Chapter 83: Rest(2)
Chapter 83: Rest(2)
The announcement of a hiatus for Xenon Biography had left many in despair, but as if to mock that disappointment, the Kair Side Story made its debut.
As the name suggested, the side story chronicled the life of a man named 'Kair.' Many readers purchased the book with a mix of high expectations and lingering questions.
Had it been any other author, they might have lost interest quickly, but this was a work by the author of Xenon Biography. Even if it was just a side story, expectations were naturally sky-high.
Though it wasn't the main series, a side story was more than enough to fill the void during the long hiatus.
[The final scene reveals Kair's true identity. Absolutely no spoilers for the ending.]
[It’s a side story, but it’s deeply connected to the main plot of Xenon Biography. A must-read for fans.]
[They call it a side story, but it’s so much more than that.]
The reaction from readers who finished the book was explosive. As the reviews suggested, it wasn't just a simple spin-off; it became an essential volume for understanding the main story.
This was because 'Kair' was revealed to be none other than Xenon's master, and the side story delved deep into his past.
It detailed the circumstances of his birth, his growth, and the hardships and adversities he overcame. It also explored the connections he made along the way.
It explained how he met the woman who would eventually become the Elf Queen and, finally, how their love blossomed.
The story beautifully melted down the supposedly impossible romance between a human and an elf into something sweet and poignant. Kair's quiet monologues, in particular, were enough to tug at the readers' heartstrings.
—How wonderful it would be if I could see her sun-like smile just one more time.
As previously explained, regardless of race, those who master mana to a high level experience significantly slowed aging. This was why Elves and Demons were long-lived, while Humans and Beastkin were short-lived.
Kair knew this all too well, so he forged himself like iron tempered in fire. He desperately sought to extend his fleeting human lifespan, all to see the smile of his beloved Elisha for just a little longer.
During this journey, he met and taught the person who would later become 'Envy,' and the side story concluded cleanly with his eventual meeting with 'Xenon.'
[A story that resonates even more because it’s so realistic. Was his effort truly in vain?]
[Elisha knew Kair’s sincerity better than anyone. But that was exactly why it was so hard for her to accept.]
Until then, many readers had criticized the romance between an elf and a human as far-fetched, but once Kair's true feelings were revealed in the side story, public opinion did a complete 180-degree turn. It shifted from an impossible fantasy to a story that felt like it could happen in reality.
Despite the difference in lifespans, he honed himself just to see the smile of the person he loved. It was a feat impossible without extraordinary determination, which only made the story feel more heart-wrenching.
While the relationship between Kair and Elisha had felt somewhat abrupt when first revealed in the main story, the side story cleared up all lingering doubts.
[I’m even more curious about their story now. Will it end in happiness or tragedy?]
[There have already been several ominous signs. But as a reader, I’m rooting for their happiness.]
[If Kair dies, Elisha will be devastated.]
However, the release of the side story also made readers more anxious. They feared that Kair and Elisha's poignant tale would ultimately spiral toward tragedy.
The words Kair left for Elisha before his departure in the main story had already planted seeds of unease. Furthermore, the main story had ended with him confronting his former disciple, 'Envy.'
Only the next volume of the main series could resolve this anxiety, but unfortunately, that was at least a year away. Readers knew that throwing a tantrum wouldn't change anything, so they waited patiently.
That was, until the publisher delivered a shocking announcement.
[A message from Musk Publisher: Author Xenon has stated that he does not mind if scenes from his work are expressed through various artistic mediums. Whether it be music, painting, or sculpture. He has also stated that he does not mind if you generate profit from these works, so artists may express themselves freely.]
Expressing the legendary masterpiece, Xenon Biography, through other forms of art. This news alone sent waves of excitement through the artistic community.
The reaction was particularly intense in the Ters Republic. Naturally, as a cultural powerhouse, art played a massive role in their society.
Although the Minerva Empire had used various schemes to strip them of much of their culture, the Ters Republic was still home to many famous artists.
Furthermore, after the Jayros Revolution, art had shifted from being an exclusive privilege of the nobility to a culture that everyone could enjoy. For these reasons, the Ters Republic could not afford to miss this golden opportunity.
[Ters Republic: To all artists who wish to portray Xenon Biography, whether you are a newcomer or established, the state will provide full support. We desire a culture that everyone can enjoy.]
While the nobles of the Ters Republic were said to be harsher than those of the Minerva Empire, they were remarkably open-minded when it came to culture.
In contrast, the Minerva Empire still viewed art as a luxury for the nobility, which naturally drew the eyes of most artists toward the Ters Republic.
Even if the Empire offered massive financial support, it meant little to the artists. This was a medieval world where people lived and died for 'honor.'
For artists, honor was something they would trade their lives for. Most entered the world of art seeking fame rather than fortune, which was why the perception of the "starving artist" existed in the first place.
They would rather be artists whose names were known by everyone than be the private playthings of the nobility. Moreover, this 'event' served as a crucial turning point for them.
Their reputations would be decided by how they chose to portray scenes from Xenon Biography and how well they executed them.
[Lirus, conductor of the Lirus Orchestra: "Though my skills are lacking, I intend to compose a piece on the life of Sacran... I will strive not to tarnish the reputation of the work."]
[The painter Imar also plans to depict Sacran's End... "It will be the most meaningful experience of my life."]
Among the many famous scenes, the most popular was undoubtedly Sacran's End. It had played a decisive role in changing the perception of the Demon race and was a scene so famous that no reader of Xenon Biography was unaware of it.
As it was the most iconic moment, expectations were high, and the interest of Helium was naturally drawn to it as well.
Cecile, the Princess of Helium, even left a comment saying she was greatly looking forward to it and would visit the exhibition if time permitted.
Of course, there were many other memorable scenes etched into people's minds besides Sacran's End. Readers waited patiently for the results, while artists expressed themselves in their own unique ways.
However, this process wasn't entirely without its issues—specifically, the matter of 'profit generation.'
Isaac had said that people were free to make money through derivative works. While it was true that artists often struggled financially, that was usually only the case for beginners; once they made a name for themselves, the story changed.
It was true that artists valued 'honor' over 'money.' Yet, ironically, the clearest indicator of one's value was money—specifically, their market price.
Because of this, people expected to pay a high price to see the works of masters, but an unexpected situation unfolded.
[I will accept profits only in the form of donations. This work will be something everyone can easily enjoy.]
[Xenon Biography is a work that anyone can read, regardless of age, gender, or social status. I shall do the same.]
[Exhibiting this work for a high price would be a stain on its reputation. I cannot allow it.]
Not only the newcomers but even the established masters declared that they would not seek profit and would only accept donations.
The reason was simple. They viewed Xenon Biography not just as a novel, but as a 'culture' that everyone could enjoy, regardless of class.
The very reason Xenon Biography had gained such global fame was its accessibility, so they believed that generating massive profits from it would be an insult to its legacy.
If this were Earth, everyone would have jumped at the chance to make money the moment the original author gave permission. But in this world, where honor was more important than life itself, things took a strange turn.
[Donations will be used for the development of the arts. There are many talented individuals in the world who wither away before their gifts can bloom.]
[Through this endeavor, I will strive to help children nurture their dreams.]
[A collaboration between the Lirus Orchestra and the painter Imar. Many other artists are also said to be collaborating...]
Like a butterfly effect, the influence of the permission for derivative works grew out of control. The artists decided that since they were all portraying Xenon Biography anyway, they might as well hold a joint exhibition.
The masters were all fiercely proud, but in the end, they were just fans of Xenon Biography, so they set their pride aside. In fact, they began to collaborate, saying that fighting amongst themselves would only displease Isaac.
Isaac had granted permission for derivative works simply to receive 'fan art,' but the impact far exceeded his expectations.
A 'culture for everyone'—not just for a specific class—began to emerge, becoming a driving force that accelerated cultural development.
Of course, where there are those who enjoy, there are those who cannot.
"No, wait. I'm the author, yet I'm the only one who can't enjoy any of this."
That person was none other than Isaac, the original author of Xenon Biography and the one who had started this whole commotion.
*
I couldn't help but feel bewildered as I read the news in the papers. I had only allowed derivative works with the idea of receiving some fan art, but it had ballooned into a full-scale exhibition.
The Minerva Empire and the Ters Republic were even fighting tooth and nail over where to host it.
The Minerva Empire shouted that since the publisher was in their country, it should be held near the publisher. The Ters Republic told them to stop talking nonsense and stood their ground, insisting it be held in their capital.
'It’s a shame I can’t even see the visual artworks.'
When I sent the letter to the publisher, I had made a request.
I asked them to send me any visual artworks, if nothing else. However, the publisher replied that it would be difficult.
In the case of manuscripts, they could be sent by mail without much risk of being tracked, but artworks were a different story.
Most of them were too bulky to be sent by mail, which significantly increased the risk of me being discovered.
My father also agreed that the publisher's reasoning made sense and said it was best to give up, though it was a pity.
"I want to see them too..."
What kind of ridiculous situation was this—an author who couldn't see his own fan art? I rested my chin on my hand and stared at the newspaper, where everyone was buzzing with excitement.
I wanted to run to the exhibition site and see for myself, but unfortunately, I didn't have the time.
While they were currently brawling over the location, there were less than fifteen days left of summer break.
This meant I would have to wait for the next opportunity, but even that would be difficult unless I reached my third year.
"Sigh... I guess I'll have to save it for later."
An author who can't see his fan art. How absurd.
I set the newspaper down, pushing my disappointment aside. I had more important things to do than worry about the exhibition.
Namely, the pile of fan letters stacked on my desk. Among them, a pink envelope caught my eye.
[Cherry Blossom Roseberry]
As I picked up the letter, a familiar name greeted me. It was the name of a reader who had consistently sent me fan letters for over a year.
Even though I had never replied once, her unwavering dedication brought a smile to my face. This was what a true fan looked like.
'Come to think of it, she’ll be entering the Academy soon.'
In a letter she sent a year ago, she mentioned she’d be entering the Academy in two years, so she’ll likely be starting next year. If I’m lucky, I might even run into her.
Maintaining a warm smile, I began to read Cherry's fan letter.
[Hello, Author! This is Cherry from the Roseberry family. The weather has gotten quite hot lately. I hope you...]
As always, her handwriting was beautiful, and her prose was quite impressive.
If my writing was plain with occasional sharp edges, Cherry's was light and bubbly. Most importantly, unlike other nobles, she didn't use overly difficult words, making her writing very easy to read.
'A kid like this should be writing novels.'
With a light heart, I read Cherry's fan letter to the end.
It seemed my break would pass by quietly and uneventfully.
[Ters Republic gives up on hosting the exhibition. What is the reason?]
[Minerva Empire seizes the opportunity. Desires to host it in the Maishal Territory, which has high potential for future development...]
That is, until the high-ranking officials of our Empire committed an act of trolling less than two days later.
"What is this now?"
Did the siblings, Lina and Leort, push for this?
Of course, it was trolling from my perspective, but the citizens of the Empire were currently busy singing their praises.
More importantly, with so little time left in the break, I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to see it...
"Isaac! Have you heard the news? They say the Academy has extended the summer break!"
"... ..."
"It was my lifelong dream to hear the Lirus Orchestra perform... Your mother is so happy."
It looked like my break was going to be quite eventful after all.