Ch.33What Kind of Nonsense Is This (2)

I can discuss the coupling with a laugh. Some might find Jackson’s topic for a logical debate strange, but it’s comparable to this.

Like analyzing character relationships in a literary novel during language class, the Biography of Xenon follows a similar format. Unlike many novels in this world that twist explanations, the Biography of Xenon clearly presents character relationships.

Everyone knows the relationship between the protagonist Xenon and the heroine Mary, or between Jin and Lilly. Including Xenon’s companions and helpers makes it quite complex.

“What the fuck?”

Jackson’s statement was so absurd that I, as the original author, couldn’t comprehend it. I usually avoid cursing even unconsciously, but this made me swear out loud.

Jackson seemed surprised by my cursing, but only briefly. He extended his index finger with his characteristic arrogant expression and began explaining.

“Judging by your reaction, you’re impressed too. Indeed, no one would have predicted Lilly would go to Xenon. Doesn’t everyone think so?”

“Well… now that I hear it, it does make sense.”

“Their fundamental natures are different, so it can’t be helped.”

When Jackson asked the group for opinions, most seemed to agree. I could clearly see my common sense waving goodbye as it walked out.

Was I being manipulated, or was there something they hadn’t mentioned yet? Since it wasn’t just one or two people but most agreeing, I assumed the latter. These people weren’t fools who would be easily convinced by just one argument.

I managed to calm my boiling emotions and asked Jackson. I wanted to shout, but now wasn’t the time.

“…Is that all? Just because Lilly shows interest in Xenon?”

“Of course not. In the world of the Biography of Xenon, unlike our current world, discrimination against demon-folk still exists. Moreover, Lilly is a promising clergy member within the Church of Light. That alone would be enough, but I consider Jin’s birth even more important.”

“His birth?”

Like a cold splash of water, the heat inside me rapidly cooled.

Until just now, I’d been listening thinking “what nonsense,” but after hearing Jackson “mention” Jin’s birth, everything changed.

After all, Jin’s birth is one of the most important plot points for future developments.

Jackson, reading my expression, continued with a smug smile and triumphant voice.

“Yes. Most people probably missed it since it was mentioned in passing, but the leader of the demon hunters, Sacran, said to Jin: ‘Demon-folk with large horns and high concentration of dark mana like you are extremely rare.’ Also, in the Biography of Xenon, demon-folk’s demonic blood gradually thins with each generation.”

“… …”

“Combining all this, Jin isn’t born between two demon-folk, but between a real demon and a human. That’s why his demonic traits are more pronounced.”

“Wow…”

*clap clap clap clap*

I applauded sincerely in admiration. Though the beginning was strange, the process aligned perfectly with my intended story.

Indeed, Jin is a demon-folk much closer to demons than humans, unlike others. Born when his mother was raped by a demon, he suffered severe abuse since childhood—a tragic demon-folk.

Moreover, the demon who raped Jin’s mother wasn’t ordinary. He’s one of the Seven Deadly Sins, representing “Gluttony,” with the ability to steal others’ powers.

This ability is inherited by his son, who later uses it to absorb the power of the fake final boss and great demon, Diablo. Naturally, he’s then consumed by that power and tragically defeated by Xenon.

‘At least he’s not completely stupid.’

His behavior might be rude and unpleasant, but he’s not intellectually deficient. He seems more like an avid reader who has studied the Biography of Xenon thoroughly.

However, being an avid reader doesn’t excuse his rudeness. Additionally, Jackson is currently in a situation of both fortune and misfortune—the fortune being that I’m the original author of the Biography of Xenon, and the misfortune being exactly the same thing.

Jackson had been looking quite pleased when I applauded and expressed admiration. He wore a haughty expression, exuding confidence.

“Well? If you have something to say, now would be a good time.”

“So you’re saying that due to Jin’s birth issue and Lilly’s position overlapping, they can never be together?”

“Yes. You understand well…”

“But it doesn’t make sense that Lilly would turn away from Jin and go to Xenon just because of that?”

I cut off Jackson’s words and expressed my opinion. He seemed taken aback by my firm denial, showing confusion on his face.

Jackson’s deduction was excellent, but unfortunately, as the original author, I had to deny what needed denying. His explanation was plausible enough that many people might misinterpret my intentions.

I’d prefer to avoid having my created characters evaluated in strange ways if possible.

“…What doesn’t make sense?”

Jackson spoke in a low voice, clearly displeased after I refuted him. He seemed unhappy that his passionate deduction was being denied.

Of course, since parts of Jackson’s deduction were correct, it was worth acknowledging.

“As you said, there’s something suspicious about Jin’s birth. It might become a major obstacle later. No, it definitely will. Having stronger demonic traits means he’s closer to demons than humans.”

“… …”

“But would Lilly really not know this? Having been by his side since childhood, wouldn’t she stay with him despite knowing this fact?”

There are several reasons why Jin and Lilly’s love line is poignant, but one is their childhood friend relationship. Jin was abused even by his birth mother who called him a demon, and suffered greatly just for being demon-folk.

If he had continued growing up that way, he might have truly become a “demon,” but after coincidentally forming a bond with Lilly, his life completely changed. People often say he was “saved.”

Lilly also falls in love with Jin’s unwavering devotion, but they can’t approach each other due to their respective positions and circumstances.

“And Lilly’s goodwill toward Xenon is more like person-to-person kindness rather than romantic interest. Especially since Xenon has prevented Jin from becoming a demon several times. From Lilly’s perspective, she can’t help but be grateful to him. Moreover, Jin and Lilly both know each other’s feelings well. There are many descriptions of them occasionally smiling at each other or subtly holding hands.”

“… …”

“Above all, Lilly has given flowers to Jin several times. Do you know what kind of flowers they were?”

Jackson furrowed his brow, seemingly pondering my question. To give the answer in advance, the flowers Lilly gave to Jin were lilies.

Lilies have various meanings, but the most representative is undoubtedly “pure love.” As her name suggests, Lilly openly expresses her love for Jin.

“…White flowers, lilies. And the flower language of lilies is unchanging love, or pure love.”

After a brief pause, the answer came not from Jackson but from one of the people who had been closely observing our situation.

I turned my head toward the person who answered. It was a handsome young man with neatly swept-back brown hair. Judging by his tall stature and sturdy build visible through his formal attire, I guessed he was a martial arts student.

He had sharp eyes and a chiseled jaw. Overall, he had a cold, handsome style.

Anyway, I needed to finish what I was saying. I shifted my gaze from the brown-haired man back to Jackson. Jackson seemed to have nothing to say after hearing about the lily’s meaning, keeping his mouth tightly shut.

“Lilly emphasizes that her feelings won’t change by giving Jin lilies. Jin knows this, which is why he’s more devoted than anyone else. So even if they can’t be together, it’s currently impossible for Lilly to go to Xenon. It completely contradicts both plausibility and Lilly’s character. Her very name is evidence of this.”

“… …”

“Still, my earlier admiration was genuine. You caught plot points that others might easily miss and pointed out that Jin’s birth isn’t ordinary. Honestly, that impressed me.”

“Ugh…!”

I meant it as a compliment, but Jackson didn’t take it that way. When I saw him pressing his lips together and his face turning red, I thought I might have said something wrong, but soon realized why.

My statement “that impressed me” was spoken from the perspective of the original author, but Jackson has no idea I’m the author. So my comment could be interpreted as placing myself above him.

But what can I do? Once words are spoken, they can’t be taken back.

Besides, considering how Jackson has picked fights with me before, I didn’t feel the need to correct myself. Let him fume on his own.

“Excuse me, red-haired gentleman? May I ask your name?”

Just as I was about to walk away, the brown-haired cold handsome man called out to me. I looked at him, slightly surprised.

I could see expectation and interest on his face, and I immediately sensed I was getting involved in something troublesome.

“…I’m Isaac. Isaac Dukar Mayshall.”

“Dukar… Mayshall?”

“Isn’t Mayshall the surname of the Red Lion?”

“Come to think of it, Instructor Nicole is also a Mayshall.”

As expected of martial arts students, they started whispering among themselves as soon as they heard my father’s surname, famous as the Red Lion.

Nicole’s name was occasionally mentioned too, suggesting she’s well-known among new students. Well, with her face and skills, it would be strange if she weren’t famous.

“I thought you looked familiar with that red hair and golden eyes… so you’re the son of the Red Lion. Pleased to meet you. I’m Edin Marvie Signar, the eldest son of the Count Signar family.”

“Nice to meet you, Edin. May I ask why you called me?”

The brown-haired man who introduced himself as Edin answered my question as if it were nothing special.

“Since we’re here, I’d like to chat with you, Isaac. As Jackson mentioned, everyone here is an enthusiastic fan of the Biography of Xenon. You seem similar, so I thought it would be enjoyable to mingle together.”

“… …”

I’m not a fan but the original author. I gave Edin an ambiguous smile at his invitation.

Still, unlike Jackson, he wouldn’t pick fights with me, and I had some questions too. Since things had come to this, it wouldn’t hurt to expand my network.

“Sure, why not. But could I have some wine first? My throat is a bit dry.”

“Ah, yes. The wine is on that table over there.”

I approached the table Edin pointed to. A waiter who had been waiting poured the wine for me, so I didn’t need to choose myself.

The wine in the glass was a deep purple color, and when I smelled it, the tangy grape aroma stimulated my senses.

‘Should I take a sip?’

It wouldn’t be bad to try a sip before leaving. I looked around cautiously and took a small sip of wine.

“…Oh.”

There was no bitterness at all, just a sweet, slightly intoxicating taste that filled my mouth. Perfect for someone with childish taste preferences like me.

Satisfied with the wine’s flavor, I returned to my previous spot. Even though Jackson had left, the group hadn’t disbanded, suggesting they really were fans of the Biography of Xenon.

Evidence of this was that most of the conversation was about the Biography of Xenon. Various discussions were taking place, almost embarrassingly so for me to hear.

“Ah, you’re back. We were just having an interesting conversation.”

“An interesting conversation?”

It seems they had been talking while I was getting wine. When I asked with curiosity, Edin nodded and spoke.

“Yes. Everyone was discussing Mary’s background. As you know, Mary is a magician, right? But magic is very difficult for commoners to learn. So most people believe Mary is nobility, possibly a marquis or higher.”

“Hmm… is that so? What do you think, Edin?”

“I suspect Mary might be related to elves. The Biography of Xenon consistently describes appearances, but Mary is always mentioned as having her ears covered by thick hair. Moreover, elves are masters of magic like demon-folk, so hiding their ears would be easy for them.”

“… …”

“What do you think, Isaac?”

What the hell? How does he know all this?

Faced with Edin’s comprehensive explanation, I could only give a dumbfounded response.

“…I don’t really know that much about it?”

Saying this in front of an avid reader made my conscience sting sharply.