Regressor's Instructions Manual 927
Zen (6)
"Shall we... go back today as well?"
"...."
'His expression is still the same.'
Despite a few more days passing, there's no change in his expression. He still looks at me with sympathetic eyes, just like on the first day when we made a little escape.
It seems like he's trying to hide it, but he can't stop feeling empathy for the life of an Honorary Cardinal.
Without even realizing it, he clenches his fist or becomes unusually reserved, showing signs of concern.
So, I had no choice but to make an effort to show a strong and cheerful appearance.
It's more effective to show a bright demeanor than to vaguely express sadness. How heart-wrenching it must be to see a saint born into a harsh fate always pretending to be cheerful.
Resolutely, brightly, I smile as if it's nothing. Even I find my appearance moving.
'I might end up crying if I immerse myself too much."
Don't cry, Lee Ki-young. Show a brighter side. You are strong.
'Don't cry.'
It's a favor to Templar Zen, let's laugh, let's smile. You are happy now.
"Thank you always, Zen."
"Huh?"
"For taking me out like this."
"Well..."
"The continent is really vast."
"Huh?"
"No, I knew it was vast, but I never knew there were so many places I haven't seen. The lively voices echoing in the night market, small theater performances, and this place too. Who would have known that such buildings would be hidden in the secluded riverbank where no one would think to look?"
"....."
"Even used as an adventurer's shelter... It's somewhat romantic. There are bards singing songs and impromptu parties happening here. They share their hunting stories and even camp together. It feels so warm and friendly."
"...."
It's certainly peculiar. I discreetly look around, and there are several adventurers gathered in small groups.
The ancient-style building, with its unclear purpose, has now become a campsite where adventurers rest.
The lesser-known fact is that this place is now occupied by vagabonds, who are intoxicated with alcohol, amidst the debris scattered everywhere, and items discarded haphazardly.
'Don't spit on the floor, you jerks. Damn it, don't just throw your cigarette butts around.'
"I used to be an adventurer, so I know. Once you're outside the city, it's not easy to cooperate with other parties. Everyone sees each other as enemies. I was the same."
Although I probably haven't spent much time as an adventurer, he seems to know that I am pretending to be knowledgeable. He quietly smiles, finding it amusing how I am pretending.
"Haha..."
"Really, Zen. I was a tough adventurer myself..."
"Yes, you must have been."
"...."
"Haha..."
A voice comes from a little further away.
"Hey, you guys, don't you want to drink together?"
"Ah..."
"We don't have anything arranged, but let's drink together. You must be exhausted from hunting the Shadow Beast... We can share some information too."
"We... We have to go back now..."
Naturally, I have to check Zen's reaction, but I also want to stay and interact with them without the guise of the Son of Light.
I want to be Lee Ki-young and have a connection with them.
Looking at him intently, I hear a soft voice.
"Stay a bit longer."
"Is that okay?"
"Yes."
With a shy expression, I get up from my seat and join the adventurers.
Someone hands me a cup that seems to have been used recently, and I follow along with the tasteless rum.
The hygiene is probably over the top, but it can't be helped. Zen is not any different either. To prevent any accidents, he quietly receives a cup from my side. There's no poison in there.
"Where are you from?"
"We came from Castle Rock."
"Oh, you came from far away... Well, it doesn't matter much to people like us. What matters is what you are doing now. You seem to have been kicked out judging by your equipment."
Another adventurer speaks up.
"Is this your first time here?"
"Yes, we came because we heard there's a safe hunting ground here."
The one who answered was another petty criminal. We didn't really coordinate the answers, so I had to listen to him talking.
"It looks like you've become quite close... You must have been together for a while to form a party."
I should answer this question.
"Yes, he is a truly reliable companions."
"....."
"It's good to have trustworthy party members."
"He's not just a simple party member; he's my dear friend."
Of course, I toss out such lines too.
Were you moved? Yeah, he's my friend. That's right. We're friends, you know.
Although we've known each other for a short time, that doesn't diminish the significance of our friendship. It was brief, but that's why it's all the more meaningful.
I hope my words don't come off as rude, but after seeing the quiet smile on his face, I can't help but slightly raise the corners of my mouth.
"....."
"Teamwork is great. This question may not carry a significant meaning. If you're interested, how about going hunting together tomorrow..."
"I'm sorry. I have to leave before morning."
"You're leaving earlier than I thought. There's no need for that... Well, it's a shame, but nothing can be done. Let's have another drink. This rum goes perfectly with Hambeers!"
Ah, please don't give me that. It tastes terrible. I'd wager it's the worst rum ever made.
"Then, thank you very much again, Zen."
"It's nothing."
"See you tomorrow then."
"Yes."
It was not a bad event. There was no decisive turning point, but it was a satisfactory event nonetheless.
Especially saying, 'He's my dear friend, someone I can trust,' might have been the most significant achievement.
But...
'The time is too short.'
Creating a friendship that doesn't exist takes time, and the limited time makes it difficult.
As the events pile up, the bond between us grows naturally. However, it feels like time is too short, considering that it usually takes several months to accomplish such tasks.
"Honorary Cardinal, you have a visitor."
"Did they arrive?"
That's why we need to spend more time together.
"Where are we going today?"
"I plan to venture outside the Church."
"R-Really?"
Venturing outside the Church...
"Zen! It's dangerous! I am coming! Ah! Watch out!"
"It's alright, Honorary Cardinal. I can handle it alone."
"Zen! Left!"
"Haat!"
Together, we defeat the monsters we encounter.
"Uh... Uhh..."
"Honorary Cardinal..."
"I'm sorry. I apologize."
"He seems to have already passed away. It's not your fault, Honorary Cardinal."
"But... If we had arrived a little earlier... If that had happened... Those people wouldn't have to sacrifice their lives."
"...."
We also encounter people sacrificed by the evil of the world. As the story unfolds, our friendship naturally deepens.
With limited time, We have to put effort into each event.
"Zen!"
"Honorary Cardinal."
There are no ordinary incidents.
This is the protagonist's life. Just like when detectives visit a place where a murder has occurred, events of various scales happen wherever Zen and I visit.
"These are followers from another Church."
"H-How!"
"It's alright. They probably won't recognize us. We'll have to put more effort into disguises starting tomorrow."
Encountering priests from other Churches...
"Zen, are you going again today?"
"Yes."
"Where are we going today?"
"I've prepared a ship."
"What?"
We venture out to the sea.
"Pirates! They are pirates! Zen!"
"I am the Pirate King, Gol P. Roger! Hahaha!" [A One P!ece reference lol]]
"Argh!"
"Be careful, Zen!"
Sometimes, we have to face threatening enemies too.
Our hazy friendship gradually takes shape, forming a pseudo bond.
As the days pass, meeting after work and going outside together becomes a natural routine.
Sometimes, we talk about the next adventure all night long, and other times, we meet during the day.
Of course, the atmosphere at the Holy See is still tense, but when watching the Pope Basel's mood, I can't help but find time to be together.
Zen and the Light Saint share special memories, like gazing at the sky together.
"It's a beautiful scenery."
It's a breathtaking view.
"It's so beautiful that it makes my eyes tear up. This is a gift from Benigore. A prayer of gratitude..."
"Yes... Benigore will be pleased as well, Honorary Cardinal."
He's recalling it. Though I can't peer into his mind, I'm sure he's recalling it. He must be.
He wants to show more landscapes, not at the Holy See, not in this confined place.
We don't want to walk through pitch-black darkness but explore all the bright skies of the vast continent.
We might not have the courage to act, but if he indeed considers himself equal to me, there is a chance to reach out.
Of course, there should be a trigger.
In stories, the turning point comes when a conflict arises. Timing-wise, it's about time for a conflict to happen.
Though we seemed perfectly happy together, that's not the essence, dammit. The world is trying to tear our friendship apart.
He also has his own desires. He might have used his pure heart to win the favor of the Honorary Cardinal.
He knows that too.
That's why he can't speak openly about the Holy See factions to me.
If he doesn't say it, then I should say it first.
As usual, at the same time, the aspiring criminal knocked on the window and entered the room cautiously.
I had no choice but to speak, looking at him with an empty gaze. Handing over the gathered documents silently, I could only mumble about the truth behind this fake relationship, which used the pure-hearted Light Saint for evil purposes.
"Is this... Is this because of this?"
1 hour and 25 minutes before this guy becomes a criminal.
"Because of this... Only because of this! You tried to win my favor! Everything you've done for me until now... Was it all because of this?"
1 hour and 24 minutes before this guy becomes a criminal.
"Say something! Tell me! Templar Zen!"
Despair at the betrayal of a friend, tears pouring down.
----
This guy should have been an actor back on earth, he would had certainly been so popular with that sexy face of his and rich.