Chapter 261: Eventful(3)
Chapter 261: Eventful(3)
As I headed toward the center of the village with Mari and Adelia, I found Lina and Hiriya waiting for us, just as expected. Seeing as there were no escort knights nearby, they were likely watching from a distance.
Hiriya wore her uniform, firmly asserting her personality as she had last time, while Lina was adorned in a lavish dress and jewelry befitting an Imperial Princess.
She wore a blue dress that complemented her golden hair, which she left flowing long instead of tying it up. Setting aside its elegance, the dress seemed to be for outings, as the skirt was on the shorter side.
Instead, the design subtly hinted at her cleavage, accentuating Lina’s voluptuous chest. While she couldn't quite match Cecile, Lina was still quite well-endowed, giving her plenty of reason to be confident.
When the performance began, she would likely change into an even more extravagant dress than this one. Still, in my eyes, she looked much better now.
I looked back and forth between Lina and Hiriya, then approached them with a polite bow.
"My apologies. I am a bit late."
"It’s fine. We just arrived early, that’s all."
"I thought my neck would snap from waiting for you."
After that, I began my role as their guide as planned. Although I was titled a 'guide,' there wasn't much to it. It mostly involved walking around and engaging in idle chatter.
If Hiriya hadn't been there, I would have spoken comfortably without formal honorifics, but I had no choice but to use them. This applied to Mari as well.
Despite the many inconveniences, Lina was doing a stellar job acting as a shield. Without her, I probably would have had a massive headache by now.
Hiriya, unable to openly harass Adelia, silently observed various parts of the territory.
She did occasionally glare at Adelia out of the corner of her eye, but that was the extent of it. Adelia, despite being subjected to Hiriya’s stinging gaze, carried out her duties faithfully.
Even the walking order was arranged so that Hiriya couldn't easily cause trouble. It went: Mari—Me—Lina—Hiriya.
Even if Hiriya wanted to pull something, Lina blocked her at every turn, leaving her with no choice but to quietly follow the tour.
"What is that building? It’s significantly larger than the others."
"Ah. That is the publishing house moving into our territory. I heard the employees will be relocating here in about a week."
"Hmm. The only publisher contracted for Xenon Biography..."
Lina didn't block questions like that. She only stopped those with malicious intent, not those related to the exhibition.
Hiriya stared intently at the publishing house, which stood out due to its scale. She wore a rare, serious expression, and a hint of curiosity flickered in her sky-blue eyes.
Since it was the only publisher contracted for Xenon Biography, it was only natural for her to be curious. She then shifted her gaze to me and asked a question.
"Have you met the publisher?"
"Yes."
"What kind of person is he?"
"He is a man who knows how to keep his word."
Hiriya nodded at my unhesitating answer. She turned her gaze back toward the publisher and spoke in her characteristically blunt voice.
"Every time I see this territory, I can't help but think it’s been blessed by the gods. It’s the birthplace of Xenon, a temple is being built here, and now a publishing house... It’s so perfect it’s hard to believe it’s a mere coincidence."
"..."
She said it in passing, but she hit the nail on the head. Based solely on the merit of being Xenon’s birthplace, the exhibition was held here, and subsequently, a temple and a publishing house were established.
In Hiriya’s eyes, it might look like a series of coincidences, but it was also because of the tales I spun in my letters. Thanks to that, my father is currently buried under a mountain of paperwork.
However, if I stayed silent here, Hiriya would grow suspicious. Lina, seemingly thinking the same, quickly spoke up.
"Our Empire is a bit bewildered as well. Out of all the countries, Xenon just happened to be born in ours. If this continues, we might even surpass Ters, the cultural powerhouse, don't you think?"
Despite Lina’s subtle provocation, Hiriya snorted as if the idea was absurd.
"Hmph. Not a chance. It is true that many artists are flocking to the Empire because of Xenon’s fame. But the problem is that there is still no proof Xenon is a citizen of the Empire. Culture, by nature, requires proof of its origin. Performances, music, sculpture, literature, and so on. Most of the Minerva Empire’s culture is actually rooted in our Ters."
"If you're going to put it that way, the starting point of culture is the Elves. Does that mean all culture belongs to them?"
"Just because the roots are the same doesn't mean all the branches are identical, nor does every branch bear fruit."
Their conversation served as a reminder that the Minerva Empire and the Kingdom of Ters were bitter rivals.
I knew Lina was good with words since she had been involved in politics from a young age, but Hiriya, a natural-born warrior, was no slouch either. Even now, Lina had fallen silent, seemingly having run out of retorts.
Above all, the greatest weapon in an argument is 'the facts.' As Hiriya explained, most of the Minerva Empire’s culture did indeed originate from the Kingdom of Ters.
The reason could be found in history. The Kingdom of Ters existed even during the Race War and was influential enough to be considered the heart of the Human Alliance.
However, due to poor post-war management, they had to watch the Minerva Empire rise with their own eyes. They even lost out diplomatically, resulting in the Minerva Empire gaining more territory.
Perhaps because of that influence, the Minerva Empire’s culture is heavily mixed with that of the Kingdom of Ters. This is also why the Empire, despite its immense military power, cannot easily conquer Ters.
If the Kingdom of Ters were to bring up history and crush them with facts, the Minerva Empire would lose all 'justification.' This is the root cause of the Empire’s desperate struggle to establish a culture of its own.
"And even if Xenon is a citizen of the Minerva Empire, there are many problems. Do you think Helium, let alone the Holy Theocracy of Savior, will just sit idly by? His fame has grown too great; that in itself will become an issue."
"..."
After hearing Hiriya’s additional explanation, Lina glanced at me silently. Her bright blue eyes held a mix of complexity and anxiety.
From the perspective of Lina and the Empire, I was a massive fish they absolutely could not afford to lose. However, that fish had grown so large that it wouldn't fit in a net, let alone be caught by a rod.
In short, I wasn't just a big fish; I was a whale that far exceeded the size of their boat. It wasn't a matter of the other side choosing me; it was a matter of me choosing them.
Not that I’d ever go to the Kingdom of Ters, anyway.
I had long since confirmed the true character of the Kingdom of Ters. The Minerva Empire was much better by comparison.
I responded to Lina’s anxious gaze with a bright smile, as if telling her not to worry. Seeing my expression, Lina seemed relieved, and the trembling in her eyes gradually subsided.
Meanwhile, Hiriya wasn't finished. Her words weren't just empty talk; they were grounded in harsh reality, making them strangely engrossing.
"Furthermore, one must not rule out the possibility that Xenon might reject everyone. Although the exhibition is being held in the Maishal territory, the ultimate goal of the exhibition is a culture that everyone can enjoy. I honestly find it hard to believe that a person with such aspirations would choose to belong to any one side."
"Then what do you think, Princess Hiriya? Regarding a path where Xenon isn't biased toward one side but can still live a comfortable life."
Mari, who had been listening to Hiriya’s explanation, asked out of curiosity. Since she was engaged to me, whatever happened to me would inevitably affect her as well.
Knowing my desire for a peaceful life better than anyone, it wasn't strange for Mari to ask such a question. It was also a pertinent question given the current situation.
Hiriya stared at Mari for a moment after hearing the question, then answered nonchalantly.
"The method is quite simple. Either reject everyone, or accept everyone. That’s it."
"..."
"Helium will hail Xenon as their Savior regardless of whether he accepts them or not, so it won't mean much. Still, they will strive to repay their debt."
That’s already in progress. In fact, Cecile has been my lover for a long time.
As soon as I heard the answer, I stole a glance at Mari’s expression. Her face was wearing a beaming smile, but the area under her eyes twitched slightly.
Along with that, she gave my thigh a sharp pinch, hidden from the others' view. She didn't seem to care at all that Adelia was right behind us, even if the people next to us couldn't see.
I had expected this, but it seemed she was piqued because even Hiriya, who didn't know my identity, was saying such things.
"In fact, accepting everyone would probably be the best method and much better for Xenon. It would be fair to all sides, and conflicts would be less likely to arise."
"..."
The problem was that Hiriya took it a step further. She was saying these things because she truly knew nothing.
This alone was enough to stoke Mari’s anger further. However, since she couldn't express it openly, she could only seethe inwardly.
It looked like I wouldn't be sleeping peacefully tonight. I let out a mental chuckle and gently took hold of Mari’s hand, which was still pinching my thigh.
It was a silent signal for her to stop, as further questions might arouse Hiriya’s suspicion.
Meanwhile, Lina pondered Hiriya’s words for a moment, then, as if a fun idea had struck her, she spoke with her signature elegant smile.
"Didn't you say earlier that the Kingdom of Ters would provide whatever support was needed? That seems a bit different from what you're saying now."
"I said that under the assumption that he chooses our kingdom. Of course, the probability of that happening is near zero."
"Then..."
Lina trailed off for a moment and glanced at me. There was an unidentifiable playfulness in her blue eyes.
Just as I was starting to feel slightly uneasy about that playfulness, Lina dropped a bombshell on Hiriya.
"If Xenon wanted you, would you be willing to marry him?"
"What?"
"Lina?"
At Lina’s question, not only Hiriya but Mari and I also stared at her in shock. I could feel Adelia flinch behind me as well.
I had no idea what her intention was behind such a question. In the first place, I had absolutely no intention of marrying Hiriya.
No, before that, I had no desire to be associated with the Kingdom of Ters, which had a history of cruelly persecuting Adelia. The royal family’s character was trash; accepting them would only make my life miserable.
Lina surely knew this, so why did she ask such a thing? After a moment of panic, I composed myself and watched the situation unfold.
Before long, I was able to grasp Lina’s intention. Hiriya looked at us warily, then spoke in a very cautious voice.
"That... isn't very appealing. I have no intention of being sold off like an object."
"Even if Xenon wants it?"
"As I said before, there is Lara besides me. And I..."
Hiriya swallowed her next words, her lips quivering as she glanced at me. Seeing that reaction, I nodded inwardly, realizing what was happening.
Lina had carefully built up to this to deliver a decisive blow to Hiriya. Currently, Hiriya was pestering me, a man with a fiancée, out of a petty desire for revenge.
But Hiriya herself had just said this: that the Kingdom would grant anything Xenon desired.
In other words, if Xenon wanted Hiriya, she would have to go without complaint. If that happened, she naturally wouldn't be able to achieve her revenge. The part about me being Xenon?
Hiriya had no idea. From her perspective, a moment of choice had arrived—a dilemma between two options.
Would she give up her petty revenge and go to Xenon, or would she defy Xenon’s wishes?
It was only a guess, but it had long been public knowledge that Xenon was a man. From the perspective of the Kingdom of Ters, they would have no choice but to send Hiriya instead of Lara, if only to show their 'sincerity.'
So that’s how politics is done.
Hiriya’s reckless statement was the biggest factor, but Lina was utilizing it perfectly. The only saving grace for Hiriya was that there were no other listeners.
However, Lina had presented a realistic choice: pick one and give up the other.
She was personally removing a troublesome element for me. This was a favor not just to me, but to Adelia as well.
"What’s wrong? Is it because you think Xenon is an old sage, as speculated? There are rumors he’s a Regressor, so he might be a handsome young man."
"...What about you? Are you willing to go?"
"If he wants me, I must go. For the sake of the Empire, I can sacrifice this body of mine. After all, I was born for that purpose."
Our Lina really is a smooth talker. To see the upright and arrogant Hiriya so flustered—how impressive.
There was the factor of knowing versus not knowing, but Lina would likely have said the same even if she didn't know I was Xenon.
She had delivered a critical hit by pointing out the 'contradiction' she found by comparing the current situation with Hiriya’s own words.
I couldn't help but think she was amazing. All the dislike I had felt for her until now vanished, replaced by a growing stack of favorable impressions.
...Suddenly, her voyeurism came to mind, but let’s overlook that. Personal tastes should be respected.
"So, what is your answer?"
"...I shall give it some thought."
"You’d better think carefully. About what’s best for the Kingdom of Ters. Perhaps Xenon might fall for you at first sight."
Lina said this while winking at me. I responded to that wink by curling one side of my mouth in a clear sign of denial.
Hiriya was objectively a beauty, but she failed in terms of personality. Besides, I had Adelia; falling for her was out of the question. I’d be lucky if I didn't send her a nasty letter.
After signaling my denial, I suddenly thought of Adelia and looked back. How was she reacting? Since Adelia was also a passionate fan of Xenon Biography, she was bound to have a reaction.
And sure enough, I saw Adelia looking more dejected than before. She looked like a puppy drooping after being caught in the rain.
When it came to things related to her family, her self-esteem was significantly lacking. It wasn't strange for her to react that way.
You don't have to worry, though.
I wanted to reveal my identity to Adelia soon. I wondered what kind of reaction she would have.
Sensing my gaze, Adelia, who had been looking down slightly, raised her head and met my eyes. Doubt was visible in her clear sky-blue eyes.
I responded by giving her a bright smile. At that, Adelia’s face flushed, and she cleared her throat, putting on a mock-serious expression.
She was trying her best to hide her expression since she was on duty, but it was all too obvious. She was expressing her unique charm to the fullest.
*
"I enjoyed our talk today. See you again."
"...Until next time."
"I enjoyed it as well."
Exactly two hours later, Lina and Hiriya went their separate ways. All that remained were Cecile and Arwen.
The tour for Cecile and Arwen was scheduled for after lunch. This meant it was currently free time.
Mari, Adelia, and I toured the exhibition with more relaxed minds than before. Just like the last exhibition, various works were on display, providing a feast for the eyes.
I hoped it would stay this way until lunchtime, but as this was a large-scale event, various incidents were bound to happen.
In particular, it was only natural for the incident I had been worried about to occur. For example...
"Huh? Isaac. Look over there."
"Hmm?"
"That pink-haired man over there."
The one I had repeatedly warned her not to run into.
"The woman in front of him... isn't that Cherry?"
"..."
The meeting between Cherry and her father. The pink hair was so conspicuous that I spotted them immediately.
As soon as I confirmed where Mari was pointing, I thought to myself that we were in trouble and started walking toward them. Mari and Adelia followed close behind.
"You still haven't come to your senses! I told you to read philosophy books instead of focusing on such trivial writing!"
"..."
"Get in the carriage and return to the family estate this instant! From this day forward, I am banning you from reading anything other than philosophy!"
As I drew closer, the shouting of the man I presumed to be Count Roseberry grew louder. Cherry, standing before him, listened in silence with her head bowed.
Still, scolding her like that in the middle of a crowd was a bit much. I stepped in as I approached them.
"Excuse me."
"Hmm?"
As I intervened, Count Roseberry shifted his gaze to me, his face full of anger.
Cherry did the same. She slowly raised her bowed head and looked at me.
With eyes as deep and dark as an abyss, just as I had seen at the beginning of the semester.
"May I ask what is going on?"
I spoke to the Count with a friendly smile. Count Roseberry narrowed one eye and asked back curtly.
"Who are you?"
"Ah. I haven't introduced myself. My name is Isaac Ducard Maishal. And..."
I then looked at Cherry and spoke gently.
"I am Lady Roseberry’s senior at the Academy."
At that, Count Roseberry’s eye twitched, and he pointed at Cherry. With his index finger, no less.
I felt uncomfortable seeing him treat his daughter like an object, but Count Roseberry asked me.
"Do you know that this girl is Cherry?"
"Of course."
"How do you know her?"
I looked Count Roseberry straight in the eye and answered.
"Because I’m the one who helped her."