Ch.312Kingdom of Teres (2)

News of the events in the Kingdom of Teres reached my ears one after another. I didn’t even need to hear it from person to person since I was receiving updates in real-time through newspapers.

Though these incidents occurred in a far-off country, somehow every newspaper company had their sources, and the news flowed into the Empire of Minerva. It took barely two days for the information to arrive.

I’ve thought this before, but this fantasy world has many strange cultural elements. Looking at the era, these things shouldn’t be possible, and yet they are.

Because of this, I worry that someday these might be used for propaganda and media manipulation, but that’s not my immediate concern. Let’s first understand the current situation in the Kingdom of Teres.

The situation was already soaked in oil, and then I threw in a spark (my letter), which started a beautiful blaze.

The upper echelons are rushing to extinguish it, but it’s impossible. Moreover, to properly put out the fire, they would need to expose all the royal family’s dirty secrets.

Couldn’t they just ignore it? That’s something only someone who knows nothing about the Kingdom of Teres would say.

Currently, the Kingdom of Teres exhibits a peculiar social structure that sits between monarchy and republic.

There is a king who establishes most policies, but if the citizens strongly oppose them, he cannot push them through.

With proper justification, he could force policies through, but the aftermath would have to be handled by the king and nobles.

This is possible because during the Jeiros Revolution, commoners realized that while individuals might be weak, when united, they could be as strong as those above them.

Moreover, thanks to the academy, a third of the knights are commoners, and most soldiers are undoubtedly commoners.

Thanks to this strange structure, even during the revolution, there wasn’t much bloodshed. Instead, it was an opportunity for the Kingdom of Teres to advance its systems, which was a good thing.

If the Kingdom of Teres had imposed even harsher restrictions after the revolution, it might have ended up like the French Revolution.

Anyway, the Kingdom of Teres now stands at a crossroads, just as it did decades ago. Either Fredrick and the royal family reveal everything, or they try to hide it until the end.

But hiding it is impossible because there were too many nobles present during the trial. Silencing them all is impossible, and one of them will eventually expose everything to save themselves.

Moreover, among the nobles of the Kingdom of Teres is Count Kamar. He has been checking the royal family from time to time and has given me help that wasn’t really help.

I’m not sure what his true intentions are. If a revolution breaks out, he’d have to think about his own safety first.

Furthermore, if a revolution does break out and the king and many nobles disappear to the guillotine like in the French Revolution, it would have a significant impact on other countries.

In other words, even the Empire of Minerva can’t just sit back and enjoy the show. Using this as a pretext for military intervention is also quite ambiguous.

Amidst this complex situation, I, who was truly enjoying the show…

“…How much in total?”

“Even after taxes… it would be similar to what I just mentioned.”

“Is this even possible?”

“It’s the best-selling book in the world, isn’t it?”

I’m calculating money. Specifically, I’m calculating the profits earned from the Biography of Xenon.

Originally, this was money I had set aside due to the risk of my identity being exposed. Since then, with the help of Leort and Rina, I’ve been withdrawing it bit by bit, and even that amount is substantial by my standards.

If I were to withdraw it all at once, someone would surely become suspicious. In fact, there were people who tried to track such movements.

But look at what’s in front of me now. Even though it’s just a “portion,” there are neatly stacked gold bars.

Gold has always been a symbol of wealth and the embodiment of “money.” Even if a country’s economy collapses, the value of gold remains absolute.

And in front of me, these gold bars are shining brilliantly.

‘Even Gold coins are just gold-plated…’

While the common currency of this world is just gold-plated, these are pure gold. I can’t even imagine how much they’re worth.

I blinked a few times and glanced to the side. My lovely partner and fiancée, Marie, was gaping in astonishment.

Being from the only ducal family in the empire, she must have substantial funds, but she’s probably seeing gold bars stacked like a tower for the first time. I understand her surprise.

The same goes for Adelia, who’s standing behind. She’s completely failed to manage her expression and looks dumbfounded.

‘But this is just a portion?’

The issue is that this is just a small part. Since each gold bar is quite heavy, they’ve truly brought only a portion.

The remaining gold bars are probably being stacked neatly in the underground vault by now. Given the sheer amount, it’s a task that will take days.

Additionally, we need to modify the vault itself and arrange personnel for the underground. This part will probably be handled directly by demons or elves.

Given the quantity, security comparable to a mint might be installed. Many thieves will try to break into our mansion in the future.

‘There’s a lot to think about.’

I now realize that it’s not just devil worshippers I need to be cautious of. After staring at the shimmering gold bars for a while, I shifted my gaze forward.

In front of me sits Musk, the publishing company president and a trustworthy business partner, with a beaming smile.

Since all these gold bars are profits from selling the Biography of Xenon, it’s not strange for him to visit our mansion.

Also, since I’ve announced that I am Xenon, he needs to hear about my future plans.

“Mr. Musk?”

“Yes. Please speak.”

“I’d like to hear about your future plans…”

To this, Musk replied with the same smiling face.

“Issac.”

“Yes.”

“We’ve now earned enough money to buy a building in the capital.”

“What?”

What a random thing to say. As I was thinking this, Musk spoke again.

“Ah! Now we’ve earned enough to buy a horse.”

“…”

Somehow, it reminds me of a billionaire who prayed and then bought a Lamborghini. Musk’s behavior is exactly the same.

For reference, horses are several times more expensive than buildings. Since proper tanks and cars haven’t been invented yet, horses are considered strategic assets.

Anyway, what Musk is trying to tell me is that even now, the Biography of Xenon is selling like hotcakes.

As I realized this and gave a wry smile, Musk spoke to me in a voice filled with happiness.

“The Biography of Xenon is still being sold worldwide. And this won’t change even if you reveal your identity, Issac. In fact, there’s no plan to change it. The pressure that has been on me will now shift to you, and I’ll just continue selling books as I’ve always done.”

“Hmm… I see. I think I asked an unnecessary question.”

“Not at all. May I ask one question?”

“What is it?”

Musk hesitated slightly, clasping his hands together. His face still had a hint of a smile, but the fact that he hesitated at all piques my interest.

Then, watching me carefully, he asked in a very cautious voice.

“How much longer until the Biography of Xenon is completed… That’s the most sensitive matter.”

“Ah.”

I immediately understand his question. Of course, as a publishing company president, this is the most sensitive part and deeply related to me.

Moreover, the Biography of Xenon is currently progressing towards its conclusion. In volume 23, the battle with Envy ends, and from volume 24 onwards, we’ll go on the offensive.

As we go on the offensive, Pride will reveal the truth related to the ancestors of the elves. This will surely cause another uproar.

Anyway, it’s clear that the conclusion of the Biography of Xenon is approaching. After roughly calculating in my head, I spoke.

Given that there will be overlapping political issues, including the wedding, it won’t be as quick as one might think.

“Probably… it will be completed within half a year at the latest. Only the final stage remains.”

“Hmm… I see.”

Upon hearing that it would be completed within half a year at the latest, Musk wiped the smile off his face and adopted a serious expression.

The Biography of Xenon is like a never-ending well for him, but he can’t rely on just one thing.

He was actually planning to hold a contest, which says it all. Although there’s Cherry’s work, it can’t be expected to have the same impact as the Biography of Xenon.

Being someone whose mind works quickly when it comes to money, he must have thought about what to do after the Biography of Xenon concludes. But he can’t help feeling anxious.

“Are you going to ask me to delay the conclusion a bit more?”

So I probed him. Let’s see how Musk responds.

In the Japanese manga industry of my previous life, there was a notorious practice of stretching popular works into long-running series to forcibly increase sales.

Especially famous is the incident where the culture minister personally visited the Dragon Ball author when he said he was going to end the series.

Of course, there were multiple complex reasons for the culture minister’s visit at that time, and looking at other works, it’s common for them to unexpectedly gain popularity and become long-running series.

As a result, many works were ruined. Will Musk show the same reaction?

“What? Oh, no. Absolutely not.”

“Why? If I just decide to, it would be a huge benefit for you too, Mr. Musk?”

But Musk gave an unexpected answer. Looking at Marie sitting next to me, she also had a surprised expression.

Is he really someone who doesn’t cross the line, contrary to appearances? My appreciation for him was increasing when…

“The Biography of Xenon will continue to sell steadily for the next 10 years. Of course, not as much as now.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s simple. The population will continue to grow, and so will the sales of the Biography of Xenon. So there’s no need to ruin the artistic integrity by stretching it into a long-running series.”

“…”

I stand corrected. Musk truly has a terrifying insight when it comes to money.

As he said, the population is steadily increasing, and so will the sales of the Biography of Xenon.

Men and women form families, children are born, they grow up, become independent, and form their own families. During this process, they’ll buy the Biography of Xenon.

It’s not just an ordinary novel but is revered as a scripture. It’s easy to understand when you think about how the Bible from my previous life sold close to 4 billion copies.

‘What a terrifying person.’

Then was the contest really just a precaution? Or perhaps he didn’t expect the Biography of Xenon to sell this well.

I suppressed my desire to peek into his mind and let out a hollow laugh.

“I was worried for nothing. Then why did you ask about the conclusion?”

“So that I can prepare to some extent. Speaking of which, have you thought about your next work…?”

So this was his main purpose. Musk mentioned the next work in a more cautious voice than before.

Judging by his fidgeting hands, he’s quite curious. And not just him.

Both Marie and Adelia, who’s standing behind, are showing interest in me.

And I had already thought about my answer to this.

“I do have something in mind. But it’s definitely not a hopeful adventure story like the Biography of Xenon. It’s deeply related to war.”

“War… That’s a very profound topic. Can you give me a little hint about the content? Ah, that doesn’t mean I won’t contract it. I’ll definitely contract any book by you, Issac.”

“Well then… Mr. Musk.”

“Yes.”

I faced Musk and quietly opened my mouth.

“How do you think about a world without mana, Mr. Musk?”

“A world… without mana?”

“Yes. And one more thing. It might be a dangerous thought, but what if it’s a world where gods can’t directly exert their power?”

“…Could such a world exist?”

Yes, it does. I’m from that planet.

Musk, and probably others, had expressions that suggested they had heard something bizarre. My story must seem not just out of place but impossible to them.

But I don’t intend to say more here. I’m a bit itchy to talk more, but for the sake of impact, I should hold back.

“I plan to write about such a world. A world without mana, but with something else developed instead. How does that sound?”

“I can’t imagine it at all.”

“What on earth are you planning to write?”

After Musk, Marie asked me with a voice full of doubt. I responded with a subtle smile.

“It wouldn’t be fun if I told you in advance. If I were to give a hint, something like a steam locomotive might appear.”

“…I always wonder what’s inside your head. Are you really not from another world?”

Marie’s sharp question made me feel a bit uneasy. I just shrugged in response.

Anyway, now that I’ve mentioned my next work, there’s only one thing left.

“By the way, Issac. Do you really not intend to sell the Biography of Xenon in the Kingdom of Teres?”

The most important and sensitive topic for Musk. The Kingdom of Teres is his most important customer.

As a country that prides itself on culture, they’ve purchased a large quantity of the Biography of Xenon. It’s selling like hotcakes even with the customs duty imposed on foreign goods.

Since it accounts for a significant portion of sales, it must be a painful loss for Musk. But he doesn’t know about the circumstances entangled between the Kingdom of Teres and me.

Instead, he’s very perceptive and didn’t mention that part unnecessarily.

“Yes. There are complicated circumstances that I can’t explain, but for now, I intend to maintain the same stance.”

“Hmm… I understand. Then there’s nothing we can do.”

Even now, as soon as I mentioned complicated circumstances, he immediately moved on to the next topic.

Honestly, it’s something he might be curious about, but his character is different. I really wonder what would have happened if such a person had been a noble.

“Then I’ll be taking my leave. May I visit frequently in the future?”

“Of course. I look forward to working with you. Ah, and…”

Before he left, I picked up one gold bar from the stacked tower.

Being pure gold, it’s quite heavy.

“Take this one with you. You’ve worked hard.”

“Hehehe. It’s fine.”

“No, please take it.”

“It’s really fine.”

Up to this point, I thought he was just being polite.

“I don’t accept such small change.”

“…”

This terrifying person.

*****

About three days passed after that.

“The Teres royal family is coming to our mansion?”

“Yes. They should be at the imperial palace in the capital by now.”

The Teres royal family is set to visit our mansion.

“Is King Fredrick coming too?”

“No. I heard the queen came instead.”

“…”

As expected, being a king, he seems to be quite reluctant to move.