Ch.133Half-Blood (5)

It was a million times fortunate that the dormitory rooms had soundproofing built in. If they hadn’t, not only would my laughter have been heard, but Arwen’s exclamations would have carried as well.

But I couldn’t help laughing as Arwen’s speech overlapped with that person’s in my mind. Plus, the proud symbol of elves somehow matched eerily well with the cruel Nazis.

The image of Arwen in uniform, arm stretched straight forward while shouting a specific slogan. And beyond that, the radical speeches that stirred up citizens and pushed them into war.

Each new mental image provided belly-aching humor.

‘Maybe I should write about this later?’

After finishing the Biography of Xenon, I was planning to write a novel about World War II, and I’d been debating whether to include only humans or other races as well. But after seeing Arwen’s speech, I felt somewhat drawn to the idea.

Of course, if I went that route, the setting might get complicated in various ways, so it might be better to shelve it. This setting might not be bad for a sequel to the Biography of Xenon.

While Xenon was alive, all races united to defeat demons, but after a long time passes, they divide again and fight amongst themselves.

The demons, who had been waiting for an opportunity, would then invade not from outside but by gradually eating away from within. After that, the worldview would expand.

“Hehehe…”

I chuckled while wiping away tears, then glanced at Arwen. She had puffed up her cheeks like a frog, wearing an expression full of discontent.

Moreover, her normally snow-white skin had turned bright red from embarrassment, and seeing the slight moisture in her silver-gray eyes, I figured I should stop laughing.

“…Are you done laughing?”

Arwen asked me in a grumpy voice. Though her voice was low, her expression was so cute that it wasn’t threatening at all.

Really, who would think this adorable girl was the Queen of Alfheim? Since I only knew about Arwen’s strong sense of responsibility as a queen, not her everyday self, I couldn’t help thinking that way.

Still, I should apologize for being rude. I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes and spoke.

“S-sorry. I apologize if I hurt your feelings.”

“Sigh… It’s fine. The disappointment is with me, not you, so don’t worry about it.”

Arwen answered, turning her head away primly. Right after, she glanced at me and asked in a timid voice.

“…Does it really not suit me?”

“The speech just now?”

“Yes. I’m curious if… it really doesn’t suit me at all.”

“If it had suited you, I wouldn’t have laughed.”

That’s my serious assessment, with all playfulness removed. I said it matched subtly, but that was only subtle—it was similar to an elementary school student giving a speech.

“Sigh…”

Arwen seemed disheartened by my harsh evaluation and let out a deep sigh. At the same time, her face was clouded with worry.

I stared at her for a moment, then asked about something I didn’t understand.

“Don’t you have someone like an advisor? Couldn’t you ask them for help?”

“…That advisor would be the Senate. In Alfheim, the king is nominally at the top, and the Senate assists from the side.”

“That structure could easily make you a puppet.”

Arwen silently nodded at my sharp observation. If that’s true, then the ruler of Alfheim would inevitably be politically isolated.

One might wonder why they created a monarchy in the first place, but it’s necessary, if only to keep the Senate in check.

Since Alfheim’s ruler is elected by votes from each family, there seems to be complex secrets intertwined here. Perhaps the families elect a king to check the Senate’s power.

‘No wonder the king changes so frequently—this is why.’

I should add this to the Biography of Xenon. Sorry to Arwen, but Alfheim’s political structure isn’t my concern.

I’m merely an advisor, not Arwen’s subject. I plan to just help with the speech and be done with it.

“Anyway, don’t give speeches like that. Do it in a way that suits you.”

“What speech style do you think suits me?”

“Hmm…”

I crossed my arms and stared intently at Arwen, thinking deeply. Speech styles typically change depending on the situation, but a person’s aura also plays a role.

Hitler’s aggressive yet passionate style ignites fire in people’s hearts, while Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” delivers emotion through a sincere voice.

And Alfheim’s current situation is on the verge of fracturing among elves due to the mixed-blood issue. Somehow, they need to heal this fracture and unite as a single race of “elves.”

‘First…’

I examined Arwen carefully, not as her everyday self but from a third-person perspective.

Despite her youthful appearance, she exuded the elegance and nobility unique to elves, and if she smiled, she would even radiate benevolence. The subtle aura she emitted also conveyed a leader’s charisma.

For someone with this aura, rather than giving a passionate speech, speaking in a gentle yet powerful voice would amplify the effect.

“Have you ever communicated with the people of Alfheim besides national speeches?”

“I’ve enjoyed festivals with them and cautioned them to be careful a few times.”

“Anything else?”

“I’ve made judgments in difficult trials, and I’ve gathered citizens to communicate with them a few times. After all, since I can’t trust the Senate, I thought it better to hear directly from the people. Why do you ask?”

Arwen asked with curious, bright eyes. I shrugged and answered as if talking about someone else.

“Nothing special, just that an elf acquaintance of mine spoke favorably of you. A merciful and elegant queen, they said? I was curious if others see you the same way.”

“Hmm… I’ve heard that despite my childlike appearance, I have mature aspects.”

“Where?”

“At festivals.”

“They said that directly to your face?”

No matter how kind Arwen is, that would be insulting to a ruler. In my case, we didn’t know each other’s identities at the exhibition, and now I have leverage, so we can be friends.

Arwen avoided my gaze at the question and spoke with embarrassment.

“…I was hiding my face, like at the exhibition. I asked people I met by chance or when buying food a few times.”

“You seem to enjoy having fun, Your Majesty.”

“I-I need to relieve stress too! I’m just a normal person after all!”

When I hit the fact, Arwen shouted in embarrassment. Her snow-white cheeks turned as red as a ripe persimmon.

Well, it’s understandable that stress would build up in a politically isolated situation. In fact, the reason she’s been able to endure until now is probably due to these small escapes.

“Anyway, you should style your speech based on how people see you. I think it would be good to speak in a merciful and elegant manner, but with a powerful voice, like your usual self.”

“…It’s difficult.”

“Everything is difficult at first. Now practice as I said.”

“You want me to use that again?”

Arwen frowned, expressing her dissatisfaction with the incendiary temporary speech. She seems to think of it as agitation rather than a speech.

But that’s only because of the aggressive actions—if done in a style that suits Arwen, the atmosphere would be completely different. The content itself is specialized to uplift the hearts of citizens mired in defeat.

I tried to coax Arwen, who was pouting and showing her reluctance with her whole body.

“Just try once. I won’t laugh this time. I’m serious.”

“Sigh… Just this once.”

“Alright. You can modify the sentences as you see fit.”

“Then…”

Arwen got up from the bed and gently closed her eyes. Then, as if slowly recalling the content as I had suggested, she began to deliver the speech in an elegant tone.

The voice that flowed from her lips was closer to a true “ruler” than the girl who acted like a child.

“Our Alfheim was chosen by the gods to establish the first civilization on this land. Furthermore, with magic…”

“…”

I watched quietly, noting the distinctly different atmosphere and style from before. If the previous speech kindled a fire in the heart to incite, this one felt like gently soothing and healing a wound.

Despite being the same speech content, just changing the style made the effect drastically different. Indeed, people should wear clothes that suit them.

“Alfheim is no longer a loser. Rise once more, elves of Alfheim. Let us show our strength to the world again. So that our voices may reach the homeland of the gods far away.”

“…”

“Ahem. Ahem…”

The speech was over. Arwen cleared her throat as soon as she finished, perhaps from nervousness, and glanced at me furtively.

Then, perhaps feeling awkward, she twirled her silver-gray hair with her finger and asked for my evaluation.

“I-I’m done. Was it better this time?”

“It was truly excellent. That’s how you should do it from now on.”

“Hehe…”

Arwen grinned at my sincere praise. The dignity of a queen had completely disappeared, leaving only a girl happy to be praised.

Seeing this, I wondered if it was really okay, but I judged there wouldn’t be a problem since she had found her own style. After all, the rest was up to her.

“But don’t just speak—it’s good to use gestures or actions too. I’ve heard that most good speakers check their expressions and gestures in a mirror. Just for reference.”

“Could you tell me who those people are? I’d like to look them up in books if possible.”

“It’s a book I read long ago, so I’ve forgotten who they were. Unlike you, I’m human.”

“Ah… that’s a shame.”

Arwen showed her disappointment. I felt a bit sorry for lying, but I couldn’t tell her these were people from my previous life.

“And the most important thing when giving a speech is confident tone and attitude. The moment you hesitate, you can imagine what will happen.”

“…I’m worried if I can do well.”

“As I said before, everything is difficult at first. Besides, speech is one of the most important qualities for leaders. Think of it as doing something you’d have to do eventually.”

Despite my encouragement, Arwen still looked anxious. Her confidence seemed significantly diminished.

So I decided to give her some stern advice. If she loses heart here, the future results can’t be guaranteed.

“Arwen. If you’re like this even with my help, what will you do later? As you know, I’m human and you’re an elf. I can write or review speeches for you while I’m alive, but after that, you’ll have to do it yourself. That’s why you need to start right.”

“…”

“Remember that even if you’re in conflict with the Senate, your priority should be the people of Alfheim. Even that powerful Senate is nothing compared to the citizens who are essentially Alfheim itself.”

Public sentiment is very important for a nation. If it falls, people naturally distrust the government and may eventually reach an uncontrollable state.

Conversely, if public sentiment is strong, people will act on their own without specific orders from leaders. Historically, there are numerous cases of tiny countries developing into powerful nations by uniting through public sentiment.

However, we must strictly distinguish between public sentiment and incitement. Incitement becomes uncontrollable once the brainwashing wears off, but public sentiment often stays with people until the end.

“You need to capture their hearts through this speech. It’s essentially a stage to test your crisis management ability. Whether you’ll go down in history as a great queen who united purebloods and mixed-bloods, or as an incompetent queen who couldn’t resolve the fracture and caused division—it’s in your hands. Understand?”

“…Thank you. I feel more energized thanks to you.”

Arwen smiled slightly at my advice and counsel. It was a smile of relief.

Just as I was about to speak after seeing that smile.

Knock- Knock- Knock-

Suddenly, someone knocked on the dormitory door. Arwen and I both looked toward the door.

-Isaac. Are you in there? It’s me, Marie.

Surprisingly, the person knocking was my girlfriend, Marie. While entry to dormitories is prohibited, knocking like this isn’t a problem.

But the issue is that Arwen is here with me, not just me alone. I felt the hair on my body stand on end as I looked at Arwen.

Arwen was blinking her silver-gray eyes, still not fully grasping the situation. Well, she doesn’t know the academy rules, so her reaction was understandable.

“Hey, hey! Hide quickly!”

“Huh? Why should I hide?”

“Just hide! Use magic or stealth or whatever! Originally, no one except the owner is allowed in the dormitory!”

“Alright.”

At my urgent request, Arwen hid herself using magic, though confused. Whether she used teleportation or stealth like a dark elf, she disappeared without a trace.

Seeing this, I felt relieved inside and called out to Marie beyond the door.

“I’m coming! Just wait a moment!”

After checking for any traces of Arwen, I walked toward the door. I didn’t forget to check the time as I walked.

There was still some time left before all classes ended, but Marie had come early—either the professor ended class early or there was another reason.

Creak-

When I opened the door, I faced Marie with her characteristic beaming smile. I looked around to see if anyone else was there and asked her.

“Why are you here so early? What about your lecture?”

“The professor said he had an urgent matter and ended early. You weren’t in Elena Professor’s lab, so I came to your dormitory.”

“Really? Then…”

Thump-

Before I could finish speaking, Marie pushed my chest strongly with her hand. It wasn’t a gentle push, so my body was forced back slightly.

Fortunately, I didn’t let go of the door, but she didn’t stop there. Using the moment I stepped back, she pressed her body firmly against mine and pushed me.

Naturally, I moved away from the door, and Marie had somehow already stepped into the entrance. The door also closed firmly with a thud.

“Uh, huh? Marie?”

“There’s no need to go to an inn, right? I heard from Rina that dormitories are thoroughly soundproofed. As if no one can hear whatever happens inside.”

Marie looked up at me and spoke in a somewhat excited voice. I looked down at her face, wondering if it could be.

In her jewel-like sparkling eyes, desire was bubbling like lava. I thought it had decreased recently, but it seems more fuel has been added to the fire.

‘I’m screwed…!’

If it were just Marie and me, it wouldn’t matter, but right now, Arwen is hiding here. This means that if we have relations here, Arwen will see everything.

So, judging that I needed to stop this somehow, I hurriedly spoke to Marie. It would be better to move somewhere else, not the dormitory.

“Um… Marie? Even if that’s the case, in the dormitory…”

“What’s the problem? We can have a quick round here, then go on a date, and then do it again at the inn. Think of it as a warm-up.”

“What kind of warm-up is this? Get your hands off!”

“I don’t want to.”

Overwhelmed by Marie, who had transformed into an incarnation of lust, I retreated step by step until I reached the bed. I fell backward onto the bed, and Marie ended up in a position where she was on top of me.

Why do I have the illusion that heart-shaped lights are engraved in Marie’s blue eyes, even in the shadow? A woman’s sexual desire is truly unfathomable.

But regardless, as long as Arwen is watching, we absolutely cannot do this here. I urgently pleaded with Marie.

“M-Marie? Can’t you wait a little?”

“No. Way. Today’s class was so difficult that I’m very stressed. I need to relieve it with Isaac’s body. First… Huh?”

Marie was speaking in a voice full of sensuality when she suddenly blinked a couple of times. Then she lifted her head abruptly and began sniffing.

“Sniff sniff. Sniff.”

“…Marie?”

“Sniff. What’s this smell?”

Could she possibly be smelling Arwen’s scent? I hadn’t noticed anything, but women are indeed different.

While I was thinking this, Marie, who had been sniffing, buried her face in my neck and started smelling. Then, slightly frowning, she muttered quietly.

“This smell is coming from the bed too…”

“…”

“Hmm…”

Marie looked at me with suspicious eyes. I tensed up, feeling like I was in trouble for a different reason.

Had she noticed Arwen’s presence? I desperately hoped not.

As a heavy silence fell over the dormitory, Marie smiled brightly and said something that relieved the tension.

“Did you spray perfume on the bed?”

“Uh, yes?”

“At first, I thought another woman had come to your dormitory. But the smell is only coming from the bed, not from your body.”

“Haha…”

While I was letting out an awkward laugh, Marie slowly lowered her head with a bright smile and put her lips on my neck.

“Yum…”

“Ugh… Marie?”

“I’m going to make sure my scent is on Isaac’s body.”

I had avoided one crisis, but another remained. I hurriedly tried to push Marie away, but she was immovable. She was sticking to me like glue with no intention of letting go.

In the end, it seemed like we would have to go through with it.

[…I’ll leave for a while.]

Arwen’s voice suddenly echoed in my head. There was embarrassment in it, but it was definitely Arwen’s voice.

It seems she used telepathy to convey her thoughts, and she had been watching all of this from the side.

‘Oh my…’

I covered my face with one hand for a moment, then glanced at Marie. She had no intention of letting go.

Feeling annoyed, I spoke in a somewhat angry voice.

“Marie.”

“Yes?”

“You’re dead today.”

“W-what? Kyaah!”

Forget warm-ups—we went straight to the main event.