Chapter 562: England(3)
Chapter 562: England(3)
As I explained the history of Britain, I somehow ended up becoming a guy just like Britain.
It might seem like a random stream of consciousness, but since it was actually true, I couldn't really argue against it.
If I hadn't written those books, this world wouldn't even know about the existence of demon worshippers, and the mana engine would have been invented much later.
At the very least, Earth followed a natural flow, whereas this world had too many things just... pop out of nowhere. And most of those things were because of the books I wrote.
‘But hearing myself described as "the Britain of this world" really makes what I’ve done hit home.’
Of course, it’s not like I hadn't felt the impact until now. I’d been feeling it ever since I wrote The Xenon Chronicle.
It felt as if all those scattered grains of realization had been compressed into the single word "Britain." Like someone had packed all that sand into a ball and slammed it right into my solar plexus.
It was a heavy blow. Since I had loved world history in my past life, that descriptor hit me with significant shock.
It was enough to make me reconsider whether I should even continue writing Blood and Iron. I quickly dismissed that thought, though, because of the whole demon worshipper situation.
There was no use crying over spilled milk, and my reputation had long since pierced the heavens.
At this point, people would try to find deep meaning in anything I said and commit all sorts of eccentricities, so it was easier to just give up and accept it.
Anyway, scholars studying world history would probably unanimously call me a total bastard.
Since I had caused a literal cataclysm in history, studying it must be a massive headache for them.
First of all, the cause was completely unknown. I had published books containing knowledge that ignored the natural flow of history, and the reasoning behind it was impossible to grasp.
The Xenon Chronicle could be explained away as pure imagination, but Blood and Iron would be enough to make their heads explode. I bet more than a few people have just given up.
So, I got curious. How exactly are scholars studying me right now?
While Britain had a clear historical progression, I was essentially a being that had suddenly appeared out of thin air, so there must be a mountain of things to research.
"You are the absolute number one research topic that everyone wishes they could just quit."
"What?"
With about fifteen days left until the Xenon Festival began.
I was left dumbfounded by the words of Arwen, who had come over from Albenheim to participate in the festival.
The number one research topic people want to quit? I had no idea what that was supposed to mean.
As everyone knew, Arwen was the Queen of Albenheim and a mage—essentially a scholar. Like me, she had always been a lover of books.
Furthermore, Albenheim was a nation where scholars from all over the world gathered. When I visited the Holy Land last time, I saw various scholars gathered together in deep discussion.
"Birth, family, appearance, and so on. Aside from the basic framework and the works you have written, nothing has been clearly revealed, has it? Other than the fact that you have read numerous books, it is impossible to truly know where your influences came from."
"Queen Arwen is right. Even we in Helium describe you as a Savior, but the objective aspects are quite difficult to pin down. At most, we can note that as an author, you created various words and refined the context of our language."
Cecile took the baton after Arwen. She nodded as if in total agreement.
Although Helium lacked basic academic foundations due to its long isolation, I knew they were digging into everything about me with intense focus.
It had gone beyond simply seeing me as a Savior; they followed me with a devotion bordering on religious faith. It was easiest to think of every single demon as another Cardinal Kate.
Cecile was similar, though now I was etched into her heart as the man she loved. However, I knew that deep down, she still harbored a feeling akin to religious devotion.
"Occasionally in history, greats appear as if they dropped from the sky. However, most of them are cases of receiving a god's blessing or appearing according to the flow of the times. They were not personally brought here by the gods themselves, as you were."
"Who would ever imagine you're someone from another world? Unless you reveal it yourself, it'll remain a mystery forever."
After hearing the two of them speak, I had no choice but to nod. Indeed, unless I told them, no one would ever know I came from another world.
I’d probably only reveal that fact right before I reached the end of my lifespan. Whether the world would believe me then was another story.
It seemed staying as "the Britain of this world" was the most comfortable option.
"I see. It definitely sounds like a nightmare to research."
"It won't be entirely difficult, though. Leading the world to peace with your 'lower half' is a monumental achievement in itself, isn't it?"
"I cannot deny that. It is exactly what is happening."
"..."
I was left speechless by Cecile’s mischievous remark and Arwen’s nodding agreement.
It was absurd, but since it was a fact, I couldn't think of a single rebuttal.
In the future, the demons and elves were destined to keep each other in check, and I was currently acting as the ultimate stabilizer.
What if my descendants ended up ruling Helium and Albenheim respectively? That would guarantee at least a thousand years of peace.
"...I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Helium is one thing, but doesn't Albenheim elect their leaders through voting?"
"Being your descendant would be more than enough to get someone elected. In fact, any family that did not vote for them would likely be ostracized."
"If it's related to you, it'll have an overwhelming advantage in every field. Just think about the people trying to form a connection with you right now."
As Cecile said, I was still receiving letters regarding marriage proposals. Naturally, they were requests to be accepted even as a concubine.
My mother was rejecting all of them, but she had given me a stern warning: stay by Mari’s side during the Xenon Festival.
Even if we were apart, she told me to stay with family or my lovers, and to be absolutely wary of anyone who approached me.
While others were enjoying the festival, I had to worry about the political implications.
‘I should take this opportunity to show my relationship with Cecile-nuna, too.’
I smiled brightly and gazed at Cecile, who was talking with Arwen. They were discussing the film that was going to be screened this time.
I had been looking for the right timing to announce my relationship with Cecile, but things kept getting in the way. So, I planned to show it during this Xenon Festival.
For the record, I had already discussed this with Mari. With her official status as my wife declared and her pregnancy on top of that, she said there was nothing to fear.
Besides, the strange relationship between Cecile and me had already been spreading through word of mouth for a while.
Even if I made it official, most people would likely just nod and move on.
‘The catch is that Cecile has no idea.’
It was a so-called "bombshell statement."
Just as Cecile had teased me all this time, I planned to get her back with a single, decisive blow.
Knock, knock—
[Isaac? Ms. Kate is here to see you.]
While I was pondering how to surprise Cecile, I heard Adelia’s voice from outside the room.
I looked puzzled for a moment at the news of Kate’s visit, but I stood up, figuring she must have a reason.
Click—
"Hello, Lord Isaac. Are you busy?"
When I opened the door, Kate greeted me, dressed in her pure white nun’s habit. A gentle smile was a bonus.
"No, I'm not busy. By the way, weren't you supposed to be training?"
"Mr. Clark said today is a rest day."
Since the Academy was on break, Kate was staying at our mansion. This included her successor, Lora.
As mentioned before, it was for special training under Grandfather Clark. Perhaps because of this, despite staying in the same mansion, it was hard to see her face.
She had to visit the temple early in the morning for prayers, then undergo training to check her skills, and also handle Lora’s education.
In terms of schedule alone, she was likely much busier than I was. All I did was help my father with paperwork.
"I see. But what brings you here?"
"I heard Lady Cecile was here. Excuse me, but I have something to discuss with her."
"With Cecile-nuna?"
As soon as I heard that, I turned my gaze toward Cecile. She also seemed surprised that Kate was calling for her, her red eyes widening.
The combination of Cecile and Kate. It was a pairing that seemed to fit yet didn't at the same time. The two had never really had a private conversation before.
Still, I didn't think Kate would call her for a trivial reason. So, I nodded and gave my permission.
"Yes, well. If she agrees, I don't mind."
"Thank you. Lady Cecile?"
"I don't know what this is about... but I'll come for now."
Cecile stood up with a bewildered expression.
She had been talking with Arwen just a moment ago, but it seemed she couldn't suppress her curiosity.
I watched Cecile walk over and then looked at Kate again. She wore her characteristic serene expression.
"May I ask what you're going to talk about?"
"It is related to you, Lord Isaac."
"...?"
I received an answer that felt like I should understand it, yet I didn't.
Kate led Cecile out of the mansion. Outside, the Maishal Territory was currently bustling with festival preparations.
Moreover, various tourists had already flocked to the area to secure spots in advance. Elves, demons, dwarves, and beastkin alike were all mixed together.
Cecile occasionally greeted demons who recognized her as she quietly followed behind Kate.
It wasn't suspicion she felt, but curiosity. Curiosity as to why this woman had called for her.
Kate was a woman she wasn't close to, but didn't consider an enemy either.
‘...The Temple of Luminous?’
The place they arrived at was the Temple of Luminous. Cecile became even more puzzled.
Just because she worshipped Mora didn't mean she avoided Luminous. Luminous and Mora were twin siblings and were very close.
Although the Order of Luminous was the largest, the Temple of Mora was also gradually expanding. It didn't really matter.
"You may enter here."
"Thank you."
Eventually, following Kate, they arrived at a room. Judging by the heavy security, it seemed to be a room where only those of high rank could stay.
Cecile, wearing her black dress, looked around the white-toned temple before following Kate inside.
Just as the entire temple was white, the room was similar. Seeing the desk and other furniture, it appeared to be a private living quarters.
However, there was something entirely unexpected.
"Huh? Cherry?"
"Hello..."
Surprisingly, Isaac’s business partner and disciple, Cherry, had already arrived in the room.
She wore a cherry-blossom-colored dress that accentuated her ample chest. Despite her bright clothes, her eyes were as gloomy as ever.
While Cecile was startled and dazed, Cherry, who seemed to have been notified in advance, greeted her in a low voice.
"Uh... hi. How have you been?"
"Yes... I finished my book... I'm doing okay..."
Cecile greeted her awkwardly while stealing a glance downward.
She believed that compared to others, she was second to none in terms of size. This wasn't just a subjective opinion; it was an objective fact.
But look at Cherry now. Until a year ago, she was definitely smaller than Cecile, but now they were about the same, or Cherry might even be larger.
It felt like she had been overtaken. Cecile stared at Cherry’s chest before shifting her gaze to Kate.
It was a silent question as to why Cherry was here.
"Lady Cecile. I have heard that you are favored by Lady Mora. Is that not so?"
In response to that expression, Kate asked a question of her own with a gentle smile. Cecile nodded hesitantly.
"Yes... if you mean being favored, then I suppose I am. She plays pranks on me occasionally, too."
Mora was known to play pranks on the children she cherished. This was a story widely known among the children of Mora.
Cecile had also fallen victim to Mora’s pranks. Her chest, the source of her confidence, had once been turned completely flat.
She remembered how despairing she felt until Mora hurriedly changed it back. Since then, Mora had never played pranks related to her body again.
"Anyway, what does that have to do with Cherry? I don't quite understand the situation."
"Because I need your help, Lady Cecile."
"My help?"
"Yes. Because you are a believer favored by Lady Mora, and you are Lord Isaac’s lover."
The words became even more incomprehensible. Cecile tilted her head.
Even with her brilliant mind, she couldn't figure out the correlation between those two things.
Kate, having anticipated this, asked Cecile to take a seat. Cecile sat down to hear the story.
Cherry sat next to Kate, and Cecile sat across from them.
"I will start with this, Lady Cecile."
"Yes. Go ahead."
"I want to write a book about Lord Isaac’s life."
"Excuse me?"
Cecile’s eyes went wide. A book about Isaac’s life? What did that mean?
As they had discussed back at the mansion, research related to Isaac was currently very active. It was just incredibly difficult.
Furthermore, Kate didn't know Isaac’s true identity. She revered him in a sense that was close to mythology.
Of course, Cecile had heard that Kate would eventually become one of Isaac’s women. This was something she had expected to some extent, so it wasn't surprising.
However, since it hadn't fully happened yet, Kate had no idea that Isaac came from another world. To hear her say she was going to write a book under these circumstances was baffling.
"...May I ask what prompted such a proposal?"
"Of course. Lord Isaac is currently revered as a Saint sent by the gods. Is that not true?"
"Um... yes."
Since he was indeed a soul brought here by the gods, it wasn't technically wrong. The fact that it was treated as "faith" was the only catch.
Unaware of Cecile’s inner thoughts, Kate continued in a soft tone.
"And Lord Isaac saved the demons who were suffering from unfair discrimination, and further, he exterminated the pests that were eating away at the world. He did all this while taking every risk upon himself. He also sparked a revolution in Machina and enlightened the dwarves."
"That's... also true...?"
From an outsider's perspective, at least. In reality, Isaac had just done those things without much thought.
Still, Cecile wanted to sincerely worship him for the salvation of the demons. It was just that her love had grown deeper than her faith now, so it didn't show as much.
In Helium, Isaac’s position was beyond that of a "Father of the Nation"; he was a "Savior."
The people prayed to Mora, thanking her for granting them Isaac, which showed just how high his status was.
"I want to record all of these things. The reason I asked Cherry was because of my own poor writing skills. Cherry has also decided to join me."
"Then why me...?"
"If I write the book, it will be from the perspective of Lord Luminous. Records must always be 'objective.' I thought I needed another perspective—that of Lady Cecile, who is favored by Lady Mora. Furthermore, you are a woman whom Lord Isaac loves."
"..."
"What do you think? You may refuse if you wish. It is merely a proposal."
Kate made the offer to Cecile with a smiling face. A proposal to record Isaac’s life as something akin to a "mythology."
In any case, unless Isaac revealed his own past, it would be difficult to explain the cause and effect of his actions.
But what if he was presented as a soul brought by the gods? Everyone would likely accept it and move on.
Even if scholars researched it, they would probably just say, "Ah, so that's why we couldn't research anything. How could we possibly know the intentions of the gods?" and give up.
With the talented Cherry joining in, the plan was highly persuasive.
To that, Cecile...
"...It's not a bad proposal."
She readily agreed. Again, her love included a sense of religious devotion toward him.
Even though she knew the truth, it was an undeniable fact that the gods had brought Isaac here.
Besides, mythologies always had a bit of exaggeration.
"Instead, I will help more in the capacity of a reviewer. Even if a perspective from Lady Mora is needed, there won't be much of a difference."
"What part are you referring to?"
"For example, Isaac’s personal side... like his 'vast vessel'? That even with numerous women, it was not enough to fill his capacity. Something like that would be good."
"I knew I was right to ask you, Lady Cecile. I look forward to working with you."
Something beyond nuclear fusion was about to occur.