ALTANUS [7]

Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 970

Altanus (7)

"Thank you for your assistance, Priest."

"...."

"If it weren't for you, Priest..."

"Templar Jenny."

"Yes?"

"I apologize for causing trouble. To get involved in such a situation... I don't know what to say... If I had thought a bit more about Templar Jenny..."

Originally, I wouldn't have talked about the prophecy in front of Templar Jenny. Of course, there's an excuse.

We couldn't even grasp the exact power dynamics within the Underground Temple, so Dracttarius must have been cautious about Templar Jenny, let alone knowing about the fact.

It was my mistake to not anticipate that Templar Jenny would get involved in this incident. Superficially speaking.

"..."

"..."

'Playing around with a kid like that is no joke.'

Naturally, from my standpoint, it's better to create a debt for him. Although he's just a kid, he's quite a strong one, and his future seems promising, so it's good to seize such opportunities.

How does he view me now? Suddenly, a kid like Templar Jenny has been entrusted to me, the respected and role-model priest.

He's been given a responsibility related to the continent's threat, surrounded by an indescribable light, a priest of ill fortune.

Perhaps this priest was born to face a harsh destiny, a destiny that might involve confronting a colossal threat.

Even up to this point, it's a tantalizing subject that would drive kids his age wild.

'But rescuing him could even cost his life.'

He doesn't owe me his life.

To be somewhat ambiguous, he's on my ship now. Of course, at the moment, he doesn't have any specific role. In the midst of the gusty wind, he's just a junior Templar and his role is simply to keep his mouth shut.

But does he think that way too?

Traditionally, priests tend to attach unnecessary meanings to such matters. The guidance of the gods, fate, or being pointed at by Lucifer.

Naturally, the younger you are, the easier it is to waver. He might be entertaining such naïve thoughts.

For him, meeting this priest is an act of divine guidance, protecting this priest who must confront a harsh threat, another entrusted role for himself.

"Priest, it's not your fault. Priest..."

'That's right, I was in a daze. I was in such a bad condition that I had a fit.'

"Priest must've been struggling too..."

I smiled slightly.

"How can I say that only I was struggling?"

"Yes."

"I believe Templar Jenny and Dracttarius must've been struggling as well. Of course, it's not to justify Dracttarius' behavior. Threatening Templar Jenny... that was clearly wrong, but... I think my mistake of not considering the differences in our positions is even greater. That's why..."

"...."

"...."

The kid nodded slightly. Of course, it doesn't necessarily mean he agrees with what I said. Perhaps finding it hard to argue against it, he showed an awkward smile.

Afterward, he had a contemplative expression, and again with an awkward look, he spoke.

"Priest...?"

"Yes?"

"What will happen to the continent? How will it turn out?"

"That..."

I patted his head. It might have been a slightly impolite action, but he didn't seem to mind. After all, we were already best friends.

"That... you don't need to worry about that, Templar Jenny."

As they say, trust your elders. Positions.

"Of course, you must have various concerns, but there are excellent priests and templars in the underground Temple, so there's no need to worry."

"Yes?"

"If Templar Jenny had enjoyed the life given to him a little more..."

"Ah..."

You're fine. Leave this to the adults. You might provoke some resistance. This priest is treating me like a child. That's how you could interpret it.

But to him, it might feel unfamiliar. Who would have ever said something like this to him?

From the moment he opened his eyes, he was born as Lucifer's servant in the Underground Temple, where he was compelled to become an adult. Sacrificing himself for strength, for Lucifer. That's the life he's lived.

Telling him to enjoy the life given to him, I can confidently say that no one else would utter such words except for me.

Besides, he might perceive this face as different. "He's different," might be the thought going through his mind.

"I... I also... helped..."

"Yes. I know that too, Templar Jenny. But that's not necessary for now."

"...."

"Someday, Lucifer will greatly value Templar Jenny. But that time is not now."

"Priest..."

"See and learn more. Until Lucifel believes Templar Jenny is ready. The world is vast, beautiful, and expansive. There's something to learn even from the small things, from new places that are novel and fresh."

"...."

'Back then, I didn't know. I didn't realize the meaning behind the words you said to me, Priest... I didn't think about it back then.'

It might be fine to progress the story in this direction. Interestingly, he really seemed like he didn't know.

While I gave a slight hint about the future, he seemed to be intoxicated by the warmth the priest offered and by comfort he hadn't experienced before.

I patted his head once again, as a matter of course. He seemed a bit embarrassed, but he didn't avoid my touch.

Of course, it didn't take him too long to regain his composure. He was on a mission right now.

"Ah! P-Priest, it's time to move."

"Already, it's that time?"

"Yes. The ceremonial attire will be provided by Archbishop Dracttarius. So, you can prepare in the Society Chamber."

"Is that so?"

"The order of entrance is fifth."

"Yes? Why..."

"Perhaps it's a consideration from Archbishop Dracttarius..."

That's why you have to stand in line properly.

"I will escort you, Priest."

"Please do, Templar Jenny."

"Yes!"

It's really important to stand in line like this.

Originally, there was no such thing as an order of entrance. To be exact, I was in the extra position. Rather than being introduced and entering, you have to be present without anyone noticing.

I can't receive attention, and I have to look at the entrants with an envious expression.

Of course, it was a fitting position for a wandering priest with an unknown name. Simply being invited was an honor, and... this place was for sponsors from the surface.

A place for powerful figures who provided resources underground, for strong individuals with special military power, or for deeply rooted nobles and royalty, all from the upper echelons of society.

People like powerless wandering priests or philosophers admired by the continent's people, intellectuals, were just tagging along to fit the mold.

Naturally, cases where you're assigned an entrance order involve the former, while for people like ragtag individuals, they're not introduced separately and just fulfill the role of filling up the society's membership. It's not easy to converse with high-ranking officials.

Dracttarius seems to have more power than I thought.

Moreover...

'The ceremonial attire is quite suitable.'

It doesn't feel overly flashy. It's to my liking. It doesn't make him look like a clown; it's a robe genuinely designed for a solemn priest.

It's not the same, is it? Of course, the clothes I've brought are not unpleasant, but since I'm here, it's best to adhere to the trend of the era.

The atentas who are getting ready quietly gathered around here, helping me with changing into the attire.

There's no sign of awkwardness. While their expressions seem to indicate some discomfort with this kind of treatment, it's more natural for them to assume a motion that suggests I'm accustomed to being attended to in this manner.

After all, Priest Lee Ki-young was raised in an esteemed household.

The attendants and guards present here should serve as Dractarius' eyes and ears in this place. There shouldn't be any conflicts in this aspect of the setting.

"Dractarius is..."

"He's on his way, Priest."

So far, his only drawback is that he's not quick to yield.

'He's so stubborn. Seriously.'

It's still uncertain if the expeditionary force has encountered him, but even though they've been progressing through the strategy for almost a day, there hasn't been any news of clearing it.

I don't think the strategy will fail, but it's frustrating nonetheless.

Soon, voices can be heard from outside.

"Priest Lee Ki-young, are you ready?"

"Yes."

After getting dressed in the attire, we head outside and enter the waiting room. Naturally, a tough guy's face comes into view.

"You've arrived."

"I appreciate your consideration, Archbishop Dractarius."

Start with a greeting.

Although Lee Ki-young didn't particularly hope for this situation, it's appropriate to express gratitude for the courtesy.

"I hope I haven't caused any inconvenience."

Yeah. You've caused an inconvenience. I feel like you're trying to politically manipulate me.

"Could there be such a thing? Archbishop."

The fact that a priest with a high-level trust exists in the Subterranean Temple has already spread.

The exact details are yet to be revealed, but Dractarius will likely make an announcement soon.

There's no other reason why he would present me except for this.

What other means could provide more definite power and authority than hearing the voice of God in the religious world?

He wasn't a corrupt clergyman, but precisely because of that, he's even more attached to these means.

He uses me as a means, and in return, I get a backing. The same applies this time.

Announcing that a priest of high trust is on his side, and I...

...become the protagonist of the Church.

"Archbishop Dractarius and Priest Lee Ki-young are entering."

We step forward. My favorite scenery unfolds before my eyes. I feel the gazes centered on me, from the numerous crowd.

Perhaps word has already spread. Whispers are exchanged, and those who carefully examine me from head to toe also catch my eye.

Naturally, they must have expectations.

Since they've heard that I heard the voice of Lucifer, I wonder how deep their faith is. Invited to the underground Church as a wandering priest, they must imagine my conduct to be righteous and typical of a priest.

Of course, Lee Ki-young doesn't betray the image of the crowd.

The eyes are filled with faith, footsteps that seem to exude sanctity, a face that appears to hold many stories, and... respect and awe for Lucifer and Altanus, the Saintess.

The figure once known as the Saint of Light in the continent.

Innate movements on how to guide the gazes have been embedded.

I feel the gazes.

'Look at me. Look at me more.'

Archbishop Dractarius has long since moved to his dais. Silence engulfs the audience as if they're lost for words.

'I am the Saint of Light, fuck.'

"Lucifer..."

"Lucifer..."

Voices are heard. I want to spread my wings. If I really spread my wings, about half of the people here would kneel and adore me.

'The rest of them are probably trying to suck my damn blood, so they're a problem.'

Exaggerating too much might not be good, but I guess some impact is necessary for a first appearance. Emitting a faint light would suffice.

Let's go.

Once again, gazes are directed at me. Of course, I could realize it once more.

'I'm the protagonist.'

It won't be long until countless handshake requests pour in. No matter what anyone says, Lee Ki-young was the protagonist of the Church.

'I'm the protagonist, damn it.'