Ch.261Eventful (3)

As I headed to the town center with Marie and Adelia, Rina and Hyria were waiting as expected. Judging by the absence of knight escorts, they seemed to be watching from a distance.

Hyria, like last time, wore her uniform to firmly display her character, while Rina, befitting an imperial princess, was adorned with a splendid dress and accessories.

A blue dress that complemented her golden hair, which hung long and loose rather than being tied up. Despite its splendor, it must be an outdoor dress as the skirt was relatively short.

Instead, it was designed to subtly reveal her cleavage, highlighting Rina’s voluptuous chest. Though not as large as Cecilly’s, Rina’s was still quite substantial, giving her reason to be confident.

When the performance starts, she’ll probably wear an even more elaborate dress than now. But in my opinion, she looks much better like this.

I alternated glances between Rina and Hyria before approaching them and bowing my head respectfully.

“I apologize for being a little late.”

“It’s fine. We just arrived early, that’s all.”

“I thought my neck would fall off waiting.”

Afterward, I fulfilled my role as a guide as planned. Though I was assigned as a guide, there wasn’t much to it. Just walking around and making small talk was enough.

If Hyria hadn’t been present, I would have spoken casually without honorifics, but I had no choice but to be formal. This applied to Marie as well.

Despite the many inconveniences, Rina was faithfully serving as a buffer. Without her, troublesome situations might have arisen.

Even Hyria couldn’t openly target Adelia, so she silently observed various parts of the territory.

She occasionally glared at Adelia from the corner of her eye, but that was all. Adelia also diligently performed her duties despite receiving Hyria’s sharp glances.

Even the seating arrangement was designed to prevent Hyria from causing trouble. The order was Marie-me-Rina-Hyria.

Even if she wanted to make a move, Rina blocked her, leaving Hyria no choice but to quietly accept the tour.

“What’s that building? It’s much larger than the others.”

“Ah, that’s the publishing house that will be relocating to our territory. I heard the staff will be moving in a week from now.”

“Hmm. The only publishing house contracted with Biography of Xenon…”

She didn’t block questions altogether. She only prevented questions with malicious intent, not those related to the exhibition.

Hyria stared intently at the notably large publishing house building. It was a rare serious expression for her, and her sky-blue eyes held curiosity.

Naturally, she must be curious since it’s the only publishing house contracted with Biography of Xenon. She then shifted her gaze to me and asked:

“Have you met the owner?”

“Yes.”

“What kind of person are they?”

“Someone who knows how to keep their word.”

Hyria nodded at my unhesitating answer. She shifted her gaze back to the publishing house and spoke in her characteristically blunt voice.

“Every time I see this territory, I think it’s blessed by God. Xenon’s birthplace, a temple being built, and now a publishing house… It’s amazing how many coincidences can pile up.”

“…”

Though she said it in passing, her words hit the mark. With the merit of being Xenon’s birthplace alone, the exhibition was held, and furthermore, a temple and publishing house were built.

To Hyria’s eyes, it might seem like coincidence upon coincidence, but I had a hand in it through my letters. Thanks to that, Father is buried under paperwork.

But saying nothing here would make Hyria suspicious. Rina seemed to have similar thoughts and quickly spoke up.

“Our empire feels a bit awkward too. Among all the countries, Xenon was born in our empire. At this rate, could we surpass Teres as a cultural powerhouse?”

Despite Rina’s subtle provocation, Hyria snorted and responded dismissively.

“Hmph. Not a chance. It’s true that many artists are coming to the empire because of Xenon’s reputation. But the problem is there’s still no evidence that Xenon is an imperial citizen. Culture inherently requires proof that it belongs to one’s own country. Performances, music, sculpture, literature, and so on. Most of Minerva Empire’s culture actually originated from our Teres.”

“If we’re talking like that, wouldn’t the origin of culture be elves, meaning all culture belongs to them?”

“Just because roots are the same doesn’t mean all branches are identical, nor do all branches bear fruit.”

The conversation between these two reaffirmed that the Empire of Minerva and Kingdom of Teres were both enemies and rivals.

I knew Rina had good verbal skills from her consistent political involvement since childhood, but Hyria, naturally blunt, was no pushover either. Even now, Rina seemed at a loss for words.

Above all, the greatest weapon in verbal sparring is ‘facts.’ As Hyria explained, most of Minerva Empire’s culture essentially came from the Kingdom of Teres.

The reason becomes clear when looking at history. The Kingdom of Teres existed even during the Racial War and was influential enough to be considered the center of the human alliance.

However, due to poor post-war management, they could only watch as the Minerva Empire was born. They even lost in diplomacy, allowing the Minerva Empire to gain more territory.

Perhaps because of this influence, Minerva Empire’s culture is heavily mixed with that of the Kingdom of Teres. This is also why, despite its formidable military power, the empire cannot easily conquer the Kingdom of Teres.

If the Kingdom of Teres brings up history as a fact, the Minerva Empire completely loses its ‘justification.’ This is why the Minerva Empire desperately tries to establish its own culture.

“And even if Xenon were an imperial citizen, there would be many problems. Would Helium and the Papal Kingdom of Sabre just let it be? His reputation becoming too high could also be problematic.”

“…”

Rina silently glanced at me after hearing Hyria’s additional explanation. Her bright blue eyes reflected complexity and anxiety.

From the perspective of Rina and the empire, I’m a big fish they absolutely cannot afford to lose. However, I’ve grown too large to be caught by fishing rod or even a net.

In other words, I’m not a big fish but a whale far exceeding the size of their boat. It’s not others choosing, but me making the choice.

‘I won’t be going to the Kingdom of Teres anyway.’

I’ve long confirmed the character of the Kingdom of Teres. The Minerva Empire is much better.

Despite Rina’s anxious gaze, I gave her a slight smile as if to say not to worry. Seeing my expression, Rina seemed reassured as her wavering gaze gradually settled.

Meanwhile, Hyria continued speaking. It wasn’t mere chatter but extremely realistic talk, which made it strangely captivating.

“Moreover, we can’t rule out the possibility that Xenon might reject everything. Although the exhibition is being held in Mayshall territory, the ultimate purpose of the exhibition is culture that everyone can enjoy. To be honest, I don’t think someone with such ambition would belong to any one side.”

“Then what does Princess Hyria think? How could Xenon live comfortably without leaning toward any particular side?”

Marie, who had been listening to Hyria’s explanation, asked out of curiosity. Since she’s engaged to me, anything that happens to me will inevitably affect her.

Knowing my desire for a comfortable life better than anyone, Marie’s question wasn’t strange. It was also appropriate for the current situation.

Hyria stared at Marie after hearing her question and answered nonchalantly.

“The solution is very simple. Either reject everything or accept everything. That’s it.”

“…”

“Helium will praise Xenon as a savior whether he accepts them or not, so it doesn’t matter much. Still, they’ll try to repay their debt.”

That’s already in progress. In fact, Cecilly has been my lover for a long time.

As soon as I heard the answer, I glanced at Marie’s expression. I saw her smiling brightly, but the area under her eyes twitched slightly.

Additionally, she pinched my thigh hard, making sure the person beside us couldn’t see. She didn’t seem to care that Adelia was behind us.

Though I had expected it, even Hyria, who doesn’t know my identity, said such things, which must have upset Marie.

“Actually, accepting everything would be the best solution and much better for Xenon. It would be fair to everyone and less likely to cause conflicts.”

“…”

The problem was that Hyria went even further. She was saying these things because she truly knew nothing.

This was enough to further fuel Marie’s anger. However, she couldn’t openly express it, so she could only soothe herself internally.

I don’t think I’ll be sleeping comfortably tonight. I inwardly chuckled and gently took Marie’s hand that was pinching my thigh.

It was a silent signal to stop, as asking more questions might make Hyria suspicious.

Meanwhile, Rina had been pondering Hyria’s words and then smiled her characteristically elegant smile as if an interesting thought had occurred to her.

“Didn’t you just say that the Kingdom of Teres would provide all support? That seems a bit different from what you said earlier.”

“I said that under the assumption that he would choose our kingdom. Of course, the chances of that happening are close to zero.”

“Then…”

Rina briefly trailed off and glanced at me. Her blue eyes contained an inexplicable mischief.

Just as I was starting to feel uneasy about that mischief, Rina dropped a bombshell question on Hyria.

“If Xenon wanted you, would you be willing to marry him?”

“What?”

“Rina?”

Hyria, as well as Marie and I, looked at her with surprised expressions at her question. Even Adelia behind us seemed to flinch.

I have no idea what intention was behind such a question. From the start, I have no intention of marrying Hyria.

No, before that, I have no desire to be involved with the Kingdom of Teres, which has a history of severely persecuting Adelia. If I accepted them, I’d only be making things difficult for myself.

Rina surely knows this, so why did she ask such a question? I briefly composed myself and watched the situation unfold.

Soon, I could understand Rina’s intention. Hyria looked at us cautiously and spoke in a very careful voice.

“That… doesn’t appeal to me much. I don’t plan to be sold off like merchandise.”

“Even if Xenon wants it?”

“As I said before, there’s also Lara besides me. And I…”

Hyria swallowed the rest of her words and glanced at me, her lips moving slightly. Seeing her reaction, I nodded with an “Ah.”

Rina had methodically built up to deliver a proper blow to Hyria. Currently, Hyria is pestering me, who has a fiancée, out of petty revenge.

But just now, Hyria herself said this: the kingdom would grant whatever Xenon wants.

In other words, if Xenon wants Hyria, she would have to go without complaint. That would naturally prevent her from achieving her revenge. The part about me being Xenon?

Hyria knows nothing about that. From her perspective, she’s faced with a binary choice.

Either give up her petty revenge and go to Xenon, or defy Xenon’s wishes.

Though it’s just speculation, it’s been a well-known fact for a long time that Xenon is male. From the Kingdom of Teres’ perspective, they would have to send Hyria, not Lara, as a show of ‘sincerity.’

‘So that’s how politics works.’

While Hyria’s reckless move was the biggest factor, Rina is appropriately using it. The only fortunate thing for Hyria is that no one else is listening.

However, Rina presented a realistic choice: choose one and give up the other.

She’s directly removing a troublesome aspect for me. This benefits not only me but also Adelia.

“What’s wrong? Is it because you think Xenon might be an old sage as speculated? There are also rumors about him being a returnee, so he might be handsome and young.”

“…What about you? Are you willing to go?”

“If he wants me, I would gladly go. I can sacrifice myself for the empire. That’s what I was born for, after all.”

Our Rina really knows how to speak. How impressive that she can make the upright and arrogant Hyria squirm like this.

Though there’s a difference in knowledge, Rina would likely have said such things even if she didn’t know I was Xenon.

She delivered a critical hit by finding the ‘contradiction’ between the current situation and Hyria’s words.

I can’t help but think she’s amazing. All the previous dislike I had for her has vanished, and stacks of favor are building up.

…Suddenly, her voyeurism came to mind, but let’s overlook that. Personal preferences should be respected.

“So, what’s your answer?”

“…I’ll think about it.”

“You’d better think carefully. About what’s best for the Kingdom of Teres. Perhaps Xenon might happen to see you and fall for you.”

Rina said this while giving me a look. I responded to her look by raising one corner of my mouth, indicating denial.

Objectively, Hyria is certainly a beauty, but she fails in terms of character. Besides, with Adelia around, falling for her is out of the question—I’d be lucky if I don’t send her a letter.

After showing my denial, I suddenly thought of Adelia and turned around. I wondered what reaction she was showing. Adelia was also an ardent fan of Biography of Xenon, so she would surely react.

And sure enough, I saw Adelia looking more dejected than before. She looked like a puppy drenched in rain, drooping sadly.

She lacks self-esteem in matters related to family. It’s not strange for her to show such a reaction.

‘You don’t need to worry.’

I want to reveal my identity to Adelia soon. I wonder how she’ll react.

As if sensing my gaze, Adelia, who had been slightly bowing her head, looked up and met my eyes. Her clear sky-blue eyes held a question.

I answered by giving her a slight smile. In response, Adelia blushed and cleared her throat, putting on a deliberately solemn expression.

Though she’s trying to hide her expression while on duty, it’s all too obvious. She’s fully expressing her unique charm.

“I enjoyed our conversation today. See you next time.”

“…See you next time.”

“I enjoyed it too.”

After exactly two hours, Rina and Hyria went their separate ways. Only Cecilly and Arwen remained.

The tour with Cecilly and Arwen is scheduled for after lunch. That means it’s free time now.

Marie, Adelia, and I viewed the exhibition with more relaxed minds. Like the previous exhibition, various works were displayed, pleasing to the eye.

It would be nice if this continued until lunchtime, but as with any large-scale event, various incidents can occur.

Especially the incident I’ve been worried about all along. For example…

“Hm? Issac. Look over there.”

“Hm?”

“That pink-haired man over there.”

The one I was desperately hoping we wouldn’t run into.

“The woman in front of him… Could it be Cherry?”

“…”

The meeting between Cherry and her father. The pink hair was so distinctive that we spotted them immediately.

As soon as I confirmed where Marie was pointing, I thought “this is bad” and moved my feet. Marie and Adelia followed behind me.

“You still haven’t come to your senses! I told you to read philosophy books instead of focusing on that writing!”

“…”

“Get in the carriage and return to the family house right now! From today, I’ll forbid you from reading any books except philosophy!”

As we got closer, the shouting of the man presumed to be Count Roseberry grew louder. Cherry stood before him with her head bowed, silently listening.

No matter what, scolding someone in the midst of a crowd is a bit much. I approached them and smoothly intervened.

“Excuse me.”

“Hm?”

When I intervened, Count Roseberry turned his gaze to me with an angry expression.

The same was true for Cherry. She slowly raised her bowed head and looked at me.

With those deep, dark eyes like an abyss that I had only seen at the beginning of the semester.

“May I ask what’s happening?”

I asked the count with a friendly smile. Count Roseberry squinted one eye and gruffly asked back.

“Who are you?”

“Ah, I apologize for the late introduction. My name is Issac Ducar Mayshall. And…”

I then looked at Cherry and said kindly.

“I’m Lady Roseberry’s senior at the academy.”

Count Roseberry’s eye twitched as he pointed at Cherry. With his index finger, no less.

I felt uncomfortable with how he treated her like an object rather than a daughter, but before I could dwell on it, Count Roseberry asked me:

“Do you know this child is Cherry?”

“Of course.”

“How do you know?”

I looked directly into Count Roseberry’s eyes and answered.

“Because I helped her.”