Ch.259Eventful (1)

In my previous life, drunk driving would be a serious crime close to murder, but in this world, there’s not even proper road traffic law, let alone regulations against drunk driving.

The only means of transportation, horse carriages, are merely taxed, and there’s no issue if the coachman is drunk.

Rather, being able to afford alcohol while driving is seen as a luxury, so there’s no proper law against it.

Moreover, in this society, the attitude toward drinking is both lenient and strict, and crimes committed while drunk are treated similarly.

When someone commits a crime while drunk, the focus is only on the crime itself, not on the drinking.

For example, if someone gets drunk and assaults someone in anger, the law only addresses the assault, making an exception for the drinking.

That’s why jokes about waking up in jail after sobering up are quite common.

In other words, it’s very difficult to impose penalties for drunk driving, and compensation is the most appropriate punishment.

Eins himself seemed to acknowledge his mistake and accepted it willingly, but the problem was that he had very little money. The same was true for the other dwarves.

This created a difficult situation, but the solution came quite simply.

It was to put Eins and the three dwarves to work at a construction site. Fortunately, they needed manpower, and dwarves could be trusted, so the matter was resolved smoothly.

In exchange, our family would manage the car until the exhibition ended. To prevent theft, we brought it into the mansion’s courtyard.

After such an eventful day, morning dawned the next day.

“Isaac~”

“Ah. Sister Cecilly.”

As the morning sun rose, Cecilly arrived at our mansion. As always, with her knight, Gartz Balack. Gartz silently bowed his head as soon as he saw me.

Gartz was wearing the ordinary uniform I’d seen before, but Cecilly, as expected, didn’t disappoint.

She wore a black dress like the one I saw in Helium, with her shoulders exposed and about half of her large breasts showing, complete with frills.

It expressed both sexiness and sensuality, while fully revealing Cecilly’s alluring charm.

Even though we’ve already been intimate, every time I see Cecilly in such a bold dress, I feel like we’re meeting for the first time. That means I don’t know where to look.

Even Marie wore a modest dress with almost no exposure at this exhibition, making the contrast more apparent. That’s not to say Marie is inferior to Cecilly—they each have their distinct personalities.

If Cecilly stands out for her sexiness and sensuality, Marie showed purity and innocence like the color of her hair.

In reality, both Marie and Cecilly were busy biting and sucking on me, but let’s move past that.

“You’re later than I expected. Did something happen?”

“Yes. I upgraded the typewriter and had to meet someone.”

“Meet someone?”

I tilted my head. If the Princess of Helium had to meet someone, it must be a significant figure.

And the person Cecilly mentioned was enough to surprise me slightly.

“Yes. Do you know Skall? The director of the Matrix troupe.”

“Of course I know him. You met with him?”

“Actually, since the last exhibition, we’ve been supporting them at the national level. And they’ve been preparing a major project for this exhibition. You’ll be surprised when you see it!”

What kind of project could make Cecilly so confident? If it were anyone else, I might not be curious, but coming from Cecilly, my curiosity is doubled.

She wouldn’t be surprised by ordinary magic, so there must be an extraordinary performance waiting.

“If Isaac wants, I can show you right now. You’re the original creator, so you have every right.”

“No, it’s fine. It wouldn’t be fun to see it in advance. Unless it’s a preview.”

I still remember it vividly. Behind the demon who was transforming, a large scythe appeared and caught it in an instant.

From that moment, the Matrix troupe showed remarkable directing skills and delivered a performance worthy of their reputation.

Combined with the sensational music of the Lilus Orchestra, it was truly the best.

“The preview will be shown on the day of the exhibition. Just like the last exhibition.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Can you tell me what the story is about this time? Is it Sacran again like last time?”

At my question, Cecilly smiled and shook her head. The story of Sacran would have made the deepest impression on the demons, so it’s unexpected.

Seeing my puzzled expression, Cecilly revealed the story.

“No. It’s the story of Kayre and Elisha. Specifically, it focuses on volume 11.”

“Ah. Did they portray Kayre’s death too?”

This is also unexpected. Kayre’s death is a famous scene that continues to be discussed, and it clearly shows the tragedy arising from the difference in lifespan.

The demons, like elves, have long lifespans and deeply empathized with it, but since it’s a story between humans and elves, it didn’t attract much attention.

Moreover, Skall is a demon, so it’s unexpected that he would turn their story into a performance.

“Yes. By the way, I’ve only seen the preview. But it was amazing. I learned what happens when you give a master craftsman time and budget.”

“You’re making me even more curious.”

“You can look forward to this exhibition. I guarantee it.”

Her guarantee makes me even more excited. I chatted with Cecilly as we moved to the guest room.

There wasn’t much luggage, but it’s good manners to guide her.

“Did Marie arrive first?”

“Yes. She went to see Lilly.”

“Ah, right. My sister-in-law must have been born by now. I want to see her soon.”

Although Lilly is only two months old, she’s very popular. As soon as Marie saw Lilly, she squealed about how cute she was.

And then she gave me a subtle look, creating an unusual atmosphere. She seems to have flipped a switch after seeing Lilly.

I’m a bit afraid Cecilly might do the same. Especially since she openly expressed her feelings after volume 19, making her much more likely than Marie.

Perhaps sensing my gaze, Cecilly asked me with a beautiful smile.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because you’re so beautiful.”

“Hehe.”

Cecilly seemed pleased with my compliment, smiling softly. Her cheeks turned slightly red, indicating her good mood.

After guiding Cecilly to the guest room, I asked Gartz to take the typewriter to my bedroom. Specifically, to the safe he had given me at the last exhibition.

Gartz is someone I can trust, so I allow him access to my bedroom. After assigning a room to Cecilly, I moved to the lounge.

“Since we’re going to sleep in the same bed anyway, can’t we just stay in your bedroom together?”

“Sorry, Marie has already claimed it. And Marie is officially engaged to me.”

“Hmm.”

Was she dissatisfied with my answer? Cecilly stared at me expressionlessly, then lowered her gaze.

Then she gently placed her hand on her flat lower abdomen and muttered softly enough for me to hear.

“Should I really cut in line? I get jealous every time I hear about it.”

“Hey now.”

It sounded more like a true statement than a joke, so I hastily scolded her. Currently, Cecilly’s jealousy toward Marie is increasing day by day.

More precisely, it’s her desire for my child. It seems she’s unwilling to yield on this matter, even if she concedes everything else.

This is also an issue Marie can’t compromise on, making it a headache for me. I’ll have to mediate as best I can.

“Kyaa~ She’s so cute!”

“Isn’t she adorable?”

“Yes, she’s truly lovable.”

Of course, this concern is only valid until seeing Lilly. Just like Marie, Cecilly immediately reacted with love when she saw Lilly squirming in the cradle.

My mother looked pleased at her reaction, and Marie nodded in full agreement.

Like Cecilly, who showed an intense reaction, Lilly also opened her eyes wide and stared at her as soon as she saw her. She was also sucking on her finger.

Normally, she should be sleeping, but fortunately, Lilly woke up just as Cecilly arrived. Thanks to this, Lilly got to meet both of her new sisters-in-law at the same time.

“Woo.”

Fascinated by the horns on Cecilly’s head, Lilly flailed her arms and reached out. Cecilly responded to her request by slightly lowering her head.

Then Lilly grabbed Cecilly’s horns with her tiny hands. Allowing someone to touch one’s horns is a sign of love and affection.

When I hold her horns, they fit in one hand, but the size difference is evident when Lilly holds them.

Lilly, having confirmed Cecilly’s affection, burst into a beaming smile. It’s a killer smile that melts away all accumulated fatigue.

“Yawn…”

But a baby is still a baby, and not long after, she yawned widely and her eyes began to close. Her hand naturally fell from Cecilly’s horns.

My mother, who had been watching with a pleased expression, immediately took the cradle out of the room when she saw Lilly rubbing her eyes.

The brief healing time ended regrettably, but there were still mountains of things to talk about. The women and I sat on the sofa and began to chat.

Thoughtfully, my mother had prepared refreshments in advance, so there was no chance of getting bored.

“By the way, where is Adelia?”

“She’s currently receiving maid training. If you want to meet her, you can in the evening.”

“When will she officially start working?”

“I heard she can start working from when the exhibition begins.”

A custom-made maid uniform is also prepared for Adelia. However, the nanny explained that she doesn’t wear a maid uniform everywhere.

She wears a maid uniform inside the mansion, but when going out, she wears neat formal attire. Like the clothes casino dealers wear.

If Adelia were an ordinary maid, she would wear a maid uniform everywhere, but she also serves as a knight. Having a knight escort naturally makes one less approachable.

Additionally, according to the nanny, a personal maid indirectly reflects the dignity of the family, so she should wear formal attire when going out.

It’s a bit disappointing, but I should be satisfied with Adelia wearing a maid uniform.

Oh, to add, I requested the maid uniform design. I vividly remember the nanny looking at the drawing with a subtle glare.

It was an expression that roughly said, “So you’re a man after all.” I’m looking forward to seeing Adelia wear it soon.

“Then we can talk about it then.”

“Huh? What talk?”

“Marie and I have something planned for the vacation. Right?”

“As expected of Cecilly. You’re quick to notice.”

When Cecilly sought agreement, Marie nodded with satisfaction. From Marie’s previous mention and this, it seems they’ve had some kind of conversation.

The focus of that conversation would naturally be Adelia. I’m curious about what they discussed, but I refrained from asking since they probably wouldn’t give a clear answer.

What’s important now is the exhibition that’s approaching. Since Cecilly has arrived, it’s an appropriate time to bring it up.

“Sister, you also asked me to guide you, right?”

“Yes. Rina asked me before. I heard some strange woman was bothering you?”

“It was disgusting. How could she do that to a man who has a fiancée?”

Marie grumbled with rare hostility.

People closely associated with me know what happened between me, Adelia, and Hyria. It’s only natural for Marie to react this way.

Unlike the women who show genuine feelings for me, Hyria is using me as a means of revenge. This makes her appear hateful.

Moreover, she used her power to put me in a difficult position, and I’m now officially engaged to Marie. Regardless of whether I’m Xenon, she’s committed a major diplomatic faux pas.

There may be dirty politics among nobles, but one should at least protect one’s own country’s nobles. What would the nobles of one’s own country think if they were attacked without any countermeasures?

In essence, Hyria took a risky move to get back at Adelia. If my fiancée had been the daughter of an ordinary noble family instead of Marie from the Reckyless family, she might have forced it through.

But once intervention begins at the national level, it’s all futile. With a proper justification, the Kingdom of Teres is unlikely to do anything strange.

“I should make it clear this time. I am Isaac’s official fiancée. In that sense, can I accompany you?”

“As my fiancée, you can. But won’t you lose your time and have to deal with politics?”

“I just need to keep the Kingdom of Teres in check. The rest is just hanging out with friends. Right, Cecilly?”

Marie thrust her head forward and sought agreement from Cecilly, who was sitting on my right. Her expression was full of confidence.

However, Cecilly showed a somewhat ambiguous attitude after hearing her question. Marie tilted her head with a puzzled face, and then Cecilly spoke.

“That’s true, but… I’m a bit concerned about Alfheim.”

“The Elf Queen? You mean Queen Arwen Elidia?”

“Yes.”

“Why? Did she also request Isaac to guide her?”

“Ah.”

Come to think of it, I didn’t tell Marie about that. Alfheim announced they would attend the exhibition, but the guide request was made privately.

So it’s not strange that Marie doesn’t know, but Cecilly seems to have vaguely guessed. She’s the person who has met Arwen the most after me.

“I forgot to mention it. Arwen also requested me to guide her.”

“Really? Did Cecilly know about this too?”

“I predicted it from when Alfheim announced they would attend the exhibition. She also has feelings for Isaac.”

“What?”

“…?”

At this sudden bombshell, both Marie and I looked at Cecilly with great surprise. Especially me, with a bizarre expression as if asking what she meant.

In response, Cecilly tilted her head as if she couldn’t understand our reaction. Then she casually dropped another bombshell.

“You didn’t know? She was showing it quite obviously.”

“…Isaac?”

At Cecilly’s question, Marie called my name with a chilling voice. At the same time, she emanated a cold aura.

But I’m the one who’s wronged. It’s true that Arwen has shown me favor, but it’s not clear if it’s romantic interest.

Even when she had that grand confrontation with Cecilly, she only made an elvish communist statement, and then was mortified with embarrassment afterward.

…That said, it’s not entirely implausible. During the manuscript theft incident, she showed leniency as a compromise and even dissolved the Senate, which had been a tumor.

Reviewing each event, there’s sufficient possibility for Arwen to have romantic feelings for me. The problem is that there’s no clear catalyst.

Unlike Marie or Adelia, who fell for me as a person, she hasn’t shown her face often, and unlike Cecilly or Kate, it’s not because I’m Xenon.

It’s not even a misunderstanding arising from cultural differences, like with Leona. In Arwen’s case, I can’t even guess where it started.

“Why?”

For these reasons, all I could say was “Why?” That’s all that comes out in my current state of mind.

Cecilly seemed to understand my feelings; she blinked her red eyes and then looked up. It seems she’s also carefully reviewing after hearing my question.

I hope she tells me quickly. Marie is glaring at me with a murderous aura, and it’s suffocating.

After thinking for a while, Cecilly shared her speculation about the catalyst.

“Hmm… There’s only one likely reason. That you are Xenon.”

“…Just that one thing?”

“And the question the Queen asked you before she left?”

The question she asked me… It must be the reincarnation statement. But I don’t see how that’s related at all.

I can’t fathom what misunderstanding Arwen has to have feelings for me, and I can’t predict how the exhibition will unfold.

But one thing is certain.

“Ha. Really. Our Isaac is just too~ popular for his own good!”

“…”

“Nicole was right. She said you’d even seduce the Elf Queen, and it turned out to be true. Maybe Nicole was the prophet, not Isaac?”

For the time being, I’ll be squeezed by Marie.

Even now, she’s speaking deliberately with subtle anger while firmly gripping my thigh.

To appease her anger, it might be best to give up on my lower body.

“Oh my. May I join in? Isaac is too naughty. Even though it’s Arwen who misunderstood on her own, he still seduced her!”

“Sister?”

“Shh. Isaac, you’re a sinner now. So keep quiet and just wait for night to come. If you’re really scared, I’ll take you directly to Mora’s temple.”

“…”

Mr. Musk, please establish the publishing company as soon as possible. I feel like I might be sucked to death.

And so, until the exhibition started, I was subjected to the joint attack of Marie and Cecilly.

“Hello, Devotee Isaac. Luminus has instructed me to find you and bestow a blessing.”

“…Thank you.”

Whether it was a joke or sincere, Luminus sent Kate to bless me.

Thanks to the holy power and physical training I’ve received so far, I’m only slightly tired, not actually dying.

As I felt the holy power seeping into my body and yawned, Kate, who had been giving the blessing with her hands clasped devoutly, spoke.

“By the way, I’ve noticed that Marie and Cecilly’s energy has strengthened recently. Have you bestowed your seed upon them?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

“I knew it. Excellent. Please continue to spread the seeds of light widely. If you wish, you may use my body as well. O light that will save the world.”

“…”

Who is this person trying to kill?

From the beginning, there were ominous signs about this exhibition. And…

“Hello…”

“Ah. You’re here.”

Timely enough, Cherry visited the mansion just before the exhibition started.