Chapter 306: I am(1)
Chapter 306: I am(1)
Transportation in this world is abysmal. Forget airplanes; even trains have only just entered the development stage, and the only real form of transport is the horse-drawn carriage.
Even those carriages are incredibly expensive to use. Since horses are considered strategic assets, the high cost is only natural.
This meant that the one-week deadline I had given was far too short for anyone needing to cross national borders.
While teleportation gates existed, they could only be used in limited circumstances and only allowed travel between capital cities.
In that sense, the timeframe I proposed was essentially a filter, ensuring that only high-ranking nobles would be able to make it.
However, many nobles saw this as an opportunity to expand their networks and attended regardless, and the commoners were no different.
Since commoners far outnumbered the nobility, it was only natural that the vast majority of those arriving were ordinary citizens.
As a result, a crowd no smaller than the one at the previous exhibition swarmed into the Maishal Territory. Some even brought their own artworks, seeing this as a golden opportunity.
However, since this wasn't an official exhibition, there were no stages for performances or plays. There were only people wandering around, taking in the sights of the Maishal Territory.
That said, in terms of sheer proportion, the number of nobles seemed higher than usual. It was easy to tell them apart, as the difference in attire between a noble and a commoner was stark.
Of course, even this was likely only a fraction of the total. With so many people, many were probably staying confined to their inns.
Above all, the nobility was showing far more interest in this event than the commoners. The reason was simple: the commoners didn't particularly care who Xenon actually was.
To be precise, they were less concerned with his identity and could be divided into two main categories.
There were those like Cecile and Kate, who viewed me as a savior of the age, and those who simply loved the work for what it was.
It’s easiest to think of it as the difference between a fanatic and a fan, but upon closer inspection, it was a paper-thin distinction. Consequently, I’d heard news that the two groups often got into verbal spats that sometimes escalated into physical brawls.
Nobles, on the other hand, couldn't afford to remain "pure fans" like the commoners. The moment they became associated with me, they would be swept up in all sorts of rumors, but they would also gain a corresponding amount of power.
One didn't have to look far to see this; Arwen and Musk were perfect examples. Both were leading difficult lives for the sole reason that they were connected to Xenon.
The reason so many nobles were present at this event was mostly political. No matter how much the world clamored about me being a Saint or a man chosen by God, in the end, I was still a person.
Some would come hoping to pick up whatever crumbs might fall their way, while others might come with more genuine intentions.
It was a testament to just how much influence the name "Xenon" had over the world.
"Hello, Sir Isaac. Have you been well?"
"Ah. Lady Kate."
I was in the waiting room of the theater where the event was scheduled to take place. As I stood there, feeling the tension of the fast-approaching start time, I was greeted by a familiar face.
Kate, who would play a very important role today. As usual, she was dressed in her white nun's habit and wore a gentle smile.
Thanks to the magic and technology of the Demon race, the waiting room was filled with bright light. Yet, it paled in comparison to Kate's hair, which was reminiscent of a golden wheat field.
"Did Luminous really give his permission?"
"Yes. Lord Luminous said he would gladly grant any request of yours, Sir Isaac."
At my question, Kate nodded and gave a satisfying answer. This was exactly why Kate was so important today.
Even if I stood on stage and revealed my identity, would people actually believe me? I doubted it.
They would likely assume that Xenon had simply appointed a spokesperson. To anyone other than the Ters Royal Family, this event was far too sudden.
But if Kate personally vouched for me, the story would change. Kate held the rank of Cardinal and currently wielded immense influence within the Savior.
If Kate set her mind to it, she could temporarily declare the theater a Sanctuary.
"But is that really possible? Declaring a Sanctuary, even if only temporarily?"
I asked out of curiosity. It sounded easy enough when spoken, but logically speaking, Kate was claiming she could do the impossible.
In the first place, there were no locations where a God could exert direct influence outside of a temple.
"I can do it."
"For how long?"
"In any other place, ten minutes. Here, I can manage about thirty. Unlike other places, this territory is home to two Gods."
Kate answered as if it were no big deal. Once again, I realized just how extraordinary her abilities were and why she had received divine grace.
Though her common sense was skewed in some strange ways, perhaps that was why her faith in Luminous was so unwavering.
I should put that in the book.
It was a skill that would suit Lily, the one called the Saintess, perfectly. Since it was a technique that could be used in reality, unlike other skills, no one would object to it.
Furthermore, the moment a Sanctuary was declared, it was as if God Himself was watching, so no one would dare commit an evil act.
This was also why I could stand boldly on the stage. Moreover, I currently had a defensive spell cast on me by Cecile.
While it couldn't deceive the eyes of a God, it meant I would be perfectly fine even if a Demon worshipper somehow managed to sneak in and launch a surprise attack.
"However, Sir Isaac."
"Yes?"
"Do you really intend to go out wearing only those clothes?"
Kate asked me with a look of doubt. Hearing her question, I checked my attire.
As if to make the frantic process of choosing clothes seem pointless, my current outfit was very simple.
Far from being flamboyant, it was a plain red formal suit. Even the dress shirt was a common one that could be easily found in any market.
To put it nicely, it was a sophisticated outfit, but in the eyes of the people here—especially the nobles—it was a garment with nothing to boast about.
In fact, I remembered the women desperately trying to dissuade me when I insisted on wearing this.
"Yes. People are coming to see me, not my clothes, right? This is enough for me."
"You are a frugal person, Sir Isaac."
"To put it nicely, I'm frugal; to put it bluntly, I just don't know how to spend money like a noble."
As Kate said, I often heard that I was frugal, but in reality, I just didn't know how to spend money.
What was there to spend money on besides a few sheets of manuscript paper? Even my magic pens and typewriter were gifts, so there was nowhere for money to go.
I spent a bit when buying gifts for my loved ones, but it wasn't a lot.
"Do you prefer frugal people, Lady Kate?"
"I like people who spread light throughout this world, like you, Sir Isaac."
"Haha. You're laying it on a bit thick."
"It's not flattery; it's the truth. So, when will you give me the Seed of Light?"
"..."
"I will be waiting whenever you are ready."
She still hasn't given up. I let out a dry cough at Kate's determined words.
"Ahem. Anyway, Lady Kate. Has anything happened lately?"
"What do you mean?"
"That... the scratch on your face."
To change the subject, I mentioned something that had been bothering me for a while. There was a clear scratch on Kate's cheek.
Whether it was from an animal or she had scratched it herself, the wound was quite deep, like a stamp on her skin.
Because Kate's skin was otherwise flawless, the wound stood out even more.
I hadn't brought it up earlier for fear of making things awkward, but I couldn't just let it slide.
"Ah... this is..."
As soon as I asked, Kate looked flustered and instinctively covered the scratch on her cheek with her hand.
No matter how fanatical she could be, Kate was still a woman, and it seemed she was self-conscious about a wound on her face.
But it was strange. Someone like Kate should have been able to heal a wound like that instantly. Why had she left it?
Furthermore, she was the Grand Inquisitor—a cleric tasked with personally eliminating heretics and Demon worshippers.
The fact that such a deep wound had been carved into Kate's skin meant that something dangerous must have happened, so I couldn't help but worry.
"...Sir Isaac."
"Yes, Lady Kate."
"If it's not too much trouble, could I borrow your hand for a moment?"
After hesitating to speak for a while, Kate made a cautious request. Her blue eyes were filled with an emotion bordering on desperation.
I was puzzled by her reaction for a moment, but I lent her my hand as she wished.
Once I did, Kate fumbled with my hand as if handling a delicate piece of art before gripping it tightly.
Shaaaa—
The moment our hands met, a golden aura began to appear. I felt a sense of holiness along with warmth.
Divine power, something only a cleric could manifest. That divine power was now shimmering in my hand.
"...Sir Isaac."
"Yes, go ahead."
"Could you now use that hand to stroke my wound?"
In the midst of this strangely unfolding situation, Kate made her request. I looked up and met her eyes.
She looked nervous, almost pleading. It was an expression I couldn't possibly refuse, and I had no reason to.
So, I reached out with my hand, shimmering with divine power, and placed it on Kate's cheek. I hesitated for a moment, but it was truly only for a moment.
As my hand touched her, Kate slowly closed her eyes and began to savor the sensation.
Shaaaaaa—
To my surprise, the moment my hand touched her cheek, the wound began to vanish. It returned to its original state without leaving even a scar.
I knew that divine power had healing properties, but seeing it firsthand was a marvel I couldn't help but admire.
"Haa..."
"...Is it finished?"
When the wound was completely healed, Kate let out a faint, breathless moan. I asked quietly in the subtle atmosphere.
Then, Kate gently grasped my hand that was still on her cheek and slowly opened her eyes. When she did, her moist blue eyes shone brightly.
"Thank you, Sir Isaac."
"I didn't really do anything..."
"No. This feeling of everything defiled being washed away."
She continued in a voice thick with sweetness.
"Only you could have done this, Sir Isaac. Thank you so much."
"..."
I felt as if some strange switch had been flipped.
*
As the scheduled time approached, the theater began to overflow with people. From those already seated to those desperately trying to find a spot.
All of them had come to see who Xenon really was. Just like the previous exhibition, countless people had come from all over the world, so there were many things to consider.
If this had been a social gathering rather than a seated performance, the sense of crowding would have been even more intense.
The theater had been chosen as the venue for the announcement because it eliminated the need for people to wander around; they just had to sit in their seats.
"Did he give us only a week on purpose? Rumors travel fast, after all."
Leort offered his opinion as he looked toward the stage where Xenon's identity would soon be revealed.
Normally, a large-scale event like this should have been planned at least a month in advance, but for some reason, the timeframe was extremely short.
Furthermore, the time it took for news to spread across the world had to be considered. In that regard, a week was tight for anyone except high-ranking nobles.
"Perhaps he was sending a message that only those who truly wanted to come should? If he had extended the time, there would have been even more people," Lina, sitting next to Leort, suggested.
Leort nodded, finding her reasoning plausible. They had no idea that Isaac had simply chosen a week without much thought.
"But Lina. Are you really okay with this?"
"I'm fine, Brother. His personality isn't bad, and he's quite handsome, isn't he?"
"I wouldn't mind if you two just kept up appearances by mutual agreement, but..."
As one might expect, the two siblings were discussing an arranged marriage. The moment Isaac revealed his identity, Lina would have no choice but to enter into one.
Even though Isaac was engaged to Mari, the Imperial Family would still have to offer a 'gift.'
But if that happened, the relationships would become complicated. Publicly, Lina should be the primary wife, but in reality, it was Mari.
Of course, considering Xenon's status, things would have to be adjusted to his wishes, but human hearts aren't so easily managed.
"I've told you repeatedly, I'm fine. Besides, I've been expecting this for a long time, so I don't really feel much about it anymore. Isn't it easier to just think that I'm going to a good man?"
"If that's how you feel, I won't say anything more, but relationships between men and women are..."
"Enough. Before you say things like that, shouldn't you be thinking about yourself, Brother? Things with Princess Hiriya are already over, so you need to find someone else."
Leort had no choice but to give a bitter smile at Lina's counterattack. As she said, he needed to find a partner for himself immediately.
Originally, Princess Hiriya had been a candidate, but as everyone knew, that ended the moment Isaac slapped her.
Since then, he had been searching domestically and abroad for a suitable bride, but it wasn't as easy as it sounded.
"And it would be better if you did it before I get married. Otherwise, your standards will become so high that it'll be hard to even find a candidate."
"Alright, alright. I'll find someone on my own, so stop nagging me."
If Lina married first, his brother-in-law would be Xenon. Under such conditions, who would dare to make a proposal?
Leort pushed aside the nagging Lina and scanned the surroundings. Most were familiar faces, but a few were different.
Specifically, Descal, the King of Helium, known to the world as the 'Demon King.' Currently, Descal was seated alongside his queen, Aisilia.
Cecile was the same. Perhaps because Isaac wasn't there, Cecile was sitting with them, chatting amiably.
It's going to be noisy for a while.
Leort also knew through Lina that Cecile was dating Isaac. And that would eventually return as a massive storm.
The same went for the Kingdom of Ters. From the Minerva Empire's perspective, it was a good thing that the Kingdom of Ters had self-destructed, but the aftermath was the problem.
A storm leaves only calm once it passes, but the storm that was about to arrive was no ordinary one.
I should start by organizing the security personnel.
It was just as Leort was mentally going over Isaac's security detail.
"Huh? Who is that?"
"Someone just walked onto the stage."
"Could it be?"
The murmurs of the crowd reached his ears. Leort quickly shifted his gaze toward the stage.
As he did, a man with red hair fluttering behind him caught his eye as he walked out with confidence.
It's finally starting. As soon as Leort saw the man, he focused, a smile of anticipation on his face.
Meanwhile, the handsome young man with red hair, Isaac, stood boldly in the center of the stage and looked the audience straight in the eye.
"..."
The moment Isaac stood tall, the murmuring quickly died down.
Once the noise subsided, Isaac took a quick look around and cleared his throat.
"Hello, everyone."
And then, very quietly.
"My name is Isaac Ducard Maishal."
In a calm voice.
"I am Xenon, the author of the Xenon Biography."
He dropped a bombshell right from the start.