Chapter 120: Book 11(1)
Chapter 120: Book 11(1)
With the situation settled, everything else proceeded smoothly.
First, Cecile and Arwen established their blood pact. To facilitate future summons, I even received a lock of hair from Siris. Like Mari’s, her hair was white, but Siris’s had a faint, elegant reddish tint.
The blood pact between Cecile and Arwen was conducted through magic. Being a layman in the arcane arts, I couldn't quite grasp what they were doing. Cecile summoned a piece of paper into the air and moved her fingers with fluid grace, after which Arwen signed it as if finalizing a contract.
At any rate, with the pact concluded, I spoke up before Arwen’s group departed, hoping to ease any lingering tension.
"It might sound odd coming from me, but don't worry too much. I’m not the type to hold a grudge."
"...Thank you for your consideration. I shall not forget your mercy for as long as I live."
"No need to go that far. I’m only human; I won't even live a hundred years. It’s probably better if you just forget and move on."
"... ..."
Arwen stared at me with a complex, unreadable expression. I met her silver-gray eyes in silence.
Then, she let out a short, bitter chuckle before speaking softly.
"It feels strange hearing such words from the man who wrote a love story between a human and an elf."
"The lifespan allotted to each race is something even a god cannot change. Though, that doesn't mean stories in novels can never come true in reality."
As I said that, I turned my gaze toward Cecile. When our eyes met, she gave me a bright smile and a small nod.
Seeing the slight flush on her pale cheeks, it seemed she understood the hidden meaning behind my words. As I had suggested before, she had resolved to live with longing rather than regret.
It might not be the perfect answer, but it was certainly better than a life of remorse.
"...The more I see of you, the more remarkable you seem. Knowledge from books has its limits, yet you possess the ability to create an entire world. And you don't even look twenty yet."
That’s because I’m a reincarnated soul from Earth.
Instead of saying that, I simply shrugged. On Earth, there were cultures and spectacles diverse enough to shatter all of Arwen’s common sense.
I was merely a reincarnated person who had absorbed Earth's culture. I might be a legendary man of letters shaking this world, but back on Earth, I was just an ordinary web novel writer.
Because of that, I could enjoy writing Xenon Biography purely as a hobby, without any ulterior motives.
"Your Majesty."
"Our conversation has grown long. We shall take our leave now."
At Siris’s call, Arwen bowed politely. Cecile and I also observed the proper etiquette as we saw the elven party off.
Soon, a faint shimmer of light signaled the activation of magic, and the three of them vanished into thin air. I couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly they used Teleport, a high-level spell.
I wondered when humans would be able to use such magic so freely. Since humans only began using magic in earnest after the Race War, perhaps another hundred years would do it.
I stared at the spot where Arwen’s group had disappeared for a moment before turning my head. Cecile was staring intently at me with a mischievous grin.
"Isaac."
"Yes, Noona?"
Cecile called my name before I could even open my mouth. I responded casually.
However, the words that followed were enough to catch me completely off guard.
"By the way, did you do it with Mari?"
"...Huh?"
"I asked if you did it with Mari after I left the mansion. I gave her a heads-up last time—that if she didn't hurry up, I’d go first."
So that’s what she told Mari back at the mansion. To think she created a sense of urgency to make things happen... it was impressive, if a bit chilling.
Did she really want to do it with me that badly? At Cecile’s question, I recalled that deep, passionate night at the mansion.
My face couldn't help but turn slightly red. Seeing my reaction, Cecile nodded as if she had her answer.
"You did, didn't you?"
"...I did."
"Hooo."
When I answered in a voice thick with embarrassment, Cecile’s eyes curved into crescents. She let out a sultry hum that made my heart race, forcing me to maintain my composure.
Was she going to say it was her turn now since I’d already slept with Mari? With Gartz around, saying something like that would be...
...Wait, where did he go?
I looked behind me to avoid Cecile’s gaze, only to be bewildered. Gartz had definitely been standing there just a moment ago, but now there wasn't a trace of him.
I didn't know whether to call him incredibly perceptive or just plain sly. I was slightly dumbfounded by his quick-witted disappearance.
Slowly—
Meanwhile, Cecile seemed lost in thought for a moment before her lips curled upward, and she began to lean her face toward mine. The distance between us closed until I could feel her breath, and her stunning beauty filled my vision.
I took a step back and swallowed hard. Having a beauty completely different from Mari’s thrusting her face at me made my heart throb violently.
Moreover, since I had already decided to accept Cecile, I didn't deny my feelings and embraced them fully.
"...Was it good?"
As we locked eyes for a long moment, Cecile asked in a soft, swaying voice. Just as I swallowed and prepared to answer, I noticed her cheeks were flushed.
It was a strange sight—she was the one who asked, yet she was the one getting embarrassed.
Gaining a sudden surge of confidence, I gently pushed Cecile’s shoulders back. She didn't resist and slowly retreated as I wished.
Finally, a bit of space opened up between us, and from this distance, I could clearly see her face was as red as a sunset.
...She did say she had zero experience with men, right?
Despite her usual lewd jokes, Cecile was a woman with no experience. Even though she had lived for over a hundred years, her high status meant very few men dared to approach her.
Furthermore, she had once mentioned that because of her playful personality, there were virtually no men who could take her jokes as just jokes. Which meant her actions just now required a fair amount of courage.
I kept my hands on her shoulders and answered softly.
"...It was amazing."
"I-I see..."
Avoiding my gaze bashfully, Cecile pursed her lips before asking another question in a quiet voice.
"What about Mari? What did she say?"
"Wouldn't it be better to ask her yourself?"
"Y-yeah, I guess that would be better. Okay."
Judging by her "I guess," it seemed she had already planned to ask Mari. She took my hands, which were still on her shoulders, with both of hers and slowly lowered them.
Then, she fidgeted with my long, slender fingers and said with an awkward smile.
"Um... can we do it after I talk to Mari? I’m actually a bit shy about it... and you should probably spend more time with Mari for a while anyway..."
"I don't mind. Do whatever makes you comfortable, Noona."
"R-really? You actually want to do it with me?"
"What man could refuse a request from a woman as beautiful as you?"
Even as I said it, I felt a bit shameless. In the past, I would have politely declined, but it seemed I had fully assimilated into this world.
"Isaac...!"
Cecile looked deeply moved, her expression one of pure joy, before she lunged into my arms.
After a brief moment of surprise, I gently stroked the hair of the woman clinging to me in excitement. Cecile’s jet-black hair felt as smooth as silk.
"I’ll make sure to make you happy! Just keep doing your best with Mari until then, okay? I’ll work hard too, listening to what Mari has to say."
"Didn't you say you'd do it whenever I wanted?"
"That was the original plan, but I heard from my mother. She said that for both men and women, the more experience you have, the greater pleasure you can give your partner. I’m going to wait until you’re ripe like a fruit, then pluck and devour you."
Hearing her say "devour" felt a bit strange. Still, it wasn't a bad plan.
Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will never be defeated. It wasn't exactly the right context for the proverb, but the logic held.
Even Mari had been shocked when she first saw what I was packing downstairs. Fortunately, she handled it well; any other woman might not have even tried.
"Wouldn't I be the one doing the devouring? For the record, Mari fainted while we were at it."
"R-really? Mother said it shouldn't be that intense on the first day..."
Seeing the bashful Cecile made a certain lecherousness stir within me.
I almost blurted out, "We can check right now," but I barely managed to suppress it, remembering that Gartz was likely watching from somewhere.
I looked at the flustered Cecile with affection and slowly pulled her into a hug.
Cecile flinched for a second but soon fumbled her hands around to wrap them around my back.
The sensation of her ample chest and her faint scent stimulated all my senses. Her natural fragrance was so beautiful it made me want to lose control right then and there.
"...Isaac."
"Yes."
"Can we... kiss now?"
At that question, I gently pulled back. Her face, filled with anticipation and nervousness, came into view.
I looked at Cecile, who seemed to be pleading with her shimmering eyes, and gave her a soft smile.
"As the Princess wishes."
"... ..."
Perhaps those words were the spark. As if swept away by her own desire, Cecile grabbed my face with both hands and pressed her lips against mine.
I slowly closed my eyes as Cecile attempted the kiss. As expected of someone with no experience, even the way she pressed her lips was clumsy.
However, as if the succubus blood in her veins knew what to do without being taught, her tongue began to move gently, trying to slip into my mouth. I stayed still, letting her do as she pleased.
Flick—
The tip of Cecile’s tongue lightly brushed against mine. A shiver ran through her entire body.
For several minutes, our tongues didn't fully entwine but merely brushed against each other until Cecile slowly pulled her lips away. Since it wasn't a greedy, deep kiss, no silver thread of saliva connected our lips.
"Haah..."
Cecile let out a sweet breath and looked at me. Her red eyes were hazy and unfocused, and her blush was prominent.
Unlike her usual self, she looked so adorable being dazed by her first kiss that I gently cupped her cheeks. Cecile placed her hands over mine.
She wasn't trying to pull them away; she was just holding them, her grip devoid of any strength. I chuckled and asked her in a low voice.
"How was it? Your first kiss."
"...I feel like I’m going crazy."
Cecile answered softly, her expression still dazed. The hot breaths escaping her lips told me she was plenty excited from just a kiss.
If we continued like this, things might escalate too quickly, so it seemed best to stop here. When I let go of her cheeks, she released my hands as well.
"Let's save the rest for later. Okay?"
"...Yeah. I’ll endure it too."
"Then..."
I looked at the shy Cecile and made one request with a smile.
"Could you show me around Helium?"
And so, with Cecile’s help, I spent the whole day touring Helium before returning to the mansion.
Since the Academy was set to reopen in just two days, I hurriedly finished my preparations and closed my eyes, looking forward to reuniting with my loved ones.
After that, the Academy reopening, which had been delayed by the exhibition, finally took place...
"Isaac! Hurry, let's go over there! I heard that place is clean and nice!"
"...You want to do it as soon as we arrive?"
"Do you have any idea how many days I’ve been holding back? I’ve learned some techniques from my mom, so be prepared! I’m going to win today!"
"Hahaha..."
As soon as school started, I spent all my time dealing with Mari, who had become the incarnation of lust.
It seemed it would be quite a while before Cecile’s turn came.
I hope I’ll still have time to write.
I thought to myself as I was dragged by Mari toward a building that looked suspiciously like a motel. I was genuinely worried that I’d be spending every moment after class in bed with her.
Oh, and for the record, Mari, who had so boldly declared she would win, ended up being thoroughly defeated.
No matter how advanced the software (technique) is, it means nothing in the face of superior hardware (physicality and stamina).
"...Maybe I should start working out too?"
"Want to join me this weekend?"
"I hate exercising, though..."
"At least do some stretching. You need to improve your flexibility."
Happy days continued.
*
Two months had passed since Xenon Biography resumed after its hiatus. It had been a long wait, but the readers of the world waited patiently.
Isaac had announced in advance that the serialization would be delayed due to personal circumstances. Since the novel had almost gone on a hiatus for over a year, the readers were just grateful it was back.
During that time, they spent their days visiting the Maishal Territory where the exhibition was held or creating various fan arts, consuming their time with one of the few forms of entertainment available in this world.
How much time had passed in patient waiting?
[Breaking News! The Manuscript for Xenon Biography Volume 11 has Arrived at the Publisher!]
The news everyone had been waiting for appeared in the newspapers, drawing cheers from the masses. People claimed the end of the wait had finally come, that it was time to dive back into the world of Xenon Biography—their devotion was bordering on religious.
The publisher also fully activated the printing presses that had been idle, churning out Volume 11. Thanks to the integration of new technology, the books were produced as if by a factory.
Countless people bought up Volume 11, and bookstores felt like they were losing their minds trying to handle the tidal wave of customers.
But this excitement was short-lived.
[Shocking! The Death of Kair, Xenon’s Master. Fallen in Battle Against His Former Disciple, 'Envy'...]
[The Reason for the Kair Side Story Revealed. A Foundation Laid to Deliver Even Greater Sorrow and Tragedy.]
[Queen Elisha of the Elves Indirectly Senses Kair’s Death Through the Depiction of a Falling Star. How Will She React?]
The event everyone had dreaded actually happened, sending a massive shockwave through the readership. Kair had been dropping ominous hints (death flags) for a while, so readers had felt a sense of foreboding, and that foreboding had turned out to be exactly right.
Furthermore, the heartbreaking love story between Kair and Elisha had endeared them to many readers, making the impact of his death even more devastating.
Moreover, Kair’s monologue in his final moments was enough to draw tears from every reader.
—Just once... if I could see her smile just one more time...
Kair, wishing to see the smile of the woman he loved even in the moment of death. This single monologue revealed the kind of life he had lived.
He had spent his entire life trying to be with the one he loved, but the result was a tragedy. If they had both been human, they would have been together long ago, but because he had lost his heart to the Elf Queen, he had missed his chance.
[Countless Readers Mourn the Death of Kair. Some Have Collapsed from Excessive Sobbing...]
[Is a Love That Transcends Lifespan Truly Impossible? All Eyes are on Elisha and Xenon as They Receive the News.]
[It is Inevitable That Xenon Will Kill Envy. But How Will He Triumph Over the One Who Even Defeated His Master?]
Just as with Sacran’s sacrifice, Kair’s death was no less impactful. The vast majority of readers grieved for Kair and offered their sincere condolences.
And this phenomenon began to manifest not just in the newspapers, but in reality.
"...Matthew."
"Yes, Boss."
"What exactly am I looking at right now?"
"It’s a mourning procession. Because of Kair’s death, readers are leaving flowers in front of our publishing house."
"No, why our publishing house and not the Maishal Territory?"
"The processions are happening in the Maishal Territory as well. I heard there are far more flowers being placed in front of the artworks related to Kair than there are here."
"... ..."
People were offering flowers as a sign of mourning not only at the publisher but also at the artworks exhibited in the Maishal Territory. Even though he was a fictional character, his impact was so powerful and the character himself so charming that people took it upon themselves to act.
One might ask if this happened during Sacran’s sacrifice. Back then, the exhibition hadn't been held yet, and it was a time when the demons couldn't move freely.
But now, Xenon Biography had been elevated to the status of culture itself. The death of a character meant they would never be seen again in the series, so the shock was bound to be immense.
Furthermore, Kair had been consistently popular as Xenon’s master, and his popularity had skyrocketed through the side story. He was killed off just as people were starting to truly "stan" him.
Regardless, Kair’s death gave birth to a new cultural phenomenon that Isaac hadn't anticipated, and the Maishal Territory was left bewildered by the sudden influx of tourists. And...
"...What is this now?"
Isaac, who had plenty of free time after being registered as a recommended student by Professor Elena, blinked as he looked at the newspaper.
"If Jin dies, there’s going to be a literal riot...?"
He instinctively felt that he was in big trouble.