Regressor's Instruction Manual Episode 919
Sera (19)
- Basil Pope, your grandfather, hasn't died yet. So, what happens next?
What happens, happens. It just turned into a mess.
The contemplative face of Cardinal Johan, lingers in my memory. From the Templars' perspective, they are facing the worst situation possible. They have lost the opportunity to lead the operation, and there's no other way to explain it. It was as if they had the rug pulled out from under them.
Moreover, those guys...
'They can't possibly be unaware.'
Whatever happened and whatever the reason for those monsters targeting me, they couldn't have missed the fact that the incident today occurred because of the Sanctuary of the Mole Saintess.
[[This translation keeps changing, but the moment you see mole saint/saintess, I hope you will remember that it is the dungeon Benigore updated and then disappears/ The dungeon where she is buried in as a human.]]
Of course, it's my creation, but how could they know that those monsters have traces of Benigore's blood?
They might have various interpretations among themselves, and it could be a limit.
Some might think that the monsters were led by the Templars, that some unexpected side effects occurred as the dungeon was prolonged, or that the monsters inside the dungeon started to run wild after it was distorted.
Although it is not common for monsters to escape from a dungeon that has not been cleared, it is not an impossible scenario.
Before focusing on the factional struggle within the Holy See, I must first deal with the unexpected situation that deviates from their expectations.
-You should have been there. Really.
-It's a pity I couldn't make it. It would have been really fun. Anyway...You've almost got everything you wanted, right?
-Well, yeah.
-Getting the Blue Guild members into the Holy See, revealing the power struggle within the Church, and even giving strength to Pope Basil... all of it.
-So, are we starting the operation soon?
-Not quite yet. We have to carefully select the people to stand on our side little by little. It seems like Cardinal John, is quite cautious too. He will be busy getting rid of any evidence against him. Ah! It seems like public opinion is leaning towards our side. This incident must be a big deal.
-Yeah... It was an unprecedented incident, the attack on the Light Saint during the prayer meeting... People are already talking about it here and there. But are you really okay, Oppa? If I join here, The General will be handling everything alone... Although you are capable enough to handle things on his own... Lately, him seem a bit off after spending time with Kim Hyun-sung. He keeps complaining about you.
-It's not like there's anything really important to do. I'll manage the trivial tasks myself. I'm not that incompetent. Right now, this side is more important. I wish Noona could come here to help...
-For me, going to a party after such a long time doesn't matter. I've always enjoyed socializing with people. It even feels like a vacation.
-It's fortunate that it suits your temperament.
-Actually, I wonder if it's what you really want. You really enjoy gossiping about others, don't you? Why? You looked genuinely happy during the Church Revolution.
-That's not my personality.
-Well... Ah! Anyway, I'll contact you in a bit. I think I have to go now.
Through the telescope, I observe her and sees an interesting expression on her face.
'My noona is quite unusual too.'
Well, gossiping is really fun, after all.
- Yeon-su, let's go now.
-Yes, Unni.
-You've scheduled everything, right?
-Yes. But all the parties are canceled now. Instead, they'll be in the form of gatherings or meetings...
-That's just what they say. Do you think those people will just sit still after such an exciting event? We might have to cancel the parties due to the social atmosphere, but we'll need people who can chat. Confirm all the gatherings and parties that can happen within a week.
-Should I focus on the donors?
-Yes, of course. We need to put pressure, right? Honestly, this isn't my main job, but it seems interesting.
Well, noona seems more than capable. Besides, it's not her main job either.
-But Unni... Weren't you busy enough? Why bother pouring your energy into something that feels like a side task?
-No, that's not what I meant. I didn't have to burden my unni with this kind of task...
-Ah, Oppa needed a title. The title of obtaining information from the Black Swan.
Right.
-Originally, collecting information like this isn't an easy task.
-In this case, the rewards are significant, so the risks are also higher. We need to balance carefully and shake the hearts of those who donate significant funds to the Holy See...
-What can we gain?
-In the Holy See, you have to be discreet; it's not all clean there. The expenses for the Cardinals, priests, and holy knights, as well as charitable activities and services done in the name of the Holy See, all require a considerable amount of gold. Do you know how much it costs to maintain bishops and higher-ranking priests annually? They also enjoy a comfortable life while performing religious activities.
-....
-Indirectly, it's a message to the factions. They're making a wrong choice. If they want to continue living comfortably and lavishly, they should be clear about which side they should stand with. After all, they are not only serving Benigore, but some are also receiving substantial financial rewards. Isn't it fascinating?
It seems that Ji-Hye noona enjoys observing human behavior.
To be precise, she seems to find pleasure in stirring up controversies and creating unrest.
I wonder why her personality is so twisted like that, but the more interesting the reactions from the subjects, the more she enjoys it. Of course, noona didn't assign this task for her amusement.
'It's because it's that important.'
Ha Yeon-soo, who accompanies her, couldn't understand why Ji-hye from the Black Swan had to engage in unnecessary activities like going on a tour.
'Just follow noona's lead.'
If it weren't for Ji-Hye, I wouldn't have entrusted it to anyone else.
-Oh, it's been a while.
-Hello, how have you been, Ji-Hye?
-I contacted you once recently. Hehe.
-That's right.
-Do you like the gift I brought?
-Haha. I was actually going to express my gratitude. Ah!
-You're here. Please, have a seat, Congressman Delarus.
-It's been so long. Fitness Merchant...
-I'm here, even if you can't see me. Congressman Delarus."
-Are you trying to flatter me? Hoho. You seem to be even more beautiful, Ji-hye.
-Even if you flatter me, nothing will fall.
-This one failed.
The atmosphere is good. You're indeed a pro at this.
Speechcraft is also a skill. It's an ability to make others comfortable and create an atmosphere. Just as effective is the ability to lead the conversation and smoothly transition to new topics.
- It seems Mr. Barus won't come today.
-He must be busy. He was looking forward to attending the prayer meeting for days... He needs to calm his mind through prayer.
Same here.
Honestly, it'll be easier later. Just a quick glance at their expressions, a little sprinkle of gossip and tidbits they want, and we're done.
-Actually, we have some information from the Black Swan. Well, I'm not sure if it's related to this incident, but the Holy See seems to be suffering from internal factional issues.
-Really?
-Due to those factional problems, some say there might be a breach in the safety of the Honorary Cardinal...
That's enough to consider this a success.
It's enough to stimulate their imagination, and just knowing that the factional issue within the Holy See has worsened is already a gain.
Furthermore, it might lead to speculations of an attempted assassination of the Honorary Cardinal, though we don't need to go that far.
-Really? Then... did the Cardinal John really...
-No, it's not confirmed, so don't believe it. Fitness Merchant..
-You seem taken aback by what I said. I shouldn't have gone that far.
I'm thrilled to see them in action three hours later.
-We still need to verify... and frankly, we haven't heard anything about the monster who uses Divine Power yet.
-What? So, you mean the attempted assassination of the Honorary Cardinal...
-Shh! Lower your voice.
-Ah... Sorry.
-It's not a significant issue. It's not that exaggerated yet. The identity of the culprit hasn't been determined... but it's certain that there are forces within the Holy See not supporting the Honorary Cardinal and Pope Basel.
-And it's true that the faction problem caused trouble for the Honorary Cardinal's safety.
-That seems certain, but...
-Hah... Cardinal Johan, he didn't seem like that kind of person.
-That's right. It hasn't been officially recognized as Cardinal John yet, that's why. Fitness Merchant.
-It feels like the world has changed suddenly. Ji-hye, even if they are religious people, they all seem like the Honorary Cardinal...
-But Ji-hye, even if the Honorary Cardinal is at the Holy See now, is he safe?
-Fortunately, the Blue Guild members are allowed to stay within the Holy See. I'm sure Pope Basel is also worried about the Honorary Cardinal.
-It can't be helped. Ah, by the way... before the Honorary Cardinal was resurrected...
-Yes, sir.
-The issue of claiming the ownership of the corpse in the Holy See... is it related to this incident?
Did it go that far?
-I don't know anything, so I can't say.
-If by any chance Cardinal John is targeting the Honorary Cardinal's body...
What are you talking about?
-Even considering the recent events... doesn't the situation fit well, Ji-hye?
-Don't tell me. That wouldn't be the case, right?
'Why is he suddenly saying such things? Isn't that too reckless? No matter what, if it's going to make things a mess, what should I do?'
Of course, the people having the conversation probably know that it's utter nonsense.
They are probably just enjoying this kind of discussion and amplifying conspiracy theories. Some of it was entirely nonsensical, but the title of Ji-hye from the Black Swan makes even trivial nonsense sound plausible.
At least, when the fact that the faction issue has caused trouble for the Honorary Cardinal becomes known, that's worth 50 points.
If they recognize Cardinal John as being at the center of that faction, it's worth 100 points on the answer sheet.
'It doesn't matter if it's just rubbish.'
The reproduction of exaggerated rumors would take three days at most. To send someone to their doom is child's play for me.
I can guarantee that the existence of BenigoreNet would be a nightmare for him. Although he doesn't seem to be a real player...
'The result will be the same.'
Since the seeds have been sown, it's time to harvest. Of course, the problems that were kept hidden also needed to be resolved.
"Hyejin-ssi? Hyejin-ssi!"
"...."
"Hyejin! Hey!"
"What's the matter Vice guild master?"
"Did you discipline Hayan?"
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This was the MOST challenging chapter I've ever translated yet.
Well, anyways, 155 more chapters to extract the text from, translate and edit to go...Phew.