Ch.185Dream Interpretation Over Dreams (1)

The fact that the Senate was the true culprit behind the attack on Xenon’s right hand was shocking enough, but an even more attention-grabbing rumor began to spread.

That Xenon and the Queen of Alfheim were lovers. In other words, that Arwen and I were dating.

For me, who had been merely watching from afar like someone munching popcorn, this was an utterly absurd rumor. I have no idea how such gossip started, but according to the newspapers, it was something that Phiren had shouted in his final desperate act.

What makes it somewhat believable is that I did deliver a speech to Arwen and provided her with various conveniences.

There was no benefit in being on bad terms with Arwen, and she had been helping me a lot as well. But Phiren apparently concluded that these reasons alone meant Arwen and I were lovers.

[There was no Xenon Cloud in the Hask region of the Kingdom of Teres. The villagers also claimed they had never heard the name before…]

[The Senate of Alfheim has begun dissolution procedures, and delegate Phiren Gerrit Stormwalker received punishment by having both ears cut off. Additionally, Karlas and two others who directly attacked Xenon will be imprisoned forever…]

[Karlas’s confession: The covenant was false, and all personal information about Xenon was fabricated. Then what about Xenon’s right hand now?]

In addition to this, they investigated Xenon’s personal information that Phiren had spread in his final desperate act, but naturally, since it was all false, they found nothing.

The Kingdom of Teres must have been quite disappointed after going to the Hask region with smiles on their faces only to find absolutely nothing. They probably cursed something like, “What the hell?”

Phiren had been backstabbed once again, but Xenon’s identity had once more become shrouded in mystery. It was true that his right hand was injured, but since the situation was framed as Karlas and his group attacking and then being defeated in return, it must be quite confusing.

[The Queen of Alfheim must have noticed this fact in advance and informed Xenon. All they needed was justification.]

[Will it end in tragedy like Kayre and Elisha, or will it continue like Xenon and Mary?]

[While many people, including the citizens of Alfheim, are focused on the situation, Queen Arwen is avoiding answering, saying that state affairs take priority.]

Of course, more than half of the attention is focused on the relationship between Arwen and me. At first, I thought it would be just a baseless rumor that would dissipate like bubbles after a short while.

But as time passed and neither side offered any explanation, there were gradually signs that people were trying to confirm it on their own. At this rate, they would definitely conclude that Arwen and I were lovers, so I hurriedly sought opinions.

First from Marie and Cecilly. Marie had not stayed at the mansion but returned immediately, then came back as soon as she heard the news.

In the end, we decided she would stay at the mansion for the time being since we never knew what might happen next. My parents were aware of the situation and gladly agreed.

“It might not be bad to use this to our advantage?”

After the three of us put our heads together to think, Marie unexpectedly expressed a positive opinion.

Since she had reluctantly accepted Cecilly, this was even more surprising. Cecilly seemed to feel the same way, as she wore an expression of surprise.

“For what reason?”

“It’s not like you’re really dating anyway, right? You can use it politically. It would be beneficial for the Queen too, not a loss. Think of it like a political marriage concept.”

I nodded immediately after hearing Marie’s explanation, understanding right away. Indeed, if political marriages exist, there’s no reason we can’t use rumors appropriately.

Arwen could maximize her citizens’ support, which would be good for her, while for me, it would be somewhat neutral. However, I would definitely need to clarify before revealing my identity.

If I revealed my identity, the fact that I was engaged to Marie would be exposed, and I would also have to announce Cecilly. If handled poorly, unfavorable rumors could spread wildly.

“But Marie, Isaac is only 17 years old. Isn’t he too young to be in a relationship with an elf?”

Cecilly, who had been thinking deeply, expressed a somewhat negative opinion. As she said, the rumor about Arwen and me being lovers was circulating precisely because my true identity hadn’t been properly revealed.

Occasionally, I was speculated to be an aged sage, but opinions suggesting I might be quite young were gradually being presented, starting with the corruption of the World Tree roots. After all, a prophet or regressor doesn’t necessarily have to be old.

While Cecilly being a demon made sense, a relationship with Arwen lacked plausibility and didn’t make sense chronologically.

“Let me say it again, I never said they were lovers. They just have a ‘connection,’ not feelings for each other. Chronologically, there’s no problem. Didn’t Isaac and the Queen happen to meet at the exhibition? We can just make up a story around that.”

“A story?”

“Yes. Something like they met when Isaac was about 10 and have been in contact ever since. The Queen likes reading too, right? That works out perfectly. Say you’ve been recommending books to each other until now.”

“Hmm…”

Somehow, I feel like this would only lead to even stranger rumors. For example, that I grew up and confessed to Arwen, or vice versa, and so on.

This kind of situation often occurs even among humans. A kid grows up and confesses to an adult they’ve had feelings for. It’s commonly described as “reverse cradle-robbing.”

In my previous life, this would have been viewed in various ways, but in this world, most people would just accept it. Moreover, interspecies love is increasing these days, so it’s not entirely impossible.

Still, there’s no better solution to resolve the current situation.

“That sounds good. But we should ask Arwen for her opinion too.”

“Should we call her right away?”

“Yes. But first, I need to get permission from my parents.”

“Be careful not to let Adelia find out.”

As I got up and headed outside, Marie cautiously made a request from behind. She had just learned that Adelia had become my knight.

She had a subtle expression as if she had sensed something, and being as perceptive as she is, she probably noticed that Adelia had feelings for me.

For now, they might get along as close sisters, but I wonder how she would react if she learned Adelia’s true identity and the circumstances. Given Marie’s personality, she would probably sympathize.

‘But not yet.’

I’ve heard something from my mother. If I truly want to accept Adelia, I should decide after hearing her choice when I reveal my identity in the future.

I’m not stupid, so I know what that choice might be. It probably has a close connection to the Kingdom of Teres.

Right now, she’s keeping her distance and watching from afar, but human hearts are often led by desire. Moreover, as the Kingdom of Teres is known as a cultural powerhouse, they will try to establish a connection with me by any means.

There’s a high possibility they might connect Adelia to me by granting her a royal surname instead of treating her as an illegitimate child. Plus, given that we’ve been close, it makes strategic sense.

‘Once I reveal my identity, that’s when things will really get tough.’

There was a recent crisis, but fortunately, we overcame it well and even created the best situation. The rumor about Arwen and me was unexpected, though.

Afterward, I explained the entire situation to my parents. They said they would respect my choice and let me handle it.

When I asked where Adelia was, they told me she had finished her training and was currently taking a bath. There would be plenty of time to talk later anyway.

After getting permission from my parents, I returned to the bedroom where the two women were waiting. They must have been chatting while I was gone, as their expressions were as bright as sunshine.

“What were you talking about?”

“Nothing much. So, did you get permission?”

“Yes. They said we should talk among ourselves. Father also said I could handle matters related to me on my own from now on.”

After this incident, Father said he wouldn’t interfere unless I directly asked for help. Well, Father was just an assistant; he didn’t establish or carry out the plans.

I walked over to the desk and picked up a magic paper to summon Cyris. While Cecilly had seen this often, it was Marie’s first time, so she watched with a curious expression.

“If you tear that, it summons her?”

“Yes.”

Rip-

After briefly answering, I tore the summoning paper in half without hesitation. The torn paper transformed into blue particles and scattered into the air.

“Did you call for me?”

Soon after, Cyris was summoned from thin air. She greeted politely with her distinctive husky voice.

Marie was initially fascinated by the appearance of a dark elf she had never seen before, but she soon flinched at Cyris’s revealing outfit. Although she was wearing armor, it was essentially no different from underwear, so it was natural to be surprised.

“R-really a d-dark elf? But her clothes…”

“It can’t be helped because of the dark elf’s abilities. You’ll get used to it if you keep looking.”

“Ugh…”

Surprisingly weak in this aspect, Marie turned her gaze away in embarrassment. But given Cyris’s figure, she occasionally glanced back and eventually stared openly.

Cecilly found Marie’s behavior cute and gently stroked her head with a smile. Cyris herself seemed completely unbothered.

I was momentarily distracted by Cyris’s impressive figure, but I cleared my throat to break the atmosphere and made a request to her.

“Cyris. Could you call Arwen for a moment? If that’s too difficult, you can act as a messenger. The conversation might be a bit long.”

“Understood.”

After hearing my request, Cyris immediately used teleport. While waiting for her to return, I didn’t forget to tease Marie.

“Marie. Are you really embarrassed?”

“B-but… that kind of outfit…”

“You wore something even more revealing on our first night.”

“B-but I at least covered what needed to be covered! That’s not armor, it’s just underwear!”

Marie shouted with a completely flushed face. Cecilly, sitting beside her, smiled mysteriously at the sight.

I wonder how she would react if she knew that Cecilly had worn a garter belt on our first night. I felt like playing a mischievous prank, but decided to let it go for now.

“…Isaac.”

“Yes?”

“Do you like that kind of thing?”

“I don’t dislike it.”

“…I see. So you like that kind of thing…”

I seem to have given Marie unnecessary motivation, but let’s move on.

“Isaac.”

“Ah, you’re here.”

A moment later, Arwen appeared with Cyris. As soon as Arwen appeared, Marie quietly stood up from her seat.

Although this was a private meeting rather than an official one, Arwen was still the queen of another country. Moreover, since this was their first meeting, it was important to show proper etiquette to leave a good impression.

“Hello, Your Majesty. I am Marie Housen Reckyless, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Reckyless. It is an honor to meet you.”

“I am Arwen Elidia, Queen of Alfheim. Pleased to meet you.”

The two women greeted each other according to the customs of their respective countries. Since Cecilly had met Arwen once before, a brief eye greeting was sufficient.

Eventually, everyone sat around a round table. However, Cyris did not sit but stood beside Arwen.

“So, what did you call me here to discuss?”

“Actually…”

I conveyed to Arwen everything we had discussed earlier. She flinched when she first heard about the current rumors, but soon listened attentively with a serious expression as I explained everything one by one.

After the explanation was over, Arwen showed signs of contemplation for a while. She occasionally met my eyes and seemed to want to say something as she fidgeted with her lips, but I waited patiently.

After about a minute had passed, she nodded, apparently finding the idea better than expected. It was a sign of approval.

“It is indeed a good method. Not denying the rumor, but clarifying that it’s a connection rather than a romantic relationship…”

“Just showing that we have goodwill toward each other is enough. But we need to draw a clear line.”

“In what way?”

“Perhaps mentioning that I have a fiancée?”

“A fiancée…”

At the word “fiancée,” Arwen looked at Marie. When Marie met her eyes, she smiled beautifully and bowed her head slightly.

It’s a bit amusing to see her trying so hard not to let her attention be drawn to Cyris. Her clenched fist under the table was trembling slightly.

Meanwhile, Arwen looked at Marie with a subtle expression, then turned her head to the opposite side to look at Cecilly. Her face became even more complex.

I wonder what she was thinking. I quietly waited for her to speak.

“…Alright. Then let’s decide on that approach.”

“Is there anything that concerns you?”

“Concerns… Isaac.”

“Yes?”

In response to my question, Arwen looked directly at me with her silver-gray eyes like the Milky Way. She fidgeted with her lips once more and then spoke with difficulty.

“When you… see a glass half-filled with water, what thoughts come to mind?”

“What?”

“I asked what thoughts come to mind when you see a glass half-filled with water. I would like to hear not only Isaac’s opinion but also the opinions of all of you.”

Arwen sought opinions from Marie and Cecilly as well. It was an unexpected question, so both women on either side of me, including myself, wore slightly puzzled expressions.

However, Arwen rarely speaks unnecessarily. There must be meaning behind that question.

While I was thinking deeply, Marie promptly shared her thoughts.

“My knowledge may be lacking, so I’m not sure what Your Majesty’s intention is with this question. Does it have meaning?”

“Let’s just say it’s an oracle for now.”

“An oracle… I cautiously suggest that it might mean ‘have a glass of water and clear your mind.'”

“…”

Marie fearlessly expressed what she wanted to say. Arwen’s reaction to her words was quite a sight to see. Her already pale skin became even paler.

Meanwhile, Cecilly, who had been thinking deeply, offered another opinion.

“Could it be saying that it depends on one’s perspective? One could think that the glass is only half full, but also that it’s half empty.”

“Hmm…”

Arwen nodded while humming in response to Cecilly’s answer. It was a sign that it was decent but not quite right.

The only person left was me. Since she called it an oracle, it must have meaning.

I wonder if Luminus is playing another trick, but as they say, the interpretation is more important than the dream itself. I should say something positive, or it might make the mood gloomy.

So, looking directly at Arwen, who had somewhat expectant eyes, I expressed my opinion.

“It’s ambiguous, but there could be various meanings. You could fill the remaining glass, or you could pour the water on the floor. Depending on your mindset, you can either fill it or empty it, right?”

“Fill it or empty it…”

“It might be indirectly expressing that you should make a choice. You could even break the glass instead of filling it with water. It’s so ambiguous that I’m not sure either.”

“…”

After hearing my answer, Arwen seemed to think deeply for a while, then raised her head to look at my face.

For some reason, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, as if she felt relieved.

“I see. It seems I was right to ask for your opinions.”

“So can you tell us what question you asked to receive such an oracle?”

In response to my question, Arwen smiled even more deeply and then said:

“It’s a secret.”

Her answer sounded somewhat bewitching.