solemn. It was sincere.

“More so than Bella?”

Earl Rainward’s gaze turned toward Bella. She tilted her head at the sudden attention.

“…My daughter will grow even more beautiful as she matures.”
“Bella is still quite young herself.”
“Hmph! In any case, my daughter is the more beautiful one!”
“Of course.”

I nodded vaguely.
Indeed, Bella’s magic was remarkable. It could even deflect the Earl’s advances in this manner.
Yet the Earl did not seem to have surrendered, so I changed the subject.

“Rather, Earl, do you happen to know where Rorik came from?”

I know where the Galma Incident originated, but I do not know where it appeared.
Surely if I found that place, there would be traces of Barsenon.

“I don’t know the details either. Rorik came to our estate directly.”
“I see.”
“In any case, if what you say is true, wouldn’t the Saint of Truth grasp all the facts? It would be faster to ask her then.”
“No, that would be too late. Once the others learn that Rorik has failed, they’ll scatter.”

That’s why I had to move as quickly as possible. To extract even a single piece of information about Barsenon.

“You make a fair point.”

Earl Rainward nodded in agreement.

“All I know is that Rorik said he came from Milheim City.”
“Is that all?”
“That’s it. Which is why I was suspicious from the start myself.”

The information was far too sparse. I couldn’t exactly grab people one by one in Milheim and interrogate them about “Barsenon.”
Would I have no choice but to wait until the Saint of Truth unraveled everything?

– Hey, Sword Demon. You listening?

A memory was forcibly dragged from my mind at that moment.
Ludian spoke to me as I sprawled across the chair.

– The Galma Incident must never happen again.
– It’s already over. Why are you bringing this up again?
– Barsenon is still alive. So he could torment humans in similar ways down the road.
– It’s your job to prevent that.
– Because without me, there’s only you.

I glanced at Ludian while picking at my ear.

– I am a villain. I don’t appreciate being treated like a lackey of the Goddess.
– I was speaking of raw power.
– You, who’ve never once defeated me? This is even more disagreeable.
– It meant you’re the second strongest after me.
– Good that you understand.
– Tsk. In any case, regarding the Galma Incident, our investigation revealed that before Earl Rainward, there was a small research institute called Braeot in Milheim City….
– Yaaaaaawn….
– Listen to me!!
– Shut up!!

Emerging from the haze of fragmented memories, I murmured softly to myself.

“Braeot in Milheim City….”

At the time, I’d been so inattentive that I hadn’t managed to recall it.
But even if I had remembered immediately, I would have had no choice but to come here anyway. I hadn’t properly heard which territory it was located in.
Earl Rainward tilted his head in confusion.

“Hmm? Brad Pitt of Milheim City?”
“No, it’s nothing. Rather, I’d like to ask you about the Saint of Truth.”
“Understood.”
“And if this matter is resolved well, I’ll reconsider your proposal as well.”
“Really, truly?”
“Yes.”
“Ha! Then leave it to me!”

Earl Rainward, who had been sullen about his daughter, suddenly became enthusiastic instead.

“Then I’ll be on my way.”
“Yes, yes! Do take care of yourself!”

I merely nodded curtly and turned to leave. Behind me, I could hear Earl Rainward’s voice issuing orders with fervent intensity.
Bella followed after me and asked.

“Inquisitor, did you truly mean what you just said?”
“No.”
“Oh my….”

But Earl Rainward, who was no Saint of Truth, had no way of knowing.

(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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