Ch.35Alcohol is the Problem (2)

The book that had a profound impact on the world, the Biography of Xenon.

While it appears to be an ordinary hero’s tale on the surface, the story contained within is profoundly deep. It portrays demons, normally treated as evil, as unfortunate beings, and reveals both the light and dark sides of nobility in fragmentary glimpses.

Until now, novels had been nothing but books with convoluted sentences and needlessly complex vocabulary, but the Biography of Xenon takes the opposite approach. It features vivid writing and descriptions that play out in one’s mind, along with memorable scenes and messages that leave a lasting impression.

Above all, it was entertaining. The biography of an ordinary commoner who encounters a “fateful opportunity,” awakens his talent, and grows to become a hero who saves the world. Add to that charming female protagonists and supporting characters.

As it’s easily readable and enjoyable even for commoners, the Biography of Xenon has established itself as a popular book. It’s a book that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age, gender, or race.

And along with anticipation for the next volume, readers have one burning question:

Who exactly is the author of the Biography of Xenon? Who could possibly write such a book?

Numerous critics have offered various opinions, but the most credible hypothesis is that the author is an elderly sage. In particular, the theory that the author is an explorer who has traveled the entire world and accumulated diverse experiences has gained significant traction.

Teenagers who should be under parental care and those in their twenties who have just entered society were naturally excluded from consideration. This was because the Biography of Xenon contained too many scenes that could only be written by someone with rich life experiences.

Unless they had lived in another world.

“…Why are you asking that?”

The red-haired man with half-lidded eyes, Issac, asked Cecilly in a slurred voice. His amber eyes, which usually shone like pumpkins, had lost their luster and become dull, and his usually gruff voice lacked strength.

His face was as red as his hair, making it obvious to anyone that he was drunk. It was a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.

‘How cute.’

While Cecilly found his appearance adorable, she recalled the suspicious circumstances she had been pondering. First was the callus on his middle finger that Rina had mentioned—a pen callus.

Just as a knight’s palm becomes hardened from years of gripping a sword, the callus embedded in his middle finger is a mark that can only be acquired from holding a pen for a long time. And not just for a month or two, but a callus severe enough to require at least a year to form.

Of course, since Issac habitually takes notes, he could certainly have developed such a callus. Plus, he directly stated that he enjoys studying, so this much could be overlooked.

Second was Issac’s indifferent attitude toward the Biography of Xenon. While he clearly liked it like others, he wasn’t as enthusiastic about it as most people were. Just reading it as a hobby, one might say.

But considering the conversation she had overheard earlier with Jackson, and his attitude thus far, he seemed to have a thorough understanding of the Biography of Xenon’s story. Being so familiar with the story would indicate passion, yet Issac was strangely indifferent.

Lastly, there was the identity of demons that Issac had mentioned previously.

‘It’s similar to what Xenon said to Jin. Could this really be a coincidence?’

There’s a scene where Jin, another protagonist, contemplates the identity of demons after witnessing Sakran’s sacrifice, and Xenon somewhat alleviates that concern. Other races, including humans, might think Xenon was simply offering encouragement, but for Cecilly, this context couldn’t be easily dismissed.

Issac defined demons as “beings who know better than anyone that they cannot become human, yet desperately wish to become human—the most human-like existence.” And Xenon’s words to Jin were:

[Don’t worry. Contrary to your concerns, demons can die like humans even if they become devils. Look at Sakran. Even gods can’t change one’s inherent nature, but that’s precisely why demons are more human-like.]

Xenon’s maxim shares commonalities with what Issac had told her.

What if Issac truly is the author of the Biography of Xenon? Surprisingly, all the evidence above aligns. But this alone isn’t conclusive proof.

Above all, Issac is currently 17 years old, barely an adult by human standards. While he may be knowledgeable, he cannot possibly have rich experiences.

Furthermore, Issac himself revealed that he has mostly lived at home and rarely gone outside. Moreover, the Biography of Xenon is filled with stories that could only emerge from extensive experience or direct observation.

Due to this crucial evidence, the proposition “Issac is the author of the Biography of Xenon” couldn’t be established. Cecilly shrugged at Issac’s question.

“I was just curious. You like reading and writing, don’t you? I thought you might be writing a book too.”

“…No, I don’t write books…”

“Is that so?”

Cecilly twirled her wine glass, watching the wine ripple inside, then turned her gaze to Issac.

Perhaps it was because he was drunk. Unlike his usual self, whose thoughts were plainly visible on his face, it was now difficult to discern what he was thinking.

People tend to make mistakes when drunk, but Issac seemed to be hiding even more. This made her more suspicious. Once doubt takes root, it tends to grow vigorously.

‘I’d like to use magic, but… that would definitely be wrong.’

The applications of magic are limitless. There are spells useful for daily life and those that manipulate the mind to reveal one’s true thoughts.

For humans, such complex magic would be untouchable, but she was a demon known as a master of magic. With some effort, she could certainly use it.

However, magic is prohibited in Halo Academy except in specific areas, and mental magic carries significant risks and side effects. It wouldn’t be right to rummage through the mind of someone she cares about just for confirmation.

If it were a complete stranger, she might have been inclined to do so, but this was Issac. Issac was special to her, so she should treat him with care.

‘Humans are numerous. By chance, there could be coincidental similarities.’

Despite his thoughtfulness and depth of thinking beyond his years, he’s still only 17. Moreover, humans vastly outnumber other races, so there’s no need to single out Issac.

‘Still, it’s worth maintaining some suspicion.’

While the probability of Issac being the author is extremely low, it increases slightly if he’s connected to someone relevant. Cecilly was in the midst of carefully considering who might be around him when she checked on Issac’s condition.

Issac was on the verge of passing out, looking like he might collapse and fall asleep at any moment. It seemed she needed to seat him in a chair or take some action.

“Issac, are you really okay?”

“Yesss.”

“You don’t look okay at all. Let’s go sit over there and rest.”

Cecilly pointed to chairs placed in a corner of the grand hall. With a wall nearby, it was a perfect spot to lean against and rest.

Issac shifted his gaze in the direction she pointed, then began to stagger that way. With a wine glass in one hand, he looked somewhat comical, but concern outweighed amusement.

She walked alongside him, worried he might fall, but still felt uneasy. He looked like a baby penguin toddling after its parent.

“The wine… is… quite tasty… hehe.”

Now he was even giggling. Cecilly watched his smiling face with a fresh expression.

Normally stoic and only occasionally changing expression when teased, Issac rarely smiled. At most, he would smirk slightly, never laughing foolishly like now.

‘He’s even cuter when he smiles.’

The more she looked at him, the more he resembled a baby penguin. Though not particularly small in stature, he seemed small, and his distinctive appearance only appeared cute. Perhaps it was because he was considerably younger than her.

Still, she felt she should prohibit excessive drinking in the future. Rumors of becoming a laughingstock at such gatherings for drinking too much wouldn’t be good for Issac. Though she doubted he would care, given his indifference to his surroundings, it made her uncomfortable.

“Rest here until you sober up, okay?”

“Yesss…”

“By the way, Issac, writing isn’t really your hobby, is it?”

Cecilly subtly changed her wording to “hobby” as she questioned him. With Issac’s thinking impaired by alcohol, she hoped to extract some evidence.

Issac stared blankly at Cecilly after hearing the question, then smiled broadly. He answered cheerfully:

“I don’t know about that…”

“…”

Cecilly let out a faint smile as she watched Issac respond brightly like a child.

Usually, he displayed mature characteristics, but now he was like a child. They say a person’s true nature emerges when drunk—could this be Issac’s true nature? A truly admirable nature.

With this, Cecilly placed her hand on Issac’s head and spoke affectionately. It was a moment when her characteristic playfulness activated.

“Alright. Big sister is going now, so stay here quietly. You’re a good boy who will listen to big sister, right?”

“Yesss…”

“That’s right. Issac is indeed a good boy.”

She gently stroked his head. Whether he took special care of it or not, it felt soft to the touch.

Meanwhile, Issac grinned just like before as Cecilly stroked his head. His pleasure was clearly evident.

“I’m going now. Remember to stay right here as big sister said, okay?”

“Yes!”

Cecilly walked away with Issac’s energetic response behind her. Even as she walked, she didn’t forget to check on him just in case.

Issac was sitting with his back straight, swaying left and right like a roly-poly doll. Seeing this made Cecilly slightly anxious, but she dismissed it, thinking he would be fine.

Not even three minutes after Cecilly had begun conversing with others:

“Kuuu…”

Issac’s eyes gradually closed, and he finally passed out.