Ch.20Steam Locomotive (2)

When about two weeks had passed since the publication of Biography of Xenon Volume 8, I picked up the newspapers left in front of my dormitory door before starting another refreshing day.

There were two types of newspapers: one from the Hoitor Press and the other from the Tootli Press. The difference is that Hoitor Press mainly focuses on humans, while Tootli Press covers news broadly without racial distinction.

Subscribing to two newspapers rather than one means the subscription fee is a bit higher, but it’s not a big problem. The living expenses my parents gave me were more than enough.

“Hmm…”

After finishing a simple breakfast, I opened the newspaper and began looking for the news I wanted. As everyone knows, the news I want is about the newly published Biography of Xenon Volume 8.

I first read the Hoitor Press, which focuses on humans, and as soon as I opened it, the news I was hoping for was right on the first page. I leaned forward slightly to check what was written.

[Biography of Xenon that kept many subscribers in suspense. Finally revealed. But…]

As expected, various reactions were listed. Some critics took this opportunity to directly criticize, while many others evaluated it accurately while facing the bitter reality. Criticism of nobility would naturally be a sensitive and spicy topic for them.

Still, there didn’t seem to be any major issues. Honestly, at first I wondered if I should include this, but after hearing Leort’s story, I was able to strengthen my resolve. If someone deliberately tries to come after me, I can simply hide or seek refuge with the imperial family.

‘Well, I didn’t just write about the dark side.’

If Count Crost, who trapped Xenon, reveals the dark side of nobility, then Count Kay is a character who, in contrast, reveals the bright side of nobility.

Perhaps because of this, there were quite a few evaluations of Count Kay. Most praised Count Kay’s character as the virtue that nobility should aspire to.

‘If there hadn’t been the Jeiros Revolution, it might have been dangerous.’

In this world, there was an event similar to the French Revolution on Earth. Perhaps because of this, cases of nobles “openly” intimidating or discriminating against commoners are rarely seen. Although the bad habit of nobles looking down on commoners still persists, I haven’t seen such situations yet.

Moreover, as they say, one mudfish muddies the water, there are many nobles with solid principles. Without going far, Marie’s family, the Reckyless Ducal House, is realizing noblesse oblige.

When a duke, second only to the emperor, lives by such a motto, the nobles below can’t help but be mindful.

I examined the reactions from each country one by one and then turned the page. Since Hoitor Press is a company rooted in the Empire of Minerva, evaluations from other countries are in the latter part.

“Hmm…”

As expected, the Kingdom of Teres is showing the most intense reaction. The Kingdom of Teres is the country where the Jeiros Revolution broke out, so they would be more sensitive to such stories.

But what’s interesting is that almost everyone is enthusiastically criticizing Count Crost. Commoners, nobles, and even royalty are no different. They are all united in rejoicing that Count Crost’s end was well-deserved.

‘Didn’t they say there’s not much difference between commoners and nobles in the Kingdom of Teres?’

The Kingdom of Teres implements a governance method close to constitutional monarchy. It doesn’t mean “reign but don’t govern,” but rather “don’t govern as you please.” Having gone through a major upheaval, nobles who commit discrimination are severely punished.

I continued turning the pages of the newspaper and checked the time. It’s almost time to go to class. I’ve only finished reading the Hoitor newspaper, and haven’t even turned a page of the Tootli newspaper.

‘I’ll just read it after classes are over.’

I left the newspaper on the bed and prepared to head to the classroom. Before going out, I didn’t forget to check if I had my lecture notebook. One fatal mistake like that time is enough.

As I went out the door, the fresh morning air greeted me. I walked to the classroom with light steps.

‘By the way, how do I buy Biography of Xenon at the academy?’

As soon as news came out that Biography of Xenon was being published, an enormous crowd gathered in front of bookstores.

Seeing that, I was more dumbfounded than shocked and couldn’t say anything. By now, they’ve probably all been sold out.

My parents have the first edition, so they won’t have any problem reading it, but my sister and brother are the issue. Even the author himself can’t buy books except for the first edition, so I wonder how those two will get them.

‘It’s amazing how they’ve managed to buy them until now.’

With such thoughts, I found myself arriving at the classroom. As soon as I entered, various conversations reached my ears.

“Did you see Volume 8 that just came out?”

“Of course I did. It’s a bit bitter, but as expected.”

“No noble would refrain from checking a commoner who achieved such feats. What would have happened if this actually occurred?”

“Hey, did you buy the new one? If you did, lend it to me.”

“No way. I haven’t finished reading it yet.”

This is now a topic of conversation I can let in one ear and out the other. I’ve heard it so much that I can now take it lightly. More importantly, I need to check if my acquaintances are seated.

I sat down in a vacant seat and looked around the classroom.

“Lady Cecilly, have you read the newly released Biography of Xenon Volume 8?”

“No, I haven’t even been able to purchase it yet.”

“Ah, I see. I could lend it to you if you’d like?”

“It’s alright. I’m curious about the content, but I can wait.”

The only face that immediately caught my eye was Cecilly, who was surrounded by numerous female students.

Cecilly was answering each question from the female students around her while wearing an awkward expression. She seems to find the current situation burdensome.

I was briefly puzzled by Rina’s absence from her side, but soon confirmed that she was sitting separately. Looking at where Rina was sitting, I could see that she too was surrounded by several female students.

“What do you think, Lady Rina? Don’t you think it’s too extreme, even for a novel?”

“Well… I don’t know? If we don’t commit wrongs, we can be confident. I would simply recruit a hero like Xenon as is. Such cases are frequent in reality.”

“Then why do you think Xenon doesn’t accept a noble title? Count Kay also suggested that he could become a noble if he joined his knight order.”

“Given Xenon’s personality, he probably judged that the status of a free adventurer is better than that of a noble.”

Unlike the flustered Cecilly, Rina was dealing with the female students in a gentle and elegant manner.

It almost looked like an adult telling interesting stories to children, and I almost let out a laugh.

‘Why are they sitting separately?’

Cecilly and Rina usually stick together. At least to my eyes, I’ve never seen those two apart.

But now they’re separated, and quite far apart at that. Having only seen them together before, I couldn’t help but wonder.

‘Did they have a fight?’

After alternately looking at the two who were spending energy dealing with groups of female students, I turned my gaze forward. It’s not something I need to worry about right now.

‘But where did Marie go…’

Just as I thought that, someone sat next to me and greeted me brightly.

“Hello!”

Speak of the devil.

Marie waved at me with a bright smile. I also waved back and greeted her casually.

“…Yeah. Hello.”

“What’s with that reaction?”

“It’s nothing.”

I was a bit puzzled why she, who usually arrives early to the classroom, was coming at this time, but I didn’t bother to ask.

With Cecilly and Rina sitting separately and surrounded by female students, she might have chosen to sit next to me.

Meanwhile, Marie asked me about my well-being in her characteristically energetic voice.

“What did you do over the weekend?”

“Read books.”

“What kind of books? Don’t tell me Biography of Xenon Volume 8?”

“No. History books.”

“What? History books?”

Hearing my answer, Marie made a face as if she had heard something unbelievable. As I’ve mentioned before, Marie dislikes history to the point of shuddering.

As I nodded silently, Marie spoke in a tone that suggested she couldn’t understand at all.

“Why would you deliberately read something so boring? Especially when there’s Biography of Xenon.”

“I found it interesting.”

Moreover, Professor Elena’s office is filled with history books and papers I’ve never encountered before. These days, I live for the pleasure of reading them.

Teaching composition to Cindy feels like getting cancer. Her comprehension is disastrously poor, requiring thorough explanation for her to barely understand. But since she’s not lacking in passion, I can’t bring myself to criticize her.

“Well, everyone has different tastes. By the way…”

Marie slightly turned back and trailed off. Her gaze was directed at Cecilly and Rina.

Then she shook her head and spoke with a tone suggesting she couldn’t help it.

“They’re still like that.”

“Did something happen?”

“Ah, you don’t know. They fought at the café yesterday.”

So they did fight. I had roughly guessed it, but it was still surprising.

I alternately looked at Rina and Cecilly, who were still surrounded by female students, and asked Marie.

“Why? What did they fight about?”

“I don’t know either. I just happened to see it while passing by.”

“Hmm…”

Is there a topic those two would fight about? No matter how much I thought about it, nothing came to mind.

“Anyway, have you read the newly published Biography of Xenon?”

While I was deep in thought, Marie asked me in a slightly excited tone. I snapped out of my thoughts and faced her.

Her eyes were slightly folded, giving a smirking impression, which somehow felt unpleasant. It was as if she was feeling some sort of superiority. To this, I raised one eyebrow and answered.

“No. Have you?”

“Hehehe.”

Instead of answering, she let out a strange laugh. Seeing that reaction, I could immediately predict that Marie had purchased Volume 8.

And sure enough, as Marie opened her mouth, the answer I expected came out.

“Of course I got it. Even the ones I couldn’t buy until now. My dad pulled some strings.”

“I see. You didn’t break any laws, did you?”

“As if! I just used connections. It’s definitely not illegal, okay?”

Is there a need to use connections just to buy a few books? And from a ducal family with power second only to the emperor at that.

While I was inwardly dumbfounded, Marie spoke with a teasing expression.

“Jealous? If you’re jealous, just say so. If you really want, I could lend them to you.”

“No thanks. I can buy them later, even if it takes time.”

Above all, I’m the author. As I waved my hand and replied curtly, Marie heard my answer and made a “see?” expression before sighing deeply.

“Sigh… If you’re going to be like that, I’ll have to bring up something you can’t refuse.”

“Something I can’t refuse?”

What kind of story could it be for her to say such a thing? While I was wondering, Marie looked around. She seemed to be careful in case others might hear.

Eventually, she gestured for me to come closer. With growing curiosity in my heart, I brought my face closer. Marie momentarily became flustered and quietly exclaimed.

“Hey, hey! Not your face, your ear. Your ear!”

“Ah.”

Only then did I turn my face to show my ear. Marie sighed and cupped her hands around my ear to prevent sound from leaking.

“Don’t be surprised when you hear this. Actually, my dad told me something really shocking.”

“Something shocking? Did the Duke send a letter?”

“Yes. And in that letter, it said…”

Marie paused for a moment and looked around again. Then she whispered in my ear.

“My dad found the author of Biography of Xenon.”

“… …”

With those words, I felt my heart drop.

“He’s even inviting the author to our house. The author readily accepted, he said.”

“…What?”

I couldn’t help but frown at her subsequent explanation.

What nonsense is this?