Chapter 257: Three Dwarves Will Come(1)
Chapter 257: Three Dwarves Will Come(1)
Even after receiving advice—or what passed for it—from a distinguished guest like Musk, my daily routine remained unchanged. I continued my inspections of the territory, identifying any problematic areas and meticulously recording them in my notebook.
Naturally, I was out on inspection again the day after my meeting with Musk. Since Cecile and Gartz hadn't arrived yet, I couldn't get any writing done, so I was also using the time to keep myself occupied.
Moreover, as the territory grew in scale, there were bound to be things I was overlooking. Even with support from Helium and the Empire, it was always better to see things with my own eyes.
I didn't expect anyone to try anything suspicious with a temple sitting right there, but people are only human. And humans are prone to making mistakes.
Most importantly, while we were developing our territory into a cultural hub—specifically one specialized in tourism—it wasn't wise to put all our eggs in one basket.
If a plague were to break out or a war were to erupt, our territory's economic power would plummet to zero. We were in a time of peace, so war was unlikely, but a plague presented many potential issues.
The ones to watch out for, naturally, were the Demon Worshippers. With their sinister powers, they could even raise the undead, so starting a plague would be child's play for them.
Fortunately, we had the temple, and Helium was providing support for the installation of water and sewage systems, but we had to prevent a plague from the start.
'In other novels, there's usually a mine or something nearby.'
I found myself drifting into such idle fantasies. Since the area hadn't been fully developed yet, the possibility wasn't zero, but it was a bit of a leap.
For now, I needed to focus on the upcoming exhibition. The annual exhibition held significant influence over our territory.
Since this was only the second one, things still felt a bit disorganized, but I expected the format to solidify over time.
Furthermore, the significance of the Xenon Exhibition lay in its "culture for everyone" philosophy. The ultimate goal was to create a space where anyone could showcase their work without fear.
It could be an opportunity for "flowers" like Cherry, who might otherwise wither before they could bloom, to finally flourish and make a name for themselves.
As I've always said, the most important thing for an artist isn't money—it's their name, their honor. The Xenon Exhibition was a gateway to success.
It provided a grand theme—the Xenon Biography—and gave people the chance to show the public their own interpretations. In a way, it was a form of derivative work or parody.
'It's a way to hone the basics.'
Before I became a professional writer in my past life, I used to serialize parody works. Looking back now, they were a complete mess—so embarrassing I could hardly bear to look at them.
However, as time passed, I established my own style, and my atrocious grammar gradually improved.
The Xenon Exhibition would continue to serve a similar purpose.
'The problem is that the heavyweights are also moving in.'
By "heavyweights," I meant the already famous groups like the Matrix Theater Troupe and the Lirus Orchestra.
The Matrix Theater Troupe, in particular, operated on a level of production that was simply absurd, making everyone else look dim by comparison.
Even if their director was a Demon, they poured magic into every single performance. Who could possibly compete with that?
'Those people should be making movies, not plays.'
But that wasn't happening. This time, another collaboration between the Matrix Theater Troupe and the Lirus Orchestra was scheduled.
I hadn't met them in person yet, but my father had received word via letter.
Performances by other groups were planned as well, but it was essentially a one-sided slaughter.
I finished my inspection with a mix of anticipation and concern.
I saw several construction sites along the way, but at the current pace, everything would be completed before the exhibition.
Even after the exhibition ended, the artists' works would remain in our territory. Pieces from last year were still on display now.
'Wait. Maybe I should start a contest?'
The thought struck me as I looked at the artworks displayed around the territory. Since so many artistic pieces were gathered in one place, holding a competition didn't seem like a bad idea.
It would be a great way to encourage not just famous artists but also those visiting to chase their dreams.
Besides, the ultimate goal of the Xenon Exhibition was a culture shared by all. Naturally, everyone would be given the right to vote.
Finally, the most important part: the names. To prevent the "halo effect"—where people blindly vote for someone because they're already famous—I would hide the names of the creators.
That way, the voting would be fair and equal. And if any artists complained later that it was ridiculous?
A single letter from Xenon would be sent their way. They could just shut up and wait.
'I'll have to mention it to Father.'
It was a bit of an impulsive plan, but it was surprisingly solid. Just looking around an exhibition can feel a bit dull, after all.
I jotted down the details of the event in my notebook. Since Father was busy, I would likely have to set up the event myself.
"Isaac!"
"Hmm?"
Just as I was engrossed in planning the event, a familiar female voice reached my ears. I looked up from my notebook and turned toward the sound.
A smile naturally formed on my face as I saw the familiar person approaching. A girl was running toward me, her snow-white hair fluttering in the wind.
I didn't know when she had arrived, but it was Marie, dressed in a gown as white as her hair.
It wasn't the dress she intended to wear for the exhibition, but a simpler one for going out; even so, it couldn't hide her radiant beauty.
Thud—
Marie, who had been running while holding up the hem of her dress, threw her arms around me. As soon as I held her, I felt her warmth and her distinct scent.
We held each other for a long time, like lovers reunited after an age. It had only been three days since we parted at the start of the break, but the joy of seeing her was real.
After basking in my embrace for a while, Marie peeked up to look at me. I met her beautiful face with a bright smile.
"When did you get here?"
"Just now. Your mother said you were out on inspection, so I came straight here."
"You shouldn't have come alone. It's dangerous."
Our territory had better security than most places, but Marie was the concern. She was simply too beautiful.
It wasn't just because she was my fiancée; a beauty as striking as Marie would stand out anywhere. Even if people wouldn't dare commit a crime openly against a noble, you could never be too sure.
In response to my worried question, Marie gave her signature beaming smile and just hugged me tighter. It was her way of avoiding the question while acting cute to get a pass.
I gave her a look that said she was hopeless, but I gently hugged her back. A year had passed since we started dating, but our affection showed no signs of cooling.
'Honestly, looking at her face, you'd fall in love even if you didn't want to.'
In my past life, there was a saying that if a woman is pretty enough, it's like passing the civil service exam three times over. While being handsome makes life easier for men too, it's especially true for women.
And look at Marie now. Not only her looks, but her figure, her personality, and finally, even our sexual compatibility were perfect. There wasn't a single thing lacking.
Naturally, it was a setup where affection couldn't help but grow. I could guarantee that even if more women entered my life, my feelings for Marie would never change.
Since she was my first woman, I intended to be fully devoted to her.
"Haa... this is it. The scent of lilacs and Isaac's firm chest... I missed this feeling."
"...We've only been apart for three days, you know?"
"It's been three whole days. That's a very long time. If I don't see Isaac for even a day, my heart and soul start to ache. You'll recharge me, right?"
Marie asked with a bright smile. I didn't need to explain exactly what that "recharging" method was.
I gave a wry smile at her words and answered while gently stroking her snow-white hair.
"Alright. But try to behave when others are around."
"Of course."
Marie nodded vigorously, seemingly satisfied with my answer. Usually, she was a bold and strong-willed woman, but she became quite submissive in front of me.
This wasn't just Marie; the other women were the same. They were all women who had no reason to bow to anyone, yet they were all looking at me.
I had to work hard to make sure none of them felt neglected. Since it was just Marie for now, I would focus entirely on her.
I gave her a light kiss and slowly took her hand. On her left ring finger was the ring I had given her for our last anniversary.
"Are you going to keep wearing that ring?"
"Yes. I'm going to keep wearing it even after we're married."
"Then I'll have to gift you earrings or a necklace for the wedding."
"I'll love anything as long as it's a gift from Isaac!"
How could she always pick the most lovely things to say? I felt a warmth in my chest at her energetic response as we began to walk.
From now on, the inspection wouldn't be a solo trip, but one shared with the future mistress of the house.
The residents of the territory were well aware of my relationship with Marie, so they watched us with warm, approving smiles. Pretty privilege worked everywhere; since Marie was so beautiful, her reputation among the people was quite good.
"It's completely different from winter break. There are Demons here too. It's amazing."
Marie, visiting the territory for the first time since the break began, looked around with a fascinated expression. All the while, she held my hand tightly as if afraid to let go.
Even I, the son of the lord, had seen many things I didn't recognize; it must have been even more overwhelming for Marie. I spoke as I looked at the bustling territory.
"I was surprised too. I didn't expect it to change this much in just a few months."
"Temples for Lord Luminous and Lady Mora have been built... at this rate, won't this place become more influential than the capital?"
"I wouldn't go that far. In terms of culture, maybe, but the capital will always have more practical influence."
The current boom was largely due to the absurd rumors that the Xenon Biography was a book of prophecy and that Xenon was a regressor. Once that hype died down, things would return to normal.
Furthermore, even with support from the Imperial Family, catching up to the capital was nearly impossible. The Minerva Empire had been building its foundation stone by stone since the Race War; there was no comparison.
Right now, our territory was simply rowing while the tide was in.
The only problem was that the tide was coming in so fast it was hard to keep up.
"On the other hand, culture isn't built overnight. Some things gain value over time, while others lose it. There are many uncertainties."
"Do you think the value of the Xenon Biography will drop?"
"...I have no answer for that."
The salvation of the Demons, the pollution of the World Tree's roots, and finally, the Demon Worshippers. Far from dropping, the value of the Xenon Biography was skyrocketing.
That likely wouldn't change even after I died. I just hoped people wouldn't start a war over my manuscripts.
"Oh, right. By the way, when does Adelia's training end? I wanted to meet her, but I couldn't because she was in training."
Marie suddenly asked about Adelia. Since she had already accepted Adelia as one of my women, it was natural for her to be interested.
I thought about Adelia for a moment. Currently, she was undergoing rigorous maid training under my old nanny.
Since she wasn't just a regular maid but an exclusive maid, there was a lot to learn, so it was taking some time. On top of that, she was also doing her own martial arts training as a guard knight.
Adelia was having days as busy as my father, who was buried in paperwork. Maid training, in particular, was more mentally taxing than physically painful, leaving her exhausted after just a day of lessons.
"Probably by this evening. We have plenty of time, so you can meet her then. But is there something you wanted to say to her?"
"Hmm... something like that. A serious talk between women who share the same man? Cecile will be here soon too, but I should talk to her first."
What on earth did she want to talk about? Marie winked and teased me playfully.
It seemed she wanted to catch up on things they couldn't discuss because of school, but seeing how she was excluding me, there was definitely something going on.
I was curious about Marie's sly behavior for a moment, but knowing their personalities, I let it go.
Neither Marie nor Cecile were the type to be cruel to Adelia. For now, I should focus on the exhibition—
"Yo-Young Master! Young Master Isaac!"
"Hmm?"
Just as I was about to put Marie's words out of my mind, I heard someone shouting my name. Both Marie and I turned our heads.
A guard, who usually handled the town's security, was running toward us, panting heavily. He was a local who had been part of the self-defense force since before the territory began its rapid development.
"What's the matter, Michael?"
"Huff... huff. My apologies. It's just... there's a commotion at the entrance of the territory."
"A commotion?"
I tilted my head at the report. How urgent was it that he had run all this way to tell me?
If it were a violent conflict, the security team would have taken action first and reported later.
While I was thinking that, Michael the guard reported to me almost pleadingly.
"Three dwarves are causing a scene at the entrance with a strange carriage. They claim it's a work related to the Xenon Biography... but it's hard to believe."
"...A strange carriage?"
"Yes. A carriage made of steel that moves on its own without horses. It looked dangerous, so we've barred them from entering for now."
"......?"
Wait. Is that a car? I tilted my head, then decided I had to see it for myself and started walking.
Marie was just as curious and followed me, holding my hand tightly.
As we approached the entrance of the territory, I could see a crowd even larger than in other areas.
"I'm telling you, it's not dangerous! How many times do I have to say it before you understand?!"
"It's just a carriage using a mana engine! It has speed control and brakes!"
Gruff voices rang out clearly amidst the murmuring of the crowd. From the shouting, it seemed these were the dwarves Michael had mentioned.
As soon as we heard the noise, Marie and I pushed through the crowd toward the entrance where the dwarves were waiting. I didn't forget to keep a firm grip on Marie's hand so we wouldn't get separated.
Finally, after clearing the crowd and reaching the entrance, the scene Michael had described came into sharp focus.
"Good grief. Humans are so full of useless suspicion. It's just a carriage that moves automatically without horses, so why won't you let us in?"
"That's exactly why it's dangerous. The exhibition is just around the corner; we can't allow such a hazardous object inside."
"We've got everything under control! Why won't you take our word for it!"
One dwarf sat in the coachman's seat—no, the driver's seat—and two more sat in the back.
At first glance, it looked like an ordinary carriage, but as Michael had said, there were no horses to be seen.
Instead, a bizarre device attached behind the passenger seats was vibrating and emitting a loud noise.
It seemed to run on mana, as there was no sign of acrid exhaust fumes.
'...Should that be considered an artwork too?'
A fantasy-style automobile had made its appearance.