EP.57 I Will Burn It Down
Even after getting a few beatings from Aji, Pinlei kept being annoying.
Whenever someone said something, he would cut the momentum with sounds like 'Ahem' or 'Hmm', and if the Regressor or Aji tried to raise a fist, he would outright run away or babble about the vampire to use as a shield.
It was annoying, but he didn't do anything wrong enough to be killed for, and if we were to give him a beating, the vampire behind him was a bit of a concern. This vague feeling of being unable to either spit it out or swallow it down tormented me and the Regressor.
Hardship fosters a sense of kinship. All because of a single Pinlei, the Regressor and I—who seemed like we would never seek each other out in our lifetimes—ended up gathering in one place.
"Tch, the annoying things multiplied to two. If this keeps up, I'll die of stress. I need to deal with at least one of them."
"Two? I know one is Pinlei, but who's the other one?"
"You."
"What kind of nonsense is that!"
As I shouted in indignation, the Regressor crossed his arms and spoke.
"You two are similar. Butting in regardless of time and place, acting however you want under Tirkanjaka's protection. Even the way you act arbitrarily while walking a tightrope is exactly the same."
"I can tolerate most insults, but I absolutely cannot acknowledge that. No, I won't."
I am endlessly merciful, but even my patience has its limits. I will consider comparing me to Pinlei as an attack against me. I systematically refuted the Regressor's words.
"Look at yourself! Butting in regardless of time and place? That's Trainee Xie's hobby! Receiving Trainee Tirkanjaka's protection? Who was it that formed a master-disciple relationship with the Progenitor! Acting arbitrarily? If you were to point out the person who acts the most arbitrarily in this Mujugeng, you should look in the mirror first!"
"Hah?"
"It's a perfect match! Why don't you change your name at this opportunity? Not Pinlei, but Pin-Xie! It's perfect! If someone saw you two, they'd think you were a married couple!"
"What kind of bullshit is that, a married couple with that?!"
The Regressor, who looked the most displeased since I came down to the Mujugeng, suddenly recalled his setting and said.
"I'm telling you again, I am a man!"
Ah, that was the setting. I had forgotten it for a moment too, but fortunately, there is a way to explain.
"Yes. A man who likes men."
"Hey!! That's—!"
"Come to think of it, it's funny. You're the one who shouted that you like men, but when it's actually mentioned, you get angry. Why? Did you say it yourself and now you're embarrassed by your own taste?"
Armed with sound logic, the Regressor couldn't bring up any words and only glared furiously.
Don't pick a fight you can't win. Why do you keep running your mouth when you've never even beaten me in an argument?
I picked my ear and said.
"Um, sorry, but please don't like me, just in case. If it's Trainee Xie, it might not matter since that's the truth, but I really hate being misunderstood like that. I am, first and foremost, a normal person with normal tastes."
"Don't worry! Even if the sky falls, that will never happen!"
The Regressor, who shot back sharply, crossed his arms again and muttered.
"Anyway, I'd like to get rid of you if it were up to my feelings, but it'd be easier to deal with Pinlei first. At the very least, I have to stop him from hovering around and being annoying."
"Isn't it a bit much to say you want to get rid of me right in front of the person you're talking to?"
"I said it so you'd hear it."
Answering cheekily, the Regressor muttered inwardly.
'He came down to the Mujugeng to start a war. He's probably the most radical among the pro-war faction. Knowing that a great war will break out in the future, I can't let Tirkanjaka stay close to the pro-war vampires. Whether through persuasion or threats, I have to shake them off.'
What's this, Regressor. You said it was easier to deal with him, but you actually had surprisingly deep thoughts?
In comparison, my reason for wanting to get rid of Pinlei was simply 'because I don't like him'. It makes for a bit of a comparison.
Hmm. There's no way my normal and virtuous character is worse than the Regressor's. Have I become a bit corrupted from staying in the Mujugeng too long? I need to be careful from now on.
"Still, you know, right? Pinlei may look like that, but he's a Yeling. Right below the Lord Elders who inherited the Progenitor's blood and their elite kin, he's the next in rank. It's not like Yelings are super rare, but if they're from the Chixuegong line, they're quite recognized over here."
"He's still a small fry. Both you and I can easily deal with a guy like him."
Only you think so, not me? I'd need at least a holy water grenade to deal with him.
When I didn't answer, the Regressor looked at me suspiciously, but must have thought my silence was a natural affirmative that didn't need a reply, and brushed it off lightly.
"Besides, that guy came here wanting a war. There's nothing good about him being close to Tirkanjaka..."
The Regressor stopped.
Stopping mid-sentence, the Regressor recalled something.
'Wait. This guy didn't accept the suggestion to send Pinlei outside. Rather, he tried to confine him here. There must be a reason.'
Huh? There is a reason. It's because I actually have no way to send Pinlei outside.
'Come to think of it, the Military State's actions have always been on the side of encouraging and intervening in wars. I see. Imprisoning the Progenitor was also part of the plan.'
No, I have nothing to do with that... But saying that, something bothered me.
The golem controlled by Captain Avi definitely said it. That a war must not break out 'yet'.
Thinking conversely, it means that 'someday' a war must happen. It means that even the vampires leisurely staying inside the Mujugeng are placed within the Military State's war plans.
What are you planning, Military State. Can you handle it? According to the Regressor's thoughts, it seems a massive great war will break out in the future.
Having thought that far, I soon turned off my interest. Eh, whatever. Anyone who's not a fool knows the Military State is preparing for war, so how important can it be? It's like saying it's going to snow this winter.
What's more important right now is.
"...I intend to separate Pinlei from Tirkanjaka. You'd better not get in my way."
'I have to stop the war. Even if it's just to prevent those guys from running amok taking advantage of the war. If, this man blocks my path. Then.'
This Regressor is exuding killing intent toward me.
Now, what should I do? Hmm.
Yeah, let's do this here.
"Get in your way? I'd help you at most, why would I get in Trainee Xie's way?"
"Strictly speaking, the reason Pinlei couldn't go outside the Mujugeng is because you persuaded him. You did that, and now you're saying you'll cooperate with me? That doesn't make sense."
Without even waiting for my answer, the Regressor spoke with a gaze that looked like he would cut me down at any moment.
"You're planning to get in my way, aren't you?"
Not a bad deduction, but it's wrong.
As I've said over and over, I just didn't want the fact that I'm a lowly laborer to be discovered.
However, I couldn't tell him this fact, so I waved my hand with a bright smile.
"Ahaha. So that's how you took it. How naive."
"What?"
The Regressor, still looking at me with glaring eyes, snorted as if telling me to try making an excuse.
"Think about it differently. Look, I said those things to keep Pinlei confined here. To have him stay here and be close to Trainee Tirkanjaka."
"I know. I was there too."
"Are you believing the words I said back then exactly as they were? Was your trust in me that steadfast?"
The Regressor's pupils widened. The wide-open eyes didn't have as much sharpness as before. Instead, what came was doubt.
'...He had other ulterior motives? But from that man's standpoint, what other benefit is there to gain from keeping Pinlei with Tirkanjaka?'
"Don't believe my words as they are, and just think about the results of my actions. If you do, you'll realize there's no reason for us to be hostile."
Instead of speaking directly, I scattered bait. Like breadcrumbs scattered on a forest path, I waited for the opponent to pick up the clues one by one and follow the flow.
'Wait. I might have thought about it wrong. If that man's goal wasn't to keep Pinlei and Tirkanjaka together... but to make Pinlei stay here itself?'
Like that, although he only followed the clues I provided, he couldn't doubt the correct answer he obtained through 'effort'.
Because one's own effort must be accompanied by a commensurate reward. A puzzle one has struggled to put together must be beautiful, and an answer derived from racking one's brain must be perfect.
That is human psychology. The Regressor was no different.
'Could it be, he imprisoned Pinlei to prevent information from leaking out of here? If Pinlei goes to the surface and spreads things here and there, forces trying to use Tirkanjaka might move!'
The Regressor jumped to his own conclusion and thrilled at it. He seemed to try to hide it, but a proud smile hung on his lips.
What would he think if he knew the truth? I simply didn't have the ability to take him out. I'm suddenly curious.
Well, anyway.
"Not everyone in the Military State wants war. We could be comrades."
I succeeded in softening the Regressor's vigilance for now. Although still suspicious, the Regressor's mind had eased enough to ask for my opinion.
"Do you have a plan?"
"For now, persuasion."
"Persuasion? Just that?"
'Not kidnapping, blackmail, or sowing discord?'
My thoughts changed. No matter how I think about it, my character seems better than this kid's.
"...I don't know what you're thinking, but we should at least take the most conventional method first."
"Alright. Leave the persuasion to me."
"Huh?"
"I know how to persuade at least. No matter what, I'm the disciple right now, so it'll be much easier for me to say things like that."
Hmm. It's not very reliable, but since his will is that strong, shall I just watch for now?
I muttered worriedly.
"...Just in case, you can't cut off an arm, okay? Even if it's a vampire, they'd feel bad about it."
"Who do you think I am, a psychopath?!"
"How did you know?"
***
After deciding to persuade Tirkanjaka.
Finishing a deep breath, the Regressor strode toward the vampire alone. I hid behind a nearby corner and watched the scene.
"Tirkanjaka. Wait a second, I have something to say to you."
The Regressor's persuasion—what a rare sight. He gives the impression of someone who would often solve problems with power or money rather than words when faced with adversity, so I don't trust it, but the opponent is a Regressor who has been through it all. It wouldn't be strange if he had abilities I didn't know of. Let's see how well he speaks.
"Don't meet Pinlei!"
...?
What is this? Why the word choice? Is she a daughter who hates her stepdad? Is she begging him not to remarry?
"...? That's sudden. Why?"
A question slipping out of sheer dumbfoundedness. A very natural reaction. In comparison, the Regressor's reply was.
"Anyway! That guy said he'd start a war! War is bad! It's dangerous!"
Hey. Regressor. Use some vocabulary. Are you a foreigner? Or did you usually not mix words with people in your daily life?
No, for someone like that, you talked with me just fine. This won't do. Let me stop listening to his words and read his thoughts in advance.
'Before I regressed, you participated in the war a wreck. A bloody battle where no one benefits takes place. Waiting at the end of it is one thing: the destruction of everything. I'm trying to stop that future, and for that, it's better for you to stay far away from war.'
The thoughts are somewhat normal, but why are his words like that? What exactly is this Regressor's problem?
Ah. I think I know a little.
Because he didn't want to reveal the fact that he had regressed, holes were punched in the logic he wanted to unfold, and trying to force it together resulted in those childish words.
Now it's getting to the point where I feel sorry for him. What to do with that.
"I thought you would know, but Pinlei is a far lower kin of mine. He cannot even raise an objection to my will."
"I know! But!"
"And I do not overturn a decision once made. One who carries heavy shoulders must be slow to speak. I shall not change this intention for the time being. I understand what you are trying to say, so cut your words short here."
The Regressor only nodded a few times, turned around, and returned to the corner where I was hiding. And then he sheepishly reported to me.
"That's what he said."
"I, I am sorry for making an unreasonable request. From now on, please avoid things like persuasion and solve things with power or money as much as possible."
'Huh? I feel a bit offended. Is he being sarcastic?'
The fact that you're pondering this tells me how abysmal your communication skills are. The world this Regressor has to save is pitiful.
I let out a sigh and stepped forward.
"Wait right there. A master of psychological warfare, a magician who plays with people's hearts, and a secret lover having a clandestine relationship with Trainee Tirkanjaka in a dark alley. A mere disciple cannot reach my level. I'll go handle it."
"Alright. You go handle it. What? Secret lover?"
"Uratcha. I'll be right back."
Before the Regressor could say anything, I popped out from the corner, quickly raised my hand, and approached the vampire.
"Trainee Tirkanjaka. What a coincidence."
"...What are the two of you plotting?"
"Haha. Plotting? Ah, would you like to get a massage? My fingers are in good condition today."
Even after accepting my offer, the vampire did not drop his suspicions.
"Isn't your intention too obvious? A guy who usually made it abundantly clear he wasn't interested, why would he come looking first with his fingers held up straight? Besides, Xie is watching from over there, how could I."
Why is he harboring suspicions all of a sudden? This is surprising. The guy who even bared his own heart just because he saw me getting shocked? Did he develop a sense of crisis?
"So, do you not want to?"
"...I didn't say that. A little later, that is, when no one is watching."
Cancel that. Maybe because he's already dead, this corpse also has zero sense of crisis.
Anyway.
"I came to warn Trainee Tirkanjaka on behalf of Trainee Xie."
"You too?"
"It may be tiresome, but it's advice that will be flesh and blood to you. The vampire named Pinlei, there's something shady about him. It'd be best to be careful."
I said it seriously, but the vampire took it lightly.
"It seems I have made Pinlei receive too much hatred. I understand. I will have him restrain himself from now on."
"Restrain himself?"
"It means he won't bother you while serving me. Since he obeys my commands, I just need to give him one word."
The vampire, thinking the reason the Regressor and I came to him was 'because Pinlei is annoying,' promised to get rid of such things.
Huh?
That's fine, right?
No, honestly, I'm tempted. I was just annoyed by Pinlei.
I quickly nodded.
"That's good. If you do that."
"Ah, wait. What time should I come visit?"
"Since when did you check the time to visit? Come when you feel like it."
"Alright."
Phew. This is a win-win. I returned with a beaming face.
Then the Regressor, who was leaning against the wall, looked up at me with a cold expression.
"What the hell were you doing."
"Huh? A human victory."
"What human victory. Instead of solving anything, you just set up a secret rendezvous time with Tirkanjaka!"
"I didn't set a time. He said he'd come on his own."
"That kind of thing! I absolutely! don't want to know!"
"He asked himself, though?"
"Tch, whatever! Since we agreed to cooperate, do it properly!"
I was pushed out again. I was reluctantly driven back in front of the vampire. Our eyes met awkwardly.
The vampire let out a sigh.
"I truly cannot understand why you hate it so much. What is so strange about it? I have formed a bond with you as well. Why shouldn't I keep my kin Pinlei by my side?"
"Um, isn't it the difference in the time we've known each other? Pinlei hasn't even been here for a week, but he acts too cocky relying only on Trainee Tirkanjaka, so it's uncomfortable."
"What does that matter? It hasn't even been a month since I met you either."
To a vampire, a month or a week is the same as the blink of an eye. There would be no difference between us and Pinlei.
Having no words to refute, I nodded.
"Come to think of it, you're right. Whether it's a month or a week, it's no different from a firefly flashing for a single night compared to Trainee Tirkanjaka's lifespan. Even a human living a normal life says a month is short, so what about it for a 12th-century girl."
"......? 12th-century, girl?"
"Oops. I'll be going now!"
The Regressor was still waiting over there. But that isn't the only corner. I sprinted toward the opposite corner.