Chapter 300: The Trial(2)
Chapter 300: The Trial(2)
My decision to reveal my identity will likely leave many people bewildered. They’ll probably ask why I bothered dragging it out and keeping it a secret for so long if I was just going to do this.
The Minerva Empire would feel the same way. They would ask why they are taking such a submissive stance when they have nothing to lose to the Kingdom of Ters, except perhaps in terms of culture.
However, even if my family background is solid, and even if my father is the renowned Red Lion, slapping a princess is a different matter entirely.
If the Minerva Empire were to act defiantly, the Kingdom of Ters would only become more unified, and other nations would join in the condemnation.
Cecile of Helium, Arwen of Albenheim, and Kate of Savior—these three know my true identity, but even they cannot openly shield me. If they were to protect me, it would inevitably arouse suspicion, as Arwen is the only one publicly known to know who I am.
As the saying goes, one must clearly separate public and private matters. The relationship between the Minerva Empire and the Kingdom of Ters is neither particularly good nor bad. It is a relationship where they can hold hands if their interests align or clash if they don't. No matter how close we were at the Academy, international relations are cold and calculating.
One only needs to look at how World War I broke out to understand this. Furthermore, as I have mentioned repeatedly, the Minerva Empire and the Kingdom of Ters are the bitterest of rivals.
Therefore, the Empire’s submissive stance is essentially a silent expression of wanting to resolve this quietly between ourselves.
Even if the Minerva Empire’s military strength is superior, a full-scale war would result in significant casualties for both sides. Moreover, the Empire must keep an eye on the Stavirk region. If Stavirk were to declare independence in the midst of a war, it would be an absolute nightmare. They were effectively caught in a checkmate.
But if I reveal that I am Xenon, all those concerns become meaningless. Without a doubt, all eyes will be fixed on me, and the situation will be resolved with ease.
In a way, I am using my honor and prestige to act tyrannically, but it was the Kingdom of Ters that acted tyrannically first.
As for acting emotionally? That has always been my personality. Usually stoic, but prone to outbursts when certain buttons are pushed.
In particular, the trauma of losing both my parents at once in an accident in my previous life is deeply embedded within me. The reason I haven't revealed my identity until now was for the sake of my family, not myself.
I don't care if people insult me, but I cannot tolerate anyone touching my 'family' or those connected to them.
And Adelia is a woman I have shared my body with; she is family. I can no longer allow her to be disgraced.
Even if a future filled with hardship awaits, shouldn't I see it through to the end to take responsibility?
From now on, I will not hide my identity for the sake of my family; I will protect them under the name of Xenon. That is the choice I have made at this crossroads.
"..."
After I revealed that I was Xenon and delivered what was essentially a threat, Laos's reaction was quite a sight.
His expression seemed to say, Has this bastard completely lost his mind? yet there was a flicker of doubt behind it. He still looked like he couldn't quite believe it.
I stared at Laos in silence before slowly shifting my gaze to the side. The moment I revealed I was Xenon, Hiriya’s face turned a sickly shade of blue. She couldn't even lift her head and was trembling like a terrified puppy.
Unlike Laos and the others, who had no context, Hiriya had already been suspicious that I was Xenon. Thanks to Cherry’s information and Mari’s clever handling, her suspicions had been eased, but the moment I slapped her, the seeds must have sprouted again.
And now, those sprouted seeds had grown, on the verge of blooming and bearing fruit.
"What... what did that low-born just say?"
"He's going to show proof that he's Xenon?"
"Hahahaha! He must have truly lost his mind! How dare he impersonate Xenon?!"
"The gods will punish you!!"
Despite the careful buildup, the audience responded with ridicule instead of shock or horror.
I suppose that’s the natural reaction. There are countless stories of people being dragged away or severely punished for impersonating characters from Xenon's Biography. Above all, I had just boldly claimed to be the 'Author' Xenon, not the character.
If this were an impersonation, I would have no defense even if I were executed on the spot for sacrilege.
I let the pouring criticism and insults go in one ear and out the other as I looked at Laos. He was watching me with a look of uncertainty.
"...Are you truly not afraid of divine retribution?"
As expected, he didn't believe me easily. However, unlike his previous arrogant and haughty demeanor, his voice had become incredibly serious. His sky-blue eyes flickered toward the manuscript I had placed on the desk.
"Why would I be afraid? As I said before, I have only told the truth. It is you who refused to believe it."
"..."
"Of course, it doesn't matter if you don't believe me. You can ignore this and throw me in prison; I will accept it gladly. But if you are worried about what might happen afterward, you should read what is inside this."
I suppressed my surging emotions and replied in a calm voice. Even after hearing my words, Laos did not hide his suspicious look. He might think it’s a bluff or a trick. From the moment I declared myself as the author Xenon, I was essentially gambling with my life.
No matter how insane a person might be, they wouldn't stake their life on something like this. That was likely why Laos was hesitating.
He looked back and forth between my face and the manuscript on the desk once more before glancing behind me. I followed his gaze and turned my head.
Unlike the other nobles, King Friedrich seemed to have sensed that something was wrong; he was watching us with a furrowed brow. Judging by the way he was stroking his chin with a grave expression, he seemed to have intuitively realized that my words were not empty.
When Friedrich gave a silent nod of affirmation, Laos began to tear open the envelope containing the manuscript.
Rip—
As Laos opened the mail, perhaps sensing that the situation was becoming serious, the voices of the audience, who had been hurling all sorts of insults, began to quiet down.
As he pulled out the contents, I turned my gaze toward where I had originally been sitting—toward Adelia and Lina. Adelia had a complex, subtle expression, likely thinking this was all her fault, while Lina simply shrugged the moment our eyes met.
It meant the matter was now out of her hands and I should handle it myself. I accepted that meaning and looked back at Laos.
"..."
Laos's sky-blue eyes moved rapidly from side to side. What he was currently reading was the original manuscript for Volume 1 of Xenon's Biography. The manuscript that was once known to have been stolen but somehow returned, and is now revered as a holy scripture.
However, regardless of the manuscript, I didn't expect Laos or the rest of the Ters royalty to believe me immediately. Unlike Hiriya, this revelation had come out of nowhere for them, without any hints or foreshadowing. Rather than complete belief, they would likely harbor a much stronger sense of doubt than before.
"......Is this it? Is this the proof that you are Xenon?"
It was as I expected. Though his voice trembled slightly, Laos did not confirm that I was Xenon.
However, the seed of anxiety beginning to sprout in his heart was enough. That seed of unease would gradually grow and begin to gnaw at him from the inside.
I gave him a gentle smile and nodded in response to his question. His gaze then shifted behind me. He was likely exchanging opinions with Friedrich through their eyes. I didn't bother turning around and focused solely on Laos.
"Is that not enough?"
"There is the possibility of forgery. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I have no talent for appraisal. There is a chance, however small, that this is a well-crafted fake."
"I can show you more if you wish. Or we can go to the Temple to verify it."
"Then, putting this aside, what does you being Xenon have to do with the current situation? Do you expect us to recognize that woman as being of the same bloodline?"
Laos began to use more respectful language. This confirmed that the seed of anxiety had indeed taken root in his heart. Furthermore, as he said, there was no direct connection between the current incident and me being Xenon... or so it seemed.
Even if the perception of illegitimate children is at rock bottom, the direct denial of Adelia's existence was unacceptable. But I wasn't asking for them to take her back. That goal was already half-accomplished.
"No. Even if I don't ask, the situation will unfold on its own. As I said before, if a similar incident appears in Xenon's Biography, everyone here will begin to wonder."
"..."
"I'm not fond of receiving a bow from someone forced to their knees."
It was exactly as I said. If I weren't Xenon, these people would never have acknowledged Adelia as family until the day they died. Even if I used the authority and fame of Xenon to pressure them, it would be nothing more than a hollow gesture.
In the first place, even if they said they accepted her as family, they would never truly mean it. I was certain of that.
"The die is already cast. If my words are true, everyone will realize why this situation occurred, and even if they don't, they will harbor doubts. Even if I hadn't revealed my identity, I have already achieved what I wanted."
Everything I explained was the truth. I had witnessed it with my own eyes; Hiriya had seduced me for the sake of a petty revenge. To someone who didn't know the full story, it might look like a tragic tale of a heroine driven to do wrong by love.
But the mere existence of Adelia turned it into a hideous and narrow-minded act of vengeance.
The reason all of this could be understood was fundamentally because Adelia was an 'illegitimate child.' Illegitimate children are unwelcome everywhere and have historically committed numerous eccentricities.
However, the reason for those eccentricities is usually simple: they want attention and love from their parents or siblings. Even if they can't be accepted as family, they want their existence to be acknowledged.
It is often because that one thing is denied that an illegitimate child turns wayward. Adelia, who endured it all in silence, was a very rare case. Furthermore, hearing about Adelia's miserable past, it was a miracle she hadn't committed suicide.
"The reason I revealed I am Xenon despite that is... I didn't want to waste time rotting in a prison cell. Above all, it is the most effective card I hold. And it is to give the Kingdom of Ters a choice."
"A choice?"
"Yes. A choice. Will you find me innocent, or will you find me guilty?"
In my previous life, even if someone insulted my parents, physical assault wouldn't be recognized as self-defense. But things are a bit different here.
Insults, especially those directed at parents, are considered the gravest of insults across all times and places. In extreme cases, one could lose their life and have no grounds for complaint. This applies regardless of rank. Suppose a noble insults a commoner's parents, and that commoner assaults the noble. No matter the difference in status, as long as there is clear evidence or witnesses, it is recognized as a form of justified retaliation. Of course, most people would side with the noble out of fear of repercussions, but the law itself recognizes it.
"If you acknowledge that Princess Hiriya insulted my guard knight, this trial will end here. If you are certain that is not the case, I will accept whatever sentence is passed upon me."
"..."
"What will you do?"
I was essentially posing an indirect question: would they acknowledge Adelia's birth?
If they acknowledged it now, it would stain the honor of the Ters royal family. If they denied it, they could protect their honor, but they would have to deal with the aftermath.
Honor or national interest? No matter which choice they made, a crack would form in the Kingdom of Ters.
It was the truth that Adelia was an illegitimate child of the Ters royal family, and it was the truth that I was Xenon. I had nothing to fear. From the moment they directly denied Adelia's existence, they had fallen into a self-contradiction.
"..."
While they were deliberating, I exchanged a look with Adelia. I had already told her that such a situation might unfold, but I still felt a sense of apology.
Fortunately, Adelia seemed to have completely opened her heart; she only gave a bitter smile and responded with a deep bow the moment our eyes met. It was an expression that whether the Ters royal family acknowledged her or not, she would remain my exclusive maid and family. It seemed she had finally let go of her lingering attachments.
"Is it true? That woman is of King Friedrich's bloodline?"
"Looking at those sky-blue eyes, it seems certain..."
"Don't be ridiculous. Everyone knows how good the relationship between His Majesty and the Queen is."
The audience—the nobles—were also reacting with disbelief. Even Count Kamar, who had offered a favorable defense for me, seemed hesitant to trust the claim.
My work was done. The rest would depend on the choice they made. They were likely running all sorts of scenarios in their heads. It was hard enough to decide whether I was Xenon or not, but they also had to consider Adelia.
"Why?"
"Pardon?"
"Why are you protecting that woman?"
While I was leisurely waiting for an answer, Laos asked me a question. His face was filled with a confusion he couldn't seem to resolve.
I blinked at the question before giving a bright smile and a straightforward answer. Honestly, there was no grand reason.
"Because she is a woman I like, and who likes me in return."
"..."
"I'd rather take responsibility than just stand by and watch. Wounds to the heart do not heal so easily."
Through this incident, I would be able to give Adelia a firm sense of trust. There is no heart stronger than trust bound by love. Even if I have to suffer, I will never let my people be hurt. That was the choice and decision I had made.
Laos bit his lip at my answer and glanced at Hiriya. She still hadn't uttered a word, her head hanging low like a criminal.
By now, Laos must have realized that I truly was Xenon. For the sake of the national interest, he should have accepted Adelia's existence, but...
"No."
It wasn't Laos.
"That low-born girl is no child of mine."
The King of Ters, Friedrich, denied Adelia's existence until the very end.
As his answer pierced my ears, I spun around to meet his gaze.
His eyes were filled with stubbornness and arrogance. A bullheaded refusal to yield even an inch. A resolute expression that he could not discard the 'honor' he had built as a 'King.'
Like a king of this era who lives and dies by honor, King Friedrich chose certain honor over uncertain national interest. Even if it meant directly denying a flaw that clearly existed before his eyes.
To me, who possessed memories of a past life, it was a decision I had anticipated but still found difficult to accept.
"...Are you certain?"
"Even if you are Xenon, my choice will not change."
"Just for the sake of that bit of honor?"
"..."
Friedrich answered with silence instead of words. Silence is another form of affirmation.
As expected, I couldn't understand it. But I could accept it. Because this was that kind of world.
I let out a long, heavy sigh and looked at Adelia. Her head was bowed low, and her body was trembling intermittently. Even though she had expected this, hearing it directly must have been a massive shock. She seemed to be forcing back her tears.
"...Then, King Friedrich. I shall make a declaration to you. And to everyone else here."
I looked around at the assembly, took a deep breath, and spoke clearly in a low, sinking voice.
"From now on, Xenon's Biography will no longer be seen in the Kingdom of Ters."
I would strip away the culture everyone coveted.
"I will never again grant my strength to the Kingdom of Ters."
While lending my strength to their rival, the Minerva Empire.
"And everyone here will come to doubt Your Majesty."
I delivered a stern warning about what was to come.
Volume 22 of Xenon's Biography was scheduled to be released in the Minerva Empire soon. Not long after, it would have been released in the Kingdom of Ters as well. This meant that from Volume 23 onward, it would not be released here. Of course, copies would circulate on the black market, but that was none of my concern.
"King Friedrich."
"Speak."
"You are certainly a wise king. You mended the cracks caused by the Jayros Revolution, and your international image was excellent. But..."
I finally voiced the words I had swallowed several times while suppressing my anger.
"At least in my eyes, you appear to be an unprepared man who refuses to take responsibility for his own mistakes and faults, choosing only to deny them."
"..."
Grip!
Friedrich’s hands tightened at my stinging rebuke. Judging by how he gripped the armrests until they seemed ready to break, I had clearly struck his sorest spot.
On the surface, it was an insult to a king. But he would be able to do nothing.
Seeing as he denied Adelia, he might not be entirely certain, but he would harbor the suspicion that I was Xenon. That anxiety would be enough.
Internally, the honor he had painstakingly built would crumble piece by piece, and externally, he would face the aftermath of the suspension of Xenon's Biography and the ensuing conflicts among the nobles.
King Friedrich had made the worst possible move among all the choices available to him. All for the sake of a little pride.
"Now then..."
I slowly scanned the assembly, which had fallen into a sudden silence, before opening my mouth with my characteristic smile.
"Would you care to tell me what sentence you will pass upon me?"