Chapter 310: Isaac(4)
Chapter 310: Isaac(4)
The networking after Arwen’s turn passed without much incident. Since most of them were familiar faces, acting like I was meeting them for the first time felt even more awkward.
If there hadn't been an audience, we would have been laughing and chatting away, or I would have been the one feeling embarrassed.
Cecile, in particular, was the biggest hurdle. Her characteristic playfulness kicked in, and she teased me, saying things like she had no idea I was Xenon, or that she finally understood why I was such a good speaker at the Academy.
Mari, Arwen, and a few others shot her incredibly salty looks for her "coy" act, but Cecile was too busy being nonchalant.
Still, she didn't forget to lay the groundwork for her future announcement. She looked at me with eyes full of affection, declaring that she would never forget this "grace" I had shown her.
Anyone quick-witted would have realized it by now: Cecile had romantic feelings for me and would soon drop a bombshell no less explosive than my recent speech.
With the very convenient excuse of "repaying a debt of gratitude," everyone would take it for granted when Cecile eventually married into my family.
Since Descal is still in good health, we’ll likely live in the same house for a while after the engagement. However, she’ll probably have to leave once the day comes for her to inherit the throne.
The catch is that it could be hundreds of years away. Even Descal is considered young by demon standards.
He might hand over the throne sooner to facilitate a generation shift, but would Cecile actually want that? I doubt it.
She’ll be too busy clinging to me until the moment she becomes Queen. That lifestyle will begin the second our engagement is announced.
"Sir Isaac. That author you cherish, the one named Mary... when do you plan on introducing her to us?"
In the middle of our friendly conversation, Cecile threw out a question regarding Cherry. The others, their interest piqued, turned their gaze toward me.
As you know, Mary is Cherry’s pen name, and she is currently the most acclaimed author after the creator of the Xenon Biography. She was a talent I barely managed to save just as she was about to be crushed before she could even bloom.
I currently have the manuscript for the second volume ready, but I haven't been able to help her much lately because I've been so busy.
"I plan to introduce her when she’s ready. I must respect her wishes. She’s a very shy child."
"I see. Have the rest of you read Mary’s work?"
"Of course! The Xenon Biography is great, but I also really enjoyed Red Sunset Once Again."
"The story about turning back time to achieve one's desires was truly fascinating. Her writing skills are as excellent as one would expect from someone Sir Xenon acknowledged."
"It’s a shame the second volume is taking so long, though. I want to read it as soon as possible."
Perhaps because it was a romance, it was incredibly popular among the women. Men were showing interest because of the regression element, but their enthusiasm didn't quite match the women's.
I didn't feel bad about them talking about another work in my presence. If anything, I was the one praying for Cherry’s next volume to come out as soon as possible.
"The second volume will be out soon. It’s ready to be sent to the publisher, so please wait just a little longer."
"Really? That’s a relief."
"This is actually the normal pace. The Xenon Biography was released at an unnaturally fast speed."
"You said the writing speed increased thanks to a gift from the demons, right? What kind of gift was it, exactly?"
During the conversation, the typewriter—the masterpiece gifted by Helium—was mentioned. I glanced at Cecile as the topic came up.
Hearing the demons' masterpiece being praised, her nose practically touched the sky with pride.
While printing technology, including copying, has developed, the technology in this world is somewhat unbalanced—to the point where professional transcribers still exist as a vocation.
Therefore, a single typewriter would bring a revolution to the printing industry. Objectively speaking, it was an invention that would go down in history.
"It was a truly wonderful gift. It was a moment where I truly realized how incredible the demons' technological prowess is. Would you believe me if I told you that characters appear just by pressing buttons with those characters engraved on them?"
"No. Is such a thing even possible?"
"Isn't that basically magic?"
"Even with magic, wouldn't you need a certain level of technological skill?"
As the praise for the typewriter rose, so did Cecile’s chin. She even crossed her arms, making her ample chest stand out more than before.
She usually brushes off personal compliments easily, but she gets happier than anyone when the demons are praised.
On the other hand, there was someone who grew increasingly dissatisfied as the praise continued: Arwen, who was standing slightly away from me.
She was currently conversing with Lina, but she would occasionally glance this way, clearly eavesdropping on our conversation.
Seeing her long ears twitch, there was no doubt she was listening. Moreover, since the topic of race had come up, she was bound to be concerned.
"Until the Xenon Biography was released, I thought of demons as literal devils... but seeing them now, they seem like a race just as wonderful as the elves. They have a certain noble feel to them, don't they?"
"That may be true, but wouldn't elves be more elegant? They were the first to establish civilization and are the starting point of everything. If it's an invention like the one from Helium, I'm sure elves could easily produce it as well."
"I agree."
Somehow, a debate that had recently become a hot topic among humans broke out. It was the "Elf vs. Demon" debate—the equivalent of "Lion vs. Tiger" in my previous life.
Even though the royalty of Helium and the Queen of Albenheim were nearby, the humans were too busy debating amongst themselves to care.
Fortunately, I intervened occasionally to keep the atmosphere from overheating, but I couldn't help but feel self-conscious. Every word had to be chosen carefully here.
When Cecile and Arwen had their grand confrontation before, it was strictly a personal matter. But this was an official setting; it could lead to a serious diplomatic discourtesy.
Because of this, the debaters were keeping within reasonable bounds while discussing the pros and cons of each race. This much was tolerable, but the problem was that I was right there.
"What do you think, Sir Isaac?"
"About what?"
"I'm curious which side you think is superior, the elves or the demons."
I faced the man who had taken the lead to ask that question. I didn't recognize his face, but his sun-kissed bronze skin and silver eyes were very striking.
Furthermore, he had a tattoo resembling an Egyptian pattern on his right eye, though there was no malice in his gaze.
He was genuinely curious about my opinion.
Whatever I said here, everyone would likely accept it. The problem was that the highest authorities of each race were present.
Not just Cecile, but even Arwen was now looking this way with an expression full of expectation.
I'm glad I anticipated this to some extent.
In fact, I had fully expected such a situation. The Xenon Biography depicts not just humans, but other races as well.
As a reader, it was natural to have such questions, and it wasn't an attempt to screw me over. It was born out of pure curiosity.
And I had already prepared an answer for this very situation.
"Forgive me, but may I ask your name?"
"I am Asala Band Sae of the Stavirk region."
I had guessed from his bronze skin and silver eyes, but as expected, he was from Stavirk. They were an ethnic minority from a region that was currently a headache for the Minerva Empire.
They were famous for being exceptionally skilled with their hands, second only to dwarves, and for their mastery of fire, earning them the nickname "People of Fire." I met his silver eyes before glancing at Lina.
Historically, ethnic minorities seeking independence are frequently suppressed by the state. This is a common phenomenon even on Earth.
And Lina is the Imperial Princess. Naturally, from her perspective, she wouldn't view Asala favorably. Even now, she was glaring at Asala with a furrowed brow.
He’s put his life on the line to be here.
He probably intended to build a connection with me to use for political leverage. The moment he established a bond with me, it would become very difficult for the Empire to send assassins after him.
The Empire needed to maintain a good image with me; what would happen if news spread that Asala had been assassinated?
Their image would plummet, so the Empire would have to act very cautiously. In many ways, they were checkmated.
Of course, that was the Empire's problem and had nothing to do with me. Since Asala had asked with pure intentions, my priority was to answer him sincerely.
"First of all, Mr. Asala, you've asked the wrong question. In my opinion, it's difficult to rank elves and demons against each other. The difference is that demons develop slowly and steadily, while elves tend to stagnate and then undergo periods of rapid growth."
"Aha. I think I understand what you mean."
"That certainly seems to be the case. Aside from the whole 'becoming devils' thing, the demons haven't made any major mistakes unlike the elves."
"We don't know that yet. Again, Helium has only just entered the diplomatic stage. On the other hand, the elves are a bona fide hegemonic power, even if they did go through the Race War."
Even after my answer, the debate over superiority between elves and demons didn't end. I quietly slipped away and moved to another area.
There was nothing to be gained by staying, and the time to disperse was drawing near.
This was a social gathering where not even alcohol was provided to liven the mood. There were still many issues to resolve, and I couldn't afford to waste time.
"That must have been a very difficult question to answer, but you handled it well."
Mari, who had been by my side the whole time, praised me in a proud tone. When I looked at her, I saw a beaming smile.
Seeing the mixture of satisfaction and pride in her smile, I responded with one of my own. I didn't forget to stroke her hair as a bonus.
Mari, seemingly pleased by my affection, gave a bashful laugh and pressed closer to me.
No signs of the Demon Worshippers... I should wrap this up soon.
Though I hadn't said it to anyone, I had been inwardly worried, but there were no omens of the Demon Worshippers.
From their perspective, this would be the perfect opportunity to take my head, but trying to do so now would be synonymous with throwing their lives away.
Of course, since they were crazy bastards who worshipped demons, there might be someone willing to charge in even at the cost of their life. But so far, there were no such signs.
First of all, the entire venue, including the waiting rooms, was guaranteed a level of safety equivalent to a temple thanks to Cardinal Kate’s Sanctuary Declaration.
The moment a Demon Worshipper tried to intrude, a bolt of lightning would likely strike them from above.
Most importantly, there was a possibility they might target my family or those around me instead of me. I planned to prepare thoroughly for that.
"It's going to get busy once we go back to the Academy, right?"
"Busy is one thing, but you'll probably have to be surrounded by a swarm of guards."
Mari and I stepped into a lounge for a brief rest. When I spoke with a sigh, Mari countered clearly.
As my mother had mentioned before, life at the Academy might become not just difficult, but nearly impossible.
First, there was the issue of the wedding with Mari, and beyond that, news of my involvement with many women, including Cecile, would come crashing down.
Just thinking about the schedule gave me a headache, but since I had resolved to take responsibility for this, it wasn't a problem.
I was just worried about what kind of incidents might break out during the process.
"Mari."
"Yeah. Go ahead."
"I'll be able to handle things well, right?"
When I voiced my worries, Mari’s response was a masterpiece.
"If you're feeling troubled, want me to let you touch my breasts?"
"..."
Had Cecile’s playfulness rubbed off on her? Mari spoke in a teasing tone and leaned her face against my shoulder.
I chuckled at the "consolation" and gently stroked her hair.
"Isaac."
"Yeah."
"I won't mind anymore if the number of women increases. I think that's just your nature."
Mari’s words were like a dagger to the heart. But the sad reality was that I couldn't refute them.
Just as I stopped stroking her hair, Mari turned her head to look me straight in the eye.
I also moved my head to meet Mari’s beautiful face. Her blue eyes were shining brightly.
"Instead, just promise me this. I'm always number one, and if I want something and the reason is justified, you'll do it for me. I'm making concessions too, so okay?"
"That goes without saying. Were you worried?"
"A little. It looks like Queen Arwen and Lina are going to join too, and they're all such wonderful and outstanding women compared to me. That made me a bit anxious. Even Sister Adele is stronger than me."
"..."
As Mari poured out her inner thoughts, I looked at Adelia, who was guarding us.
At my gaze, she bowed her head and walked out of the lounge without a word.
Even if guards should be present just in case, the Sanctuary was still in effect. Even without Adelia, the probability of anything happening was close to zero. Feeling at ease, I spoke to Mari.
"Mari. I've mentioned this many times, but you are the most special woman to me. You're the first woman I ever met in this life, and the first woman to confess to me. You're a lady of a ducal house, yet your personality is far from authoritative. And you even have a bit of a reckless streak."
"C-can you leave out the last part? I'm not that reckless."
"Then should I change it to 'like a cat hissing'?"
"That's basically the same thing..."
"It's cuter."
When I called her cute, Mari’s face instantly turned as red as a ripe persimmon. This side of her was Mari’s charm and the reason I loved her.
She seemed easygoing yet possessed a fragile side; sometimes she would whine like a child, and other times she would show a mature side.
She was multifaceted, and every single action was steeped in loveliness. It was the reason I couldn't help but love her and why I wanted to spend my life with her.
There wouldn't be another woman in the world as cute, beautiful, and lovely as Mari.
"...Then it's a promise? Lord Luminous is watching us too, so no taking it back?"
"Of course."
"Hehe."
Gaining reassurance from my words, Mari spread her arms and hugged me tightly. A sweet fragrance filled my nose, and her soft touch was transmitted through my skin.
My lewd inner self threatened to pop out, but I suppressed it, telling myself I could let it out tonight. I smiled gently and lightly embraced Mari.
"Mari."
"Yes, yes."
"I'll be in your care from now on. And, I love you."
A sincere confession to the partner I would spend eternity with. To that confession, Mari returned her own heart in full.
"I love you too, Isaac. Never leave me. Okay?"
"That will never happen. Even if I leave, we'll leave together."
"What if the world tears us apart?"
Why even ask?
"I'll stitch that world back together."
Even if Demon Worshippers threaten us.
"No matter what happens."
Even if unexpected incidents occur.
"I won't be separated from you."
I will not be separated from the people I love.
About three days had passed since Xenon’s identity was revealed.
Until now, there had been countless speculations—that Xenon was a Sage, a person from the future, and so on. All of those were supposed to have been put to rest...
[The stories in the Xenon Biography came from his head. Who would actually believe that?]
[What if he experienced another world and couldn't perceive it due to a 'Restriction'? That's more realistic...]
[The fact that it came from his head means he experienced that world. Xenon never lied.]
[Xenon is definitely under a 'Restriction'! He is clearly a person from the future who came from a time period that hasn't happened yet...]
...But they weren't. If anything, the suspicions only grew stronger.
"Are you... fucking kidding me?"
Why won't they believe me, seriously? The bigger problem was that this wasn't the end of it.
[Breaking News. Volume 23 of the Xenon Biography will not be released in the Ters Kingdom! Is this reliable news?]
[Ters Kingdom citizens are in chaos over the sudden news...]
[According to news from a noble of the Ters Kingdom, it is closely related to the recently released Volume 22...]
[The royalty of the Ters Kingdom remains silent. What is happening to them?]
The expected chaos had arrived in the Ters Kingdom.