Chapter 232: Spoiler(4)
Chapter 232: Spoiler(4)
When the world drops a spoiler that isn't technically a spoiler, who suffers the most?
Is it the author, whose future plot points have been stolen? Or the demon worshipers, who were suddenly struck by a bolt from the blue? Perhaps it's the Holy Theocracy of Savior, currently suffering through a metaphorical bout of measles?
None of the above. Among those hit by this real-life spoiler, the biggest victims are the 'readers.'
These are the ordinary readers who take a decent interest in world affairs but don't necessarily get involved. They were dying to know what happened after the cliffhanger of Volume 17, only to be spoiled by reality itself.
Furthermore, even without the internet, this world has advanced papermaking and newspapers. Since almost every household subscribes to at least one paper, news travels fast.
In particular, almost everyone reads the Xenon Chronicle. Once a rumor starts spreading, it becomes impossible to ignore, no matter how much one might want to.
[It's good that evil was purged, but the thrill of waiting for the next volume is gone.]
[Readers are caught between fury and emptiness. The situation is understandable, but the disappointment remains.]
[Will the plot of Volume 18 really mirror reality?]
The fact that a demon worshiper—and a high-ranking official at that—had been hiding in the Holy Theocracy of all places was enough to shock the entire world.
Consequently, the readers were forced into an awkward position. No matter how important the Xenon Chronicle was, nothing was more important than reality.
Above all, since the Xenon Chronicle was being treated as a book of prophecy, the prevailing sentiment was that it wouldn't be strange for anything to happen in reality based on its contents.
Only those who ignored everything else to obsess over the story were weeping tears of blood; everyone else moved on relatively calmly.
However, that didn't mean expectations for Volume 18 had dampened...
[Readers are frustrated and praying for the early release of Volume 18...]
[Since we already know the story anyway, we hope Volume 19 is released alongside it.]
...On the contrary, expectations had skyrocketed. People wanted to confirm the events in Savior and the contents of Volume 18 as soon as possible.
If the contents of Volume 18 and the real-life incident were strikingly identical, the value of the Xenon Chronicle would soar vertically. If not, doubts would arise.
No, perhaps doubts wouldn't even surface. The world was already spinning ridiculous theories about me being under some kind of 'restriction.'
A consensus was forming that I might even revise Volume 18 to avoid these restrictions, so no one should doubt me even if the details diverged.
Some priests even went as far as to say that doubting me was equivalent to doubting God. Kate had certainly pulled off something very interesting.
So, what was I, the author, supposed to do? What else? I just had to write it as originally planned, without any revisions.
Although Volume 18 hadn't been released yet, I had predicted this situation to some extent through Luminous's confirmation, and there were no negative effects on me.
Should I issue a clarification via a letter?
If a mere letter could solve this, I would have sent over a hundred a day. According to my father, the situation at the publishing house was beyond chaotic.
Originally, nobles and other high-ranking figures sought me out to establish a connection, but now even clergymen were showing up.
They were even threatening the publisher to spit out information about me, claiming that Xenon's help was desperate now that a 'Holy War' had begun. Fortunately, those individuals were soon dragged away by other priests and severely punished.
At any rate, it was an awkward time to send a letter. They wouldn't listen to me anyway, so it was better to just keep my mouth shut.
The first thing I needed to deal with right now was...
"Mr. Prophet. So, is the content of Volume 18 really the same as what's happening now?"
"I'm curious too. Can't you tell just us? We're very close to the Prophet, after all~"
"..."
I had to figure out what to do with these mischievous lovers of mine who were teasing me.
Whether they were joking or serious, they had been calling me 'Prophet' ever since the incident broke out.
They had teased me before, calling me a prophet or a person from the future whenever a 'Why Is This Real?' moment occurred. But this time, they were taking it a bit far.
"Will the child born between us be a son or a daughter?"
"Me too, me too. You're a prophet, so you can predict that much, right?"
For example, they were pestering me with questions like that. I'm not an actual prophet; how could I possibly know?
Besides, we haven't even had a wedding yet, so it was baffling to hear them already making childcare plans.
Hearing a barrage of questions only a prophet would be asked made my head spin, and I couldn't help but let out a hollow laugh.
"Both of you, stop it. You're making Isaac uncomfortable."
Fortunately, Lina, acting as the third party, intervened and stopped their teasing. At her sharp words, Marie and Cecile, who had been clinging to each of my arms, let go.
Feeling like I could finally breathe, I sent a look of gratitude to Lina. She shrugged as if it were nothing and elegantly sipped her tea.
We were currently at the cafe we frequented. It was supposed to be class time, but the professor had gone on a sudden business trip, resulting in a free period.
That's why they had come to my laboratory to find me. Elena had given her permission, so I was able to spare some time.
"Don't be like that, Lina. Why don't you ask him something too? Maybe you can find out who your future husband is."
Cecile, who was naturally playful, asked Lina with a mischievous grin. It seemed she had no intention of stopping the teasing entirely.
Startled by the unexpected attack, Lina's expression turned blank. Her blue eyes blinked, showing a mix of absurdity and fluster.
"...What? My husband? All of a sudden?"
"Yeah. Honestly, aren't you curious? About what your future self will look like."
"Hmm... I'm a little curious, but I'm not particularly drawn to the idea. It's a matter for the distant future anyway, so there's no point in thinking about it now."
It was a very Lina-like response. She didn't get swept up in Cecile's joke at all. Instead, she shrugged her shoulders, maintaining her composure.
No matter how close we had become, Lina was still an Imperial Princess. Every movement she made exuded grace.
...Though her sexual preferences seemed a bit peculiar. It was surprising, in a way, that such secret desires were hidden beneath such elegant dignity.
"I don't know. Maybe it's not as far off as you think. You'll be of marriageable age by the time you graduate from the Academy. Shouldn't you find a groom soon?"
However, the one who cracked Lina's composure was none other than Marie. She had a relaxed expression, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly.
As Marie said, by the time we graduated from the Academy, our ages (excluding Cecile) would be exactly twenty-one. We would be at the peak of marriageable age.
In this world, people are labeled as old bachelors or old maids by their mid-to-late twenties. Commoners are too busy surviving day to day, but for nobles—especially women—the 'value' of a person relatively drops the longer they delay marriage.
Unless they have talent that transcends that value, like Nicole, typical nobles tend to find a fiancé and marry early. Whether it's a love match or a political marriage.
Of course, since Lina held the title of 'Imperial Princess,' her value wouldn't necessarily drop. That is, as long as she could endure the stares from those around her.
"Cecile and I have already found our groom~ But the one who's a princess doesn't even have a suitable candidate?"
"...Are you trying to pick a fight?"
It seemed to be a sensitive topic, as Lina narrowed her fine brows and asked in a low voice. It was a clear sign she was annoyed.
Marie chuckled and spoke in a tone that was half-joking and half-serious.
"That's why I'm telling you to find a fiancé sooner rather than later. A whole year has already passed, hasn't it? You need to find one in advance so there won't be any problems."
"Hmm..."
Lina seemed to ponder those words for a moment, then glanced toward me. Since I was the only man present, it made sense for her to look my way.
But these women weren't about to miss that. Cecile looked back and forth between Lina and me, then began to tease with her signature mischievous smile.
"Don't tell me Lina is eyeing Isaac too?"
"Wh-what?"
Lina was so startled she flinched not once, but twice. Her eyes went wide; she was clearly quite flustered.
And Cecile wasn't about to let that go. She leaned forward and spoke in a soft, coaxing voice.
"Honestly, there probably isn't a better husband candidate than Isaac, right? The Kingdom of Ters will be linked to your brother, and the Duchy of Bellua's Duchess is the First Princess of Ters. There aren't many suitable grooms left, are there?"
"..."
It started as a joke, but unexpectedly, Lina was listening very seriously. She pressed her fist to her mouth, looking deep in thought.
This caused Cecile to be the one slightly flustered, letting out a confused "Huh?" She had wanted to see Lina squirm, but the atmosphere had turned unexpectedly grave.
Just before a heavy silence could settle, Lina raised her gaze. Her eyes were fixed directly on me.
"You're right."
"Huh?"
"Now that I think about it, there really isn't a more suitable groom for me than Isaac."
It would have been fine if she were joking like Marie or Cecile, but the problem was that she was serious. Lina was staring straight at me with her clear, shining blue eyes.
Because of this, the ones who were actually taken aback were Cecile, Marie, and me. There wasn't even 1% of playfulness in her sincerity.
But Lina didn't stop there. Having reached a conclusion, she nodded and spoke in her characteristically elegant manner.
"Indeed, marrying Isaac to tie him more firmly to the Minerva Empire and to protect him wouldn't be a bad idea. Even the title of Imperial Princess might be humble compared to Xenon. I am merely a princess of the Empire, not a great author who saved the world like Isaac. It wouldn't be Isaac coming to me, but me going to Isaac, which would also resolve the issue of Marie being the primary wife."
"W-wait. Are you serious?"
Marie asked, stuttering in her surprise. I felt much the same way and waited for Lina's answer.
Lina ignored our stares and lifted her teacup. Her characteristic calm and grace told us she was being completely sincere.
" I am always serious. It might have been different before Volume 17 came out, but the situation has changed now. Thanks to the Xenon Chronicle, one of the high-ranking demon worshipers was eliminated, and Isaac's reputation has pierced the heavens. When Isaac reveals his identity in the future, I would have to go to him even if I didn't want to."
"Uh... what about my choice? Don't I have a say?"
"It wouldn't matter if you disliked it."
Well, that's a relie—
"But I would make it so you couldn't refuse. Not through threats, but by providing full support to the Maishal territory you'll rule, or by granting you authority, and so on. The Empire is thirsty for culture. Our military and economic power are certainly strong, but we lack the culture to unite the people as one. Therefore, we will pour every bit of the budget into holding onto you by any means necessary."
"..."
"So just give up and marry me. I don't even expect to be the primary wife, so let's just get along. Understood? As for... night activities... we can do that in moderation."
Whether it was because of her brilliant yet restrained eloquence or because every single word she said was true, I felt my mind going blank.
Even Marie and Cecile, who had been joking around, kept their mouths shut. they looked at each other as if wondering how things had ended up like this.
The topic was far too serious to be meddled with lightly. In fact, every point Lina raised was accurate and cold-bloodedly logical.
When no one could easily open their mouth, Lina, who had taken a sip of tea and set her cup down, looked around at us.
She had an expression of total incomprehension, as if wondering why we were acting this way. Her face was full of doubt.
Then, she spoke in a tone that suggested she was the one who found the situation absurd.
"What's wrong? Don't tell me you took that seriously?"
"Huh?"
"What?"
Lina saw our reactions and gave a small snort.
"Can't I tell a joke? You guys were joking so much, I thought I'd try it too."
"Ah... so that was all..."
"A joke?"
"Yes. It was all a joke."
So it was all a joke. She was so serious I almost couldn't take it as one.
Just as I was feeling relieved, Lina offered a further explanation to ease the atmosphere.
"Well, what I said earlier is half-serious. Our Empire will definitely try to hold onto you the moment you reveal your identity, Isaac. It won't be through threats or anything like that, so don't worry. Just keep that in mind."
"I understand. I expected as much."
"I'm glad you expected it. And also, keep in mind that I might actually marry you."
"..."
So it wasn't a joke after all. I looked at Lina with an incredulous expression as she brought up marriage so casually.
Lina, on the other hand, was enjoying the taste of her drink, gracefully lifting her teacup as usual.
However, there was one unexpected ambush...
"Then will you also spend your first night with Isaac in advance, Lina?"
"Pffft!!"
It was a surprise attack from Marie, who had been watching quietly. Lina, who clearly hadn't expected this at all, ended up ungracefully spraying her tea mid-sip.
It almost splattered everywhere, but fortunately, it didn't hit anyone's face. Lina was just left coughing violently.
"Cough! Cough! Cough! Wh-what are you talking about?"
She was so flustered she didn't even think to wipe her mouth before asking urgently. She looked at Marie with a face full of questions.
Marie continued in a truly calm voice, as if it were no big deal.
"I mean, Cecile and I both spent our first night with Isaac before we were even engaged. If you're going to be that certain, you might as well spend your first night to seal the deal."
For a moment, I wanted to ask, "What about my opinion?" but I kept it to myself after seeing the shape of Marie's mouth.
Though very slight, the corners of her lips were quivering. She was definitely teasing.
Realizing that, I felt relieved and watched the situation unfold. It seemed she was planning to deliver an even bigger blow after being hit once.
Meanwhile, Lina wiped the liquid from around her mouth with a handkerchief and began to shout.
"Wh-what do you mean...! You guys are the weird ones! Normally, the first night! It's something a man and a woman do after they get married! Doing it before marriage like you guys is a very rare case...!"
"Is it? I see plenty of people doing it at inns besides us. What an outdated way of thinking."
"No...! I mean...! Ugh..."
Lina started to say something but stopped, as if she realized the conversation was turning lewd. Her face was as red as it could be, a stark contrast to her usual cool demeanor.
That alone was a critical hit, but Marie wasn't the only one here. Cecile, sensing an opportunity, chimed in.
"If you're really shy, why don't you watch us do it from the side? It might be helpful later, you know?"
Whoa. That's a bit high-level. That's a statement aimed directly at Lina's secret preferences.
Cecile probably said that because she knew about her sexual tastes. There was no way the quick-witted Cecile wouldn't know.
To that targeted remark, Lina's reaction was...
"...Should I?"
"Huh?"
She was momentarily swayed by desire.
"N-no. This isn't right. I'd rather..."
She hurriedly regained her reason, leaving us stunned once again.