Regressor Of The Fallen Family [EN]: Chapter 366

The rapid changes in the Holy City over the past week had once again drawn the eyes of the people of Noviens to the Central Temple.

“It hasn’t even been a few months since His Holiness the Pope took the throne…”

“It feels like too many things have been happening lately.”

“What is the world coming to…”

Religion, by its nature, often becomes more traditional as time goes on. It tends to prefer stability over change.

And the people in the Holy City probably have stronger faith than anywhere else in this land. They saw all the recent events, from removing the old Pope to now, as very fast changes, almost like a disaster.

There was also news that added to the worry.

“I hear an army is coming from the Empire?”

“Who’s saying that?”

“That’s nonsense!”

At first, it was just a rumor, but the fact that nearly 10,000 Imperial soldiers were speeding towards the Holy City was gradually spreading.

During this time, as the people of the Holy City trembled with anxiety…

But someone important, in the same city, was feeling impatient, not scared.

“Not yet? Still not!?”

Inside the study of a large house, the sight of a young man pacing back and forth was now familiar to his companions.

“Your Highness… it’s really hard to move the trial up. It’s not for three days, you know?”

Leos’s answer showed his deep concern.

“Iik, what about the Sword Soul’s army?”

“At this rate, they should arrive in two days.”

At those words, the Prince’s face became even more serious, but neither of them noticed the one-eyed knight standing in the corner wincing.

Perhaps even if they had noticed, they would have thought he felt the same way as them.

‘What should I do?’

A storm was raging in the heart of the one-eyed knight, Jerome Dicaid.

Just before the Sword Soul and Gale Wind armies arrive, kill Baros and make it look like the Holy Kingdom did it.

The secretly delivered order.

That order, which came in the name of the Emperor and his teacher, weighed heavily on his heart.

It was the Prince, no less. Moreover, he was the man he had sworn to help become the next Emperor.

A knight’s oath and the Emperor’s command.

A knight’s shameful deed and a subject’s duty.

As the conflict in his heart grew more and more intense, urgent voices rang in his ears as he squeezed his eyes shut.

“The excuse will probably be about Max’s affair, right?”

“Yes. For now, Tris and Galen are saying they will visit the Holy City using that as an excuse.”

“Hmph, bringing an army of ten thousand. Who would believe that?”

“But it’s an ambiguous number. It doesn’t seem like they plan to start a full war.”

“That’s right. But if the truth about the Black Serpent comes out in the trial, they’ll push in, saying they’re going to catch and kill the Empire’s enemies. They also have the excuse about Max.”

“But isn’t Cardinal Tracy also in trouble right now? As things are, might he agree to what His Majesty the Emperor wants?”

“What? Announce that he’s giving up the Pope’s position or serving the Empire? No way. Tracy is the one in trouble, not the Black Serpent. That old guy isn’t in the Holy Kingdom.”

Leos spoke hopefully of the best-case scenario, but Baros dismissed that hope.

And those words were certainly objective.

He showed a cool-headed judgment even though it was about his own fate.

Leos was even more disappointed because of it.

‘If it hadn’t been for that thing with McLaine…’

If he hadn’t messed up back then, he would have won the fight to be the next Emperor without any problems. Instead of being anxious in a place that wasn’t even the Imperial Capital like this.

But as things were now, he couldn’t just keep regretting it.

“Then how about we arrest Cardinal Tracy? If he’s going to refuse what His Majesty the Emperor wants anyway, then even for our own sake…”

“No. I’m the one who brought those guys in in the first place. Getting rid of one tail won’t be enough to hide it.”

“And what about Cleed? I heard he messed up with those guys too. Maybe… if we play this right…”

“That’s also because of those guys, so in the end, I’m even more in trouble.”

“What if we help Tris with her mission and help take over the Holy Kingdom?”

“All that would do is help someone else. And they won’t even thank us for it.”

The conversation was just going around in circles without a clear answer.

The red light of the setting sun filled the room. It made everything look red, like the color of anger, and seemed to press down on them.

Jerome, who didn’t have the courage to speak, blankly stared at the red light when Baros’s voice broke his thoughts.

“Sir Jerome, do you have any ideas?”

“…Ah, yes?”

“I’m talking about a way to stop your teacher’s and granduncle’s armies.”

The words he chose clearly showed what he meant. But the only thing Jerome could say was what he already knew.

“…I’m sorry, Your Highness. They’re not people who change their minds because of personal feelings.”

“Yes. I know that too. But I’m telling you to say anything you can think of. Good ideas often come up when you’re just throwing out thoughts like this.”

“Ah…, yes.”

What kind of idea could he have?

He hadn’t even been able to shake off the worry in his heart.

“So if you have any ideas, tell me right away.”

“I will, Your Highness.”

“Good.”

The hand patting his shoulder felt heavy.

Jerome could feel his face stiffening.

But then…

The Saintess has come to see you.

An unexpected guest had arrived.

“A private meeting? Now?”

The Saintess, who had come suddenly, had a strange reason.

“Yes. There is something she needs to talk about with the Prince alone. It is important.”

Baros was confused.

Maybe because he felt guilty about the Black Serpent, he had tried to avoid contact with the Saintess’s side while doing this plan. But the main person had come herself.

Moreover, a private meeting?

‘What is she thinking?’

He stared silently at her, but in her mysterious silver hair, pure white robes, and especially in her uniquely blue eyes, there was no sign of doubt.

A woman whose calm presence was more impressive than her beauty.

Since there was no reason to refuse, Baros had to nod.

“…I understand. You guys wait outside for now.”

“Yes.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Leos and Jerome followed his orders without hesitation.

Even after everyone else had gone, the Saintess just looked at him. She didn’t say a word.

“…Saintess?” Baros asked, feeling the silence grow heavy. It was uncomfortable. He spoke first, just to break it. The Saintess blinked, as if waking up. “Oh,” she said, surprised. “It seems someone is still here…”

Baros blinked, surprised by her words. Then he sighed, like he was used to strange things. “Number One, are you there?” he asked. A voice came from nowhere. “Yes, Your Highness.” The Saintess didn’t even jump. She seemed to know about this ‘Number One’.

‘Even Jerome, with his special sight, can’t see Number One without trying hard,’ she thought. The word “Saintess” suddenly felt like a big weight on her shoulders. She closed her eyes, and put her hands together. She whispered words softly. *Flash!* Suddenly, bright white light burst out from her, like a small sun. It made a bubble of light all around them. ‘A Holy Magic Barrier!’ Baros realized. This magic made a shield. It was very strong magic, harder than healing magic. Usually, only groups of priests could do it, not just one person. Baros had never seen anyone do this alone before.

“Now we can talk properly,” the Saintess said. “…Amazing,” Baros said honestly. He looked at the Saintess in a new way. He thought the barrier was just for privacy. But her next question surprised him. “Prince Baros,” she asked, “how much do you trust the Emperor?”

“…What do you mean?” Baros asked, confused. He didn’t understand what she was getting at, but he felt uneasy.

“…Someone I know told me something,” the Saintess began. “It’s a terrible idea, maybe even disrespectful to think it. But if it’s true, even a little bit true, it would be very, very bad. That’s why I had to talk to you.”

She spoke slowly, making sure he understood how serious this was. Her words made Baros feel cold inside.

“Heh,” she laughed nervously. “It’s crazy… The Emperor… my Father… would he…?” The words came out like he was in pain. He didn’t even realize he had made a fist until he saw his hand shaking.

“I know it sounds impossible, a very rude guess. But like I said, if it’s even possible…”

“No, it’s not true,” Baros said quickly, looking down. He was talking to himself more than to her. “Thank you for telling me,” he said, but his voice was shaky. “It… it helps me think.”

But his face was white, and his eyes were wide and scared.

“I know this is rude to say again,” the Saintess started, but Baros cut her off. “No,” he said, his voice now strong and sure. “It’s very likely true.”

“What?” the Saintess asked, surprised.

“Even *I* would do it, if I were the Emperor,” Baros said. “It’s the best thing for the Empire.”

The Saintess stared at him, eyes wide. She had thought, ‘This can’t be true!’ But Baros was saying it was possible, even likely.

“What are you saying exactly?” she asked, confused and worried.

“Before I explain,” Baros said suddenly, “I need to shout. Sorry.”

He jumped to his feet and started yelling, without waiting for her to say anything.

“KRAAAH! Damn it! You…!” He screamed, his voice cracking. He grabbed his own hair and pulled hard.

“Me? Just something to throw away? Me?!”

*Thump! Thump!* He started hitting his head against the light barrier.

The Saintess watched, worried. ‘Is he going crazy?’ she thought. Then, just as suddenly as it started, the shouting stopped.

“Hooo,” Baros breathed deeply. “Excuse me.”

His hair was messy, his lip was bleeding where he had bitten it, and his face was red. But his voice was calm, which was strange after his outburst.

“I thought I was seeing things clearly, but I was wrong. I was too relaxed. Thank you for opening my eyes, Saintess.”

“Oh, no, Your Highness,” she said. “But… really?”

“Yes,” Baros said. “I’ve been wasting time on silly things. What you said is probably true. And if it is… then maybe the one who will do it is… Heh.” He laughed a little, a cold laugh. “A private meeting. That was smart. Thank you, Saintess.”

The Saintess was confused at first. She had only asked for a private meeting because she was afraid to say these things out loud. But then she understood what Baros meant. Her face became serious, just like his.

“So…” she started to say.

“You should go now,” Baros said. “I can’t just let them kill me. I need to make a plan. Isn’t that enough for you, Saintess?” His black eyes shone with anger and determination.

The Saintess saw the anger and something else in his eyes – regret. She didn’t say anything, just turned and left.

When she went back outside, the others rushed in, shocked to see Baros.

“Your Highness!”

“Saintess, what did you do to him?!” Leos and Jerome looked angry and worried. Baros just waved his hand.

“It’s okay,” he said. “Don’t worry. I learned something very important. I need to change my plan now, thanks to her.”

“Plan?” Leos asked, confused. “What plan?”

“I need to attack Tracy first,” Baros said quickly.

“What?” Leos asked, his face blank with surprise.

Baros didn’t stop to explain. “Number One, are you there?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the voice replied.

“Get that ‘thing’ from Lord Tracy,” Baros ordered. “Do whatever you have to do. We don’t have much time. You have two days. Go now.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the voice said again, and then was silent.

Baros closed his eyes and sighed, feeling Leos and Jerome staring at him, full of questions.

“Jerome,” Baros said. “Can you see if Number One is still here?”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Jerome said quickly. His one eye glowed silver for a moment. He looked around the room and then shook his head. “He’s gone.”

“Okay,” Baros said. He nodded and pulled Leos and Jerome closer, speaking quietly, almost whispering in their ears.

“The Emperor is trying to kill me,” he said. “And I think… I think the ‘Ghosts’ are going to do it.”

Leos and Jerome gasped. Jerome’s eye widened in shock.