Ch.227Volume 17 (2)

Volume 17 shows Jin and Lilly’s intimate romance while also developing events unfolding in the Holy Papal Kingdom.

The Holy Papal Kingdom was originally favorable toward establishing an alliance, but upon hearing they must ally with demon-folk, they refuse. The reason is simple and clear: demon-folk can become demons at any time.

As mentioned before, while readers know better, the characters in the book never witnessed Sakran’s noble sacrifice firsthand. Only a few clergy who witnessed his final moments treat demon-folk as humans, while those in higher positions remain unchanged.

Even Jin, who has been Lilly’s knight since childhood, isn’t trusted. Jin himself is accustomed to such discrimination, but given the circumstances, it’s frustrating nonetheless.

Moreover, as stagnant water tends to rot, the Cardinals happen to be all elderly gentlemen, which slows progress considerably.

Afterward, Jin and Lilly postpone establishing the alliance forces and head to an inn for the night… only to be attacked before they can stay. Volume 17 ends with them finding clues about who’s behind the attack.

Foreshadowing and clues about the culprit are scattered throughout, so those with good deductive skills can figure out who the real criminal is. It doesn’t matter anyway since everything will be revealed in Volume 18.

[The Papal Kingdom of Sabre announces that under the name of Luminus, it has nothing to do with the contents of the Biography of Xenon.]

How considerate. This is the “official statement” released by the Papal Kingdom of Sabre as soon as Volume 17 was published.

Yes, an official statement. They were the first to claim the Biography of Xenon was a book of prophecy and that Xenon was a returner, so they have reason to be nervous.

With discriminatory views toward demon-folk mostly diminished now, Helium possesses power that makes other countries salivate.

Item crafting abilities rivaling dwarves, devotion to Mora like the Papal Kingdom of Sabre, and individual demon-folk with power equivalent to tactical weapons.

Each is a sweet fruit, and Helium as a country possesses them all, so falling out of favor would result in significant losses.

However, due to its nature as a “holy papal kingdom,” Helium wouldn’t suffer much from criticism, but other countries can’t help but be cautious.

[Demon-folk in the book are still discriminated against. This makes the emotions even more poignant.]

[An attack on the Church’s saint, and within the papal kingdom no less. This is certainly not normal.]

[Is internal strife occurring within the Holy Papal Kingdom?]

Readers began questioning and analyzing the attack. After all, a saint should be treated with respect comparable to the Pope at the church level, yet she was attacked.

The Papal Kingdom of Sabre found itself in a predicament. Since this could potentially affect them, they not only provided an explanation but also firmly stated that such a thing would never happen under Luminus’s name.

Readers don’t seem to fully believe this due to numerous past incidents, but since it’s a country established for “God,” they let it slide.

Certainly, the idea of clergy conspiring with demons behind God’s back is inconceivable to them. This incident occurred within the Holy Papal Kingdom, unlike the World Tree roots and demon worshippers.

To become a Cardinal, one must undergo strict screening and receive permission from Luminus, so they firmly believe such a thing is impossible.

Of course, while becoming a Cardinal is difficult, falling from grace afterward is easy. The higher one’s power, the easier it is to lack morality and be swayed by desire.

Volume 18 will explain this, and as Luminus mentioned, the world will be turned upside down.

[The overnight stay was ruined by the attack, but there’s still hope.]

[They essentially confessed their feelings for each other. Those damn attackers…]

[I believe it will continue in Volume 18.]

The progress between the Jin-Lilly couple also received much attention. As mentioned before, Jin and Lilly are as popular as the protagonists Xenon and Mary.

Even my mother said she’s more drawn to Jin and Lilly than the protagonists, which shows how popular they are.

Until now, they’ve never directly expressed their feelings for each other. Jin has been hiding his affection, and Lilly, though aware of his feelings, has been quietly waiting.

But in Volume 17, Lilly, unable to hold back anymore, confessed to Jin first, which must have been cause for celebration among readers. The overnight stay was ruined by the attack?

That’s not an issue. What matters most is that they no longer hide their feelings.

Readers are already drooling at the prospect that if things continue this way, they’ll end up together and have a lovely child by the conclusion.

‘Not a chance.’

Jin is the final boss. This is an unchangeable fact that I’ll consistently maintain.

Originally, works that end tragically leave a deeper impression on readers’ minds. Jin, like Sakran, will sacrifice himself to protect the one he loves.

I’ll receive some criticism and reproach from my mother, but I have no intention of changing this. If it seems too harsh, I can always release a side story.

Until then, I’ll continue to scatter foreshadowing and hints, instilling a sense of foreboding in readers. It’s called a “death flag,” a very famous cliché that I’m adopting in the Biography of Xenon.

‘But why did Kate return? Could she have understood what I said and gone back?’

I paused while writing Volume 18 and wondered about Kate’s whereabouts. She returned to Sabre just two days after Volume 17 of the Biography of Xenon was released.

I gave her the famous saying from my previous life, “It’s darkest under the lamp,” so she might have realized something.

However, from what I’ve observed, Kate lacks common sense and is very awkward in human relationships. Naturally, she’s somewhat deficient in social skills.

It’s a bit strange that someone like that would sense something and return to Sabre. Or perhaps she has a sharp side I’m unaware of.

‘She’ll handle it herself.’

From my perspective, it’s a good situation since the seed-obsessed succubus is gone. Marie also expressed relief upon hearing that Kate had left.

My current tasks are writing Volume 18 and preparing for our anniversary. I’ve already subtly asked Marie what she wants most.

‘But that gift is really…’

I smiled bitterly, recalling the “gift” Marie wants most. She says she just needs me, nothing else.

Having grown up as a duchess without lacking anything, she can use her family’s power if she needs anything.

This makes it difficult for me. How can I satisfy Marie? I’ve already purchased high-end cosmetics with my mother’s help, but her primary gift request remains me.

Perhaps her possessiveness has increased lately due to the growing number of women around me. Anyway, I need to figure something out.

‘…Should I make her a voucher?’

It sounds crazy, but it might actually be a good gift… would it be? I’m not sure. In my previous life, I could search the internet for suitable gifts, but options are quite limited here.

I’ll give the cosmetics as the anniversary gift and the voucher as a bonus. I’ll also write a handwritten letter.

In my previous life, I would have cringed at handwritten letters, calling them tacky and advising against such gifts, but this isn’t Earth. It’s the mid-to-late modern era, full of sentiment and romance.

‘Let’s see. The anniversary is about ten days away… and soon I’ll need to visit Mora.’

I’ve already asked Cecilly to help me visit Mora. By the way, she, not Gartz, will personally escort me to Helium.

Originally, I planned to ask Gartz to do it, but she insisted on taking me herself, treating it as a date.

I didn’t mind and easily agreed. I must arrive on time to avoid turning into a woman at all costs.

‘But knowing Mora’s personality, she’ll probably play tricks again…’

If she does, I’ll tell her I won’t come again. She might grumble a bit, but if she understands my sincerity, she’ll reluctantly accept.

For now, let me write. I need to hurry and write Volume 18 so the bugs hiding in the Papal Kingdom of Sabre will come out into the light.

‘Ah, right. I should be receiving a letter from Arwen soon.’

I have too many things to do.

*****

Meanwhile, around the same time, in a carriage returning to the Papal Kingdom of Sabre.

Kate, a Cardinal of the Papal Kingdom of Sabre and seed-obsessed… no, Grand Inquisitor, sat quietly with her eyes closed inside the carriage.

Wearing white armor, her appearance was so sacred and beautiful that she could rightfully be called a saint.

Her golden hair, reminiscent of golden fields, was braided into one, and her long eyelashes created a mysterious atmosphere. She truly embodied a “saint” and presented a picturesque scene.

With her characteristic expressionless face that seemed far removed from anguish, a priestess sitting opposite her quietly spoke.

“Cardinal Kate.”

“…”

At the priestess’s call, Kate slowly opened her eyes and faced her. Her green eyes, like those containing leaves, seemed to hold firm resolve.

Then, with a bright smile, she quietly said:

“Yes, Sister Aisha. What is it?”

“I… I’m curious why you’re returning to our country. Have you completed your pilgrimage…?”

The priestess, Aisha, asked about the reason for returning in a very cautious voice. She knew that Kate had embarked on a pilgrimage to find Xenon.

But returning to the Papal Kingdom of Sabre before completing the pilgrimage didn’t make sense. Pilgrimage is a very important mission for clergy.

Returning without completing the mission, barring exceptional circumstances, was enough to raise questioning glances.

“Could it be that you found Xenon…?”

“No, that’s not it.”

To Aisha’s tentative question, Kate shook her head firmly. She had found Xenon, or rather Isaac, but at his request, she didn’t reveal it to the world.

Moreover, she’s returning because there’s a more urgent matter than Xenon right now. Kate looked at the puzzled Aisha and asked with a smile:

“Sister Aisha.”

“Yes?”

“What comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘it’s darkest under the lamp’?”

Kate repeated the advice she had heard from Isaac. Aisha blinked and tilted her head.

“Well, I’m not even sure why it would be dark under a lamp…”

The answer was as expected. Kate smiled more deeply than before and slowly closed her eyes.

Aisha was puzzled, not understanding why Kate had said such a thing, but Kate didn’t answer.

Meanwhile, Kate mentally reviewed Isaac’s advice and the new volume of the Biography of Xenon.

‘If the story in the book is true…’

Although Kate is lacking in human relationships and common sense, her analytical and observational skills are surprisingly excellent.

After all, she was the one who found the demon worshippers hiding in the capital of the Empire of Minerva. She collects rumors and information, excavates clues one by one, and tracks them down.

The positions of Cardinal and Grand Inquisitor were not obtained easily.

‘The culprit is clearly someone who hasn’t been praying recently and lacks faith. Someone who masks themselves with a kind smile and hides behind the authority of being a Cardinal.’

She has already precisely identified who is behind it. In other words, she’s predicting exactly how Volume 18 will unfold.

If Volume 18 is released, there will surely be an uproar in the Papal Kingdom of Sabre. Someone in league with demons, and a Cardinal at that.

And Kate will identify such a person and deliver divine punishment. Of course, delivering divine punishment abruptly would cause significant harm to herself, so she plans to proceed slowly.

The remaining time is at least two weeks. She must drag them into the light before Volume 18 is released, to prevent them from hiding like bugs.

‘So that’s why he only told me. He must have trusted me.’

Isaac must have predicted this and informed her. An instruction to find and crush the head of those who defile Luminus’s name.

It would be too late to search after Volume 18 is released. That’s why he indirectly told her to return to her country quickly and get to work.

‘Isaac must be someone from the future. That’s why he couldn’t speak directly.’

Not only this, but Kate has gained another conviction. Until now, people have speculated that Isaac cannot reveal his identity due to a “restriction” placed by God.

They believe that future events are too overwhelming for humans to handle alone, so he informs them through “books.” The corruption of the World Tree roots and demon worshippers are examples.

Moreover, Isaac gave her advice that sounded like a proverb: “it’s darkest under the lamp.” He expressed it indirectly when he could have simply said there was a corrupt clergy in Sabre.

Therefore, the conclusion is only one: Isaac is definitely someone who has returned from the future and cannot speak directly due to restrictions placed by God.

A “messenger” chosen by “God,” a “saint” blessed by “God,” and finally, a “holy one” who will save the defiled world.

Isaac would be horrified to hear these titles, but at least that’s what Kate thinks.

‘To think I tried to receive the seed of such a person…’

She’s still far from worthy. Kate caressed her belly hidden beneath her armor.

To receive his seed, she must further hone her faith and eliminate all impurities. Otherwise, it would be disrespectful and insulting to the saint chosen by God.

So her primary task is the “purification” of Sabre. A country established in the name of Luminus is secretly defiling that name.

Unforgivable. Kate felt a subtle anger rising in her chest, but as she thought of Isaac, her mind became peaceful again.

‘Please wait, Lord Isaac. I will follow your instructions.’

Following Isaac’s words is the same as following Luminus’s words.

‘And someday, your seed…’

A pure “madness” began to take root in Kate’s heart.