Ch.300Trial (2)

# Many people will be surprised by my coming out. They might ask why I bothered hiding my identity and dragging things out if I was going to reveal it anyway.

The same goes for the Empire of Minerva. People will question why they’re taking such a humble stance when they’re not inferior to the Kingdom of Teres in any way except culture.

But regardless of my solid family background or my father’s renowned reputation as the Red Lion, slapping a princess is inexcusable.

If the Empire of Minerva were to take a dismissive attitude, the Kingdom of Teres would only become more united, and other nations would criticize them.

Cecilly from Helium, Arwen from Alfheim, and Kate from Sabre might know my identity, but they can’t openly protect me. That’s because officially, only Arwen knows who I am, and if the others were to defend me, it would raise suspicions.

As the saying goes, public and private matters must be clearly distinguished. The relationship between the Empire of Minerva and the Kingdom of Teres is neither good nor bad.

They can either cooperate or oppose each other depending on their interests. No matter how close we were at the academy, international society remains cold.

We don’t need to look far—just consider how World War I broke out. As I’ve mentioned repeatedly, the Empire of Minerva and the Kingdom of Teres are bitter enemies.

That’s why the Empire is taking a humble stance—it’s an unspoken way of saying “let’s resolve this between ourselves.”

Even with the Empire of Minerva’s military strength, an all-out war would cause significant casualties, and the Empire would also need to worry about the Stabirk region.

Nothing would be more troublesome than Stabirk declaring independence after a war. It’s essentially a situation hanging by a thread.

But if I reveal that I am Xenon, all these concerns become meaningless. Without any need for deliberation, all attention will focus on me, and the situation will be resolved easily.

In a way, I’m using my honor and status to exert influence, but the Kingdom of Teres was the first to act tyrannically.

Acting emotionally? That’s always been my personality. Usually stoic, but quick to flare up when certain buttons are pushed.

Especially since the trauma of losing my parents in an accident in my previous life is deeply embedded within me. The reason I haven’t revealed my identity until now is for my family’s sake, not mine.

I don’t mind being criticized myself, but I cannot tolerate anyone touching my “family” or those connected to them.

And Adelia is my family—a woman with whom I’ve been intimate. I cannot allow her to be disgraced any longer.

Even if a difficult future lies ahead, I must bear the responsibility to the end.

From now on, instead of hiding my identity to protect my family, I will protect my family under the name of Xenon. That is my choice at this crossroads.

“…”

After I revealed that I was Xenon and delivered what amounted to a threat, Laos’s reaction was quite something to see.

His expression said “Has this guy completely lost his mind?” but there was also a hint of doubt in it. He still didn’t fully believe me.

I maintained eye contact with Laos for a moment before shifting my gaze sideways. Hyria had turned pale the moment I revealed I was Xenon.

She couldn’t even lift her head properly and was trembling like a frightened puppy.

Unlike Laos and others who had no prior context, Hyria had been suspicious that I might be Xenon all along.

Thanks to Cherry’s information and Marie’s clever handling, her suspicions had been allayed, but they must have resurfaced the moment I slapped her.

And now, the seed that had sprouted was about to bloom and bear fruit.

“What did he just say?”

“He’ll show proof that he’s Xenon?”

“Hahaha! He’s completely lost his mind! How dare he impersonate Xenon?!”

“The gods will punish you!!”

Despite my careful buildup, the audience responded with mockery rather than shock or dismay.

Of course, that’s the natural reaction. There are countless cases of people who impersonated characters from the Biography of Xenon and were either arrested or severely punished.

Moreover, I boldly claimed to be not just the character Xenon, but the “author” Xenon.

If this were an impersonation, I could be summarily executed for blasphemy without any defense.

I let the barrage of criticism and insults go in one ear and out the other as I looked at Laos. He was staring at me with an uncertain expression.

“…Do you truly not fear the divine retribution?”

It seems he still doesn’t fully believe me. However, unlike his previous confident and haughty demeanor, his voice has become deadly serious.

His sky-blue eyes keep glancing at the manuscript I placed on the desk.

“Why should I fear? As I said earlier, I only spoke the truth. You simply didn’t believe me.”

“…”

“Of course, it doesn’t matter if you don’t believe me. I’ll gladly accept being thrown in prison if that’s what you decide. But if you’re concerned about what might happen afterward, I suggest you read what’s in here.”

Having calmed my flaring emotions, I answered in a gentle voice. Even after hearing my words, Laos couldn’t hide his skepticism.

He might think it’s a bluff or a trick. From the moment I claimed to be the author Xenon, I was essentially gambling with my life.

Even the most reckless person wouldn’t stake their life on something like this. That’s probably why Laos is hesitating.

He looked back and forth between my face and the manuscript on the desk, then glanced behind me. I followed his gaze and turned my head.

Unlike the other nobles, King Fredrick seemed to have noticed something was amiss, as he was watching us with furrowed brows.

With a serious expression, he stroked his chin, seemingly having intuitively realized that my words were not mere bluster.

Then, as Fredrick nodded in silent approval, Laos began to open the envelope containing the manuscript.

Rip—

As Laos tore open the envelope, perhaps sensing that the situation was not ordinary, the voices of the audience who had been hurling all sorts of insults gradually diminished.

As he took out the contents, I turned my gaze to where I had originally been sitting—to Adelia and Rina.

Adelia wore a complex expression, perhaps thinking this was all happening because of her, while Rina shrugged when our eyes met.

It meant this matter was now out of her hands, and I should handle it myself. I accepted her meaning and looked back at Laos.

“…”

Laos’s sky-blue eyes moved sharply from side to side. What he was currently reading was the manuscript of the first volume of the Biography of Xenon.

The manuscript that was once stolen and somehow returned, now revered as scripture.

However, I don’t expect Laos and the Teres royal family to believe it outright.

Because unlike Hyria, they had no foreshadowing or precursors—this revelation came out of nowhere. Rather than complete belief, they would likely harbor stronger suspicions than before.

“…Is this it? This is your proof that you’re Xenon?”

As expected. His voice trembled slightly, but Laos didn’t definitively acknowledge me as Xenon.

However, the seed of anxiety beginning to sprout in his heart is enough. The seed of anxiety will gradually grow and start gnawing at him.

I responded to his question with a gentle smile and nodded. His gaze then shifted behind me.

He’s probably exchanging opinions with Fredrick through eye contact. I didn’t bother to turn around and focused only on Laos.

“Is that not enough?”

“There’s a possibility of forgery. I hate to admit it, but I’m not skilled in authentication. There’s a chance this could be a well-crafted fake.”

“I can show you more if you want. Or we can go to the temple for verification.”

“Setting that aside, what’s the connection between you being Xenon and the current situation? Do you want us to acknowledge that woman as being of the same bloodline?”

Laos has started using the honorific “you” instead of “thou.” This confirms that the seed of anxiety has taken root in his heart.

Moreover, as he said, there isn’t much connection between the current situation and me being Xenon… or is there?

Even if the perception of illegitimate children is at rock bottom, I cannot tolerate the outright denial of Adelia’s existence.

But that doesn’t mean I’m giving in. I’ve already achieved about half of what I wanted.

“No. Even without my request, the situation will unfold on its own. As I mentioned earlier, if a similar incident appears in the Biography of Xenon, everyone here will have doubts.”

“…”

“I don’t particularly enjoy having people bow down to me.”

I’m right. If I weren’t Xenon, these people would never acknowledge Adelia as their family until their dying day.

Using the authority and reputation of Xenon to force them would only result in superficial obedience.

Even if they claim to accept her as family, they would never truly do so from the heart. I can guarantee that.

“The die has already been cast. If my words are true, everyone will realize why this situation occurred, and even if not, they will harbor doubts. I’ve already achieved what I wanted, even without revealing my identity.”

What I’ve explained is all true. I witnessed it with my own eyes—Hyria tried to seduce me for an unwarranted revenge.

Without knowing the full context, this could be seen as a tragic tale of a princess blinded by love who committed a wrongful act.

But with Adelia’s existence, it transforms into an ugly, petty revenge.

The reason all of this can be understood is fundamentally because Adelia is an “illegitimate child.” Illegitimate children are unwelcome everywhere and have historically committed numerous eccentric acts.

But the reasons for these eccentricities are mostly simple: they want attention and love from their parents or siblings. Even if they can’t be accepted as family, they want their existence to be acknowledged.

Because of this one failure, illegitimate children often become twisted. Cases like Adelia, who endures silently, are extremely rare.

Moreover, after hearing Adelia’s miserable past, it’s remarkable that she didn’t commit suicide.

“The reason I revealed that I am Xenon… is because I didn’t want to waste time being locked up in prison. Above all, it’s the most effective card among those I hold. And to give the Kingdom of Teres a choice.”

“A choice?”

“Yes. A choice. Whether to declare me innocent or guilty.”

In my previous life, even with a verbal provocation, assault couldn’t be justified as self-defense. But here, it’s slightly different.

Insults, especially those directed at parents, are considered the most severe form of disrespect across all times and cultures, and in extreme cases, one could lose their life without any defense.

This applies regardless of social class. Suppose a noble insults a commoner’s parents, and that commoner assaults the noble.

Despite the class difference, if there’s clear evidence or witnesses, it can be recognized as self-defense. Of course, most people side with the nobles out of fear of repercussions, but the law itself acknowledges it.

“If Princess Hyria admits that she insulted my knight, the trial will end here. If she’s certain she didn’t, I’ll accept whatever judgment is passed on me.”

“…”

“What will you do?”

I’ve indirectly asked them to acknowledge Adelia’s birth.

If they acknowledge it, the honor of the Teres royal family will be tarnished. If they deny it, they can preserve their honor but will have to deal with the consequences.

Honor or national interest? Whichever choice they make, a rift will form in the Kingdom of Teres.

It’s true that Adelia is an illegitimate child of the Teres royal family, and it’s also true that I am Xenon. I have nothing to lose.

From the moment they outright denied Adelia’s existence, they fell into a self-contradiction.

“…”

While they were deliberating, I exchanged glances with Adelia. I had already warned her that such a situation might unfold, but I still felt apologetic.

Fortunately, Adelia seemed to have completely opened her heart, and when our eyes met, she responded by bowing her head slightly, with only a bitter smile.

It was an expression indicating that whether the Teres royal family acknowledged her or not, she would remain as my exclusive maid and family. It seems she has completely let go of any lingering attachments.

“Is it true? Is that woman really of Fredrick’s bloodline?”

“Just looking at her sky-blue eyes, it seems certain…”

“Talk sense. Everyone knows how close His Majesty and the Queen are.”

The audience, or rather the nobles, also seem skeptical. Even Count Kamar, who had been advocating for me, is hesitant to trust.

My part is done. The rest depends on what choice they make.

They’re probably running through all sorts of scenarios in their heads right now. It’s hard to decide whether I’m Xenon or not, and they also have to consider Adelia.

“Why?”

“Pardon?”

“Why do you protect that woman?”

While I was waiting patiently for an answer, Laos posed a question to me. His face held an incomprehensible query.

I blinked at his question, then smiled brightly and gave him a clear answer. Honestly, there’s no grand reason.

“Because she’s a woman I like, and who likes me.”

“…”

“It’s better to take responsibility than to just observe. Wounds to the heart don’t heal so easily.”

Through this incident, I can give Adelia a definite sense of trust. There’s no stronger bond than trust bound by love.

Even if it means hardship for me, I will never allow my people to be hurt. This is the choice and decision I’ve made this time.

After hearing my answer, Laos moved his lips slightly, then glanced at Hyria. She still hadn’t uttered a word and was hanging her head like a criminal.

By now, Laos must have realized it. That I am truly Xenon. For the sake of national interest, he should accept Adelia’s existence, but…

“No.”

Not Laos, but…

“That lowly woman is not my child.”

The King of the Kingdom of Teres, Fredrick, denied Adelia’s existence to the end.

I turned around to meet his gaze as his response penetrated deep into my ears.

A gaze filled with stubbornness and pride. An obstinacy that wouldn’t allow even an inch of concession.

A resolute expression saying he couldn’t abandon the “honor” he had built as a “king.”

True to the era where one lives and dies by honor, King Fredrick chose certain honor over uncertain national interest.

Even to the point of directly denying a blemish that clearly exists before his eyes.

For me, with memories of my previous life, it was a decision that, though expected, was hard to accept.

“…Are you certain?”

“Even if you are Xenon, my choice remains unchanged.”

“All for that mere honor?”

“…”

Fredrick answered with silence instead of words. Silence is another form of affirmation.

I still can’t understand it. But I can comprehend it. Because this is that kind of world.

I let out a long sigh filled with complexity, then looked at Adelia. She had her head bowed low and was trembling intermittently.

Though she had anticipated such a situation, actually hearing it must have been tremendously shocking. She seemed to be forcibly holding back tears.

“…Then, King Fredrick. I declare to you. And to everyone else.”

I looked around at the assembly, took a deep breath, and spoke in a low, deliberate voice.

“From now on, the Biography of Xenon will not be available in the Kingdom of Teres.”

Taking away the culture everyone coveted.

“I will never again lend strength to the Kingdom of Teres.”

While empowering their rival, the Empire of Minerva.

“And everyone here will begin to doubt Your Majesty.”

I firmly warned about what would happen in the future.

Volume 22 of the Biography of Xenon is scheduled to be released in the Empire of Minerva soon. Shortly after, it would also be released in the Kingdom of Teres.

This means that from Volume 23 onwards, it won’t be released. Of course, it will circulate in the black market, but that’s not my concern.

“King Fredrick.”

“Speak.”

“Your Majesty is undoubtedly a wise king. You’ve mended the rifts caused by the Jeiros Revolution and maintained an excellent external image. However…”

I swallowed the words I had been holding back several times and finally spoke them before him.

“At least in my eyes, you appear to be an unprepared person who denies and doesn’t take responsibility for your mistakes and faults.”

“…”

Clench!

At my cutting remark, Fredrick’s hands tightened. Judging by how he gripped the armrests as if they might break, I must have touched a nerve.

On the surface, it’s an insult directed at a king. But he can’t do anything about it.

Given that he denied Adelia, he might not be completely certain, but he must suspect that I am Xenon. That uncertainty is enough.

Internally, the honor he had built up will gradually crumble, and externally, there will be repercussions from the discontinuation of the Biography of Xenon sales and conflicts among the nobles.

King Fredrick has made the worst possible choice among the options available to him.

All because of that mere pride.

“Well then…”

I slowly scanned the suddenly quiet assembly, then smiled characteristically and opened my mouth.

“Would you please tell me what judgment you will pass on me?”