ZEN [1]

Regressor's Instruction Manual Episode 922

Zen [1]

I thought it would take a little longer for her to realize, but it seems she is more concerned about Seraphim than I expected.

Considering the way she fusses over that kid, it's safe to say she cares about him.

Whether capable or incapable, having achievements or not, it doesn't really matter when it comes to giving affection. I unknowingly ended up thinking about him as well.

'Good signs, huh.'

It's annoying and leaves a bitter taste, but it's the way things are supposed to be. If Seraphim is making Jung-hayan happy, then why should I kick that guy out from my side?

Well, there are plenty of reasons, but I can't help it since I'm the one who planted the seeds. Strictly speaking, it was her family who made Jung-hayan like this, but I also contributed a little.

"Hmm?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Yes.... Hehehe...."

"Why?"

"Ah... it's nothing, really."

"...."

"Really.... It's nothing, okay...."

Of course, she won't immediately rush to Seraphim or anything like that. Instead, Jung-hayan is focused on the person in front of her. Her eyes, wide open as if both eyes that were crying and fussing earlier were lies, met mine.

It's as if she's aware of her current disheveled state and is trying her best to put on a pretty and lovely expression.

"Hehe...."

She's cute.

"Am I... pretty?"

"Yeah...."

"Do you like it?"

"Ah... yes."

"What do you like... about it?"

"I like your attitude of trying your best at everything. I like how affectionate you are towards people around you. I like how you concentrate when you study, and I feel comfortable when I'm with you. Above all, I like the pretty, cute, and lovely aspects of you."

It's a top-notch lip service. About half of it is sincere, so it's easy to say. I should do this once to make Hayan feel better. Unexpectedly, her body is trembling.

"I've thought that way since the first time I saw you."

"Yes... really?"

It's not a lie. Since the first time I saw her, I thought I should drag her to my side. Strictly speaking, it's not a lie.

With her heaving face, the romantic atmosphere seemed to be forming, and it felt natural for her to come close. Even I feel a bit moist from the atmosphere.

Jung-hayan tilts her head at a 45-degree angle. Perhaps there's more of her good side on the left.

She's trying her best to show her left side. Thanks to that, her neck was twisted oddly, but I didn't have the luxury to pay attention to that. As I was about to give her a short kiss, the sound of voices came from outside.

"Honorary Cardinal."

"Hayan."

"Shh. Don't, don't, don't say anything now. Oppa."

'No, damn it, someone's outside.'

"I entrusted my body to instincts."

'Where the hell did you hear that? Kim Ye-ri? Did you take a seductive dance class?'

When I heard the knocking sound again, her face twisted.

"Honorary Cardinal, I'm sorry for coming late, but..."

"Get up, Hayan. Seems like there's still something left to do. And... this is this and that is that, so we need to submit the documents. I think the disciplinary action will be light... and let's look into the missing magic power together."

'She'll probably recover it within today.'

"Yes, yes... w-w-we can't help it. Then, we'll see you later."

Should I come here?

"Yes. Let's finish our work first. I'll contact you right away."

"Yes... yes!"

When Jung-hayan opened the door, I saw a templar waiting outside. It has been a while since she lost the romantic atmosphere, and after glancing at the Templar for a moment, she went outside.

However, the Templar just lowered his head without showing any reaction.

I could roughly guess why he came here. He probably wasn't from the Pope Basel's side. There was no chance that a priest from the Pope Basel would visit at this hour without any contact beforehand, and he wasn't a familiar face to me.

'Faster in action than I thought.'

It seemed like this matter was important to him. He probably realized who held the power at the moment. The chances were high that the side catching the Honorary Cardinal would win.

'They're quick in their actions.'

It looked like they felt cornered.

'Quick to catch on.'

It was right before the action started. The rumors spread by Lee Ji-hye were probably already circulating, but there was no sign of movement from the Pope Basel's side yet. It was likely they knew how the situation would unfold and were prepared for it.

Templar Zen didn't seem to be the one behind it; it could be Cardinal Johann [John], or a joint effort between Cardinal Johann and Templar Simon. It didn't really matter who it was.

"I apologize for the sudden visit."

"It's alright. May I ask what brings you here?"

"Templar Zen would like to meet you."

'That's unexpected.'

"Yes?"

"Could you wait for a moment? I need to prepare..."

"Then, may I take it as a permission?"

"Of course. It's fortunate to have this opportunity, as I wanted to express my gratitude..."

I should wear ordinary priest attire, nothing too flashy. No need for excessive accessories. After all, this was a secret meeting.

Kim Chang-ryul and Park Lian would be good guild members to accompany me. They were trustworthy and would act when necessary.

I sent a quick message to Jo Hye-jin and then looked at myself in the mirror, satisfied with my appearance. I looked a bit tired and sickly, but that somehow pleased me even more.

"Alright, let's go."

"Yes. I'll guide you."

The evening at the Holy See was dark. There were occasionally priests and monks awake for prayers or work, but generally, it was quiet and dim.

The guards on duty looked at me but didn't show any reaction. They greeted me, but there was no sign of contacting anyone else. They were probably from Cardinal Johann's side.

The Holy Knights should be rotating their duties, so if they weren't visible in their regular locations, it was likely they were bought off or had gone to the Pope Basel's side.

'They're more organized than I thought.'

The power struggle seemed larger than I had initially anticipated. The original scenario of Holy Knights dealing with the situation had changed.

I was only guided by one priest, and we were the only ones walking through the wide corridor, which made me a bit nervous.

'Damn bastards. They won't betray me, right? Was I too stupid to come here?'

Kim Chang-ryul and Park Lian should be able to handle the Templars, right? I had already informed Cho Hye-jin, so there was no need to worry too much.

If they were genuinely trying to trap me, it would actually be an opportunity.

'They're digging their own graves. They won't be that foolish.'

I didn't think they would go that far. If they did, then it would be their downfall.

Feeling bored while walking, I looked around with Telescope.

-Oppa said he likes me. That I'm pretty... and lovely.

-Really? I told you he would.

-Oppa seems to be okay with me even if I don't have magic. It's just that he likes me. Maybe he likes me even without using magic.

-I feel the same way. Maybe everyone feels that way. Yes.

-I guess I'm pretty. Does Sora think I'm pretty too?

- Yes, you're definitely pretty. How lovely you are.

- Heh... Hehehe.

- Ha... Haha.... Oh! Sera, huh?

- Well, he's probably sleeping right now...

- Ah, well, that's alright. Let's... Let's go see Sera together tomorrow?

- Really?

- Uh... Yeah.

- Sera will also be delighted. Ha-Yan.

- We can visit the temple together. Right?

- How about taking the Vice Guild Master with us?

- "Oh, if he's free..."

- "Well, I don't think he'll have time..."

"Honorary Cardinal?"

"....."

"Honorary Cardinal."

"Ah, I'm sorry. I got lost in my thoughts for a moment."

"We've arrived."

"Yes."

"The one waiting inside should be him. Have a good time..."

"Yes, thank you, Priest."

The priest stopped in front of a small room with a door. Though the interior didn't appear very spacious, as soon as I entered and opened the door, a quite sizable space came into view.

Of course, the guy who summoned me was also visible. He looked the same as before. He gazed at me with a blank expression, but there were meaningful glints in his eyes that caught my attention.

"I apologize for the rude invitation."

"It's fine. There must have been a reason you couldn't do otherwise. I also wanted to express my gratitude."

As I nodded in understanding, it didn't mean that I understood the political reasons behind it. It was an expression of understanding the Templar's position.

For now, the Saint of Light remembered the Templars as those who needed to conceal their identity.

"And honestly... I also wanted to meet you again."

My words made him show a slight sense of guilt.

'That guy is pushing him.'

Considering his personality, he didn't seem likely to take the initiative, but it felt like he was forced into this situation—probably ordered by Templar Simon or Johann to have a conversation with the Honorary Cardinal.

There was discomfort in his face. I didn't exactly know the meaning behind it, but I didn't find it hard to comprehend his feelings.

'He is an Honorary Cardinal after all, a pitiful saint sacrificing himself for the continent. He is intelligent but naive, unable to comprehend the evil in the world, a saint who lives to believe in every human, a priest who continues to follow his path even though he knows he'll get hurt.'

To appeal to the Honorary Cardinal's affections, that seemed to be the mission given to him. He probably understood the discomfort of such a role.

It seemed like the reason why he, who had been avoiding me, called me here could be deduced.

Templar Zen was currently trying to lure innocent saints into the filthy and treacherous political battlefield.

'To use the ambiguous affection the Honorary Cardinal harbors towards himself as a weapon.'

That despicable bastard. How dare he try to stain the white canvas?

'That vile bastard.'

That wretched scum.

'That wicked bastard.'

"Templar Zen and the conversation we had before, and the scenery we saw together, kept coming to mind. The opportunity came quickly... I'm delighted."

I could only send a bright smile.

Because that was my role.

"We can discuss theology all night."

-----

For me, this chapter was not exciting, but I promise you [and myself] the chapters to come are exciting and most of all painful.

Why did the spoiler refuse to become a detective?

Because it couldn't help but give away all the plot twists and solve the mysteries before the story even started! It knew it would be a terrible "clue-spoiler"!

[[[A speacial thank you to reader "dyuwu" for providing the raws for the upcoming chapters. Thank you very much.]]