How To Use Regressors

34 – Episode 34 – Priest of Time (3)

Kang Sung-jun seemed extremely surprised, as if he had never expected the words “Priest of Time” to come out of Seo Yoo-joo’s mouth.

“Did you just say the Priest of Time?”

“… Yes.”

After a short silence, Kang Sung-joon slowly spoke.

“… Other compensations are possible. However, summoning the Time Priestess would require me or our clan to endure significant losses. That’s…”

Seo Yoo-Ju interjected coldly.

“Endure significant losses. You should.”

“…”

Upon Seo Yoo-Ju’s firm words, Kang Sung-joon fell silent.

“Yoon Sung also suffered significant losses. But can the perpetrator, the Hwasin Clan, not endure such losses?”

“That’s not what I meant. It’s just that the level of compensation is too excessive…!”

“What’s excessive about the level of compensation? It’s only asking for Yoon Sung’s arm to be restored, which he lost because of the Hwasin Clan.”

Kang Sung-joon wiped his face with his hand and spoke.

“… Student Seo Yoo-Ju, I as the Master of the Hwasin Clan do take full responsibility for what Yoon Sung, as a student, has gone through.”

“…”

“However… summoning the Time Priestess is an entirely different matter. Calling her is not as simple as the student makes it out to be.”

“What’s not simple about it?”

“… I’m not sure how the trainee knows about the Priestess of Time, but she is a person in the Holy Kingdom. Not someone from a neutral nation.”

“…”

“Even to summon her, one must present a vast fortune at her altar. I’m not sure if she is aware of this, but her power is a miracle that can be used only once a year.”

“I’m aware of that fact.”

“… The biggest issue is that even if one offers riches and pleads, nobody knows if she’ll accept.”

“… What does that mean?”

“… For almost three years, she hasn’t utilized her power even once.”

Everyone was taken aback by Kang Sung-jun’s words. According to him, it meant that the Priestess of Time, possessing such immense power, hadn’t used it anywhere for three years.

“Do you understand what I’m saying? The likelihood of her not responding, even if called, is close to 100%.”

“…”

“Kings, nobles, elites, leaders of major clans across the continent have offered her immense wealth and made requests, but for nearly three years, she hasn’t used her power.”

Seo Yoo-ju’s expression darkened as she grasped the gravity of the situation.

“T-That’s…”

“If you understand, then please offer a different reward. If it’s another reward, I’m more than willing to comply.”

“……..”

The previously silent Seo Yujoo slowly spoke.

“So… at least, please make a request to the Time Priest, even if we don’t know if it will work. It’s okay to try, right?”

“Seo Yujoo, a trainee.”

“Please, I’m begging you.”

“The probability of it being in vain is high.”

“If you don’t grant the request, I will take this matter to court. I’ll present various pieces of evidence and the indefinite contract.”

Kang Sungjun didn’t seem upset by Seo Yujoo’s words, but rather heaved a sigh as if he felt sorry for her fruitless efforts.

“Phew…”

Other party members began to plead with Kang Sungjun.

“Please, Hyung, save Yoon Sungi! Even just contacting the Time Priest…”

“Yoon Sung Oppa, fix your arm, please! Please…”

Feeling the strong determination of Seo Yujoo and the other party members, Kang Sungjun responded.

“Alright… I’ll try contacting the Holy Empire for now. But don’t expect much. It’s not about buying time; I don’t see any possibility at all.”

Seo Yujoo expressed her gratitude to Kang Sungjun.

“Even just attempting to do something is appreciated…”

“Then I shall take my leave for now.”

******

In the end, Kang Sung-jun concluded that what Yi Yoon-sung had said was true.

After meeting Yoon Yeon and discussing the matter, he had sought out the trainee mentioned by Yi Yoon-sung and found that their story aligned with what Yoon-sung had conveyed.

Kang Sung-jun was now on his way to the prison for a final confirmation, to have a last conversation with Joo Seung-hwan.

When the guard spotted Kang Sung-jun, he stiffened and addressed him.

“The Hwasin Clan’s Master. What brings you here?”

“I came to have a brief conversation with Joo Seung-hwan. Is that acceptable?”

“Oh… Yes, then let me guide you.”

“Thank you.”

From Noble mtl dot com

The guard began to lead Kang Sung-jun.

After a short while, the guard spoke up.

“Here is where you’ll find the Hwasin Clan Master.”

“Would it be alright if I had a private conversation with Joo Seung-hwan?”

“Um…”

Originally, it was not permissible to confront someone belonging to the same clan as a prisoner. However, since the opponent was the divine clan master, the guard allowed it.

“Haha… Yes, it’s fine. Just make sure you do it within 10 minutes… If other people find out, I…”

“I will make sure to finish within 10 minutes.”

“Yes, yes! Well then…”

The guard left the room as it was. Inside the cell, Joo Seung-hwan noticed Kang Sung-joon’s arrival and spoke up.

“Clan master?”

“…..”

“Clan master! Have you come to find me? Can you tell me how things are going? Because of that scum…!”

“Be quiet.”

“…. Yes?”

Joo Seung-hwan was flustered by Kang Sung-joon’s chilling voice.

“…. I came here because I have some questions, Joo Seung-hwan.”

“W-What do you want to know, clan master?”

“….. I know everything. That you threatened and assaulted Yi Yoon-seong, and even tried to kill him. You also attempted to kill Seo Yoo-joo, who came to save Yi Yoon-seong, right?”

“….. Well, it’s true that I assaulted Yi Yoon-seong, but I never intended to kill him!”

“Do not talk nonsense!”

“Master Clan?!”

Ju Seung-hwan seemed to be in awe of Kang Sung-jun’s anger, as if he had never seen him like this before.

“What… are you insane?! You say you didn’t intend to kill him? Then what in the world is the meaning of stabbing his arm with a dagger?”

“No! He… he did it! He stabbed his own arm with the dagger!”

“Are you persisting in lying until the end?”

“No! Please believe me!”

“Nonsense…! Is Yi Yoon-sung a hopeful suicide case? Why would he stab himself with a dagger?”

Ju Seung-hwan himself realized that the words he had just spoken made no sense, and his face turned pale.

“I… I clearly told you before bringing you to the training center. Don’t cause any accidents!”

“Master Clan…”

“Do you even know how much damage you’ve caused to the Clan because of you?!”

“Uh… Uh…”

“The Clan’s reputation has plummeted! The rumor that you tried to murder a fellow trainee has spread throughout the training center! Soon it will spread across the entire continent!”

“That, that’s…”

“The plan to recruit the Western Ideal Party has been canceled. Even the suggestion came from the mouth of Seo Yu-ju to dispose of you. They said they fear retaliation.”

“D-d-dispose of me?! Are you talking about me?!”

“I heard that you even tried to kill Seo Yu-ju, who came to save Lee Yoon-sung. I heard it from your own mouth and from Yoon Yeon’s mouth as well.”

“Please! Dispose of me?! How much have I contributed to the clan…! Haven’t I shown loyalty?”

“You shouldn’t have meddled with the trainee in the first place! Did you not know that meddling with a trainee is an absolute taboo in this world?”

“Clan Master! We must be misunderstanding something! Lee Yoon-sung… he… he stabbed himself!”

“Shut up! Despite your usual behavior, it is my fault for trusting you and bringing you to the training center!”

“Clan Master!”

“After this conversation, there will be a meeting in the clan. Whether to execute you or to destroy your magic circuit and banish you.”

Upon hearing Gang Sung-jun’s words, Joo Seung-hwan’s face turned pale. It was clearly a statement that he would be given the harshest punishment possible.

“I-I… this can’t be… this can’t be…!”

“I came here to inform you about this.”

Gang Sung-jun threw a piece of paper at Joo Seung-hwan.

“This… what is this?”

“It’s a confidentiality oath.”

“Me, really me…?!”

“I cannot simply let you, who knows the clan’s secret, live. If you sign the contract, it will damage your magical circuits and body, but I will keep you alive.”

“Clan Master! Please don’t do this…!”

“If you refuse to sign, there will be an execution ceremony. Think about it in your cell. I will give you three days.”

Jung Sung-jun finished speaking and left the room.

“AAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Only Jung Seung-hwan’s screaming echoed within the prison.

******

“Phew…”

After arriving at my office, I sighed as if I were exhausted.

Just the day before, everything was going well. the recruitment of Seo Yoo-ju’s party was going successfully.

I was so delighted to see Lee Yu-hyun using the protective barrier during the demonstration. I knew he was an awakened individual, but I never expected him to be able to use a protective barrier.

Perhaps Lee Yu-hyun had hidden the information about the barrier for three months, intending to recruit them.

However, despite Lee Yu-hyun’s elaborate plan, until yesterday, I felt like my emotions were being crushed by the fact that they were joining my clan.

Surprisingly, all of this turned into a mess because of one crazy act by that guy. It even left a big dent in the clan’s reputation, and now we had to ask for treatment from the priest of Time.

“… Tired. Did I live my life wrong?”

He prided himself on not having lived his life poorly. However, the sudden events that befell him only cast doubt on his life.

It was a great relief that Lee Yoon-seong and Seo Yoo-joo survived. If Lee Yoon-seong and Seo Yoo-joo had died, the situation would have been truly horrific.

“… At that time, even if our clan is collectively accused on the continent, there would be nothing to say.”

It’s okay to mess with newcomers who have completed their education in Erasra, the continent. Of course, it doesn’t mean it’s morally okay, but even if caught, the consequences are not severe.

However, meddling with newcomers in the educational institution is a different problem altogether. It’s a taboo within a taboo strictly prohibited by continental law.

Of course, there have been cases in the past where some individuals from other large clans tampered with newcomers in the educational institution. However, in such cases, they were never caught.

All crimes are fine as long as you don’t get caught, but once caught, you have to take responsibility — that’s the truth.

In that sense, touching trainees is truly an insane thing, even if it’s called crazy.

“Phew… this is not the time for such thoughts. First, I need to contact the Empire.”

Honestly, he could lie to Seo Yoo-joo and Lee Yoon-seong, saying he tried contacting the Empire, but he didn’t want to. Their eyes seemed truly desperate.

“…. Although Lee Yoon-seong may lack power, it seems he has influence.”

Having such a close relationship here is indeed difficult. The only thing enviable about that man is having such colleagues.

I stopped my thoughts and began infusing magic into the magic crystal.

Not long after infusing magic, a voice began to be heard.

“If you have any desired services, please let me know.”

“Through the VIP communication network.”

“In order to use the service, we need to verify your identity. Please provide your name and affiliation.”

“Kang Sung-jun, Master of Hwashin Clan.”

“I will shortly verify your identity. Please wait.”

“……”

“Your identity has been confirmed. Where would you like us to contact you?”

“I would like to be contacted through the Seongguk, Itas Sect.”

“Understood. Please wait for a moment.”

“……..”

Click.

“… Hwashin Clan Master, what brings you here?”

“…It’s been a long time. Leader Phides.”

“…It’s been a while. I didn’t expect you to contact Seongguk…”

“I have a favor to ask.”

– … Please go ahead.

“….. Can I receive the assistance of the Mistress of Time?”

– Well… if you’re referring to the Holy Maiden… she no longer wields her powers. You must be aware of that as well.

“Please… just convey the message, if nothing else.”

– … It’s the first time I’ve seen you asking someone for a favor. Fine… I’ll relay the message, but don’t get your hopes up.

“…. Understood.”

– However, I need to know the reason. Can you tell me why you need the Holy Maiden’s abilities?

“…. Within the Baronia Academy… there was an attempted murder of a student. As a result, one student lost an arm.”

– Hm… just one student, isn’t it? I’m not well-versed in the affairs of foreigners like you, but is it really worth the trouble for just one student?

“…. The perpetrator is from our clan.”

– I see… I understand. If so, what is the name of the student in question?

“Do I need to disclose the student’s name as well?”

– … Usually, one should know the name of the person in need of treatment. The Holy Maiden occasionally receives the visions of Itatus, after all.

“The student’s name is Yoon Sung-ee.”

– I see. Since the Holy Maiden is nearby, I will inquire on your behalf. Well then…

“Yes. Thank you very much, Commander Phaedus.”

Thunk.

“Hmm…”

He had done what he could. Now, whether he could heal Eunseong’s arm or not depended on the will of the heavens.

“Should I take a break for a moment…”

He was too exhausted. He had been so busy trying to rectify what Jungseung-ho had caused.

He closed his eyes and sat in the chair, resting for about 30 minutes. A signal blinked on the magic crystal.

“…Already?”

Had it been only 30 minutes since he had made the request? He had thought it would take at least until tomorrow to get a response.

“Of course, it’s a rejection.”

It was not acceptable for Eunseong, but there was nothing he could do. No one could forcefully manipulate the mistress of time.

Click.

“…The results are already out?”

– ……

“…Commander Phaedus?”

– … Unbelievable…

“What…?”

– The Saint… I heard that she’s leaving for Bagonia tomorrow.

I was so shocked by Piedes commander’s words that I felt my heart drop. After not using her powers for three years, she only moves because a trainee got hurt?

“Yes, yes?… I-is that really true…?”

– … At first, it seemed like she had no intention of going… But for some reason, she said she would go after hearing the trainee’s name.

“What the…”

I couldn’t understand how things were happening. Honestly, I had no expectations at all. Because I thought the chance of the Time Priestess responding was 0 percent.

– She said she’s leaving tomorrow… She’ll probably arrive in two days. Just so you know, for safety, she’ll be traveling with the Holy Knights. Remember that.

“Yes, yes…”

Thud.

“What is this?”