Ch.291Doubt (1)

The sudden appearance of imposters caused a bit of commotion, but they quickly disappeared as time passed.

According to newspapers and rumors that reached my ears, Kate and others from the Papal Kingdom of Sabre had come down hard on them.

I heard from Marie that Kate personally “reformed” the guy who went around boasting that he was Xenon, the protagonist from the Biography of Xenon.

Of course, people whose real names were Xenon, Kayre, or other character names were exceptions. Those people actually tended to keep quiet and live discreetly.

For adventurers or mercenaries, using aliases was enough. There might be people who coincidentally had similar backgrounds to the characters, but Sabre would handle such cases.

Anyway, the imposters who had emerged as a new problem in Alfheim were all cleanly resolved as time passed.

Notably, the Church of Luminus and Sabre directly intervened to handle this issue. If they hadn’t been able to resolve it, they would have faced severe criticism.

The foundations were already shaking due to the unprecedented situation of a “corrupt Cardinal,” and it would have only worsened.

The mere existence of imposters could damage the reputation of the Biography of Xenon. Just think about the public reaction when Kayre imposters appeared.

If left unchecked, various imposters would have emerged everywhere, making proper measures difficult.

But when Sabre, especially Kate with her powerful position, directly intervened and cried “blasphemy,” they all disappeared quickly.

According to rumors, she not only broke the hand of the man impersonating Xenon but also grabbed him by the hair and dragged him away.

This is just a rumor, so it’s probably somewhat exaggerated. Even someone as fanatical as Kate wouldn’t be that violent.

Surely she wouldn’t actually shatter someone’s hand and drag them away in front of people. It’s not like she was dealing with a demon worshipper.

“Issac, could you hand me that file #2 over there?”

“Here it is.”

“Thanks. And while you’re researching, could you look into the Stabirk case? I think it has a close connection to demon worshippers.”

“Yes.”

Anyway, after Cecilly’s speech, Arwen’s announcement, and the imposter incidents, everyday life continued without much excitement.

The Biography of Xenon is important, but I can’t neglect my studies. I’ve been especially busy since last semester, increasingly helping Elena as her assistant.

Sometimes when studying history, you encounter events where things don’t add up and circumstances seem suspicious. Recently, Elena has been focusing intensely on these events.

Normally, one might just find it strange due to lack of records and move on, but if demon worshippers were involved, that changes everything.

It’s more than enough to fuel Elena’s scholarly passion—she’s a natural academic.

As a result, I’ve started suffering.

Cindy was helping too, but she has her own research, so I’m struggling alone.

“Hmm… What benefits could demon worshippers gain from the Stabirk Independence War? What do you think, Issac?”

“Well…”

I recalled the Stabirk incident at Elena’s question. The Stabirk Independence War was a conflict that erupted in the Stabirk region of the Empire of Minerva 100 years ago.

Strictly speaking, it could be considered an independence war of an ethnic minority. Such conflicts were common on Earth in my previous life.

Even now, they constantly demand independence, remaining a headache for the Empire of Minerva, and relations with imperial citizens aren’t good.

But from the Empire of Minerva’s perspective, the Stabirk region is absolutely non-negotiable.

Geographically, it’s identical to the Korean Peninsula—surrounded by sea on three sides and connected to the continent above, a natural fortress.

Moreover, right below the Stabirk region lies the Empire of Minerva’s archenemy, the Kingdom of Teres.

For the Empire of Minerva, it’s a strategic stronghold they can never give up.

“I think it’s normal?”

“Normal? On what basis? The Empire of Minerva didn’t even put severe pressure on them.”

As Elena questioned, the Empire of Minerva never discriminated against or pressured the Stabirk region. Quite the opposite.

The Empire of Minerva is actively investing in the Stabirk region, backed by its powerful economy.

The issue is that the Stabirk region is not only self-sufficient but also populated by people with exceptional craftsmanship.

Though not as skilled as dwarves, they have remarkably advanced technology and unity.

Especially their shipbuilding technology is considered to be ahead of even the dwarves, thanks to being surrounded by sea on three sides.

This is both why the Empire of Minerva can’t give up the Stabirk region and why the Stabirk people want independence.

“Humans naturally have a unique duality—they enjoy forming societies while also dreaming of self-determination. If not for this, humans would have only one nation like other races.”

“Go on.”

“The same applies to Stabirk. Although they were annexed by the Empire of Minerva due to the Race War, a pivotal historical event, they’ve been dreaming of independence. The justification has consistently existed since the Race War, not just 100 years ago. They simply lacked a leader like Hick who founded Animus.”

“Hmm…”

Elena stroked her chin thoughtfully after hearing my explanation.

As an elf, she probably finds the Stabirk Independence War—or rather, human independence—peculiar.

As I occasionally tease her about “elven communism,” elves tend toward collectivism.

Yet paradoxically, they fragment during crises like the Race War—a very strange characteristic.

Fortunately, they’re gradually uniting now thanks to Arwen’s wise politics, though it remains a source of instability.

“So that’s why the Race War happened?”

Cindy, who had been listening to our conversation, voiced her question in her characteristic drawling voice.

Her dark circles and messy bun remained, but she seemed more relaxed since earning her degree.

“In a way, yes. The Race War was when humans’ desire for independence—to be treated as a distinct race outside elven influence—fully manifested. The Stabirk Independence War is similar.”

“Humans are really hard to understand. So does that mean the Stabirk independence has no connection to demon worshippers?”

“I wouldn’t say there’s no connection. If Stabirk were to gain independence, the political situation would become extremely complicated. Demon worshippers could take advantage of that chaos to become more active.”

“Could you explain that?”

My hypothesis must have been interesting to the scholars. Both Elena and even Cindy were listening intently, their eyes sparkling.

Though slightly flustered, explaining wasn’t difficult. After all, I had lived in that country.

After I explained everything I knew, Elena and Cindy’s eyes grew even brighter.

It was a highly plausible scenario that could become a major historical turning point, hence their deep interest.

“What do you think would happen if the Empire of Minerva suppressed them by force?”

“Can I swear?”

“Go ahead.”

“It would be even more fucked up.”

They’d end up like the US blundering in Vietnam and Afghanistan, or Russia invading Ukraine.

Unless there was a very legitimate reason, the Empire of Minerva wouldn’t be foolish enough to use force against Stabirk.

Fortunately, the Empire of Minerva is currently producing wise monarchs, like Rome in its prime.

Leort, the next emperor, also has decent abilities, so there’s no need to worry.

“Anyway, so demon worshippers would benefit if Stabirk gained independence?”

“Yes. The mastermind might even be a demon worshipper. After all, a Cardinal of the Church of Luminus was a demon worshipper, so it’s not impossible.”

“Thanks for the good hypothesis. Thanks to you, I feel like I’m learning more about humans. I really made the right choice selecting you as my assistant.”

“If you’re grateful, please assign me another assistant. It’s hard researching materials alone.”

While researching helps with my history studies, it’s still difficult. Elena’s research room alone has as many materials as a library, and I often have to visit other professors.

What’s more, when I ask to borrow materials, professors often make other requests in return.

Thanks to this, my knowledge grows daily, but my body can’t help but feel tired.

Recognizing my struggles, Elena nodded and spoke:

“Actually, someone just applied to be an assistant. Do you know Leona?”

“Leona? The brown-haired woman?”

“Yes.”

I couldn’t help but be surprised when Elena nodded. As everyone knows, Leona’s goal is to get a diploma.

The academy gives a diploma after four years of attendance without requiring a specific major, so I don’t understand why she’d come to the history department…

‘…It’s because of me.’

That’s highly likely. She’s probably joining the history department to spend more time with me.

I don’t mind gaining another slave—I mean, assistant—but I wonder if she’s really okay with this.

There’s no need for her to join a department she’s not interested in just because of me. I should meet with her separately later.

“She has good academic curiosity and grades. She seems quite interested in history too. I don’t know if she’s as competent as you, but she shouldn’t be a burden.”

“If you’re fine with it, Professor. Is there anyone else?”

“There are students I’m keeping an eye on, but I’m not sure yet.”

Elena said this while taking notes on the hypothesis I had just explained.

Scholar-like indeed—her handwriting was angular and precise rather than flowing, making it easy to read.

While she was writing, I sat on the sofa to read. I planned to kill time until 5 o’clock, as I didn’t have many classes left.

“By the way, Issac.”

“Yes?”

“You’re really not Xenon, right?”

“…”

I could only smile bitterly at Elena’s casual question while she continued writing.

She’s been subtly suspicious since seeing Cherry clinging to me last semester.

I’ve been denying it all along, but once suspicion takes root, every action becomes meaningful.

The small ball Cherry had launched was putting pressure on me, but I could handle it smoothly now.

“What would you do if I were Xenon?”

“I’d ask you to tell me what history unfolds in the future. Then I’d write a paper based on that.”

“I don’t think I’d tell you, since you’re trying to take the easy way out.”

“Then I guess there’s nothing I can do.”

Elena seemed unbothered, merely shrugging without pressing further. Cindy had shown no interest from the start.

This is why I can trust them—they’re natural scholars with little interest in anything but history.

However, her desire to take the easy route with her paper is genuine, making it awkward to reveal myself. Just look at how she asked me to explain about Stabirk.

“I’ll be going now.”

“Alright. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye…”

As soon as it was 5 o’clock, I returned to my dormitory after receiving Elena’s indifferent farewell and Cindy’s drawling goodbye.

Though various incidents occurred before and after the academy reopened, a quiet daily routine has been maintained since.

Moreover, the imposter incident was only indirectly related to me, with almost no direct impact.

Thanks to this, I could proceed with writing Volume 22 without difficulty, and no significant incidents have occurred recently.

Except that the “crossroads” Mora told me about is gradually approaching.

‘Hyria is quiet too, but what choice am I supposed to make?’

I returned to my dormitory with my heart full of questions.

*****

Around the time Issac was returning to his dormitory with mixed feelings, a woman was carefully following behind him.

She hid intermittently to avoid being detected, and her movements were very skillful.

Even passersby didn’t suspect anything, proving that she had done this many times before, not just once or twice.

Clunk-

After confirming that Issac had opened the dormitory door and gone inside, the woman fully revealed herself from her hiding place.

Sky-blue hair and eyes. Though her expression appeared stern, her innate beauty was impossible to conceal.

Along with her slender height and figure that even her uniform couldn’t hide.

Hyria Ducard von Curtures, the second princess of the Kingdom of Teres and Adelia’s half-sister.

Since the semester began, she had been investigating Issac. She even skipped classes with appropriate excuses, so there would be no negative consequences.

‘So far, nothing unusual…’

Hyria stared at the dormitory Issac had entered with her characteristic expressionless face. Though her sky-blue hair would normally be noticeable, she was disguised with a magical item, so she could rest easy.

To others, she would appear as a person with ordinary brown hair and eyes. However, she left her beautiful appearance unchanged as it was difficult to alter.

But changing just the hair color dramatically alters a person’s impression. Moreover, since she had sky-blue hair, a symbol of the Teres royal family, the importance of disguise couldn’t be overstated.

‘That guy definitely has something.’

Hyria stared intently at the dormitory without shifting her gaze. Her suspicions began at the exhibition.

Although it might be to protect their own nobleman, the Empire of Minerva seemed to be surrounding Issac too closely in various circumstances.

To the Empire of Minerva, the Kingdom of Teres is like oil and water—they can never unite—but they don’t go so far as to prevent marriages.

Rather, it’s the opposite; international relations are inherently complex and subtle, regardless of personal feelings.

If she, a princess, were to have a political marriage with Issac, a mere baron, the Empire of Minerva would ultimately benefit.

Of course, they might be protecting him because he’s engaged to the lady of the Reckyless family. But she couldn’t shake her suspicions.

Perhaps even his marriage to the Reckyless family is because there’s something special about Issac?

‘What could it be about a guy who has nothing but his face?’

Even to Hyria, Issac’s appearance was quite excellent. He had a rare combination of fiery red hair and golden eyes.

It’s even understandable why rumors suggest that Marie, the lady of the Reckyless family, decided to marry him based solely on his looks.

But this is merely a joke; there must be something more. She just doesn’t know what it is yet.

‘And during the speech at Helium too…’

She recalled the speech that took place in Helium. Princess Cecilly of Helium definitely made eye contact with Issac.

Not just once, but three times. Even if red hair is noticeable, making eye contact three times is strange.

It could be coincidence upon coincidence, but given all the circumstances, it doesn’t seem like mere chance.

There’s something about Issac that she doesn’t know. She’s certain of this.

And the most plausible hypothesis is…

‘Issac Dukar Mayshall is Xenon.’

This single theory resolves all questions about the Empire of Minerva’s behavior surrounding Issac and Cecilly’s reactions during the speech.

However, evidence is lacking. Perhaps it’s not Issac but his father, Hawk, who is Xenon.

Moreover, there are only circumstantial clues, and even those are insufficient.

It could be image-making by the Empire of Minerva, or perhaps they really exchanged glances because his red hair was eye-catching.

‘I need to find definitive evidence first.’

She had countless times observed Rina, Marie, Cecilly, and Issac hanging out together.

According to rumors, they’ve been a group since their first year.

Even this is suspicious, but she needs more concrete evidence.

‘If he really is Xenon…’

Hyria had this thought but quickly shook her head vigorously. She denied it, insisting that it could never be true.

After all, her ultimate goal is to take Issac away from that filthy bastard child. It doesn’t matter whether Issac is Xenon or not.

‘But what if he really is Xenon?’

She forcibly suppressed the anxiety beginning to sprout in her heart.

Although she didn’t realize it, her sky-blue eyes trembled slightly as she stared at the dormitory.

Just as seeds of doubt grow vigorously once planted, so does anxiety.

If Issac truly is Xenon, not only she but the entire Kingdom of Teres could be in danger.

After staring at the dormitory for a while longer, Hyria took a deep breath and turned away. She planned to go back and clear her head.

‘He can’t be.’

As she left with these thoughts…

Swish-

As soon as Hyria disappeared, another figure revealed itself.

A woman with pink hair and eyes, reminiscent of cherry blossoms.

“…What’s this?”

Cherry tilted her head and muttered quietly.

“Could she be a stalker?”

Not something she should be saying.