Chapter 47: Crisis(6)
Chapter 47: Crisis(6)
It was after the conversation with the Maishal siblings had concluded. Even after Isaac and Nicole had taken their leave, the royal siblings remained in their seats.
The seating arrangement had changed slightly, however. Lina, who had originally been sitting next to Leort, was now sitting across from him—in the very spot where Nicole had been.
Lina gazed intently at Leort, who was leisurely sipping his tea. With a gentle smile playing on his lips, he looked like a model stepped right out of a painting.
"Brother."
"Yes?"
Leort set down his teacup and looked at her. One eyebrow was arched, his expression asking why she had called him.
Since there was no one else in the room, Lina cast aside her poker face and grumbled with a dissatisfied pout. It was a display closer to a child’s whimpering.
"Why did you tell them the truth? Honestly, you could have just kept it a secret."
As she said, there had been no real need to share that information with the siblings. In fact, keeping it tightly under wraps might have been a win-win for both parties.
But Leort hadn't done that. He claimed he had arranged the meeting for verification, but he had only ended up sowing seeds of deep suspicion. Even Lina, watching from the side, couldn't fathom Leort's ulterior motives.
"How do you think they see us now? We must look like people who use their authority to intimidate others. What if Lord Maishal gets angry and stops the serialization? What then?"
"Ah, that? You don't need to worry about that. Nicole and Isaac might be a different story, but Lord Maishal knows our Imperial Family all too well."
Contrary to Lina's concerns, Leort answered as if it were of no consequence. This only left Lina with more questions.
She had heard countless stories about Hawk, the man renowned as the Red Lion. She had a rough idea of what kind of person he was, but she didn't know the details.
Yet Leort spoke with the nuance that he knew Hawk better than she did. Was it because he was the heir to the throne that he was privy to more facts?
As Lina harbored these doubts, Leort spoke again, maintaining his characteristic relaxed smile.
"Do you know the reason why Lord Maishal retired so early?"
"Roughly. I heard he retired early due to the aftereffects. At least, that's what I know."
PTSD—a condition often suffered by soldiers who frequently stand on the front lines between life and death. It was 'publicly' known that Hawk had retired early because those aftereffects had become severe.
No matter if he had slain a dragon or driven out the beastkin forces invading the border, he was ultimately just a human. It was only natural for him to suffer after witnessing the deaths of so many comrades with his own eyes and staining his own hands with blood throughout his career as a knight.
Furthermore, because he had become so famous, he faced immense political pressure. Since he was of commoner origin, several rude nobles had pressured and harassed him.
The Imperial Family and the military had desperately tried to dissuade him from retiring, but Hawk had adamantly refused. The fact that he visited the temple once a day until his symptoms eased gave an inkling of how serious his condition had been.
"That's what you know. But the reality is different. A major incident occurred."
"An incident?"
"Yes. People think Lord Maishal drove out all the beastkin living in the border regions, but that's only half-right. Some of the beastkin who fled actually managed to infiltrate the Empire."
"Don't tell me... that means..."
Lina's expression hardened as she realized what Leort was implying. She prayed it wasn't the worst-case scenario she was imagining.
Leort waved his hand slightly to soothe her anxiety.
"Fortunately, what you're worried about didn't happen. It ended in an attempt. A beastkin ambushed Lord Maishal's wife, but the tables were turned. It was because the Imperial Family had assigned a guard knight to her side at Lord Maishal's request."
"Is that why he retired? Because he was afraid his family would be in danger again?"
"Exactly. At the time of his retirement, Lord Maishal said this: 'What is the point of having greater martial prowess than others if I cannot protect those dear to me?' It's just my guess, but I think he started feeling skeptical ever since he lost his close friend during the Ascanal Incident."
Leort nodded at Lina's question. Lina looked as if she was hearing this for the first time.
She had thought he simply refrained from publicizing his achievements because of the aftereffects, but to think such a story was hidden behind it. There was a reason why the two siblings didn't know much about Hawk's feats.
If he became too famous, people would inevitably target his innocent family as a byproduct. Having experienced it once, he must have been reluctant to make his achievements known as a preventative measure.
The fact that Hawk's name wasn't mentioned in the Ascanal Incident was likely due to measures taken by the Imperial Family. Since Hawk's name was synonymous with 'Hero' among the nobility and the military, the higher-ups were likely more than willing to grant his request.
Moreover, it was a win-win for the authorities, as they could slightly diminish Hawk's influence, which had been growing to an uncontrollable degree.
"...Wait a moment."
Lina's expression of fascination at the interesting story was short-lived; soon, her brow furrowed.
If Hawk had cast aside all honor and fame to retire for such reasons, then Leort shouldn't have pushed further.
It could trigger his trauma, and Leort's actions toward the siblings were doing nothing but provoking Hawk.
"If that's the case, you shouldn't have done that. Especially to someone who already has those aftereffects."
"As I said before, Lord Maishal is one of the people who knows our Imperial Family well. He'll probably just find it annoying that I'm acting all high and mighty. He might even invite us to his mansion just to have a talk."
It might seem nonsensical for a mere Baron's family to invite royalty, rather than a Duke or a Marquis. But with Hawk, the story was different.
A commoner receiving the status of nobility was something that happened perhaps once in a century, and Hawk had even come close to receiving the title of Count. Though his status was low, it could be asserted that his prestige was in no way inferior to that of high-ranking nobles.
While Lina was lost in thought, Leort stroked his chin as if something was bothering him.
"Still, there is something a bit suspicious."
"What is it?"
"The fact that Nicole admitted it so readily when she could have just denied it. I got the feeling she was using Lord Maishal as a shield. The Nicole I know would never have said such a thing."
"She probably wanted to leave as quickly as possible. Those two would doubt us no matter what we said, wouldn't they?"
"It's heartbreaking that I can't deny that."
Leort gave a bitter smile. He had arranged the meeting with Isaac and Nicole for the sake of confirmation in his own way.
But given their positions, it would only look like intimidation to the two siblings. Honestly, if members of the Imperial Family called someone separately, they couldn't help but be suspicious, wondering what kind of scheme was being cooked up.
Leort voiced his feelings with a hint of regret.
"If I had known it would be like this, I would have approached them more gradually. I think I was a bit hasty. It's painful to admit that I couldn't quite control my excitement. It is the Xenon Biography, after all."
"There's that, but... Brother, do you really think Lord Maishal is the author of the Xenon Biography?"
When Leort expressed his regret, Lina asked for his opinion in a cautious voice. Hearing her half-doubting question, Leort raised an eyebrow, looking puzzled in return.
"Of course. If not him, then who else could it be?"
"...No, never mind."
At Leort's certain tone, Lina shook her head. However, she couldn't stop the corners of her mouth from curling upward.
"Hmm?"
Leort looked at her with a bewildered expression, seeing her meaningful smile.
It was after the conversation with the royal siblings had ended and I had come outside with Nicole. We entered a suitable cafe for some dessert, booked a room, and sat facing each other.
Naturally, we chose a room with guaranteed soundproofing, just in case. Though it was a bit expensive, it was perfect for a private conversation between the two of us.
"Should I stop the serialization?"
"... ..."
At my words, Nicole looked at me, startled. Her golden eyes were wide with shock.
But her expression soon turned somber; she seemed to feel sorry for me. Meanwhile, I stirred my coffee with a teaspoon and spoke in a stifled voice.
"I wonder if there's a need to use Father as a shield. Can't I just reveal it and be at peace? It's all been found out anyway, so there's no need to hide it."
"Isaac. You don't have to blame yourself so much. Prince Leort just isn't very honest with his feelings, but the Imperial Family won't really interfere."
I looked up slightly at her words, which seemed to be defending Leort. Nicole was still looking at me with pitying eyes.
At that, I asked her with a questioning look.
"Do you know Prince Leort well, Sister?"
"To some extent. He rarely reveals his true intentions. I've only seen it once myself."
"When?"
"Uh... that's not what's important right now, is it?"
Nicole evaded my surprise question. I was a bit suspicious of her reaction, but as she said, that wasn't the priority, so I let it slide.
"Anyway, it's highly likely that Prince Leort really did arrange the meeting for confirmation. Since he's not honest, he tends to show it through his actions. Above all, didn't Prince Leort say so himself? That if they pressured you and the serialization stopped, they would be the ones getting cursed at. In fact, both sides have weapons against each other."
"Wouldn't it be worse for us if the popularity of the Xenon Biography drops?"
"That would never happen, but even if it did, no. If the popularity drops, the interest directed at us will also decrease. If you really can't believe it, send a letter to Father. I'm sure Father would be more than willing to help you."
I felt like I was rambling because I was so flustered, but one thing was clear: Nicole was doing her best to comfort me, fearing I might be depressed.
Thanks to her, I was able to regain some of my spirits, but my heart was still restless. I couldn't help but wonder if it was right for my family to suffer just so I could live well.
"And nobles really hate losing out. Especially high-ranking nobles for whom every single loss is critical. So the Imperial Family won't touch you directly. I mean it."
"...Really?"
"Yes. They might even help you so that it's harder for others to track you down. It's like having a reliable backer."
Listening to Nicole, it seemed plausible. However, sending a letter to Father to explain the situation was something I absolutely had to do.
I let out another deep sigh. One way or another, my energy was being drained away today, leaving me exhausted. It seemed I would have to skip writing for today.
"...Isaac."
"Yes."
"If it's too hard, you don't have to feel obligated to continue the serialization. You write because you enjoy it. You might not know this, but the moment a hobby turns into an obligation, the passion dies out. I'm worried that passion might fade."
As Nicole spoke with sincerity, I slowly looked up. I met her golden eyes, which were filled with a mix of worry and concern.
Then, she slowly reached out and gently took my right hand. I could vividly feel the skin that had hardened from years of holding a sword.
"I remember when you first showed me your writing. You gave me the manuscript with eyes full of anticipation, telling me to take a look, that it was something you wrote. Do you know what your face looked like when I said it was really interesting? You looked like you had the whole world. That was the first time I saw you smile so brightly."
"... ..."
"But now, I can see that smile gradually disappearing. The more the world loves your writing, the more the pressure on your shoulders must be crushing you. And not just me, but our whole family wants to lighten that burden for you."
Before I left for the Academy, Father had caressed the writer's callus on my middle finger and spoken to me.
He said he was proud of me. That this was an honor I had earned myself, not given by anyone else, and that I should take pride in it.
Nicole's heartfelt comfort was enough to evoke similar emotions to that time.
"So there's no need to resent yourself. If you really feel like you can't do it, you can just take a break for a while, like you said. To you, a novel is a happy hobby, never a painful obligation. Do you understand?"
"...I understand."
I felt a bit of relief. Perhaps because we were family, she saw right through the feelings I was currently experiencing.
Thanks to her, I was able to realize once again: my family was a more reliable support than anything else.
As Nicole said, there was no need to write the novel out of obligation. But ironically, that made me want to write even more.
I hadn't written for honor or fame; it was merely a hobby. It was just that at some point, the popularity had skyrocketed, and the pressure regarding the serialization had set in.
I looked at Nicole with a faint smile. Seeing my expression, Nicole also seemed relieved, her face softening more than before.
"Then, I'll just quickly write up to Volume 10 and..."
Indeed, as my peace of mind returned, the feeling of being chased by something vanished. Also, after hearing Nicole's comfort, I was able to make a firm decision.
"I should go on hiatus until I become a third-year."
I needed to start taking it easy. It was the right amount of time to clear the pressure and compose my mind.
As soon as Nicole heard my decision, she flinched for a moment before laughing awkwardly.
"I-I see. Well, if that's what you want..."
Contrary to her answer, her voice was thick with regret.