Ch.48The Seven Deadly Sins (1)

The sky is always clear after a storm passes. After a tempest that seems to sweep away everything, a peaceful atmosphere remains, as if nothing had happened.

Yet storms are powerful enough to sweep away everything in their path. The trunks of mighty trees with deep roots break helplessly in half, and the civilizations people have built are destroyed before the relentless power of nature.

So people endure storms to see the endlessly bright blue sky afterward. Whether that storm is literal or metaphorical.

I too nearly collapsed like a broken tree trunk after experiencing a storm, but Nicole’s sincere comfort helped me barely hold on. Afterward, only a cloudless clear sky shone upon me, bringing refreshment.

Currently, I’m writing the 9th volume of Biography of Xenon, and if I write up to the 10th volume, it will take about a year at a leisurely pace. Since I said I’d rest until third year, my break period is guaranteed for at least a year.

Perhaps because of this thought, I’ve been able to write manuscripts more smoothly. I have a terrifying concentration that sees things through to the end once I start, but there’s another reason why I’ve gained momentum.

[Issac. I heard from your sister. The Crown Prince and Princess were looking for you. Fortunately, they mistook me for the author instead of you, which is a relief, but I heard you were feeling down. I’d like to visit the academy, but I don’t have the time either. So… (omitted). Our family fully supports you. We don’t mind if your writing doesn’t go well. Our family only wishes that you don’t forget how to smile. Don’t be too disheartened about using this father of yours. I’ll gladly be your shield. A father is someone children can lean on willingly.]

It was a letter that arrived from home a few days later, containing my father’s sincere feelings.

Usually, he sends letters with simple words for easy understanding, but this time he sent a long letter, no less extensive than my mother’s. And I couldn’t help but wipe away a tear after reading my father’s letter.

I was happy to have such reliable people in my life, but I also felt sorry. To the point where I questioned why I was so hung up on this writing.

However, I couldn’t disappoint them, so I had to work even harder. Whether it was Biography of Xenon, a new work, or my studies. Because I am my parents’ proud son.

Perhaps thanks to this determination, I achieved the feat of writing the 9th volume in just one month, when it was initially expected to take two months. Because I wrote it so quickly, I carefully checked for any mistakes and sent it home.

As a bonus, I included an explanation about the nosebleed stains on the manuscript. This was to prevent my loving parents from misunderstanding.

But as a month passed, some things changed. Just as college students face the formidable challenges of assignments and exams during that month, the same was true for academy students.

“How was the exam?”

“Hmm… it was a bit difficult. I guess there’s a limit to just memorizing. I never imagined the topic would be like that.”

On the day of the history exam everyone had been so anxious about.

Cecilly and I were talking outside the lecture hall after finishing the exam.

Cecilly seemed slightly disappointed, as if the exam had been quite difficult, and as she said, the history exam wasn’t just about memorizing history.

Professor Elena explained during history lectures that historical knowledge was fundamental, but focused on what could be learned from history and what should be learned. It was a lecture that focused on the subject of history itself rather than historical knowledge.

And the topic on this history exam was:

[Describe history as you understand it.]

It looks simple on the surface, but it’s actually a cruelly difficult essay question. You have to decide whether to write it simply so it can be understood at a glance, or to write a detailed explanation.

After briefly grumbling, Cecilly turned her head to me and asked with a curious voice.

“Wasn’t it difficult for you, Issac? You just wrote quickly and submitted your exam paper.”

“You saw that?”

“Of course I had to see it since you were the first student to leave. What did you write?”

In my previous life, there was one saying that was invariably mentioned when it came to historical quotes. I’m not sure who said it first, but it’s a phrase clearly imprinted in people’s minds.

So hearing her question, I answered in my characteristically blunt voice.

“History repeats itself eternally. I just wrote that one line and left. What about you, Cecilly?”

“Of course…”

“You’re not going to tell me, right? I already know.”

I preempted her before Cecilly could play a trick. Cecilly was momentarily flustered, then looked at me with an expression of disbelief.

From observing Cecilly so far, I noticed she had a habit of raising the corners of her mouth before playing tricks on me. As soon as I saw that now, I anticipated her trick and got ahead of her.

“…How did you know?”

As expected, people are unaware of their own habits. Cecilly asked me with a face half surprised and half embarrassed. It was a reaction she clearly hadn’t expected.

I stared at Cecilly’s rarely flustered expression for a moment before quietly opening my mouth.

“You’re not going to tell me anyway, right?”

“…Hey.”

“I can’t be the only one getting teased.”

“Tch.”

When I responded firmly, Cecilly clicked her tongue and turned her head away sharply. She was expressing her feelings of “I’m upset” with her whole body, but there was no need to worry about it.

No matter how upset she pretends to be, she’ll definitely play tricks on me again before long. She has a playful nature, but Cecilly’s was so extreme that I was starting to get tired of it.

“Noona.”

“Why are you calling me?”

“Do you only play tricks on me, or do you do it to other people too?”

So I asked. While Cecilly would have pleasant conversations with Rina, she often played tricks specifically when she was with me.

But jokes are only jokes if the other person plays along, and at some point it started to feel excessive, so I was getting tired of it.

I was beginning to wonder if she was treating me like a toy or as a person.

Cecilly blinked her red eyes at my question, then tilted her head and answered.

“No? I play tricks on Rina and other people too. I never play tricks on people I’m not close with.”

“Hmm… really?”

“…Why are you asking that? Did I hurt your feelings?”

When I showed a dubious reaction, Cecilly seemed to realize the atmosphere had changed and spoke cautiously.

I stared at the anxious Cecilly and recalled her age. She is a demon who has lived for over 100 years.

Having lived through so many years, she must have seen and felt many things, yet Cecilly tends to be unexpectedly immature in certain aspects. It’s hard to tell whether it’s because this is her first time stepping into human society or because of the environment she grew up in.

“It’s not that I’m hurt, but I’d like you to show some restraint. I’d like to share interesting conversations with each other rather than just jokes like just now.”

“…I understand. I’m sorry. I guess I went too far.”

Cecilly apologized with an apologetic face at my request. Seeing the atmosphere turning gloomy, I quickly changed the subject.

“I’m curious about something. When you were living in the kingdom, was there no one who played tricks on you?”

Cecilly is a princess of Helium. Her position is similar to Rina’s.

So she must have met various people to build connections, and some of those relationships might have developed into friendships.

But contrary to my expectations, Cecilly gave a slightly bitter smile and shook her head. It meant no.

“Almost none except my father. I don’t have any siblings, and everyone who approached me only saw my power. Since I was destined to be the next Demon King, people couldn’t easily play tricks on me.”

“What about your lady-in-waiting? As a princess, you must have had one, right?”

“I did, a long time ago. But there was… something unpleasant that happened. It’s fair to say that apart from my father, there was no one to play tricks on in Helium.”

It seems she has some rather unpleasant memories. Moreover, since Cecilly has an excellent memory, those memories must be vivid.

So I quickly apologized to Cecilly, who was smiling awkwardly. I had tried to change the atmosphere, but the situation had become even stranger.

“I’m sorry. It seems I’ve touched on some bad memories.”

“No, no. Thanks to you, I’ve realized how precious this moment is. Anyway, I’ll try to restrain myself from playing excessive tricks from now on. Okay?”

“Yes.”

“By the way, who are you waiting for, Issac?”

Just as I had done earlier, Cecilly also changed the subject to break the awkward situation.

I responded to her question.

“Marie. I’m curious if she did well on the exam.”

“Is that all?”

Cecilly looked at me with a subtle gaze. She seems to think there’s something between Marie and me, but unfortunately, that’s absolutely not the case.

I’m not oblivious, and I know that Marie has feelings for me beyond friendship. However, I’m too busy to reciprocate those feelings.

‘I’d have to gradually reveal my secrets too…’

If, and this is unlikely, but if I were to officially date Marie, I would probably reveal that I’m the author of Biography of Xenon first.

Until now, I had the mindset of hiding my secret from everyone except family, no matter how close they were, but after receiving sincere comfort from my family, my thinking changed.

I still keep the secret, but I leave clues for people I trust. People who would simply respond with “Oh, really?” if they knew I was the author of Biography of Xenon.

Marie is one of the people who meets that condition. I don’t know how her family would react, but at least I can be certain that Marie is not someone who would use me. Though she would be very surprised if I revealed my secret.

Of course, I’ve already clumsily dropped a few clues, but let’s move past that. That was purely my mistake.

“Really, that’s all. There’s nothing else.”

“Hmm. Really?”

Cecilly looked at me with a half-believing, half-doubting face. Seeing her lips twitch, she seemed to be itching to play a trick.

I chuckled at that and then looked toward the classroom door. As time passed, several students were coming out, but the familiar white hair was nowhere to be seen.

Perhaps it’s taking longer because she disliked history so much. Or maybe Cecilly and I came out too early.

“Come to think of it, it seems like Volume 9 of Biography of Xenon should be coming out soon…”

Perhaps bored from waiting endlessly, Cecilly suddenly brought up Volume 9 of Biography of Xenon and glanced at me.

For me, it was something that would naturally make me flinch, but it was okay because it was Cecilly and not someone else. If Rina had mentioned that, I would have been so shocked that my face would have changed color.

So I took a deep breath and spoke in the most calm voice possible. Having sent the manuscript home a few days ago, Volume 9 would be out soon.

“I’m sure it will come out. Only the author knows when, though.”

“Right? Since they’ve been releasing one volume per month, I wonder if it will be completed by the end of first year?”

Why are you asking me while looking at me? I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable as Cecilly looked at me with an expectant face.

Since the gathering, whenever Cecilly mentioned Biography of Xenon, she would look at me, which was truly perplexing behavior for me.

‘…Did I make some mistake back then?’

This made me wonder. Otherwise, there was no reason for Cecilly to behave like that. She suspects me of being the author of Biography of Xenon.

I stared blankly at the smiling Cecilly and then slowly turned my head toward the classroom door. If she truly suspects me, I need to be careful with every word I say.

There’s already quite a bit of spilled milk, but I can prevent further damage by being careful from now on.

“…Well, that’s up to the author.”

“I hope it comes out as soon as possible. I thought a month was short, but it turns out to be quite long.”

There’s a subtle nuance of encouragement. I tried my best to hold back a bitter smile.

‘Sorry, but I plan to take a break for over a year after releasing Volume 10.’

In fact, submitting Volume 9 in just one month is already remarkable for someone like me who currently has no time.

But I was able to release Volume 9 in a month thanks to my family’s encouragement. Volume 10 will take at least 2 months, and after that, I plan to take a break for over a year.

If Cecilly truly suspects me of being the author, I expect there will be some changes after I announce the hiatus. She might directly ask me if I’m the author of Biography of Xenon.

I just need to be prepared for that moment. For now…

‘I should rest until all the exams are over…’

I plan to relieve my body, which has accumulated fatigue from consecutive assignments and exam bombs. I pressed the bridge of my nose firmly due to the oncoming fatigue.

It felt like an engine that had overheated from being pushed too hard. Although I exercise regularly every weekend, balancing writing and academics was physically challenging.

Moreover, I even had a nosebleed last time that stained the manuscript. Since I tend to get nosebleeds when I’m tired, it’s better to be careful in many ways.

“You look very tired. Are you okay?”

Cecilly must have noticed my fatigue and asked me in a worried voice. I nodded and answered.

“Yes. I’m just a little tired. There’s no need to worry.”

“…Still, don’t push yourself too hard. No matter how important grades are, your health is the most important thing.”

“I know that, of course. But I have to do what needs to be done, right?”

Even though I tried to smile, Cecilly didn’t hide her worried expression. For Cecilly, I am one of her few friends, so it’s a natural reaction.

Still, I was really just a little tired, nothing else was wrong. So I waved my hand as if to say not to worry.

“I’m really fine, okay? I just need to get some good sleep.”

“…Alright. Don’t do anything else and make sure you rest, okay?”

“Of course.”

Until then, I thought my ordinary life would continue as always.

[Biography of Xenon divides human sins into seven categories. What is the Church’s reaction?]

[Church of Luminus: The Seven Deadly Sins are sufficient to redefine the foundation of theology. Many scholars are already researching by comparing each discipline, and they align surprisingly well.]

[The races responsible for each sin are all different… Especially the elves being in charge of ‘Pride’ is truly shocking…]

[Which of the Seven Deadly Sins is the strongest? We’ll know as the story progresses, but most readers expect it to be ‘Pride’…]

Until the Seven Deadly Sins, which were usefully employed in my previous life, caused an unexpected impact.

Faced with a reaction on a completely different level from Volume 8, I rubbed the back of my neck.

“…I hope I won’t be arrested for blasphemy.”