Ch.384Cow’s Backward Steps (1)

In a completely unexpected direction, Rina discovered my past life, but it passed without any real issues.

She’s not the type to have a loose tongue and reveal this to others, and I was already under similar suspicion anyway.

She said that one fact made everything suddenly make sense, so I’d say it turned out pretty well.

Furthermore, she mentioned she would implement some policies based on what I told her, so Rina actually gained quite a bit from this.

Anyway, time continued to flow through all these events. The event is proceeding successfully, and Biography of Xenon Volume 28 was published without any issues.

[A cruel ending that hits readers when they thought everything was over.]

[When they expected the final gate, an even greater tragedy awaited.]

[The ending that readers want for Jin and Lilly. How will it unfold?]

[Will it end in tragedy like Kayre and Elisha, or will a miracle occur?]

And as soon as it was published, reactions poured out exactly as I had predicted.

Compared to the Seven Deadly Sins, the somewhat one-dimensional arch-devil Diabols is defeated by Xenon’s group. Looking at just this plot, it could be considered a standard story.

But as Diabols’ vessel was being destroyed, he unleashed one final, desperate attack. He fired a wedge containing the most vile darkness.

All readers predicted it would target Xenon, but the arrow changed direction right in front of him.

The new target was Lilly. Because of this unexpected twist, even Jin couldn’t react properly.

[A wedge filled with vile darkness. Can Lilly purify it?]

[Even the World Tree couldn’t withstand demonic corruption. Purification would be nearly impossible for Lilly.]

[If the gods help them, there’s nothing to worry about.]

[Didn’t Jin also experience awakening after being attacked by Gluttony?]

Jin and Lilly are a couple that many people love and are invested in. Naturally, many were shocked by the ending of Volume 28.

Some worried that their story might not continue, while others comforted themselves by saying that since Jin returned from death, surely Lilly would too.

The ending was so shocking that it even overshadowed the progress of the event.

Since most event participants are passionate fans of Biography of Xenon, this reaction was inevitable.

‘I wonder what reactions we’ll see when Jin appears as the final boss.’

Volume 29 mainly deals with the aftermath of the war and Lilly’s serious condition.

As one critic mentioned, the demons in Biography of Xenon possess darkness so vile it can corrupt even the World Tree.

No matter how saintly Lilly is called, it’s impossible for her to purify it on her own.

[Was Diabols truly completely destroyed?]

[Only his vessel was shattered; his soul must be wandering somewhere or returned to his original world.]

[A war won but only wounds remain. And in the demon world, there must be demons far stronger than Diabols lurking.]

[Without destroying the soul, there can be no fundamental solution.]

Even Diabols’ soul wasn’t completely destroyed. Just before his vessel shattered, he left a teaser saying he wouldn’t die and would return.

That one hint left many people feeling anxious yet disappointed. After such sacrifice, they felt they were still being toyed with by demons.

Of course, they have no idea that Jin will consume that teaser quite deliciously.

[Is the end of this story happiness or misfortune?]

[The end of a hero is always tragic. That’s how it’s always been for everyone.]

[Why can’t they be happy?]

Volume 28 is the part that instills anxiety in readers. They anxiously await the next volume, worried about Jin and Lilly’s future.

Though I understood their impatience, unfortunately, Volume 29 wouldn’t be coming out anytime soon.

Because I had more important matters to attend to than writing Biography of Xenon.

“So, Ariel. Even if you can read people’s minds, don’t say it out loud. Understand?”

“Why?”

“People get embarrassed or angry when their inner thoughts are exposed. It’s against etiquette.”

“But if someone has impure thoughts about Dad, tell me secretly. Got it?”

It was none other than Ariel’s education. Currently, Marie and I are sitting on the bed, earnestly educating Ariel.

Reading thoughts itself isn’t a problem, but she shouldn’t voice what she reads aloud.

However, if a stranger harbors ill will toward me or speaks badly of me, she should secretly let me know.

I thought Ariel, being a smart child, would listen without any doubt.

“Why?”

“Which part don’t you understand?”

“Why not say it right to their face? They’re saying bad things about Dad and Mom.”

But I had forgotten that she was just a newborn.

We’ve taught her various common knowledge through education, but her understanding of human relationships is still very limited.

Whether it’s because she lacks tact or because she sees no need to filter, she bluntly states whatever thoughts she reads.

“Ariel. You’re right, but saying it directly might cause trouble for Dad and Mom. Do you like causing trouble for us?”

“No. I don’t like that.”

“Then…”

“But I dislike people who badmouth Mom and Dad even more. I’ll tell them directly.”

She was also quite stubborn. Marie gave an awkward smile at Ariel’s stubbornness.

Ariel’s thinking was like this: She could tolerate not revealing the inner thoughts of people she’s close to.

However, she couldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of me or other people she’s close to. If someone did, she would say so immediately.

It was a very childlike way of thinking, but the fact that she had mind-reading abilities was a major concern.

‘Should I call this a fiery filial daughter?’

It’s certainly helpful, but the situation could easily go in a strange direction. Yet when I suggested forbidding mind-reading, she refused.

She said mind-reading happens automatically when she looks into someone’s eyes, whether she wants it or not. In other words, there’s no worry about reading minds if she doesn’t make eye contact.

“Sigh… Ariel.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“I’m saying this for your sake. Your ability might be fine now, but someday it could come back to hurt you. Mom and Dad can handle it, but you’re still inexperienced, right?”

Marie spoke sharply to Ariel with a somewhat frustrated voice. As soon as she heard this, Ariel puffed up her cheeks.

A reaction that anyone could see was full of discontent. I felt the urge to poke those balloon-like cheeks but barely restrained myself.

But Marie didn’t deliver that rebuke without thought. As everyone knows, she also had an ability similar to Ariel’s mind-reading.

Marie gently stroked Ariel’s hair to soothe her. Ariel softened slightly, and her puffed cheeks gradually deflated.

“Mom has an ability similar to yours, you know. Sometimes it’s better to pretend not to know what people are thinking. What would you do if someone you’re close with was thinking bad things?”

“…Such people are bad.”

Ariel showed no intention of backing down. Marie seemed to have anticipated this, as she smiled gently and embraced her.

Ariel quietly surrendered to Marie’s warm embrace. The sprout on her head tilted slightly, reflecting her softened mood.

“Yes, they are bad. But what if they had reasons for being that way? What if they dislike you because you made a mistake?”

“…”

“If this happens repeatedly, you’ll eventually close your heart. You’ll be surrounded by people but have no one to lean on. That’s how Mom was before meeting Dad.”

This wasn’t a lie—it was Marie’s actual experience.

She too was born with the ability to discern people’s true intentions, similar to Ariel.

Thanks to this, she could gain an advantage in the fierce political arena, but because politics was so dirty and petty, she naturally distanced herself from it.

Instead, she maintained her characteristically lively behavior, saying she didn’t want to become like those who wore masks.

As time passed, she met me and was drawn to how I always showed my true self without pretense.

“So Mom will help you. Your ability isn’t bad at all. It’s just a bit special.”

“…What should I do?”

Had Marie’s gentle persuasion worked? Ariel’s stubborn resistance, as tough as a bull’s, finally broke.

I watched this in real-time and was impressed. Perhaps Marie’s sincerity resonated because they shared similar abilities.

“First, let’s develop the ability to think slowly. Instead of immediately revealing inner thoughts, just think a little first.”

“Think?”

“Yes. Oh, of course, you can say whatever you want to Dad and Mom. This is only for strangers. Understand?”

“It’s hard…”

Ariel shook her head, apparently dizzy just thinking about it. Marie found this adorable and hugged her tightly.

This buried Ariel’s face in Marie’s ample bosom, but since she photosynthesizes, there was no expression of suffocation.

“Really… how can there be such a cute and lovable child? Seeing Ariel makes me want to have a child soon.”

“Could you wait just two years?”

“Do you really think we can avoid accidents for two years? I don’t think so.”

What are you talking about in front of the child? Though I suppose Ariel wouldn’t understand even if she heard.

I could only smile awkwardly as Marie seductively licked her lips.

The more we educated Ariel, the more I could feel Marie’s desire gradually growing.

“Mmm. Dad! Mom. Can I say this?”

“Say what? Oh! Perhaps the names Mom was thinking of for your siblings?”

“Yes.”

“Well. Do you want to say it, Ariel?”

“No. I won’t say it.”

“Oh my. Alright, alright. Let’s kiss.”

Smooch, smooch, smooch!

Marie couldn’t resist Ariel’s adorableness. She planted kisses all over Ariel’s face, leaving her mark.

Under this overwhelming love, Ariel squinted her eyes and flailed her arms and legs, trying to escape.

Fortunately, thanks to her innately powerful muscles, she managed to break free. Then she crawled over to me.

I naturally embraced her and lovingly stroked her head with affection.

“Ariel. Would you like to go outside?”

“Outside?”

“Yes.”

Strictly speaking, it’s not outside but going to the mansion. I haven’t shown Ariel to my mother yet, so it would be better to introduce her at least once.

It doesn’t matter if Ariel’s existence is discovered along the way. She’ll be revealed eventually anyway, so an earlier revelation doesn’t make much difference.

Of course, if her existence becomes known, the whole world will be turned upside down again.

I rubbed my face against Ariel’s cheek, enjoying the soft, rice-cake-like feeling.

“Issac. What about me?”

“Marie, do you want me to do it for you too?”

“Yes!”

“Come here.”

Perhaps jealous of Ariel, Marie also clung to me. She began expressing various forms of affection, such as rubbing her face against mine or gently biting.

The problem was that it wasn’t just face-rubbing. Her hand had moved up to my thigh and was gently caressing it.

Everyone knows what this action implies. Come to think of it, we haven’t done it much recently due to being busy.

Marie’s room is right next door, so I could leave Ariel with Adelia and my father.

‘Good thing we created signals in advance.’

With actions rather than words, Ariel wouldn’t catch on to our intentions. Just as we were enjoying this peaceful daily life…

[Xenon will kill Jin! Like the tragedy of Kayre and Elisha, Jin and Lilly will never be together!]

Amidst an already confusing situation, a huge spark had fallen.

What is this guy? Is he really a prophet?