Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 274

“Your Holiness, the inquisitors report that they are unable to conduct a proper investigation due to local interference and are requesting support.”

The voice resonated calmly.

The recipient of the report furrowed his wrinkled brow beneath white eyebrows.

“…Pathetic.”

They complain when they can’t make a direct connection.

‘It certainly has been too peaceful lately. It’s as if oil has accumulated on the water.’

The Pope was keenly aware that he had turned Ecel Fabrun, a venomous serpent, into a pig.

“Not only are they unable to take charge of the fallen, but they can’t even carry out their investigation activities.”

“Does that man not even understand my words…?”

“Excuse me?”

A bitter smile crossed his face, but it was too late to replace the head of the investigation team, so the Pope spoke with a chilled face.

“Send another formal missive to the Kingdom of McLain, and tell Cardinal Ecel to embrace martyrdom if necessary. If the investigation team returns without issue, I will hold them accountable.”

“…Excuse me? Ah, yes. Understood.”

Seeing the bishop flustered, the Pope clicked his tongue and dismissed him with a gesture.

‘There’s not a single one who understands at first.’

Those raised in the stagnant culture of the temple showed one of two things: utter blockheadedness or absolute corruption.

From the perspective of one who gives orders, corrupt individuals felt more convenient than the stubborn, which confirmed to him that his decisions had been right.

‘Change is indeed necessary.’

Then, the face of a youth who had significantly influenced this decision came to mind.

– By simply doing the work the temple should do a tad early, you will gain the support of the next Emperor of the Empire.

Apart from the hefty donations, that single phrase had moved him.

‘Prince Baros. He is indeed a madman.’

Though he hadn’t stated it overtly, he seemed to know well what he wanted.

For him, there was no need to refuse an offer that pushed him onto a path he was eventually going to take.

As the pinnacle of the continent’s religion, he had already enjoyed all the riches and honors.

Yet, there was still greed left in him.

“It’s about time I carve my name into history.”

The wait had been too long. The myth that a poor commoner from Aserian had become the Pope was not enough to satisfy him.

What he wanted was for his name to be remembered forever.

Furthermore, he wanted the people of the continent to think of the Pope before even the Emperor of the Empire when speaking of the world’s sovereign.

The Pope, who had risen above the world, was a commoner without a name, now known as Pope Julio Umberto the First.

‘First, I’ll sort out the heresy in the eastern continent and amplify the temple’s influence. That’s the start.’

By subjugating the small countries on the frontier, he would build an absolute influence over the entire eastern continent.

A Pope who quelled heresy and expanded the church’s influence.

A Pope before whom even the Emperor of the Empire would bow.

Great deeds that would be recorded in the history of the church seemed attainable.

Of course, there were obstacles, but they were not insurmountable.

“How far has Bishop Ilia come?”

“He should arrive in about a week, according to reports.”

“I see.”

If the saint was in his hands, then some of the dissidents within the church would have to shut their mouths.

‘If she does not have the stigmata, then disposing of her will do.’

That would be a fine warning to the dissenters.

It would serve as an example that even a bishop could be subjected to a religious trial and burnt at the stake.

‘In any case, that’s when the real fun begins.’

Pope Julio Umberto the First smiled craftily and gazed out of the window.

The holy city Noviens, which was no less grand than the imperial capital of Aserian, was still peaceful despite his menacing ambitions.

* * *

[Cardinal Ecel has been persistently asking for guidance on those who the Holy Power does not affect—whom they refer to as ‘the fallen’. We’ve been refusing, of course, but the inquisitors are becoming more defiant, and we’ve even had to deploy the knights of the Third Legion to fully suppress them.]

“You’ve been working hard, Master. Please endure just a bit longer.”

[Wouldn’t the temple have also said something if it’s gotten this bad?]

“Indeed, another notice has come. They’re asking if this is the will of the royal family to oppose the temple’s ceremony.”

[The temple is more proactive than expected.]

“We plan to ignore it for a while. So please hold on a little longer. The time I mentioned isn’t far off.”

[Yes, I understand.]

‘Soon… I should start preparing myself.’

After ending the communication, Logan mused over the timing and double-checked if anything could go wrong.

While lost in thought on his way back to the main palace, an unexpected voice caught his attention.

“Oh!? Uncle…!”

“Stella! Address him proper—!”

“Hehe. Your Majesty!”

Patter patter.

Before he could even turn around, he heard small footsteps approaching fast.

Logan saw a lady and her knights looking awkwardly from a distance as the little lady jumped into his arms.

“Oh no!”

With an exaggerated reaction, Logan caught the child and a natural smile spread across his lips.

Below his embrace was a little head with short golden locks, and her big blue eyes sparkled up at him, taking up half her face.

Seeing her chubby cheeks form a full smile, Logan couldn’t help but pinch them gently and asked with a laugh, “Oh, my little lady. How did you come here? Did you miss your uncle?”

“Uhm. Uh. I came to find… Daddy…”

The child trailed off in response to the simple greeting, appearing flustered.

Logan playfully adopted a saddened tone and pretended to set her down, “Ah, is that so? You didn’t miss your uncle then.”

As he started to lower his arm pretending to be sad, the child rushed to respond.

“No, not that. I missed uncle too…!”

Stella’s already big eyes grew larger as she flailed her tiny arms, convincing Logan to pick her up again.

Her name had been chosen by him.

Though she was his master’s daughter, he had nothing specific to call her, so he had her call him uncle, and now she felt even closer than a niece.

“I know, hah. Uncle missed Stella a lot too.”

“Hehe.”

Rubbing her soft cheeks against his face felt like all the worries in the world were melting away.

Watching her play, Logan heard a slightly embarrassed voice next to them.

“I’m very sorry, Your Majesty. The child is quite resolute… We came on an outing to show her around the palace and ended up here…”

The Duchess, Rose Mayor, his master’s wife, looked uneasy. Logan immediately waved it off.

“Not at all. I’ve been feeling guilty about giving my Master so much trouble lately. Feel free to visit anytime. Am I not Stella’s godfather after all?”

“Godfather? Uncle, what’s a godfather?”

“Stella! You should use honorifics!”

“Pouting… Your, Your Majesty?”

Intimidated by her mother’s scolding, Stella quickly added her title.

Despite how endearing it was, Logan felt guilty for a moment.

“Ah, it’s fine. Stella is free from fussy titles with me.”

“Really? Uncle is the best!”

“But Your Majesty…”

“Haha, it’s fine. Just be careful when my Master is around, will you?”

“My child’s manners…”

“So it’s okay when he’s not there, right? It should be fine that way, don’t you think?”

“……Do as you please.”

Accepting Logan’s words, the Duchess sighed lightly and Stella gleefully climbed onto Logan’s back like a little monkey.

“Uncle! Over there!”

Forgetting her previous query, she pointed towards a corner of the palace, giggling and innocent.

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