Ch.257Three Dwarves Will Come (1)

After meeting the noble named Musk Grid and receiving his not-quite-advice, my duties remain the same. I inspect every corner of the territory to identify any issues and meticulously record them in my notebook.

This is why I went out to inspect the territory the day after meeting Musk. Since Cecilly and Gartz Balack haven’t arrived yet, I can’t start writing, so this also serves to pass the time.

Moreover, as the territory grows larger, I’m bound to miss things. Though Helium and the Empire provide support, it’s still better to see things with my own eyes.

While I don’t expect any strange activities with temples prominently established, they’re still people. And people always make mistakes.

Above all, though we’re developing our territory as a cultural city specialized in tourism, putting all our eggs in one basket isn’t advisable.

If a plague breaks out or war erupts, our economy would approach zero. While war is unlikely in these peaceful times, plagues remain problematic.

Demon worshippers are particularly concerning. With their wicked powers capable of raising the undead, causing plagues isn’t difficult for them.

Fortunately, we have temples, and Helium is supporting the installation of water and sewage systems, but preventing plagues from the start is essential.

‘In other novels, there are usually mines nearby.’

Such useless fantasies even cross my mind. While not entirely impossible given our underdeveloped state, it’s quite a far-fetched imagination.

Right now, I need to focus on the imminent exhibition. The annual exhibition has a significant impact on our territory.

Though it’s only the second one and somewhat disorganized, it will gradually become more structured over time.

Moreover, the significance of the Xenon Exhibition is that anyone can participate. The ultimate goal is for everyone to fearlessly showcase their work.

It could be an opportunity for flowers like Cherry to bloom before they wither unnoticed, and naturally, a chance to make a name for oneself.

As I always say, what matters most to artists isn’t money but reputation. The Xenon Exhibition serves as a gateway of sorts.

With the Biography of Xenon as a grand theme, it’s an opportunity to present one’s work to the public based on that theme. A form of derivative work or parody.

‘It’s about honing the basics.’

Before becoming a writer in my previous life, I serialized parody works. Looking back, they were a complete mess and embarrassingly bad.

However, as time passed, my unique writing style was established, and my chaotic grammar gradually improved.

The Xenon Exhibition will consistently serve a similar role.

‘The problem is that the veterans also run wild.’

By veterans, I mean those who were already famous, like the Matrix Troupe or the Lirus Orchestra.

Especially the Matrix Troupe, with their production values at an unbelievable level, others inevitably pale in comparison.

No matter if a demon is directing, who could compete when they pour magic into a single performance?

‘They should be making movies, not performances.’

But that’s unlikely. This time too, a collaboration between the Matrix Troupe and the Lirus Orchestra is scheduled.

Though I haven’t met them directly yet, Father received advance notice through a letter.

Besides them, other groups’ performances are also planned, but it’s like comparing apples to oranges.

I finished inspecting the territory with both expectations and concerns.

Construction sites were visible here and there, but at the current pace, everything should be completed before the exhibition.

Even after the exhibition ends, artists’ works will remain in our territory. Works from last year are still on display.

‘Wait a minute. Should I create a competition too?’

This thought occurred to me while looking at the displayed works in our territory. With all these artworks gathered, hosting a competition wouldn’t be a bad idea.

It would be a good approach, considering not only renowned artists but also those visiting to pursue their dreams.

After all, the ultimate goal of the Xenon Exhibition is a culture where everyone participates. Voting rights are naturally given to all.

Most importantly, the name. To prevent the halo effect—where votes are concentrated on already famous individuals—names will be concealed.

This would ensure fair and equal voting. If artists later complain that it’s absurd?

A letter from Xenon will be sent. Just wait and see.

‘I should tell Father.’

Though somewhat spontaneously planned, this event is surprisingly good. Just viewing an exhibition might feel a bit bland.

I jotted down the event in my notebook with a pen. Since Father is busy, I’ll probably have to establish the event myself.

“Issac!”

“Huh?”

While pondering the event, a familiar female voice reached my ears. I lifted my eyes from the notebook and turned toward the sound.

A smile naturally formed as I saw a familiar face. A girl with snow-white hair was approaching, her tresses fluttering.

I don’t know when she arrived, but it was Marie, dressed in a snow-white dress like her hair.

It wasn’t a dress for the exhibition but an outdoor one, yet it couldn’t hide her radiance.

Whoosh-

Marie, who had been running while holding her dress hem, spread her arms and embraced me. As soon as we hugged, I felt her warm body temperature and her unique scent.

We embraced for a while like long-separated lovers. Though it had been only three days since we parted for the vacation, it was still delightful to see her.

Eventually, Marie, who had been savoring my embrace, lifted her head slightly to face me. I also faced her beautiful face and smiled gently.

“When did you arrive?”

“Just now. Mother-in-law said you went out to inspect the territory, so I came right away.”

“How could you come alone? It’s dangerous.”

Though our territory has better security than others, Marie is the issue. She’s too beautiful.

It’s not just because she’s my fiancée, but someone as uniquely beautiful as Marie stands out wherever she goes. Being a noble makes her conspicuous, and while no one would commit a crime openly, there’s always a risk.

Marie responded to my concerned question with her characteristic beaming smile and just hugged me tightly. It was both an evasion of my question and a plea for forgiveness.

I gave her a look of resignation while gently embracing her. Though a year has passed since we started dating, our affection shows no signs of waning.

‘Honestly, just looking at her face would make anyone fall in love.’

In my previous life, there was a saying that if a woman is beautiful, she’s a triple crown winner. While being handsome makes life easier for men too, it’s especially significant for women.

And look at Marie now. Not just her appearance, but her figure, personality, and lastly, our compatibility are perfect, with no shortcomings.

Naturally, even non-existent affection would grow. I can guarantee that my feelings for Marie won’t change, even if more women surround me.

As she’s my first woman, I intend to repay her faithfully.

“Ahh… this. The intense lilac scent and Issac’s firm chest… I missed this feeling.”

“…We’ve only been apart for three days?”

“It’s been three whole days. That’s incredibly long. If I don’t see Issac even for a day, I feel mentally and physically drained. Can you recharge me?”

Marie asks me with a bright smile. What that recharging method is doesn’t need explanation.

I gave her a wry smile at her expression, then gently stroked her snow-white hair as I answered.

“Alright. But please restrain yourself if others arrive.”

“Of course.”

Marie nodded vigorously, satisfied with my answer. Usually a strong-willed woman, she becomes submissive before me.

This isn’t just Marie but other women as well. Despite being women with no weaknesses, they look to me.

I have to make an effort to ensure they don’t feel discriminated against. For now, since Marie is alone, I’ll focus on her.

I gave her a light kiss and slowly held her hand. On her left ring finger was the ring I had gifted her during our last anniversary.

“Are you going to keep wearing this ring?”

“Yes. I’ll keep wearing it even after we’re married.”

“Then I should gift you earrings or a necklace for the wedding.”

“I love anything Issac gives me!”

How does she always choose such lovable words? I felt warmth in my chest at her enthusiastic response and started walking.

From now on, it’s not just me but a territory inspection with my future lady of the house.

Since the territory’s residents were well aware of my relationship with Marie, they looked at us with warm expressions. Beauty is universally appreciated, and Marie’s exceptional beauty has earned her a good reputation among the residents.

“It’s completely different from the winter break. There are even demons, it’s fascinating.”

Marie, visiting our territory for the first time since the break, looked around curiously. Yet, she held my hand tightly, afraid of losing it.

Even I, the son of the lord, had seen many new things, let alone Marie. Looking at the bustling territory, I spoke.

“I was surprised too. I didn’t expect it to change so much in just a few months.”

“With temples of Luminus and Mora built, might it not surpass the capital in influence?”

“Not quite. While culture might be comparable, the capital’s actual influence is greater.”

It’s because of absurd rumors like the Biography of Xenon being a prophecy book and Xenon being a returnee. Once the effect wears off, things will return to normal.

Moreover, even with imperial support, it’s nearly impossible to match the capital. The Empire of Minerva has been building stone by stone since the racial war, making comparison futile.

What our territory is doing is simply riding the wave while it’s high.

The only issue is that the wave is so overwhelming it’s hard to row.

“But culture, by its nature, doesn’t accumulate overnight. Some things gain value over time, while others lose it. There are many uncertainties.”

“Do you think the value of the Biography of Xenon will decrease?”

“…I have nothing to say about that.”

The salvation of demons, the contamination of the world tree’s roots, and lastly, demon worshippers. The value of the Biography of Xenon isn’t decreasing; it’s skyrocketing.

This won’t change even after my death. I hope they don’t start a war over my manuscript.

“Oh, by the way. When will Adelia’s education end? I wanted to meet her, but she was in training.”

Marie suddenly asked when Adelia’s education would end. It’s natural for her to be curious since she had approved of Adelia becoming my woman.

Hearing her question, I thought deeply about Adelia. Currently, Adelia is diligently receiving maid training under the nanny.

Being not just an ordinary maid but a personal one, there’s a lot to learn, which takes time. Add to that her personal martial arts training as a guard knight.

Adelia is as busy as Father, who’s buried in paperwork. Especially the maid training, which is more mentally than physically exhausting, leaving her drained after just a day.

“Probably by evening? We have plenty of time, so we can meet her then. But what do you want to talk about?”

“Well… it’s something. A serious conversation between women who share the same man. Cecilly will arrive soon, but I should talk to her first.”

What could she want to discuss? Marie winked and joked around.

Though it seemed she wanted to catch up on conversations missed due to academics, the fact that I was excluded suggested something else.

I was puzzled by Marie’s nonchalant attitude for a moment but let it go, knowing their personalities.

Neither Marie nor Cecilly would be harsh to Adelia. For now, I should focus on the exhibition…

“Young master! Issac, young master!”

“Huh?”

Just as I was trying to ignore what Marie had said, someone called out my name. Both Marie and I turned our gaze.

We saw a security guard, who usually maintained the town’s security, running breathlessly towards us. He’s a resident who had organized a vigilante group before the territory’s development.

“What’s the matter, Michael?”

“Huff… huff. I apologize. There’s a commotion at the territory entrance.”

“A commotion?”

I tilted my head at the report of a commotion. How urgent must it be for him to run to report to me?

If it were a violent conflict, the security team would have taken measures first and reported later.

While I was thinking, the security guard, Michael, reported to me imploringly.

“Three dwarves with a strange carriage are causing a scene at the entrance. They claim it’s also a work related to the Biography of Xenon, but it’s hard to believe.”

“…A strange carriage?”

“Yes. A carriage made of steel moves on its own without horses. It looks dangerous, so we’ve prohibited entry for now.”

“…?”

Wait, isn’t that a car? I tilted my head in confusion but decided to see it with my own eyes.

Marie, equally curious, followed, holding my hand tightly.

As we headed towards the territory entrance, we could see more people gathered there than elsewhere.

“This isn’t dangerous, I tell you! How many times do I have to say it?!”

“It’s just a carriage using a magic engine! It has speed control and stopping functions!”

Amidst the murmurs, clear, gruff voices were heard. Judging by the shouts, they seemed to be from the dwarves Michael had mentioned.

Marie and I immediately moved towards the entrance where the dwarves were waiting, pushing through the crowd. I made sure not to lose Marie’s hand.

After navigating through the crowd and reaching the territory entrance, the situation Michael had described came clearly into view.

“Geez. Humans are too suspicious for their own good. It’s just a carriage that moves automatically without horses. Why won’t you let us in?”

“Because it’s dangerous. With the exhibition approaching, we can’t allow such dangerous items.”

“We’re telling you we’ll handle everything! Why can’t you trust us?”

One dwarf sat in the driver’s seat, and two others in the back seats.

It looked like an ordinary carriage at first glance, but as Michael had explained, there were no horses in sight.

Only a strange device attached behind the passenger seat was vibrating and making loud noise.

It seems to be powered by mana, as there’s no acrid exhaust visible.

‘…Should that be considered a work too?’

A fantasy version of a car has appeared.