Ch.264Soft Power (1)

Cherry’s switch had completely flipped, but the exhibition wasn’t over yet. There was still plenty of time until the evening, which could be called the highlight, and most importantly, I had to provide guidance after lunch.

So when lunch time ended, I asked Cherry to wander around since my duties weren’t finished yet. I told her to relax now that her identity had been revealed anyway.

I promised to find her after the final tour ended, and Cherry’s response was quite a sight.

“You won’t abandon me, right?”

“…”

“Please promise you’ll come find me.”

Why would I abandon you? I don’t want someone I know to end their life by suicide, and if it happened because of my actions, I’d live with that guilt forever.

As time passed and lunch ended, I headed to the meeting place for the afternoon tour. After lunch, Cecilly and Arwen would be taking the tour.

Of course, unlike with Hyria, it’s a tour in name only. We’ll just stick together, chat idly, and that’s it.

But that doesn’t mean I can let my guard down. As I’ve seen before, Cecilly and Arwen are strangely incompatible. They seem indifferent to each other while subtly keeping each other in check.

Moreover, Cecilly’s perception of Arwen isn’t good due to the manuscript theft incident. Especially considering their grand confrontation at the dormitory.

Despite various concerns, both of them like the Biography of Xenon, so there shouldn’t be any trouble.

“You’re here?”

“Ah! Welcome.”

When I arrived at the meeting place on time after lunch, Cecilly and Arwen were already waiting as expected.

Cecilly wore the same black dress from earlier that revealed half her chest, while Arwen wore a dress that boldly showcased her own strengths.

It was a silver dress that particularly emphasized her hips. Befitting a queen’s attire, it wasn’t plain at all but adorned with elaborate patterns throughout.

Moreover, it was cut so high below the hips that her snow-white thighs were clearly visible, highlighting her sexiness. In various ways, it seemed like a dress she had put significant effort into for this exhibition.

Cecilly emphasized her upper body, while Arwen emphasized her lower body.

Both openly displayed their respective strengths, creating an overwhelming impression. From their races to their image colors, and finally to their individual strengths.

How could they be so different in every single way? I found it fascinating but managed my expression carefully to avoid showing it.

As I approached them, I noticed the guard knights standing beside each of them.

Naturally, Gartz stood by Cecilly’s side, while surprisingly, a familiar face stood next to Arwen.

“Huh? Could it be Kayre?”

“It’s been a while.”

It was Kayre, the elf I had met during my entry into Alfheim. Just like before, he was an elf with handsome features and an impressive, likable smile.

I couldn’t forget him because of the vivid memory of him kicking the immigration officer who had refused Cecilly’s entry for absurd reasons.

“Weren’t you an immigration supervisor, Kayre?”

“I got fired.”

“…”

The way he said he got fired sounded strange. I momentarily wore a dumbfounded expression before shifting my gaze to Arwen, seeking an explanation.

Arwen seemed quite embarrassed too, clearing her throat before giving Kayre a sharp look.

At that look, Kayre smiled weakly as if it was a joke and began to explain properly.

“I apologize. That was actually a joke. Queen Arwen selected me as her guard knight. Isn’t it better to bring along a familiar face?”

“I see.”

As you know, Arwen’s original guard is the dark elf, Cyris. But this is more like a deal between Arwen and the dark elves.

I’ve heard that Arwen’s military power is strong, but a royal family’s guard knight clearly shows what kind of country it is.

Especially at events like exhibitions where you meet many people, bringing a guard knight is essential.

“Please take good care of our queen.”

“Don’t worry. Please enjoy the exhibition too, Kayre.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Kayre bowed his head respectfully according to Alfheim’s etiquette before leaving. Similarly, Gartz also gave a simple nod before walking away.

Though the two guard knights had left, they would be watching us from not too far away. I looked back and forth between the two women who remained after the guard knights departed.

‘Honestly, they don’t even need guard knights.’

Cecilly is a formidable powerhouse without explanation, and while not certain about Arwen, she must be militarily strong given her deep knowledge of magic.

In all honesty, if anything were to happen, they could handle it themselves. If anything did happen, I’d be the one begging for help.

“Hello, Queen Arwen. It’s been a while.”

“Ah. It has indeed been a while.”

After the guard knights left, Marie greeted Arwen politely first. As everyone knows, Marie and Arwen had become acquainted during the Senate incident.

Arwen made a curious expression as she received Marie’s greeting. I’m not sure what she was thinking, but it was peculiar.

The reason was none other than Marie’s expression. While her face clearly displayed a bright smile, her eyes did not.

It was as if she was examining her opponent, quickly scanning Arwen up and down.

It seems she’s being cautious of Arwen after hearing that she has romantic feelings for me.

“…”

There was a spot where Marie’s gaze suddenly stopped—Arwen’s wide hips.

She might not have noticed during their previous meeting, but now with Arwen wearing a dress, it was impossible not to notice.

Marie looked back and forth between Arwen’s face and hips before offering a compliment with her usual gentle smile.

“You’re truly beautiful. Queen Arwen, you possess a different kind of beauty than Princess Cecilly.”

“Th-Thank you.”

Arwen seemed slightly taken aback by Marie’s rather direct compliment. However, judging by her blushing face and quivering lips, she wasn’t displeased—quite the opposite.

The “different kind of beauty” from Cecilly must refer to her lower body. It’s a common euphemism used among nobles when complimenting someone’s figure.

For reference, some rude nobles might say things like “you look like you’d raise children well” or “you look like you’d give birth well,” which is undeniably sexual harassment.

As I watched the two women begin to compliment each other, I glanced behind me. Adelia was standing there blankly, watching.

The news that Marie and Arwen knew each other must be new to her. But she doesn’t look completely confused.

Since Marie has a straightforward personality, but was still a duke’s daughter, Adelia probably just accepts it without question.

“May I ask who that person behind you is?”

Appropriately, Arwen pointed at Adelia and asked. All eyes turned to Adelia behind us.

Adelia responded with an “Ah,” politely bowing her head and calmly responding.

“Issac young master’s guard knight…”

She started to say “guard knight” out of habit but quickly corrected herself.

“…I mean, personal maid, Adelia Cross. It’s an honor to meet the Queen of Alfheim.”

“Personal maid…”

After hearing Adelia’s introduction, Arwen glanced at me. She seemed surprised that I had a personal maid, who was essentially like a secretary, rather than an ordinary maid.

She might think Adelia knows my identity too. A personal maid is supposed to always assist her master when they work.

To prevent this, I shook my head. There had been some slip-ups so far, but Adelia still hadn’t properly caught on.

Understanding my intention, Arwen nodded and introduced herself just as Adelia had done. She spoke with her characteristic solemn and mature tone.

“As you may know, my name is Arwen Elidia. Though inadequate, I am the queen ruling Alfheim.”

Adelia once again placed her hand on the center of her chest and greeted politely in response to Arwen’s introduction.

With introductions complete, all that remained was the tour. Well, it’s more like viewing the exhibition than a tour.

Adelia stood behind us, and the seating arrangement… doesn’t really matter. Marie and Cecilly always stuck close to my side, but as for Arwen…

“Oh! What a magnificent statue! With just mana, it looks like it could come alive and move like a golem!”

“This painting seems to depict Kair and Elisha. I was truly sad when Kair died.”

“There seems to be a performance over there, could you come with me?”

She was busy enjoying herself. No joke, she was busy viewing the artwork and performances placed throughout the estate.

The queen’s dignity had completely disappeared, leaving only a girl visiting an amusement park. Her small stature made her look even cuter.

I’d like to help her maintain her dignity, but looking at Arwen’s expression, that seems unnecessary. She doesn’t seem to care about it herself.

“She must have been under a lot of stress.”

“Indeed.”

As Cecilly said, Arwen was fully expressing her desire to relieve all the stress she had accumulated through this exhibition.

With the Senate fading into history and the facts Phiren spread in his final struggle making her tired.

The manuscript theft incident, the mixed-blood issue, the Senate, and finally her connection with me (Xenon).

These incidents happened one after another in a short period, and she didn’t have a proper place to relieve stress.

Though she’s a queen, Arwen is ultimately a person with clear emotions. It doesn’t seem bad to let her jump around and enjoy herself like this.

“I heard earlier that many nobles have been trying to connect with the Queen in various ways?”

“She’s having a hard time even here.”

Hearing Marie’s words, I feel sorry for Arwen. I think I should serve at least Arwen with sincerity.

“Nom nom nom.”

“Is it delicious?”

“Of course!”

Seeing Arwen happily munching on a lamb skewer with her mouth full brings a smile to my face. I barely suppressed the urge to pat her head.

I’d like to ask her friendly questions like where Cyris is or if she’s been having a hard time, but with Adelia right behind me, it’s awkward.

Instead, I’ll have to ask indirectly. As Arwen finished her lamb skewer with a satisfied expression, I casually asked:

“Your Majesty, may I ask you one thing?”

“I’ll answer any question from you.”

“As Your Majesty knows, Xenon received a gift from the demon race that greatly increased his work efficiency. I’m curious what kind of gift the elves, who hate to lose to demons, would give.”

*Flinch*

Arwen’s body jerked noticeably at my question. At the same time, Cecilly and Marie also looked at Arwen with curious expressions.

As everyone knows, elves hate to lose to demons. They are races that stand in completely opposite positions from their origins.

So just as the demons did, the elves would also give me a gift. Especially Arwen, who is publicly known to have a connection with Xenon, would know what the gift is.

However, Arwen’s reaction seems a bit unusual. She hesitated, and her previously snow-white face rapidly turned red.

Additionally, she seems to be struggling to face me directly. I became even more curious about what the gift might be.

“Th-That… is embarrassing to say right now.”

“Embarrassing?”

“Y-Yes. But know that we will gift Alfheim itself. This is certain, and not just me but all the people of Alfheim want this.”

Alfheim itself… I felt puzzled by Arwen’s answer.

It’s too abstract of an explanation to bring anything specific to mind. But seeing how embarrassed Arwen is, it must be deeply related to her…

‘…No way.’

A lightning bolt flashed through my mind! If elven communism is deeply rooted throughout Alfheim, this story is entirely possible.

The characteristics of elves who hate to lose to demons and have a deep sense of community, combined with Arwen’s reaction of placing both hands on her chest in embarrassment.

Putting all this together, there is one predictable “reward” that exists. I just can’t say it openly because Adelia is behind me.

As soon as this thought occurred to me, I immediately checked the reactions of others. Adelia wouldn’t think anything of it, so I only needed to check Marie and Cecilly.

First, Marie.

“…That seems like an amazing gift.”

As expected, she seems to have caught on, with an expression of disbelief. Additionally, the strength of her arm linked with mine increases.

Hmm. I can hear the sound of my life getting more fucked up. Next, let’s check Cecilly.

“…”

Unexpectedly, Cecilly is smiling as if she has no thoughts on the matter. But I could tell.

She’s definitely talking to Arwen via telepathy. I can deduce this from how Arwen occasionally flinches.

Decisively, Cecilly is looking at me with half-narrowed eyes. And she’s nodding, which suggests that whatever conversation they had, she seems to understand.

One thing is certain.

‘I’m fucked.’

I was already fucked, but now I’m even more fucked. It’s quite remarkable that a single piece of writing could lead to such a result.

As I was laughing awkwardly with a resigned heart, someone broke the awkward atmosphere.

“Oh right, Your Majesty.”

“Hmm?”

“Will Your Majesty also be attending the performance this evening?”

It was Cecilly. She clapped her hands to draw attention and asked Arwen.

Arwen, still blushing to her ears, blinked her silver-gray eyes and quietly answered.

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss the collaboration between the Matrix Troupe and the Lirus Orchestra for anything.”

“Is there an artist like Director Skall in Alfheim? An artist who uses magic for performances.”

“…No. Even if there were, no elf would use magic for performances.”

“I see.”

Cecilly nodded at Arwen’s answer and continued with a confident voice.

“Perhaps based on this exhibition, our Helium’s cultural power might far surpass Alfheim’s.”

“What?”

At this clear provocation, Arwen’s gaze hardened slightly. For Alfheim, culture is undeniably one of its strengths.

Even though the Kingdom of Teres is known as a cultural powerhouse, the origin of culture was Alfheim. Naturally, she couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.

Marie and I watched their dispute with curious faces.

As I heard at the mansion, Cecilly had proudly mentioned that her country had established a “project” for this exhibition.

The center of that project is the Matrix Troupe, and they’ve given full support to Director Skall.

I had been curious about what it actually was, and it seemed like she was indirectly revealing it while provoking Arwen.

Thinking about it again, Cecilly seems to have a strange rivalry with Arwen.

“Imagine this. Not showing a stage in real-time like a performance, but selecting only the best and most wonderful scenes to show. And transcending the environmental conditions of a stage to vividly show people events occurring in various terrains. Do you think this is possible?”

“…”

Yes, it’s possible. I’ve seen it countless times in my previous life.

As I listened to Cecilly’s elegant explanation, I inwardly thought, “Could it be what I’m thinking?”

Meanwhile, Cecilly placed her hand on her ample chest and continued with pride.

“We in Helium have made it possible. By combining the ‘culture’ and ‘magic’ we’ve cultivated, we’ve created another culture. We plan to show it through this exhibition.”

Finally, she concluded as if making a declaration.

“We plan to deliver another ‘gift’ to Xenon.”

Cecilly’s words represent Helium’s will. It’s essentially the same as Helium saying this.

That they will show a cultural power one step higher than Alfheim’s. Of course, Alfheim wouldn’t be pleased with this.

Arwen responded with a crooked smile.

“I look forward to it.”