Ch.184Big Catch (3)

# A few days before the Senate’s atrocities came to light.

I was leisurely spending my vacation at the mansion after all preparations were complete. I had successfully sent Karlas and his group away, and the publishing house had spread the news that my hand was injured.

Although I felt a bit sorry for the publishing house, it was necessary to catch the big fish. So I planned to tell them soon that a passing clergyman had helped heal my hand completely.

Therefore, I was currently idling around, hoping that Arwen would handle the follow-up measures well.

“Thank you! Here’s the money!”

Three days after the news of my damaged hand spread throughout the world, Marie made a surprise visit to our mansion. Normally, she should have sent a letter in advance to express her intention to visit, but given the circumstances, she seemed to have rushed over.

Coincidentally, I had just stepped outside the mansion to exercise. As Marie got out of the carriage and made eye contact with me, she flinched before hurriedly running over.

At first, I was a bit puzzled, but soon I could guess what she was going to say, so I smiled.

“Ah, Issac! Your hand…”

“Here.”

As Marie approached right in front of me, I immediately showed her my right hand. My right hand, characterized by long, slender fingers, was perfectly fine without a single scratch.

Marie looked bewildered after confirming my hand. Well, it makes sense since the newspapers were making a huge fuss, but the reality was completely opposite.

“Huh? What’s going on? The newspaper clearly said…”

“Well… this might get a bit complicated. Let’s go inside first.”

I had already told my family, and it would be inconsiderate not to explain the situation to my fiancée. As I entered the mansion, Marie followed with a dumbfounded expression.

“Hello, Marie? I knew you’d come.”

“Oh, hello. It’s been a while… I guess?”

Cecilly greeted us warmly as soon as we entered the mansion, perhaps having heard Marie’s voice just now. She was wearing a black dress with minimal exposure.

Marie seemed to already know that Cecilly was staying at our mansion, so she took it in stride. Still, her expression remained the same.

After exchanging brief greetings with my parents, we moved to the guest room for a private conversation. Cecilly also tagged along.

“…What? That’s what happened?”

“Yes. So you don’t need to worry.”

After explaining the entire situation, Marie finally showed signs of understanding all the circumstances. She was startled to hear about how I formed a connection with Arwen due to the manuscript theft incident, but quickly regained her composure.

“I was worried. Do you know how shocked I was when I heard your hand was damaged?”

Marie spoke with concern while not hiding her disappointment. Admittedly, it was my fault for not saying anything to her, my fiancée.

It could have potentially damaged our trust, so I apologized sincerely.

“I’m sorry for making you worry. I should have at least told you.”

“No, it’s okay. You probably didn’t tell me because you knew I’d worry. Besides, nothing would have changed even if I had known.”

Fortunately, Marie didn’t make a big deal out of it and even thanked Cecilly. That’s just like her way of thinking.

As I smiled warmly at this, Marie looked back and forth between me and Cecilly sitting beside me. Then, with a mischievous expression, she asked in a playful voice:

“By the way, Cecilly. You’re sitting next to Issac as if it’s natural now?”

“We made a promise, remember? I said I’d yield during the vacation.”

“You remember well. So… did you do it?”

“… …”

Cecilly smiled faintly at Marie’s ambiguous question. Judging by her slightly reddened cheeks, she seemed to be feeling shy inside.

At that reaction, Marie nodded as if she understood, then shifted her gaze to me. I wanted to pretend not to notice, but her gaze was so intense that I had no choice but to reluctantly speak up.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m hoping the vacation ends quickly.”

Marie answered with her characteristic beaming smile. Well, even though she yielded, there’s a limit to how much she can endure.

Considering her tremendous libido, it’s actually impressive that she’s held back this far.

“I can give up one day. The choice is always yours, Marie. Honestly, isn’t it hard to hold back?”

Cecilly also expressed her willingness to yield. But Marie firmly shook her head in refusal.

“No way. A promise is a promise. You two should get along well. It’s true that it’s hard to hold back, but I found it’s okay after suppressing it for a few days. I’m planning to restrain myself at the academy for a while too.”

“Why?”

“My grades have… dropped a bit. Hehe.”

Marie revealed a very practical issue with a bright smile. Originally, studying should be done consistently, not just during exam periods, but she only crams during exam time.

As for the rest… well, you can probably guess. After classes end, she goes on dates with me, and at night, she heads straight to the inn. With this pattern continuing, it’s impossible for her grades to improve.

Thanks to my thorough teaching of history, her situation might be somewhat better in that subject, but for others, it must be tearful.

“I won’t fail, but I still have my pride. And Issac will be able to write more, so it’s a win-win, right?”

“So, once every few days?”

“Once every 3-4 days?”

“… …”

That’s basically the same thing. And despite what she says, there’s a higher probability she won’t last even three days before begging.

“Anyway! Let’s stop the indecent talk here. What are you going to do now, Issac? Since you’ve announced that your hand is injured, you won’t be able to write for a while, right?”

“That’s not a problem. I’m planning to send a letter saying I received help from a passing clergyman. Still, the next volume will be published later than usual.”

“Hmm… that’s a bit disappointing. But it was something that had to be done eventually, so it can’t be helped. Are you going back to Helium?”

“I will go back, but probably in a few days. I’m curious about what news will come out of Alfheim.”

The news about my injured hand has been spreading for five days. Arwen will reveal the true culprit within a week at the latest. Until then, I plan to stay at the mansion.

There’s not much to do in Helium anyway, and unexpected variables could emerge. It’s better to at least discuss things roughly with my family.

“Is that so? Alright. Then I should head back right away.”

“Huh? You’re leaving right away? Stay and rest for at least a day.”

“No way. If I stay, you two won’t be able to concentrate. I have some tact, you know. If you feel bad, just give me a tight hug.”

When Marie subtly requested this, I glanced at Cecilly. It was a silent question asking if it was okay to hug in front of her.

Cecilly read my gaze and nodded with a gentle smile. Both Marie and Cecilly were broad-minded in various ways.

To have formed bonds with such women, I truly must be the luckiest man alive.

“Come here, Marie.”

“Heheng.”

As I opened my arms to welcome her, Marie didn’t miss the opportunity and jumped into my embrace. My heart warmed at the feeling of her hug after so long.

Marie also indulged in a deep embrace with me for a while, showing her affection by nuzzling her face against my chest, among other things. She was expressing a bit of the desire she had been holding back during the vacation.

“Sniff. Sniff sniff. Yes, this is it. Issac’s unique scent. You don’t know how much I’ve been holding back, wanting to feel this.”

“You can stay at the mansion for a few days if you want.”

Cecilly kindly suggested, perhaps feeling a bit sorry for Marie. But Marie firmly shook her head while still in my embrace.

Then, still nestled in my arms, she looked at Cecilly and said with a bright smile:

“No, this is enough for me. I just realized something: just having the person you love by your side seems to fill the emptiness in your heart.”

“Ah, I think I know what you mean.”

“Hihi.”

As soon as Cecilly agreed, Marie smiled brightly and then placed her ear against my chest. As if trying to listen to my heartbeat, she closed her eyes and savored the warmth.

I gently stroked Marie’s snow-white hair and lightly kissed the top of her head. Marie squirmed and acted coy in response.

‘I hope this kind of life continues from now on.’

Doing what I love while enjoying a happy life with the women I love. What a blessed life this is. Compared to my previous life, it’s something I couldn’t even dream of.

The Senate, which had been causing trouble constantly, will soon be disbanded by Arwen. The only thing left is to clear up the misunderstanding that I’m a prophet.

Of course, it’s something that will be resolved over time, so I just need to consistently publish the Biography of Xenon.

“Issac.”

“Yes?”

“When did your hair grow long again?”

“It just happens. Don’t you like it?”

“No, even with long hair, Issac is still Issac. I love you.”

“I love you too, Marie.”

Was she feeling jealous of our display of affection? Cecilly pressed her finger firmly against my arm.

When I turned my head, Cecilly was looking at me with sparkling red eyes, as if in anticipation. She looked like a cat asking to be groomed, so I gently embraced her with one arm.

“Of course, I love you too, Cecilly.”

“Thank you.”

I wish this happy time could continue forever.

[Shocking! The culprit who damaged Xenon’s right hand was the Senate of Alfheim! And…]

[Were Xenon and the Queen of Alfheim lovers? Nothing has been confirmed yet, but there’s a strange plausibility…]

[Were all the speeches given by the Queen of Alfheim actually written by Xenon? Is it true?]

[As stories from the novel are becoming reality one by one, their relationship is also drawing attention.]

“…?”

What is this all about?

*****

“Haah…”

Arwen sighed in frustration. As you know, it was because of one fact that Phiren had spread before being captured.

She couldn’t understand what grounds he had for such an absurd act, but reflecting on the past after the situation was resolved, it was understandable why such a misunderstanding could occur.

In fact, Issac had shown her goodwill, so it would be strange not to think in that direction. Especially considering her responsibility for the unforgivable manuscript theft incident.

“Making a mess till the end…”

After Phiren’s atrocities were revealed to the world, the Senate naturally began the process of disbandment. Public opinion had turned extremely negative, and the corruption they had been hiding began to surface one after another.

When the head disappears, it’s natural for the limbs that receive orders to break down as well. It’s good that the leeches that had been eating away at Alfheim are gone, but the aftermath is not yet perfectly handled.

The Senate had support from the older generation of elves, but now it has disintegrated. Perhaps a second Senate could emerge, so she must remain vigilant.

Moreover, the biggest problem was herself. The rumors currently circulating in Alfheim were disturbing Arwen’s ears.

‘Me and Issac in a romantic relationship? That’s absurd…’

It’s true that she has a friendship with Issac, but he already has two lovers. One is a human woman named Marie, and the other is Princess Cecilly of Helium.

Although Cecilly hasn’t officially announced it like Marie, it becomes meaningless after Issac revealed his identity. The fact that Xenon and the Princess of Helium are dating is somewhat understandable.

However, with such rumors circulating while Issac hasn’t revealed his identity, Arwen couldn’t help but feel frustrated. But there was an even bigger problem.

‘…But why does Issac show me goodwill?’

Even Arwen herself was starting to get confused about her feelings. It’s a phenomenon that emerged from the goodwill Issac showed her, along with the events from the Biography of Xenon becoming reality.

If not now, might it really become true in the distant future? Such useless fantasies. Since Issac is currently speculated to be a prophet or a person from the future, her heart leaned in that direction.

Of course, it was only a “possibility,” so she didn’t hastily conclude. But once a person harbors doubt, it grows rapidly.

She couldn’t know where this doubt would lead, but she could be certain it wasn’t somewhere negative.

Knock- Knock- Knock-

At that moment, someone knocked on the office door. Arwen immediately took her eyes off the documents and turned her head towards the door.

“Your Majesty. It’s Navir. May I come in?”

It was the newly appointed aide. With the Senate in the process of disbandment, she had brought in capable individuals, and Navir was one of them.

Navir was just affiliated with the Senate for “work,” without any particular ideology. That’s why she could be brought in without issues.

Arwen pushed her complicated thoughts away and gave permission in a quiet voice.

“Enter.”

Creak-

As soon as permission was granted, Navir entered. She was a woman with round glasses and a stoic expression.

“So, what news do you bring this time?”

“The clergy have received an answer from the deity.”

“What? Is that true?”

Arwen jumped up from her seat in surprise at Navir’s rigid response. Normally, she would have reacted calmly, but not now. It was deeply related to the rumors currently circulating.

Even Arwen herself was confused about the rumors regarding her relationship with Issac. If things continued this way, Alfheim could become chaotic, which is why she sought help from the clergy.

If the deity who knows the future could provide a clear answer, wouldn’t that be helpful? With this thought, Arwen personally requested the clergy.

“So, what answer did they provide?”

“They didn’t say it in words. Just…”

“Just?”

Navir pushed up her slipping glasses and calmly informed:

“They just filled a glass with water halfway, they said.”

“…What does that mean?”

“I’m not sure either. But they said that was the answer.”

For reference, the question asked to the clergy was roughly this:

[I wonder if Issac and I are destined to be lovers, as the story in the book suggests.]

But Luminus ambiguously filled the glass only halfway. Normally, one wouldn’t understand the meaning of such an oracle, but…

‘…Filled only halfway? Does that mean it’s not denied? Because the future is uncertain?’

As they say, the interpretation is more important than the dream itself. Arwen couldn’t help but think positively.

“…I understand. You may leave now.”

At Arwen’s instruction, Navir bowed her head and left the office. Left alone, Arwen sat at her desk, pondered deeply, and then muttered softly:

“…Really?”