Regressor Instruction Manual (PART 5)

Chapter 817: The Last (50)

'I didn't know you were writing a letter. Looks like I came at a bad time... Oscar.'

'It's okay, Lee Kiyoung. It's almost over, so...'

'This time too...'

'Yes. Because my mother might be worried, and... as I always say, you can call me Alice when there's only the two of us. I feel like you're being too unfamiliar with me... It puts my mind at ease when you treat me comfortably as before.'

'I'm sorry if you felt that way, Alice, but I'm just expressing the courtesy you deserve.'

'You know... I'm not the kind of person who deserves such treatment from you.'

'I don't think there is a distinction between those who deserve it and those who don't.'

'Yes. Right. Yes...'

'As I always say, there is no such thing as a humble life. Some people differentiate, but all human beings are equal and have the right to enjoy what they deserve. The same goes for you. You don't have to humble yourself. No matter what the circumstances you grew up in, all humans under Benignore are equal.'

'I... I forgot for a moment.'

'Are you nervous?'

'...'

'...'

'Yes, I think I'm nervous. I think it's scary... and heavy. Sometimes... Sometimes I dream.'

'...'

'In it, people who support me point their fingers at me. The comrades who believe and follow me point their fingers at me after climbing the stage as Oscar. When that happens, the Oscar on the podium disappears. The long hair that was cut comes back to life, and I can see Alice wearing a maid's uniform. Alice, dumb, fearful, and pressured, looks around her with a pale face. Comrades throw stones at her, saying that they were deceived and asking if I have the right to lead them. If I really think that I'm someone great that can lead the new them...'

'...'

'I want to say something, but whenever I try, no voice comes out. I know Benignore is right. I also know that what you said is right. However... I guess I've been living like this for too long. Have you ever thought about that?'

'...'

'Have you... Have you ever regretted even the slightest bit of choosing me? Have you ever thought it was a mistake?'

'Alice...'

'No. I shouldn't have said that. There's no way you could make a mistake... I'm sorry.'

'You don't have to apologize.'

'I-I should prepare... tomorrow's speech.'

'You were neither a fool nor fearful nor pressured. If you're still worried, I hope you don't forget that I'm always by your side, Alice.'

'...'

"I never forget, Son of Light. However..."

"..."

"I am very afraid now that the Son of Light is not present. I'm scared that I'll make the wrong choice. Maybe all of this is my responsibility. I can't stand the fear of just thinking about it."

—The traitors...

"..."

—The traitors deserve the judgment of their sins! I will give divine punishment to those who threw the glory of the Empire into the filthy water.

"Evacuate the citizens, soldiers! Let's remember what we fought and won for!"

It was a memory that remained strong even in the process of running frantically.