Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 332

332―――――

Who is the Light?

“…So that’s how it happened.

I can’t help but admire Hispania’s courageous actions.”

The boy visible beyond the magic crystal still had a youthful appearance.

If someone didn’t know better, they might think he was the son of some noble family, but in reality, he was the newly ascended King of Nudia.

Although still young, he possessed a dignity that silenced even the most seasoned adults, a testament to his royal lineage.

“What is the situation in Nudia?”

“It’s not good.

Riots continue in the east, and there are reports of slight movements from the Holy Prussen side, said to be military deployments.”

At those words, Vanessa clicked her tongue in annoyance.

The fact that the King of Hispania and the King of Nudia could converse face-to-face via magic crystal, in a so-called hotline, was thanks to Zion and Ive’s collaborative efforts.

However, this wasn’t a novel idea. Discussions about using magic crystals for communication to expedite matters between the two countries had occurred before.

However, the nobles, who profited from the two countries’ mutual wariness, strongly opposed it.

And because the side initiating communication was perceived as being at a disadvantage, both royal families were content with sending envoys, regardless of the urgency, thus avoiding magic crystal communication, and the matter faded away.

However, with the current dire situation, conveying news and opinions quickly took precedence over pride. Zion, anticipating this, suggested using the magic crystal provided by Ive as a direct line between Hispania and Nudia.

Ive agreed, seeing it as the superior option. While Zion was occupied with moving to the Royal Castle of Hispania, Ive successfully obtained the Nudian King’s consent.

Subsequently, Zion detailed the situation and secured Vanessa’s approval.

“…You’re being remarkably candid.”

“I won’t commit the folly of extending a hand in peace while simultaneously concealing information, Queen of Hispania.”

Vanessa smiled and nodded, observing the boy, still bearing traces of childishness, striving to fulfill his role as a ruler.

She then emphasized the importance of thorough preparations for mutual support, and the Nudian side responded that the world would soon learn the truth, urging them to endure the accusations of being evil and darkness until then.

“…I never imagined I’d witness such a sight in my lifetime.”

Marquis Joaquin, older even than Marquis Volko, muttered in bewildered astonishment.

A moderate level of tension, rather than complete peace, fosters development in all areas.

The difference between having a rival and not having one manifests not only in military strength but also in the sentiments of the kingdom’s populace. Consequently, even Marquis Joaquin had never advocated for relations with Nudia to progress this far.

Furthermore, the intense pride-driven rivalry between the two royal families was another obstacle.

If one side requested communication via magic crystal first, it would be interpreted as a sign of neediness, leading both sides to naturally hesitate in using magic communication.

“…Yet, you’ve accomplished in mere days what has stagnated for decades.”

“Emergency situations often demand that we boldly overcome such obstacles and proceed with the task at hand.”

“Honestly, Zion Clauser, you’re becoming increasingly formidable.”

Marquis Joaquin’s words were half-jest, half-earnest.

From a naive simpleton, ignorant of the world as a boy.

Now, he had become more cunning than himself, a veteran of the political arena, completely captivating the audience with his silver tongue, even bringing down the Celestial race in one fell swoop.

Zion responded to Marquis Joaquin’s muttering with a smile, then scanned the nobles who had been observing him intently.

Normally, they would have eagerly met Zion’s gaze, but now, some were swallowing nervously, desperately avoiding eye contact.

“Those who were excitedly chattering earlier are remarkably quiet now.”

However, Zion’s sharp voice shattered their composure.

Queen Vanessa was concluding her conversation with the King of Nudia, seemingly prolonging the exchange, and more than anything, giving the impression that she didn’t really care what Zion said.

“It was a moment when I felt both regretful and acutely aware of my shortcomings.

If I had paid a little more attention, events like today wouldn’t have transpired.

Everyone would have united and fought for Hispania, but I couldn’t overcome a fleeting thought and displayed the opposite behavior.”

“…”

The nobles, particularly those from the west, began to sweat.

The eastern nobles, closely aligned with Clauser, the southern nobles who had withdrawn their support for Prince Erader and suddenly backed Vanessa, solidifying their position with wealth and status, and even the northern nobles, profiting handsomely from trade with the northern tribes, were glaring at them with displeasure.

Decisively, Marquis Estia, who had already shown a fairly friendly attitude towards Zion even before becoming a Marquis.

Marquis Volko, who had been united with him as comrades while traveling the battlefield together.

Even Marquis Joaquin, who was not as close as the two Marquises but had a good opinion of Zion.

‘When there were Celestial pigeons [messengers], you thought you had an army of thousands, right?

You morons.

You didn’t even realize that was the picture they wanted, and you ran in happily.’

‘What should I do with these guys?’ Zion mused, lost in thought.

Honestly, he felt like seizing them all, leveling every possible charge, throwing them in jail, confiscating their territories and assets, and bestowing them as ‘gifts’ upon influential nobles who would side with him.

‘But if I start like that, the backlash will be too severe.’

Even if you despise them, grant them another chance, or even three.

Being decisive and refreshing is good, but overly simplistic human relationships can lead to accusations of ruthlessness, and a reputation for ruthlessness can spawn absurd and bizarre rumors.

The Celestials’ desired outcome is division, fostering infighting and finger-pointing, so that when the forces of light arrive, they can cry, ‘Let’s blame them all!’ and ignite the flames of conflict.

In that context, if he began by crushing them from the outset, the likelihood of those still hiding and observing jumping to conclusions and turning away would be too high.

‘But everyone usually gives them a chance once, even if it’s just for show.’

It’s not because Zion is kind or weak-hearted.

Rather, he yearned to sweep them all away immediately, but he was saving the dull-colored paints for a more beautiful and fantastic picture.

“But, if you consider the other perspective, it signifies that they were drawn to the positive aspects of light.

It’s a relief that they possess that much righteousness in their hearts.

It would be even better if they were faithful to Hispania from now on.

Isn’t that right, Marquis Joaquin?”

Zion deliberately singled out Marquis Joaquin, who was less close to him.

If even Marquis Joaquin Gutchen, considered the one among the three Marquises capable of keeping Zion Clauser in check, were to side with him, anyone would readily answer the question of who truly held power in the kingdom.

The young master of the Clauser March, Zion Clauser.

“…You’re right.

Although they were briefly swayed by those who value the teachings of light and call themselves the descendants of light, it signifies that they possess a bright side, so if they direct that heart towards Hispania, it will greatly benefit this country.

Isn’t that right?”

At Marquis Joaquin’s words, the nobles nodded unconsciously.

Surely no one here would shout, ‘No?

We will be dogs who follow the light, whether we live or die!’ So Zion decided to be satisfied here for now.

‘In this place.’

“…Hoo.”

At this moment, Vanessa sighed, signaling the end of the communication with Nudia.

The nobles gathered in the room stared at Vanessa, awaiting her next words, and the Queen of Hispania recounted the stories she had shared with the King of Nudia.

“Nudia will continue to monitor the movements of Holy Prussen and will immediately inform Hispania if any special circumstances arise.

In the meantime, Hispania has pledged to support Nudia.”

“Against Holy Prussen…”

“I hope no one harbors any foolish notions.

Since Holy Prussen, or rather the Celestials, have displayed such hostility towards Hispania and Nudia, the meaning of the teachings of light and the descendants of light has vanished.

All that remains are those who brand us as evil and sinners.”

“…”

“Forget your previous assumptions.

Now, only those hostile to Hispania and us matter.”

Vanessa, who had never shown a particularly favorable attitude towards the teachings of light from the beginning.

Furthermore, she had participated in the Holy War and nearly faced a dire situation due to the Celestials’ visit, enabling her to display such resolute determination.

Vanessa paused, glancing at Zion.

Zion had averted the disaster of being swayed by the Celestials and divided before even attempting proper resistance, and he had successfully exploited the Celestials’ weaknesses by launching a counterattack.

In the current climate, she instinctively recognized that it would be more advantageous for Zion to speak and lead the nobles than for herself.

“…Your Majesty’s words are indeed correct, everyone.”

Since Vanessa yielded her position, he begins by praising her.

“From the outset, the Celestials’ arrival at the palace and their overbearing attitude clearly demonstrate their intention to turn Hispania into an enemy at all costs.

If we hadn’t reacted, we would have been deemed disloyal to the kingdom and the royal family, allowing them to exert further pressure.”

“…Ah.”

“Hmm… certainly…”

Ah, what is ah, and certainly, what is that again.

It’s all nonsense, you guys.

Zion chuckled inwardly, once again realizing how differently even meaningless words can be conveyed depending on the atmosphere and the setting.

The words he was uttering now were essentially, ‘We are not at fault.

It’s all the Celestials’ fault.’

Beyond that, there was no substance, just flashy rhetoric.

The crucial factor was the listener’s thoughts and feelings while hearing those words.

‘Ultimately, people are more inclined to heed words that benefit them and align with their beliefs than rational and logical arguments.

In the novel, the Celestials’ words held that power, causing a large number of nobles to abandon the country and defect to the Celestials, where they perceived a glimmer of hope.’

If disasters beyond their control are looming from all directions.

It is the instinct of living beings to seek refuge in something larger and plead for the future.

If Nudia is consumed by fire and vanishes, the north teems with monsters, the south is ravaged by plunder, and the royal castle, the heart of the kingdom, is utterly destroyed, then the nobles’ defection would be a foregone conclusion.

“We are not evil.

Nor are we darkness.

We are, after all, people who aspire to reach out to the light, even if only a little.

So, despite the arduous and lengthy journey, we have somehow followed behind them.

In order to reach that light and become another small light that we ourselves can guide the kingdom’s people.”

“…!”

“But, that light suddenly abandoned us.

Without demanding anything, we simply walked and walked along that light, yet suddenly they brand us as those who have succumbed to darkness.

The Celestials, those hailed as the descendants of light, will proclaim this to the world.

Then I ask you.

Are you truly the ones who betrayed the light and sought to embrace darkness?

Are you truly monsters who would abandon the kingdom’s people who are watching us and following us behind, and try to plunge them into a darkness where they can’t see even an inch ahead?”

“How could that be?”

A voice quite familiar to Zion resonated immediately.

Turning his head, he saw the master of the Bremen County, who had recently joined forces in the south.

Count Bremen was staring at Zion with a resolute expression.

“Although our methods differed slightly from the teachings of light, we still established our own light and strived to follow it.

If we are guilty, it is only that we diverged slightly from Holy Prussen.

That’s all.

Everyone here has lived as nobles of Hispania, as those who must bear responsibility for enjoying their rights.

Is that wrong, nobles?”

Of course, there will be such guys in this place.

A guy who is a noble but not a noble, a guy who tries to avoid responsibility and only enjoy rights.

Even a guy who keeps turning his feet towards the darkness while talking about how good the teachings of light are and how right the will of light is.

Just as there is a saying that it is difficult to follow humans because they are different on the outside and inside, Count Bremen, let alone Zion, had no way of knowing what the nobles in the palace really had in mind.

But there is not a single guy who will bravely reveal that in a place where so many people are gathered.

If you don’t want to be crushed to death for nothing, of course you will.

Therefore, no one did the foolish thing of shaking their heads at those words.

“If I am guilty.”

Marquis Volko, who had remained silent until now, slowly spoke.

“It is only that I saw blood and shed blood for this Hispania.

I am honest with myself, so what am I afraid of?”

“I feel the same way, Marquis.”

“That’s right.”

Following Marquis Volko, the eastern nobles also joined in.

Zion seized that moment and continued the conversation.

“…Everyone must have committed a sin at least once.

But that doesn’t mean we’re evil.

We’re not wrong.

We can assert that we too have strived for our light, but Holy Prussen.

And those descendants of light say no.

Then who is right?

Are those who suddenly appeared after never appearing even once and declare that the path we have been walking is wrong right?

Or are we the ones who have been moving forward without distinguishing between mud and filth for the sake of the kingdom’s people behind us and for the sake of Her Majesty the Queen who is going ahead?”

“It’s us.”

“It’s our Hispania.”

“I’ll ask again.

Who is good?

Who is justice?

Who is the light?

Is it them?

Is it those who only stood by and watched from afar and then appeared and said that it was sin and judgment?”

We are not at fault.

It’s all those guys’ fault.

It’s because of those guys, the bad guys.

As those words resonated in their hearts, the nobles shouted in unison.