Ch.186Dream Interpretation Over Dreams (2)

[The Queen of Alfheim Finally Speaks! Xenon was merely an acquaintance, not a lover…]

[I happened to meet Xenon by chance several years ago. We both loved books and have maintained our connection until now. He already has someone with whom he has promised a future.]

[Stop spreading exaggerated rumors. Alfheim is in turmoil due to the Senate. I will focus on state affairs from now on.]

Two days later, Arwen made the announcement as we had discussed. She declared that they were not lovers but merely acquaintances whose connection had continued until now.

The reason she could provide the speech was because they had used magic to stay in contact with each other, and although they had been too busy recently to communicate frequently, they had been steadily seeing each other.

Though the announcement came somewhat late, when Arwen made this declaration, the rumors about them being lovers didn’t completely… disappear, and suspicious gazes remained. Once human suspicion blooms, it continues to grow until it’s completely extinguished.

And with Arwen’s announcement, another article began circulating.

[The Queen of Alfheim knows Xenon’s true identity.]

With this single sentence, one could roughly predict what situation Arwen would face. Not only journalists but also dignitaries from various countries began issuing statements.

While these statements came in various forms, most expressed a desire to meet with Arwen urgently. The Empire of Minerva, the Kingdom of Teres, the Dutchy of Bellua, and even the maritime kingdom across the sea.

For those who didn’t know Xenon, Arwen was their only point of contact, so they had no choice but to cling to her. However, Alfheim was a powerful nation famous even though it had been defeated in the racial war.

Arwen rejected all requests, citing the need to strengthen internal affairs. If delegations visited, she wisely sent them away without causing diplomatic friction.

Normally, they would have checked Alfheim’s instability, but facing a situation where they might fall out with Arwen, their only connection, they could only suck their thumbs in frustration.

Alfheim had gained a massive shield thanks to Arwen, receiving an unintended benefit.

And there was one more piece of news that was fortunate amid the misfortune for readers of the Biography of Xenon.

[Hello, dear readers. This is Xenon. Recently, for various reasons… (omitted)… I received great help from a passing cleric, and my right hand has completely healed. I will not reveal who it was, but I extend my gratitude to the cleric. The new volume of the Biography of Xenon will be released within a month at the latest, perhaps as soon as two weeks.]

Xenon’s damaged right hand had healed. Readers who cared only about the Biography of Xenon and not worldly affairs cheered.

When they heard his right hand was severely injured, they had been extremely worried. They expected a hiatus of at least half a year, possibly up to a year if he had to write with his left hand.

But if there are villains in the world, there are also good people. One good person happened to help Xenon, relieving everyone’s anxiety at once.

[Elven attack confirmed. What about the treaty?]

[Queen of Alfheim: The treaty was all false. Xenon handled it and contacted her.]

[How powerful is Xenon to have subdued even elves?]

Strange misunderstandings were added like seasoning. Xenon was strong enough to subdue the elves who attacked him.

With Arwen’s testimony added, people began to think of Xenon as someone who mastered both literary and martial arts. Although they knew someone else had ghostwritten for him and that he had helpers, the focus remained solely on Xenon.

As a result, Xenon’s value skyrocketed, which was only natural. Someone who possessed both knowledge and martial prowess was rare in the world, and he had even claimed victory against elves.

Amid this storm of misunderstandings, the protagonist himself…

“Are all these fan letters?”

“Yes.”

He was calmly reading fan letters, as if in the eye of the storm.

******

I crossed my arms and stared at the pile of fan letters stacked on the desk. Cecilly and Marie were also looking on with curious expressions.

After everything was settled, I had requested fan letters when I sent a letter to the publisher. The publisher gladly complied and sent me numerous fan letters. This was the result.

But the quantity was enormous. I hadn’t been receiving fan letters because I was too busy, and an incredible amount had accumulated in the meantime.

According to the publisher, this was purely a “portion” of them. I couldn’t even imagine how many fan letters were piling up.

“Are you planning to read all of these?”

While I was contemplating which letter to read first, Cecilly asked me in a somewhat disgruntled voice. I scratched my temple and answered.

“I have to read them all. They’re letters from fans.”

“Can I read some too?”

Marie asked me with a curious expression. She had decided to stay at the mansion for a while to keep an eye on the situation.

There were exactly two weeks left until the end of vacation. The plan was to stay at the mansion for about three days and then return to Helium, and during that time, Marie would stay at our mansion.

After thinking about her request, I nodded, indicating it was fine. It wasn’t a problem since I could always read them again.

“I don’t mind. Just put them aside after you’re done. I need to read them too.”

“Alright.”

“What about me, Issac?”

“You can read them too, sis.”

After answering, I picked up one letter from the pile. I wasn’t sure how long it would take to read them all, but with my speed reading skills honed through extensive reading, I should finish quickly.

I estimated it would take about 1-2 hours. If there was any content resembling “solicitation” or “threats,” I could simply fold it and move on.

“If there’s anything strange in the letters, just ignore it.”

“Strange content?”

“You know, things like offering wealth and glory if I go to them.”

“Ah, I see. I suppose those would come too.”

“Indeed. It would be strange if they didn’t.”

Marie and Cecilly showed understanding and each picked up a letter. As they began opening and reading their letters, I shifted my attention to mine.

There was no worry about anyone coming to the bedroom, as I had already informed the staff. We had finished lunch, and Adelia was probably enjoying a sweet nap, so no one would enter the room.

Before opening the envelope, I checked the sender.

[Cherry Blossom Roseberry]

‘This person again.’

I had picked up a distinctively pink envelope among the pile, and sure enough, it was from her. She was one of the few people who had consistently sent fan letters from the beginning, and one of the few to whom I had replied.

After I sent a reply, she seemed touched, and I had the impression that the frequency of her letters had increased significantly.

*Rip*

I neatly tore open the pink envelope, reminiscent of cherry blossoms, and took out the contents. Then I unfolded the letter, which was as pink as the envelope, and slowly read the contents.

[Hello, Xenon! The red-tinged leaves have fallen, and the cold winter has already arrived. The lord’s subjects are complaining about the winter that came earlier than last year. I wonder if you like winter when the flowers wither. I don’t like it.]

As expected, the elegant cursive handwriting was impressive, just like in all her previous letters. Added to this was the girlish sensitivity permeating her words.

As I had felt before, her writing was sweet and warmed the reader’s heart.

If the atmosphere of the Biography of Xenon flows gently like a river and then changes like vast waves, this woman named Cherry exudes a floral scent that attracts insects like butterflies and bees.

Although I had never met her directly, I could roughly imagine her in my mind. A literary girl with a cherry blossom-like image.

[Soon I will be enrolling in Halo Academy. I want to gain as much knowledge as you have by attending the academy. My parents are against it, but do you think someday I might be able to write like you? Rather than adventure, I want to focus more on the love between a man and a woman, like the story of love between an elf and a human that you wrote. Love is sweet yet bitter, mysterious yet intense. I want to write stories that express those emotions well.]

Cherry, a girl who would soon enter Halo Academy. As I slowly read her letter, a question came to mind, and I shifted my gaze to Marie.

Marie was concentrating, with her index finger against her lips. I felt a bit sorry for interrupting her concentration, but I wanted to satisfy my curiosity.

“Marie.”

“Yes?”

“Do you know anything about the Roseberry family?”

“Roseberry? Are you referring to the Roseberry Count family known for their pink color?”

“Probably?”

As expected of a duke’s daughter, she even knew their middle name. As Marie and I conversed, Cecilly also became interested in our conversation.

Marie tapped her cheek with her index finger, pondering, and then began to share information about the Roseberry family.

“The Roseberry family is quite famous within the Empire of Minerva. Like any count family, they have substantial funds, and the family is known for producing outstanding philosophers for generations.”

“Philosophers?”

“Yes. More than half of the philosophy books published in the Empire of Minerva come from the Roseberry family. Even the philosophy professors at Halo Academy are talents produced by the Roseberry family.”

A family that values philosophy was somewhat unique. However, considering the times, philosophy is one of the most important disciplines.

The reason human rights developed in my previous life was because they were based on philosophy. Buddha, Confucius, Plato, Nietzsche, and many other great figures left behind philosophies that had significant impacts even in modern times.

Above all, philosophy is deeply related to “ideology,” one of the frameworks that moves a nation. The anecdote that Hitler was inspired by Nietzsche is very famous, and Marx, the father of communism, goes without saying.

Moreover, since gods actually exist here, philosophy must be more developed than on Earth. It’s not strange that there’s a family centered around philosophy; it was common in my previous life too.

‘No wonder she writes so well.’

It’s only natural that her writing skills are extraordinary, having been born and raised in a family that takes philosophy as its foundation.

When I showed an expression of understanding, Marie pointed to the letter I was reading and asked.

“Is that from the Roseberry family?”

“Yes. Cherry Blossom Roseberry says she’ll be entering the academy soon.”

“Really? We might meet her then. Even though we’re in different grades. Plus, you’ve been appointed as a recommended student.”

“Hmm…”

Hearing that, I shifted my gaze back to the letter. There aren’t many people who write so sweetly; perhaps it wouldn’t be bad to meet her once.

Of course, that’s if we happen to meet by chance. For now, I plan to exchange letters as an author and fan.

“Maybe we’ll meet someday.”

I shrugged and began reading the next letter.

******

In the current flood of news stories, everyone knows that many countries are trying to establish connections with Alfheim.

If they could somehow create a link with Xenon, they might greatly advance their cultural development. The leaders of each country were striving to win Arwen’s favor.

Among them was the Kingdom of Teres, famous for freedom and culture. When Phiren spread malicious false information, they had happily headed to the Hask region, but they returned empty-handed.

Only then did the Kingdom of Teres realize that Phiren had spread false information, and they couldn’t help but be disappointed. Their tracking of Xenon had already failed, and now their last hope was gone.

In the end, the Kingdom of Teres decided to proceed with their original plan.

“…So I have to go there?”

“What choice do we have? It’s something we must endure for the sake of our relationship with the Empire of Minerva.”

“Don’t we have Lara instead of me?”

“Lara is still too young. And who knows what rudeness she might commit?”

The king of the Kingdom of Teres, Fredrick, spoke firmly to the woman before him. The woman with sky-blue hair and eyes twitched beneath her eyes.

Her name was Hyria Ducard von Curtures, the second princess of the Kingdom of Teres.

Unlike her half-sister Adelia, who had a lively impression, Hyria had a somewhat sharp image of a cold beauty.

Unlike other princesses who wore flowery dresses, she wore a neat uniform, giving off a rigid image.

“But sending me isn’t right, is it? I clearly stated that rather than being dressed up like a doll, I would prefer to become a knight.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you so eager to marry me off? Is forming a connection with the Empire of Minerva that important?”

“I’m not marrying you off, just spreading rumors. So you don’t need to worry.”

“But what about sister Olivia…”

“Olivia genuinely fell in love. That’s not my responsibility. That’s why she’s living well now with three children. And exchanges with the Dutchy of Bellua have become much more active than before.”

“Sigh…”

Hyria let out a frustrated sigh at Fredrick’s bull-like stubbornness. Given his character of stubbornly pushing forward once he’s made a decision, the answer would be the same no matter how many times she asked.

For better exchanges with the Empire of Minerva, they were sending her, the second princess, to transfer to Halo Academy. There, she would build friendships with the crown prince or princess to bring the two countries closer.

Given that war could break out between the two countries at any time, becoming friendly wouldn’t be a bad thing, and there was one circumstance that made it necessary.

That was that the Mayshall estate, where the exhibition was held, was Xenon’s hometown. With that alone, the Empire of Minerva was screaming with joy at the unexpected profit, while the Kingdom of Teres was struck by a bolt from the blue.

“…Father.”

“What is it?”

“Promise me. That you won’t marry me off until I want it.”

“I promise for now. But if your heart changes, I’ll listen anytime.”

“That will never happen.”

After answering firmly, Hyria suddenly seemed to remember something and asked Fredrick with a questioning voice.

“By the way, isn’t Adelia at Halo Academy?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. She should have graduated by now. I heard she became a guard knight for some family.”

“A guard knight?”

“Yes. So you don’t need to worry about meeting her.”

“Hmm…”

At this, Hyria smiled with satisfaction and then quietly said.

“That’s a bit disappointing.”

“Hmm?”

Fredrick raised one eyebrow with an expression asking what she meant.

But he couldn’t help but laugh at what Hyria said next.

“I was planning to beat her up thoroughly under the pretext of sparring.”

“Hahaha.”

The time remaining until the academy reopened was two weeks.

“Bully them moderately. It would be troublesome if they committed suicide.”

“I’ll consider it.”

Another storm was stealthily approaching.