Chapter 304: Foreshadowing(3)
Chapter 304: Foreshadowing(3)
The life of Hawk Ducard Maishal, Isaac’s father, was far more tumultuous than most.
Born the son of an ordinary commoner, he displayed remarkable martial prowess from a young age and became a knight after catching the eye of a nobleman by chance.
While it was relatively common for commoners to become knights in the Minerva Empire, the military achievements he accumulated were anything but ordinary.
He was a key figure in the dragon subjugation known as the Ascanal Incident and had defended the border regions—where barbarians and elven scouts frequently encroached—for over a decade.
Every single one of Hawk’s achievements had a significant impact on the Minerva Empire, and his defense of the border was recognized even by the Imperial Family.
Before his deployment, the border was a place where barbarians invaded at every opportunity, causing immense damage.
Furthermore, successfully repelling a large-scale offensive by the barbarians made it only natural for him to be granted a title of nobility.
However, perhaps because he had spent every single day in battle, his period of active service was quite short compared to other knights.
Unless one suffered a severe injury, there was no such thing as retirement for a knight. Bluntly put, as long as one felt capable, they could serve until the day they died.
On Earth, this would be nearly impossible due to the natural aging of the body, but this was a fantasy world where 'mana' existed.
Mana not only slowed aging but also allowed for physical reinforcement, providing a massive boon to professions like knighthood.
Even if the body itself aged, one could simply compensate for it with mana cultivation techniques honed over decades.
This was the reason why there were so many people possessing what was commonly called the 'Veteran's Spirit,' and the Minerva Empire treated its soldiers with great respect.
Regardless, the reason Hawk retired at such an early age despite this unique culture was none other than his 'heart.'
Think about it. A comrade you were laughing and chatting with just yesterday becomes a cold corpse overnight, and even if they were barbarians, you still had to commit murder.
If this cycle repeated every single day, could any sane person endure it?
Such was the state of the border during Hawk’s service. In fact, the reason he was able to become a Knight Commander at such a young age was simply because all his colleagues and superiors had died.
Even after becoming Commander, the tragedy continued. It was an extreme environment that no ordinary person could withstand without losing their mind.
Fortunately, Hawk endured that environment in silence, continuing the fight, and eventually met a lovely woman with whom he made a Hundred-Year Vow.
He continued his duties steadfastly, eventually repelling the barbarians' total offensive and even producing a new generation of talent to whom he could entrust the future.
Finally, although the Imperial Family offered him the title of Count, he intentionally accepted only a Barony, stating he wished to avoid further mental strain.
He was truly a great man worthy of a page in history. Yet, Hawk refused to let his name become widely known, desiring only a peaceful life.
The Empire was eager to utilize his fame, but their respect for soldiers was genuine, so they granted his request.
Thus, Hawk ended his military career—which was as cruel as it was glorious—and moved on to a quiet, happy life.
His eldest son, Dave, and eldest daughter, Nicole, followed in his footsteps by joining the Navy Knights, and his youngest daughter, Lily, was undeniably adorable.
Finally, his second son, Isaac, was Hawk’s greatest source of pride and, paradoxically, his biggest headache.
One might ask: Your son is Xenon, so why call him a headache instead of just being proud?
Hawk himself had even told Isaac that he could use him as a shield. He truly didn't mind being used that way.
The problem was that Isaac’s status had risen far too high. When Hawk made that offer, Isaac was merely a great man of letters destined for the history books.
That would have been enough, but now? Now, his work was being treated as Holy Scripture.
A biography written by an ordinary(?) great writer versus one written by a Prophet or a Regressor. Which one would have a greater impact?
Forget being a shield; that shield would be pierced through by a spear and then some. It was certainly good that his son had achieved such greatness, but he had grown so large that he could no longer be contained within a single vessel.
Isaac’s fame already far exceeded the achievements Hawk had made during his active service. It wasn't a matter of Hawk being a shield; it was a situation where Isaac had to be the shield to protect the family.
In such a situation, what would happen if Hawk suddenly became the shield?
"My Lord!! Is it true that you are Xenon?!"
"Please, just tell us once! If it's not you, say it's not, and if it is, say it is!"
"Baron! Why did you kill Kair?!"
What would happen? It would be a total mess.
Currently, a massive crowd had gathered in front of the gates of the Maishal Mansion. They were commoners of all ages who had heard the news from the papers.
Furthermore, most of them were residents of the Maishal Territory. After seeing the newspaper, they had gathered one by one in front of the gate, and after a few days, the crowd had become countless.
Fortunately, the guards at the gate were barely managing to maintain control, but it was control in name only. If the crowd decided to push through with force, they would be easily overrun.
With the front gate in such a state, was it peaceful inside the mansion?
"Are you really going to keep denying it? All the evidence points to you, Baron Maishal."
"The Maishal Territory is currently evolving beyond a Holy Land into a Sanctuary. Do you intend to lie in a place protected by the gods?"
"If it's not you, then who on earth is Xenon?"
Not at all. Hawk was currently busy dealing with nobles who had flocked from who-knows-where.
He might be able to ignore the commoners protesting outside, but the visits of nobles had to be accepted unless there was a very good reason.
Moreover, refusing them might inadvertently confirm their suspicions, which was something he had to avoid at all costs.
Hawk looked at the nobles sitting in a row at the guest table, cleared his throat, and spoke.
"...What exactly about me makes you think I am Xenon?"
"Red hair and golden eyes."
"You also have extensive experience as a knight. You likely used that as a basis for the battle scenes in the Xenon Biography."
"Seeing how you transformed a once-barren city into a cultural powerhouse, you must possess wisdom rivaling that of The Sage."
The nobles answered Hawk’s question in unison. Hawk was dumbfounded as he listened.
Red hair and golden eyes were traits not only he possessed, but Dave and Isaac as well. Lily was an infant, so she was an exception.
Using extensive experience as a knight for the Xenon Biography? That was possible because he had taught Isaac.
‘And there are combat methods in there that even I don't know.’
Though Hawk had experienced more significant events than most during his service, there were many things in the Xenon Biography that he had never encountered.
Besides, despite what they said, most of it was Isaac’s original creation. He had merely provided advice on historical accuracy.
Finally, the idea that he had transformed a barren territory into a cultural city was their own delusion. The Imperial Family had done everything; he had done nothing but stamp a mountain of approval documents.
However, because these elements harmonized so perfectly, everyone was under the illusion that Hawk was Xenon.
"Sigh... Contrary to what you all think, I am not Xenon. So, would you please head back for today?"
"Very well. However, we hope to hear a better answer next time."
"We don't wish to trouble Xenon either, so we shall take our leave."
"Before that, may I ask one thing? Why did you kill Kai—"
The noble asking the last question was dragged out by the others. The highlight was his desperate struggle to get an answer even as he was being hauled away.
Feeling as if a storm had just passed through, Hawk looked up at the ceiling and let out a deep sigh.
It was a total bolt from the blue. He had been living his life as usual, and he had no idea how things had come to this.
‘He’s definitely not a thoughtless child...’
He already knew about the incident where Isaac slapped Hiriya. Lina had contacted Hawk just in case.
This current situation was likely caused by that event, but since he didn't know the full details, it was simply frustrating.
‘It’s clear there’s something going on that I don't know about.’
For now, he was faithfully fulfilling his role as a shield, just as Isaac wanted. His priority was to somehow calm the territory until Isaac arrived.
Hawk stood up, praying for Isaac’s swift arrival.
He had sent the nobles away, but that didn't mean his work was finished. He still had a mountain of tasks piled up, and he couldn't push them aside just because he was tired.
And he still had to calm the residents who were shouting in groups outside.
‘What on earth are you thinking, my son?’
*
Just as Hawk was dealing with the nobles, there was another person in the Maishal Territory facing a similar situation.
That person was none other than the publisher of the Xenon Biography, Musk Grid.
He had been enjoying his peaceful daily life as usual, only to be faced with a difficult situation when Xenon’s identity was suddenly "revealed."
"Is it true that Xenon is someone with red hair and golden eyes?"
"Just tell me that, and I will give you all the money I have here!"
"Now that it's all out in the open, there's no reason to hesitate anymore, is there?"
Musk couldn't help but feel troubled as he looked at the nobles and wealthy individuals trying to entice him with all sorts of sweet talk and bribes.
Part of him wanted to just snatch it up. This situation was far too different from before.
Until now, there hadn't been a single concrete detail about Xenon’s identity. So, he could flatly refuse, claiming he was keeping his word.
But the current situation was subtly different. Unlike Hawk and those close to Isaac, he had no idea what had actually happened.
Strictly speaking, he had seen the newspaper, but he knew nothing about the circumstances of how that news had spread.
Hawk had his own troubles, but for Musk, this was a true bolt from the blue.
‘Should I say it, or shouldn't I?’
Musk scanned the faces of the nobles who had barged into the CEO's office and gave a troubled smile.
If one only looked at the newspaper, Xenon’s identity was almost revealed, but the problem was that it wasn't certain. Currently, the majority of people believed Hawk was Xenon.
If he answered that it was true, the situation might improve for now, but he didn't know what Isaac would think. There was no way out, and he felt like crying.
"I'm sorry, but could you please wait a little longer? A letter from Xenon will be arriving soon anyway, so this is quite difficult for me."
"When exactly is that letter coming?"
"Can't you just say yes or no?"
"Now that it's all been revealed, can't you even say that much?"
You bastards. Can't you even wait for that? It's only been a few days since the news broke.
Musk suppressed the urge to scream those words and responded with a smiling face.
As the saying goes, one cannot spit on a smiling face, so the people pressuring him had no choice but to back off reluctantly.
Or rather, they were about to back off.
Clatter!
"Boss! A letter from Xenon has arrived!"
Until his loyal subordinate and secretary, Matthew, burst in with Xenon’s letter.
At Matthew’s intrusion, everyone’s eyes, including Musk’s, focused on him.
"G-Give that here. Quickly!"
Matthew, suddenly the center of attention, realized his mistake for a moment, but Musk’s quick thinking smoothed things over.
Soon, under the piercing gazes of the crowd, Matthew handed the letter to Musk, who slowly opened it.
The time between the news appearing in the paper and the letter arriving was short, but he didn't care.
Rip—
"What does it say?"
"Tell us quickly!"
Wait a second, you bastards. I just started reading.
Musk frowned at their behavior, which showed not a shred of patience. Perhaps the only saving grace was that they didn't recklessly try to snatch the letter away.
He began to read slowly from the first sentence. As always, the first sentence was a plain introduction.
What followed was...
"......Huh?"
"What is it?"
"Surely Count Kamar wasn't wrong, was he?"
When Musk showed a bewildered reaction, everyone expressed their interest. Some were so tense they remained silent, their mouths tightly shut.
Musk stared blankly at the letter, blinked, and then looked up. He met their eyes directly and spoke.
"......He’s coming."
"Coming?"
"Who? Xenon?"
"Yes."
The small ball launched by Hiriya...
"Exactly one week from now, based on the current time."
Became a massive meteor...
"He plans to reveal himself at the performance hall."
And fell upon the Maishal Territory.
Meanwhile, around the same time, in Albenheim.
"Could the rumors be true? If they are, the search area narrows down significantly."
"It's not certain yet. Still, I hope it's true. We need to hurry up and present the Queen to Xenon as a gift."
"Me too. We can't lose to those rootless demons."
As the rumors about Xenon’s identity spread, the elves also began to buzz. While most were curious about Xenon’s identity, they were also showing deep interest in Arwen.
The entire nation had agreed that as soon as Xenon’s identity was revealed, they would present Arwen as a gift.
The elves, who had been lagging behind the demons until now, were determined this time.
No matter how great a gift might be, it couldn't compare to the Queen, who was practically Albenheim itself.
While public opinion in Albenheim was uniting as one, Arwen was...
‘What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?’
Surprisingly, she was in a state of extreme panic.
‘What should I wear then? This is my first time. I’ve never done this before. There was no explanation for this in the books. No, before that, did Kair and Elisha have a relationship? There was no such description.’
While she was busy counting her chickens before they hatched...
‘Isaac won't dislike me, will he? I wonder if he'll compare me to that woman made of fat? I’m confident about my lower half... Ugh. No. I have nothing to be ashamed of either.’
She was worrying about a 'future' that was far too far ahead.