Chapter 84: Rest(3)
Chapter 84: Rest(3)
Literature, art, language, technology, play, religion, customs, lifestyle, architecture, and more.
Culture encompasses many such forms, and the power it wields is unimaginably potent.
When a society possesses a refined culture, it naturally compels others to follow it "voluntarily." Like a single drop of ink falling into clear water, the power of culture exerts its influence slowly, seeping from the inside out rather than merely affecting the surface.
Because it is not a shallow concept forced through brainwashing or rote education, but something people naturally embrace upon contact, its effectiveness is bound to be superior.
And in this world, which closely resembles the Middle Ages, the most influential form of culture is undoubtedly "art."
As previously explained, art includes music, painting, sculpture, and crafts. The masters hailed as the best in their respective fields possess a status so formidable they are renowned throughout the world.
Furthermore, the world of art is not limited to humans; it includes the Elves, who laid the foundations of civilization, and the Dwarves, known as a race of master artisans.
The Beastkin, being a martial race, had little interest in art, and the Demons were more focused on human rights movements (?) than artistic endeavors, so they had nothing particular to boast of.
The Ters Kingdom, a nation of culture, realized the power of cultural influence early on and focused its efforts there. As a result, it grew into a powerhouse that even the Minerva Empire could not treat lightly.
The reason the Minerva Empire cannot simply use its overwhelming military and economic might to pressure the Ters Kingdom is that the culture originating from Ters has already permeated the very roots of the Empire.
While the Empire might wish to wage a war of conquest, the cultural ties are so strong that not only other nations but even the Empire’s own citizens are averse to the idea. Consequently, the Empire shifted its strategy from external pressure to attempting to maintain balance by usurping the culture of the Ters Kingdom.
If the Minerva Empire’s cultural power were to rival that of the Ters Kingdom, the title of "cultural powerhouse" would lose its meaning, creating an opening for the Empire. The Ters Kingdom is well aware of this, and thus, the two are locked in a grueling cultural war.
"I get that, but why hold the exhibition in our territory instead of the capital? And why go as far as delaying the start of the semester at Halo Academy?"
I questioned the woman sitting across from me, my voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and bewilderment. Honestly, I found it difficult to wrap my head around how this had happened.
Lina, the golden-haired woman sitting opposite me, gave a bitter smile. Her face looked even more haggard than before, as if she had been through quite an ordeal. It seemed she didn't have much of an excuse herself.
However, one needs to know the facts to at least attempt to understand. Lina knew this as well, so she spoke quietly.
"...Initially, we had no intention of holding the exhibition within the Empire. You aren't officially tied to the Empire yet, and all the prestigious artists are in the Ters Kingdom. We only intended to show that our Empire was making an effort."
"But then the Ters Kingdom suddenly handed the hosting rights over to the Empire?"
"That’s right. I don't know what their reason was, though."
Lina sighed deeply after answering, clearly frustrated by the current situation. I was dumbfounded by her response, but I forced myself to stay calm.
We were currently in the drawing room of the Maishal mansion. As soon as the decision was made to hold the exhibition in our territory, Lina had come to visit personally.
Actually, Leort had come along as well, but he had gone to see my father first. They were likely talking in another drawing room right now.
‘From what I heard from Mother, this isn't just a simple exhibition...’
I took a sip of the tea the maid had brought and recalled the information my mother had shared.
Until I spoke with her, I had thought of it as something akin to "fan art," but the reality far exceeded that level.
To put it in terms of my previous life, the Lirus Orchestra performing was like Beethoven composing and playing his own music, and the painter Imar exhibiting was like Leonardo da Vinci showcasing his masterpieces.
Furthermore, the theater troupes involved were on par with Hollywood productions.
Because of a single handwritten work of mine, Xenon Biography, the stars of the entire world were gathering to form a galaxy.
‘A culture that anyone can easily enjoy...’
As this phenomenon unfolds, a new type of culture is emerging.
Originally, art in this world had a very profound and esoteric side, as expected of the medieval era. However, after the appearance of Xenon Biography, the paradigm began to shift.
It was moving away from a culture that required a certain level of education and mandatory interpretation toward a culture that anyone could enjoy lightly.
To borrow a term from my previous life, it could be called "snack culture," though there are many differences here and there.
In my world, literary snack culture emerged with the spread of the internet and smartphones. Here, it’s a case of a single work becoming a global hit, so no one knows how it will evolve in the future.
I pondered the influence of Xenon Biography for a moment before carefully setting down my teacup. With a soft clink, Lina’s blue eyes met mine.
"Setting the Ters Kingdom aside for a moment, why our territory of all places? Are you trying to openly announce that the author of Xenon Biography lives here?"
Lina jumped at my sharp question, waving her hands dismissively. Her reaction was worlds apart from the masked persona she usually maintained around me.
It meant she truly viewed me as an equal now and was reflecting on her past mistakes. While I processed this, Lina hurriedly explained.
"T-That’s absolutely not it. The decision to host it in the Maishal territory was purely a coincidence. I’m sorry to say this to you, but the Maishal territory was only recently granted, so it lacks any distinct characteristics. However, since it was granted to a hero who defended the border, its potential for development is very high."
"Now that you mention it, I did hear that development of the territory is scheduled to begin in three years..."
I slowly recalled the information after hearing Lina’s explanation.
Was it from the coachman on the way to the Academy? Regardless, I had definitely heard it somewhere.
"Exactly. With its high potential and its proximity to the capital, the Maishal territory was a natural choice. Moreover, since Lord Hawk has no interest in politics, there’s no harm in giving the territory more influence."
"I think my father’s hair is going to turn white from the stress. Did you two even reach an agreement?"
"My brother is probably persuading him right now. Of course, Lord Hawk will prioritize your opinion..."
Lina’s voice trailed off as she watched my reaction. In the past, she would have smiled and pressured me with a "You can do it, right?" but now she was making a polite request.
I thought deeply about this strangely inverted relationship. To be honest, I wanted to agree immediately.
However, considering the scale of the exhibition, it wasn't something I could accept lightly. As Lina said, our territory only had potential; it lacked any defining features.
It didn't have a local specialty like other territories, a variety of famous foods, or any precious minerals. It had none of those things.
That wasn't to say my father’s abilities as a lord were lacking. He had only received his title of Baron five years ago and was officially granted the territory two years ago.
The mansion itself had existed since I was born, but he only began managing the territory in earnest after his retirement.
"Hmm..."
I weighed my options. Should I look at the reality of the situation, or should I seize the chance to see the works of the masters?
Even if I agreed, it wouldn't happen if my father said no. And even if my father agreed, it wouldn't happen if I refused.
In the end, I concluded that I had to consult with my father. I looked at Lina, who was waiting for my answer, and voiced my thoughts.
"I’ll talk to my father first. Even if I’m okay with it, there are many realistically difficult aspects."
"You don't have to worry about that. There are fifteen days left until the exhibition. During that time, the capital and the Imperial Palace can provide full support. Since the Maishal territory is close to the capital, we can resolve everything in just three days."
Lina was showing a rare spark of enthusiasm. A firm determination not to give up was clearly etched in her blue eyes.
I suppose in terms of my previous life, this was an event on par with the Olympics. Giving up would be like throwing money and prestige into the wind. And that opportunity would naturally pass back to the Ters Kingdom.
Perhaps the Ters Kingdom had intended this all along. A way of saying, "This is what we’re doing; what are you guys up to?"
On the surface, it was an exhibition for fans of Xenon Biography, but it was deeply entangled in complex politics.
To ordinary people, it was merely an international festival, but to politicians, it was a labyrinthine affair.
‘I should prepare for the worst as well.’
If my identity were ever discovered, things would get complicated.
Of course, I had the ultimate trump card—"hiatus" or "retirement"—so I was relatively safe.
But the world is vast and full of lunatics. As seen in the manuscript theft incident, some crazy person might come after me.
I had kept my identity hidden out of concern for that very reason, and the manuscript theft had only confirmed my fears.
As I processed these thoughts, a sudden curiosity struck me, and I asked Lina.
"By the way, what will you do if we say no?"
"We’ll have no choice but to hold it in the capital. The capital is currently at full capacity, so a normal exhibition would be difficult, but we can make it work if we push ourselves."
"So that’s why you want to hold it in our territory? Because it’s empty and easy to build on."
"Exactly."
"Then, do you know who’s coming?"
VIPs are bound to attend such a large-scale event.
Considering the relationship between the Minerva Empire and the Ters Kingdom, the rulers of each country wouldn't come personally but would send representatives.
Sure enough, the names Lina mentioned were very familiar to me.
"First, as you might expect, my brother and I will be there, along with the Rekilis Ducal family. Cecile might come from Helium. From the Ters Kingdom, Victor, the Minister of Culture, will be visiting."
"Minister of Culture" sounded a bit funny, but considering the nature of the Ters Kingdom, it was likely a very high-ranking position. Probably on par with Duke Rekilis.
As the one who would have to host these guests, the lineup made my head spin. Still, they say if you know your enemy and know yourself, you will win a hundred battles. If I prepared thoroughly, I could at least avoid a disaster.
"What about other countries?"
"A Bishop might come from the Holy Nation of Savior. I’m not sure about the Kingdom of Bellus. They’ll probably come because they want to, not for any political reason."
As the outline became clearer, I began to form a plan in my head. The Imperial family would handle everything, but it would be best if I at least acted as the face of the event.
It wasn't as if my father lacked prestige; on the contrary, he held the title of the Red Lion, so there was no fear of him being looked down upon. If all else failed, I could just watch.
‘I’ll need to pay more attention to security.’
Since our territory hadn't even begun development, crime was rare, but you never know.
Above all, I had a specific concern. Since the exhibition was being held in our territory instead of the capital, there were bound to be people who were suspicious.
The manuscripts for volumes 2 through 10 were all in my private desk drawer. I had them locked away securely, but remembering the theft incident, it was wise to be prepared.
"Lina. I have one request..."
"To pay attention to security? Don't worry about that. I’ll have the Imperial Palace dispatch a knight order."
How is it that the people around me can read my mind so well? It’s truly uncanny.
Still, if the Imperial Palace was personally sending a knight order, I should accept it gratefully. I bowed my head slightly and offered my thanks.
"Thank you. To be honest, I wanted to see the exhibition too. If it goes off without a hitch, I’ll be sure to repay you."
"No. This isn't something that requires repayment. If anything, we’re the ones who need to work harder so as not to tarnish the Empire’s name. You just focus on enjoying the works the artists present."
"The schedule must be incredibly tight; you’re going through a lot. Are you sure you can finish the preparations within fifteen days?"
While the scale was much smaller than the Olympics and it was ultimately an event born out of fan passion, it was a crucial matter for someone of Lina’s leadership class.
Above all, with me—the original author—right in front of her, she was likely feeling even more psychological pressure.
Lina gave a bitter smile at my concern and replied in a low, steady voice.
"We have to, even if we can't. The one thing our Empire has in abundance is money. Even if it looks a bit rushed, we won't fail to build it."
She then gazed at me intently and whispered softly.
"...And I feel a bit sorry."
"Hmm."
It seemed there were various complex reasons behind why our territory had been chosen.
I looked at Lina’s dark expression for a moment before offering a word of encouragement.
"Hang in there."
I’ll just get ready and watch with some popcorn.
*
Soon after, news began to break that key figures from various countries would be attending the exhibition.
Concerns began to circulate that the exhibition wouldn't remain just an exhibition. As too many nobles gathered, commoners began to feel intimidated.
The artists themselves felt the pressure as the number of eyes on them grew. They had organized the exhibition out of respect and fandom (?) for Xenon Biography, but the outside world was in an uproar.
At this rate, the original purpose of "a culture anyone can enjoy" was likely to be overshadowed.
That is, until a week before the exhibition, when Isaac left a message.
[Everyone, please put down your pens for a moment and enjoy yourselves with a happy heart. Let this be a joyful memory for everyone.]
As soon as those words were released, something amazing happened. All the news about which country’s representative was attending vanished, replaced only by updates on the exhibition’s progress.
Thanks to that, the event was able to return to its meaning as a festival, rather than a politically entangled exhibition.
The artists, no longer feeling burdened, were able to pour their full strength into their work.
As everyone who loved Xenon Biography wore happy smiles in the festive atmosphere, there was one person who could not laugh...
"Ah, fuck. Those bastards in the Elder Council. I missed the timing."
It was Arwen, the Queen of Albenheim, who had missed the window to attend because she had been busy bickering with the Elder Council.
She frowned as she looked over the newspaper Rain had delivered.
In this warm, friendly atmosphere, if she were to officially announce her attendance now, it would be like throwing a wet blanket on the party.
Originally, she had intended to attend the exhibition to satisfy her own interests and, while she was at it, search for information on the author, but the Elder Council had fiercely opposed it.
They argued there was no need for them to visit such a place. Rather, they claimed the other side should be the ones visiting Albenheim.
Arwen stared intensely at the newspaper before looking away and muttering quietly.
"...I can't let this go. One day should be enough."