Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 925
Zen (4)
"What are you thinking, Honorary Cardinal?"
"Nothing important."
"Well then... Thank you for your hard work today. Archbishop Gernihan will be arriving soon."
"Yes, thank you."
I had to gather my determination. This was my role, after all.
For the Saints blessed by the Light, hiding himself and putting aside their true desires was a familiar task. The Honorary Cardinal doesn't weep or mourn, but rather joyfully and proudly accepts his noble duty.
He always wakes up at the same time, offers prayers, and completes personal tasks. He goes through repetitive routines day after day.
'I have to check.'
He has things he wants to do and things he wants to see, but the Honorary Cardinal must hide his true feelings once again today.
Because that's what the world wants from the Honorary Cardinal. Because that's what Benigore desires from me.
Always composed, smiling, living a life for others—that was my destiny.
'I want to go on a journey.'
I want to go on an adventure. Witness fascinating and mysterious things with my own eyes, experience what it truly means to be myself while breathing with ordinary people.
The blue sky stretches endlessly, but I have no place to go.
The Saint of Light has wings to soar through the vast sky, but I cannot spread my own wings.
I know that is not allowed. Killing myself to live—that was familiar. [[T/N: sacrificing himself for others.]]
Living for things I love more than myself is a beautiful and joyful thing.
But why? Why does the Saint of Light occasionally gaze at the sky with empty eyes?
"To go on a journey..."
- Stop being ridiculous. Oppa hates traveling, you know that.
"Ah, why do you have to ruin the atmosphere?"
-Why is the who detested adventures and expeditions suddenly so unconvincing? The one who complains about the discomfort of sleeping outdoors and the pain in their legs and shoulders while marching... Have you ever carried your own backpack properly? You leave that to that pig... You're just good at turning over firewood. You don't even know how to set up a camp properly.
"That's not entirely true, is it?"
- You do have your favorite type of travel. Safe and luxurious. You have to wash yourself clean every day, and you hate anything dirty. If it's even slightly difficult, you'll cry to be carried... You hate getting dirty more than I do during an adventure. And after learning the Hayan Warp Magic, you've probably never walked several kilometers.
"Could you just let me immerse myself?"
- You're too pathetic. That's why. Seriously. There are even fools who believe in that.
"...."
- I thought you were just joking around, saying something absurd...
" That's why you have to focus. And think about it, Nuna. Do you know how hard I had to struggle to survive? I used to explore dungeons and such. It's believable. It's a real coin."
To put it simply, there's a little child inside the Saint of Light who wants to see the world.
"Look at a far-off mountain for him, give him an empty gaze... Especially now that we meet every day. His reaction is better than I expected."
- Yes, his reaction seems good.
"At first, the conversation felt awkward. But yesterday, it seemed like he was even more excited. He showed me materials and passionately described them as if I had actually been there."
-...
"He's quite enthusiastic. He has a will to achieve something. It looks good."
- That could be only up to that point, though. Does Templar Zen guarantee that he will take Oppa outside? From his perspective, it's against Benigore's will.
"It is possible to resist. It's only tough at first. And calling it resisting Benigor is an exaggeration. To begin with, you can start with something as simple as going to a local bar. Gradually expand your scope... and ta-da, in the end.
Are you sure?
If everything goes as planned, we'll leave the Vatican today.
Well, I hope it goes as planned. Ah, I'll go get my teeth cleaned again. Is the atmosphere there alright?
"It's breathtaking."
-That's good.
With those words, the communication abruptly cuts off. My sister is doing her job properly, so it's time for me to do my part. A familiar doll appears in my sight, gently tapping the table.
"Honorary Cardinal."
"Long time no see, Archbishop Gernihan."
He wasn't the type to give greetings from either the Pope Basel's side or the Cardinal John's side. He had a firm character and was sincerely devoted to the Honorary Cardinal.
"I heard you asked for a brief outing."
"Yes, Archbishop Gernihan."
"May I ask... what is it about?"
No need to be nervous. I just need to calmly explain what's needed.
"You probably know... there's an outbreak of a plague."
Purely coincidental, so to speak—a sudden outbreak of a plague. As always, it was an event that I couldn't help but take an interest in from my position.
"I heard that the priests are being dispatched. Perhaps I can be of help too, Archbishop Gernihan."
"..."
"I'm sorry, Honorary Cardinal. The Holy See is putting all its efforts into containing the situation. It's not a significant scale to concern Your Eminence. You don't need to worry about it that much. Right now, your safety should be the top priority..."
"Archbishop Gernihan, but..."
"Honorary Cardinal, how could I know what's in your heart? However, the assassination attempt happened less than a week ago. The Holy See is doing its best to investigate the incident, but... the situation hasn't become clear yet. Honorary Cardinal, leaving at this time is..."
"But people are suffering, aren't they, Archbishop Gernihan?"
"The Holy See has sent support priests. Honorary Cardinal, they are doing their best to contain the plague as well... Honorary Cardinal, you..."
"Archbishop Gernihan, don't think you can deceive me. It's not an easy plague to contain, is it? If I have to... no, if the Church prohibits it, I'll go with the Blue Guild. Please inform Pope Basel of my intention. I'll go see him personally."
Stepping back now would be a stubborn act. He's not like Archbishop Gernihan. Just as I expected, his beard trembles as he opens his mouth.
"The matter is already agreed upon with the Blue Guild. The Blue Guild members and our Benigore Church are doing our best to ensure your safety, Honorary Cardinal. If you truly wish to leave, we will support you, but you must consider the practical issues that need to be dealt with. Honorary Cardinal."
That's right. He speaks well. That's the answer I wanted.
"From our perspective, putting your safety as the top priority, we have to send a contingent of escort troops. Numerous Knights, Inquisitors, and Guardian Priests will accompany you."
Of course, it's not like he's letting me go on my own. In my ears, it sounds like he's asking me to think realistically.
The cost of moving numerous Knights and priests is considerable, not to mention the time it takes to prepare. Since we're moving in the name of the Holy See, we must pay attention to safety, and it's natural that there will be some restrictions.
Perhaps I'll have to search for patients affected by the plague or be cautious of the people around.
It's impossible to do this with just my will. Normally, I wouldn't consider it, but right now, during the intense investigation of the assassination attempt, it's even more impossible.
With a dense troop of guards, there will be crowds, and with crowds, unexpected situations must be taken into account.
It could be troublesome just to go there.
Though he didn't say I was being an obstacle, his expression seems like he's hoping for me to realize his intentions.
"I'm...getting in your way, right?"
It's sad.
"No... it's not like that, Honorary Cardinal. How could I say such a thing to you? I just... I just mentioned the practical issues."
It's a sad situation. Ah, how could such a sad situation have happened?
"We will do our best to find a solution as quickly as possible. One thing..."
"Yes, I understand the words of Archbishop Gernihan. I... I made a difficult request."
The act of maintaining emotions is crucial for acting. I forced another forced smile as if to show that I could understand and accept.
"Don't worry about what I said. Archbishop Gernihan."
"Hon... Honorable Cardinal."
'No, you shouldn't fall for it. Go quickly.'
"Phew..."
'No, don't fall for it, just go.'
Fortunately, the person closed his lips tightly and bowed his head, entering the scene.
Seeing that he maintained a firm stance, it made me think that the person was quite decent.
Naturally, I let out a deep sigh. A useless saint who couldn't do anything. Although everyone hailed him as the Son of Light, he was nothing more than a weak human.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to feel that everything was his fault.
'It's all my fault.'
A melancholic feeling engulfed my entire being. Soon, a voice came from outside the door.
"Honorable Cardinal."
"...…"
"Honorable Cardinal?"
"Please tell him that I don't want to meet today."
"..."
"Or... please tell him that I'm a bit tired... sniff..."
After shedding a tear.
"Also, apologize to Templar Zen."
"Yes, I will do as you wish."
The Honorary Cardinal wouldn't cry even when feeling lonely or sad, but sometimes when he was alone, tears would fall. Ah, there was no one to heal his wounds. If left alone, they would continue to fester endlessly.
'Should I just leave it like this?'
The rumors must have spread already. That bastard might have even seen me steal glances. Should he prevent it?
You also want something from me. I am in a weakened state, so why not give it a try?
Even if it's not what you originally intended, you can still order it. When will such an opportunity come again? [[If you don't get it, he's talking about Templar Zen to come and kidnap him here, that this is his only chance.]]
Looking up at the sky with hollow eyes. Tears trickling down again.
Taking a deep sigh.
Wiping away the tears with the back of the hand. Putting on a sad expression.
Sending empty eyes once again.
And then...
A gentle tapping sound came from the window.
"Sorry for the rudeness of coming here."
"Zen…."
Taking a pause.
"Sir?"
It's important to show a surprised expression as if it was unexpected.
"How about going for a walk for a moment?"
The meaning behind his words was quite obvious.
'You, this future criminal. Even a needle thief can become a pickpocket.'
As always, the first step is the easiest.
---
Poor Templar Zen being deceived.