Chapter 291: Suspicion(1)
Chapter 291: Suspicion(1)
The sudden appearance of impersonators caused quite a stir for a while, but the commotion died down as time passed.
According to the newspapers and the rumors floating around, the Savior faction, led by Kate, had brought down the hammer on them. I heard from Mari that Kate had personally 're-educated' a fellow who was going around claiming to be Xenon, the protagonist of the Xenon Biography.
Of course, those whose real names happened to be Xenon, Kair, or other characters were exceptions. In fact, people like that tended to keep their mouths shut and live quietly.
As for occupations like adventurers or mercenaries, they could simply use aliases. While there might be cases where someone’s past coincidentally mirrored a character's, the Savior faction would likely handle those situations on their own.
At any rate, the issue of impersonators that had cropped up in Albenheim was eventually resolved. For the record, the Savior faction and the Church of Luminous had stepped in directly; if they hadn't been able to handle even this, they would have been buried under a mountain of criticism.
Their foundation was already shaking due to the unprecedented scandal of a fallen Cardinal, so things would have only worsened.
The mere existence of an impersonator could tarnish the reputation of the Xenon Biography. Just look at the kind of reception the Kair impersonators received when they first appeared. If left unchecked, various pretenders would have popped up everywhere, making it difficult to take proper measures later.
However, once the Savior faction—specifically Kate, who currently wields immense influence—stepped forward and decried it as 'sacrilege,' they all vanished in short order.
Rumor has it that she didn't just break the hands of the man impersonating Xenon, but grabbed him by the hair and dragged him away. Since it's a rumor, there's likely some exaggeration involved. Even if Kate has a strong fanatical streak, she wouldn't be that violent.
I mean, surely she wouldn't actually shatter someone's hands and drag them along in front of everyone. It's not like she was hunting demon worshippers.
"Isaac. Can you give me File Number 2 over there?"
"Here it is."
"Thanks. Oh, and while you're at it, look into the Stavirk Incident. I think that case is closely linked to demon worshippers."
"Understood."
Regardless, after the sequence of events involving Cecile’s speech, Arwen’s announcement, and the impersonator craze, life returned to a peaceful routine.
The Xenon Biography is important, but I can't neglect my studies. My workload as Professor Elena's assistant has increased significantly since last semester, keeping me quite busy.
When studying history, you occasionally find incidents where the facts don't quite line up or the circumstances feel fishy. Recently, Elena has been focusing her research on these specific cases.
Normally, one might just find the lack of records strange and move on, but the story changes if demon worshippers are involved. It was more than enough to ignite the academic passion of a natural-born scholar like Elena.
Though it meant I was the one who started suffering for it.
Cindy was helping out as well, but since she had her own personal research to attend to, I was mostly struggling on my own.
"Hmm... What could demon worshippers possibly gain from the Stavirk Independence War? What do you think, Isaac?"
"Well..."
At Elena's question, I recalled the details of the Stavirk Incident. The Stavirk Independence War was a conflict that broke out a hundred years ago in the Stavirk region of the Minerva Empire.
Strictly speaking, it was an independence war fought by an ethnic minority. Such struggles for independence were common even back on Earth. Even now, they claim independence whenever they get the chance, remaining a thorn in the Empire's side and maintaining a poor relationship with the imperial citizens.
However, from the Minerva Empire's perspective, the Stavirk region is absolutely indispensable.
Geopolitically, the place is identical to the Korean Peninsula. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it is a natural fortress connected to the continent at the top. Furthermore, right below Stavirk lies the Minerva Empire's arch-rival, the Kingdom of Ters.
In short, it is a strategic chokepoint that the Minerva Empire can never give up.
"I think it looks normal."
"Normal? On what grounds? It's not like the Minerva Empire was putting extreme pressure on them."
As Elena questioned, the Minerva Empire never discriminated against or pressured the Stavirk region. In fact, it was the opposite. Leveraging its massive economic power, the Empire has been investing heavily in the area.
The problem is that the Stavirk region is not only self-sufficient but its people are exceptionally skilled craftsmen. While not quite on the level of Dwarves, their technological prowess is strangely excellent, as is their solidarity.
In particular, because they are surrounded by the sea, their shipbuilding technology is evaluated to be a step ahead of the Dwarves. This is both the reason the Empire cannot let go of Stavirk and the reason the Stavirk people desire independence.
"Humans are unique in that they love forming societies while simultaneously dreaming of self-reliance. If that weren't the case, there would only be one human nation, just like the other races."
"Go on."
"Stavirk is the same. Although they were annexed by the Minerva Empire due to the Great War—a turning point in history—they likely kept the dream of independence in their hearts. In fact, the justification for it has existed steadily since the Race War, not just a hundred years ago. They simply lacked a great leader to found a nation, someone like Hik who founded Animus."
"Hmm..."
Elena stroked her chin, seemingly lost in thought after hearing my explanation.
To her eyes as an Elf, the Stavirk Independence War—or rather, the human desire for independence—must seem peculiar. As one can tell from my occasional jokes about 'Elven Communism,' Elves have strong totalitarian tendencies.
Yet, they possess the bizarre trait of fracturing when a crisis like the Race War actually hits. Fortunately, thanks to Queen Arwen’s wise governance, they are slowly uniting, but it remains a point of instability.
"So is that why the Race War happened~?"
Cindy, who had been listening from the side, chimed in with her characteristically sluggish voice. Her dark circles and messy bun were the same as ever, but her face looked more relaxed than before, perhaps because she had secured her degree.
"In a way, yes. The Race War was when the human desire for independence—to break away from Elven influence and be treated as a distinct race—truly manifested. The Stavirk Independence War is likely the same."
"Humans really are a mystery. So, you're saying Stavirk's independence has nothing to do with demon worshippers?"
"I wouldn't say it has nothing to do with them. If Stavirk were to become independent, the political situation would become incredibly complicated. Demon worshippers would be able to operate much more actively in that chaos."
"Would you mind explaining that?"
Perhaps it was an intriguing hypothesis for a scholar; not only Elena but even Cindy focused on my words with sparkling eyes. It was a bit overwhelming, but explaining it wasn't that hard. I used to live in a country like that, after all.
As I explained what I knew, their eyes grew even brighter. Since the scenario was highly realistic and could have been a major turning point in history, they showed deep interest.
"Then what do you think would happen if the Minerva Empire suppressed them by force?"
"Can I use strong language?"
"Go ahead."
"It would be a total shitshow."
It would end up like the US meddling in Vietnam or Afghanistan, or Russia invading Ukraine. Unless they had a very proper justification, the Minerva Empire wouldn't be foolish enough to try and take Stavirk by force.
Fortunately, the current Minerva Empire is producing wise monarchs, much like Rome in its prime. Leort, who is set to ascend as the next Emperor, is quite capable, so there's no need to worry.
"Anyway, you're saying Stavirk's independence would be beneficial for the demon worshippers?"
"Yes. It's even possible the mastermind is a demon worshipper. Given that a Cardinal of the Church of Luminous was one, it's not impossible."
"Thanks for the great hypothesis. I feel like I understand humans a bit better now. I really made the right choice hiring you as my assistant."
"If you're that grateful, please hire another assistant. It's hard for me to do all this research alone."
While the research helps my historical studies, hard work is still hard work. The materials in Elena’s lab alone rival a library, yet I still have to visit other professors. Sometimes, it feels like a quest; when I ask to borrow materials, those professors often ask for other favors in return.
Thanks to that, my knowledge is growing richer by the day, but my body is exhausted. Recognizing my plight, Elena nodded at my grumbling and spoke.
"Actually, someone just applied for an assistant position. Do you happen to know a girl named Leona?"
"Leona? You mean the one with the chestnut-colored hair?"
"Yes."
I couldn't help but be surprised as Elena nodded. As everyone knows, Leona’s goal is just to get a diploma. She doesn't need to join a specific department as long as she attends for four years, so I didn't know why she'd come to the History Department...
'...It's because of me.'
The probability was very high. She was likely coming to the History Department to increase the time we spent together. For me, it meant getting another slave—I mean, assistant—so I didn't mind, but I wondered if she would be okay with it. There was no need for her to join a department she had no interest in just because of me. I'd have to meet her separately later.
"She has a good spirit for inquiry and her grades are excellent. She seems quite interested in history, too. I don't know if she's as capable as you, but she won't be a burden."
"If you're fine with it, Professor. Is there anyone else?"
"There are students I'm keeping an eye on, but I'm not sure yet."
Elena said as she jotted down the hypothesis I had just explained in her notebook. True to her nature as a scholar, her handwriting wasn't exactly elegant, but it was angular and precise, making it easy to read.
While she was writing, I sat down on the sofa to do some reading. I didn't have many classes left, so I intended to kill time until 5 o'clock.
"By the way, Isaac."
"Yes?"
"You're really not Xenon, are you?"
"..."
Elena tossed the question out casually while still writing. I could only offer a bitter smile. After seeing Cherry clinging to me last semester, she had been nursing a quiet suspicion.
I had been denying it all this time, but once suspicion takes root, every single action is scrutinized for meaning. The small ball Cherry had set in motion was pressuring me, but I could handle it smoothly now.
"What would you do if I were Xenon?"
"I'd ask you to tell me what history unfolds in the future. I'd write my thesis based on that."
"I think I'd refuse to tell you just because of that freeloading mindset."
"Then there's nothing I can do."
Elena didn't seem to mind and just shrugged, not prying any further. Cindy hadn't been interested from the start. This was exactly why I could trust them. They were natural scholars with almost no interest in anything outside of history.
However, since her desire to get a free ride on a thesis was sincere, it was awkward to come clean. You could tell just by how she asked for an explanation about Stavirk earlier.
"I'll be heading out now, then."
"Right. See you tomorrow."
"Bye-bye~"
As soon as it hit 5 o'clock, I received Elena's nonchalant goodbye and Cindy's sluggish farewell before heading back to my dormitory.
Various incidents had occurred before and after the Academy's opening, but for now, a quiet daily life was being maintained. Moreover, the impersonator incident only had an indirect connection to me and almost no direct impact.
Thanks to that, the writing of Volume 22 was progressing without a hitch, and no significant events had occurred recently. Except for the fact that the 'crossroads' Mora told me about was slowly approaching.
'Hiriya is staying quiet, so what kind of choice am I supposed to make?'
I returned to the dormitory with a heart full of questions.
*
Around the time Isaac was heading back to his room with a puzzled mind, a woman was carefully tailing him.
She hid periodically to avoid being caught, her movements highly practiced. The fact that even passing pedestrians didn't find her suspicious proved she had done this many times before.
Click—
The woman watched until Isaac opened the dormitory door and went inside. As soon as he disappeared into the room, she fully revealed herself.
She had hair and eyes as blue as the sky. Though she had a blunt expression, her innate beauty could not be hidden. Along with her tall, slender frame, her figure was impressive even under her uniform.
Hiriya, the Second Princess of the Kingdom of Ters and Adelia’s half-sister.
She had been digging into Isaac's background since the start of the semester. She had even skipped classes using appropriate excuses, so there would be no negative repercussions.
'Nothing unusual so far...'
Hiriya stared at the dormitory Isaac had entered with her usual expressionless face. Her sky-blue hair was quite conspicuous, but she felt safe because she was disguised with a magic item.
To others, she would look like someone with ordinary brown hair and eyes. However, her beautiful features were difficult to change, so she left them as they were. Still, changing just the hair color significantly alters a person's impression. Furthermore, since she possessed the sky-blue hair that was the symbol of the Ters royalty, the importance of the disguise went without saying.
'There is definitely something about that guy.'
Hiriya glared intently at the dormitory. Her suspicion of Isaac began at the exhibition. No matter how much they wanted to protect their own nobility, there were scattered instances where the Minerva Empire was being overly protective of Isaac.
To the Minerva Empire, the Kingdom of Ters was like oil and water—they could never truly unite—but even so, they wouldn't go as far as to block a marriage. In fact, it was the opposite; personal feelings aside, international relations were inherently complex and subtle.
If Isaac, who was a mere Baron, and she, a Princess, were to enter a political marriage, it would ultimately be the Minerva Empire that benefited.
Of course, it could be that they were protecting him because he was engaged to the daughter of the Rekilis family. But she couldn't shake her suspicion. She even wondered if the reason he was marrying into the Rekilis family was because he had something special.
'He's a guy who has nothing but his face, so what is it?'
Even in Hiriya's eyes, Isaac's appearance was quite remarkable. He had the rare combination of fiery red hair and golden eyes. Even the rumor that Mari, the daughter of the Rekilis family, had married him for his face alone seemed plausible.
But that was just a joke; there had to be something more. She just didn't know what it was yet.
'And during the speech in Helium...'
She recalled the speech held in Helium recently. Princess Cecile of Helium had definitely made eye contact with Isaac. Not just once, but three times. Even if red hair was eye-catching, making eye contact three times was strange.
It could have been a series of coincidences, but given the circumstances she had gathered so far, it didn't feel like a coincidence at all. Isaac had something she didn't know about. She was certain of it.
And the most plausible hypothesis was...
'Isaac Ducard Maishal is Xenon.'
With this one thought, the Minerva Empire's protective behavior and Cecile's reaction during the speech were instantly explained.
However, she lacked evidence. It was possible that his father, Hawk, was Xenon instead of Isaac. Furthermore, she only had a mountain of circumstantial evidence, and even that was tenuous. It could be the Minerva Empire's PR strategy, or they really could have just exchanged glances because the red hair stood out.
'I need to catch some solid evidence first.'
She had witnessed Lina, Mari, Cecile, and Isaac hanging out together countless times. According to rumors, they had been a group since their first year. Even this was suspicious, but she needed more concrete proof.
'If he really is Xenon...'
The thought crossed her mind, but she immediately shook her head vigorously. At the same time, she denied it, telling herself there was no way. Her ultimate goal was to take Isaac away from that filthy illegitimate child anyway. It didn't matter if Isaac was Xenon or not.
'But what if he really is Xenon?'
She forced down the anxiety beginning to sprout in her heart. Although she didn't realize it, her sky-blue eyes staring at the dormitory were trembling slightly. Just as a seed of suspicion grows rapidly once planted, so does anxiety.
If Isaac really was Xenon, not only she but the entire Kingdom of Ters could be in danger.
Hiriya stared at the dormitory for a while longer before taking a deep breath and turning away. She planned to go back and clear her head for now.
'It can't be.'
As she walked away with those thoughts...
Swoosh—
As soon as Hiriya disappeared, another figure revealed itself. A woman with pink hair and eyes, reminiscent of cherry blossoms.
"...What's this?"
Cherry tilted her head and muttered softly.
"Is she a stalker?"
She was hardly one to talk.