Chapter 70: The Aftermath(1) - Afterword Added
Chapter 70: The Aftermath(1) - Afterword Added
The protests, which looked ready to explode at any moment, began to gradually cool down after Isaac sent a letter to the publisher.
The content of the letter was long enough to fill an entire page, but it could be summarized like this:
[The noise is making me very anxious. What if I get hurt because of this? I haven't been pressured or threatened, so please don't worry too much. I am very healthy; I simply write as a hobby and have many other things to do, so I'm just taking a short break. Please don't misunderstand and just wait a little while. I love you, readers.]
Upon reading this sincere plea that filled the page, the protesters withdrew... or rather, they didn't. At first, they shouted back, calling it a lie.
They demanded to know if Isaac had truly written the letter, or if the publisher had forged it to defuse the situation because they feared a volcanic eruption of public rage.
Since their point was valid, the publisher decided to show rather than tell. They brought out the original manuscript of Volume 1 of the Xenon Biography.
It was the beginning of the masterpiece that had left a massive footprint on the world of culture—the Xenon Biography, currently beloved by all.
Furthermore, it wasn't a transcript copied from a draft; it was the actual paper Isaac had written on with his own pen. Naturally, the public was beyond shocked; they were utterly stunned.
"That's a lie! How are we supposed to believe that!"
"Show us proof that it's the real original and not a copy!"
"Prove that it's genuine!"
Of course, they didn't believe it right away. From the protesters' perspective, it was difficult to trust the letter or the claim that the manuscript paper was the original draft.
The protesters were a mix of people of all ages and genders, but among them were many with significant life experience. In other words, they knew exactly how dirty and petty the upper echelons of the world could be.
For this reason, the publisher's desperate claims that it was the original draft went unheeded—until the situation reversed shortly thereafter.
"I-I think it really is the original draft. It's the manuscript, not a copy."
"Is that true?"
"What's the reason? Is it because the paper is old?"
"No. The age of the paper isn't even a factor. Anyone could write on old paper. But the ink is different. For the color of the ink to have faded like this, it means it was written quite a long time ago. More importantly, do you see these countless dots pressed into the paper? These are marks of contemplation. Authors often struggle and deliberate over the opening lines."
The claim was verified by a collector and expert who had rushed over upon hearing the news.
If it had been an ordinary collector, it might have been different, but this was one of the most renowned collectors in the Minerva Empire. Credibility skyrocketed instantly.
"Are there no traces of magic? Just in case."
"My good man. Magic has infinite capabilities, but it can do nothing against time. This manuscript bears the marks of time perfectly. Therefore, I have no choice but to believe it is genuine."
"R-Really...!"
With such definitive proof, the publisher's spokesperson felt like dancing for joy. However, since the situation wasn't fully resolved yet, he barely suppressed his excitement.
The spokesperson quickly snatched the original back from the collector and shouted toward the crowd focused on him. He had been specifically chosen by the publisher for his booming voice, which now rang out like thunder.
"I trust the proof is now sufficient! The handwriting on this original and the letter are a perfect match! Therefore, the contents of this letter are exactly what Author Xenon wishes to say to you all! Do you still wish to protest? If this protest grows more violent and, by some chance, causes harm to the author while he is in hiding, what will you do then!"
"What else is there for us to say?"
"If that's what the author wants, we have to go."
"Let's head back. Two years is a long time, but what can we do? We can't force him if he says he wants to rest."
"Sigh... I guess I'll just have to work for the next two years."
And so, the long-standing protest gradually dispersed. Even as they left, some looked back at the publisher with lingering regret, but they too eventually turned away.
However, there were those who refused to leave until the very end, their eyes mostly fixed on the original manuscript.
The original draft of Xenon Biography Volume 1...
How much would that be worth?
If only I had that...
It was a treasure valuable enough to be designated a national monument, and it was right before their eyes; greed was only natural. Sensing the atmosphere turning strange, the staff member shivered and hurried back inside the building.
As soon as he entered, he saw the President of the publishing house pacing back and forth in the hallway, looking incredibly anxious. When the President saw the employee returning with the manuscript, he rushed over and asked urgently.
"W-What happened? The protesters? Have those people left?"
"Of course. Those remaining will be heading back soon as well."
"Phew... I can finally breathe. Well done. You did truly well."
At the employee's answer, the President let out a sigh of relief and patted him on the shoulder in appreciation.
The employee wore a smile on the outside, but inside, he was secretly expectant. The President was known for giving out massive bonuses when performance was good.
The reason he could endure the hardships of office life was precisely because of the President's generous nature.
"You really went through a lot. I'll give you a hefty bonus, so head home for the day."
"Thank you, sir!"
"Don't thank me. I'm the one who's grateful. Hahaha."
As the President chuckled, the employee's face broke into a wide grin. Usually, professional life is ruined by one's superiors, but that wasn't the case here.
While the Xenon Biography was the biggest reason a small publisher could grow so large, the reason they could survive the flood of work was the President.
The problem was that he was still a boss, regardless. Still, the employee was beaming at the thought of the fat bonus and going home early.
"Ah. And give the manuscript to me. I need to take care of it quickly."
"Understood. How do you plan to handle it?"
"I have a plan. Just give it here."
At the President's urging, the employee handed over the manuscript without any suspicion. The President checked several times to make sure it was indeed the Xenon Biography draft and sighed once more.
As of today, it seemed the storm would finally subside. For the President, this meant he would no longer have to deal with nobles visiting day in and day out.
His once-thick hair had been falling out from stress lately, so this was a godsend. After telling the employee to leave, the President returned to his office.
"You're back."
Waiting in the office was Matthew, the President's trusted secretary. He was there because he had been told to wait in advance.
The President met his eyes and then sat down in his desk chair. The feel of the soft leather spread across his back.
"Phew..."
"Did things end smoothly?"
"Yeah. Those protesters won't be shouting anymore, and those noble scum won't be coming around either."
"That's a relief."
"You can say that again. Our precious company almost burned down."
It should have just burned, Matthew thought, half-sincerely.
One of the dreams of every office worker is to see their company go up in flames. Since Matthew was essentially the President's slave, that feeling was even stronger.
Of course, he only thought it; he never let it slip out of his mouth. The reason he maintained this shitty professional life was that the pay was excellent.
"Ah. By the way, who's on duty today?"
"It's Alice."
"Then you stay on duty with her today."
"...Pardon?"
Matthew blinked. He couldn't understand the President's sudden command.
The President showed the manuscript to Matthew and began to explain properly.
"As you know, we have to protect this manuscript until the errand runner arrives. They said they'd be here within three days at the latest, so we have to guard it well until then. If this disappears, our company is finished."
I wish it were finished. Still, since today was Thursday, he figured it might be okay. Matthew nodded while grumbling internally.
Unaware of his secretary's inner thoughts, the President stared at the manuscript with a grave expression. Since the news that this draft was genuine would spread everywhere starting today, disposing of it quickly was the top priority.
This wasn't just any item; it was the original draft of Xenon Biography Volume 1.
It was an item that deserved to be a national treasure, something a mere publishing house couldn't handle. Perhaps as early as tomorrow, high-ranking nobles who heard the news would come and offer unimaginable sums of money for it.
But as mentioned before, he wouldn't be so foolish as to kill the goose that laid the golden eggs. Most importantly, the author had provided the manuscript as a piece of evidence, not as a full transfer of ownership.
In other words, the moment he did as he pleased with that manuscript, his life would be over. The President carefully gathered the papers and looked up.
'I should put this in the safe.'
Only the President knew the combination to the safe in his office. Matthew, who was on duty today, would simply be guarding the safe located in the President's office.
He didn't think it would be stolen. Matthew didn't have the guts for such a thing, nor did he know the combination.
Feeling somewhat relieved, the President exhaled a long breath and spoke quietly.
"I'm warning you again: you must guard the safe. If this disappears, it's not just me—I want you to know that our entire publishing house's heads will roll."
"I am aware. But why put it in the company safe? Instead of managing it yourself, sir?"
"I don't have a suitable place at my house. Besides, nothing is as secure as the company safe. Look at that."
The President pointed to one side, and Matthew's gaze followed. He saw the door of a safe that was integrated into the wall.
Originally, it was where the President kept the ledgers he managed personally. It also served as a place to store cash obtained through tax evasion and bribes.
Therefore, its security was trustworthy. The combination was one thing, but people who could rip the entire thing out were extremely rare.
Matthew nodded as soon as he saw the safe. He could certainly trust that.
"Understood. But will the two of us be enough? Shouldn't we hire some adventurers just in case?"
"Don't worry. No one will be bold enough to try anything today. It'll take at least three days for the news to really spread. By then, I'll have already handed the manuscript over to the errand runner."
"I see."
"Well, from the second day on, it might be wise to hire adventurers as you suggested. Today, make sure to tell Alice not to doze off."
That wouldn't be a problem. Matthew readily accepted the President's instructions.
Once the situation seemed settled, the President leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Having lived at the office for the past few days without a wink of sleep, he was utterly exhausted.
Today, his only wish was to go home for the first time in a while and rest comfortably.
'It's finally over...'
Yes. He truly thought it was over today.
*
"President! We have a disaster!"
"What? Why again? Did a noble show up?"
"No! When I came in today, Matthew and Alice were collapsed, and more importantly...!"
—The safe has been stolen!
Until the event that absolutely should not have happened occurred.
At the employee's shout, the President wore an expression of total incomprehension for about five seconds. He wondered what on earth he had just heard.
But as soon as he fully processed the situation, his face turned pale, and he scrambled toward his office. On his way, he saw Matthew and another staff member who had been on duty being carried out.
He wanted to check on them, but the situation was so urgent he had no choice but to ignore them. As he ran to his office, thoughts raced through his mind.
'The safe was stolen? Not that the combination was cracked? How is this possible?'
The safe containing the manuscript was so heavy it was impossible to even lift, and it was integrated into the wall to begin with.
Furthermore, it was a safe that had been magically treated at a high cost, making it difficult even to destroy. Even if someone had destroyed it, there was no way the noise wouldn't have been noticed.
And yet...
"...Ha."
Thud—
The President had no choice but to fall to his knees at the sight of the safe, which looked as if it had been ripped out of the wall entirely.
'...I'm finished.'
Another storm was beginning to brew.