Ch.84Rest (3)

Literature, art, language, technology, games, religion, customs, lifestyle, architecture, and so on.

As such, there are various types of culture (文化), and the power that culture possesses is incredibly strong.

Having a good culture creates an effect that makes people follow it ‘voluntarily.’ Like a drop of ink falling into clear water, the power of culture slowly influences from within rather than from the outside.

It’s not a shallow concept implanted through brainwashing or education, but something people naturally follow as they encounter the culture, making its effect exceptional.

And in this world that resembles the medieval era, the most influential culture is undoubtedly ‘art.’

As explained before, art includes music, painting, sculpture, crafts, and more. Masters who are acclaimed as the best in each field hold tremendous status recognized throughout the world.

The art world includes not only humans but also elves who laid the foundations of civilization and dwarves who are called the race of craftsmen.

Beast-folk, being a warrior race, had little interest in art, while demon-folk focused more on human rights movements(?) rather than art, so they had nothing particularly noteworthy.

The Kingdom of Teres, a nation of culture, realized the power of culture early on and intensively developed its cultural strength, growing into a powerful nation that even the Empire of Minerva cannot treat carelessly.

The Empire of Minerva cannot pressure the Kingdom of Teres with its mighty military and economic power because the culture originating from the Kingdom of Teres has already permeated to the roots of the empire.

Though they would like to wage a war of conquest aggressively, the culture is so powerful that not only other countries but even imperial citizens are reluctant. Because of this, they changed their approach from external pressure to maintaining balance by infiltrating the culture of the Kingdom of Teres.

If the cultural power of the Empire of Minerva becomes similar to that of the Kingdom of Teres, even the title of cultural powerhouse would become meaningless, creating an opportunity. The Kingdom of Teres is also mindful of this aspect and is engaged in a fierce cultural war with the empire.

“I understand that, but why hold an exhibition in our territory and not in the capital? And even delaying the opening of Halo Academy for it.”

I questioned the woman sitting across from me with a hint of dissatisfaction and bewilderment. Honestly, I couldn’t grasp what was going on.

The golden-haired woman sitting opposite me, Rina, smiled bitterly with a face that seemed more worn out than before. It seemed she didn’t have much to say either.

But I needed to understand at least something. Rina knew this too, so she quietly began to speak.

“…Initially, we had no intention of holding the exhibition in the empire. You’re not yet subordinate to the empire, and all the renowned artists are in the Kingdom of Teres. We just wanted to show that our empire is making efforts.”

“But then the Kingdom of Teres suddenly handed over the exhibition to the empire?”

“That’s right. I don’t know for what reason.”

Rina answered and let out a deep sigh, seemingly frustrated by the current situation. I was dumbfounded by her answer but calmed myself down.

We were currently in the reception room of the Mayshall family mansion. As soon as it was decided that the exhibition would be held in our territory, Rina came to visit personally.

Actually, not just Rina, but Leort also came, though he went to see my father first. They’re probably talking in another reception room by now.

‘From what mother told me, this isn’t just a simple exhibition…’

I took a sip of the tea brought by the maid and recalled the information my mother had shared.

Until I heard from my mother, I thought it was simply something close to ‘fan art,’ but after hearing the story, it far exceeded the level of fan art.

In terms of my previous life, the Lirus Orchestra would be like Beethoven composing and performing, and the painter Imar would be like Leonardo da Vinci exhibiting his works.

Furthermore, the theater troupe could be considered Hollywood-level.

Because of my handwritten work, Biography of Xenon, stars from all over the world have gathered to form a galaxy.

‘A culture that anyone can easily enjoy…’

With this phenomenon, new cultures are also emerging.

Originally, the art in this world was quite profound, befitting the medieval era, but after the appearance of Biography of Xenon, the paradigm began to shift.

From a culture that requires interpretation and a certain level of education, to a culture that anyone can casually enjoy.

In terms from my previous life, it could be called ‘snack culture,’ though there are many differences.

Literary snack culture emerged with the spread of the internet and smartphones, but this is a case where a single work became a worldwide hit, so no one knows how it will evolve.

I was pondering the influence of Biography of Xenon when I carefully put down my teacup. With a clinking sound, Rina’s blue eyes fixed directly on me.

“I get that, but why our territory of all places? Are you openly revealing that the author of Biography of Xenon lives here?”

At my sharp question, Rina was startled and waved both hands frantically. It was a very different reaction from her usual masked demeanor when dealing with me.

That means she considers me as an equal and is reflecting on her past mistakes. While I was thinking this, Rina hastily explained.

“Th-that’s absolutely not the case. The decision to hold it in Mayshall territory was purely coincidental. I’m sorry to say this to you, but Mayshall territory is a recently allocated domain with almost no distinctive features. However, being a territory granted to a hero who defended the border, it has great potential for development.”

“Come to think of it, I heard that development of the territory will begin in three years…”

I slowly recalled the memory as I listened to Rina’s explanation.

Was it something I heard from the coachman on the carriage to the academy? Anyway, I definitely heard it somewhere.

“That’s right. High development potential and not too far from the capital, naturally Mayshall territory was selected. Moreover, since Lord Hawk has no interest in politics, it wouldn’t matter to give him some influence.”

“Won’t my father get more gray hairs? Have you reached an agreement?”

“My brother is probably persuading him now. Of course, Lord Hawk would prioritize your opinion, but…”

Rina trailed off while watching my reaction. If it had been before, she would have smiled and pressured me by asking “You can do it, right?” but now she’s politely requesting.

I thought deeply in this strangely reversed relationship. To be honest, I wanted to give permission right away.

However, considering the scale of the exhibition, it’s not easy to accept readily. As Rina said, our territory has only potential, no distinctive features.

Unlike other territories, we don’t have special products, diverse food offerings, or valuable minerals discovered. None of these characteristics exist.

That’s not to say my father’s abilities as a lord are inadequate. He received the title of baron just five years ago, and was officially granted the territory two years ago.

The mansion itself has been here since I was born, but we only formally received the territory after my father retired.

“Hmm…”

I pondered and pondered in my mind. Should I look at reality, or should I see the works of masters?

Even if I give permission, if my father says no, it won’t happen. And even if my father agrees, if I say no, it won’t happen either.

In the end, I concluded that I needed to discuss it with my father. I looked at Rina, who was waiting for my answer, and shared my thoughts.

“I’ll talk to my father first. Even if I’m okay with it, there are many practical difficulties.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. There are two weeks left until the exhibition. During that time, the capital and imperial palace can provide support. Coincidentally, the distance between Mayshall territory and the capital is close, so it can be resolved in three days.”

Rina is unusually enthusiastic. Her blue eyes clearly show her determination not to give up easily.

Well, in terms of my previous life, this would be an event comparable to the Olympics, and giving up would mean throwing away money and prestige. And that opportunity would naturally go to the Kingdom of Teres.

Perhaps the Kingdom of Teres is also aiming for this. As if to say, “Look what we’re doing, what are you doing?”

On the surface, it’s an exhibition for fans of Biography of Xenon, but politically, it’s intricately entangled.

For ordinary people, it’s just an international festival, but for politicians, it’s a complex festival.

‘I should prepare for contingencies too.’

If by any chance my identity is discovered, the situation will become complicated.

Of course, I have the ultimate deception skills, ‘hiatus’ or ‘retirement,’ so I’ll be relatively safe.

But the world is wide and there are many crazy people, as seen in the manuscript theft incident, some madman might target me.

That’s why I’ve been concerned and haven’t revealed my identity, and the manuscript theft incident only confirmed my fears.

After going through my thoughts, I suddenly had a question and asked Rina.

“By the way, what will you do if we say no?”

“We’ll have no choice but to hold it in the capital. The capital is currently saturated, so a normal event would be difficult, but it’s possible if we push it.”

“So that’s why you want to hold it in our territory? Because it’s empty and easier to set up?”

“Exactly.”

“Then do you know who’s coming?”

Important guests always attend such large-scale events.

Considering the relationship between the Empire of Minerva and the Kingdom of Teres, the rulers of each country won’t come directly but will send representatives.

Sure enough, the names that came from Rina’s mouth were very familiar to me.

“First, as you might expect, my brother and I will participate, as well as the Reckyless ducal family. Cecilly might come from Helium. From the Kingdom of Teres, the Minister of Culture, Victor, will visit.”

The title “Minister of Culture” might sound a bit funny, but considering the characteristics of the Kingdom of Teres, it must be a very high position. Probably comparable to Duke Reckyless.

For me, who has to welcome these guests, it’s a dizzying lineup. But knowing your enemy and yourself leads to victory in every battle; if I prepare thoroughly, at least I won’t mess up.

“What about other countries?”

“A bishop might come from the Papal Kingdom of Sabre. I’m not sure about the Dutchy of Bellua. They’ll come because they want to, not for political purposes.”

As the outline became somewhat clearer, I formulated a plan in my mind. Although the imperial side will handle everything, it would be good to at least manage the face-to-face interactions.

My father is not without fame; rather, he holds the title of Red Lion, so there’s no worry about being disrespected. If all else fails, we can just observe.

‘I’ll need to pay more attention to security.’

Our territory is undeveloped, so crime is rare, but you never know.

Above all, what I’m most worried about is something else. Since the exhibition will be held in our territory and not the capital, there will certainly be people who are suspicious.

The manuscripts for volumes 2 through 10 are all in my personal desk drawer. They’re securely locked, but recalling the manuscript theft incident, it’s wise to be prepared.

“Rina, I have a favor to ask…”

“You want me to focus on maintaining security? Don’t worry about that. The imperial palace will dispatch knights.”

How do the people around me read my thoughts so well? It’s incredibly strange.

Still, I should gratefully accept the knights being dispatched from the imperial palace. I bowed my head and expressed my gratitude.

“Thank you. To be honest, I wanted to see the exhibition too. If the exhibition proceeds without any problems, I’ll definitely repay you.”

“No, this isn’t something you need to repay. Rather, we need to work harder not to tarnish the empire’s name. You just need to enjoy the works presented by the artists.”

“The time is extremely tight, you must be working hard. Can you really finish preparations within two weeks?”

Though smaller in scale than the Olympics and merely an event born from fan enthusiasm, it’s a truly important matter for leaders like Rina.

Above all, with me, the original author, right in front of her, she must be feeling even more psychological pressure.

Rina smiled bitterly at my concern and answered in a low voice.

“We have to, even if it’s difficult. Our empire has an abundance of money. Even if it looks hastily put together, we won’t fail to create it.”

Then she looked at me intently and murmured softly.

“…I’m also sorry.”

“Hmm.”

There seemed to be various complicated circumstances behind why our territory was chosen.

I stared at Rina’s gloomy expression and offered words of encouragement.

“Hang in there.”

I’ll just prepare and munch on popcorn.

*****

By the time news broke that major figures from countries around the world would attend the exhibition,

Concerns began to emerge that the exhibition might not be like an exhibition, and as too many nobles gathered, commoners also started to be cautious.

The artists of the exhibition also began to feel pressure as too many eyes were watching. They had organized the exhibition out of respect and fan enthusiasm for Biography of Xenon, but outside it was becoming chaotic.

At this rate, there was a high possibility that the original purpose of “culture that anyone can enjoy” would fade.

A week before the exhibition was to be held, if it weren’t for the words left by Issac:

[Everyone, put down your pens for a moment and enjoy with a happy heart. Let’s make this a happy memory for everyone.]

As soon as those words came out, something amazing happened. News about who from which country would attend disappeared, and only news about the exhibition being prepared remained.

Thanks to this, it could return to being a festival rather than a politically complex exhibition.

The artists also no longer felt burdened and could focus their efforts.

When everyone who loved Biography of Xenon was smiling happily in the festive atmosphere, there was one person who couldn’t smile…

“Ah. Damn it. Those senate bastards. I missed the timing.”

It was Arwen, the Queen of Alfheim, who had missed the timing to attend because she was wrangling with the senate.

She frowned as she looked at the newspaper delivered by Rain.

In this harmonious atmosphere, if she officially announced her attendance, it would be like crashing the party.

Originally, she had planned to attend the exhibition to satisfy her personal interest and also to find information about the author, but the senate strongly opposed.

They argued that there was no need for them to go to such a place, and that the others should come to Alfheim instead.

Arwen stared intently at the newspaper before looking away and murmuring softly.

“…This won’t do. One day should be enough.”