Ch.169Helium’s Morning (2)

I made love with Cecilly right up until lunchtime. Honestly, her self-proclaimed title of “Master” was more than enough to rekindle the dying embers of passion.

She definitely did it on purpose to provoke me. I’m certain of that.

Despite engaging in vigorous activity for over 12 hours, I wasn’t physically exhausted, likely thanks to Mora’s divine power. However, divine power couldn’t suppress natural bodily functions, so I still felt hunger and thirst.

Fortunately, Cecilly was satisfied enough that we were finally able to finish. Afterward, we tenderly washed each other in the bathroom and emerged wearing bathrobes.

Outside, maids had already arrived in the bedroom and were busy changing the bedsheets and cleaning the surrounding area. The bedsheets were so filthy they needed to be burned rather than reused.

I stared intently at the bedsheets soiled with various bodily fluids and asked Cecilly, “Noona, can you clean something like that with magic?”

“I could, but why bother? It would still feel unclean even with magic. It’s easier to just replace it.”

Cecilly replied and continued with a smile that carried multiple meanings.

“Besides, it’s going to get dirty again throughout the vacation, so why clean it with magic? I don’t think it’s necessary.”

“…That’s true.”

“By the way, it’s incredibly filthy. I can hardly believe most of that came from my body.”

She looked at the soiled bedsheets with more curiosity than embarrassment. Throughout the night, Cecilly had freely uttered all sorts of obscene phrases, comparing herself to dessert or asking to be made a mess.

She even went so far as to call me “Master” toward the end, completely discarding any sense of shame or embarrassment.

Marie used to be shy like a new bride before fully awakening to her sexual desires, but Cecilly had none of that. I’m seriously concerned about having to handle both of them simultaneously, now that Marie has awakened and Cecilly might join in.

I glanced at her horns, which had completely returned to black, and asked cautiously. The maids who had been cleaning the bedsheets and surrounding area had already left.

“Noona, I’m curious—is it only during the evil cycle that you go this long? Or is it like this normally too?”

“Hmm… let me think? According to what I heard from my mother, the evil cycle is when desire—sexual desire—is strongest. Before that, it varies from person to person, just like humans differ from each other.”

“What about you?”

“I’m already addicted to you, so I’m not sure~ I might end up fighting with Marie frequently after the vacation!”

Cecilly answered with her characteristic playful tone. Judging by the mischievous smile on her face, the future seems predetermined.

I should probably visit the temple frequently. However, I’m uncertain how Luminus’s divine power might affect Cecilly, which makes the situation somewhat awkward.

I stroked her horns as she clung to my arm affectionately. Cecilly beamed with happiness at my display of affection.

“Noona, does Luminus’s divine power have negative effects on demons?”

“Hmm? No. It’s much less effective than Mora’s, but our origins are still human. If we were closer to actual devils, even Mora’s divine power would be harmful. Why do you ask?”

“Actually, Mora gave me divine power yesterday evening. I think she helped me not get tired while also transferring it to you.”

“Really? That explains why I kept feeling energetic even when I should have been exhausted. The fullness in my stomach must be from my succubus blood, not the divine power. I think my mana has increased too.”

Cecilly gently rubbed her lower abdomen as she spoke, making me smile bitterly. Due to our 12-hour session, her lower abdomen was slightly protruding.

While I was parched and hungry, she had both satisfied her hunger and increased her mana. Additionally, her skin was glowing—truly the mark of a succubus.

‘I definitely need to visit Mora before being with Cecilly.’

Alternatively, I could build up the stamina (and virility) to last 12 hours. The thought of resuming knight training with my father suddenly crossed my mind.

This isn’t just idle talk—it’s actually a good option, considering I now have to satisfy not only Marie but Cecilly as well. If neither of them is willing to yield, I might have to handle both simultaneously.

Building physical strength might become a necessity rather than an option. I can’t rely on divine power forever, so I shouldn’t delay this any longer.

‘Polygamy isn’t all good, I see.’

Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m unhappy. Both Marie and Cecilly have compromised for each other, so we should be able to maintain an exceptionally happy life together.

Afterward, we changed from our bathrobes into casual clothes to have breakfast doubling as lunch. A maid had already prepared clothes in our sizes while changing the bedsheets.

Cecilly wore an off-shoulder dress like yesterday, but it fully covered her chest, revealing only her shoulders and collarbone. I wore a simple black suit. True to Helium craftsmanship, it was exceptionally comfortable.

While changing, seeing each other naked nearly led to a second round as Cecilly’s desires were stimulated, but I firmly declined.

The contraceptive’s effects had worn off, and we needed to conserve them since we didn’t know how much more we would do. Given Luminus’s oracle(?) and the uncertainty about when Cecilly’s fertile period would end, it was best to abstain.

“Is there anything specific you’d like to eat? I’ll let them know in advance.”

“I just want anything. I’m thirsty too.”

We then headed to where the meal would be served. Cecilly told me that she had communicated the situation telepathically, so the meal was already prepared.

Unlike street food, meals in Helium’s royal palace consist of ordinary dishes—steaks, chicken dishes, stews, and so on.

They particularly use spicy seasonings that suit my taste. Apparently, they’ve traditionally used spicy seasonings for mental discipline.

In the past, they ate spicy food for mental discipline, but now it’s simply for culinary enjoyment.

“Are you awake? Please, have a seat.”

When we entered the dining room, Isillia was already seated at the end of the characteristically long table. However, Deskall was nowhere to be seen.

When I wondered about this, Isillia read my expression and immediately answered.

“He’s temporarily away on business. There’s a tremendous amount of work accumulated due to recent diplomatic efforts. Even yesterday, he barely managed to make time.”

“Ah, I see.”

Of course, Helium is busy with diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. Naturally, government officials, including the king as the highest leader, would be overwhelmed with work.

I sat down after hearing the reason for Deskall’s absence. Cecilly sat demurely beside me, as expected.

The food already prepared on the table was steak with a red sauce. Judging by the color, it looked spicy, and indeed it had a pungent taste. It’s one of the seasonings that Helium has consistently developed since its founding.

It perfectly suited my palate as a former Korean, so I expected to eat it frequently during my stay in Helium.

“So, did you enjoy the dessert I prepared yesterday?”

“… …”

Just as I was preparing my napkin and about to pick up my utensils, Isillia asked in a subtle voice. I flinched momentarily and then turned my gaze to look at her.

Isillia was waiting for my answer with an inscrutable smile. Until yesterday, she had used the honorific “Sir Isaac,” but seeing that she dropped it, it seems she’s starting to treat me as a son-in-law from today.

While I was at a loss for how to respond to that smile, Cecilly came to my rescue in this awkward situation.

“Mom, please. Is that even a question? You can guess from the fact that we just woke up.”

“My dear, can’t I even take credit? Do you know how much trouble your father and I went through to prepare that dessert?”

“Isaac is uncomfortable. Please stop teasing him.”

“Hmph. This is why raising a daughter is pointless.”

Isillia grumbled with a sulky expression after being scolded by Cecilly. Feeling like they were arguing because of me, I thought it would be good to comfort her.

“Don’t worry. I enjoyed it very much. It was one of the best desserts of my life.”

“Oh my, really? That’s a relief. Since you said ‘one of,’ I assume the other was prepared by the Reckyless family?”

“…Yes.”

After saying it, I felt embarrassed. But seeing Isillia’s elegant smile, it seems her mood had improved.

“May I ask how the Reckyless family prepared their dessert? For reference, I personally prepared yesterday’s.”

“… …”

“…Mom.”

The next question left me speechless, but fortunately, Cecilly called out to her in a cold voice, preventing further questions.

Isillia seemed to realize she had misspoken and apologized with a slight bow. Clearly, she was excited that the benefactor of demonkind had become her son-in-law.

This made the atmosphere somewhat awkward, but I quickly changed the subject to lighten the mood.

“Ahem. Ahem. By the way, what’s the name of this dish? The sauce seems slightly different from yesterday’s.”

“Ah, good question. Have you heard of a monster called Rinkel, my son-in-law?”

“Rinkel… I’ve heard it’s a bull covered in flames. I believe they live mainly in volcanic areas.”

“And they’re filled with the energy of fire, which provides particularly good nutrients for men.”

“… …”

“The vegetable next to it, which looks like broccoli, is similar. It’s called Cadid, and it’s also good for men.”

She went on to explain that the ingredients in the soup were good for virility, as were the ingredients in the upcoming dessert. Isillia was enthusiastically supporting the advancement of my relationship with Cecilly.

Cecilly, who was initially displeased, realized this was also beneficial for her and said nothing. She even gave me her portion, claiming she was full.

I didn’t refuse either, despite my embarrassment. There was no reason to reject something kindly prepared for my well-being, and it was actually quite helpful.

I couldn’t rely on Mora’s divine power forever, so consuming beneficial foods now would ensure a comfortable future. Above all, everything suited my taste perfectly, so I could eat without hesitation.

“Thank you. I already feel stronger.”

“No need for thanks. The debt we demons owe you could never be repaid in a lifetime. If you wish, you could become a royal consort—what do you think?”

A “royal consort” refers to the husband of a princess—in other words, the princess’s spouse. Technically, I’m already a consort, but what Isillia means is settling in Helium and leaving the Empire of Minerva.

This would naturally mean separating from Marie, which I don’t want. It would be more than crossing a line—it would be a cold-hearted betrayal of Marie.

Despite my apologies to Cecilly, I should politely decline the position of royal consort.

“I’m sorry. As you know, this matter has already been decided.”

“That’s right, Mom. I’m happy just being Isaac’s woman, so there’s no need for that.”

“Hmm. If that’s what you say, then so be it. Still, visit Helium occasionally. If you wish, we could install a teleportation magic circle in your mansion.”

“That would be fine, but wouldn’t it be better if I visit in person? After all, I won’t inherit the throne for hundreds of years.”

“That would work. But since it might inconvenience your husband, make sure to arrange appointments in advance. If that’s not feasible, we should make arrangements for you to contact each other.”

The mother and daughter chatted excitedly about me. With Isillia looking youthful like a demon, they resembled playful twin sisters.

Even though I wanted to join in, I let their conversation about magic flow in one ear and out the other. The technical terms that popped up made it difficult to interject.

I roughly understood they were looking for a means of two-way communication. I’ll just drink the tea that came as dessert.

Isillia mentioned this was also good for virility and had a taste similar to green tea. It seemed like it would be perfect for clearing sinuses for those with rhinitis.

“Oh, by the way, son-in-law.”

“Yes?”

“You said you sent the manuscript for volume 14 to the publisher, right?”

While I was silently drinking tea, Isillia asked me a question. It was about volume 14, which would be published soon.

I was a bit taken aback by the sudden mention of the Biography of Xenon, but I answered her question.

“Yes. It should be published soon.”

“When approximately?”

“I don’t know exactly, but usually the first edition is issued 3-4 days after sending the manuscript.”

“I see. Then I should send Lord Balack soon.”

It seemed she intended to purchase the first edition as soon as it was released. The publisher does announce the release schedule, but it takes time for news to reach Helium.

Still, Helium’s situation is better than most. Demons are the second largest consumer group after humans.

According to Cecilly, even when perceptions of demons were poor, there were merchant groups traveling to and from Helium, through which they obtained the Biography of Xenon.

Despite Helium’s notorious reputation as a land of devils, there are always people willing to risk their lives for money.

These people realized early on that demons were not much different from ordinary people and remain trusted contractors to this day.

“By the way, Mom, what happened to Lord Balack?”

“About that? I’ve confiscated it for now. The signed copy itself isn’t a problem, but not reporting it is. I’ll decide whether to return it based on his future behavior. Oh, I could return it immediately if you wish, son-in-law.”

“… …”

Poor Gartz. The thought of him being scolded just for having a signed copy brings tears to my eyes.

Imagining his stoic face contorted with sadness and depression, I quietly said with sympathy:

“…I think it would be better to return it to him.”

The morning in Helium passed like an ordinary day.

“You went to the temple? How shall I torment you today?”

“…Wasn’t your evil cycle over?”

“Even if the evil cycle is over, my body is already addicted to you! I think I understand why Marie is like that now.”

It wasn’t night yet, but…

I had a strong feeling this would be a vacation to remember in many ways.

******

While Isaac was enjoying a passionate vacation with Cecilly in Helium, the release of volume 14 of the Biography of Xenon was just a day away.

Fans were already waiting in front of bookstores for the release of the long-awaited new volume, and some even hired people to stand in line for them.

Originally, the Biography of Xenon was limited to one copy per person, but this restriction was lifted after new printing technology was introduced.

The one-per-person rule existed because the Biography of Xenon frequently sold out, leaving many unable to purchase it. Now, with hoarding no longer necessary, the official notice was withdrawn.

Some high-ranking nobles secretly pay premiums to receive advance copies from publishers. Merchant groups that travel the world also invest large sums to secure contracts for selling the Biography of Xenon in other countries.

As a result, it takes time for the Biography of Xenon to reach countries other than the Empire of Minerva unless purchased directly. Incidentally, the country geographically farthest from the Empire of Minerva is Alfheim, the land of elves.

Alfheim had successfully stabilized the social issue of mixed-blood cases thanks to Arwen’s speech and was now enjoying a period of stability. Moreover, they had prevented the contamination of the World Tree’s roots, so there were virtually no problems.

What had changed was the increased interest in the Biography of Xenon and, by extension, a shift in attitudes toward Xenon himself. Naturally, people felt indebted to him for saving the World Tree, a gift from the gods.

This led to claims that they must find Xenon to repay the debt, or assertions that he must surely be a prophet, causing headaches for Arwen, though this too was eventually glossed over.

“…Therefore, I would like to see the immigration screening criteria relaxed.”

“Hmm.”

In the audience chamber of Alfheim, set up for receiving reports rather than conducting business, Arwen sat on the throne listening to a report from Kayre, the immigration screening supervisor.

Even without the Council of Elders, heads of important departments had to enter the audience chamber to report. The immigration screening supervisor, Kayre, was no exception.

He was currently reporting on Alfheim’s extremely strict immigration screening criteria and requesting their relaxation.

“I understand your request. Relaxing the screening criteria would be good to consider. However, it will likely take a long time.”

“Is it because of tariff issues?”

“Yes. Relaxed immigration screening means more diverse races could come and go. This applies to groups as well. I’ll need to discuss this separately with the Council of Elders.”

“Those old fogies will obviously refuse…”

Kayre grumbled at the mention of meeting with the Council of Elders. Despite being in the presence of the queen, he displayed his characteristically casual demeanor, unlike most elves.

Arwen knew how much Kayre resented the Council of Elders, so she could only smile bitterly. After all, the reason he had retired from the front lines to become an immigration screening supervisor was because of the Council.

“Nevertheless, I cannot proceed alone. I know you dislike the Council of Elders, but I would appreciate it if you could separate personal feelings from official duties.”

“Sigh… I understand. I suppose I have no choice but to trust you, Your Majesty.”

“By the way, could you tell me about the current situation with… former Warchief Icare?”

Arwen inquired about the whereabouts of Icare, the former Warchief of Alfheim and Kayre’s former superior. He was once an ill-fated hero who nearly saved Alfheim from defeat in the Race War but was imprisoned due to the Council of Elders’ blunders.

Betrayed by the homeland he trusted, he has been living in seclusion at his residence even after the Race War ended.

Recently, however, he has occasionally shown his face or trained in his residence’s training ground, showing signs of returning, which has attracted considerable attention.

“Icare… I’m not sure. Whether it’s really because of that book or for some other reason… Anyway, I would welcome his return. I’m not sure how the Council of Elders would react, though.”

“People’s hearts change for various reasons. Still, it seems like a good sign, which is fortunate.”

Elves typically dedicate their entire lives to one profession unless there’s a special reason not to. The same applies to soldiers.

In particular, elves who become warriors remain in the military until the end unless they suffer severe injuries. Icare, who felt betrayed by the Council of Elders and became disillusioned, is a special case.

Because of this, what you see is what you get with elves in terms of strength. Unlike humans or beastkin, there aren’t many skilled practitioners who retire to live out the rest of their lives.

‘This must be thanks to the Biography of Xenon too.’

Anyone with even a slight interest in history would know that the elven hero appearing in the Biography of Xenon was modeled after Icare.

That hero, despite being betrayed by his homeland in the past, realizes that what he’s protecting isn’t the high-ranking officials but the nation itself, and stands against the devils. In the process, he meets a dark elf and joins forces with them.

To someone unfamiliar with the context, this might seem like just another plot point to gloss over, but for those who know Icare well, it’s different. In reality, Icare secluded himself because he was disillusioned with the Council of Elders, but his affection for Alfheim remained.

Everyone acknowledges that if a devil war had actually broken out, Icare would have followed the same path.

‘Is Isaac truly a prophet?’

Arwen recalled the contents of the Biography of Xenon, which she couldn’t easily dismiss. Since hearing about it from the Council of Elders, she had been pondering that the Biography of Xenon really did seem like a book of prophecy.

The contamination of the World Tree’s roots, the summoning of devils, the Reaper—such a series of “coincidences” is honestly almost impossible. Didn’t Luminus say that what is now coincidence will become inevitable in the future?

She wasn’t sure if there was some kind of “restriction” that many people had mentioned, but Arwen couldn’t easily let it go. Moreover, as the Council of Elders had pointed out, Isaac had been showing countless favors to Arwen.

Her reason said no, that it was just Isaac’s kind nature, but her emotions shouted differently—that all of these were stories that almost happened in reality.

If that’s the case, then really…

BOOM!

Just as Arwen was about to fall into her own fantasies, the firmly closed door of the audience chamber was violently opened. Both Arwen and Kayre were startled and shifted their gaze toward the door.

Looking toward the door, they saw Phiren, a delegate from the Council of Elders, approaching with a rigid expression. None of the council members who usually accompanied him were present; it was only Phiren.

No matter how much of a cancer the Council of Elders might be, they still maintain basic etiquette. They don’t fling open doors, especially the door to the audience chamber where the queen is present, loudly enough to make a sound.

Normally, she would sternly reprimand such rudeness, but Arwen realized his expression was unusual and waited quietly.

“…Well, well. Have you decided to go completely off the rails now?”

“Shut your mouth and get out of here. I have urgent matters to discuss with Her Majesty.”

Even when Kayre asked in a sarcastic tone, Phiren responded with harsh words he rarely used and ordered him to leave. Kayre’s eyes widened in surprise.

Phiren typically used polite language, but now there was no trace of that demeanor. This indicated a serious situation had arisen.

Moreover, the fact that he came to see the queen alone, without accompanying council members, suggested it was directly related to her. Kayre looked at Arwen with a surprised expression, checking her reaction.

Arwen, also puzzled by Phiren’s unusual behavior, remained silent instead of reprimanding him. She then made eye contact with Kayre and quietly ordered:

“It would be better to continue this conversation later. You may go.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Kayre bowed respectfully, glanced at Phiren once, and then walked out of the audience chamber. Soon, only Arwen, seated on the throne, and Phiren, standing before her, remained in the audience chamber.

Arwen stared intently at Phiren’s rigid expression and then spoke softly:

“Delegate Phiren. Given that you’ve come here committing such rudeness, this must be an important matter?”

“…Your Majesty. If I may, I have one question.”

Despite the queen asking first, Phiren posed his own question. For a moment, Arwen’s eye twitched, but she noticed he was holding something in his hand.

Judging by its rectangular shape and thickness, it appeared to be a book. As Arwen pondered this, Phiren asked a strange question:

“Your Majesty… do you truly have no connection to Xenon?”

“…What nonsense is this? I’ve already said there’s absolutely none.”

“Then please look at this book. It’s volume 14 of the Biography of Xenon, recently published in the Empire of Minerva.”

As Arwen had suspected, what Phiren held was a book—specifically, volume 14 of the Biography of Xenon. She wondered how a new volume not yet released in Alfheim was in his hands, but soon realized one fact.

Previously, he had sent someone to the publisher to independently search for Xenon. He must have obtained the book through those contacts.

Meanwhile, Phiren used magic to levitate the book and deliver it to Arwen. Though initially suspicious, she accepted it without protest.

The book Phiren delivered was indeed volume 14 of the Biography of Xenon. From the new cover to the clearly marked “Volume 14,” it was unmistakable.

“You can start reading from page 100. If you prefer, you can start from the beginning.”

“Before that, I’m curious why you want me to read this book. First, tell me the reason. This is an order.”

Even in this situation, Arwen had no intention of yielding the initiative. No matter how urgent, basic etiquette must be maintained.

Phiren understood this, so he nodded and spoke in a calm voice:

“Because that book contains forbidden magic.”