Chapter 365: Book 27(1)
Chapter 365: Book 27(1)
Today was just one surprise after another. It was enough to meet a hero recorded in history, but to find out that hero’s wife was my academic advisor?
The fact that their age difference was over four hundred years went beyond mere surprise—it was staggering.
Arwen and Cecile weren't even a hundred years apart from me. Since I was a human, unlike them, the difference was somewhat reasonable when considering our respective lifespans.
On the other hand, Iker and Elena had a gap of four hundred years. Even for an elf, four hundred years was an incredibly long time.
"Aren't elves sensitive about age? Even for an elf, four hundred years is... a lot."
"Even by elven standards, it’s quite a gap. If we were humans, it would be like a forty-year difference."
"I wasn't even born when he was out fighting in the Race War."
Elena’s additional explanation really drove home just how vast the gap was.
A forty-year difference wasn't just father and daughter; it was more like grandfather and granddaughter.
I couldn't help but wonder how the two of them had even met.
"How did you two meet?"
"I just liked his face and confessed. As you know, most elves, regardless of gender, have very delicate features. Elves with a rugged, gallant look like him are rare. So, I snatched him up. Doesn't he look dependable just by standing there?"
True to the saying 'like husband, like wife,' Elena candidly revealed her history with Iker.
Indeed, there were very few elves who looked as manly as Iker. It was especially rare for an elf to grow a beard like that.
"What about the age difference? Honestly, I thought that would be the biggest hurdle."
"It was a concern at first. But I figured I could live with the person I love for at least three hundred years, right? That’s enough for me. Besides, age doesn't mean much to an elf."
"I tried to turn her down, telling her she could find someone better than me, but it was all for naught. Moreover, she said she wanted to study me as a scholar, so I eventually gave in."
Her side as a scholar popped up even here. Well, Iker wasn't just living history; he was practically a fossil, making him a specimen(?) that would make any scholar like Elena drool.
Plus, his face was exactly her type, and he was quite open-minded. They were likely a match made in heaven.
I decided to put their age difference out of my mind and wished them happiness.
Since they liked each other so much, I had no right to interfere.
...Yeah. I definitely shouldn't.
Considering how many women I was involved with, I’d be shameless to judge.
If Iker was a 'thief' in the innocent sense, I was just a scoundrel and a collector.
I was much worse. At least Iker hadn't moved on to another woman while being with Elena.
"By the way, Isaac. Where is the Queen? You wouldn't have come to the Holy Land alone."
"Arwen went to look at some books for a moment. She’ll probably be back soon."
"Oh my. Are you on casual speaking terms with the Queen?"
Elena asked with a playful smirk, clearly already knowing the answer. I simply smiled at her smooth remark.
The news of Arwen and me getting together had long since spread throughout Albenheim. We hadn't left our quarters for three days, except to wash.
Fortunately, there was no news regarding Ariel. Mari and Cecile had handled things well before returning.
"I suppose so. It was a gift from Albenheim, and I had no reason to refuse."
"That’s good to hear. And how did the talk with your fiancée go?"
"That went well, too."
"Then when do you plan to return?"
"About that..."
I think it might take some time. I found it difficult to give a definitive answer on that front.
After the threat from the Demon Worshippers, I needed to build up my strength, and I still had to settle the matter of Ariel’s treatment.
On top of that, the Xenon Biography was nearing its end, so returning to my position as a teaching assistant seemed far off for now.
"It seems hard for you to answer. Don't worry too much; I’ll wait. If it’s really difficult, I can even arrange for an early graduation."
"Is that allowed? I still have things to learn."
"It’s graduation in name only. You can visit the laboratory whenever you want. You’re a special case, so it can’t be helped, right?"
"Thank you."
"In exchange, tell me just one thing. It’s not a question about whether you’re a prophet or anything like that."
As I bowed my head in gratitude, Elena adjusted her glasses and spoke quietly.
Given the disclaimer, it seemed to be a personal curiosity.
I had no reason to refuse, so I nodded in consent.
"You know Luden, the elven hero in the Xenon Biography? The one who fuses with the Dark Elf hero to blow up the World Tree."
"Yes. Of course I know him."
"Was that character modeled after my husband? Even if the personalities are different, anyone can see it’s him, especially with the part about being betrayed by the Elder Council."
"That’s correct."
I answered immediately without needing to think. It was an undeniable fact that Luden was modeled after Iker.
I hadn't known Iker was such a jovial and gallant person, but a motif is a motif.
Furthermore, I realized through our conversation that Iker was a true patriot who loved Albenheim enough to sacrifice himself.
"See? I told you! I knew you were Luden!"
"The circumstances were similar, but the personality was so different that I wasn't sure... This is quite embarrassing."
"You should be proud! The great Xenon used you as a motif and even gave you such a magnificent end. I don't know who the Dark Elf hero is, but I should thank them if I ever meet them."
Elena patted Iker’s sturdy back excitedly. Iker could only offer a bashful smile in response.
Usually, she was the type to only say what was necessary, but she seemed quite animated in front of her husband.
Seeing how well they got along made me feel warm inside.
"Ah, just in case, has there been any trouble for you, Mr. Iker? Since you really are the model for the character, I imagine some people might have been pestering you..."
"You need not worry about that. I have hardly engaged in public activities since the Race War. As you know, I am a figure belonging to history. There is nothing more senseless than dragging such a person out to exploit them. I intend to maintain this lifestyle."
"That’s a relief."
"Well, a few people, including my former adjutant, did ask to confirm. Most of it was just teasing, so it passed as a lighthearted incident."
"You know it’s all meaningless now, right? Mr. Luden, who vanished along with the World Tree?"
At Elena’s playful teasing, Iker shuddered as if he were fed up.
Judging by his reaction, he must have been teased quite a bit by those around him. They probably all asked if he was really the model for Luden.
It didn't feel like someone else's problem. I myself had been bombarded with questions about being a prophet or a regressor.
"You two seem to have a great relationship. This might be a rude question, but do you have any children?"
"Not at the moment, but we plan to have one soon. In about thirty years?"
As expected of an elf, their sense of time was on another level. Since thirty years was equivalent to about three years for a human, it wasn't even that long.
"We originally planned to have one after her business trip, but we pushed it back. She said she can't rest for even a day because hidden history is being discovered one after another thanks to the Xenon Biography."
"Uh... is that my fault too?"
"It’s not so much your fault as it is because I’m a scholar. But you’re probably responsible for about half of it."
"Iker?"
As we were chatting amicably, a familiar female voice cut through.
Turning my head, I saw Arwen, who had left earlier to find books.
Determined to read all the books she had missed, she was barely holding a stack of books that reached up to her chin with both hands.
The moment I saw her, I stood up without hesitation and took the books from her.
Her legs were already weak; I should have gone with her if I’d known she’d bring this many.
"It has been a long time, Your Majesty. Have you been well?"
Iker stood up and greeted Arwen politely.
Normally, he would have used all sorts of flowery language, but this wasn't an official setting.
Furthermore, Arwen wasn't one for authoritarianism, and given Iker’s own reputation, there wouldn't be any issues.
"I am well. More importantly, have you come with your companion?"
"Yes. We were visiting the Holy Land and happened to run into Xenon."
"I see. I wonder what you were discussing... No. Never mind."
Arwen looked pleased to see them, but she soon shook her head as if realizing something.
She then gave a soft smile and spoke warmly to the couple.
"Just being with me must be a burden for you. Isaac?"
"Yeah?"
"I think it would be best to take those books and go elsewhere. Just as we have our own joy, they should have theirs, shouldn't they?"
I understood what she meant. As Iker mentioned, he was a figure of history unless a crisis arose.
The news of his seclusion was widely known, so if someone saw him chatting familiarly with us, it would cause all sorts of headaches.
Of course, it wouldn't be a big problem for Arwen. As long as I was around, there was virtually no chance of her facing a political crisis.
However, it would be quite troublesome for Iker. His reputation was still very much alive.
"Got it. That’s probably for the best. It was a good talk, Mr. Iker. And Professor Elena."
"It was a pleasure for us as well."
"Contact me when you return to the Academy."
Just as we were about to leave on a good note...
"Your Majesty."
"Yes?"
"I am glad to see you have found a good partner."
Iker offered a warm smile and a blessing. Knowing his personality, these weren't just empty words; he meant them.
Arwen seemed to realize this as well, as she beamed like a child receiving praise and gently took my arm.
Since I was holding the books with both hands, I silently leaned my head against hers.
"Hahaha."
Iker laughed heartily at the sight of us.
It was the kind of laugh an old grandfather would give while watching a perfect couple.
*
Even while Isaac was enjoying his blissful, newlywed-like life in Albenheim for a few days, the writing of the Xenon Biography did not stop.
In the first place, Volume 27 had already been completed before he left for Albenheim; it was only delayed because he couldn't decide on a name for the planet.
A few days later, around the time the long-awaited manuscript would have reached the publisher...
"Hmm..."
Musk let out a low groan as he looked at the 'letter' that had arrived with the manuscript.
He repeatedly stroked his well-groomed grey mustache, a sign that he was deep in thought.
Normally, he would have been beaming at the arrival of a new manuscript, but since a letter had arrived with it, he couldn't help but be pensive.
The contents of the letter were as follows:
[Hello, President Musk. Along with Volume 27, I have some news to share. As I mentioned before, the Xenon Biography is slowly racing toward its conclusion. I believe the final volume count will be thirty.]
The conclusion of the masterpiece of the century, the Xenon Biography. This single fact weighed on his heart like a heavy lead weight.
Of course, even if the Xenon Biography ended, it didn't mean people would stop reading it, and the population was currently on the rise.
Furthermore, the profits earned through the Xenon Biography were so vast that even nobles couldn't fathom them.
It was no longer just a goose that laid golden eggs; it was a gold mine. Even now, gold bars were piled like mountains in his secret warehouse.
He did say he’d release other works after the conclusion anyway.
He wasn't sure what those works would be, but since they were Isaac’s, they were bound to be hits. Even if they didn't have the same impact as the Xenon Biography, they would certainly be of great value.
Telling him the final volume count was essentially a message to start preparing now.
So, all he had to do was prepare accordingly. However, the conclusion wasn't the only thing that caught Musk’s eye.
A Q&A, huh...
An event where readers ask questions they’re curious about, and the author includes the answers in the book.
It was an event he had wanted to hold before the series ended, but they had been far too busy until now.
However, Isaac was currently confined to his dormitory due to issues related to the Demon Worshippers.
Since the manuscripts could be prepared in advance, it was the perfect event for a time like this when there was plenty of leisure time.
Of course, there was the added bonus of Isaac’s hidden desire to delay the ending somehow. Still, his respect for the fans was genuine.
The caveat is that he’ll refuse questions unrelated to the work. The problem is, if I announce this exactly as it is...
He would be the one suffering. People would surely try every kind of lobbying imaginable.
Even before Isaac revealed his identity, things were chaotic with people offering bribes or even making threats. Fortunately, now that his identity was known, that part had faded... like hell it had, it was exactly the same.
As everyone knew, Isaac’s social circle was very narrow. But that narrow circle was incredibly powerful.
The only person who was relatively easy to approach was Musk himself. He was just a wealthy commoner, not a prince or princess of some country.
If you look closely, this guy tends to do things without thinking sometimes, doesn't he?
Though they hadn't met many times, it was a fairly accurate assessment. In reality, Isaac viewed this event simply as something for the fans.
He hadn't considered at all what kind of massive bloodbath would occur in the process. Even if he had, he probably thought it would be minor.
Regardless, the fact remained that a troublesome task had landed in his lap. He couldn't very well suggest they not do it.
After finishing the letter, Musk looked up. His secretary, Matthew, who had delivered the manuscript, came into view.
"You said something else arrived besides this?"
"Yes. A work from the author Mary has also arrived. She sent Volumes 2 and 3 at the same time."
"Oh! Is that true?"
"Yes."
Musk brightened at the news that the manuscript from the rookie author who had appeared like a comet, Mary (Cherry), had finally arrived.
While not on the level of the Xenon Biography, her work was gaining rave reviews for its uniquely warm prose and distinct setting.
If the Xenon Biography was a god and dignity itself to Musk, Red Sunset Once Again was a dutiful daughter of a work.
It was especially explosive among women, and due to its setting, many men were also subscribed.
For some reason, no new volumes had arrived recently, but since two came at once, it didn't matter.
"Good. Good. I can already hear the sound of money rolling in. Send them to the printing press immediately."
"Um... President? There is one thing I haven't had the chance to tell you yet."
"Hmm? What is it?"
Matthew hesitated slightly at the president’s question before speaking in a very cautious voice.
"You know the printing press we had in the Duchy of Bellua?"
"What about it? Did something happen?"
Musk couldn't help but feel anxious at Matthew’s words. The Duchy of Bellua was a neutral nation that faithfully served as a bridgehead for the world.
If even a minor problem occurred there, it would cause major complications for world trade. Musk knew this well, which was why he had established a printing press there as soon as he had investment funds.
Rather than moving back and forth, he figured he could save a lot of money by setting up a press in the Duchy of Bellua. That idea had indeed paid off, yielding massive profits.
"Yes. It seems the foundation has completely collapsed due to a terror attack."
And sure enough, Musk’s anxiety was spot on.
He felt a sharp pain shoot through the back of his head the moment he heard those words, but he had to hear the full story first.
He spoke with a trembling voice.
"...Who did it?"
"A Demon Worshipper committed a suicide bombing."
"...Haha."
The intention was so obvious that he could only let out a hollow laugh.
Since they couldn't target Isaac directly, they decided to stop the Xenon Biography from spreading. That seemed to be their spiteful logic.
And he would be the one to bear the brunt of the damage. Since the branch in the Duchy of Bellua, of all places, had been hit, his head was starting to ache.
"...What about the employees there?"
"There were a total of five casualties. Two of them, unfortunately..."
"Send three bars of gold as condolence money and a letter. I should have predicted this would happen..."
Money can solve many things, but it can't solve everything. For instance, money cannot buy back a life.
Even if he sent a few extra gold bars, the bereaved families who lost their loved ones wouldn't care. They would simply grieve.
However, the biggest problem was that this was only the beginning. There was a high probability that printing presses in other branches would be destroyed by terror attacks in the future.
If you can't cut off the head, cut off the limbs instead. Once the limbs are neutralized, then go for the torso.
This couldn't go on. This was essentially an act of war.
Having reached that conclusion, all that remained was action. Musk stood up from his seat and gave Matthew instructions.
"Let’s head to the mansion first. This isn't something I should discuss alone."
"Do you have a plan?"
"No. I don't."
"...Pardon?"
While Matthew stood there dumbfounded, Musk spoke as if to reassure him.
"But I do have money."
"..."
"So, just follow me quietly."
What on earth was he thinking? Matthew wondered as he silently followed behind.