The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 99

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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 99. Let’s Do This.

“Well, this has become quite the predicament.”

I asked in response to the Pope’s words.

“What do you mean?”
“Now you are both a Heretic Inquisitor and a Holy Knight chosen by the Goddess. While both hold the same priestly rank, they differ in role and authority.”

Heretic Inquisitors typically deal more often with humans, and thus their authority is considerably more powerful.
Holy Knights, on the other hand, primarily slay demons. Because of this, they receive support from the Papal See regarding matters of martial strength.

“So then, Saint Kael, what would you wish to do?”
“Are you giving me a choice?”
“Of course.”
“If I may ask, Your Holiness, why have you reached such a judgment?”

Originally, I had intended to counter the Pope’s decision and negotiate an adjustment.
But the Pope had given me a choice instead.
At first glance, the Pope seemed favorable toward me, but he had merely reached his conclusion from a neutral stance.
Had I lacked multiple weapons, he would have sided with Gregory.

“Well, let me think.”

The Pope pondered for a moment before answering.

“Let’s call it a reward for overcoming the trial.”
“A trial, you say….”

The Pope had viewed the preceding situation as a predetermined trial for me.
Thus, he simply listened to the opinions of many and did not hastily lend his weight to either side.
He was a mediator. Those who overcame trials received rewards, and those who committed sins received punishment.
Just as I remained here while Gregory made his exit.

“If that’s the case, I gladly accept it.”

In my past life, I never met him directly, so I could only act based on rough predictions. But now, I have a clear sense of what kind of being the Pope truly is.
As long as I remain a human who overcomes trials, he will always be favorable to me.

“Then, would you refrain from revealing to the public that I am a Holy Knight?”
“What is your reason?”
“There are two reasons.”

I extended two fingers.

“The first is to avoid unnecessary attention by being the thirteenth Holy Knight. Other believers have already awakened to the important passages anyway.”
“But there are those who would revere you regardless, simply because of the title Holy Knight, are there not?”
“That is sufficient with just the position of Heretic Inquisitor. There is no need to invite unnecessary trouble.”
“I see.”
“And the second reason is….”

Without thinking, I folded my middle finger instead of my index finger. I nearly cursed right in front of the Pope.

“The second is that the ignorance of heretics becomes a weapon for me.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Others do not know that I can wield sacred power. So when demons underestimate me, I can exploit their weaknesses.”

In fact, I had already seized victory several times by relying on exactly that.

“Furthermore, this way I may be able to identify traitors within the Theocracy.”
“Traitors?”
“Yes. Only those present here know that I am a Holy Knight. But if this information reaches the ears of heretics, then I can only conclude that it leaked through someone in this room.”

As I glanced at the Cardinals, they averted their eyes from my gaze.

“Of course, our enemies’ intelligence network is formidable, so it is possible that heretics who witnessed my battles discovered it themselves. Still, I believe it is sufficient reason to investigate those present here.”
“Hmm, I agree.”
“Should such a situation arise, I will report it separately. Of course, if you judge it to be false, you may also use the Stigma of Truth.”
“Very well.”
“Thank you.”

I bowed my head and continued.

“And finally, what I request is that I be allowed to maintain the authority and position of Holy Knight while serving as a Heretic Inquisitor.”

Being a Holy Knight may seem superior on the surface, but whenever a Demon appears, I must answer the Papal See’s summons without question.
Of course, a Holy Knight can refuse, but I had neither the justification nor reason to do so.
In short, it meant I was less free than a Heretic Inquisitor.
I was willing to rush forth if a Demon appeared, but unless it was a Grand Demon, other Holy Knights would suffice.

“Hmm….”

The Pope was thoughtfully stroking his chin.

“Pardon me, Your Holiness…?”

A Cardinal seated beside Gregory cautiously opened his mouth. He was one of Gregory’s closest aides.

“Speak freely.”
“With all due respect, granting both authorities seems excessive. As a Heretic Inquisitor, he already possesses considerable power, and adding the position of Holy Knight would make him difficult even for the Cardinals to control.”
“….”
“Of course, I do not believe Saint Kael harbors impure intentions, but humans are prone to error.”
“A concern I understand. No matter how great his achievements, he remains human after all.”

The Pope nodded.

“However, both the Heretic Inquisitor and Holy Knight positions are fruits he has earned through his own efforts. That fact does not change.”
“….”
“Should you believe he has erred in either role, submit a document to me. As Pope, I shall judge and hold him accountable.”
“….”
“Is this not sufficient?”
“…Yes, Your Holiness.”

The Cardinal reluctantly acquiesced.
I am one who has overcome trials. Conversely, they are those who have succumbed to the trial that is me.
It was already decided which of them the Pope would favor.

“So then, how should we address Saint Kael from now on?”

As the Pope’s gaze shifted toward me, I responded with gravity.

“Call me the Heretic Holy Knight.”
“The Heretic Holy Knight…?”

Soft laughter erupted from various corners of the chamber. Most of them were well past middle age, after all.

“Are you serious…? If that is what you desire, it is not an unreasonable request, so I have nothing more to say….”
“No, I was merely jesting. The atmosphere seemed rather tense, so I took the liberty of lightening the mood with a bit of humor.”

Several Cardinals nodded their heads. It appeared I had made a favorable impression.

“I am content to remain as the Kael Inquisitor, as I have been.”
“I see.”

The Pope offered a faint smile.

“Then I look forward to your continued service, Kael Inquisitor.”
“Yes, Your Holiness. As I have always done, I shall purify this world according to the Goddess’s will.”
“I am grateful.”

Of course, it was a lie. But since the Saint of Truth was not present in this chamber, no one could discern the true intent behind my words.
Thus, I who had entered as a Heretic Inquisitor departed as a Heretic Holy Knight.

* * *

We did not leave the Papal See immediately, but stopped briefly at Barun’s Office.

“I, I told you, Inquisitor! That we would meet again!”

Sena, who sat beside me, suddenly thrust her face forward.

“I worked so hard to make it happen!”

According to the original plan, they were to arrive at the Papal See two days later. But thanks to Sena’s efforts, we managed to arrive much sooner.
I gently patted her head to calm her down.

“You did well.”
“Hehe….”

Only then did Sena break into a broad grin and settle back into her chair.
Of course, even without their assistance, I would have found a way to resolve matters.
But there was no denying that their help allowed me to conclude everything so cleanly and perfectly.

“I must admit, I was quite surprised myself…. To think the Kael Inquisitor was actually a Holy Knight….”

Barun exhaled deeply, his breath heavy with astonishment.
I had never revealed my status as a Holy Knight to anyone unless they had discovered my sacred power themselves.
Not even to Bella, though she had certainly pieced it together on her own.

“Yet everyone else seemed unsurprised, save for myself….”

Barun’s gaze shifted toward Sena, with Sebastian and Arvin standing beside her.
Sena smiled sheepishly.

“I promised the Inquisitor to keep it secret….”
“As did I.”
“So did I.”

They had honored their promise to me. Thanks to them, I was able to deliver this revelation at precisely the right moment.
I asked.

“But setting Sena aside, how did you manage to bring Sebastian and Arvin the Holy Knight here?”
“Ah, well, you see….”

Barun spoke.

“I’ve been gathering those within the Theocracy who harbor goodwill toward the Kael Inquisitor, just in case unforeseen circumstances arose. These individuals would surely prove invaluable.”
“….”
“Fortunately, all three accepted my proposal readily, but even I didn’t expect them to be this sincere.”

That surprised me as well. To think they would be willing to renounce their positions as Holy Knights for my sake.
In my previous life, only my family had ever gone to such lengths for me.
Sebastian spoke.

“Should you ever need my assistance, simply say the word. This alone does not suffice.”
“Nor for me.”
“N-nor for me!”

I gazed at them before letting out a soft chuckle.

“Very well then.”

Afterward, I turned to Barun with a question.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Had you mentioned it, I would have prepared myself accordingly.”
“I wasn’t certain about it. While Sena knows, Sebastian and Arvin don’t travel with me, so I thought it might become an unnecessary variable in your judgment.”
“I see. Well, I also concealed my status as a Holy Knight, so let’s call it even.”
“Krhehe… Thank you.”

Barun let out his characteristic laugh, though tension and surprise still lingered beneath it.
The situation moments before had been like a quiet storm.

“Then I’ll take my leave. I’m grateful for everything.”
“Yes. Let’s meet again, Kael Inquisitor.”

Why had I been hearing that phrase so often lately?
I smiled and left the office.

“Indeed.”

Of course, this carried a different meaning than the words I had given to Gregory.

* * *

Rayner had decided to remain at the Papal See for a while.
He needed to converse with the Saint of Truth regarding the succession of the Bartelo Family.
As I walked through the Papal See, a man approached me.

“Kael Inquisitor.”

My stomach lurched suddenly—it was Ludian, as I suspected.
Since I had originally intended to seek him out first, I approached him.

“Good to see you, Ludian….”
“…?”
“Holy Knight.”

I forced out the title that had been reluctant to leave my lips.
Ludian smiled faintly.

“You can speak freely. We’re the same age, and now we’re both Holy Knights.”
“Ah, then let’s be informal with each other. I’d appreciate it if you’d call me casually as well.”
“That’s alright. I’m more comfortable this way.”

In other words, I’m the one who’s uncomfortable.
Is this bastard trying to mess with me?
So that’s it—he intends to make me cough blood and die.

“Well then, whenever you’re ready, feel free to drop the formality.”
“Yes, I shall do so.”

Ludian nodded.

“It’s a shame, though.”
“What is?”
“I quite liked the Heretic Inquisitor as well.”
“…I see. I respect that.”
“And I was prepared to step forward myself—to take responsibility in place of the Kael Inquisitor.”

I know. I saw you raise your hand when Sena appeared.
But my curiosity remained, so I asked.

“Why? You and I are meeting for the first time today.”
“Because I believed the Inquisitor’s achievements were remarkable. It would have been a waste for someone of your caliber to stop here due to distrust.”

Ludian gazed at me with those blue eyes—the same steady gaze as in my past life.

“However….”
“…?”
“When I look at you, Inquisitor, I feel something strange.”

Ludian placed a hand over his chest. Then, seeing my face rapidly decay, he clarified.

“Ah, that’s not what I meant. I do like women, Inquisitor.”
“That’s a relief.”

I nearly killed him.

“So what does that mean?”
“Yes. I certainly hold favorable thoughts toward you, Interrogator. But strangely, something feels… off. It’s difficult to draw close, you might say.”

It couldn’t be helped. You and I are fundamentally opposite in nature.
With your innate instinctive senses, you would naturally feel that way.

“Don’t worry. I feel similarly about you.”

Though to be precise, I simply find him distasteful.

“Ah, is that so?”
“Yes.”
“I’m relieved it’s not just me. Though in a way, it’s also unfortunate.”

Ludian smiled faintly and bowed his head.

“Then I shall take my leave. Thank you for sparing me your precious time.”

Ludian turned to leave, presenting his back to me. Had I lunged forward, I could have pierced his vital points in an instant.

“Wait.”
“…Yes?”

At my call, Ludian turned around.
Ludian is a formidable Holy Knight—powerful enough to have aided me in my battle against the Demon God.
Yet even his blade could not reach the Demon God’s neck. Instead, he fell to the Demon God and met his death.
So for my purposes and for Ludian’s own sake, he needed to become stronger than before.

‘Traveling with him has grown tiresome now….’

Yet tainting his pure white soul with darkness might prove quite entertaining.
In my past life, befitting the greatest villain known as the Sword Demon, I bore many other epithets.
The Wrathful Demon, Death’s Wanderer, the Abyss’s Edge, and so forth.
But none of them truly pleased me—save for one.
The Desecrator of Sacred Relics.

“Would you perhaps join me in seeking the sacred relic of Saint Eldoras—the Holy Sword Barcan?”

Now it was time to search for the blade I wielded in my past life.

(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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