Chapter 69: The Storm(4)
Chapter 69: The Storm(4)
Power is a simple yet complex intangible force, an inseparable part of being "human."
It is only natural, as power is essentially "strength." Historically, the side with strength has always held the most power; conversely, the weak are destined to either bow their heads or bide their time, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
So, how does one obtain power? The simplest way is to be stronger than your opponent.
If you are strong enough, it doesn't matter how much the other side attacks; they are the ones who will likely end up suffering. Thus, people naturally bow to the strong and follow them, whether by choice or by force.
Princess Lina, the First Princess of the Minerva Empire, was one such case. Her power was not something she had earned herself; she was born with it.
Who would have the guts to touch the princess of the world's greatest superpower? One could confidently say that no one would, unless they had a death wish.
"..."
After everything was over, Lina returned to her quarters and lay blankly on her bed. Even in the dark bedroom, where not a single light flickered, her golden hair seemed to glow in its stead.
Normally, she would be studying or reading a book, but today she had much on her mind. Lina stared up at the ceiling, recalling the events of the past three days.
Since the hiatus notice appeared in Volume 10 of Xenon's Biography, the Minerva Empire had been plunged into utter chaos. Protests demanding an explanation broke out across the country, and those at the top moved quickly to contain the situation.
In truth, protests had erupted in every nation, not just the Minerva Empire, but the situation was far worse within the Empire's borders.
Other countries blamed the Empire simply because the publisher was located there. Furthermore, since the Empire was already notorious for its cultural imperialism, the criticism was bound to be harsher.
Lina had stepped forward to calm the situation. If the real reason Isaac had gone on hiatus was because of her and Leort, she had to apologize to resolve the crisis.
She was prepared to accept whatever proposal Isaac might make in the process. Even if the proposal was bizarre, she was willing to accept it, considering that a Princess of the Empire was swallowing her pride and bowing her head.
However, Isaac had made a proposal that Lina couldn't quite grasp: he simply wanted to speak casually with her. She could have understood it better if he had asked her to get down on her knees and bow.
I don't understand.
Lina was born with the power and authority befitting a princess. She had entered the political arena at the young age of her early teens, and she knew more about politics than anyone else her age.
Through this, she had learned one truth.
There may be people who have never tasted power, but there is no one who has tasted it only once. Furthermore, once someone gets a taste of power, they become desperate for even more.
She had seen countless such people during her time in the Imperial Palace. The place was overflowing with people who would flatter her in any way possible to get even the smallest scrap of influence, while simultaneously trying to subtly undermine her authority.
Lina had dealt with such people personally. The education she had received from her mother since she was young had paid off, and her own keen observation skills allowed her to detect their intentions in advance.
Because of this environment, she had been forced to wear a 'mask,' which led to a major conflict with Mari.
At the time, she had mistakenly thought Mari was approaching her to seek power like everyone else, but Mari had approached her with a pure heart, wanting to be her friend. Lina, unaware of this, had betrayed her expectations.
That boy, Isaac... he's fascinating.
Lina thought of the boy with the distinctive red hair—Isaac. The son of Hawk, who was renowned as the Red Lion, and the author of Xenon's Biography. He was a boy with very unique characteristics.
At first glance, his expression seemed blunt or taciturn, but that wasn't necessarily the case. Lina, with her sharp observation, knew he was capable of a wide range of expressions.
And Isaac was strangely uncomfortable with power. Even at the last gathering, he could have solidified his position just by staying by her side, but he didn't.
Instead, he had firmly expressed his desire to enjoy the gathering normally, stating that he didn't want to get involved in that side of things—politics. Rather than finding it burdensome, he truly seemed to want to enjoy the gathering as an ordinary person.
Does he really dislike power?
The reason she had called Isaac and Nicole aside previously was for coexistence or cooperation. While it was wrong of her to pressure him by mentioning tax evasion, that act had also given Isaac a weapon to use against her.
Even without revealing his identity, Isaac possessed an untouchable authority in the cultural world, and she possessed overwhelming authority due to her status. If these two forces harmonized, they could truly achieve anything.
Yet, Isaac didn't do that. Whether he possessed authority or not, he clearly didn't want to exercise power, as he had gone on hiatus exactly as he had planned. Thanks to that, Lina had finally realized something.
Ah. Isaac isn't someone who can be controlled. If I recklessly challenge him, I'm the one who will end up in trouble.
The world hadn't just been shaken; it had gone into a frenzy just because of a hiatus notice in the Author's Note. Lina was flustered for the first time by a major event that couldn't be handled with authority, let alone power, and she was flustered a second time by the true feelings Isaac had revealed.
Writing with a pure heart, without any ulterior motive...
Isaac had said himself that he wrote Xenon's Biography merely as a hobby. That was clearly the truth, not a lie.
That made it even harder to understand. That someone with such power and authority would write Xenon's Biography as a mere hobby, without any other purpose...
"...No. Perhaps that's why he was able to gain such authority."
Lina chuckled. Regardless of anything else, understanding Isaac was difficult for her at the moment.
If she couldn't even understand Mari, who was completely devoid of any sense of authority, how could Isaac be any different? There was a reason the two of them got along so well.
But that only made her want to understand him more. Why Isaac felt so uncomfortable with power. And why he had proposed that they speak casually.
A person who influenced the entire world without ever showing off. Lina was becoming increasingly curious about the person named Isaac.
She had initially approached him out of simple curiosity, but today she was able to make a decision. She would get to know the person himself, not his abilities or background.
This is the first time I've approached someone just for who they are... I wonder if I can do it?
Until now, whenever Lina approached someone, it was to assess their abilities or potential. Her approaching Isaac after his presentation during the first lecture was for that very reason.
However, she had never approached someone simply for the person they were. She wondered if she could pull it off.
I can do it.
Even though Mari was standing firm by his side, she had to find the courage to approach him to satisfy this curiosity.
Perhaps, by becoming closer to him, she might even be forgiven by Mari for what happened back then. Lina's expression darkened briefly as she recalled her past mistakes, but she immediately steeled her resolve.
When I approach Isaac, I'll set aside my power.
Since he disliked power, shouldn't she set it aside as well? Moreover, since they were now on casual speaking terms, they would be able to break down the walls between them.
First of all...
The protests currently occurring all over the world would have to end. There was nothing she could do right now.
Isaac had said that having a spokesperson from the Imperial Palace would cause various problems, so he would send a letter to the publisher himself. Since Isaac wanted to remain neutral, it would take some time, but it was a sure method.
It'll end well, right?
Lina slowly closed her eyes, hoping that Isaac would resolve everything.
For some reason, Isaac's face drifted through her mind.
"...I feel bad, so I should give him a gift later."
*
About fifteen days had passed since the release of Volume 10 of Xenon's Biography.
The protests occurring across the world showed no signs of dying down; instead, they grew more violent with each passing day.
Not only did the crowds gathered in front of the publishing house grow larger, but it also became a frequent occurrence for nobles to visit daily, pleading for something to be done.
This wasn't just happening at the publishing house. It was in the plazas of large cities, at busy intersections, and so on.
Wherever a protest could be held, people were holding up signs and demanding an explanation. Leaders were racking their brains over how to handle the protesters, but they were hesitant to act, fearing a repeat of the Jayros Revolution.
They held power, but if they used it recklessly now, everything could be shattered. They had no choice but to act with extreme caution.
"..."
The publisher sat slumped in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling. His eyes had lost their focus, and his expression looked as if his soul had left his body.
He must have suffered greatly, as his once-plump cheeks were now gaunt and haggard.
[Let's see how long you can hold out! Tell us already!]
[Can't you at least send a letter?! You're hiding the author, aren't you?! Huh?! Speak up!!]
The harsh sounds of protest drifted into the publisher's ears. These were the voices of the protesters camped out in front of the publishing house entrance.
The protesters seemed tireless, shouting at the top of their lungs for fifteen days straight. It was enough to drive the publisher mad, but he no longer had the energy for even that.
Until just a moment ago, he had to deal with nobles who were even more persistent and troublesome than the protesters. Fortunately, they had to work as well, so they had left for now, but he would have to face them again tomorrow.
At that thought, the publisher shuddered with disgust and let out a long sigh. Then, he glanced at the newspapers lying on his desk.
[The Voice of the People. Will it reach the author?]
[Publishers and leaders remain silent. Silence is not the only way.]
[Deep concern that something has happened to Xenon... Those who tried to visit him personally were met with a mob...]
[A situation like the Jayros Revolution must be prevented... The Minerva Empire also pleads that they know nothing.]
While it is difficult for an individual to stand against power, if they unite as one, even an empire has no choice but to throw up its hands. The publisher could feel in his bones how Xenon's Biography had changed the world.
Fortunately, a situation like the Jayros Revolution hadn't occurred yet, but it was only a matter of time. He had heard that armies were being stationed in various places because of this.
And if a revolution truly broke out... the publishing house would be finished. The protesters outside would swarm in instantly, and hiring mercenaries would be meaningless.
"Ugh... seriously..."
The publisher clutched his head in agony. It had been several days since he sent the letter, but no reply had come.
He was terrified that the author of Xenon's Biography might truly have vanished. He wanted to pack his bags and flee in the middle of the night, but he couldn't bring himself to abandon the company he had built up until now.
Be patient. If I just endure a little longer, good things will happen.
The publisher prayed fervently to Luminous. He begged for this situation to end quickly. Only then could he survive.
And perhaps those desperate prayers truly reached Luminous.
Bang!
"Sir! A letter has arrived from the author!"
"Wh-what?!"
Matthew, his secretary and trusted employee, burst through the door without knocking to deliver the good news.
Normally, the publisher would have scolded him severely, but given the circumstances, the news he brought was like a sudden rain shower in a drought.
The publisher sprang from his seat and shouted at Matthew.
"I-is it true? Is it really Xenon?"
"Yes! An errand runner delivered it, so it's definitely him!"
"Quickly, give it to me!"
As the publisher reached out urgently, Matthew handed it over without delay. The publisher quickly checked the envelope and hurriedly pulled out the contents.
He checked the writing inside. Judging by the handwriting, it was indeed the author of Xenon's Biography.
[Hello, dear readers. This is Xenon, the author of Xenon's Biography. The world has been quite noisy lately. To be honest, I couldn't help but be a little surprised.]
"Yes!"
Nothing else mattered. That first sentence alone was enough to calm the situation.
However, there was one problem. Would the citizens believe this letter? Given the situation, there was a high possibility they would dismiss it as a lie.
If only there was a manuscript to compare the handwriting with...
"Ah! And just in case people don't believe it, the author sent the original manuscript! It's the manuscript for Volume 1!"
"...Sob!"
The publisher was moved to tears.