Chapter 312: The Kingdom of Teres(2)
Chapter 312: The Kingdom of Teres(2)
News of the events unfolding in the Kingdom of Ters reached my ears one after another. I didn't even need to go through intermediaries; I was receiving updates in real-time through the newspapers.
Despite the incidents occurring in a far-off land, the newspapers seemed to have some sort of inside source, as the news trickled into the Minerva Empire with incredible speed. It took less than two days.
I’ve thought this before, but this fantasy world possesses many bizarre wonders. It’s technically impossible given the era, yet magic makes it happen.
Because of this, I worry that these tools might one day be used for agitation and media manipulation, but that’s not something I need to fret over right now. For now, let’s look at the current state of the Kingdom of Ters.
The situation there was already soaked in oil, and the "spark"—my letter—that I tossed in had set it ablaze quite spectacularly.
The upper echelons were scrambling to extinguish the flames, but their efforts were futile. Moreover, to truly put out the fire, they would have to expose all the royal family’s dirty laundry.
One might ask, Can’t they just ignore it? Anyone saying that simply doesn't understand the Kingdom of Ters.
Currently, the Kingdom of Ters exists in a very peculiar social state, caught somewhere between a monarchy and a republic.
There is a King, and he establishes most policies, but if the people’s opposition is strong enough, he cannot force them through.
With a proper justification, he might be able to push his agenda. However, the structure is such that the King and the nobility must bear the full brunt of the aftermath.
This is possible because, during the Jayros Revolution, the commoners realized something: though they are weak as individuals, they are just as powerful as those above them when they stand together.
Furthermore, thanks to the Academy, a third of the knights are commoners, and the soldiers, needless to say, are almost entirely composed of commoners.
Because of this unique structure, there wasn't much bloodshed even during the revolution. Instead, the Kingdom of Ters used it as an opportunity to advance its systems by another step, which was a positive outcome.
If the Kingdom of Ters had increased its oppression after the revolution, it truly would have ended up like the French Revolution.
In any case, the Kingdom of Ters now stands at a crossroads, just as it did decades ago. King Friedrich and the rest of the royalty must either reveal the whole truth or hide it until the very end.
But even if they try to hide it, they can't. There were simply too many nobles gathered during the trial. It’s impossible to silence them all, and one of them is bound to talk just to save their own skin.
Besides, the nobles of Ters have Count Kamar. He has consistently kept the royal family in check and was the one who provided me with "help" that wasn't exactly help.
I’m not entirely sure what his true goal is. If a revolution breaks out, he’ll have to prioritize his own safety first.
Moreover, if a revolution does erupt and many nobles, including the King, perish on the guillotine like in the French Revolution, it will have a massive impact on other nations.
In other words, the Minerva Empire isn't in a position to just sit back and eat popcorn. Using this as an excuse for military intervention would also be quite complicated.
Amidst this complex, evolving situation, I, who was quite literally "eating popcorn"...
"...How much did you say the total was?"
"Even after deducting all taxes... it should be close to what I just mentioned."
"Is this even possible?"
"It is the best-selling book in the world, after all, isn't it?"
...was busy counting money. To be precise, I was calculating the profits earned from Xenon's Anthology.
Originally, I had kept this money tucked away because of the risk of my identity being discovered. Since then, I’ve been withdrawing it bit by bit with the help of Leort and Lina, and even those small amounts were massive by my standards.
If I withdrew it all at once, someone would surely get suspicious. In fact, there were people who had already noticed such movements and tried to track them.
But look at what was in front of me now. Even though it was only a "portion," neat rows of rectangular gold bars were stacked high.
Since ancient times, gold has been the symbol of wealth and the ultimate form of "money." Even if a country's economy collapses, the value of gold remains absolute.
And before me, those blocks of gold were radiating a brilliant luster.
I heard even the Gold coins are just plated...
Even the common currency of this world is only gold-plated, but these were all solid gold. I couldn't even imagine how much they were worth.
I blinked several times and glanced to my side. My lovely lover and fiancée, Marie, was standing there with her jaw dropped in shock.
Coming from the only ducal family in the Empire, she surely had plenty of funds, but this was likely her first time seeing gold bars stacked like towers. Her surprise was understandable.
The same went for Adelia, who was standing behind us. She couldn't maintain her composure at all, looking completely dazed.
And this is only a portion?
The problem was that this was only a tiny fraction. A single gold bar was quite heavy, so they had only brought a small amount.
The remaining gold bars were likely being stacked neatly in the underground vault right about now. The sheer volume was so great that the task would take several days.
Furthermore, in addition to the personnel stationed underground, the vault itself would need to be renovated. The demons or elves would likely handle that personally.
Given the amount, they would probably install security measures rivaling those of the Mint. I expected many thieves would try to break into our mansion from now on.
There are more things to consider than I thought.
It seemed I didn't just have to worry about demon worshippers. I stared blankly at the glittering pile of gold before shifting my gaze forward.
Sitting across from me was Musk, the publisher and a reliable business partner, wearing a beaming smile.
Since all the gold in front of me was profit from the sales of Xenon's Anthology, it wasn't strange for him to visit our mansion.
Also, now that I had announced myself as Xenon, I needed to hear about his future plans.
"Mr. Musk?"
"Yes. Please, go ahead."
"I’d like to hear what your plans are for the future..."
At those words, Musk replied with the same smiling face.
"Sir Isaac."
"Yes."
"We have just earned enough money to buy a building in the capital."
"Pardon?"
What kind of random comment was that? Just as I had that thought, Musk spoke again.
"Ah! Now we’ve earned enough to buy a horse."
"......"
For some reason, the image of a billionaire buying a Lamborghini just by praying came to mind. Musk’s behavior was exactly like that.
As a side note, horses are several times more expensive than buildings. Since tanks and automobiles haven't been properly invented yet, they are considered strategic assets.
Anyway, the point Musk was making was this: even if we just sat still, Xenon's Anthology was still selling like wildfire.
As I realized his meaning and gave a bitter smile, Musk spoke to me in a voice brimming with happiness.
"Xenon's Anthology is still being sold all over the world. And that won't change even if you reveal your identity, Sir Isaac. In fact, I don't really have a plan. The pressure that was once directed at me will now shift to you, and I’ll just continue selling books as I always have."
"Hmm... I see. I suppose I asked a pointless question."
"Not at all. Then, may I ask you one thing?"
"What is it?"
At my question, Musk clasped his hands together and hesitated slightly. His face was still smiling, but the fact that he hesitated piqued my interest.
He then glanced at me tentatively and asked in a very cautious voice.
"How much is left until the conclusion of Xenon's Anthology? That is the most sensitive matter."
"Ah."
I immediately understood the question. As a publisher, it was the most critical issue and was deeply connected to me.
Furthermore, Xenon's Anthology was currently moving toward its conclusion. Volume 23 would see the end of the battle with Envy, and from Volume 24, the counterattack would begin in earnest.
During the counterattack, Pride would reveal the truth regarding the ancestors of the elves. I expected that to cause another massive uproar.
Regardless, it was a fact that the end of Xenon's Anthology was approaching. I did some rough mental calculations before speaking.
With the wedding and various political issues overlapping, it wouldn't be as fast as one might think.
"Probably... it will be finished within half a year at the latest. We’re in the final stages now."
"Hmm... I see."
At the answer of "half a year at the latest," the smile vanished from Musk’s face, replaced by a serious expression.
Xenon's Anthology was like an inexhaustible well for him, but he couldn't rely on just one thing forever.
The fact that he had tried to hold a contest proved that. Although there was Cherry’s work, he couldn't expect it to have the same impact as Xenon's Anthology.
As someone whose mind worked quickly when it came to money, he must have thought about what to do after the series ended. But he couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Are you going to ask me to delay the ending a bit longer?"
I decided to probe him. I wondered how Musk would respond.
In the manga industry of my previous life, there was a famous, rather unfortunate practice. Popular works were dragged out into long-term serializations just to force an increase in revenue.
A famous example was when the Minister of Culture personally visited the author of Dragon Ball when he said he was going to end the series.
Of course, back then, the Minister visited for a variety of complex reasons, but in many other cases, works gained unexpected popularity and were forced into long-term serializations.
As a result, it was common for the quality of the work to suffer. Would Musk show the same reaction?
"Pardon? Oh, no. Absolutely not."
"Why? If I put my mind to it, it would be a huge profit for you too, wouldn't it, Mr. Musk?"
However, Musk gave an unexpected answer. Looking at Marie sitting next to me, she also seemed surprised.
Was he truly someone who didn't cross the line, contrary to appearances? Just as my liking for him was starting to grow...
"Xenon's Anthology will continue to sell steadily for the next ten years. Of course, it will sell less than it does now."
"What do you mean by that?"
"It’s simple. The population will continue to grow, so won't Xenon's Anthology sell accordingly? So there’s no need to drag it out and ruin the quality of the work."
"......"
I take it back. Musk is someone with a terrifyingly sharp eye when it comes to money.
Just as he said, the population is steadily increasing, and Xenon's Anthology will sell just as much.
Children are born to couples, those children grow up, move out, and start their own families. In that process, they will buy Xenon's Anthology.
It isn't just a normal novel; it’s revered as a Holy Scripture. It’s easier to understand if you think about how the Bible in my previous life sold nearly 4 billion copies.
What a terrifying man.
In that case, was the contest really just meant as insurance? Or perhaps he hadn't expected Xenon's Anthology to sell this much.
I suppressed the urge to peer into his mind and let out a hollow laugh.
"I suppose I worried for nothing. Then why did you ask about the ending?"
"So that I can at least be prepared. Speaking of which, have you thought about your next work...?"
So this was his real goal. Musk mentioned a next work in a voice even more cautious than before.
Seeing his clasped hands fidgeting, he seemed truly curious. And it wasn't just him.
Marie, as well as Adelia standing behind me, were all showing interest.
And I had already thought of an answer for this.
"I do have something in mind. However, it won't be a hopeful adventure story like Xenon's Anthology. It’s deeply related to war."
"War... That sounds like a very profound subject. Could you tell me a little bit about what it’s about? Oh, that doesn't mean I won't sign a contract or anything like that. I will definitely sign for any book of yours, Sir Isaac."
"Then... Mr. Musk."
"Yes."
I looked Musk in the eye and spoke quietly.
"What do you think of a world without mana, Mr. Musk?"
"A world... without mana?"
"Yes. And one more thing. This might be a dangerous thought, but what if it were a world where the gods cannot directly exercise their power?"
"......Could such a world even exist?"
Yes. It does. I’m from that planet.
Musk, as well as the others, looked as if they had just heard the most bizarre thing ever. They probably thought my story wasn't just random, but impossible.
But I had no intention of saying more. My tongue was itching to speak, but I had to hold back for the sake of the impact.
"I plan to write about such a world. A world where mana doesn't exist, and something else has developed instead. What do you think?"
"I can't imagine it at all."
"What on earth are you planning to write?"
After Musk, Marie asked me with a face full of questions. I responded with a subtle smile.
"It’s no fun if I tell you in advance. If I had to give a hint, something similar to a steam locomotive will appear?"
"......I always think this, but I have no idea what’s inside your head. You didn't really come from another world, did you?"
Marie’s sharp question made my heart skip a beat. I simply shrugged my shoulders in response.
Anyway, now that I had mentioned the next work, there was only one thing left.
"But Sir Isaac. Do you really intend not to sell Xenon's Anthology in the Kingdom of Ters?"
This was the most important topic and a sensitive matter for Musk. The Kingdom of Ters was his most important customer.
As a self-proclaimed country of culture, they purchased a massive amount of Xenon's Anthology. It was selling like crazy even though it was a foreign country and customs duties were applied.
Since it accounted for a large portion of his revenue, it must be a painful loss for Musk. However, he didn't know the circumstances between the Kingdom of Ters and me.
Instead, he was very quick-witted and didn't mention that part specifically.
"Yes. I can't tell you because of complicated reasons, but for now, I plan to maintain the same stance."
"Hmm... I see. Then it can't be helped."
It was the same now. As soon as I mentioned "complicated reasons," he immediately moved on from the topic.
Honestly, he must be curious, but his character is truly exceptional. I really wonder what would have happened if a man like this had been a noble.
"Then I shall take my leave now. May I visit often in the future?"
"Of course. I look forward to working with you. Oh, and..."
Before he left, I picked up one bar from the tall tower of gold.
Since it was solid gold, it was quite heavy.
"Take this with you. For all your hard work."
"Hahaha. It’s quite alright."
"No. Please, take it."
"I’m truly fine."
Up until this point, I thought he was just refusing out of politeness.
"I don't accept such pocket change."
"......"
What a terrifying man.
*
About three days had passed since then.
"The Ters royalty is coming to our mansion?"
"Yes. They should be at the Imperial Palace in the capital by now."
The Ters royalty was going to visit our mansion.
"Did King Friedrich come too?"
"No. I heard the Queen came in his stead."
"......"
As expected of a King, his backside seemed to be quite heavy.