Ch.310Isaac (4)

After Arwen, the networking went by without incident. Most of them were familiar faces, so pretending to be friendly was more awkward than anything.

If no one had been watching, I would have been chatting away with fake laughter or feeling embarrassed myself.

The biggest challenge was Cecilly. Her playful nature emerged here too, saying she hadn’t known I was Xenon, and that she now understood why I was always so articulate at the academy.

While Marie, Arwen, and a few others gave me pitying looks at her not-so-subtle act, Cecilly was busy playing innocent.

Still, she didn’t forget to drop hints for her future announcement. She looked at me with eyes full of affection, saying she would never forget this favor.

Perceptive people would have noticed by now. Cecilly had romantic feelings for me and would soon drop a bombshell no less significant than my previous speech.

With the excellent pretext of repaying a favor, everyone would consider it natural for Cecilly to marry me.

For now, Deskall is still healthy, so if we were to become engaged, we’d likely live together for a while. But when the day comes for her to inherit the throne, she’ll probably leave.

The catch is that could be hundreds of years from now. Even Deskall is considered young by demon standards.

He could aim for a generational change and pass down the throne quickly, but would Cecilly do that? I don’t think so.

She’ll be busy clinging to me until she becomes Queen. That lifestyle will begin the moment she announces our engagement.

“Isaac. When do you plan to introduce us to that writer Merry you cherish so much?”

While we were chatting amicably, Cecilly fired a question about Cherry. The others also shifted their attention to me, their interest piqued.

Merry is, as you know, Cherry’s pen name, the most acclaimed author after the Biography of Xenon. She was nearly crushed before she could bloom, but I managed to save this talented individual.

Currently, she has prepared drafts for the second volume, but I’ve been too busy lately to help her.

“I’ll introduce her when she’s ready. We must respect her wishes too. She’s quite a shy person.”

“I see. Have any of you read Merry’s works?”

“Of course! Besides the Biography of Xenon, I really enjoyed One more Red Sunset!”

“The story about turning back time to achieve what you want was truly fascinating. Her writing skills are as excellent as Xenon recognized.”

“But I’m disappointed the second volume is taking so long. I can’t wait to read it.”

As expected of a romance novel, it’s quite popular among women. Men also show interest because of its time-regression element, though not as strongly as women.

I wasn’t upset that they were discussing another work in my presence. On the contrary, I too was hoping for Cherry’s next work to be released soon.

“The second volume will be out soon. It just needs to be sent to the publisher, so please wait a little longer.”

“Really? That’s great.”

“This is actually normal. The Biography of Xenon was released abnormally quickly.”

“Wasn’t it because of a gift from the demons that increased the writing speed? What kind of gift was it?”

During the conversation, the typewriter—that masterpiece gifted by Helium—was mentioned. When the topic came up, I glanced at Cecilly.

She seemed proud when the demons’ masterpiece was mentioned, her nose practically reaching the sky.

While copying and printing technology has developed, this world’s technology is unbalanced to the point where professional scribes still exist as an occupation.

Just one typewriter could revolutionize printing. Objectively speaking, it’s an invention that will go down in history.

“It was truly a magnificent gift. It made me realize how incredible demon technology is. Would you believe it if I told you that pressing buttons with letters engraved on them would result in those letters being printed?”

“No way. Is that possible?”

“Isn’t that magic?”

“Even with magic, wouldn’t you need a certain level of technology?”

The more praise the typewriter received, the higher Cecilly’s nose went. Her crossed arms accentuated her voluptuous chest.

She easily brushes off personal compliments. But praise directed at demons makes her happier than praise for herself.

Meanwhile, as these compliments continued, there was someone who grew increasingly displeased—Arwen, who was sitting slightly apart from me.

Though she was conversing with Rina, she occasionally glanced our way, suggesting she was listening to our conversation.

Her long ears twitching confirmed she was eavesdropping. Moreover, since we were discussing racial matters, she must be concerned.

“Until the release of the Biography of Xenon, I thought demons were evil… but now they seem like a magnificent race, no less than elves. There’s something noble about them.”

“That may be true, but aren’t elves more elegant? They were the first to establish civilization and are the starting point of everything. I’m sure elves could also create inventions like those from Helium.”

“I agree.”

Somehow, a hot debate that had been raging among humans recently emerged—the Elf vs. Demon debate, comparable to the lion vs. tiger debate in my previous life.

Despite the presence of Helium royalty and the Queen of Alfheim nearby, the humans were busy discussing without concern, each sharing their opinions.

Fortunately, I intervened periodically to prevent the atmosphere from overheating, but it was still awkward. Every word had to be carefully chosen here.

The previous confrontation between Cecilly and Arwen was purely personal. But this is an official setting, and careless words could lead to serious diplomatic incidents.

That’s why those engaged in the debate were maintaining appropriate boundaries while discussing the strengths and weaknesses of each race. This much could be tolerated, but the problem was my presence.

“What do you think, Isaac?”

“About what?”

“I’m curious which side you think is superior between elves and demons.”

I faced the man who had taken the initiative to ask this question. Though I didn’t recognize his face, his sun-tanned skin and silver eyes were quite striking.

He also had an Egyptian-like tattoo on his right eye, and there was no malice in his gaze.

He was genuinely curious about my opinion.

Whatever I say here, everyone would accept it. The issue is that the highest authorities of each race are present.

Both Cecilly and Arwen were looking at me with expectant expressions.

‘Fortunately, I anticipated this.’

I had actually expected such a situation. The Biography of Xenon describes races other than humans.

It’s natural for readers to have such questions, and it’s not intended to put me in a difficult position. It stems from pure curiosity.

And I had prepared an answer for such a situation.

“Excuse me, but may I ask your name?”

“I am Asala Band Saera from the Stabirk region.”

As I had guessed from his tanned skin and silver eyes, he was from Stabirk. A minority region currently causing headaches for the Empire of Minerva.

They are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, second only to dwarves, and are famous for their mastery of fire, earning them the title “People of Fire.” I glanced at Rina after meeting his silver gaze.

Historically, it’s common for countries to oppress minority groups that aspire for independence. This happens frequently even on Earth.

And Rina is the imperial princess. Naturally, she wouldn’t view Asala favorably. Even now, she was glaring at him with furrowed brows.

‘He’s risking his life by coming here.’

He probably intends to establish a connection with me for political leverage. Once he forms a bond with me, it becomes very difficult for the Empire to send assassins.

From the Empire’s perspective, they need to maintain a good image with me, and if news spreads that Asala was assassinated, how would that look?

Their image would deteriorate, so the Empire would have to be very cautious. In many ways, they’ve been put in a tight spot.

Of course, that’s the Empire’s concern and has nothing to do with me. After all, Asala asked with pure intentions, so my priority is to answer sincerely.

“First of all, Asala, your question is misguided. In my opinion, it’s difficult to determine superiority between elves and demons. The difference is that demons develop slowly but steadily, while elves stagnate and then experience rapid growth repeatedly.”

“Ah, I think I understand what you mean.”

“That does seem accurate. Except for becoming devils, demons haven’t made major mistakes unlike elves.”

“We don’t know yet. As I said, Helium has just begun diplomatic relations. On the other hand, elves, despite experiencing racial wars, are undeniably a hegemonic power.”

Even after my response, the debate about the superiority between elves and demons continued. I quietly slipped away and moved elsewhere.

There was no benefit in staying longer, and the time for dispersal was approaching.

This was a social gathering without even alcohol to enhance the atmosphere. With many issues still to resolve, I couldn’t afford to waste time.

“That was a difficult question, but you answered well.”

Marie, who had been by my side all along, praised me in an approving tone. Looking at her, I saw a bright smile on her face.

It was a smile mixed with satisfaction and pride, and I responded with a smile of my own. I also didn’t forget to gently pat her head.

Marie, pleased with my affectionate gesture, smiled broadly and moved closer.

‘No signs of devil worshippers… I should dismiss everyone soon.’

Though I hadn’t mentioned it to others, I had been concerned about potential devil worshippers.

For them, this would be the perfect opportunity to target me, but doing so now would be equivalent to throwing away their lives.

Of course, being fanatics who worship devils, there might be some willing to sacrifice themselves. But so far, there have been no such signs.

First, the entire venue, including the waiting room, is under Kate’s sanctuary declaration, ensuring safety comparable to a temple.

The moment a devil worshipper tries to intrude, lightning would strike them immediately.

Moreover, they might target my family or those close to me instead of me directly. I plan to be thoroughly prepared for this possibility.

“You’ll be busy at the academy too, won’t you?”

“Not just busy, I’ll have to be surrounded by guards.”

Marie and I had entered the lounge for a brief rest. When I grumbled, Marie responded clearly.

As my mother had mentioned, life at the academy might become not just difficult but nearly impossible.

There’s the issue of my wedding with Marie, and beyond that, news of my connections with many women, including Cecilly, will soon break out.

Just thinking about the schedule gives me a headache, but since I’ve decided to take responsibility, it’s not a problem.

I’m only worried about what incidents might occur during the process.

“Marie.”

“Yes, tell me.”

“Do you think I’ll manage well from now on?”

When I voiced my concern, Marie’s response was a masterpiece.

“If you’re troubled, should I let you touch my chest?”

“…”

Has Cecilly’s playfulness rubbed off on her? Marie spoke in a teasing tone and rested her face on my shoulder.

I chuckled at her not-quite-comforting words and gently stroked her head.

“Isaac.”

“Yes?”

“I won’t mind anymore if the number of women around you increases. It seems to be your nature.”

Marie’s words stabbed my heart like a dagger. But the sad reality is that I can’t refute them.

As I stopped stroking her head, Marie turned to look directly at me.

I also moved my head to face her beautiful face. Her blue eyes were shining brightly.

“Just promise me this. That I’ll always be your first priority, and that you’ll grant my requests when they’re reasonable. I’ll compromise too, okay?”

“That’s obvious. Were you anxious?”

“A little. I thought Queen Arwen and Rina might come, and they’re all more impressive and outstanding women than me. That made me a bit anxious. Even Sister Adel is stronger than me.”

“…”

When Marie opened up about her insecurities, I looked at Adelia who was guarding us.

Meeting my gaze, she bowed her head slightly and silently walked out of the lounge.

While it’s necessary to have guards for safety, we’re still under sanctuary declaration.

Even without Adelia, the probability of something happening is close to zero. With that assurance, I spoke to Marie.

“Marie, as I’ve mentioned many times before, you’re the most special woman to me. You’re the first woman I dated since birth, and the first to confess to me. A duchess’s daughter with a personality far from authoritarian. And that somewhat stubborn nature of yours.”

“Can you skip the last part? I’m not that stubborn.”

“Should I change it to you hissing like a cat?”

“That’s the same thing…”

“But cuter.”

When I called her cute, Marie’s face quickly turned as red as a ripe persimmon. This is Marie’s charm and the reason I love her.

She seems tough but can also show vulnerability, sometimes whining like a child or displaying maturity.

She’s diverse, and every action of hers is deeply imbued with lovability. That’s why I can’t help but love her and want to spend my life with her.

There’s no woman in the world as cute, beautiful, and lovable as Marie.

“…So it’s a promise? Luminus is watching us, so no backing out.”

“Of course.”

“Hehe.”

Reassured by my words, Marie spread her arms and hugged me tightly. A sweet fragrance entered my nose, and a soft sensation was transmitted through my skin.

The lecherous part of my mind was about to emerge, but I suppressed it, knowing I could release it at night. I smiled gently and embraced Marie softly.

“Marie.”

“Yes, yes.”

“I’m counting on you in the future. And, I love you.”

A sincere confession to my lifelong companion. In response, Marie returned her own heartfelt confession.

“I love you too, Isaac. Don’t ever leave me. Okay?”

“That will never happen. If I leave, we’ll leave together.”

“What if the world tears us apart?”

Why even ask?

“I’ll piece that world back together.”

Even if devil worshippers threaten us.

“No matter what happens.”

Even if unexpected events occur.

“I won’t separate from you.”

I won’t part from the people I love.

******

About three days have passed since Xenon’s identity was revealed.

Until now, there have been many speculations about Xenon’s identity—that he’s a sage, that he’s from the future, and so on. But all that was supposed to end…

[The story of the Biography of Xenon came from his mind. Who would believe that?]

[What if he experienced another world but couldn’t recognize it due to ‘restrictions’? That seems more plausible…]

[Coming from his mind means he experienced that world. Xenon never lied.]

[Xenon definitely has ‘restrictions’ placed on him! He must be from the future…]

…but it didn’t. Instead, suspicions only grew stronger.

“No. Damn it.”

Why won’t they believe me, really? The bigger problem is that this isn’t the end.

[Breaking news: Biography of Xenon Volume 23 will not be released in the Kingdom of Teres! Is this reliable information?]

[Citizens of the Kingdom of Teres are confused by this untimely news…]

[According to a noble from the Kingdom of Teres, it’s closely related to the recently released Volume 22…]

[The royal family of the Kingdom of Teres remains silent. What’s happening to them?]

The expected chaos has arrived in the Kingdom of Teres.