Chapter 249: Vacation Again(1)
Chapter 249: Vacation Again(1)
My mind had gone blank after hearing Adelia offer to provide "night service," but fortunately, I managed to smooth things over.
Having devoted her entire life to martial arts until now, she was almost entirely ignorant of slang or double entendres.
Such nuances aren't taught in books; they are things one picks up through social interaction, so her ignorance was unavoidable. Then again, I wasn't one to talk, considering I had unknowingly invited Marie to "have a cup of coffee" during the last exhibition.
In this world, asking someone for a late-night coffee carried the same weight as asking "Want to come in for some ramen?" back in my previous life.
Still, thanks to that misunderstanding, I was enjoying happy days now, so I could look back and laugh. I did, however, have to explain it to Adelia.
I asked her to prioritize learning about common slang. It seemed Marie had likely passed the book to Adelia after only glancing at the title, which led to this situation.
Once Adelia eventually learns the true meaning of the term, she’ll probably be kicking her blankets in mortification, but that’s a problem for the future. For a while, she might find it hard even to look me in the eye.
In any case, that minor incident passed, and I briefed Adelia on what she needed to do during the exhibition. I also mentioned my recent meeting with Hiriya.
To prevent the Imperial Family from blocking us or the Kingdom of Ters from pulling any stunts, we could potentially involve others. Just as Hiriya had made a formal request, I could simply ask for representatives from other nations as well.
Even so, the fact remained that Adelia needed to stay by my side. Although she had moved past her trauma to some extent, it wasn't completely resolved.
Adelia flinched slightly upon hearing this, but then she flashed her characteristic, confident smile and replied:
"With you here, I’m not worried at all."
I was so moved that I gave her a deep kiss in return. At that, her confident smile vanished instantly, leaving behind only a blushing, bashful bride-to-be.
When Adelia shed her usual persona as a gallant knight and became just a woman, she possessed an indescribable charm. To think the Kingdom of Ters had persecuted such a person—my resentment toward them only grew stronger.
After a few more displays of affection and briefing her on what to watch out for at the exhibition, I headed back to the dormitory.
As a bonus, Adelia even mimicked something she’d learned from her books before I left.
I was looking forward to the exhibition, but I was looking forward to seeing Adelia in a maid uniform even more. I had already sent a letter to my mother giving her a rough explanation.
The moment we returned to the mansion, Adelia would begin her maid training and start wearing the uniform. At the same time, she’d likely receive martial arts training from my father.
She would be a "Combat Maid," a role that perfectly fulfilled a man's fantasy. Of course, in this fantasy world, combat maids actually existed.
However, the requirements to become an exclusive maid were incredibly stringent. One had to be proficient in martial arts while also serving as a secretary.
They were the epitome of being "gifted in both literary and military arts." It was only possible for Adelia because, despite being an illegitimate child, she was royalty and had received a high-level education. For a commoner, it was a dream so difficult it was practically impossible.
They say one must dig a single well to find water, and there was truly no profession more suited for Adelia than this.
‘Strangely enough, I think it’ll suit her well.’
Now that my meeting with Adelia was over, I just had to finish my remaining tasks until vacation arrived.
I had already submitted the exam questions, so my duties as a teaching assistant were mostly done. However, since I also had to help with the grading, I found myself stuck in the laboratory past five o'clock one day.
There was a certain joy in seeing if any students had submitted creative answers. For context, the exam question asked them to explain the history I had learned a year ago.
Back then, I had written that "history repeats itself," and that answer had turned me into Elena’s slave—I mean, her teaching assistant.
Perhaps because the number of liberal arts students had tripled, there were quite a few students who wrote inventive responses.
The most unique answer was: "History is a mirror that converses with oneself." The student who wrote this was a young man who, like me, possessed a deep interest in history.
Seeing how satisfied Elena looked after reading his answer, it seemed she had already mentally earmarked him as the next teaching assistant. It looked like I would finally have a junior.
‘As for Cherry...’
I checked Cherry’s answer as well. I wasn't sure if I should call it typical of her or just plain bizarre, but this is what she wrote:
[History is the color red.]
Red? What on earth did that mean? It was such an incomprehensible answer that even Elena looked bewildered while grading it.
As a bonus, she kept glancing at my hair while she graded. I did my best to ignore her gaze and focused on marking the papers according to the criteria Elena had taught me.
Since Elena handled all the second-grade exams herself, I didn't have to grade the papers of any of my acquaintances. Once the grading was finished, I headed straight back to the dormitory for dinner.
After eating, I sat down at my desk and immediately began writing. I had to write while the ideas were fresh; otherwise, I’d forget what I intended to say.
What I was writing now wasn't the main story, but a side story. Specifically, it was the past of Jin and Lily, written for the sake of the Demon race.
‘Honestly, I didn't expect them to become this popular.’
When I first started writing the Xenon Biography, the public perception of Demons was at rock bottom. That was why my family had been so worried about the potential backlash when they first read it.
And sure enough, as soon as the romance between a Demon man and a Human Saintess appeared, a flood of attention and criticism followed.
People asked how a Demon and a Human could possibly fall in love, and many said they couldn't understand forming a bond with a Demon, no matter the circumstances.
Compared to the current status of the Xenon Biography, the reaction back then was worlds apart. There were even occasional demands to stop the publication.
Fortunately, the majority of readers found it interesting, and by Volume 5, public opinion had done a complete 180-degree turn.
The contempt and hatred toward Demons were uprooted, and naturally, the romance between Jin and Lily skyrocketed in popularity.
Furthermore, as more volumes of the Xenon Biography were published, the status of real-world Demons also rose. By now, they were regarded as just another race included under the umbrella of "humanity."
Because of this, people were curious about Jin and Lily’s past. How did the two meet, and how did they confirm their feelings for each other?
Their past had been mentioned sporadically throughout the story, but never in detail. There was only the explanation that Jin, who had a miserable past, was saved by meeting Lily.
Originally, I planned to write the side stories after the main series was finished, but for the sake of the Demons who had even invented the typewriter for me, I felt the need to hurry.
There were about two weeks left until the exhibition, which was more than enough time. I planned to release Volume 20 during the vacation after the exhibition.
This was all thanks to the typewriter. Even if it broke, I had a brilliant "after-sales technician" named Gartz, so I didn't have to worry.
Clack, clack, clack—clack-clack—
The sound of the typewriter filled the dormitory room. I watched the parade of sentences appearing on the hologram window before pausing for a moment.
Writing the side story was fine, but the perspective and, more importantly, the atmosphere were crucial.
Jin’s past was so bleak that the word "miserable" didn't even do it justice. On the other hand, Lily grew up surrounded by love, as befitting a future Saintess.
Given their starkly different origins, conflict was inevitable. In particular, the psychological shift in Jin, who had become as twisted as one could be, was the most important element.
‘In the main story, Lily teased Jin, saying he was a real handful back in the day.’
He had no choice. Jin was a Demon born from Beelzebub, the embodiment of Gluttony, raping a human woman.
An unwanted pregnancy resulting in a Demon child—there was no way there could be any affection. As a result, Jin had been severely abused by his mother since he was a child.
To put it bluntly, if he had been a human child, he wouldn't have survived the abuse. His resilient Demon physique had manifested even in his youth.
‘I need to make it feel like he was truly saved...’
Both now and in my previous life, I am a fantasy writer. Naturally, my focus tends to lean more toward adventure than romance.
While there are fantasy adventure works with excellent psychological depth, I felt lacking in many ways compared to them.
Slide—
I paused my writing and opened my desk drawer. Inside was not the manuscript for the Xenon Biography, but the draft of Cherry’s work, Red Sunset Once Again.
I was keeping it for her, just in case she lost it. The original draft, which had been torn to shreds and then taped back together, was there as well.
Since it was a manuscript that symbolized her dreams, hopes, and scars, I intended to keep it as long as possible. If she ever hit a slump, I planned to show her this draft to motivate her.
‘Wouldn't Cherry be better at writing this kind of side story?’
Even though only one volume had been released, Cherry’s psychological descriptions were top-notch.
If the Xenon Biography drew readers in with its thrilling plot, Cherry’s work pulled them in with its detailed psychological portrayals.
In fact, most of the praise for her work centered on her exceptional psychological insight.
The "regression" trope is like a top-tier ingredient in cooking. Depending on how you prepare it, it can become a masterpiece or a disaster.
Ultimately, the way you cook it determines the type of dish. In other words, if I wanted more detailed psychological descriptions, it would be better to get her help.
‘I’m sure Cherry would agree to help, but...’
My conscience pricked at the thought of taking her help for free. Given Cherry’s current behavior, she acted as if she’d give me her very soul if I asked.
That meant I had to give her something in return, but I was troubled over what that should be. Aside from her broken family environment, she already had everything she could want.
For now, I decided to talk to her about it tomorrow and just write what I could tonight.
‘Mother will probably be the happiest, right?’
She had wanted Jin and Lily to be together so badly that she’d be thrilled when the side story came out.
The problem, however, was Volume 20. As I’d mentioned before, a massive plot twist was set to be revealed in Volume 20.
The fact that Gluttony was actually Jin’s biological father. Upon hearing that, Jin would be driven to the brink of a mental breakdown and would be utterly defeated.
Lily would arrive late, only to find Jin already suppressed by Beelzebub. Beelzebub, deducing the relationship between Jin and Lily, would laugh despicably and deliver the final blow.
Lily, watching in real-time, would scream so loud the heavens would shake, but Jin’s chest would be pierced by Beelzebub.
‘...Should I release it after she’s finished with her postpartum recovery?’
She’s going to be quite shocked. Of course, Jin wouldn't die immediately—he was set to make a surprise appearance as the final boss—but the story would end right at that moment.
I planned to employ that forbidden technique once again: the Art of the Cliffhanger.
‘I’ll probably just get smacked on the back a few times and that’ll be it.’
I shrugged my shoulders and continued typing.
While Isaac was busy writing the side story for the Demons, back in the Maishal Territory...
Since the news spread that not only a Temple of Luminous but also a Temple of Mora would be built, the Maishal Territory had become far busier than ever before.
Naturally, the workload for Hawk, the lord of the territory, had increased exponentially. Since there was nowhere else in the world where temples for both Luminous and Mora were being built simultaneously, all sorts of merchant groups were flocking to the area.
They were already receiving attention because of the exhibition, but once this news broke, the territory's potential truly exploded.
From Hawk’s perspective, the development of the territory was good, but his fatigue never faded as his overtime hours increased proportionally.
It was a good thing he had a sturdy body as a former knight commander; anyone else would have collapsed from overwork long ago.
"Whew..."
"Why don't you take a little break?"
In the study of the Maishal mansion, Anna spoke with concern as she watched Hawk sigh and rub his eyes at his desk.
The development of the territory was happy news for her as the mistress of the house, but the most important thing was her family's health.
Her burning passion for Hawk hadn't cooled in the decades since their first meeting, making her even more worried.
"You don't need to worry about me. I'm just a little tired."
"That’s exactly why I’m worried. I know how strong you are, yet you’re showing signs of exhaustion."
Hawk gave a bitter smile at his beloved wife’s concern. Everything she said was absolutely right.
Part of him wanted to throw everything aside, but leaving work unfinished didn't sit well with Hawk’s nature. His habit of preparing everything in advance had stayed with him since his days as a knight.
"I’m more worried about you than myself. It hasn't been that long since you gave birth to Lily."
"What’s there to worry about? Cardinal Kate poured so much divine power into me; how could I possibly feel uncomfortable?"
"..."
Hawk was left speechless by Anna’s reply and let out a short laugh. Indeed, as soon as Kate heard the news of Anna’s delivery, she had placed a blessing on her.
Since it was a blessing cast by a high-ranking cleric like a Cardinal, Anna had recovered her health in no time. Not only that, but Kate had also infused Lily with divine power.
Thanks to that, both mother and child were more than just healthy—they were practically overflowing with energy. It was all thanks to Kate.
"I suppose you're right. I really want to hand over the position of family head to Isaac soon..."
"You can't. If you do that, Isaac will have less time to write. Just bear with it a little longer."
"...Anna. Are you on my side, or Isaac’s side?"
"I’m on our family’s side~"
Hawk shook his head at Anna, who offered a wise answer to a silly question while puffing out her chest. As expected, he could never win an argument against her.
Deciding to take a break and spend some quality time with Anna, he stood up. As he did, Anna smiled softly, approached him, and tucked her arm into his.
"So, let’s go see Lily. At this rate, she might not even recognize her father’s face."
"She was only born recently, you know."
"She opened her eyes a long time ago."
Hawk looked at Anna with loving eyes. Even after all these years, she still radiated a freshness, boldness, and beauty that rivaled any young maiden. Anna met his gaze, creating a sweet, romantic atmosphere.
Though both were past forty, they boasted a passion that rivaled any young couple. It was thanks to this love that their late-born child had arrived.
"I hope the children come home soon. They haven't even seen Lily’s face yet."
"I agree."
"And I hope Isaac releases a side story soon. I don't know what kind of gift he received, but I’m really looking forward to him releasing a volume every fifteen days."
"..."
It seemed the thing Anna was looking forward to most was the Xenon Biography. Isaac might feel a bit slighted if he heard her, but despite her words, she loved her family more than anyone.
Then, a funny thought occurred to Hawk. The side story about Jin and Lily that Isaac said he was writing for the Demons.
Currently, Anna was eagerly awaiting that side story; in fact, she was a fervent fan. She would even jokingly ask Isaac when Jin and Lily were finally going to get together.
As soon as the thought occurred to him, Hawk asked Anna:
"By the way, Anna. You like the romance between Jin and Lily, don't you?"
"Of course. I feel like their yearning for each other reaches even me. How could I not like it?"
"Hmm... then what if. Just what if, those two..."
"Stop right there."
Had she realized what he was about to ask? Anna cut him off, her voice no longer bright and cheerful, but incredibly low and cold.
Even Hawk flinched slightly at that tone. Her voice and the surrounding atmosphere were cold enough to rival the biting northern winds.
Meanwhile, Anna continued, her face still wearing a beaming smile.
"I’m sure Isaac wouldn't do such a thing, but if he really, truly, actually tore those two apart..."
"..."
"I might seriously consider disowning him from the family. Of course, such a thing would never happen. Hoho."
She then emphasized it once more.
"Right?"
"...Uh, yeah. Right."
Hawk replied with a strained expression.