Chapter 515: The Trend(1)
Chapter 515: The Trend(1)
Trends are truly terrifying things. Like a single drop of ink falling into a pristine lake, you find yourself following them before you even realize it.
However, trends are characterized by being short and intense. That is why they are classified as a sub-category rather than being considered part of the mainstream culture.
If a trend persists for a long time, it might eventually remain as culture. Though the probability of that happening is extremely slim.
The Xenon Biography and Blood and Iron, which I wrote, are similar. The ripple effect that began with Xenon Biography is still steadily progressing.
If there is one trend that spread because of Xenon Biography, it is undoubtedly the rise in the public's perception of Demons.
Demons, who were once treated as mere devils, were brought out into the world through Xenon Biography, and their true nature began to be revealed one by one.
Just as described in the book, they gained an image of being incredibly patient and devoted lovers.
This reached its peak with Jin’s sacrifice shown at the end.
It wasn't just a short and intense fad that passed by; the Demon race itself was integrated into humanity.
Perhaps because of this, several trends emerged, one of which was a significant increase in the number of people dating Demons.
Before, people were reluctant to even touch them, but after Xenon Biography, it spread like a trend.
The Demons didn't dislike the increased interaction with humans either; in fact, they accepted it quite actively.
As such, there are cases where a trend transcends its status and joins the mainstream culture with a very slim probability, but those are truly rare.
If the popularity of Xenon Biography had been lukewarm, even a trend would have been impossible. That is an undeniable fact.
The problem is that right now, it’s anything but lukewarm. Just look at the state of the toothbrush mustaches and Kaiser mustaches trending everywhere.
If the trend during the writing of Xenon Biography was the recognition of Demons, Blood and Iron has far too many things that could become trends.
The peak of that is Machina—specifically, the Machina Revolution. A new form of Dwarven Communism, which didn't even exist on Earth, has been born.
'Calling it a trend really makes it hit home.'
Now that I’ve returned to the mansion after visiting the military base with my father, I lay on my bed and recalled the events of that time.
The Nazi-style salute I heard at the barracks. That salute keeps flickering in my mind.
The Nazi-style salute was originally a greeting used by aristocrats. That greeting passed through Italy and entered Nazi Germany.
The problem was that a failed art student used it. The funny thing was that the man himself, being somewhat frugal, didn't even particularly like the Nazi salute.
'Ideologies are no different.'
When Communism spread among the Dwarves, I was just dumbfounded; it didn't really hit me.
It was partly karma for the things Bourgeois V had done, and the system wasn't exactly the same as the Soviet Union's.
As I said before, a new "Dwarfism" had been born. An ideology that made good use of the racial characteristics unique to Dwarves.
In this way, it means that specific parts of the books I write can spread as trends and, further, penetrate deeply into the culture.
If it changes beneficially like Dwarven Communism, that’s one thing, but it could also turn into a headache like National Self-Determination.
Fascism's harmful nature will be revealed as time passes, so that might be fine, but other parts are the problem.
'Heil Xenon, of all things...'
It’s horrifying just thinking about it again. The one saving grace is that I didn't have to hear that greeting to my face.
Due to time constraints, I only toured the barracks and returned straight to the mansion.
For the record, I signed autographs for a few of the highest-ranking soldiers so that Dave and Nicole wouldn't be mistreated.
They immediately bowed their heads low and said they would take good care of them. I was anxious that they might say "Heil Xenon," but fortunately, they didn't.
'What else could become a trend?'
After returning, I tried to predict what might trend in the future. Specifically, the parts that could degenerate into "culture."
One of the things likely to turn into culture is definitely ideology. Imagine if National Self-Determination spreads to Stavirk.
The Minerva Empire would likely try to suppress it somehow, and naturally, armed conflict would break out.
If that happens, Stavirk will gain "ethnicity" in the true sense of the word. That ethnicity will become a culture and unite them even further.
'Honestly, just following it like a trend is fine.'
On Earth, especially in Europe, you’d get dirty looks for doing a Nazi salute or cosplaying as a Nazi.
Furthermore, if you did such a thing in Russia, which was severely victimized by Germany and the Nazis?
Beyond a fine, you might end up in prison after some appropriate "re-education" (a beating). It’s that sensitive.
But this world is different. A Race War broke out, but it wasn't as large-scale as World War II, and the damage was less.
Of course, Beastkin were once massacred by humans, but it doesn't compare to the Holocaust.
So, if someone does a Nazi salute, people are likely to just chuckle and ask, "What are you doing?"
To the people of this world, World War II is nothing more than a fictional story.
They might feel embarrassed, but they are unlikely to frown and stop it.
'I should block the possibility of it becoming a bad culture.'
I’ve already experienced a bad culture that I caused once. Jin’s funeral event, which was carried out under my mother's leadership.
From my perspective as the author, it was nothing more than a tantrum that ruined the artistic quality, but it also meant that many people were that immersed in my work.
However, immersion aside, the fact that it was a bad culture doesn't change. That’s why I strictly requested that such things never happen again.
The framework is similar even now. For example, I can point to "McCarthyism," which is called the American version of the Cultural Revolution.
A whirlwind of McCarthyism blew under the guise of excluding Communism, but in reality, it was an event that greatly diminished America's national strength.
One might ask why McCarthyism suddenly comes up, but McCarthyism itself "used" Communism during the Cold War. Again, it was use, not exclusion.
Because they were in the special situation of the Cold War, the justification was sufficient, but the process was too harsh. It was nothing more than a witch hunt.
Well, occasionally there really were spies, but they were only caught because so many people were purged.
'Just up to a trend. It must remain only as a trend.'
Just as people impersonating characters from Xenon Biography actually appeared, there will surely be people who use this in reverse.
"That guy is going to be the future Hitler!" "That guy is going to be a human butcher like Stalin!" "That guy is a believer in Fascism!" and so on.
It might seem like I'm going too far, but given my status, it’s not really going too far. It’s an event that could actually happen.
Ensuring that it doesn't transform from a trend into a culture, and that innocent people don't suffer because of that culture. If that is my karma, then so be it.
'I must make sure no one is unfairly victimized by a witch hunt. And if such a person appears, I’ll save them myself.'
If someone appears who truly believes they are Hitler... that would be a bit of a headache. Let's just call that person's own karma.
I pondered the seeds I had sown and organized them in a notebook. I plan to pick them out roughly before returning to the dormitory.
Of course, just because I organize them like this doesn't mean anyone knows in what form the seeds I've sown will germinate.
Normally, I could just ask the Gods, but I can't help but feel reluctant due to that recent incident.
For the time being, I plan to solve things myself and only visit the Order when I'm short on Divine Power.
Knock, knock, knock— Click.
While I was organizing in my notebook, someone entered the bedroom. Whether it was an urgent matter or not, they opened the door as soon as they knocked.
I looked up with a puzzled expression, and what do you know? Ariel was peeking at me through the slightly ajar door.
The sprout growing on top of her head tilted slightly, and her half-revealed face was full of curiosity.
Mm. She’s so cute I can’t stand it. I put down my pen for a moment and spoke with a warm smile.
"What is it, Ariel? Do you have something to say to Papa?"
"Hehehe."
As soon as I spoke, Ariel ran toward me with a bright smile. What if she falls?
Thud—
"Oof!"
She actually fell. As soon as I saw Ariel trip over her own feet, I stood up.
I brushed off her knees as she struggled to get up and then scooped her up in my arms.
She definitely seems to be growing bit by bit; she feels a little heavier than before. The sprout on her head seems to have grown a bit too.
"Are you okay? I told you to be careful. Does it hurt?"
"It doesn't hurt. But Papa."
"Yes?"
"I want to see Mommy."
Ariel made her request with wide, sparkling eyes while held in my arms. Her golden eyes, which looked exactly like mine, held a strange sense of anticipation.
I felt a bit awkward hearing that request, then finally spoke.
"Which mommy?"
There are so many mommies that it’s hard to choose. Didn't she even call Leona "Mommy" recently?
Ariel tilted her head at my question, then answered with a vigorous voice.
"White Mommy!"
"...White Mommy?"
The only people characterized by the color white are Mari and Arwen. While I was thinking that, Ariel added while pointing to her own ears.
"The mommy with long ears like Ariel! I want to see Mommy!"
"Ah. Arwen?"
"Yes!"
Ariel nodded at my words. It seems the white, long-eared mommy in her head is Arwen.
It’s not that Ariel doesn't remember. It’s just that children have such great creativity that they often describe people by their features.
For example, she calls Adelia "Sky Mommy" because her eyes are sky-blue, and she calls Cecile "Fluffy Mommy with Horns."
"Why do you suddenly want to see Arwen?"
I was planning to go to Albenheim soon anyway, but I didn't expect Ariel to say she missed her.
Wondering if there was a reason, I asked, and she replied with her characteristic energetic voice.
"Just because! I want to see Mommy!"
"...I suppose. It’s the age to miss your mother."
It seems to be because Arwen was the first person she saw as soon as she was born. It’s been quite a while since they last met after the winter break, so it’s natural she’d miss her.
I chuckled, then recalled my schedule. Since I’ve released Volume 10 of Blood and Iron, I just need to put out Volume 11, but it will take time because the supply is still insufficient.
I heard from Musk that they plan to introduce magic engines to the printing press. However, in the case of paper, raw materials are in short supply.
In this situation, Lina personally stepped forward. She said she would send numerous unemployed people there to supply paper.
She said that while it might be different for other works, Blood and Iron is a proven bestseller, so it doesn't matter if they pay generous wages.
'And...'
If possible, I want to see Lady Hirt. When I was suffering through the ascetic training from Mora, she took me away, saying she had found out too late.
Also, the black bead I found in the hand that had held Mora's hand. I wanted to ask about the identity of this bead as well.
There are many things to do in Albenheim in many ways. I also have to comfort Arwen, who has been living in forced solitude all this time.
"Alright. I understand. When do you want to go?"
"Ariel wants to go fast."
"You little rascal."
I expressed my affection by gently stroking her red hair, which was just like mine.
She must have realized my feelings through her mind reading, as she rubbed her face against my chest.
'I should call Ms. Siris after a long time.'
There are still many summoning papers left to summon Siris. I can summon Siris through those and then head to Albenheim.
Of course, I didn't forget to let the others know my whereabouts. I plan to go back to the dormitory and tell them soon.
"Papa. Papa."
"Yes? What is it?"
"I just called you. Hehet."
For now, let's just dote on Ariel.
[...So, I'm planning to go to Albenheim soon. But it's a private visit, not an official one, so please only tell those close to you. Got it?]
"I understand. Come without any burden."
[Thanks. Is there anything I should bring?]
"There is nothing. Having only you come is enough for me."
[Alright. I'll be there within three days.]
Click—
The light of the communication orb, which is usually used only between national leaders, gradually fades. Arwen smiled as she looked at the orb whose light had completely gone out.
He is coming. The man she believes without a doubt is her destined love. That alone makes all her worries feel as if they’ve been washed away.
"Haa..."
She quietly closed her eyes and leaned back comfortably. Why does the chair feel even softer today?
Workload has surged recently due to the Great Depression, but it wasn't particularly difficult. Most countries were hit hard by the Great Depression, but Albenheim was relatively less affected.
She had started interacting with neighboring countries after her coronation, but because of the Senate's opposition, they hadn't played a major role.
Even now, the amount of land that needs to be reclaimed has increased due to food issues, but the supply itself wasn't a big problem.
Elves could use magic like their own hands and feet anyway. However, she is paying close attention to magic engines.
Isaac also mentioned that the key to solving the Great Depression is the magic engine. It must mean that magic engines have enormous potential.
Since Isaac himself said so, the citizens are also looking into it deeply. Although the blueprints haven't been transferred to Albenheim yet, it’s only a matter of time.
'I'll be able to live comfortably without thinking about work for a while.'
Of course, these thoughts will all disappear the moment Isaac arrives. She only needs to think about Isaac all day long.
Above all, one thing. Arwen thought of the "gift" she had been steadily preparing.
A gift for Isaac, an outfit based on a costume that appeared in Blood and Iron. As soon as she saw that outfit, hadn't she thought, This is it!?
Just imagining Isaac being happy to receive that outfit made her whole body tremble involuntarily.
'And at night... heehee.'
She was trembling in a different sense. Arwen imagined what would happen after Isaac received the gift.
Isaac, so moved by the gift, would desire her all day long. She would enjoy the pleasure while being ravished into a mess, no less than their first night.
Ah, what a thrilling plan! Just imagining it made her lower abdomen tingle already.
During the winter break, she had been so absorbed in Baduk and had given up her turns to Leona that she hadn't done it once, so she was as pent-up as could be.
Preparing it like a ritual according to Elven tradition? She could easily endure that for the sake of that day.
"Heh. I hope he comes quickly."
Arwen drew a happy future with a silly smile.
Without even realizing that the gift would give Isaac a "moving" experience in a completely different sense.