Regressor, Possessor, Reincarnator

Chapter 32

Thanksgiving. A festival to share the year-long awaited harvest and pray for abundance. People gathered in the county every year to enjoy said festival.

What if something scandalous were to arise during the festivities?

For example, someone breaking into the ruling familys manor while security was more sparse.

'An attack by a group of bandits who didnt even know the basics.

Allen remembered the incident that occurred at that time. It was an unprecedented incident that, through Julius, drew the attention of the city and even made a bet with the aristocracy by mobilizing a mercenary corps.

Taking advantage of that, our treasure trove was taken from the manor, and the other noble families belittled us.

In the end, Julius chased the bandits down and killed them, recovering the stolen goods. However, the damage done to their familys honor was irreversible.

Father, this mustve been a set up!

Lost in thought, a familiar voice woke Allen.

I know. It would be even more ridiculous to say that it was just an accident.

As soon as Allen had returned to the manor, he was called into the office. There, Julius was already waiting.

As you already know

So what are you saying?

Gaielle didnt raise an eyebrow while listening to Julius. Calm as always, he maintained his unwavering demeanor.

We must punish those whove perpetrated this at once.

How.

We interrogate them

Gaielle sneered as he pushed his papers aside. Julius didnt have a wide enough worldview yet, which was a good thing for the duke. It made him easier to manipulate.

No, we cant do that.

Why?

Well, then, what would you do? Kill them to shut them up?

...What?

Juliuss face changed to show a stunned expression. Allen watched the conversation quietly, laughing on the inside.

Thats

A lot of people saw it happen. Also, now the mercenaries have gotten involved.

I didnt do that

What did they say? That they were there to step up to protect the weak? Hah. 

Juliuss face turned red, as if he were angry at his fathers words.

With a strange look on his face, the rumors that Allen had heard upon arriving in the city came to mind.

Was it really to protect those who that rascal had hurt?

Hes got some nerve.

No matter how hard they may be trying to make a profit, they were still being commissioned by members of the aristocracy. They were deliberately arguing with a son of a nobleman in order to draw the city's attention, after all. So it certainly wasnt normal.

After the festival ends, this news could spread throughout the entire kingdom depending on how much the citizens or mercenaries speak of it.

He was right. It was impossible to silence all of the floating populations, including the many merchants and mercenaries who came to the county to enjoy the festivities.

But its too late to deal with all this in secret.

...Yes. Youre right. Julius shut his mouth, speechless, making Gaielle let out a small laugh in reply.

So you take care of it. 

By myself?

Juliuss confusion showed on his face.

As if to encourage him, Gaielle said softly, I hear theres an artifact out there meant to settle disputes between mercenaries

Ah!

Julius nodded as if he had realized something.

With a content smile, Gaielle continued, Well, then, go on. Theres a lot of work for you to do.

Understood.

Click.

In the lonely room that Julius had just exited, Gaielle quietly turned towards Allen.

Allen, what do you think?

Well

Can you think of anyone involved?

Allen thought of two people who could have been behind it, but shook his head silently.

I cant.

Do you have any guesses about their motive?

Of course. The bandits will raid the manors treasure trove via the underground waterways. Maybe so they can forcefully take that thing in the trove.

Maybe but arent you trying to use Juliuss notoriety to undermine the family?

Gaielle stared right at Allens face and replied, ...Hm, yes. Thank you. Ive been so insensitive. You just got back.

Its alright.

Have you made any magical achievements?

Yes.

Well, then, congratulations.

Gaielle, nodding calmly, looked at the documents ahead of him again before giving a congratulatory order.

Now, go. Ah, and dont forget to go to the treasure trove.

Alright, understood.

Just as he had done when he came in, Allen bowed politely before slowly leaving the office.

Well

He went to see the faces of the good-for-nothings trying to storm their manor. He laughed coldly at the thought of the men hiding out in the underground waterways.

Taking care of these bandits in the waterways will be a feat comparable to Juliuss contribution.

Moving without thinking, Allen remembered Julius and walked a little faster.

If his little brother starts moving, the bandits will attack.

* * *

Even after Allen had left, Gaielle didnt return to his seat, as if he were waiting for someone.

How long has it been?

Half an hour after Allen had left the room, someone knocked on the door.

Knock, knock.

Its Laina.

Come in.

She came in instantly, opening the door without making a sound. Gaielle asked her a question, as if hed been waiting for her.

Julius will be looking for you, so Ill ask quickly. Are you the one behind this?

No, sir.

Laina answered his question quickly, without any trace of embarrassment. She really had nothing to do with this. Even if there were something going on, however, she had to get her word in.

This was not something that we prepared. Even if it were, it would have never taken place before your consent, sir.

Gaielle replied with a cold smile, You could do things in secret, though, couldnt you?

He knew that it wasnt possible, but he couldnt let it slide.

Thats

She wasn't sure either. When she had just begun to assist Julius, she instructed him indirectly, never directly commanding him one way or another.

Wasnt that what you promised? Rather than setting the stage, fulfilling my requests.

Yes, but this

Laina bit her lip.

No, I dont want your excuses. This job is

Knock, knock.

Ive brought the things you sent for, sir.

She had arrived.

Gaielle wasnt embarrassed at the waiting persons arrival, yet immediately allowed their entry.

Click.

The servant knelt down as soon as the door of the office closed. Lowering her head, a much softer voicethan what he had heard earlier behind the doorcame out from her lips.

Stop bothering that child, Duke. As you wish, we will offer you more support.

Despite the bizarre appearance, Gaielle addressed her without any hesitation.

Well

We will double it this month. Hasnt your wealth increased anyway thanks to your new son?

Gaielle smiled contentedly at her reply, yet stiffened his expression at her final remark.

And one more thing

With that addition, Laina realized the meaning of her words, bowed her head, and left the office.

Click.

We are not to blame for this. Its more likely that its because of that.

That?

The servant smiled and pointed her finger downwards as she stared at Gaielles stiff expression.

The work of your ancestors that you wish to conceal. 

......

Gaielle remained silent, not responding to her actions. However, even with that responsewhether or not she was satisfied with itshe responded in a cheerful tone.

So, I want this to end here. Its not our fault.

...Right, he replied, a weight evident in his voice.

Then youll surely have a lot of work to do Ill get going now. 

Thud.

Wh-Where am I?

You mustve been exhausted.

Gaielle, just like usual, gave the servant a short holiday and sighed with a complicated look.

The servant left the office with a puzzled look on her face, thinking about what to do with her new vacation.

Theres a lot of work to be done.

There was no time to rest. Gaielle grabbed the papers again. The amount of work he had left to do was beyond imagination.

The bright laughter of the festival flowed through his widely spread curtains.

Yet inside the office, it was still dark.

* * *

* * * 

A place filled with a pervasive odor, piles of garbage, and mixtures of waste from the city. Such was the underground waterway through which the citys sewage washed away.

Dozens of men were gathered there in one corner.

So when are we going?

Hold on. Wait a second, punk.

Mismatched equipment and weapons marked with their individuality. Their bodies were full of scars, as if proving that they had gone through rough battles, and the magic flowing through their bodies was enough to receive special treatment anywhere, even if they were not at the level of a knight.

Carden said to Crogen, who was away from his men, Well, how many days have we been in this place? Its been a long time since Ive smelled a ladys perfume.

Its almost done, so just wait a minute. If we get this done right, we can go right away to cross the Great Desert and then get into the empire.

Crogen was huge, standing at two meters tall with a muscular physique. Ordinary people would be shocked to see him. Or any living being, for that matter.

Carden spoke with patience, despite a sudden flood of fear.

Its not because of me. Its because of the guys below me. Its because I got a lot of complaints.

Crogen turned his head to look at his men. Their faces were plastered with boredom and irritation. They were reaching their limits

You dont have to ask me to be able to move, dammit.

Honestly, he was just as annoyed. Why did this have to be so complicated? If he could, hed just get it over with. But they couldnt because they were dealing with aristocrats.

If it werent for the injury, I never would have accepted this job.

No matter how famous he was in the area, he didn't want to carry out this crazy plan of attacking not a thief or a small estate, but the duke.

No, but

Whir

Hold on.

At those words, Carden immediately shut his mouth. He was able to speak to Crogen directly because he was one of his earliest minions, but also because he was clever.

However, even holding the position of vice-boss, it was impossible for him to launch even a small rebellion against Crogen's commands.

All those whod crossed the line to flaunt their friendship died.

He didnt want for himself to die like that.

Not caring about what Carden was thinking, Crogen took out a vibrating glass bead the size of a babys fist. It shone a pale crimson glow.

[Its time.]

The voice belonged to a middle-aged man. The man uttered those words in an imperative tone, as if he were accustomed to giving orders.

Finally

[Tomorrow afternoon. When the citys attention is focused on the battle between the mercenaries, enter the location as instructed.]

Wait, what about the reward?

[...Once you arrive at the designated location with the goods, Ill give you your reward right away.]

Really?

[I dont lie. Would you like me to swear on mana?]

Crogen grinned. How could he know for sure that it wasnt a trap? Nobody would trust a bandit. So how could he?

But would a noble who thought of himself as such really make a deal with a petty thief?

There was no way.

Nevertheless, the reason behind accepting his commission was simple: because it was hard to hold out. The bandit groupwho had been notorious a few years agohad fallen upon hard times. And so, they needed a massive haul to overcome their circumstances.

By the way, I think I can find the trove better if I know where and how Im using the items I have and how to use

[Dont worry about that. Just bring what you need to bring.]

Well, alright. As long as you take care of the reward, well be fine.

If we feel like were being used, then we should just pick up and go somewhere else.

What would they get after raiding the dukes estate? There would have to be some extra income at least.

Well, I dont know, but my men are a little on the duller side. They dont know how to act when they see the shimmer and shine of a gold coin while looking for something else

[...Just take care of it. It doesnt matter what you use while youre there as long as you bring me what I sent for.]

The corners of his mouth began to rise. It was dangerous, but if they were successful, oh, he couldnt even begin to imagine how great the reward would be.

As expected, you have a truly kind heart, sir. We will surely succeed.

[Yes. Ill await news of your success.]

With those words, the crystal ball returned to its typical transparent appearance.

Crogen relaxed his stiffened body and shouted, You hear that? Get ready. Our life of shit-smellin gutter ends today!

The men who had been quietly listening to their conversation cheered after Crogens cry.

Carden felt a little bit of regret, thinking that he should have waited a little longer before talking with the noble. In the end, he hadnt tried to speak with him during their conversation.

Ah! Finally!

Fuck, man, its been a few days since Ive smelled something nice.

Im never going back in the sewer again. Seriously.

Crogens eyes glowed red, and the device built into his chest burned hot. Even if he was a little weakened by permanent injuries, it wasnt like he couldnt sneak in and pick up anything.

If we get this done, itll solve everything.

He was going to make a full recovery from his injuries and recruit new members.

Thinking of a successful future, Crogen burst out into laughter. Whether he was just intoxicated by the thought of such success or it was simply his nature as a bandit, Crogen had been too careless.

Really?

Yeah, if we get this done, itll

Crash!

Aaaaaaaack!

Its a surprise attack! Fuck! Were under attack!

His scream echoed. 

A harsh roar echoed, and the sound was amplified furthermore throughout the blocked waterway.

At the same time, one voice rang out clearly.

Gotcha.

Those filthy bandits.

From the darkness of the shadows, a dark figure swooped in.