SERA [13]

Sera (13)

Regressor's Instruction Manual Episode 913

"Well then... Goodbye."

"Thank you very much for your hospitality."

"We are all brothers under Benigore, aren't we? Whenever you feel like it, you can come and visit. I will always be waiting."

After some events, it's now time to send the guy away. I'm not sure if he fell into the trap, but I believe there's a high chance he has some affection for me.

I can't confirm what kind of feelings they are, but at least we had an honest conversation while floating through the sky as Benigore's son, an experience that's hard to buy even with money. At the very least, he won't be hostile towards me.

Showing the good-natured side of the Son of Light might give him the impression that there's an opportunity to take advantage of me, and that's even better...

It didn't feel too unnatural to suddenly show a friendly side. Zen and I are bound by the commonality of faith. Yes, it's about faith. What could be easier than getting along with someone over shared faith?

We were born in different places and grew up in different environments, but in the end, we are brothers who worship the same god, right?

"If it's not too intrusive, may I ask where your next destination is?"

"I believe I need to report on this mission."

"Speaking of which... yes... I guess I couldn't get what I wanted..."

"I'm sorry for not being able to help."

"Don't apologize. I completely understand the position of the Honorary Cardinal, so you don't have to worry about me. Instead, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable..."

"Uncomfortable? No, it wasn't. It was truly enjoyable in many ways. Talking about faith and Benigore, what could be a more enjoyable time than that? It was time spent with Zen, who works hard for the continent, the denomination, and Benigore. When I say you can come and visit anytime, I really mean it."

I don't know if it's just my imagination, but he seemed to smile slightly. Yes, I should smile too.

"I hope you think of this place as a comfortable resting spot."

"Thank you, Honorary Cardinal."

"By the way..."

"Yes?"

"I hope we can meet again."

How about having a glass of wine and having a deep conversation about faith...

It seems like I should visit the Church. I don't know the exact details, but there's a high possibility that something is happening within the Holy See.

Even Pope Basel, tried to avoid giving me burdens, but just the fact that the Templars have taken action is already a significant change.

No matter how independent the Templars claim to be, they are still inherently connected to the Benigore sect in various ways. Miracles are power and authority.

The miracles manifested by the Templars could be politically exploited. Even if that's not their intention, the Templars are likely to become the most noticeable figures within the Church.

'Pope Basel must be quite a headache. Suddenly, at the end of his term...'

"Phew..."

"He doesn't seem like a very good person."

"What do you mean?"

"The person I'm talking about. There's something unsettling about him. I can't explain it in detail, but... something is strange. The wings behind the sacred monsters are of the same type, and I can sense a similar sacred power. There's something dark about his expression..."

Yes, I think the same way. But there's no need to react so seriously.

"Thank you for your concern, but that person is also a follower of the Benigore's Church, Raphael."

"I'm sorry, my apologies."

"No, Raphael, I know what you're worried about. You need to keep everything in mind."

"Yes... I... That's exactly what I wanted to tell you. We shouldn't let our guard down. Nonetheless, today was a productive day. We were able to hunt new samples, and there was progress in research. Marien seems to have made some progress too."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, maybe we can get closer to the dungeon."

The dungeon is in the basement of the Holy See.

"This time, it feels like more than just an ordinary dungeon exploration..."

I understand. But, Raphael, you seem tired, so let's stop here.

"I may have been a bit bothersome, I apologize. Rest, Hyung."

I have quite the keen intuition. Honestly, I am a bit tired. There's a lot to do and a lot to think about. Usually, I might have accommodated a bit, but I also need time to be comfortable.

"That's not true, Raphael. I just have a lot to think about... There are issues with Seraphim and Cherubim too."

"Oh... right."

"Moreover, the current situation within the Church doesn't look very good. I think I should visit the Holy See in the near future."

"Are you personally leading the prayer meeting?"

"Not exactly, but... well, that's not a bad idea either."

Yes, let's try that. It might be good.

In fact, I had kept some distance from the Holy See to some extent. Getting too involved with them would have exhausted me, and strictly speaking, I was an outsider.

Of course, no one treated me as an outsider since I was the son of Benigore, but with so many titles, I didn't have time to concentrate on the Church.

One of the reasons I couldn't reveal that I wanted to give Pope Basel, a bit more power.

I hoped I would get more deeply involved in the Church, but the more I did, the more attention would be drawn to me.

And above all...

Looking at Raphael, who was already enthusiastic, I felt like it might get a bit tiresome.

"I wonder how many times this makes it?"

The Prayer Meeting, the Church's largest event, is watched live by tens of millions of followers across the continent.

With so many things to prepare and worry about, from outfits to ceremonies, Pope Basel, and Oscar, even Lindel's three major guilds, not to mention several cooperating companies, were all preoccupied with the event. It was impossible to hold such an event regularly.

"I attended all the prayer meetings. Raphael, it's probably thanks to the consideration from the Holy See, but it wasn't easy either."

'I remember. You were always at the forefront.'

"Can I know the schedule in advance this time? It's okay if you don't tell me, but considering the various things happening nowadays, it would be good to adjust my schedule. There are some things related to the ongoing incidents that I should hear from the church's side... And there's a possibility that the Templars are also involved. It might be awkward to neglect the prayer meeting, but... I think the Holy See would welcome it."

"Ah, because of this incident..."

"Yes."

Yes, it's because of you. The reason I have to attend this troublesome prayer meeting.

Of course, it's not because of Raphael. It's just that I need to get more deeply involved with the Holy See anyway, as the dungeon is connected to it inevitably.

If wielded unparalleled authority within the sect, things would be easier. But if he's in the middle of a political struggle, I would need to lend a helping hand.

There's also a need to get closer to Zen, and more importantly, if Raphael's party is to discover the cozy resting place of the Mole Saintess, the stage of their activities should shift towards the Holy See.

"Then I'll go in and take a rest, Raphael."

"Yes. I'm sorry for holding you back. And... I'm really happy."

"If the opportunity arises, how about we pray together?"

"Really? Can we do that?"

No, I didn't expect that. It's not because you're not qualified. It's just that I might feel uncomfortable doing it with someone else.

Let's just send a gentle smile in response and say goodbye.

"Alright, I'll really go in now."

Damn, finally going in now, huh?

I sighed and entered the tent, and there, in one corner, I saw Seraphim and Cherubim sitting.

Ah...

"Uh... Father... I mean..."

I waved my hand casually. They quietly slipped out of the room, their faces showing signs of guilt, like a wet puppy.

Did Han Sora bring them here? I did ask her to arrange a place for me to rest, after all. But seeing these cute little betrayers sneak out of the tent with anxious expressions makes them look like drenched puppies.

"Ah, Seraphim."

"Yes... Yes?"

"Go see your Mother."

"But..."

"Just go."

"Yes... Yes, understood."

He seemed quite confused right now.

By the way...

'Why is she still hiding?'

She seems to be quietly staying here, probably worried about being exposed as she's unable to use magic...

Maybe I should arrange a situation where she can't hide it anymore. But there's still some time, so maybe I should send her a message.

[Hayan where are you?]

[I'm resting with Sora right now, Oppa. What's up?]

[I might have to go to the capital. Is your condition still not good?]

[Yes... I'm sorry... But why do you have to go to the capital?]

[I think I need to hold a prayer meeting.]

[Really?]

[Yeah.]

[Can I go with you?!]

[Shouldn't you rest?]

[But I still want to go with you.]

I wonder what kind of reaction I'll get through these messages.

-Ah, Oppa must be praying at the Holy See!

-Really?

-Yeah... Uh-huh. That's why he has to go to the capital.

-Is it because of your illness?

-Well... Still, I have to attend the prayer meeting. You know the clothes he wears when he pray? I'm sure I can see them this time too. I need to prepare for the recording. So, Sora, would you help? And can I sit in the front row again this time? Last time, I was in the second row.

-That was a special prayer meeting, and the leaders of each Church had to sit in the front row. This time, you'll be able to sit in the front row. I'll let them know in advance. Oh, Sera is here, right? Hayan said you did well and praised you, right? You were so brave, even though you didn't finish the mission. Hayan heard all about it.

-Uh... Uh..."

-But you should never do something so dangerous again, especially not in front of Mom and Aunt.

-Yes... Aunt...

-Alright, Jeong Hayan, it's your turn now.

-Uh... Yeah...

I feel a bit awkward, strangely embarrassed. Seraphim looks up at Hayan with sparkling eyes.

Suddenly, I felt a vibration from the Goddess's Hand Mirror.

Reflexively, I shifted my gaze from the telescope to the hand mirror.

[Today, I have some good news to share with all of you.]

Ah...

[It's none other than the fact that I will be participating in the Prayer Meeting led by the Honorary Cardinal. The exact date is not confirmed yet, but I wanted to share it with many people, so I'm leaving this message. #HonorableCardinal #HolySwordKnight #BenigoreChurchPrayerMeeting #WishingYouAllHappiness #SeeYouSoon]

Somehow, I feel like internet is about to explode.

"Damn, what the hell? How can you just post something like this without a care?"

This brat... Isn't this insane?

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Wow, I edited so many chapters today.