ZEN [5]

Regressor's Instruction Manual Episode 926

Zen (5)

"Yes? Where are we going?"

"Let's go together."

There was undoubtedly sympathy in his eyes. Perhaps it was pity for the Saint of Light, who had been burdened with a harsh fate. I couldn't be sure of his exact thoughts, but it seemed like he pitied the Honorary Cardinal.

Of course, it's not definite. From Templar Zen's standpoint, he had to gain my favor. The current situation might be an opportunity created by him, Simon, and Cardinal Johann's interactions.

Regardless of the outcome, it's interesting that this criminal seems intrigued. Well, who wouldn't find me pitiable?

But still, it's intriguing that this criminal seems interested. Usually, people may sympathize, but they wouldn't act upon it.

Empathizing with someone's pain and extending a helping hand are entirely different matters. In his case...

'Is his temperament always like this?'

He may not be consciously aware, but he might be reflecting on himself when he looks at me.

Having grown up in the temple, raised as a templar before reaching maturity, he must have felt that his destiny was predetermined from birth.

Due to his faith, he might consider his life to be a blessed one. However, does his subconscious really believe that?

The fact that he feels empathy instead of blessing for being chosen by Benigore is...

'It's somewhat perplexing.'

He could be seeing himself through me... or perhaps...

'Perhaps everything could be an act....'

The most important thing now is that this criminal is taking me outside.

"Um, it's too late now. I don't want to wake others up. I'm sorry, but..."

"That's not what I meant."

He's not casually suggesting a stroll around the Holy See, is he?

"Zen, I'm sorry, but..."

"I'd appreciate it if you could come with me."

Even a fool would understand his intentions from his words.

Knocking on the Honorary Cardinal's window in the middle of the night, coming to see me despite my refusal, and now saying it's a stroll.

Even though I am a naïve Saint of Light, I must not fail to perceive the underlying meaning in his words.

Of course, I unconsciously put on a vacant expression. Instinctively, I raise my head.

As if wanting to escape from this suffocating place, as if seeking a brief comfort, I stand up with a vacant look on my face. Naturally, he nods his head too.

"It's chilly at night."

'Yeah, you came prepared.'

"Please excuse the mess."

A large mantle quickly wraps around my body.

It must be for the purpose of hiding my identity.

Well, it does look dirty. Damn it.

But this much should be enough to conceal my true identity.

"I apologize for the rudeness."

Then, after he embraces me with one hand, we begin to ascend towards the sky. Despite unfurling his wings a little later than me, his flying skills are not ordinary.

Although he wasn't faster than Kim Hyun-sung, the scene of him passing by swiftly and the sound of the wind felt unfamiliar.

'Will this work?'

I felt that it was too easy to get away, but...

'I'll tell Chang-ryeol and Lian...'

And the knights and guards should have been taken care of by him. Given his presence, he could have thought of taking me outside.

Finally, he hesitated slightly in midair. As he slightly lifted the dirty mantle, the nightscape of the Holy See came into view at once.

As many lights as there are stars shining in the night sky illuminate the city.

It's such an obvious sight, but I can't help but widen my eyes.

"Wow...."

I should at least pretend to be impressed.

"It's beautiful."

It's not really beautiful.

"Yes, I also think so."

"But... Zen... Is this okay?"

"It's probably not okay. If the knights or priests find out, it might not end with just a warning."

"But why..."

"I just... wanted to do this."

No need to say more. With a wry smile, I throw out a clichéd line.

"Then... we're accomplices, right?"

"What?"

"We escaped together, so we're not accomplices? Can we go back in a few hours?"

"About three hours... Outside..."

"That should be enough time."

It's only three hours, but it means I can be free. I can escape this stifling cage without anyone watching me. I can temporarily break free from these suffocating chains.

Of course, it's only natural that I feel like I'm in a stand where I've been confined since birth. I smile sincerely for the first time in a while.

The mantle covering my body is a bit dirty, but I still send a laugh that says I'm glad to see him.

This is what I needed. I needed this time as the Honorary Cardinal.

Yes, it's right to show lively actions as if I'm saying that this time is necessary for the Honorary Cardinal. Let's return to the curious Lee Ki-young who is full of enthusiasm for the world.

"Where are we going?"

"To where the Honorary Cardinal wants to go..."

"I... I'm fine..."

"Then, how about we visit the night market?"

"A night market?"

"Yes."

The options are appropriate.

Rather than overly safe places, it's better to be in sync with the people of the Capital.

I seemed to prioritize the location first.

Actually, I've never been to a night market in the capital. Maybe because it's far from the city center[Lindel], I had no reason to look for it, and it's also a challenging place to visit due to my status as the Honorary Cardinal.

"From here on, we have to walk."

"Yes!"

As I walked, I couldn't take my eyes off various scenes. Although I had seen some of them before, they were still unfamiliar.

Walking the streets as Lee Ki-young, not as the Blue Vice guild master, felt strange.

I didn't greet or offer prayers. Everyone was solely focused on themselves. Actually...

'I wish they'd pay a bit more attention.'

Getting attention is more familiar and enjoyable, but I can't risk revealing myself, so I hesitated slightly at first.

However, as time passed, my steps grew more confident.

I continued to take in various fascinating sights, walking faster and even touching items displayed in shops.

"Zen, look at this."

"Yes."

"What is this?"

Well, what could it be? Damn it. Probably just some commoner's food.

"It looks like a byproduct of the Lesser Monster, Hambeo. I heard it's a consumable material and has a unique taste."

"What? Monster...?"

I had a pretty decent stature. I lived too comfortably in the Blue Guild.

"Would you like to try it?"

'What? Are you fucking crazy?'

But I couldn't say that.

"Yes, of course."

With an expression full of anticipation for this first-time experience, enthusiastic Lee Ki-young responds on my behalf.

I waited for Templar Zen waits to buy the unidentified food.

"Here you go."

"Yes...."

With a somewhat fearful expression, I bite into it and start chewing. The unique taste of the unfamiliar food begins to spread in my mouth.

It's more edible than I thought, but because of its slightly unappealing appearance, it's not easy to swallow. Damn it. Can't collapse. Lee Ki-young. Can't collapse....

"Tastes... delicious!"

"Haha."

"It has a unique flavor. This is...."

"Would you like another one?"

"What?"

"Yes! Please, Zen."

You goddamn criminal. You're gonna pay for this later. This bastard.

"Ah! Look at that, Zen. They're performing on the street right now."

"Then let's go there."

"Yes!"

"Rise up! Then I will gift you the future!"

"Ah."

"Rise up! My hero! Then I will gift you the future!"

"...."

I think I can guess the content of that street performance without seeing it.

"Is it always this lively?"

"Yes. I don't come out often, so I'm not sure, but..."

"Hey, come here and take a look! Selling inferior potions!"

"Selling various tableware!"

"Benigore's personally carved wooden figurines."

"Ah!"

"We also have a wooden figurine of the Honorary Cardinal. Would you like one?"

"A figurine of Benigore...."

"Yes, here it is."

"Uh, the payment..."

I didn't know the market price, and I didn't have any money, so I couldn't help but look awkward.

It's like an overly elaborate setting, but quietly, the approaching figure finishes the payment and hands over the wooden figurine of Benigore.

"Thank you, Zen."

After holding it preciously in my arms, I then run off to another place, blending into the crowd of people, visiting various shops.

I encounter intoxicated passersby, roam around various stalls, exaggerate my reactions while clapping, and even get henna on my wrist.

"Look at this, Zen."

"It suits you well."

"I should wear long sleeves tomorrow."

Pretending to be happy isn't easy. In fact, my legs have been hurting since earlier.

I want to go home and rest quickly. Damn it, why does three hours feel so long? Is this for real?

I have to wake up early tomorrow too.

But let's keep pretending to be happy. I have to act really cheerful. That way, he might take me out again next time.

'I wish this moment could last forever.'

I'm so happy.

I feel like I could fly. Is this what freedom feels like?

Of course, this moment doesn't last long. I notice the guy who's been glancing at me since earlier.

His gaze is filled with worry, probably wondering if my acting was too much. But the Honorary Cardinal doesn't forget his role. I know better than anyone that this place isn't where I truly belong.

The brief moment of freedom, a gift from Zen, fills me with gratitude.

The least I can do is to relieve some of his burden. My role is to play the part well, nothing more. I smile widely and speak up.

"Shall we... head back now?"

I notice the mix of guilt on his face as he nods in agreement.

-----

Poor Zen, so far, he is my favorite.

[[I should really stop reading spoilers from the forum 😭, I heard that in the latest chapters Ki-young is.....]]

Alright I won't spoil for you.