Ch.83Rest (2)

The Biography of Xenon’s hiatus announcement disappointed many readers, but as if mocking that disappointment, “Kayre’s Side Story” made its appearance.

As the name suggests, Kayre’s Side Story captured the life of a character named “Kayre,” and many readers purchased the book with both anticipation and curiosity.

Had it been someone else’s book, interest might have quickly faded, but this was a work by none other than the author of the Biography of Xenon. Even as a side story, expectations were inevitable.

Though not the main series, it was enough to comfort the emptiness during the long hiatus period.

[Kayre’s identity is revealed in the final scene. Never speak of the ending.]

[Though a side story, it’s deeply connected to the main Biography of Xenon. A must-read for fans.]

[It’s called a side story, but it’s not just a simple side story.]

The reactions from readers who thoroughly read the side story were intense. As the reviews above indicated, it was far more than just a side story, becoming a must-buy book for understanding the main series.

This was because “Kayre” was revealed to be Xenon’s master, and the side story contained the tale of the master’s past.

It showed how the master was born and raised, what hardships and adversities he overcame, and what relationships he formed along the way.

It revealed how he met the woman who would later become the Elf Queen, and finally, how their love blossomed.

The story sweetly portrayed the seemingly impossible love between a human and an elf, and Kayre’s quiet monologues especially touched readers’ hearts.

-How wonderful it would be if I could see her sunshine-like smile just once more.

As explained before, regardless of race, those who handle mana at a proficient level or higher age more slowly. This is why elves and demons live long lives, and conversely, why humans and beastkin have shorter lifespans.

Kayre, well aware of this, forged himself like iron heated in fire and hammered on an anvil. He desperately tried to extend his painfully short human lifespan to see the smile of his beloved woman, Elisha.

During this process, he met and taught the person who would later represent “Jealousy,” and finally met “Xenon,” bringing the side story to a clean conclusion.

[A story that resonates because of its realism. Was his effort truly meaningless?]

[Elisha understood Kayre’s sincerity better than anyone. But that’s precisely why it was difficult for her to accept.]

While many readers had criticized the love story between an elf and a human as too far-fetched, once Kayre’s true feelings were revealed in the side story, opinions completely reversed—from an impossible tale to one that could happen a few times in reality.

Despite the difference in lifespan, he honed himself to see the smile of his beloved. It was a story impossible without extraordinary determination, making it all the more poignant.

When Kayre and Elisha’s relationship was revealed in the main series, it seemed somewhat abrupt, but the side story clarified everything.

[I’m more curious about their story now. Will their tale end in happiness or tragedy?]

[There have already been several ominous signs. But readers are hoping for happiness.]

[If Kayre dies, Elisha will suffer too.]

However, with the side story’s release, readers became even more anxious—worried that Kayre and Elisha’s poignant story might end in tragedy.

The words Kayre left for Elisha before departing in the main series had already planted seeds of anxiety in readers. Furthermore, at the end of the main series, he confronted his disciple “Jealousy.”

Only the next volume of the main series could resolve this anxiety, but unfortunately, it would take at least a year. Readers knew that making a fuss wouldn’t change anything, so they waited patiently.

Until the publisher delivered some surprising news.

[Media Publishing delivers this message on behalf of the author: The author of Xenon has stated that anyone may express scenes from his work in various ways. Whether through music, art, or sculpture. He also mentioned that you may generate profit from it, so artists can express themselves freely.]

Expressing the masterpiece Biography of Xenon through other art forms—this news alone excited readers involved in the arts.

The Kingdom of Teres reacted particularly strongly, as art occupies a significant place in this cultural powerhouse.

Although the Empire of Minerva had used various tactics to steal much of their culture, the Kingdom of Teres still housed many famous artists.

Moreover, after the Jeiros Revolution, art transformed from the exclusive domain of nobles to a culture everyone could enjoy. For these reasons, the Kingdom of Teres couldn’t miss this golden opportunity.

[Kingdom of Teres: We will fully support artists who wish to express the Biography of Xenon, regardless of whether they are newcomers or established artists. We desire culture that everyone can enjoy.]

While the nobles of the Kingdom of Teres might be harsher than those of the Empire of Minerva, they were quite open-minded regarding culture.

Conversely, the Empire of Minerva still considered art the exclusive domain of nobles, so most artists inevitably turned their attention to the Kingdom of Teres.

Even if the Empire provided massive funding, it meant little to artists. After all, this was a medieval world filled with people who would die for “honor.”

For artists especially, honor was important enough to exchange for their lives. Most people entered the art world primarily for honor rather than money, which is why artists were perceived as having hungry professions.

So rather than becoming the exclusive property of nobles, they wanted to become artists whose names everyone would recognize. Additionally, this “event” became a truly important turning point for artists.

How they expressed scenes from the Biography of Xenon, and how well they did so, would dramatically affect their reputation.

[Lirus, conductor of the Lirus Orchestra: With my humble skills, I will compose music for Sacran’s life… I will strive not to tarnish the work’s reputation.]

[Painter Imar will also depict Sacran’s final moments… It will be the most meaningful experience of my life.]

Among the most popular iconic scenes was undoubtedly Sacran’s final moments. It played a decisive role in changing the perception of demons and was so famous that no reader of the Biography of Xenon would be unfamiliar with it.

As the most famous scene, it generated great expectations, and Helium’s attention inevitably focused there as well.

The Princess of Helium, Cecilly, even commented that she was truly looking forward to it and mentioned she would visit the exhibition if time permitted.

Of course, besides Sacran’s final moments, there were various other iconic scenes etched in people’s minds. Readers waited patiently for the results, while artists expressed themselves in their own unique ways.

However, one issue arose during this process: “profit generation.”

Issac had said that profit could be freely generated through secondary creations. While artists might have hungry professions, that only applies to newcomers—once they make a name for themselves, things change.

It’s true that artists value “honor” over “money.” However, ironically, what more clearly shows value is money—their price.

Because of this, people thought they would have to pay high prices to see the works of masters, but an unexpected situation unfolded.

[I will accept profits in the form of donations. It will be a work that everyone can easily enjoy.]

[The Biography of Xenon is a work that anyone can read regardless of age, gender, or class. I will do the same.]

[Charging high prices for exhibitions would tarnish the work’s reputation. I cannot allow that.]

Not only newcomers but even established artists declared they would not generate profit but accept donations instead.

The reason was quite simple. They considered the Biography of Xenon not just a novel, but a “culture” that anyone could enjoy regardless of class, age, or gender.

This was the decisive reason why the Biography of Xenon gained worldwide fame, so they judged that generating massive profits would tarnish its reputation.

If this were Earth, everyone would rush to generate profit once the original creator gave permission, but in this world where honor is more important than life, things took a strange turn.

[Donations will also be used for cultural development. There are many talented individuals in the world who wither away before their talents can bloom.]

[I will strive to nurture children’s dreams through this event.]

[Collaboration between the Lirus Orchestra and painter Imar. Many other artists will also collaborate…]

Like a butterfly effect, the influence of permitting secondary creation grew uncontrollably. Artists decided that since they were going to express the Biography of Xenon anyway, they would hold a joint exhibition.

Masters are typically proud, but they were ultimately just fans of the Biography of Xenon, so they set aside their pride. Rather, they began collaborating, saying that fighting among themselves would only displease Issac.

Issac had simply permitted secondary creation with the concept of receiving “fan art,” but its impact far exceeded expectations.

A culture that everyone could enjoy, not just specific classes, began to emerge, becoming a driving force that accelerated development.

Of course, if some people can enjoy something, there are always those who cannot.

“No. I’m the author, yet I’m the one who can’t enjoy it.”

That person was none other than Issac, the original creator of the Biography of Xenon who had caused this commotion.

*****

I couldn’t help but be dumbfounded by the news delivered through the newspaper. I had simply permitted secondary creation with the concept of receiving fan art, but it had grown to the scale of an exhibition.

Moreover, the Empire of Minerva and the Kingdom of Teres were fiercely fighting over where to hold the exhibition.

The Empire of Minerva insisted it should be held near the publishing house since it was in their country, while the Kingdom of Teres stubbornly maintained it would be held in their capital, telling them to stop talking nonsense.

‘It’s a shame I can’t see the visual artworks.’

When I sent a letter to the publishing house, I requested this:

Please send me the visual artworks separately. However, the publishing house replied that it would be difficult.

While manuscripts could be sent by mail without worry of being tracked, the case was different for artworks.

Most were too large to send by mail, which greatly increased the possibility of being tracked.

Father also said the publishing house’s persuasion made sense and that it would be better to give up, though regrettable.

“I want to see them too…”

An author who can’t see fan art—how absurd is that? I rested my chin on my hand, looking at the newspaper that was excitedly buzzing among themselves.

I’d like to rush to the venue and take a look, but unfortunately, I don’t have time.

Right now they’re fighting over where to hold it, but less than two weeks remain of vacation.

This means I’ll have to wait for the next opportunity, which is difficult unless I become a third-year student.

“Sigh… I’ll have to look forward to it later.”

An author who can’t see fan art—how absurd is that?

I put down the newspaper with regret. There’s something more important than the exhibition right now.

That would be the pile of fan letters on my desk. The most noticeable among them was a pink letter.

[Cherry Blossom Roseberry]

As I picked up the letter, a familiar name caught my eye. It’s the name of a reader who has consistently sent fan letters for over a year.

I couldn’t help but smile at her consistency, despite never having replied even once. Isn’t someone like this a true fan?

‘Come to think of it, she’ll be entering the academy soon.’

In a letter sent a year ago, she said she would enter the academy in two years, so she’ll probably enter next year. If I’m lucky, I might even meet her.

I maintained a warm smile as I began reading Cherry’s fan letter.

[Hello, author! This is Cherry from the Roseberry family. The weather has gotten quite hot recently. Author, you too…]

As I always notice, her handwriting was beautiful and her writing skills were remarkable.

If my writing is plain but occasionally spicy, Cherry’s is light and bouncy. Above all, unlike other nobles, she doesn’t use difficult words, making her writing easy to read.

‘Someone like her should be writing novels.’

I read Cherry’s fan letter thoroughly with a light heart.

Thus, my vacation seemed like it would pass quickly and thinly.

[Kingdom of Teres gives up hosting the exhibition. What could be the reason?]

[The Empire of Minerva, not missing the opportunity, wants to hold it in the Mayshall territory, which has high development potential…]

Not even two days had passed before our empire’s high-ranking officials started trolling.

“What’s this now?”

Could it be that the Urmi siblings, Rina and Leort, pushed for this?

Of course, from my perspective it’s trolling, but currently, the imperial citizens were busy praising it.

Moreover, with not much vacation time left, whether I could see it…

“Issac! Have you heard the news? They say the academy has extended the vacation period!”

“…”

“Hearing the Lirus Orchestra’s music has been my lifelong wish… This mother is truly happy.”

It seems my vacation will just pass thickly after all.