Chapter 82: Rest(1)
Chapter 82: Rest(1)
The journey home was incredibly smooth and quiet.
The carriage Dmitri had hired at a premium was equipped with facilities as comfortable as any high-end lodging, and the food he had packed for me was delicious.
The meal prepared by the Rekilis estate’s chef was a type of kebab. The vegetables were fresh, but the quality of the meat was truly exquisite; I could eat it forever without getting tired of it. Thanks to the three servings he had packed for the trip, I never felt a hint of hunger.
Normally, a kebab would be an impractical choice to eat inside a swaying carriage, but the interior was enchanted with shock-absorption magic, making dining effortless. In fact, it was comfortable enough to stretch out my legs and sleep.
After finishing off one of the kebabs Dmitri had gifted me to satisfy my hunger, I fought off the impending food coma by picking up a book. For the record, it was the history book regarding the Race War that I had been focused on before meeting Dmitri.
Since I hadn't finished it, Dmitri had graciously insisted I keep it. I felt a bit awkward receiving even a remover as a gift, but Dmitri showed his kindness by saying it was fine and that he could simply buy another one later.
I wasn't sure if he gave it to me because I was Mari’s boyfriend or if he had other intentions. Perhaps he simply took a liking to me during our conversation.
Regardless, it was certain that Dmitri held a favorable opinion of me, and his "doting father" side wasn't as extreme as I had feared. He was just an ordinary father like any other.
‘Maybe he knows I’m the author of the Xenon Biography.’
I chewed on a piece of kebab while speculating internally. It was merely a guess, but considering the excessive kindness Dmitri had shown me, it was a reasonable suspicion.
Of course, unlike Lina or Leort, he hadn't pressured me or asked directly, so I couldn't be certain. Again, it was nothing more than a hunch.
‘For now, let’s just focus on getting home.’
I finished the kebab and tossed the wrapper into the bin. Feeling pleasantly full, I looked out the window to check the time.
Through the glass, the sky was beginning to be dyed in shades of orange. It had been about six hours since I departed around lunchtime.
The distance from my home to the capital usually took up to ten hours by carriage, but this one was worth its high price and would likely take less. I figured I’d arrive after a bit more reading.
Once I arrived, I’d greet my parents and have dinner, and the day would be over in a flash. Sitting in the carriage heading home, I began to plan out what to do during the break.
‘I’ll probably write the Xenon Biography bit by bit...’
I had already posted a notice about the hiatus, but my hands were already itching to write. Without a smartphone or a computer, there wasn't much to do during the break besides reading.
I planned to exercise with my father occasionally, but even that wouldn't be enough. A month might seem short in hindsight, but when you're actually living through it, it's quite a long time.
As I was pondering how to spend my vacation productively, a brilliant plan flashed through my mind.
‘Should I write a side story?’
The notice said the Xenon Biography was on hiatus, but it didn't say I wouldn't release other books.
Moreover, there was a backstory many people were curious about: the tale of the Master and the Elf Queen.
How did the two of them share a love that transcended race? Why did the Master spend his entire life looking only at the Elf Queen until he grew old?
The main story of the Xenon Biography touched upon their past occasionally, but it was far from enough. Countless readers were speculating, but they would never know the truth unless they could look inside my head.
‘Besides, the Master was mostly a comic relief character, so people found it hard to accept.’
Whenever the Master gave Xenon instructions, he acted like a total eccentric. He even used a flippant tone that didn't match his age, so quite a few readers were shocked when his relationship with the Elf Queen was revealed.
However, some praised the Master, saying this contrast made him more charming and that people like him are often the most devoted to their loved ones. From that point on, the Master’s popularity skyrocketed, and many readers looked forward to his future development.
Of course, that anticipation had turned into rage when I ruthlessly declared a hiatus.
‘It’s a good idea. Since it’s a side story, it doesn't matter if it's short.’
Once I had a rough outline, I pulled out a notebook and began jotting down the plot points. Since it was a side story focusing on the relationship between the Master and the Elf Queen, there would be almost no direct combat; it would be closer to a romance.
It was a bit impulsive, but since writing the Xenon Biography was ultimately a hobby, there was no harm in it. Still, I intended to write it with enough quality to satisfy all the readers.
If I could highlight their relationship more intensely through this side story, the Master’s death might carry even more impact. Furthermore, since I had already decided on his final words, I could incorporate similar themes into their first meeting.
‘Let’s see... the Master was once a famous mercenary, and the Elf Queen had only recently ascended the throne at the time...’
I spent the rest of the ride home diligently working on the plot.
*
"Isaac, look at this. All of these letters are for you."
"...All of these?"
"Yes. Our son is quite popular, isn't he?"
As soon as I got home, I couldn't hide my bewilderment at the sight of the fan letters piled high in boxes.
The letters my parents had forwarded to the Academy were just the tip of the iceberg. It wasn't an exaggeration to say it would take days to read them all.
"And could you look at these first? These are the ones I picked out; I’d like you to see them before the others."
While I was staring blankly at the mountain of fan letters in shock, my mother handed me a few specific envelopes.
Snapping out of it, I checked the letters she gave me. Some were adorned with elaborate patterns, while one was plain.
What kind of letters were they that my mother had specifically selected them? With that question in mind, I checked the first one.
‘Lirus Orchestra?’
It was the name of an orchestra I had never heard of. I stared at the name of the organization and glanced at my mother.
She was beaming with a bright smile. Judging by her expression, it certainly wasn't anything bad.
I turned my attention back to the letter and tore open the envelope. Unlike the fancy exterior, the contents were written on very ordinary stationery.
[Greetings, Author. I am Lirus, the conductor of the Lirus Orchestra in the Kingdom of Ters. I am also a passionate fan of your work, the Xenon Biography. I do not know if this letter will reach you, but I am writing because I have a small wish.]
I expected some strange proposal since he mentioned a "small wish." However, as I read further, my expression couldn't help but shift into one of growing surprise.
[...Therefore, though we are lacking, we wish to express the life of Sacran through music. Every time I witness his end, that scene plays vividly in my mind, and music begins to flow simultaneously. Though our skills may be insufficient, I would like to compose a piece if you would grant us permission. You may decide the distribution of any resulting profits as you see fit. If you grant us this golden opportunity, we will surely repay you with a magnificent piece of music. Sincerely, Lirus.]
They wanted to express a famous scene from the novel through music. It was a startling proposal for me.
And considering the setting of this era, it could be considered a form of "fan art." Fan art in the literal, artistic sense.
I stared blankly at the letter from the Lirus Orchestra before hurriedly checking the other letters. Since my mother had picked them, they were likely from similar places.
Sure enough. From orchestras and theater troupes to painters, sculptors, and even craftsmen.
The leading figures in various artistic fields were all making similar requests. They didn't care about the profits; they simply begged for permission to depict scenes from the Xenon Biography.
I looked at the letters making these similar proposals, then raised my head to meet my mother’s eyes. She was still smiling brightly, waiting for my reaction.
"...Mother?"
"Go on, speak."
"I’m not entirely sure, but are all the people who sent these letters..."
Even though I trailed off, my mother nodded and answered with pride.
"Your hunch is correct. They are artists who can be considered the best in their respective fields."
"..."
"I am so proud of you. I should ask the publisher to send your letters here from now on. Who knows what other requests might come in?"
And so, my vacation began with receiving letters from the masters of the cultural world.
*
"Sigh..."
Two weeks had passed since the Xenon Biography announced its hiatus, and the Publisher let out a deep sigh as his worries grew heavier by the day.
The events of the past month had been nothing short of a rollercoaster for him.
First, the Xenon Biography went on hiatus, causing large-scale protests. Then, less than a day after the manuscript was revealed, it was stolen. After that, he was audited for tax evasion and slapped with a massive fine.
Fortunately, he had managed to talk his way out of the tax situation; otherwise, the publishing house was at risk of being seized. Even so, the fine alone was a painful blow.
‘How much longer can I hold out?’
Even though the Xenon Biography was on hiatus, its popularity hadn't cooled down at all. The books were still selling like wildfire, and the printing presses were running at full capacity.
However, since the hiatus was announced to last at least a year, sales would eventually plummet. Although he had no debts, the Publisher, who had already tasted the sweetness of wealth, felt despair.
He had to hold out until a new volume of the Xenon Biography was released, but he wondered how long that would be possible. The maintenance costs for the printing presses alone were staggering, and it would be difficult to sustain them solely on the existing profits of the series.
‘Damn it. What madman stole the entire safe? This is driving me crazy...’
The culprit who stole the manuscript had yet to be identified. Even the investigation team dispatched by the Empire expressed their frustration, saying there were no clues, and eventually had to return empty-handed.
Losing the manuscript was maddening enough, but the fact that they couldn't even find a lead made every day a living hell for the Publisher. He felt like he deserved to be pelted with stones on the street.
Fortunately, there were mitigating circumstances, but the mental anguish was unavoidable. The Publisher rubbed his weary face with both hands and let out a low groan.
"Ugh... Should I cut the employees' wages? No, then I’d have to hire new people again... I just have to be as frugal as possible."
They say a person's true skills are revealed in moments of crisis. Facing the greatest crisis of his life, the Publisher racked his brain for a way to overcome it wisely.
Part of him wanted to track down the author and beg at his feet for just one more volume, but that was out of the question. Since he didn't even know who the author was, it was an impossible task.
‘At this rate, sales will drop sharply within a month. I have to do something...’
It was while the Publisher was agonizing over his dilemma.
Thud!
"Sir! I have something to report!"
Matthew, the Publisher’s favorite employee, burst through the door without knocking. He had been injured during the manuscript theft, but since it was just a simple fainting spell, he was now able to move without issue.
The Publisher jumped in surprise at Matthew’s sudden intrusion. However, a moment later, he glared coldly at Matthew for his lack of manners.
"...Are you finally losing your mind too? No matter how busy you are, you should at least knock—"
"It’s not that! Look at this! It’s a manuscript from Xenon!"
"What?!"
At Matthew’s news as he held up a piece of mail, the Publisher bolted upright. If Matthew was telling the truth, that mail was nothing short of a lifeline.
The Publisher rushed over to Matthew and snatched the mail from his hands without a word.
It looked like an ordinary piece of mail, so the Publisher asked Matthew in a trembling voice.
"I-Is it true? Did Xenon really send this?"
"Yes! He hired a messenger to deliver it to me, just like usual. It’s definitely him!"
"But he clearly said he was going on hiatus..."
"I don't know the reason either, but you should take a look. I haven't opened it yet because I was in such a hurry."
Just as Matthew said, the mail was pristine and undamaged. Realizing he was telling the truth, the Publisher hurriedly tore it open.
Inside was indeed a manuscript, and the Publisher pulled it out with hands that shook like aspen leaves. As he did, a single letter that had been tucked between the pages fell to the floor.
The Publisher handed the manuscript to Matthew and checked the letter first. He didn't know why the author had changed his mind, but the letter would surely explain.
With a pounding heart, the Publisher checked the neatly folded letter. A very familiar handwriting caught his eye.
[Hello, Sir. This is Xenon. You probably find it strange that I’m sending a manuscript after announcing a hiatus. However, I said the Xenon Biography was on hiatus; I never said I wouldn't release a side story.]
"A-A side story!"
A broad grin spread across the Publisher’s face at the mention of a side story. It was more than just rain after a drought; it was a torrential downpour.
Unable to hide his joy, the Publisher quickly read the rest.
[The title of the side story is the 'Kair Side Story,' named after Xenon’s master. it contains the story of how Kair formed a bond with the Elf Queen and how their love blossomed. I don't know if the readers will enjoy it, but I’m sending it in case they get bored.]
This alone was salvation for the Publisher. But the letter didn't end there.
[Also, many artists have reached out to me. They said they want to express my work through the fields they are most confident in. I would like you to relay a message to them on my behalf, Sir. Tell them they can do as they wish, and I don't care whether they generate profit or not. In exchange, I would like any visual artworks to be sent to me separately. Just in case, I will also include some handwritten signatures I’ve made. Sincerely, Xenon.]
Thump!
After reading the entire letter, the Publisher unknowingly fell to his knees. As he did, Matthew, who had been reading the manuscript, jumped in surprise and hurriedly called out to him.
"S-Sir! Are you alright? What on earth does the letter say..."
"Oh! Luminous! Thank you so much! You haven't abandoned me after all!!"
Regardless of Matthew’s concern, the Publisher was busy kissing the letter and praising the god.