Chapter 33: What the Hell is This?(2)
Chapter 33: What the Hell is This?(2)
I could laugh off a simple discussion about character "couplings." Some might think the topic of the logical debate Jackson mentioned was strange, but to put it in perspective, it was something like this:
Just as one might interpret the relationships between characters in a literary novel during a language arts class, Xenon’s Biography was treated in a similar fashion. Furthermore, unlike many other novels in this world, I hadn't written Xenon’s Biography with convoluted metaphors; I wrote it to be clear and engaging, so the character relationships were quite distinct.
Most people already knew the nature of the relationship between the protagonist, Xenon, and the heroine, Mary, as well as the bond between Jin and Lily. If you included Xenon’s comrades and allies, the web of relationships became quite complex.
"What the fuck? What?"
However, the words that came out of Jackson’s mouth were so absurd that I, the original author, couldn't fathom them. I usually try to refrain from swearing, even unconsciously, but the profanity just slipped out.
Jackson seemed slightly surprised that I would swear, but the look lasted only a moment. As if to say, "Watch and learn," he pointed his index finger and began his explanation with that characteristically arrogant expression.
"Judging by your swearing, you must be impressed. I suppose no one expected Lily to end up with Xenon. Doesn't everyone agree?"
"Well... hearing him say it, it kind of makes sense."
"Their natures are fundamentally different, so I suppose it's inevitable."
When Jackson polled the crowd, the general atmosphere was one of agreement. I could practically see my common sense waving goodbye as it walked out the door.
Were they being brainwashed, or was there more to the story he hadn't told yet? Given that it wasn't just one or two people but the majority who agreed, I assumed it was the latter. These people weren't idiots; they wouldn't be so easily persuaded by just that one point.
I barely managed to calm my boiling blood and asked Jackson a question. I wanted to scream right then and there, but now wasn't the time.
"...Is that all? Just because Lily shows some affection toward Xenon?"
"Of course not. Unlike the world we live in now, the world within Xenon’s Biography still harbors deep discrimination against the Demon Clan. Furthermore, Lily is a priestess with a bright future within the Church of Light. That alone would be enough, but I consider Jin’s birth to be even more significant."
"His birth?"
The heat boiling inside me cooled instantly, as if I’d been doused with ice water.
Until a moment ago, I’d been listening with a "what kind of bullshit is this" mindset, but the moment Jackson mentioned "birth," the story changed.
That was because Jin’s birth was one of the most crucial pieces of foreshadowing for the future plot.
Jackson must have read my expression, because he smirked and continued his explanation in a triumphant voice.
"Yes. It was mentioned in passing, so most people probably missed it, but Sacran, the leader of the Devil Hunters, said this to Jin: 'It is extremely rare to find a member of the Demon Clan with horns as large as yours and such a dense concentration of black mana.' Furthermore, a characteristic of the Demon Clan in Xenon’s Biography is that the blood of demons thins out more and more with each passing generation."
"..."
"When you put it all together, it means this: Jin wasn't born between two members of the Demon Clan. He is a demon born between a real devil and a human. That’s why his devilish traits are so much more pronounced."
"Wow..."
Clap— clap— clap— clap—
I applauded him with genuine admiration. The start was bizarre, but the process aligned perfectly with the story I had intended.
In reality, unlike other members of the Demon Clan, Jin was a being infinitely closer to a devil than a human. He was a tragic figure, born after his mother was raped by a devil, and he had grown up suffering cruel abuse since childhood.
Even the devil who raped Jin’s mother was no ordinary devil. He was the one in charge of 'Gluttony' among the Seven Deadly Sins that would appear later, and true to his title, he possessed the ability to steal the power of others.
That ability was inherited by his son and would be used much later when Jin, as the Fake Final Boss and Great Demon, absorbed the power of Diabolus. Naturally, he would then be consumed by that power and tragically defeated at Xenon’s hands.
I guess he’s not completely stupid.
His behavior was rude and obnoxious, but he clearly wasn't brainless. In fact, he was more like a devoted reader who had studied Xenon’s Biography more diligently than anyone else.
However, being a devoted reader didn't change the fact that he was an asshole. Moreover, Jackson was currently experiencing a mix of good and bad luck: the good luck was that I was the author of Xenon’s Biography, and the bad luck was also that I was the author of Xenon’s Biography.
Jackson, seeing me applaud in admiration, looked incredibly proud of himself. Confidence radiated from him, as if demanding I look up to him.
"Well? If you have something to say, you'd better say it now."
"So, what you're saying is that because of the issues surrounding Jin’s birth and Lily’s position, they can never be together?"
"Exactly. You've listened well—"
"But it makes no sense for Lily to turn her back on him and go to Xenon just because of that."
I cut Jackson off mid-sentence and voiced my opinion. Jackson’s face clouded with bewilderment, clearly not expecting such a firm denial.
Jackson’s deduction was excellent, but unfortunately, as the author, I had to deny what needed to be denied. His explanation was plausible enough that many people might misunderstand my intentions.
At the very least, I wanted to avoid having the characters I created be evaluated in a strange direction if I could help it.
"...What do you mean it makes no sense?"
When I countered him, Jackson spoke in a low, displeased voice. It seemed his mood had soured after having the deduction he’d poured his passion into rejected.
Of course, since Jackson’s deduction was partially correct, it was better to acknowledge that.
"As you said, there are suspicious aspects regarding Jin’s birth. It might become a major obstacle later. No, it’s certain to be an obstacle. The fact that his devilish traits are stronger than others means he is closer to a devil than a human."
"..."
"But do you really think Lily doesn't know that? If it's her, someone who has been with him since they were children, she would stay by his side even knowing the truth."
There were many reasons why the love line between Jin and Lily was so heart-wrenching, and one of them was their relationship as childhood friends. Jin had been abused as a devil even by his own biological mother, and he had suffered further hardships simply for being a member of the Demon Clan.
If he had grown up like that, he truly would have become a 'devil,' but his life changed completely after he happened to form a bond with Lily. It was what people often called being 'saved.'
Lily also began to feel love for Jin as he showed her the depths of his devotion, but due to their respective positions and circumstances, they were unable to easily approach one another.
"And the favor Lily shows Xenon is closer to the kindness between people, not romantic interest. Especially since Xenon has stopped Jin from becoming a devil several times, right? From Lily’s perspective, he’s someone she can't help but be grateful to. Besides, Jin and Lily both know each other's hearts well. There are quite a few descriptions of them smiling at each other or subtly holding hands."
"..."
"Above all, Lily has gifted flowers to Jin several times. Do you know what kind of flower that is?"
Jackson frowned, seemingly lost in thought at my question. To give the answer away, the flower Lily gave Jin was a lily.
Lilies have many meanings in the language of flowers, but the most representative one is undoubtedly 'devotion.' As her name suggests, Lily is openly showing her love for Jin.
"...A white flower, a lily. And the meaning of a lily is unchanging love—devotion."
After a moment, an answer drifted out. But the answer didn't come from Jackson; it came from one of the people who had been watching our situation closely.
I turned my head toward the person who had answered. He was a handsome young man with brown hair neatly slicked back. Judging by his height and the sturdy build visible beneath his formal attire, he seemed to be a student of Martial Studies.
He had sharp eyes and a jawline so defined it looked like it could cut. Overall, he had the style of a cold, handsome man.
Anyway, I had to finish what I was saying. I shifted my gaze from the brown-haired man back to Jackson. Jackson remained tight-lipped, seemingly having nothing left to say after hearing the meaning of the lily.
"By giving Jin lilies, Lily is emphasizing that her heart will never change. Jin knows that heart, which is why he is more devoted than anyone else. So, even if the two of them can't be together, it’s currently impossible for Lily to go to Xenon. That would completely contradict the probability and Lily’s characterization. Her name, Lily, is proof of that in the first place."
"..."
"Still, my admiration earlier was sincere. You caught subplots that others would easily overlook and pointed out that Jin’s birth is unusual. Honestly, even I was a bit surprised by that."
"Urgh...!"
I meant it as a compliment, but it didn't seem that way to Jackson. When Jackson bit his lip and his face began to turn red, I wondered for a moment if I’d said something wrong, but I soon realized the reason.
My statement, "Even I was a bit surprised by that," was spoken from the perspective of the original author, but Jackson had no idea I was the author. Therefore, he likely took it as me implying I was superior to him.
But what could I do? Once words are spoken, they can't be taken back.
Besides, remembering how Jackson usually picked fights with me, I didn't feel the need to correct myself. Let him feel inferior if he wanted to.
"Then do you also believe that Jin and Lily cannot end up together?"
While Jackson’s face was turning various shades of red and purple, someone else asked me a question. It was the brown-haired man who had answered about the meaning of the lily earlier.
Looking at him—his pleasant baritone voice and his polite demeanor, so unlike Jackson’s—I took a moment to think. I felt a pang of conscience, as if telling him the future plot would be a spoiler.
Furthermore, in the worst-case scenario, I could be tracked down because of this. I had characteristics that were impossible to forget once met. I wanted to avoid that at all costs.
So, after organizing my thoughts, I spoke with the nuance that this was merely my hypothesis.
"Well, only the author knows for sure, but I’m inclined to believe they won't end up together."
"Why is that?"
"Jin is the very definition of a knight devoted to Lily. It means he would gladly give his life if Lily were in danger. There are actually occasional descriptions of that."
"Ah! Is it perhaps that? Jin’s monologue about how he would gladly become a devil for Lily’s sake."
This guy even knows that. I flinched at the sight of the brown-haired man answering with a bright expression.
He had an impression that seemed cold and emotionless, but seeing him now... his eyes were sparkling with passion for this specific topic.
"Uh... I suppose that’s part of it? Regardless, Jin is ready to sacrifice his life for Lily. Even if it means becoming a devil."
"How tragic... Will it really turn out that way?"
"Only the author knows. Still, I hope the two of them end up together."
"I’ll have to look through it all again when I get back to the dormitory. I didn't realize it when I was reading, but hearing it like this is really fascinating."
As I finished speaking, the onlookers began to exchange opinions. Seeing that the situation had mostly settled, I looked at Jackson.
Jackson looked frustrated that things hadn't gone the way he’d planned. The way he glared at me with burning eyes felt a bit pathetic.
Who told you to say such ridiculous things in the first place?
Again, his only misfortune was that I was the original author who had written Xenon’s Biography myself. If it had been anyone else, they likely would have been persuaded by his logic.
His conviction that Jin and Lily wouldn't end up together was commendable, but I couldn't just stand by and let him claim that Lily, the epitome of devotion, would go to Xenon.
I stared at the trembling, speechless Jackson for a moment before quietly speaking.
"So, do you have anything else to say? I’m fine with whatever."
"...Grit!"
The sound of him grinding his teeth was clearly audible, and Jackson walked away as if he didn't even want to look at me anymore. No one even looked at him as he left.
Just as I was about to start walking away as well...
"Excuse me, red-haired gentleman? May I ask your name?"
The cold, brown-haired beauty stopped me. I looked at him, slightly flustered.
I saw a face filled with expectation and interest. Seeing that, I had a gut feeling that I’d gotten caught up in something troublesome.
"...I’m Isaac. Isaac Ducard Maishal."
"Ducard... Maishal?"
"Isn't Maishal the surname of the Red Lion?"
"Now that I think about it, Teaching Assistant Nicole is also a Maishal."
Perhaps because they were Martial Studies students, they began to whisper among themselves as soon as they heard the surname of my father, the famous Red Lion.
Nicole’s name was also mentioned occasionally; it seemed she was famous even among the new students. Well, with that face and those skills, it would be stranger if she weren't famous.
"No wonder... I thought you looked familiar with that red hair and those gold eyes. You’re the son of the Red Lion. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Edin Mavi Signer, the eldest son of the Count Signer family."
"Nice to meet you, Edin. By the way, may I ask why you called me?"
The brown-haired man who introduced himself as Edin answered my question as if it were no big deal.
"Since we’re already here, I wanted to talk with you, Isaac. As Jackson said earlier, everyone here is a passionate fan of Xenon’s Biography. You seem to be the same, so I thought it would be fun to hang out together."
"..."
I’m not a fan; I’m the author. I gave an awkward smile at Edin’s invitation.
Still, unlike Jackson, he wouldn't pick a fight with me, and I had a few things I was curious about, so I had no intention of refusing. Since things had turned out this way, it would be good to expand my network while I was at it.
"Sure. Why not? Before that, may I have some wine? I’m a bit thirsty."
"Ah, yes. The wine is over there on that table."
I approached the table Edin pointed to. As I did, a waiter who was already standing by poured the wine for me, so I didn't even have to choose for myself.
The wine in the glass was a deep purple, and when I smelled it, a sharp grape aroma stimulated my nose.
Should I take a sip?
It wouldn't hurt to try a sip before going back. I glanced around and took a small sip of the wine.
"...Oh."
There was no bitterness at all, only a dizzying sweetness that swirled in my mouth. It was perfect for my childish palate.
Satisfied with the taste of the wine, I returned to where I had been. Seeing that the group hadn't dispersed even after Jackson left, it seemed they really were just a gathering of Xenon’s Biography fans.
As proof, most of the conversation coming from the group was about Xenon’s Biography. A wide variety of topics were discussed, to the point where I, the listener, felt embarrassed.
"Ah, you’re back. We were just talking about something interesting."
"Something interesting?"
It seemed they had been talking about something while I was getting wine. When I asked curiously, Edin nodded and spoke.
"Yes. Everyone was sharing their opinions on Mary’s background. As you know, Isaac, Mary is a mage, right? But magic is a very difficult skill for a commoner to learn. So, most people believe there’s a possibility that Mary is a noble, specifically from a family of Marquis rank or higher."
"Hmm... Is that so? What do you think, Edin?"
"I suspect Mary might be related to the Elves. Xenon’s Biography is consistent with its physical descriptions, but there’s always a mention that Mary’s ears are hidden by her thick hair. Furthermore, since Elves are masters of magic like the Demon Clan, hiding their ears would be easy for them."
"..."
"What are your thoughts, Isaac?"
Who the hell is this guy? How does he know all that?
Faced with Edin’s explanation, which seemed to have everything figured out, I could only give a dazed response.
"...I’m not really sure about that."
Saying this in front of such a devoted reader made my conscience sting.