Ch.157Winter Break (1)

Luminus and Mora hit me hard from behind, but even they can’t stop the flow of time. Even if the world calls me a prophet, even if the Papal Kingdom of Sabre dispatches a Cardinal to treat me as a saint, daily life at Halo Academy remains unchanged.

Halo Academy has a somewhat unique culture where graduation happens individually rather than as a ceremony. Unlike the entrance ceremony, there is no graduation ceremony, and students are scouted from above.

Additionally, while literary students receive graduation certificates directly from the academy, martial students are handled differently.

Most martial students who enter Halo Academy are already promising talents with established reputations before enrollment, and they are constantly monitored from above for the right opportunity.

Most complete their fourth year and join high-tier knight orders or return to their families, but some, like Nicole and Adelia, become teaching assistants without graduating.

Teaching assistants are valuable personnel who spar with martial students and teach them various skills, so joining knight orders is not difficult for them. They assist instructors during practical training outside the academy or take charge themselves. In many ways, they’re similar to graduate students.

Just as graduate students must walk a difficult path to earn their doctoral degrees, the same applies to teaching assistants. Those who complete their teaching assistant duties are treated as talents the nation cannot afford to lose and are highly sought after.

My older sister Nicole, who is leaving the academy, is no exception. I’ve made plans to see her off as she leaves a month early for the Navy Knight Order entrance test.

For reference, winter break begins a few days after Nicole leaves. While Nicole takes her entrance test, I plan to return to the mansion with Cecilly and then head straight to Helium.

“Sis.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“You look really cool in that formal attire.”

“This kid.”

On a regular Wednesday evening, not a weekend, I arranged a dinner to meet with Nicole one last time. My acquaintances let me go without complaint when I told them it was my final meeting with my older sister.

As if to announce her imminent departure from the academy, Nicole was dressed in formal attire rather than her usual casual clothes. And not a dress, but men’s formal wear.

It was a deep navy blue suit that matched her hair color, with just a white shirt underneath the jacket and an overall simple design. But that couldn’t hide Nicole’s beauty.

Moreover, Nicole is quite tall for a woman, so she could wear regular shoes instead of high heels. Her hairstyle wasn’t loose but neatly tied in a ponytail, and she wore light makeup, exuding a different kind of charm.

Is this what people mean by “refreshing”? Thanks to her training, she had a good figure that wore clothes well.

“If you know how to dress up like this, why do you always wear shabby clothes?”

“Because it’s bothersome. And I don’t care about impressing anyone.”

“Come on. You received confessions from four people… Ow!”

“You should know what to say and what not to say.”

As I teased her, Nicole pinched my cheek. For an ordinary person it might not be much, but Nicole is a powerful individual who completed her teaching assistant duties.

Even a simple cheek pinch delivered extreme pain to someone like me who’s just a regular person. Her grip was so strong that it felt like my cheek might tear off.

“Ow ow ow… I was just joking.”

“It might be a joke to you, but I still get sick thinking about that time.”

“Doesn’t that just mean you were popular?”

“Popular? Nothing but weird rumors spread after that day.”

Seeing her shake her head as if the mere thought disgusted her, it was clearly not a pleasant memory.

And since Nicole is a woman, it was only a matter of time before malicious rumors spread. Having received confessions from four people simultaneously must have made her life quite tumultuous in various ways.

“Do you start with an interview for the Navy Knight Order entrance test?”

“Of course. If Father had continued as the Order Commander, he would have been the interviewer.”

“Will you be okay?”

“Unlike my appearance, this sister is tough, so my cute little brother doesn’t need to worry.”

When I expressed genuine concern, Nicole patted my head to reassure me. No matter how much I grow, she still sees me as her much younger brother.

I don’t know exactly how strong Nicole is, but seeing her confidence, I should probably trust her. The fact that she’s trying to join the Navy Knight Order, of all places, means she must be among the top of her peers.

‘Well, despite her appearance, she can pull a boulder with one hand.’

Once, out of curiosity, I checked how strong Nicole was. And I witnessed with my own eyes her monstrous strength as she effortlessly moved a boulder the size of a house with one hand.

According to other martial students who were there, Nicole has unusually strong physical power. They say even among the instructors, no one has beaten her in a contest of strength.

‘To think such monsters are common in this world… that’s truly frightening.’

I wonder if I could ever make the people of this world understand World War II. A world without mana would truly be “fantasy” to them, so it might be unfamiliar.

Well, for now, I plan to focus on the Biography of Xenon. And do some damage control along the way.

“By the way, don’t you need to go to the temple first, Issac?”

“I went yesterday.”

“What did Luminus say?”

“Well…”

Before answering, I looked around. Although it was a secluded place with few people, I was cautious about speaking freely.

“It’s okay to talk. I’ve set up a sound barrier.”

“Huh? Isn’t that magic?”

“You can create sound barriers without magic. You just need to block noise.”

Indeed, mana is an energy with limitless capabilities. Even without magic, sound barriers can be established.

I looked around for the sound barrier that showed no visible signs, then shared what I had been holding back.

“He said he was sorry. He just wanted to praise my achievements but didn’t expect Sabre to react that way.”

“Really?”

I don’t believe it. How could beings who can glimpse the future not know?

With the demon-related incidents resolved smoothly, it seems they were just playing a prank on me. I suppose it’s a kind of gesture of familiarity.

So I let it slide. As much as I’d like to use massive divine power to go back a week, I don’t want to reverse time for such a trivial matter.

Above all, regression isn’t 100% successful. It takes a heavy toll on the person attempting it, and even the gods must adjust the natural order, causing severe side effects.

Rather than that, Luminus suggested I use it to extend my lifespan a little or help others like a true cleric. It seems Luminus subtly wants to push me into becoming a cleric.

The gods grow stronger with their followers’ faith, so if I became a cleric, it would greatly benefit him. He’s quite greedy in his own way.

“What about Mora? Mora wants to meet you too, right?”

“That’s not a problem since I’m planning to visit Helium soon. Helium has Mora as its state religion.”

“Ah, right. I forgot about that. You’ll go to the mansion first and then to Helium, right?”

“Yes. I’m thinking of going to the mansion with Cecilly.”

To go to Helium, I definitely need Cecilly’s help like last time. Fortunately, Marie has allowed Cecilly and me to be alone together for the entire break, so there’s no need to be concerned.

‘Cecilly was really happy about it.’

Although she usually bickers about being the legal wife, Cecilly knows that Marie is always the priority.

So when Marie generously gave permission, Cecilly hugged her in gratitude. There was even an incident where Marie, her face pressed against Cecilly’s enormous chest, pushed her away while gasping for air.

Anyway, I plan to spend this break intimately with Cecilly. The reason we’re going to the mansion together is to formally introduce her to my parents.

Although we won’t announce it publicly, it seems only right to let my parents know the truth. I should also speak separately to Cecilly’s parents.

If that happens, Cecilly’s parents will also learn that I am Xenon, but that’s fine. Most demons are favorable toward me anyway, so I expect they might even thank me.

“Aren’t you going to the mansion, sis?”

“No. I’ve already told our parents. I plan to return after taking the entrance test.”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay in this cold weather?”

The heat has receded, and winter is gradually approaching. I don’t know what material they made the school uniforms from, but they had excellent insulation. Nevertheless, the occasional cutting wind was fierce.

In this weather, training for a month without proper sleep—I can understand why there are casualties during the test.

“I told you I’ll be fine. It’s not like I haven’t done cold weather training before. Dave said it was tough but not difficult. It’s just a battle of physical and mental strength.”

“Hmm… alright. What about Adel?”

“Huh?”

“Do you know where Adel will be assigned?”

When I asked about Adelia’s whereabouts, Nicole looked slightly flustered. She averted her gaze and gave an ambiguous answer.

“Well… she’ll definitely be assigned somewhere in a few days. Maybe you’ll see her again soon…?”

“What does that even mean?”

“Ah, never mind. You’ll find out when you’re at the mansion.”

“At the mansion?”

I’m feeling increasingly puzzled. I asked about where Adelia would be assigned, so why is our mansion being mentioned?

Seeing that I couldn’t grasp the situation at all, Nicole sighed deeply and placed her hand on my shoulder. Her expression suggested she was at a loss for how to explain.

After moving her lips for a while, Nicole smiled bitterly and opened her mouth, which had been heavily closed. Her voice sounded somewhat complicated.

“Issac.”

“Yes?”

“That… no. I’m not in a position to say anything either.”

Nicole kneaded my shoulder with her hand and quickly changed the subject.

“Oh right. When is your next novel coming out? There should be about two volumes by the time the test is over, right?”

“I’ll probably send the next volume in about a week. I need to finish up before going to Helium.”

“What? Send it a little earlier. I could have read it before leaving.”

“Just be patient. It’s not like you’ll die if you read it a bit later.”

And so I had my final meeting with Nicole.

“Take care. Don’t get hurt.”

“I told you not to worry. I’ll return proudly wearing the uniform, so look forward to it.”

Nicole left the academy with her usual gentle smile.

“Issac.”

“Yes?”

“Adelia is a girl with many wounds, so don’t be too harsh on her.”

Leaving me with words I couldn’t understand at the time.

*****

Winter break has begun. Unlike half a year ago when the heat was raging, now a bone-chilling cold has started to sweep in.

The Empire of Minerva has four seasons like South Korea in my previous life, but that’s only true for the capital and its surroundings. The empire is so vast that there are places that are cold year-round or hot year-round.

Places that are cold year-round frequently suffer from monster attacks and bandit raids, while places that are hot year-round have terrifyingly large monsters, animals, and insects, making them difficult to settle.

Fortunately, the Mayshall territory is near the capital, so it has distinct seasons. It’s not for nothing that it’s said to have high potential.

“It seems to have changed a lot in such a short time.”

“Indeed.”

About three hours after winter break began, I arrived at the Mayshall territory with Cecilly. Of course, we didn’t come by carriage but used Cecilly’s teleport.

We didn’t forget to take Marie to the Reckyless mansion first. Although she temporarily “delegated authority” to Cecilly, basic manners are essential.

I’m slightly concerned whether Marie can control her sexual desires for a month. During the last break, it was only a week, but now it’s a whole month.

‘Well, she could visit the mansion, so it shouldn’t matter.’

Marie and I are engaged in all but the formal vows. It wouldn’t be strange for her to visit our mansion anytime.

Moreover, we won’t be in Helium the entire month, so Marie just needs to be patient for a while. Besides, since I properly confirmed my love for her at the café last time, the frequency has decreased.

Now, it’s time to focus on Cecilly beside me. As soon as that thought crossed my mind, I turned my head to look at her.

Cecilly was busy observing the many changes in the Mayshall territory over the past half year. Currently, the Minerva Empire seems determined to develop the Mayshall territory into a cultural district.

And a cultural district is essentially tourism. Facilities for the convenience of tourists visiting the territory were being established step by step.

“If we formally establish relations with Helium, we could provide manpower.”

“Didn’t the Minerva Empire recently establish relations with Helium?”

“That’s at the national level, not the territorial level. The empire needs to directly approve support for the territory. Our father has sent a letter, but it will take time for approval.”

National affairs are always the most complicated. Things might look simple on the surface, but one wrong policy could lead to downfall in an instant.

Still, this world doesn’t have over 100 countries like my previous life, and the systems aren’t as intricate. If internal approval is granted, it’s only a matter of time before Helium’s manpower comes to the Mayshall territory.

“What do you think of our territory’s potential? You can be honest.”

“To be honest… it does have high potential. But there’s almost no infrastructure like sewage systems, so it will take a long time to become a proper city. Without Helium’s help, it would take at least five years.”

“And with Helium’s help?”

“A month would be enough. We demons established Helium from what was essentially barren land. Moreover, since our founding, we’ve experienced various incidents related to hygiene issues, so we’re better than dwarves in this regard.”

Cecilly proudly thrust out her chest. My gaze momentarily shifted to her bust, but I deliberately looked away.

As she said, if they started from nothing, they would have faced many problems. From hygiene issues to building placement, agricultural zones, and more.

The notable point here is hygiene. In this world, plagues spread frequently due to monsters, but there’s also a focus on hygiene. The fact that there are sewage treatment facilities, which shouldn’t exist given the era, says it all.

Elves can dispose of waste using magic, but humans find it difficult, so they had to ask dwarves for help, from what I know. At least, that’s what the records say.

“Most human nations’ sewage problems were solved by us demons. 500 years ago, during the racial war, we realized the severity of hygiene issues and built sewage treatment plants.”

“What? The records say dwarves built them…”

“That’s a lie. Dwarves did help, but it was our demons who transferred the technology. How do you think magic flowed to humans in the first place? Do you think elves, who were at war with the human alliance at the time, would have shared it?”

“…”

“If you come to the royal palace, you’ll discover many hidden histories, especially those related to the racial war. Truth is always veiled in darkness.”

Cecilly gently poked my cheek with her finger as she spoke. I was initially dumbfounded, but after hearing her explanation, I felt somewhat relieved.

Honestly, it didn’t add up. Learning magic from elves during the racial war? From the elves’ perspective, they would have every right to brand such an elf as a traitor.

But if demons taught magic to humans, that’s a different story. Demons didn’t directly participate in the frontlines, but they prevented elves from invading recklessly.

There are records that human magical abilities developed dramatically from that time, and if demons helped, it all fits perfectly.

“Are you going to include this in your book too?”

“Thank you for the good material.”

“Pfft. Is everything just material for your book?”

“Maybe?”

Of course, to me, it’s just material for my writing. Cecilly seemed pleased and smiled brightly.

Afterward, as we headed to the mansion, we observed how the territory had changed. Occasionally, residents who recognized me greeted us warmly, or some were stunned when they saw Cecilly.

The more this happened, the more I felt like showing off. Perhaps because of the thought: this woman is mine.

Enjoying our date like this, we made our way to the mansion.

“Hello, Baroness. It’s been half a year.”

“Oh my. Princess Cecilly? What brings you to our mansion…”

As soon as we entered the mansion, we first reunited with my mother. Mother was surprised, her eyes wide at Cecilly’s unexpected visit.

To this, Cecilly displayed a beautiful smile and spoke.

“Actually, I have something I’d like to tell you, Mother. It’s related to Issac.”

“Issac and… I think I have an idea.”

In response to Cecilly’s words, Mother answered with her characteristic gentle expression. Then, she lowered her head and gently caressed her belly.

“Look, Lilly. Your brother is so popular.”

“Is your daughter’s name Lilly? Perhaps…”

“Yes, it’s the name of the saint from the Biography of Xenon. Isn’t it a beautiful name?”

By this point, it should be clear.

“It’s a beautiful name. Are you sure it’s a girl?”

“A few days ago, I asked a cleric who was on a pilgrimage. He said it’s a girl.”

Mother’s belly was as round as a mountain. This is the result of the fire spreading to my parents after Marie and I consummated our relationship following the exhibition.

So, at my current age of 17…

‘…they’re still active.’

I’ve unexpectedly gained a little sister (Lilly) that wasn’t in the plan.