Ch.75Summer Break (1)

A month had quickly passed since the manuscript theft incident. During that time, I tried to focus on my studies as much as possible, but I couldn’t help feeling concerned.

The first draft of Biography of Xenon Volume 1 was the first record I left after reincarnating into this world, and I had deep affection for it. Since I wrote it by hand rather than on a computer, I felt proud whenever I looked at the manuscript.

But when this absurd incident happened, I felt more bewildered than angry. Honestly, I never imagined the manuscript would be stolen just a day after its first public display, nor did I expect someone would completely tear off the safe entrance.

Of course, I share some responsibility for not hiring adventurers and for the publishing house’s careless handling of the situation, as well as for handing over the manuscript too easily. Still, I can’t help feeling wronged.

Now, a month later, I focus on my studies while wondering once a day whose hands my manuscript might have fallen into. If someone took it, I just hope they didn’t burn or destroy it.

“I’m sorry. We investigated thoroughly but… found nothing.”

“Nothing at all?”

“No. Just that the culprit was skilled with Mana and physically strong. Beyond these two points, we have no idea who stole it. This is the result after the Empire’s best magicians investigated.”

We were in a private room at a café, perfect for confidential conversations.

Rina, sitting across from me, apologized with sincerity in her voice. I sipped my pre-ordered coffee while examining her face.

She looked troubled, as if she’d been struggling this past month. Her beauty had diminished due to poor self-care. Though Rina hadn’t returned to the Imperial Palace like Leort, she seemed to have been through a lot.

‘The Imperial family must be going crazy over this.’

I had already issued a statement: it’s my treasure, please find it.

The manuscript was stolen less than a day after the demonstration ended, so the Imperial family must have been shocked. Especially the Imperial siblings, who had already been scolded once, must have felt immense pressure to find it at all costs.

Therefore, Rina, who was only attending lectures and not leading the investigation team, must have felt considerable pressure as well.

“…We’ll definitely find it. So don’t worry too much.”

Perhaps she became anxious when I remained silent. Rina spoke to me in a subdued voice.

She probably thought I was angry and therefore silent. Given my past behavior, it’s understandable she would think that.

But contrary to her assumption, I wasn’t thinking much at all. While I was a bit disappointed they couldn’t find the culprit, what could I do? I just felt disappointed, that’s all.

There was no point in pressuring Rina further—it wouldn’t make the culprit turn themselves in. It was better for my mental health to let go of the manuscript issue. I was angry when it was first stolen, but I’ve calmed down over time.

“I understand. How’s the publishing house doing now? Will they be punished?”

“That alone isn’t enough for punishment. Although they didn’t hire adventurers and only used their employees, the safe was high-quality. And no one expected it to happen in just one day, so we gave them some leniency. But they were caught for something else.”

“Something else?”

“Tax evasion. The safe contained not only the manuscript but also confidential ledgers. The president probably didn’t have time to remove them due to the shock.”

“What happens now? Will the publishing house be shut down?”

Rina shook her head in response to my question.

“No. I’d like to, but since Biography of Xenon is under contract with them, it’s difficult. Instead, they’ll pay a hefty fine.”

“How much of a fine?”

“Usually, tax evasion penalties range from 200% to 300% of the evaded amount… so it’ll be substantial. At least 1 million gold.”

“Wow.”

One million gold would be at least 10 billion won in Korean currency. Since the profits from Biography of Xenon were enormous, the tax evasion amount was also staggering.

If I hadn’t gone on hiatus, they would have paid the fine with tears of blood, but unfortunately, I’m currently on hiatus. It wouldn’t be surprising if the publishing house went bankrupt the moment they paid the fine.

Rina seemed to have similar thoughts as she spoke about the publishing house’s future.

“Still, they definitely won’t go bankrupt. Biography of Xenon continues to sell steadily. And when you resume serialization in two years, they’ll earn massive profits again.”

“They must have made a lot of money.”

“Actually, considering the popularity of Biography of Xenon, even this amount is small. It’s good we investigated now—if we had done so later, they might have grown large enough to bribe our side.”

Come to think of it, before I came to the academy, my parents mentioned that Biography of Xenon sold extremely well and made a lot of money.

At that time, I wasn’t very interested in money, so I just acknowledged it and moved on. But now it’s different. I’ve become a bit greedy.

‘Should I buy better manuscript paper from now on? And ask my parents to send more living expenses.’

Such small and cute greed.

Although I plan to resume serialization in about two years, I should look into things that could help with writing besides manuscript paper.

Of course, I’ll continue using the magic pen my father gave me. It’s a precious treasure to me, second only to the manuscript, since my father gifted it to me at great expense.

After pondering for a while, I glanced at Rina. She was still drinking her coffee with a gloomy expression.

‘I should ask Marie about this later.’

What I want is a kind of “eraser.” Until now, whenever I made a mistake while writing, I had to replace the entire page, which felt wasteful.

So I had an idea.

If magic items like magic pens exist, wouldn’t there also be items that could erase ink, like erasers? Even if not, something similar to white-out would be sufficient.

It would be good to ask my parents or someone else during the vacation if erasers exist.

‘Come to think of it, vacation is approaching soon.’

It’s already been over four months since I entered the academy. With assignments and exams ending soon, I only need to endure about two more weeks before vacation.

Although the vacation is only a month long, it will be a sweet rest for me. I’m looking forward to seeing my parents’ faces after so long.

‘I’ll also visit Marie’s mansion…’

The thing I’m most excited about, yet also worried about, is visiting Marie’s mansion. From her parents’ perspective, I’m a strange man their preciously raised daughter is bringing home, so they might look at me with scrutiny.

Although the Reckyless ducal family is said to be far from authoritarian, parents raising a daughter are different. I can only hope they’ll view me favorably.

As I was briefly planning my vacation in my head, I looked at Rina. Whatever she was worrying about, she wasn’t saying a word.

“Rina.”

“…Oh, yes?”

Rina jumped in surprise when I called her. I wondered and asked her:

“What are you thinking about with such a gloomy face? Are you still worried about the theft?”

“…Yes.”

As I expected. Well, even just conversing with me must feel burdensome to her.

I felt strange about this role reversal, but decided to reassure Rina first. There’s no need for the Imperial Princess to be so humble, and more importantly, it makes me uncomfortable.

“You don’t need to worry so much. It can’t be helped.”

“That’s true, but… sigh…”

Sighing in frustration, Rina glanced at me and revealed her thoughts.

“It hurts my pride. Our Imperial family formed a special investigation team but couldn’t find a single clue… This was clearly a premeditated theft. Otherwise, there would be at least some evidence.”

“Hmm… if that’s what you think, then it must be so. What do you plan to do if you find the culprit?”

“First, I’ll make them kneel before you and apologize. Then we need to find the mastermind. If it’s a nation, diplomatically…”

Rina paused mid-sentence and looked at me. When I tilted my head as if asking what was wrong, she shook her head.

“…Never mind. Biography of Xenon isn’t affiliated with the Empire yet, so it doesn’t matter. Sorry. I’ve been distracted lately and got excited.”

“Hmm… what would happen if I became affiliated with the Empire?”

“What?”

When I asked that, Rina’s eyes widened like saucers as she stared at me. She was so surprised that her mouth fell open.

I gave a slight smile before speaking. Just to be clear, I have no intention of affiliating with the Empire yet. This is just a way of testing the waters.

“I mean exactly what I said. I’m curious what would happen if I became affiliated with the Empire. Not me personally, but as an author.”

“Th-then of course we’d welcome you! We could even give you a title if you want! Absolutely!”

Rina must have been very tired this past month. Normally, she would have noticed I was just testing her, but she was unusually excited and shouting.

Fortunately, the room we were in was soundproof; otherwise, her voice would have been loud enough to be heard outside. That shows just how valuable I am.

I looked at Rina’s expectant face and gave a subtle smile.

“As I said before, I’m not interested in titles. They just make things tiresome.”

“Th-then what do you want? I can ask Father to give you anything.”

“No. That’s not necessary.”

I hastily declined.

No matter how casually I can speak with the Imperial Princess, the Emperor is an insurmountable wall. Even as the author of Biography of Xenon, I must bow before the Emperor’s words.

Moreover, the moment Rina makes such a request, even the Emperor might become suspicious. I don’t want to be summoned to the Imperial Palace for no reason.

I gestured to Rina to calm down. She seemed to suppress her excitement, sighing and sitting back in her chair.

“…Sorry. I got excited again. You were just testing me, weren’t you?”

“Yes. I apologize if it was unpleasant.”

“No need to apologize. I’ve wronged you and your family, so I should let this slide.”

Speaking informally certainly makes conversation easier. I shrugged and picked up my coffee cup.

“… …”

As Rina picked up her coffee cup, she stared at my hand. Judging by her focus, she seemed to be looking at the callus on my middle finger.

“…Good. That will work.”

Is she plotting something again? She meant to speak quietly, but being tired, her voice leaked out and reached my ears clearly.

I raised one eyebrow slightly upon hearing her muttering. I considered whether to let her know I heard, but decided to pretend I didn’t.

Still, I made a firm resolution.

‘Just try doing something strange.’

I’ll show the power of a boycott again. Now that she knows how powerful a boycott can be, I’ll bring it up whenever the higher-ups try something strange.

Anyway, the manuscript theft incident seemed to be concluding this way.

“Thank you all for your hard work. Although it’s a short one-month period, I hope you enjoy a pleasant rest.”

“Yaaay!!”

A sweet rest arrived after the storm.