Ch.311Kingdom of Teres (1)

Before discussing the situation in the Kingdom of Teres, there’s likely a question many people have.

The Biography of Xenon was a cultural phenomenon enjoyed by everyone regardless of age, gender, race, or class. This was something Issac himself mentioned during its release.

However, comparing this statement with rumors slowly spreading throughout the Kingdom of Teres reveals inconsistencies.

Though Issac hasn’t officially announced it, a very disturbing rumor is gradually circulating in the Kingdom of Teres.

[Volume 23 of the Biography of Xenon will not be released in the Kingdom of Teres, nor will any subsequent new works.]

For the Kingdom of Teres, or more precisely its citizens, this isn’t just a bolt from the blue—it’s a natural disaster.

Not only the common people who have been happily reading the series, but even artists are deeply invested in the Biography of Xenon, attending exhibitions dedicated to it.

It’s not just because Teres is known as a country of culture—the majority simply love the work.

Moreover, the Biography of Xenon significantly bolsters not only the Empire of Minerva’s cultural power but also that of the Kingdom of Teres.

The reason is the Xenon Exhibition. There’s nothing better than the Xenon Exhibition for unknown artists to showcase their talents.

No matter how talented an artist might be, without exposure, their talents fade into obscurity.

The Xenon Exhibition provides these artists with visibility and helps them nurture their talents.

Through this process, previously overlooked artists have begun to be discovered.

Surprisingly, the biggest beneficiary of this isn’t the Empire of Minerva but the Kingdom of Teres.

Unlike Helium, where all artists focus solely on the Biography of Xenon, there are countless other creative fields to explore beyond it.

The Kingdom of Teres understood this, which is why even after losing the right to host the exhibition, they merely grumbled but maintained that things were still fine.

[The citizens of the Kingdom of Teres are currently in turmoil… A delegation of commoners is demanding explanations from the upper class.]

[Even the upper class is denying knowledge of what’s happening, but rumors have been spreading for some time…]

So when news broke that the Biography of Xenon would no longer be released in the Kingdom of Teres, people were understandably shocked.

More precisely, it wasn’t the upper class but the commoners who were shocked. Despite being the “country of culture,” they too are simply readers of the Biography of Xenon.

The Biography of Xenon is so famous that it’s harder to find someone who hasn’t read it than someone who has.

Not just in the Kingdom of Teres but in other countries as well, it’s considered essential reading. This was true even before it became scripture.

Because it’s entertaining. Fundamentally, it’s interesting and engaging, and accessible to both nobles and commoners alike.

As mentioned before, books in this world are composed of very abstruse and complex words. This makes them difficult for commoners to read.

Incidentally, the illiteracy rate is surprisingly low. This is due to educational institutions like academies that seem ahead of their time, along with notably advanced paper-making techniques.

The biggest problem is the lack of “intermediate” books. While there are collections of fairy tales and various folk tales thanks to advanced paper-making techniques,

Beyond that, there are only books as difficult as English college entrance exams. Reading them feels like solving problems with every page.

As a result, many people read essays or diaries written by explorers or adventurers, but these diary formats aren’t quite suitable.

Anyway, for all these reasons combined, the Biography of Xenon is loved by countless people to a degree just short of addiction.

Let’s recall what happened a year ago during the sudden hiatus incident.

Not only did commoners raise their voices and gather in front of the publishing house, but Issac’s letter nearly caused the spark to fly toward the royal palace.

It was probably comparable to the “Prohibition” that was implemented in America.

Fortunately, the crisis turned into an opportunity with the opening of the Xenon Exhibition, but it could have easily triggered a second Jeiros Revolution.

And now…

“Explain what’s going on! Why is our country the only one where the Biography of Xenon won’t be released?!”

“Is it because Xenon is from the Empire of Minerva?!”

“Please come out and explain! We’ve been waiting day after day for the next volume, and no one seems to know what’s happening!”

Currently in the Kingdom of Teres, the spark of another revolution is gradually beginning to ignite.

There exists a peculiar culture in the Kingdom of Teres where commoners can “directly” raise their voices against nobles.

By direct voices, I mean bitter criticism excluding profanity. In other countries, such behavior would result in imprisonment for contempt or even beheading.

But in the Kingdom of Teres, it’s possible. “Delegations” directly represent the voices of commoners and deliver harsh criticism of policies to the nobles.

This is possible because of the “Jeiros Revolution” that occurred several decades ago. Although the revolution itself ended in failure, let’s reconsider why it’s recorded as a “revolution.”

Before the revolution, nobles could openly commit atrocities without anyone speaking up, but not anymore.

Why would nobles openly misbehave when another revolution could break out at the slightest misstep?

The same applies now. Upon hearing rumors that the Biography of Xenon would no longer be released, a delegation of commoners rushed to confront the nobles in alarm.

Just as there’s a delegation for commoners, nobles naturally have their own delegation as well.

Normally, they meet once a month at a specific institution to exchange opinions face to face. Today is that day.

“As we’ve said multiple times, we don’t know much about this either. That aside, wouldn’t it be better to ask Xenon directly about this matter?”

One of the noble delegates spoke to the commoner delegation in a measured voice.

Certainly, his point has merit—it would be much better to ask Xenon, or rather Issac, directly about such matters.

No matter how much they raise their voices here, nothing will come of it.

‘I know the reason, but…’

However, despite his words, the noble who spoke, along with most of the noble delegation, knows the reason.

Most of the delegates sitting in the audience were present during Issac’s trial.

Initially, they tried to form public opinion against Issac, but after his identity was revealed, the situation completely reversed.

Moreover, having learned about the shameful secrets the Teres royal family wanted to hide, they’re now in a bind.

“Nonsense! Xenon is a kind-hearted person who wants everyone to enjoy the Biography of Xenon without discrimination! It makes no sense that only our Kingdom of Teres would be excluded!”

In response to the noble’s argument, a commoner countered with another argument. This rebuttal caused the venue to become noisy again.

The mediator caught between the delegations tried to calm the heated atmosphere, but it was futile.

Rumors began circulating a week ago today. In a world without internet, rumors spread slowly, but once they take hold, they grow uncontrollably.

There’s no way to verify the truth. A spark once ignited gradually spreads into a massive fire.

“What if Xenon himself said he’s prohibiting sales only in our country! Would you believe that?!”

Finally, a noble who couldn’t stand it anymore revealed the truth, but…

“Don’t talk nonsense! Who would believe that? Xenon only in our country? Why?”

“Exactly. There must be a reason why it’s not being sold in our country, so why do you claim not to know?”

“Well said. Please tell us that reason! If it’s convincing, we’ll withdraw quietly!”

He only dug his own grave. The noble who made that statement received stern glances even from fellow nobles.

Thus, the Kingdom of Teres, or more precisely its upper class, is caught in a predicament.

If they continue to deny knowledge, they might buy time, but what if the Biography of Xenon truly isn’t released? That would lead straight to revolution.

One might question whether the non-release of the Biography of Xenon is enough to trigger a revolution.

The Jeiros Revolution plays a role here too. The revolution broke out because commoners were denied and oppressed from engaging in art.

To be more precise, it wasn’t oppression but “censorship.” While nobles were free to practice art, commoners faced excessive restrictions.

If someone expressed dissatisfaction? Immediate imprisonment was standard, and especially for “satire,” immediate execution.

In other words, “censorship” is both the greatest taboo and weapon for the citizens of the Kingdom of Teres. If those in power attempt censorship, citizens can raise their voices.

“Could it be as rumored, because Xenon is from the Empire of Minerva? If so, you all know what will happen!”

An elderly man shouted in a weathered voice. The noble delegation visibly shrank at his outcry.

The Jeiros Revolution occurred 40 years ago. The old man is a living witness to the revolution and has the strongest voice in this gathering.

His words carry more weight than anyone else’s.

‘Damn it… what a predicament.’

The noble representative frowned at the old man’s shout but was left speechless. No, he had much to say but couldn’t say it.

To convince them, he would need to reveal everything that happened during the trial. That might somewhat tarnish Issac’s reputation.

But that would be a “you die, I live” approach and would cause greater harm to the Kingdom of Teres.

Moreover, Issac has a legitimate reason—the very romantic notion of protecting his knight.

Either way, the Kingdom of Teres faces a worst-case scenario.

And another thing:

“According to circulating rumors, it’s deeply related to Volume 22. Volume 22 mainly reveals Jealousy’s tragic past and his revenge. How do you explain this?”

“Perhaps our Majesty… no, let’s move past this.”

“This is a sensitive matter…”

Friedrich’s carefully built image is gradually being eroded. It’s currently just suspicion, but even suspicion is dangerous at this level.

Even the commoner delegation is showing caution as this topic emerges. No matter what, challenging the king is a gamble even for them.

Thus, they were going in circles, but conversely, if the truth were revealed, the Kingdom of Teres would be finished.

Whatever Issac is thinking, he’s currently walking a tightrope.

‘Please let this pass…’

‘If we can just get through today, we can buy a month.’

The nobles are praying for this time to pass safely. If today’s meeting ends, they can buy a month’s time.

During that time, they might come up with a solution if they think hard enough.

As opinions continued to circle without progress, a fresh piece of bad news reached their ears.

The news was none other than a letter from Xenon, or rather Issac.

The content of the letter was, as always, polite and courteous, and can be summarized as follows:

[As I’ve said, I want a culture that everyone can enjoy. If a country dislikes that culture… isn’t that the country’s problem?]

Those who know the situation might react with “This bastard!” to such a smug letter, but…

“Look at this! Even Xenon says our country is the problem!!”

“Quickly tell us the reason! Otherwise, we’ll storm the royal palace ourselves!”

“Do you want to taste revolution?!”

For the Kingdom of Teres, it was like pouring oil on a burning house.

“We’ll give you a week. If you can’t convince us within that time…!”

One week remaining. Just as Issac did before.

“We’ll make you speak up yourselves, remember that!”

The Kingdom of Teres now stands at a crossroads.