Ch.302Bait (1)

The return to the Empire of Minerva went without any issues. So smoothly that it almost seemed suspicious.

If you’ve read certain novels, you’ll be familiar with the cliché where an unidentified assassin attacks before the return journey.

I thought something might happen since I had revealed myself as Xenon and insulted a king, no less. I guess I’ve been reading too many novels.

Then again, with teleportation devices readily available, the Empire of Minerva would have strongly protested if I had been attacked.

Besides, I wasn’t alone—I had Rina Urmi Christine with me, so the Kingdom of Teres couldn’t act recklessly.

Anyway, after returning to the Empire of Minerva and Halo Academy, I waited for the disciplinary action I would face.

‘I wonder if Hyria will come back to the academy?’

Rumors about me slapping Hyria had already spread throughout the academy. With so many witnesses, it would have been more surprising if they hadn’t spread.

Rumors typically get exaggerated, but public opinion was surprisingly favorable. While my slapping couldn’t be justified, people acknowledged that Hyria was also at fault.

My reputation among professors is decent, and I’m not disliked by students either. Just a red-haired person who stands out occasionally?

However, since not many people know much about me, I’m slightly worried about what strange rumors might be circulating.

Rina promised to behave properly, but rumors tend to distort in bizarre ways. Moreover, it’s uncertain whether Hyria will return to the academy.

Hyria’s mental state was completely shattered before our return—will she come back to the academy?

Originally, Hyria transferred to Halo Academy to improve relations with the Empire of Minerva, but that reason has completely disappeared.

But it doesn’t matter whether she returns or not. Hyria isn’t what I should be concerned about right now.

“You really did it spectacularly. Thanks to you, things will get complicated on our side too.”

“I should have done it sooner. And isn’t it good for the Empire? They got what they wanted without lifting a finger.”

“Well, while it’s good that the Kingdom of Teres is collapsing on its own, we need to think about what comes after. I don’t think Teres will fall immediately. Being a cultural powerhouse, they’ll manage to survive somehow.”

As Rina said, what I should worry about most are the events that will unfold. I revealed my identity, but only to the Kingdom of Teres, and even then, it was still at the level of suspicion.

However, with the release of Biography of Xenon Volume 22 just a day away, suspicion will soon turn to certainty.

Since I’ve already indirectly spoiled the contents of Volume 22, the nobles who attended the trial will be half-convinced that I am Xenon.

Of course, if the nobles work together or if Fredrick Ducard von Curtures pressures them, they could prevent rumors from leaking out.

It’s not entirely impossible—after all, power can only be wielded if the country remains stable, and this situation could potentially shake the nation.

But would every single one of those many people keep their mouths shut? I absolutely don’t think so.

Until then, I just need to wait quietly or continue my studies. And incidentally, continue writing Volume 23 of Biography of Xenon.

For reference, Volume 23 continues the battle between Xenon and Envy, and afterward gradually reveals major hints about “Pride.”

‘I wonder if I can take some creative liberties.’

However, by the time I reveal the hints about Pride, my identity will likely be public, so I question whether I should write this.

This is closely related to “mythology,” making it somewhat awkward to address.

Especially the elves will react most sensitively, though it won’t be offensive—rather, it will inject what’s commonly called “pride.”

‘The ancestors of elves were angels who served by God’s side. However, they committed a great sin, lost their wings, and fell to the lower world.’

This is a legend passed down through mythology. The ancestors of elves, angels, rebelled in the “heavenly realm,” the world of gods, and lost their wings.

But this mythology contradicts elves in many ways. When introducing themselves, elves always mention being a race chosen by God.

Many scholars say that even though they rebelled against God, they were still God’s most beloved angels, so they received blessings.

However, I think differently. More precisely, I’m adding deep background to this.

‘The ancestors of elves were not banished to the lower world for their sins; they tore off their own wings and voluntarily became mortals. To make the lower world warmer.’

This not only changes the origin of elves but also dramatically alters the flow of mythology—like dark elves, it can be seen as hidden history.

This is one of the hypotheses I can present as someone who has deeply explored the history and mythology of this world, and it was a common cliché in my previous life.

An immortal who gave up their power and authority to become mortal for the sake of protecting the world. Such characters usually appear as the protagonist’s helpers.

‘It’s fine, but…’

I scribbled with my magic pen on the notebook where I organize my plot. This is a hint that will appear in Volume 24, not 23.

Volume 23 is entirely filled with battle scenes against Envy, so there’s nothing particularly concerning. I just need to highlight Envy’s miserable life.

Among the battles Xenon experiences, this will be portrayed as the most desperate after the final boss.

‘Is it okay to touch mythology?’

I’ve caused many plot twists so far, but I’ve never touched the realm of mythology. In this world where gods like Luminus, Mora, and Hirt exist, mythology shouldn’t be tampered with carelessly.

But nothing makes “Pride” as attractive as this setting. According to the setting, Pride hates ancestors who voluntarily became mortals and believes they were foolish.

And Pride harbors ambitions to grow wings and destroy the heavenly realm to rule the world, not imagining that this will bring destruction.

Especially, Pride will have pitch-black wings like a demon, not white wings like angels.

‘The gods haven’t said anything either…’

It should be fine. If there was a problem, they would have sent a warning directly.

With that thought, I could plan the development more comfortably. What about plot twists?

Well, I just have to accept them. Honestly, I gave up after Cecilly Drat Isillia Vin’s demonization.

Besides, the setting that they tore off their wings and became mortals could give profound insight to the usually arrogant elves.

If it’s good, it’s good—it won’t have a negative influence. That’s my judgment.

‘I wonder if I should give Elena Heavensinger and Cindy Skywalker a heads-up?’

Elena and Cindy are the closest relationships I have after my acquaintances in academy life. The knowledge they’ve given me has been excellent nourishment for Biography of Xenon.

Soon, rumors that I might be Xenon will start spreading, and it seems impolite not to tell them.

Since I’m planning to announce it publicly anyway, telling just them isn’t a bad choice.

I’ve made my decision, but what remains is action. I put the notebook with the plot outline in the drawer and took out the draft.

Evidence that I am Xenon. They didn’t believe it during the trial, but Elena might believe it right away.

So with a slightly nervous heart, I headed to Elena’s research lab. Since no disciplinary action had been issued yet, I was free to move around.

Eventually, when I revealed my identity to Elena and Cindy, who were busy researching in the lab…

“Actually, we suspected it.”

“What?”

“We’ve been suspicious since that pink-haired kid came to you. And you showed suspicious reactions whenever I asked about it. But I didn’t think it would be true.”

Truly, their reaction was disappointingly anticlimactic. Cindy didn’t even show a proper reaction, just slouched lazily.

When I asked if they weren’t surprised, Elena gave a characteristically Elena-like answer.

“It would be a lie to say I’m not surprised. But how should I put it…”

“We’ve been together all this time, so… it’s just interesting…”

“Cindy’s right. If we hadn’t known you and just met, it might be different. It’s more like finding out someone you’ve been working with was actually a queen in disguise.”

I think I understand what they mean. I was dumbfounded by their ordinary reaction but then smirked.

“Then can you tell me what will happen in the future?”

“For your research paper?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Tch. You can’t do that much for me?”

“I’m not a prophet.”

I felt deflated for having hidden it, but also relieved.

A few days later, when Biography of Xenon Volume 22 was released to the world.

[Shocking! Count Kamar of the Kingdom of Teres: I know who Xenon is!]

[Xenon’s identity is none other than a noble from the Empire of Minerva. From a family known for red hair…]

[Is his claim true? As all eyes focus on this, the Empire of Minerva…]

The bait I wanted had been cast.