Regressor Of The Fallen Family [EN]: Chapter 277

We have to admit, just trying to impeach the Pope because the Heretic Inquisitors disappeared won’t completely defeat him. But it will worry him.

I am just worried because I think a bigger problem will come after that small issue, my lord.

Yes, there is a way to change that small worry into a very big change.

Yes?

Clayton’s question was met only with Logan’s smile.

I didn’t remember it right away.

He had many memories from his past life, so it was hard to quickly remember something about church people, which he didn’t care much about before.

But the moment Cardinal Austin said ‘impeachment,’ a memory came back to him as if by magic:

– Someone tried to kill the Pope.

– But while they investigated, they found out the Pope had been lying for decades.

– He was a fake saint, which led to his impeachment.

Of course, he didn’t know all the details. When he heard the rumor before, he just laughed, thinking the church was corrupt and the Pope was a fake.

And now, even if someone said the Pope was a fake saint, no one would believe it.

But what if that rumor started while people were talking about impeaching the Pope?

Someone will start to doubt and try to find out if it’s true. That’s enough.

He would be impeached because he had been corrupt, wasted people because he abused his power, and pretended to be a saint.

There won’t be any time to investigate why the Heretic Inquisitors disappeared.

Clayton’s eyes widened in admiration, his mouth slightly open as he listened to Logan’s plan.

Where did you find out about this?

His friend Damian is very talented.

Wow… He really is an amazing friend. I should ask him for help too.

How could a mage, who always wants to know the truth, stop at just one or two questions?

Logan imagined Damian looking annoyed, but he just ignored feeling a little guilty.

The secret of going back in time must be kept secret no matter what.

Even though the church is corrupt, they replaced the Pope because he was pretending to have God’s authority.

The information about going back in time, which is messing with time and space in a way that even God can’t do, must never be known.

As he thought about his plan again, his master quietly spoke up.

Still, to avoid people suspecting you, you need to have a good alibi, my lord. I trust you’ve taken care of it?

That was a good point. Even though he was causing trouble in the Empire on purpose, McLaine, who hated them, would be the first one people suspected.

Also, only a few groups could defeat the Heretic Inquisitors with just a small number of people.

But even with that question, Logan just smiled confidently.

Of course, I have prepared properly.

Meanwhile, at the royal palace…

Then we will continue with the plan, Your Majesty.

Thank you all for your hard work. Thank you for your efforts, Father-in-law.

Yes…?

Roberts Floyd was a little confused by ‘Logan’s’ words.

Father-in-law, huh?

He didn’t usually use that term in official situations.

But he couldn’t dislike being praised in front of so many people.

Roberts felt happy for some reason and replied with a smile.

Haha, no need to thank me. I will be leaving now.

As the royal court officials, including Roberts, left, Dwayne, who had been bowing with a smile, stomped hard on Logan’s foot.

Oww!

Logan yelped, jumping back as Dwayne’s foot landed hard on his.

Dwayne, even though he was doing something he’d never normally dream of, glared down at Logan (or rather, Rick in Logan’s shape), his teeth showing in a snarl. “Are you crazy? *Father-in-law*? Why did you say *father-in-law*?!”

I… I just… how can a servant talk to the Emperor like that?

Rick stammered, his voice shaking a little.

What was that?

Dwayne’s voice was low and dangerous.

S-sorry!

Rick quickly bowed his head, shrinking under Dwayne’s angry gaze.

Dwayne sighed heavily, some of his anger fading. He clapped Rick on the shoulder, but it was more like a punch. *Thump!*

Ugh!

Rick groaned, stumbling slightly.

Listen, Rick,

Dwayne said, his voice still rough but a little calmer.

Get it right! You know the Emperor’s habits better than anyone. You used top-level magic to look exactly like him! Are you going to mess it all up after just a few days?!

Ack! It hurts, Administrator! Why are you so strong!

It’s all for the Emperor and you, you kid!

Thud. Thud.

Ah, I don’t think so…

Dwayne felt a slight twinge of conscience at the muttering of Logan, or rather, Rick disguised as Logan. It was true that he had been subtly enjoying the pleasure of scolding Rick, who had Logan’s face, for the past few days.

But to hide such sincerity, Dwayne came on even stronger.

What, you brat? Someone is very worried right now, and you keep making mistakes, what are you saying?

Dwayne grabbed Logan’s, no, Rick’s collar with a distorted face.

In fact, with his build alone, he was on par with any knight, and with his thick beard, he could easily be mistaken for a bandit when he deliberately frowned.

Of course, it didn’t work on Rick, who had been watching him since childhood.

Ah, no. It’s just that I’m now officially the Royal Chamberlain, so you’re treating me too roughly…

Dwayne didn’t really listen to Rick’s complaining.

Ah, this feeling…

The moment he grabbed the collar of the one who looked like Logan, he seemed to be immersed in a sweet fantasy. The hardships he had endured so far flashed before his eyes.

That’s right. How much have I suffered because of you?

I’ve even been suffering from stomach problems lately, so I deserve this much, right? It’s not the real one, it’s a fake.

Hey! I’m telling you. Even though I look like this…

Dwayne’s voice grew louder and louder with the rising excitement in his heart.

No! How dare you! What are you doing…!?

How dare I? …Huh?

At that moment, his body suddenly stiffened at the voice that came from behind.

Turning his head with a creak, he saw the royal court officials who had left the office a little while ago standing there. The faces of the officials, each holding something like a gift in their hands, were filled with bewilderment.

Sir Dwayne??

What are you doing right now?

The words omitted from Roberts Floyd’s mouth automatically played in Dwayne’s mind.

Cough! Th-there was some dust on His Majesty’s royal robe.

Dwayne, who had hurriedly turned around and spat out an excuse, glanced at the things held in the officials’ hands.

That wrapping paper… it looks very old. Where did they find that?

In addition, the officials were holding all sorts of things to make you strong and healthy.

Why at this timing?

But what brings you back?

Ah. His Majesty is newly married, but it seems there is no good news yet. As a father-in-law, I have prepared some gifts. I was originally going to visit separately, but these people, haha. They all pushed at the same time.

Ah… Haha. I see.

Dwayne glanced back and glared.

If it were normal times, when he clearly distinguished between public and private matters, this would not have happened. It was probably a small change created by that title of father-in-law.

Dwayne gave Rick, who was wearing Logan’s mask, a fierce look as if to say, ‘See that?’

Haha. It seems our Minister of Finance is closer to His Majesty than I thought. I never knew you were so affectionate.

Dwayne felt a chill run down his spine at Roberts Floyd’s suddenly lukewarm voice.

Turning his head again, he saw that suspicious gazes were still directed at him.

Hahaha. Well, I’ve been close to His Majesty since he was young.

The air in the room was thick with tension. “Was it? That’s a little different from what I heard…” a voice said, cutting through the silence.

Cold sweat trickled down Dwayne’s spine. Without turning, he subtly moved his fingers behind him – three quick flicks. *Emergency.* The signal was clear: *Act like Logan McLaine would. Speak like him.*

Rick, standing close behind, saw the signal and understood perfectly.

“Dwayne. Head down,” Rick commanded.

“Pardon?” Dwayne responded.

His head turned back slowly.

*Are you crazy?* Dwayne thought, trying to convey his panic with his eyes.

“I must have been too easy on you because you started working for the King,” Rick said, a faint smile on his face as he perfectly imitated Logan. “There are limits to jokes.”

Dwayne’s body trembled, reacting to the words and actions of his lord. He couldn’t resist.

“I, I apologize. Your Majesty,” Dwayne said hurriedly, bowing his head.

The ministers, including Roberts, nodded with relief. Dwayne, still bowing, saw their expressions and felt a small sense of relief himself. But then, Rick plopped down on top of him.

“Kuh-heuk! H-h-腰… Y-Your Majesty?” Dwayne gasped.

“Hush. Be quiet,” Rick said. “Isn’t this a light punishment for disgracing the king in front of the ministers?”

“Ugh, eueugh,” Dwayne groaned.

*You little… Are you taking revenge right now…?* Dwayne thought, resentment building, but he couldn’t express it.

“Ah. And you said it was a gift, Father-in-law?” Rick asked.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I have gathered only items that are good for men,” Dwayne replied.

“Haha. You shouldn’t have,” Rick said, his tone lighter, perfectly mimicking Logan after work. He was secretly pleased, thinking of something that would shock Dwayne if he knew.

*Hee hee. Lyla will like it. His Majesty is a superhuman, so he doesn’t need something like this,* Rick thought, a sly smile on his face as he considered his succession plan.

Later that day, far from the King’s court, in the busy streets of Noviens, people were talking. The capital city was buzzing like a disturbed beehive. Everyone was talking about Cardinal Austin’s plan to remove the Pope. In the market squares and narrow streets, people whispered their opinions.

“Even if Austin tries,” one woman said to her friend, pulling her shawl tighter, “he’s still the Pope, isn’t he?”

A man selling bread nearby nodded. “Seven cardinals are on the Pope’s side, they say. And many more priests. Austin doesn’t stand a chance.”

Even people who didn’t like the Pope agreed. The feeling in the city was clear: the Pope would win. This challenge would fail.

Meanwhile, another shocking rumor spread through the capital, adding to the sense of impending doom.

The returning Inquisitorial Order had vanished without a trace.

There were signs of a battle, but it was impossible to track using either sacred law or magic.

It was presumed that the investigation team had been completely destroyed. It was certain that an earth mage was involved, but the culprit remained unknown.

The collective dispatch of inquisitors, which had been a major topic of discussion, had ended in an unexpected tragedy.

Although the inquisitors were a relic of the past, they were clearly the temple’s elite. As a unit, they were as powerful as the Holy Knights, so the list of possible culprits was short.

“If it’s within the Empire’s territory, isn’t it the Empire’s doing?” someone asked.

“Why would the Empire do that?” came the reply.

“Still, the Empire is the only place with the power to do such a thing.”

“Why? There’s also the McLaine Kingdom,” another voice suggested.

“That small country?” someone scoffed.

“It’s small, but the king is a superhuman. And there’s also an earth mage. Above all, they would have a reason to hate the inquisitors.”

The opposition was silenced by this suggestion.

But then someone said, “That small country dares to attack the ‘Temple’ in the ‘Empire’s territory’? Leaving aside how it wasn’t detected, they must be crazy…….”

Most people dismissed the idea as impossible.

In addition, voices that would normally have been suppressed began to emerge.

“Wasn’t it the Pope who sent the inquisitors without clear evidence in the first place?”

“They didn’t even make a formal accusation of heresy. This overreach must have been punished by God.”

Criticism of the Pope was growing.

The temple’s leadership, especially the Pope’s supporters, took the situation seriously.

“The authority of the temple has collapsed! We must find the culprit by using all our resources!” someone shouted.

“That’s right! Whether it’s Ares or McLaine, they must pay for their sins!” another voice added.

This outburst occurred during a meeting of all the cardinals who supported the Pope, except for Austin and Ilia.

Cardinal Tenner Rainey, acting on behalf of the Pope, spoke in a grave tone. “Currently, McLaine is the most likely. The Empire has no reason to do this.”

“But there are no signs of troops moving. Does that kingdom have the power to defeat the investigation team so quickly?” another cardinal asked.

“That’s something we’ll find out if we investigate,” Rainey replied.

“Haha. Well, if there are no other options……,” the first cardinal conceded.

“Let’s send the Holy Knights to investigate. We must make them confess, even if we have to use force,” Rainey declared.

“Without the Pope’s permission?” a cardinal asked.

Even Tenner Rainey, the Pope’s right-hand man, was momentarily silenced by this question.

“Until the idea to remove Cardinal Austin from his position is rejected, the Pope’s duties are suspended. We have no choice,” someone said after a long pause.

At that moment, the conference room door burst open, and another unexpected announcement was heard.

“B-Big trouble! Strange rumors are spreading in the streets!”

“What is it this time?!” a cardinal exclaimed.

The capital, already buzzing with rumors about the missing Inquisitorial Order, was now filled with even more shocking news.

The ceremony to make Julio a saint was a fraud.

He is a fake saint.

This bizarre rumor, which no priest could ignore, was spreading rapidly throughout the capital and surrounding areas.

It was well known that the appearance of the saint, the first in 50 years, had greatly helped Julio rise to the papacy.

In other words, these rumors threatened the very foundation of the Pope’s power, overshadowing even the talk of impeachment and abuse of power.

“Oh, come on……,” one cardinal muttered.

“Does that make sense?” another asked.

“Still, the situation now is……,” a third added, his voice filled with worry.

Under normal circumstances, the residents would have laughed off the rumors, but because of the recent ominous events, most people couldn’t help but listen.

“Arrest all those who are spreading these rumors!” a cardinal ordered.

“Seal off the temple and prevent the priests from hearing these stories!” another demanded.

“Anyone who spreads false rumors will be severely punished!” a third declared.

The cardinals who supported the Pope denied the rumors with fierce determination.

But then, Cardinal Austin, who had proposed the impeachment, and Ilia, the newly appointed Saintess, added their voices.

“The Pope is not only a criminal but also a fraud,” Austin and Ilia announced.

The public opinion of the entire continent, including the capital, began to focus on the central temple.

More specifically, on the upcoming trial to remove the Pope.