Ch.245Typewriter (2)

The publishing company president, Musk Grid, would already know about the news that he’s trying to purchase the temple. It wasn’t a joke—he was planning to merge the temple and publishing house for the safety of himself and his employees.

Though he’s known as a money-obsessed tax evader, he surprisingly has solid principles. Moreover, considering the times, tax evasion is the kind of crime that could be overlooked with appropriate bribes to those in power.

The Imperial Family could have taken Musk’s head long ago if they were determined, but he has the formidable shield of the Biography of Xenon protecting him. Even if they wanted to touch him, it would be awkward to do so.

If Musk had truly been blinded by money and committed all sorts of atrocities, Issac would have cut ties with him immediately, but Musk wasn’t that kind of person.

Rather, he invested in printing facilities to help the Biography of Xenon gain more fame, and now he’s amassed wealth comparable to that of nobility.

But after being attacked by devil worshippers, he realized one thing—the value of life.

No matter how much money you have, it’s all for nothing if you lose your life. This was Musk’s personal truth and enlightenment after surviving a near-death experience.

Does that mean he only thinks about his own safety? Not at all. Since founding the publishing house, he’s been concerned about his employees who have gone through many hardships.

Although that concern is heading in a slightly different direction, which is a flaw. Rather than recruiting and investing heavily in training new employees, the current situation is much better.

Money can solve many things, but it cannot solve time. Especially now that the Biography of Xenon causes a sensation whenever it’s released, skilled employees are not an option but a necessity.

That’s why he came up with the proposal to buy the temple with money—a suggestion that seems absurd yet reasonable.

Since they’re the publishing house contracted with the Biography of Xenon, which saved this world from the threat of demons, he thought the Church of Luminus might permit it.

Matthew and other employees looked at Musk with expressions that said he was an idiot, but when they thought about it carefully, everything he said made sense, so they all agreed.

But even Musk couldn’t predict one variable…

“They refused?”

“Sadly, yes. As much as we would like to build a temple according to Devotee Musk’s request… we find it difficult due to concerns about other religious orders.”

That variable was the existence of religious orders other than Luminus. Musk’s plan itself was brilliant enough to be called genius despite sounding foolish to anyone who heard it.

But the world is full of various variables. In this world, there are other gods besides Luminus.

Most humans worship Luminus, but there are countries like Helium that have Mora as their state religion, and Makina and Animus worship Hirt.

Finally, Alfheim, though currently divided by ethnicity, believes in all three religions. This means the situation is realistically very complicated.

If the Biography of Xenon were to be released within a Luminus temple, other religions would oppose it with 100% certainty. Especially Helium would rise up, given that the Biography of Xenon saved the demon race.

This part was Musk’s unilateral action, not Issac’s, so the resulting backlash would be too enormous for an individual to handle. Even if the Empire of Minerva protected him, it would still be overwhelming.

This is no exaggeration—it could potentially escalate into a religious war. Matters involving religion always required considering the worst-case scenario.

This left Musk in a difficult position. It was clearly a brilliant idea, but realistically entangled with many problems.

Although the number of races worshipping Luminus is large, if the other two religions joined forces, the situation could be reversed.

Above all, the Papal Kingdom of Sabre now needs to improve its reputation, which has been severely damaged by devil worshippers. They might be pointed at as greedy people.

Purchasing a temple with capital would be the answer for safety, but paradoxically, it was very difficult because the fame of the Biography of Xenon had reached the heavens.

“Is there no other way?”

Considering it a solid investment for the future, Musk had no intention of giving up on purchasing the temple. So he asked for understanding from the Archbishop of the Church of Luminus sitting across from him once more.

The Archbishop smiled bitterly at his question and shook his head. As much as he wanted to approve, this was an issue that could lead to major conflicts between religions.

Still, there was one way. It’s just that the possibility of realization was extremely low.

The Archbishop opened his mouth in a dignified tone, looking at Musk who seemed as anxious as a puppy needing to pee.

“There is one way, though it’s nearly impossible.”

“W-what might that be? Could you tell me?”

“I repeat, it’s nearly impossible. It would involve building temples not just for Luminus, but also for Mora, and finally for Hirt.”

“…”

The Archbishop’s advice was to purchase temples for each religious order equally to prevent conflicts anywhere.

Musk barely suppressed a gasp when he heard this. His eye twitched uncontrollably.

Building temples for all three religious orders? Is that even a reasonable suggestion?

Just purchasing a Luminus temple would require an unknown amount of funds, so Musk found himself in an impossible situation.

To begin with, it’s questionable whether other religious orders would readily allow temples to be built. Building a temple required a person of at least Cardinal rank to construct it personally.

If even Luminus was like this, how much more difficult would it be with other religious orders? Even for someone with as many connections as Musk, his network didn’t extend that far.

“…So you’re saying it’s simply impossible.”

“That’s right. I understand your circumstances, but especially because it’s the Biography of Xenon… Our order can dispatch Holy Knights for now.”

“Sigh… I understand. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me despite your busy schedule.”

In the end, merging the Luminus temple and the publishing house had to be tentatively postponed. As the Archbishop said, being protected by Holy Knights was the best option.

After sending the Archbishop away, Musk fell into deep thought. Only silence settled in the president’s office where he was left alone.

How could he guarantee the safety of himself and his acquaintances? Even a Cardinal had been a devil worshipper, making it difficult to trust even Holy Knights.

Moreover, even the mercenaries he had hired with money last time turned out to be devil worshippers. It was a moment when he clearly realized that the world doesn’t revolve around one’s wishes.

‘Somehow I need to convince Mora and Hirt…’

The more he thought about it, the more he couldn’t help but laugh wryly at the irony of being too famous to function.

The Biography of Xenon being treated as scripture or prophecy? That doesn’t matter to Musk at all. It’s just a means to make money.

For Musk, the Biography of Xenon isn’t a golden goose—it’s a diamond-laying goose. And the world is even upholding that goose.

“What should I do…”

While he was lost in thought, staring blankly at the ceiling…

Knock knock knock-

“President. It’s Matthew. May I come in?”

Matthew, his faithful secretary and one of the “salary thieves,” had arrived. Of course, “salary thief” was half a joke—he was an employee who performed his duties well enough to earn his pay.

And Matthew’s arrival meant something had happened. Musk straightened his posture, deciding to deal with the current matter first.

“Come in.”

Creak-

As soon as Musk gave permission, the office door opened, and Matthew appeared.

He had dark circles under his eyes as if he hadn’t slept recently, and his eyes looked hollow. Musk’s expression turned puzzled upon seeing this.

He always had a tired face, but today he looked especially exhausted. Had something happened?

“Why does your face look like that? Couldn’t sleep?”

“With people who might stab you in the stomach lurking around, do you think I wouldn’t be anxious? I’m anxious every day…”

“…”

He seemed to understand the situation now. Musk’s face instantly hardened.

As Matthew said, he himself had been attacked by devil worshippers, and the same could happen to those around him. This applied to Matthew and other employees as well.

If employees leave due to anxiety, it would inevitably affect sales. If an accountant were to leave… the thought alone was terrifying.

Musk asked Matthew a question, considering the possibility of significant financial loss.

“…So, what brings you here this time?”

“Actually, the manuscript for volume 19 of the Biography of Xenon has arrived.”

“What? Already?”

Musk’s eyes widened at Matthew’s news. The manuscript for volume 18 had arrived just two weeks ago, and now another one had already arrived.

What kind of magic had been performed to produce it so quickly? In fact, even one volume per month was an impressive work pace.

For an ordinary author, it would probably be one volume every two months. Of course, the Biography of Xenon might be relatively easier to write since it’s easy to read.

But the work speed was still unbelievable. Musk received the manuscript from Matthew with a dumbfounded expression.

Rip-

After tearing open the envelope, he found thick manuscript pages inside, along with a letter.

Before reading the manuscript, Musk started reading the letter first. The elegant cursive handwriting and signature written in “Hangul” confirmed it was from Xenon (Issac).

[Hello, President Musk. This is Xenon. You’re probably surprised to receive the manuscript in less than two weeks. Actually, thanks to a gift from a demon I’ve been acquainted with, my writing speed has greatly improved.]

The letter’s content was roughly this: He received a gift from a demon he had been acquainted with, and thanks to that gift, his writing speed had increased dramatically.

Originally, he had been publishing new volumes once every month or two, but from now on, he might be able to send manuscripts every two weeks or even ten days.

Though he didn’t know what kind of gift it was, it was enough to make Musk want to dance with joy.

That’s not to say there were no side effects. As everyone knows, the demand for the Biography of Xenon has been increasing as time passes.

The printing facilities were operating at full capacity, but the supply was still far short. Moreover, criminal activities like hoarding were also increasing, which was a concerning matter.

‘What kind of gift could it be?’

Musk put down the letter for a moment and checked the manuscript first. At first, he couldn’t notice any difference as it was written in Issac’s elegant handwriting.

However, after going through half of the manuscript, he clearly understood what the difference was. Each character was as precise as if printed in a printing house, like typeset rather than handwritten.

It seemed that the gift from the demon was closely related to typography. If he had read the manuscript first, he might have misunderstood that Issac had contracted with another publishing house.

[…In return, I’m thinking of writing a side story. The content would be about Jin and Lilly’s past, which many readers love. Since it’s a side story for demons, I’ll probably focus on Jin.]

A Jin and Lilly side story following the Kayre side story. He could already hear the sound of money piling up.

While the Kayre side story showed tragedy due to the difference in lifespan, Jin and Lilly might be different. In the main story, Jin and Lilly were practically lovers already, just without having confessed.

The president quickly calculated in his head. This would sell tremendously. Especially in Helium, they would be ecstatic.

[If possible, I’d like the side story to be sold in Helium first. It’s my small gift to them.]

There was even such content. He could almost hear the demons, who consider the Biography of Xenon as divine grace, crying.

[Once again, I’d like to express my gratitude to the demon who gave me this gift. Of course, I won’t reveal who that demon is, but I’d like to convey my thanks through a letter. Oh, and if Mr. Musk wishes, you can release the volumes at appropriate intervals. I saw in the newspaper that supply is struggling to meet demand. Please do as you find convenient, Mr. Musk.]

“Wow…”

How could he be so considerate? Musk exclaimed as soon as he read the content that scratched his itch perfectly.

But that doesn’t mean he plans to release them monthly. Until just now, he was worried that supply couldn’t keep up with demand, but whatever the gift was, Issac’s work speed had increased several times.

Purchasing temples not just for Luminus but also for Mora and Hirt—if new volumes are truly released every two weeks or ten days, it might not be impossible after all.

After finishing the letter, Musk gently put it down and looked at Matthew. Matthew was still rubbing his eyes, apparently suffering from fatigue.

“Good work, Matthew. If you’re tired, you can go home now.”

“Thank you. By the way, have you heard that rumor?”

“What rumor?”

“I’m not sure since I just overheard it, but you know the Mayshall estate, right?”

“Of course I know.”

How could he not know where Xenon lives? Plus, an exhibition is scheduled to be held there.

Matthew quietly opened his mouth in a tired voice.

“I heard they’re building a temple of Luminus there. Apparently, Cardinal Kate brought personnel herself.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?”

“I’m not sure either. Something about making it a holy site since it’s where Xenon was born. I’m not certain. I just overheard it.”

“Hmm.”

Musk fell into thought after hearing his words. There are no rumors without basis in this world. This rumor is probably true, eight or nine times out of ten.

Though he had never met Cardinal Kate in person, her devotion was said to be close to madness. Of course, this too was a rumor.

There is sufficient “justification” for making Xenon’s birthplace a holy site. He exposed the existence of devil worshippers that were corrupting the world and even brought divine punishment to a fallen Cardinal.

‘…Wait a minute.’

Would the demons—that is, the followers of Mora—remain silent seeing this?

The birthplace of Xenon, whom they treat as a holy relic and believe saved them?

Religion sometimes transcends race. That unique rivalry of not wanting to lose to that guy.

If rumors are circulating that the Church of Luminus is spending a fortune to build a temple in the Mayshall estate, there’s no reason the Church of Mora wouldn’t do the same.

‘…That’s it!’

Suddenly, a powerful spark flashed through Musk’s mind. His brain, which worked unnecessarily well in these areas, activated.

Although this would involve various risks and would need to be discussed with Xenon, the probability was higher than what the Archbishop had mentioned.

After thinking it through, Musk grinned and casually asked Matthew.

“Say, Matthew.”

“Why are you calling me?”

“Could you find out how many of our employees have families? Specifically, those who haven’t become independent or have started families.”

“Why do you ask?”

Musk immediately answered Matthew’s question.

“We might need to relocate the company.”

“…?”

What is this guy plotting now? Strong suspicion settled in Matthew’s eyes.

*****

Several days later.

[From Helium: We will also build a temple of Mora in the Mayshall estate.]

“…?”

Issac, who was eating bread in the dormitory, encountered news that made him doubt his own eyes.