SERA [14]

Regressor's Instruction Manual Episode 914

Sera (14)

"It's been a while. Pope Basel."

"Oh, oh! Honorable Cardinal!"

The sight of the Pope Basel, whom I haven't seen in a long time, caught my attention.

His face, showing a mix of joy and respect, was quite different from before, making it feel like a different era. It seems like Pope Basel is making an effort to accept my desire to live as a human.

The Honorable Cardinal was the person closest to the Holy Goddess, Benigore, who experienced resurrection and ascended to the heavens, so it's not strange to see such an expression.

'But why does this old man look so thin? He's aged a lot.'

It's not just because of the mood; it feels like he has aged a lot while I wasn't there. Maybe he's under a lot of stress from various issues.

'Maybe Deokgu might be growing old.'

Basically, as magical power increases, aging slows down, and once it reaches a certain level, one no longer ages. Kim Hyun-sung, me, Raphael, Jeong Hayan, Cha Hee-ra, and Lee Ji-hye don't age, but the situation is a bit different for the rest.

Especially Park Deokgu has a low magical power. I haven't thought about it until now, but seeing the Pope Basel, whose divine power has also decreased due to aging, I couldn't help but think about this issue for a moment.

'He still have that Mace, swinging it around always lively. I wonder if I can lift this mace.'

"Hahaha, come on in, Honorary Cardinal. How difficult it was for me to see the face of our Honorary Cardinal... Now I finally get to see it."

"I apologize for not visiting often, Pope Basel."

"How could I not know the heart of the Honorable Cardinal? I just sighed in disappointment. He's been working hard for Benigore and faith in the loneliest and most challenging places. It's all tasks that the Church should take on, but it seems like I've only burdened the Honorary Cardinal with those responsibilities."

"If it weren't for the Church..."

"Even if it's just words, thank you, Honorary Cardinal."

"It's not like that. Pope Basel, how can we ignore the work of the Church? The continent is as it is now because of the prayers and beliefs of the faithful. It's all thanks to Pope Basel's guidance and support."

"Hahahaha, you're still good with words."

"By the way, a prayer meeting..."

"I apologize."

"It's not something to apologize for, Honorary Cardinal. Isn't it a matter that all the faithful on the continent are waiting for? Even I was surprised when I found out. If only I had informed you beforehand... We could have avoided any confusion."

"I'm sorry to inform you like this. "

'Damn it. I knew this would happen. What will happen to Pope Basel?'

Especially at a time when Pope Basel's influence within the Church is weakening, such an incident only adds to the concerns.

It may not be a major incident, but for ordinary people, even small mishaps can be quite sensitive. The news of the Honorary Cardinal's prayer meeting was revealed not through official channels but on Raphael's personal account. Obviously, some people will interpret it differently, right?

There might be speculations like the Honorary Cardinal and Pope Basel being at odds, or the Honorary Cardinal no longer supporting Pope Basel. Even if it's just rumors, it can lead to various discussions.

Especially with the winged beings coming out unexpectedly, it couldn't be worse.

Continuing to show a united front with Pope Basel to the public was also for a reason. I needed to let the followers of the Holy See know that I still support Pope Basel.

In such a delicate situation, even small gestures like this could be helpful.

As I continued to talk about various trivial matters, familiar faces came into view.

Archbishop Jaina, Inquisitor Helena, and others who could be considered part of Pope Basel's circle.

Of course, others were also visible. Even though we gathered briefly before the large-scale prayer meeting that took place unexpectedly, it felt like a party with all the major figures of the Holy See present.

Having everyone gathered like this is rare. Despite the quiet atmosphere characteristic of religious people, conversations were going on among themselves...

'But it's not as warm as I expected.'

It's a bit different, almost like observing a social gathering of nobles. I could see groups forming and people exchanging whispers or being cautious.

It wasn't something I had to look for; the groups were naturally divided. Some people gave me uncomfortable looks, while others sent glances that seemed to restrain Pope Basel.

One of the most noticeable figures among them was Cardinal Johann who was watching me from a distance.

It was when the other Templars gathered.

"Honorary Cardinal."

"Cardinal Johann."

"Pope Basel is also here."

"Come in, Cardinal Johann."

"Thank you for the warm welcome, Pope Basel. And... Honorary Cardinal. I'm looking forward to today's prayer meeting."

"It will be an ordinary prayer meeting as usual."

"Even if the Honorary Cardinal thinks otherwise, I don't think the faithful on the continent will feel any different. I hope you understand that many people are looking forward to it."

"My humble prayers are nothing compared to..."

"Isn't this the prayer of the Honorable Cardinal Benigore's son?"

"Ah! I'd like to introduce you to someone... "

"Yes?"

"Come here."

"Yes."

Suddenly, a new figure appeared behind Cardinal Johan.

The person who revealed himself behind Cardinal Johann was someone I hadn't seen before.

This guy...

"You can call me Simon."

"A Templar, I presume."

"Did you already know?"

"As expected of the Honorary Cardinal. Haha."

"I've never met Simon before... but I've met someone else. I felt a similar energy to him, so I had an idea. "

Actually, I wanted to talk to this guy because I was curious about the temperament of other Templars.

He seemed cold, with jet-black hair. He looked similar in height to Kim Hyun-sung, and the striking violet color of his eyes caught my attention.

Compared to Zen, who seemed a bit childish, he gave off a more rational vibe.

If I had to choose, he seemed closer to our side, like Lee Ji-hye or Jincheong.

I can't be sure. It's just my first impression.

Ah, it might be because the mind's eyes attribute, which allows me to see stats levels, is quite high, so I might be feeling that way...

His calculating nature as a numerical priest is also evident.

There was no sense of hostility. For now, it seemed like they were trying to impress me.

It's not a bad thing for me to look good to them, but...

"I'm sorry. We are discussing important matters with Pope Basel. Could you please wait for a moment so I can talk to you separately?"

"Ah..."

Even though he didn't show it on his slightly crumpled face, he seemed flustered.

"I'm sorry, Honorary Cardinal... I might be... causing some inconvenience."

"It's about the new blessings that Benigore has bestowed..."

"Oh yes, that's right. Honorary Cardinal. Just like Templar Zen, Templar Simon also received Benigore's wings..."

"Yes, I would love to talk about that later. However..."

Without further ado, I wanted to talk to Pope Basel about this matter. I glance at him.

"I'm also human, so I'd like to spend more time with Pope Basel, whom I met after a long time."

"I'm sorry, Honorary Cardinal... I must have... become a hindrance."

"No. How could I possibly think of Cardinal Johann, who is entrusted with such an important role in the Holy See, in that way? I hope you understand that I have some important matters to discuss with Pope Basel regarding the prayer meeting."

I may seem rude, but I tried to show as much courtesy as possible while patting Cardinal Johan's shoulder gently. Notably, he brightened up, and after nodding his head, he returned to his seat, exchanging a slight smile with Templar Simon.

Pope Basel's face, on the other hand, showed more embarrassment than gratitude.

"Pope."

"Your Eminence."

"I hope you always know that I am on Pope Basel's side."

"K-Kgh..."

As I took a slight step forward, Pope Basel also followed suit. We need to change our robes anyway. We'll have to move our seats.

"I heard that the situation in the Holy See has changed."

"Yes. Benigore has bestowed new blessings upon the Templars. It's a significant event for the Holy See."

"The Templars will be more closely involved with the Holy See now. Some followers also want that. Are the Templars going to support Cardinal Johan?"

Pope Basel's voice came through.

"We are currently discussing the next Pope. It's an ongoing topic."

"..."

"Honorary Cardinal, it seems like Benigore is no longer looking at me."

"Just because the Templars, who received Benigore's blessings, don't support you, it doesn't mean that Benigore is no longer watching over you. Benigore always loves and supports all the faithful. She will always be looking after Pope Basel."

'Why are you trying to pull out already? We need to be more cautious. This nobleman...'

"Thank you for your kind words"

"But it's not just flattery. Pope Basel."

I had to be vigilant. I noticed some followers who were in uniform, so it's not much of a concern. They seemed to be from Basel's side, and honestly, I don't care much about the rumors.

Actually, it's better this way. With Pope Basel waiting quietly behind the white curtain, I regret not being able to see his excitement.

"Maybe..."

"..."

"Perhaps the Templars didn't receive Benigore's blessings; they may have stolen his power."

Crash.

"Oops... I'm sorry."

I couldn't hear Pope Basel's voice from beyond the cloth. Instead, I heard the voice of a follower who dropped a glass jar with jewelry in it.

"Apologies, Honorary Cardinal. How can I... How can I repair this?"

It must have been such a shocking sound.

The sight of the shattered glass mixed with the jewelry was more eye-catching.

The face looked startled, as if it had heard something it shouldn't have. The trembling hands seemed reluctant, probably not because of dropping the jewelry.

"It's okay. Maybe it's better to keep it simple today."

There's no need to dress up extravagantly every time.

Removing unnecessary things, a white-robed priest comes into view. Only one necklace is hanging around the neck.

Perhaps because of the carefully woven fabric, it feels sufficient to go out like this; people will only be looking at the wings anyway.

It doesn't matter, and it even gives a more sacred feeling. A bit of jealousy might be good during times like these.

After finishing the preparation, I take a deep breath.

The distorted face of Pope Basel appeared before my eyes, looking as if his old temperament had resurfaced.

"Is that true, Honorary Cardinal?"

He seemed as though he would pick up his mace and strike Cardinal Johan's head.

"Those useless fools... stealing Benigore's power! Is that what you're saying!"

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For some reason, I keep getting free coupons, so far, I've translated 3 chapters, but I won't release them yet, I want to be releasing a chapter or two per day.

Any ways is anybody even reading this???