Chapter 157: Winter Vacation(1)
Chapter 157: Winter Vacation(1)
Luminous and Mora had taken turns delivering heavy blows to the back of my head, but even they couldn't stop the flow of time. Even if the world called me a prophet, and even if the Holy Theocracy of Savior dispatched a Cardinal to treat me as a Saint, daily life at Halo Academy remained unchanged.
Halo Academy has a somewhat unique culture: graduation isn't a collective ceremony but an individual event. Unlike the entrance ceremony, there is no graduation ceremony; instead, students are scouted from above.
Furthermore, while the Academy presents graduation certificates directly to literature students, it’s a bit different for martial studies students.
Most martial studies students who enter Halo Academy are promising prospects who were already famous before enrollment, and those in high positions keep a steady eye on them, waiting for the right moment to scout them.
Most finish their four years and join high-tier knight orders or return to their families, but some, like Nicole or Adelia, stay on as teaching assistants without technically graduating.
TAs are high-level personnel who teach martial studies students through sparring, so they have no trouble joining knight orders later. They assist instructors during off-campus field training or take the lead themselves. In many ways, they are similar to graduate students.
Just as the path of a graduate student is a grueling one taken to earn a doctorate, the same goes for TAs. Those who complete their TA service are treated as indispensable talent by the state and are highly sought after.
My older sister, Nicole, who was leaving the Academy, was no exception. I had made an appointment to see her off one last time before she left a month early for the Navy Knights' entrance test.
For the record, winter vacation would begin a few days after Nicole left. While Nicole took her entrance test, Cecile and I planned to return to the mansion and then head straight to Helium.
"Sis."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Seeing you in that formal attire... you look really cool."
"Oh, stop it."
It was a regular Wednesday evening, not a weekend. I had arranged a meal for a final meeting with Nicole. My friends had let me go without complaint, knowing it was my last meeting with my sister for a while.
As if to signal her imminent departure from the Academy, Nicole wasn't wearing her usual casual clothes but was dressed sharply in formal attire. Notably, it wasn't a dress, but a masculine-cut formal suit.
It was a deep navy blue that complemented her hair color. Underneath the jacket, she wore only a simple white shirt, and the overall design was plain. However, even that couldn't hide Nicole's beauty.
Furthermore, Nicole was quite tall for a woman, so she looked fine in dress shoes without needing high heels. Her hair wasn't loose but tied in a neat ponytail, and she wore light makeup, radiating a different kind of charm than usual.
Is this what people mean when they say someone looks 'sharp'? Thanks to her training, she had a great physique, and the clothes fit her perfectly.
"You know how to dress up like this, so why did you always wear such frumpy clothes?"
"Because it's a hassle. And it's not like I'm trying to impress anyone."
"Oh, come on. You're the one who got confessed to by four guys at once—ack!"
"There are things you should say and things you shouldn't, kid."
Nicole pinched my cheek as I teased her. If she were an ordinary person, it might have been fine, but Nicole was a powerhouse who had completed her TA service.
Even a simple pinch delivered extreme pain to an ordinary person like me. Her grip was so strong I felt like my cheek was going to be ripped off.
"Ouch, ouch... It was just a joke."
"It might be a joke to you, but just thinking about that day makes me sick."
"Doesn't that just mean you were popular, Sis?"
"Popular, my foot. All sorts of bizarre rumors have been flying around since that day."
Seeing her shudder as if the mere thought was repulsive, it was clear it wasn't a pleasant memory.
And since Nicole is a woman, it was only a matter of time before nasty rumors started. Having four people confess to her at once must have been tumultuous in many ways.
"Does the Navy Knights' entrance test start with an interview?"
"Of course. If Father had stayed on as the Knight Commander, he would have been the interviewer."
"Will you be okay?"
"Your big sister is tougher than she looks, so my cute little brother doesn't need to worry."
When I expressed my sincere concern, Nicole patted my head to reassure me. It seemed that no matter how old or big I got, she still saw me as her much younger brother.
I didn't know exactly how strong Nicole was, but seeing her so confident, I figured I could trust her. Considering she was aiming for the Navy Knights, she had to be at the top of her peer group.
Then again, she can pull a boulder with one hand.
Once, out of curiosity, I had checked the extent of Nicole's strength. I had witnessed with my own eyes the monstrous power she used to effortlessly move a house-sized boulder with one hand.
According to another martial studies student who was there, Nicole was exceptionally strong even by their standards. Apparently, not even the instructors could beat her in a test of raw strength.
Monsters like this are all over the world... That's terrifying.
I wondered if the people of this world could ever truly understand World War II. A world without mana would be truly 'fantasy' to them, something utterly alien.
Well, for now, I planned to focus on the Xenon Chronicle. And do some damage control while I was at it.
"By the way, Isaac, shouldn't you go to the temple first?"
"I went yesterday."
"What did Lord Luminous say?"
"Well..."
I looked around before answering. Even though we were in a secluded area with few people, I had to be careful about what I said.
"It's okay to talk. I've set up a soundproofing barrier."
"Huh? Isn't that magic?"
"You don't need magic to make a soundproofing barrier. You just have to block the noise."
As expected, mana is an energy with infinite possibilities. To think one could set up a soundproofing barrier without magic.
I glanced around at the invisible barrier and then spoke my mind.
"He said he was sorry. He said he only spoke to praise my achievements and never imagined Savior would react that way."
"Really?"
Personally, I didn't believe it. How could beings who can glimpse the future not know?
Now that the demon-related issues had been resolved smoothly, it seemed they were just playing a prank on me. I suppose I could see it as a sign of intimacy.
So, I decided to let it go. Part of me wanted to consume a massive amount of Divine Power and regress to a week ago, but I didn't want to turn back time for such a trivial matter.
Above all, regression isn't 100% successful. It places a huge burden on the person attempting it, and since the gods have to adjust the natural order, the side effects are severe.
Instead of that, they should use it to extend my lifespan a bit or help others like a real priest. It seemed Luminous secretly wanted to shove me into the priesthood.
Since gods grow stronger based on the faith of their believers, it would be a huge help to him if I became a priest. He’s surprisingly greedy.
"Then what about Lady Mora? She wanted to meet you too."
"That's not a problem since I'm planning to visit Helium soon. Helium recognizes Mora as their state religion."
"Ah, right. I forgot. You're going back to the mansion first and then to Helium, right?"
"Yeah. I'm planning to go to the mansion with Cecile."
To go to Helium, I absolutely needed Cecile's help, just like last time. Conveniently, Mari had given permission for Cecile and me to be alone together—and for the entire vacation, no less—so I didn't have to worry about appearances.
Cecile was so happy.
Even though she usually bickers about being the 'legal wife,' Cecile knows. She knows that Mari is always number one.
So, when Mari gave her generous permission, Cecile was so moved she hugged her tightly. There was even a little incident where Mari, her face buried in Cecile's massive chest, had to push her away because she couldn't breathe.
Anyway, I planned to spend this vacation intimately with Cecile. The reason we were going to the mansion together was to formally introduce her to my parents.
Although we wouldn't announce it publicly, I felt it was only polite to let my parents know the truth. I'd have to speak to Cecile's parents separately as well.
If that happened, Cecile's parents would find out I was Xenon, but it didn't matter. Most demons were favorable toward me anyway, so I expected them to thank me instead.
"But Sis, aren't you going to the mansion?"
"No. I've already told Mom and Dad. I'm planning to go back after I finish the entrance test."
"The weather is getting cold; are you sure you'll be okay?"
The sweltering heat had receded, and winter was slowly approaching. I didn't know what material the school uniforms were made of, but the insulation was excellent; even so, the occasional biting wind was fierce.
Training for a month without sleep in this weather... I could see why people died during the tests.
"I told you, I'm fine. It's not like I haven't done cold-weather training before. Dave said it was tough, but not impossible. He said it's just a battle of stamina and mental strength."
"Hmm... okay. Then what about Adele?"
"Huh?"
"Do you know where Adele is being stationed?"
When I asked about Adelia's whereabouts, Nicole looked slightly flustered. She averted her gaze and gave a vague answer.
"Who... knows? Anyway, Adele will be stationed in a few days. Maybe you'll see her again soon...?"
"What on earth does that mean?"
"Ah, never mind. You'll find out once you're at the mansion."
"At the mansion?"
I felt more and more puzzled. I had asked where Adelia was being stationed, so why was our mansion being mentioned?
When Nicole saw that I wasn't catching on at all, she let out a long, frustrated sigh and placed a hand on my shoulder. Her face showed she was at a loss for how to explain.
After her lips hovered for a moment, Nicole gave a bitter smile and finally spoke. Her voice sounded somewhat troubled.
"Isaac."
"Yeah."
"That... never mind. I'm not in a position to say anything either."
Nicole kneaded my shoulder with the hand she had placed there and immediately changed the subject.
"Oh, right. When is the next volume coming out? By the time my test is over, there should be about two volumes out, right?"
"I'll probably send the next volume in about a week. I need to finish the final work before I head to Helium."
"What? Send it a bit sooner. I could have read it before I left."
"Just be patient. It's not like you'll die if you read it a bit late."
And so, I had my final meeting with Nicole.
"Take care. Don't get hurt."
"I told you not to worry. I'll be back proudly wearing my uniform, so look forward to it."
Nicole left the Academy with her usual gentle smile.
"Isaac."
"Yeah?"
"Adele is a girl with many scars, so don't be too hard on her."
Leaving behind only words that were difficult for me to understand at the time.
*
Winter vacation began. Unlike six months ago when the sweltering heat was at its peak, a bone-chilling cold began to set in.
The Minerva Empire has four seasons like the Republic of Korea in my previous life, but that only applies to the capital and its surroundings; because the land is so vast, there are places that are cold or hot all year round.
Places that are cold all year round are frequently plagued by monster attacks or bandit raids, and places that are hot all year round are difficult to settle because the size of animals and insects, including monsters, is terrifyingly large.
Fortunately, the Maishal Territory is near the capital, so the four seasons are distinct. The claim that it has high potential wasn't just empty talk.
"It seems like a lot has changed again in such a short time."
"I agree."
About three hours after winter vacation began, I arrived at the Maishal Territory with Cecile. Naturally, we didn't use a carriage but came directly using Cecile's teleportation.
Of course, I didn't forget to drop Mari off at the Rekilis mansion first. Even though she had temporarily delegated full authority(?) to Cecile, basic manners were essential.
However, I was a bit worried about whether Mari could restrain her sexual desire for a whole month. Last vacation was only a week, but this time it was a full month.
Well, she might just visit the mansion, so I guess it doesn't matter.
Mari and I aren't officially sworn, but we are essentially engaged. It wouldn't be strange for her to visit our mansion at any time.
Furthermore, since I wouldn't be in Helium for the entire month, Mari would only have to endure for a little while. Above all, perhaps because I had properly confirmed my love for her at the cafe last time, the frequency had decreased.
Right now, I needed to focus on Cecile, who was beside me, not Mari. As soon as that thought occurred, I turned my head to look at Cecile.
Cecile was busy looking around the Maishal Territory, which had changed a lot in six months. Currently, the Minerva Empire seemed determined to develop the Maishal Territory into a cultural district.
And a cultural district is essentially tourism. Facilities for the convenience of tourists visiting the territory were being established one by one.
"If we officially exchange with Helium, we could provide the manpower."
"Didn't the Minerva Empire and Helium recently establish ties?"
"That's between nations, not territories. The Minerva Empire has to give direct permission before we can support a territory. My father has sent a letter himself, but it'll take time for permission to be granted."
National affairs are always the most complicated. Even if they look easy on the surface, a single wrong policy can lead to a sudden downfall.
Still, this world doesn't have over a hundred countries like my previous life, nor is the system as dense. Once internal permission is granted, it's only a matter of time before Helium's manpower arrives in the Maishal Territory.
"What do you think of our territory's potential, Cecile? You can be honest."
"To be honest... the potential is definitely high. However, because there's almost no infrastructure, like sewers, it'll take a long time to become a proper city. Without Helium's help, it would take at least five years."
"Then what if you have Helium's help?"
"A month would be enough. We demons built Helium from a territory that was practically a wasteland. Besides, because we've dealt with various incidents, including hygiene issues, since our founding, we're better at this than the dwarves."
Cecile puffed out her chest proudly. For a moment, my gaze was drawn to her chest, but I forced myself to look away.
As she said, starting from nothing must have caused many problems. From hygiene issues to building placement, agricultural zones, and so on.
The noteworthy point here is hygiene. In this world, plagues spread frequently due to the existence of monsters, but people focus on hygiene just as much. There are even sewage treatment plants that shouldn't exist given the era.
Elves can handle waste with magic, but humans find that difficult, so I knew they had asked the dwarves for help. At least, that's what the records say.
"Our demon race solved the sewage problems for most human nations. Five hundred years ago, during the Race War, we realized that hygiene issues were serious and built sewage treatment plants."
"What? The records say the dwarves built them..."
"That's a lie. The dwarves did help, but it was our demon race that passed on the technology. How do you think magic flowed to humans in the first place? At the time, the elves were at war with the human alliance; do you think they would have taught them?"
"... ..."
"If you come to the royal palace, you'll find a lot of hidden history. Especially regarding the Race War. The truth is always hidden in the shadows."
Cecile spoke softly, poking my cheek with her finger. I was stunned at first, but after hearing the story, I felt a bit relieved.
Honestly, it didn't add up. Learning magic from elves during the Race War? From the elves' perspective, they would have been justified in branding that elf a traitor.
But if the demons had passed magic to humans, it was a different story. While the demons didn't directly take to the front lines, they played a role in preventing the elves from invading recklessly.
There were records that human magical ability had developed exponentially since then, and if the demons had helped, it all fit perfectly.
"Are you going to put this in your book too?"
"Thank you for the great material."
"Pfft. Is even this just a piece of a book to you?"
"Probably?"
Of course, to me, it was just a piece of material. Cecile gave a bright smile, seemingly pleased.
Afterward, the two of us headed toward the mansion, looking at how the territory had changed. Occasionally, residents who recognized me greeted me warmly, or stared blankly at Cecile.
The more that happened, the more I felt like showing off. Perhaps it was because of the thought, This woman is mine.
We enjoyed our little date like this as we walked toward the mansion.
"Hello, Baroness. It's been six months."
"Oh my. Princess Cecile? What brings you to our mansion..."
As soon as we entered the mansion, I was reunited with my mother first. Mother's eyes widened in surprise at Cecile's unexpected visit.
In response, Cecile spoke with a beautiful smile.
"Actually, there's something I'd like to tell you, Mother. It's about Isaac."
"About Isaac... I think I have an idea of what it is."
At Cecile's words, Mother replied with her characteristic gentle expression. Then, she looked down and softly stroked her belly.
"Look, Lily. Your brother is so popular."
"Is your daughter's name Lily? By any chance..."
"Yes. It's the name of the Saintess in the Xenon Chronicle. Isn't it a beautiful name?"
By now, you've probably realized.
"It's a beautiful name. You're sure it's a girl?"
"I asked a priest who was on a pilgrimage a few days ago. He said it's a girl."
Mother's belly was swollen like a mountain. It was the result of the fire spreading to my parents after Mari and I had our first night following the exhibition.
Therefore, I am currently 17 years old.
...They've still got it.
I had ended up with an unplanned younger sister (Lily).