Translation:
Regression User Manual Episode 899
THE GRAY KNIGHT AND THE HONORARY CARDINAL (2)
"I can't believe it... Are you suggesting we enter the dungeon together?"
"Well, if time permits, I would like to join you, but... it's difficult for me to explain right now. Finding the dungeon should be our priority. We can discuss the details and coordinate our schedules later. I have some other matters to attend to..."
'Oh... you seem quite bitter.'
"But it's your affair, so I'll try to think positively about it."
"You don't have to go out of your way to do that... Just do what makes you comfortable..."
His words and expression don't match. But that's okay, it's not like I'm not interested.
"No, it's okay. It's a matter, after all. A monster with sacred power... It's not something that normally happens. As you think, there is a high possibility of unusual phenomena occurring in the surrounding areas due to the dungeon. Even if it's not the dungeon, it might be worth investigating the ecosystem with experts... Considering the many peculiarities, it's hard to think of it as just a simple mutation."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. For now, it would be best to start by examining the area where the monster was found. Is there a camp set up there?"
"Yes, we've set up a camp at the location where the monster was discovered."
"Should we go there now..."
I'm thinking. I don't have any other appointments or schedules, and camping has its own charm. If we light a bonfire and take some pictures, it will create a nice atmosphere. We can cook some stew, have a beer, and have various conversations. It would be a perfect moment to capture for Benigoregram.
In fact, even without all that, it's a place worth visiting. I can't directly mention that there's a dungeon underground in the Holy See.
Information about the dungeon is strictly classified, and I can't leak it just because I want to. It's not an ordinary grade or rare grade dungeon, but a dungeon that has been classified as "beyond grade."
I could force the situation to progress, but if I, as an administrator, use more cheats than necessary, it's highly likely to incur the system's displeasure.
The best I can do is provide subtle hints and assistance from the sidelines, helping the Holy Sword Warrior party find the dungeon properly.
"Shall we go together?"
"Huh? Really...?"
"Yes. It may be a bit late, but I think it's alright to take a look. If there's space available, we could even stay overnight."
"Really?"
"If... if you don't feel comfortable with that..."
"Oh, no. It's not like that... Just wait a moment. I'll make a quick call."
"....."
Hastily taking out the hand mirror, I noticed that he was talking to someone on the phone. Although I couldn't hear the voice clearly due to the barrier, it seemed like he was shouting.
I was worried that they were having trouble reaching an agreement, but eventually, I saw him nodding quietly.
'But how should I inform them?'
If I provide the information, it may be considered cheating and cause problems... Going through the guild for investigation might yield faster results, but that's not within my jurisdiction. Of course, Rafael would probably be fine with it, but the Holy Sword Warrior party is not affiliated with the Blue Guild.
There's no need to create unnecessary turmoil, as it might appear that the Blue Guild is interfering with Rafael's party's achievements.
"It would be better to start by having dessert and then set off, brother."
"Yes, Rafael. Oh, by any chance, can I bring a few companions?"
"Yes, as you prefer... Are they members of the Blue Guild?"
'It's bothering him, I guess.'
"They are not affiliated with the guild. I understand your concerns, but you can rest assured, Rafael. Though it may not put your mind completely at ease, the ownership of the recently discovered dungeon clearly belongs to Rafael's party..."
"No, it's not about ownership of the dungeon. It's just... In fact, it doesn't matter. If you need my help, I can provide it, but..."
"Haha, I appreciate your words of thanks. I will do my best to ensure there is minimal inconvenience. The same goes for the party members."
"You don't have to... It's okay to not be considerate..."
As he shortened his words, we continued various conversations while finishing our meal. The moment he was about to speak again, a small vibration resonated from the handheld mirror he had been observing.
"It's about time we get up, brother."
"Oh... Yes. By any chance, could you provide me with the coordinates?"
"Of course."
After sending the coordinates received from Rafael via text message, we stepped outside and spotted a green Griphon.
Actually, I had intended to ride on White Paul, but after confirming the availability of two saddles, I took out the handheld mirror.
"Could you take a photo...?"
"Yes."
"[With Rafael's green gryphon.]"
[#NightFlight #Adventure #NewBeginning]
That should be good enough.
"Hold on tight."
"..."
Contrary to expectations of some discomfort, the flight was relatively comfortable, and Lindel slowly faded from my sight.
As we left behind the lively city and marketplace, the forest started to come into view, with scattered lights illuminating various areas. They were probably parties that had come out for expeditions or hunting.
These individuals, who appeared to be intermediate adventurers, gathered around campfires discussing their plans or preparing for the next day's hunt.
Although it was an ordinary scene, it still evoked a fantasy novel-like atmosphere. The makeshift camps with tattered tents had a nostalgic feel.
'That's just how things are.'
Compared to that, the camp in the distance was strikingly different.
'It's quite extravagant, isn't it?'
Such was the thought that naturally came to mind when looking at its appearance.
Firstly, it was remarkably large in scale. It gave the impression of a fortress made of tents, or perhaps a small village.
Unlike mobile tents, this camp filled the plain, and the glamorous items reminiscent of glamping were illuminated by lamps.
I had a feeling, but the griffon...
"Is it over there?"
"Yes, it's a bit modest..."
'What makes it modest?'
"I thought you might feel uncomfortable, so I paid attention to it."
'In that short time?'
"It's not fully completed yet, but... it seems we arrived too early."
"There was no need for that. I'm worried that we caused inconvenience to Rafael's party members."
"No, they were already in a state of no progress. The party members will undoubtedly be pleased."
'That's your opinion...'
Although they may not know, the Holy Swordsmen party, caught up in an unexpected event, might leave an impression. It's nice to receive help, but how many people would want to do manual labor and set up a camp during their rest time? If you think of it as a temporary camp anyway, there's no point in doing such meaningless tasks. Even if it takes a long time, it should be finished within a month...
They're not even using separate employees. How disillusioning it must be for first-class adventurers to set up and install things like this themselves. Naturally, it lacks practicality. The purpose of setting up the camp in the first place was to search for the dungeon. Since security is enforced within the party, a conspicuously visible camp would actually be a hindrance. Well, in a way, it might be successful. Who would think a party investigating the dungeon based on such appearances? They probably think it's a plaything brought out by someone like Yijihu with a lot of money. They wouldn't be interested. It looks good enough.
The photos will probably turn out well... It's a visual that could be seen in a camping magazine. Maybe that's why they raised their voices earlier. While I was thinking about such trivial things, the griffon slowly descended and landed, and the faces of the people who quietly greeted us came into view.
"It's been a while. Honorable Cardinal."
"Yes, Lee Joo-hyuk. How have you been?"
The hunting dog, still charismatic
. "Hello, Honorable Cardinal. I'm glad to see you like this."
"I'm also pleased. Marion. I heard you've been through a lot."
"No, it was nothing."
The miracle priestess, Marion.
"Greetings, Honorable Cardinal."
I couldn't remember the rest, but still, it would be nice to greet each and every one of them slowly with the Mind's eye. The party's size seemed to have grown quite a bit since I last saw them, and there were unfamiliar faces as well. It would be better to call them by their titles and names together, rather than pretending not to know them, to create a favorable impression.
"Ah! I've heard a lot about you. You're Neina, known as the Gray Sorceress."
"How... how did you know...?"
"I really wanted to meet you separately... It seems fate has brought us together. I never dreamt I would be with Rafael. Actually... I tried to contact you in Blue as well... but it seems we were a step too late."
See, she's going crazy. Look at how her face brightened up.
"I've seen many camps, but this is the most wonderful camp I've ever seen."
Give them a compliment for their efforts. The final touch to win favor is to act modestly.
It's not something that appeals to everyone, but parties accustomed to field life, without their own clan or guild house, usually enjoy this kind of thing. If I mention reminiscing about the past and even just mention poking around the campfire, they go crazy. Look at that delicate person who doesn't seem like they would lift a finger in such situations.
'Already, look at their faces. Except for the Honorable Cardinal, they have different thoughts.'
"I'll take care of it, hyung.'"
"It's alright, Rafael."
"We don't want to inconvenience you, Honorable Cardinal. We're already grateful for your presence..."
"I'm just concerned that I might have overstepped. I want to inform you in advance, although I don't think the Blue Guild would try to intercept our party's achievements..."
"Oh, oh, oppa!"
A voice was heard right at that moment.
"The timing is... a bit off."
"Oh, oh, oppa...?"
"Could it be... are you Jeong Ha-yan?"
Neina, known as the Gray Sorceress, blinked her eyes and opened her mouth.
"Is it really Jeong Ha-yan?"
"Yes... yes, hello."
She greeted with a slight bow, unmistakably Jeong Ha-yan. Han Sora sitting next to her was also visible.
Seeing a familiar face in a slightly unfamiliar place brought joy, but why did she appear at such a timing? The people I contacted were not supposed to be them.
As if asking for an explanation, I looked at her, but she avoided my gaze and hesitantly began to speak.
"Oh, it's because it's a dangerous place for children. Th-th-thus, as a guardian... I-I came as a representative..."
'What's so dangerous about it? Those kids are no match for even average adventurers...'
Quietly, the children revealed themselves from behind Jeong Ha-yan and Han Sora.
Cherubim, Dominion's, Thronus, Seraphim.
"We greet our father."
"We greet our father."
After everyone synchronously spoke in unison, they started bowing, showing a slightly awkward smile to Rafael's party members who were staring blankly.
"These children are here to help with this matter."
"I'm Thronus."
"I'm Dominion's."
"I'm Cherubim."
"I'm Se... Seraphim. P-Pleased to meet you..."