The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 90

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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 90. I Know.

Edmond Bartelo, Archbishop.
He was the master of the Duchy where Katrina, a descendant of Lumen, had stayed.
Moreover, he held the rank of Cardinal, making him a powerful figure of authority within the Theocracy.
His conduct was exemplary, and he enjoyed a sterling reputation among the people.

‘Yet Sriben is the illegitimate child of that Archbishop? Not even a hidden heir?’

Had I learned this fact the moment we met, I might have killed Sriben on the spot, thinking, “This bastard will say anything to save his own skin.”
In truth, my interruption back then may have been what saved Sriben’s life.
Or perhaps not.

“Explain in detail.”
“Yes.”

Sriben continued gravely.

“In truth, I did not know from the beginning that I was the illegitimate child of Archbishop Bartelo. At first, I believed I was simply a child raised by a widowed mother.”
“….”
“But when I turned three, a man came to our house.”
“That man was Archbishop Bartelo?”
“Yes.”

Sriben nodded.

“He glanced around our modest home, then looked at me and asked if I was Sriben. I nodded and asked who he was, but he gave no answer.”
“….”
“Later, when my mother returned from her outing, she saw him and was startled. ‘Archbishop Bartelo!’ she exclaimed.”

Sriben continued his account, and I listened with my eyes closed, imagining the scene as it had unfolded.

– Lower your voice.
– I-I’m sorry.
– More importantly, stop coming here. Others are beginning to take notice of you.
– Archbishop, all I ask for is one thing. I knew from the start that you had a wife, so I don’t expect love. I only ask that you provide support so our child doesn’t starve.
– ….
– I didn’t quit my work as a maid as you demanded, precisely because I couldn’t let the pregnancy be discovered. Now it’s difficult to find other work.

“Upon hearing those words, the Archbishop handed a purse of money to my mother.”

– I’ve provided generously. So don’t come here again. This is a warning.
– Th-thank you, Archbishop!

“I was only three years old at the time, but it wasn’t difficult to understand. That the Archbishop was my father.”

I opened my eyes and looked at Sriben. It was because he had fallen silent for a while.

“Was it a shock? That he was your father?”
“No. From the beginning, whenever I asked about my father, he never said he was dead—he’d change the subject. So I figured there must be a reason to hide it. I simply thought that if he was a nobleman, my life might improve a bit.”

I let out a short laugh.

“You’re insane.”
“Ha, only you would say that, Young Master?”
“What?”
“…I apologize. That slipped out.”

Sriben quickly bowed.
I nodded.

“You’re not wrong, though.”
– ….
“So what happened after that? Seeing that you ended up under Baron Scalen, it couldn’t have gone smoothly.”
“Yes. The problem was that my mother thought the same way I did.”

I narrowed my brow.

“What do you mean by that?”
“Strangely enough, we had more money, but our living conditions didn’t improve. Of course, we managed for about two years, but after that, things only got worse.”
“Did you run out of money, or was it spent carelessly?”
“No, it was enough money to live comfortably at least until I reached adulthood. The way we lived was similar to before, so it wasn’t like we were squandering it.”
“Then?”
“It turned out that when Mother said the money had run out, only I went hungry. Whenever I tried to scavenge for food, Mother would stop me.”

Sriben continued his story.

“Then one day, the Archbishop visited us again. He listened silently to Mother’s words, observed our complexions, let out a scoff, and left.”
“….”
“And not long after, Mother went out and never came home again.”

Sriben’s mother had deliberately starved him to extract more money from the Archbishop.
The money probably never ran out in the first place. Or perhaps she had indulged in luxuries and truly spent it all.
The Archbishop, grasping the situation immediately, didn’t give her more money—he simply eliminated Sriben’s mother to avoid future complications.

“I was only five years old then, but I understood the full meaning of that situation. Because I am….”

Sriben adjusted his glasses.

“A genius.”

That was undeniable. Sriben was a capable talent unlike others.
I looked at Sriben and spoke.

“Let me correct that. You’re just as mad as I am.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Young Master.”
“Fair enough.”

Sriben shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, after that I did whatever it took to survive, eventually entered Baron Scalen’s service, and that’s how I met you.”
“I see. You’ve worked as hard as an ox.”
“That’s why I’m so satisfied with my current life now. At least it feels like I’m living as a human being.”

I chuckled and asked.

“Do you hate the Archbishop?”
“I harbor resentment, but I harbor no burning desire for vengeance. My mother was hardly a virtuous person either, and above all, revenge is beyond my current capabilities.”
“What if revenge were possible?”

Sriben blinked his eyes before asking.

“Would this alone make revenge feasible? The Theocracy practices monogamy unlike the Empire, but the existence of a bastard child wouldn’t deal a significant blow. And there’s no way to prove he murdered my mother.”

A fair point.
Even if I found such evidence, he would merely lose his position as Cardinal—his power would remain unshaken.

“I have no intention of destroying him with that alone. If my suspicions are correct, I could strike him down with my own hands.”
“What do you mean by that…?”

In my past life, the Archbishop died at the hands of a Demon, but since I hadn’t witnessed it directly—only heard the Papal See’s announcement—I couldn’t be certain.
However, at that time, I had discovered certain suspicious circumstances.
First, his corpse was found far from the Territory he governed.
Moreover, he had been missing for several days beforehand.

‘Of course, it’s possible a Demon truly kidnapped and killed him.’

But as time passed and I later asked Ludian about the incident, he answered thus:

– I wasn’t involved in that matter, so I don’t know the details. However, when the Archbishop’s corpse was transported to the Papal See, I caught a glimpse of it and noticed traces of demonic energy being extracted. It was just like when we consecrate a demonized human to the Goddess.
– ….
– I was curious too, so I asked the Holy Knight who was at the scene back then, but he refused to elaborate, saying he couldn’t discuss the details. Since he was my senior and suffered grave injuries during the battle, I couldn’t press further.

The peculiarities didn’t end there.
The Archbishop was stronger than most Knights, yet his Mansion bore no signs of struggle whatsoever.
No matter how powerful the Demon that kidnapped him was, breaching an impenetrable security and abducting the Archbishop without a trace made no sense.

‘My conjecture is that the Archbishop didn’t flee his Territory by force, but left of his own accord, and then drank Demon blood. Or perhaps he did so before departing.’

And some Holy Knight eliminated the demonized Archbishop.

‘If I assume that, then the Papal See’s announcement that the Archbishop fell to a Demon makes sense.’

The Archbishop was no mere marquis—he held the rank of Cardinal within the Church.
What would happen if the world discovered he had become a Demon?
Moreover, if events unfolded as they had in my previous life, by now the Saint of Foresight would be dead, along with two Holy Knights.
Should it become known that a Cardinal had turned into a Demon amid such chaos, the atmosphere would grow far more sinister.

‘Of course, even if he were said to have died at a Demon’s hand, it would make little difference. At least the faith of the Theocracy’s people in the Goddess would not be shaken.’

Now that I thought about it, there was one more detail from Sriben’s account that stood out.
The Archbishop’s wife had taken her own life, and the timing coincided closely with when the Archbishop last visited Sriben’s home.
I suspected that as Sriben’s mother continued seeking out the Archbishop, his wife eventually learned the truth, and the shock drove her to suicide.
The enraged Archbishop then sought out Sriben’s mother for her defiance of his warning.

‘But all of this is merely speculation on my part.’

Still, the mere suspicion that the Archbishop might have drunk Demon blood in my previous life was reason enough to investigate.

‘Even so, I could not act rashly when we first met.’

No matter how much a Heresy Inquisitor I was, I could not simply sever the Archbishop’s arm to confirm whether he had become a Demon.
Had the Archbishop at that time not yet drunk Demon blood, I would have had no choice but to revert to being the Sword Demon.

‘For now, it would be wise to gather more information.’

I could not investigate the Archbishop directly myself. He was far too busy to spare time for conversation with me.

‘Then there is only one option.’

The Archbishop’s only legitimate son—Rayner Bartelo.
As I contemplated his nature, I rose from my seat.

“Sriben, arrange your affairs so you can be absent for several days without issue. I will summon you when the time comes.”
“Yes, understood.”
“And Bella, prepare the dress.”

Bella tilted her head in confusion.

“The dress you received from Lady Lisiana?”

Lisiana was the daughter of Earl Rainward, whom I had met during the Galma Incident.

“Yes. I’ll have use for you soon enough.”
“Oh, really?!”
“In exchange, there’s a role I need you to play for a smoother plan. I’ll explain on the way.”
“Yes!”

We set out toward the Rainward Estate.

* * *

Ten days later.

“Ahem… Interrogator, how do I look?”

Bella emerged from the mansion’s room, her fingers nervously brushing through her hair.
She wore a dress where sky blue and white harmonized beautifully, and with subtle makeup applied, her beauty was utterly radiant.
Even compared to when we first met, the softness had melted from her features, and her chestnut hair had grown to her shoulders, emanating the refined presence of a lady.

“Damn it, she’s absurdly beautiful!”

Lisiana, standing beside me, reacted before I could.

“The young masters will certainly be drawn to her! Should I insist she stay confined to the mansion?”

I spoke to Lisiana, who was gnawing at her thumb.

“Compose yourself, Lady Lisiana.”
“Yes, Interrogator.”

Lisiana’s expression softened immediately as she looked at me. Earl Rainward, watching from a distance, shook his head with a wry smile.
I swept my gaze over Bella’s appearance and nodded.

“Yes, that will more than suffice.”
“Ugh… Is it really so difficult to give me a single compliment?”
“I see you every day. What’s the point in making a fuss?”
“So… that counts as praise, doesn’t it?”
“Figure it out yourself.”

Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have offered even that much, but Bella’s role in this plan was too crucial to leave to chance.
While Bella wasn’t the type to abandon her duties out of wounded pride, it was better to keep her spirits high regardless.

“Hehe.”

See? Already your enthusiasm is waning over something so trivial.

“If you’re ready, let’s go.”
“Yes!”

We departed from the Rainward Estate’s mansion. The sprawling garden was already alive with the party in full swing.
Soft melodies drifted from every corner, and young nobles of similar age exchanged words with formal grace.
Originally, Lisiana’s party was scheduled for later, but at my request, she moved it forward to today.
Of course, my true purpose was contact with Rayner Bartelo, so I had intended to ask her to send him an invitation.
However, as the Archbishop’s legitimate son, Rayner was already on the guest list, and he accepted the invitation immediately.

“My, who are those people?”
“With such beauty, how could we not recognize them….”
“Ah! Could they be the Heresy Inquisitor and the Deacon who were said to be attending?”
“Looking at their priestly vestments, it seems to be them, doesn’t it?”
“Oh my, priestly robes have never looked so dignified!”

All eyes turned toward us at once. Lisiana spoke to me.

“Then, Inquisitor, please enjoy yourself freely.”
“Very well.”
“However, would it be alright if I took Deacon Bella with me for a while?”

Moving about with Lisiana, the host, would only draw more attention.

“Do as you wish.”
“Thank you. Then let’s go, Deacon Bella.”
“Yes, Lady Lisiana.”

The party proceeded without incident.
I had thought there might be those who would look down on Bella for being a commoner, but since she was with Lisiana and was the Heresy Inquisitor’s deacon, no one dared treat her disrespectfully.
As for those approaching me—there were none.
Fearing they might be caught out by the Heresy Inquisitor, they merely stole glances from afar, and when our eyes met, their faces would flush slightly.

“Um….”

Still, despite this, quite a few did approach….

“Ah, what was it again…?”

As I deliberately caressed the hilt of my sword, he simply passed by me.
It was a day I was grateful I had become a Heresy Inquisitor.

“Wouldn’t it be alright to have a conversation with him?”

Sriben, who had been lurking far behind, approached me.
Since he was a living witness, I planned to keep him with me until the Archbishop’s interrogation was complete.

“That’s not my purpose.”
“True enough.”

Sriben watched the others laughing and chattering for a while, then suddenly opened his mouth.

“If I had been a little luckier, would I have lived like them? Not desperately clawing my way to survival like before.”
“Why, did you want to become his son?”
“No. That’s not it. I prefer things as they are now.”

I let out a short laugh.

“I see.”

That was when it happened.

“No!”

A startled voice rang out—from a man with an oily appearance.
Rayner Bartelo, our target.

“To think such a beautiful woman exists!”

Rayner strode forward with long steps. He dropped to one knee before Bella and gently grasped her hand.

“A pleasure to meet you. I am Rayner Bartelo, the legitimate heir of House Bartelo. Might I have the honor of knowing your name?”
“Ah… I am Bella.”
“Bella… A name as beautiful as your appearance.”

As expected, Rayner Bartelo had taken an interest in Bella.
Rayner Bartelo was a man of dissolute temperament.
There was no chance he would skip a party where so many noble ladies gathered, nor could he possibly overlook Bella, who stood out among them.

‘Because of such conduct, others say he is far too different from his father, the Archbishop.’

But I think differently. Perhaps that is the Archbishop’s true nature instead.
He is merely wearing a mask that does not fit him at present.

“Is that your younger brother?”

Sriben whispered with a furrowed brow. Sriben was one year older than Rayner Bartelo.

“It appears so.”
“Fortunately, I am the better one.”
“I doubt it. At least he has never nearly driven countless people to their deaths.”
“….”
“….”

A brief silence fell, and Sriben lowered his head.

“I apologize once more, Young Master.”
“Very well.”

I turned my attention back to Bella. Rayner Bartelo asked Lisiana.

“Lady Lisiana, would it be permissible to have a brief conversation with Miss Bella?”
“No, that won’t do.”
“Yes, yes…?”

As Rayner Bartelo faltered in confusion, Bella interjected.

“It is fine. A conversation is acceptable.”
“Deacon Bella! This person is….”

Lisiana cast a sidelong glance at Rayner Bartelo, then bit her lip firmly. She was well aware of the rumors surrounding him.

“I understand. If that’s what you say, Bella, then so be it. But come back quickly and play with me.”
“Yes. Thank you for your concern, Young Lady.”
“Tch. Beauty is a curse, truly a curse.”

Lisiana grumbled and stepped aside. Bella smiled faintly at her, then turned her head away.

“Shall we go then, Young Master Rayner?”
“Much obliged, Bella.”
“Please don’t kiss my hand.”
“Ah, my apologies.”

As Rayner moved to kiss the back of her hand, Bella recoiled in alarm and pulled away.
After that, the two of them walked together, conversing. I focused my senses on them, eavesdropping on their exchange.

“Last time I visited the villa on our estate, the lake was so open and beautiful—you can’t imagine.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“Haha, of course not. Then wouldn’t you like to go together sometime?”
“No, that would be rather…”
“Ahem, I see. Since we’ve only just met today, it might feel burdensome. Ah, and this is a brooch made of diamond.”
“I see.”

Rayner did most of the talking, while Bella merely offered perfunctory responses.
The plan was proceeding smoothly.

* * *

As dusk fell, those attending the party clinked glasses lightly within the mansion.
Of course, I was not among them.
Sriben and I stood on the terrace adjoining the mansion, watching Bella and Rayner in the garden below.

‘It’s nearly time.’

The moment I thought this.

“Kyaaaaaaah!!”

A piercing scream pierced the night sky. It was Bella’s.
Upon hearing the signal, I vaulted over the railing and landed in the garden below. I asked.

“What is the meaning of this!”

Bella, who had been clinging to me, pointed at Rayner with trembling hands. Tears glistened at the corners of her eyes.

“R-Rayner Young Master…! He touched my body…!”

I spun around to face Rayner. He stood there bewildered, addressing Bella.

“B-Bella? When did I ever do such a thing? You were the one who hated me coming near you, so I kept my distance and spoke from afar, didn’t I? So why are you suddenly saying this?”

Without a word, I strode toward Rayner. He turned pale and confessed to me.

“P-Please listen to me! Would I be mad enough to lay hands on a Heresy Inquisitor’s Deacon? No matter how much I indulge in such pleasures, I have enough sense to─.”
“I know.”
“What…?”

I stopped before him and smiled coldly.

“I know.”

If only he had been more competent in the past.
A moment later, Lisiana opened the window and stepped onto the terrace, leaning over the railing.

“What is happening? A scream just now!!”

Rayner, you will have no choice but to cooperate with me.

(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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