Information
Information
Chapter three hundred one: Trial three
The verdict was delivered. Regardless of me being Xenon, this incident was triggered by me slapping Hiriya.
However, after revealing my identity, the cause was also attributed to Hiriya. The remaining judgment was left for the Minerva Empire to handle.
It seems Friedrich realized he couldn't go too far due to Adelia's birth and my not-so-subtle spoilers. The seed of doubt planted in his heart will gradually grow and start to bind him. The moment Xenon's Biography Volume twenty-two is published, that tendril will begin to tighten around his neck.
Until then, I probably won't be able to leisurely attend the academy. Even though it's still in the suspicion phase, revealing my identity means rumors will gradually spread outside.
Once a newspaper with connections to the nobility picks up on the rumor, the real game begins. This trial was just the prelude or a teaser.
As tense as I am, the royal family of Ters will also be on edge. They might think it was just a bluff during the trial, but in the future, I will solidify it with a stamp.
For now, I will wait until the rumor starts to spread and my name is mentioned in the newspapers.
"Isaac."
"Yes?"
"Thank you. Really."
After the trial ended and before returning to the Minerva Empire, Adelia thanked me as I lay on the bed for a brief rest in the guest room.
I lifted my head slightly, seeing Adelia looking at me with a warm smile.
A mixture of emotions-affection, gratitude, and apology. However, her affection for me was unmistakable.
Despite being denied once again during the trial, she remained steadfast without breaking down like before.
I smiled at her growth, seeing that she had shaken off her trauma even though there might still be lingering regrets.
"Noona, could you come here for a moment?"
When I motioned for her to come closer, Adelia slowly walked over, her face still adorned with a loving smile.
When she finally came close enough, I pulled her arm, bringing her into my embrace. Adelia, perhaps expecting this, didn't let out a shrill scream and instead nestled gently.
"I told you, didn't I? I will always be on your side until the end."
"Still, thank you. Meeting Nicole and then you was the greatest fortune of my life. It feels like all my past misfortunes were meant to lead me to you."
"And I found the knight who will dedicate their life to me."
We shared each other's warmth for a long time, exchanging emotional connection.
The atmosphere was not suggestive but purely healing as we hugged.
"Haah ..."
Adelia let out a satisfied, drowsy sigh, and I smiled contentedly, patting her back as if to comfort a child.
The trial is over, but it's not truly the end. As the culture flourishes with Xenon's Biography, the Kingdom of Ters is gradually heading into a dark age.
A kingdom that is attacked from the outside can rebuild, but a kingdom that crumbles from within cannot recover.
In the process, they might lash out at Adelia or me in their desperation.
Additionally, the benefits gained from hiding my identity so far will disappear, and troublesome matters, especially direct threats like devil worshipers, may arise.
But it's okay. I have strong allies like Adelia. They will never breach my defenses.
Knock knock knock
I'm not sure how long we held each other, but as soon as we heard the knock, we separated instinctively.
Although I'd love to go further, we are in the Kingdom of Ters. No matter how strong the desire, there are times when you must hold back.
Adelia reluctantly pulled away from me and moved to open the door.
Knock knock knock!!
Someone is impatient. Who could it be? Could it be Lara?
Even though I only met her once, she genuinely liked Adelia, so it's quite possible.
Regardless of the other royals, as the last conscience of the Ters royal family, I planned to treat her kindly.
"Who is it?"
"Ah, Adelia ...? " "Huh?"
But the voice that came from outside was not Lara. Even though the voice was a bit choked, it was unmistakably Hiriya.
Why did she come to my guest room while I was resting? While Adelia looked at me with a perplexed expression, I got up from the bed and walked towards the door.
I opened the door wide, revealing Hiriya standing there. Unlike when I saw her at the academy, she was now as withdrawn as a frightened squirrel.
Her slender build made her appear tall, almost as tall as Adelia, so she didn't seem small, but not now.
The confident and arrogant demeanor was gone, leaving only a trembling small animal.
I saw her during the trial, but seeing her up close made it hard to believe she was the same person.
" ... Princess Hiriya?"
"I, I ..."
When I called her, she stuttered. Realizing that leaving her there might attract unwanted attention, I decided to bring her inside.
As Hiriya entered, Adelia watched her with an indifferent gaze.
Hiriya, on the other hand, couldn't meet Adelia's eyes and actively avoided her gaze.
The situation was reversed in many ways. What could Hiriya want to say to me?
I was more than a little curious.
"Please, have a seat ..."
"I-I'm sorry."
"Excuse me ... what?"
Before I could even offer her a seat at the table, Hiriya apologized. I turned to see her bowing her head deeply.
Her sky-blue hair fell like a curtain, obscuring her expression, but her trembling body made it clear.
Hiriya was terrified. And she fully believed that I was Xenon.
I stared at the back of her head for a moment, then looked over at Adelia.
Adelia seemed equally surprised by Hiriya's sudden apology. Her expression showed how unexpected this was.
"Princess Hiriya."
"Y-yes."
"First, please lift your head."
At my words, Hiriya slowly lifted her head. As she did, I could clearly see her expression.
Her trembling lips and sky-blue eyes quivered as if an earthquake had struck them, with cold sweat running down her cheeks.
She was exhibiting extreme anxiety, much like Adelia had when she first met the Ters royal family at the exhibition a year ago.
In contrast, Adelia appeared completely calm, with an expression that seemed devoid of any particular thoughts-just a sense of curiosity.
I looked at the pitiably trembling Hiriya and, smiling slyly, spoke nonchalantly.
"Why are you shaking so much? Anyone would think I'm going to eat you."
"I-I'm sorry. I dared to presume ..."
"Don't tremble. Please look at me directly, Princess Hiriya."
At my 'kind' request, Hiriya stopped mid-sentence and looked directly at me. Although her gaze wavered occasionally, she tried to follow my request.
Her usual confidence had completely vanished, making her seem like a different person.
Hiriya wasn't ignorant of her position. It was because she understood it all too well that her demeanor had changed so drastically.
"Princess."
"Y-yes."
"Did you dislike Adelia that much?"
" ... ..."
At my question, Hiriya's gaze shifted to Adelia. Adelia, upon meeting her eyes, had a complex expression.
She had longed for her family but was rejected and ended up forming a new family with me.
Now, one of those family members had thrown away all pride and was apologizing. It was a mix of new emotions and inevitable complexity.
"What Adelia needed wasn't a throne, power, or wealth. She only needed familial affection. But you, Princess Hiriya, and the royal family gave her nothing but abuse and insults. Do you understand what that means?"
"I-I will do anything! From now on, I will call her sister ... no, sister Adelia! Please forgive me ...!"
My words weren't finished yet, but Hiriya, kneeling, began to beg desperately.
But I have no intention of forgiving her. If Adelia hadn't become my woman, if I wasn't Xenon, Hiriya wouldn't have changed.
I knelt down to meet Hiriya's eyes as she knelt and begged pathetically.
"Lady Hiriya. If I weren't Xenon, would you still be begging like this?"
"Hic ... sob ... "
"If you had treated Adelia even slightly as family, would this have happened? Please..."
Hiriya didn't answer my question, only sobbing. In some ways, she could be seen as an incredibly unlucky case.
But that doesn't mean I can forgive her. Even if the kind Adelia were to forgive her...
"... That won't happen."
I glanced at Adelia, just in case. She was looking down at Hiriya with a disgusted expression.
The term "sister" was something she had longed to hear. But it meant nothing now because if this situation hadn't arisen, Hiriya would have never recognized Adelia as family.
It's only natural that any remaining feelings would fall away. Moreover, given that her existence was blatantly denied in the trial just moments ago, she must feel disgusted.
To be honest, I have no intention of forgiving Hiriya. More accurately, I simply have no thoughts about it.
My frustration eased the moment I slapped her and revealed my identity, and the Kingdom of Teres will face a period of stagnation.
"You must pay the price for touching my family, Princess Hiriya. Because of the ball you started rolling, I had to reveal my identity, which has resulted in significant loss. Just the Kingdom of Ters going into a dark age isn't enough."
"No, please! Please, just let me live!"
Maybe it's because of the Jairos Revolution a few decades ago, where the pillars of the nation were shaken. Hiriya, recalling the revolution, shouted urgently in fear.
Frankly, it's not strange if a revolution were to occur. The Kingdom of Ters has strong cohesion. This is a great strength as a nation but can also be a poison.
When the people of Ters encounter my letters and the upcoming Xenon's Biography Volume twenty-two, how will they react?
What path will the Kingdom of Ters take if I publicly reveal my identity to everyone?
In the worst-case scenario, as Hiriya fears, the kingdom could crumble from within and walk the path of destruction. Nobles who have been keeping the royal family in check could rise to power, and another royal family might emerge.
Change of the royal authority. Or a revolution.
This is the future Hiriya fears the most, as her own safety is at stake.
"I-I'll become a slave if you want! I don't mind being a plaything! If you don't believe me, I-I'll do it right now...!"
Hiriya, gripped by severe anxiety, began to hastily undress with trembling hands. Since she was wearing a uniform rather than a dress, it was easy for her to remove it on her own.
As I moved to stop her in my panic, Adelia, who couldn't watch any longer, intervened first.
"Stop it, Princess Hiriya."
"S-sister ... no, Adelia..."
"I am not your sister. I am merely Isaac's loyal personal maid. I have no further ties to the royal family of Ters."
"Ugh..."
Realizing instinctively that there was no way out, tears began to form in Hiriya's eyes. She should have behaved better from the start.
I looked at Hiriya, who was trying everything she could to earn forgiveness, with a disdainful gaze and spoke in a gentle voice.
"Princess Hiriya, I don't need your body. I'm not someone who chases after women, and besides, I already have a far superior woman by my side."
Sure, Hiriya is objectively a beautiful woman. But the goodwill she had built up was completely shattered, and I have no plans to accept her.
There is one condition, though: if she were to become Adelia's slave instead of mine, I wouldn't mind. She would then endure the same abuse and insults Adelia suffered in her childhood.
And even if Hiriya doesn't want it, it's inevitable that the Ters royal family will send someone in the future. Whether it's Hiriya or Lara, it will be one of them.
In that case, it's better to accept Lara. She is the last remaining conscience of the Ters royal family, and it would be troubling if that conscience disappeared without knowing anything.
More importantly, Lara is the only person who treated Adelia as family. Seeing that they still maintain a good relationship, Lara must be protected at least.
"So, Princess, I don't need you. Even if you force your way in, it will be very difficult for you."
"I-I can endure it."
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"Just like Adelia endured?"
"Yes!"
Hiriya, saying things she doesn't mean to desperately cling to any lifeline. Her lack of hesitation only makes it more repulsive.
Hiriya should never have given such a positive answer. If she understood even a fraction of the pain Adelia went through, she wouldn't have said such things.
You can't change people. Even though she's clinging to me, her deep-seated selfishness remains unchanged.
She is a potential threat, likely to betray me if it means securing her own safety.
Swish
Suppressing my inner thoughts, I smiled and placed my hand on Hiriya's cheek.
Thinking she had received approval, her expression began to soften.
Her lips were still trembling, but her relief was evident.
"... Princess Hiriya."
"Y-yes!"
"That's not it."
"What...?"
"That's not it."
Perhaps she hadn't expected a negative response. Hiriya looked at me with a bewildered expression.
Even so, my hand continued to gently stroke her cheek. As if telling her to wake up from this dream, to be satisfied with this moment.
"If you had understood even a little of the pain Adelia endured, if you had even a little empathy, you wouldn't have given such an answer. Adelia endured it all, not just as a knight but as a woman. When you used sparring as an excuse to beat her, when you insulted her parents in front of her, when you almost took the man she loved right before her eyes, and even when I slapped you and came to the Kingdom of Ters!"
When I shouted, Hiriya flinched violently. Fear and terror were etched in her trembling eyes, and her complexion grew increasingly pale.
"She blamed herself, saying it was her fault, and apologized sincerely. Even though it wasn't her fault, she punished herself. But what about you, Princess? It's different, isn't it? Despite making a mistake, you answered only to save yourself without an ounce of empathy."
The Ters Royal Family is endlessly kind to 'their people,' acting as parents, siblings, and family. However, they ignore those who fall out of favor, like Adelia.
They only think of their satisfaction and benefits, capable of becoming more malicious because they aren't without skill. How did Adelia manage to hold on in such a household? How did a conscience like Lara's come to be born in such a place?
I wonder if Olivia, the first princess who married into the Bellua Republic, has a similar personality. Even if it's not because of me, the future of the Ters Kingdom looks incredibly bleak.
"You said you wanted forgiveness, right? Then continue living. Live quietly, enduring all kinds of contempt, just like Adelia did. The Ters Kingdom, known as a cultural nation, won't collapse over something like this. King Friedrich is a capable and wise ruler. But people won't look at you kindly."
"Uh ... uh ... "
Perhaps imagining a bleak future, tears formed at the corners of Hiriya's eyes, running down her cheeks, revealing her regret.
Will Hiriya be able to endure it, or will she run away like Adelia did? I hope the day comes when she can genuinely apologize to Adelia. By now, Hiriya must have deep-seated trauma like Adelia.
"I'm ... sorry ... "
" ... "
"I'm really ... sorry ... "
Hiriya bowed her head deeply, even kneeling as she pleaded once more. A princess of a nation, beyond just kneeling, was now prostrated.
To that princess, I responded with a smile that could be seen as cruel.
"No."
Endure it with all your might.
"Just endure it." It's the small ball you started rolling.
Chapter three hundred two: Rice Cake one
Chapter three hundred two: Rice Cake one
Returning to the Minerva Empire went smoothly, almost too smoothly to believe. It felt so easy that I wondered if it was really happening.
In some novels, you often see the cliché of an unidentified assassin launching a surprise attack before the protagonist can return home. Considering I revealed my identity as Xenon and insulted the king, I thought something might happen along the way, but maybe I've just read too many novels.
Besides, there is a teleportation device at our disposal, and if I were attacked, the Minerva Empire would have protested strongly. Moreover, I wasn't alone, I had Rina with me, so the Ters Kingdom couldn't act recklessly.
Anyway, after returning to the Minerva Empire and Halo Academy, I waited for the disciplinary actions I would face.
'But will Hiriya come to the academy?'
The rumor that I slapped Hiriya had already spread throughout the academy. It would be more surprising if it hadn't, given how many people witnessed it.
Normally, rumors get exaggerated, but public opinion is surprisingly favorable. While slapping her can't be justified, there's a general sentiment that Hiriya was also at fault.
Among the professors, my image is quite decent, and among the students, it's not bad either. I'm just the redhead who stands out. However, since not many people know me well, I'm slightly worried about the various rumors that might be circulating.
Rina said she'd handle things well, but rumors tend to get distorted in strange ways. Besides, it's uncertain whether Hiriya will return to the academy. Before we left, Hiriya's mental state was already shattered. Would she come back to the academy?
Hiriya originally transferred to Halo Academy to improve relations with the Minerva Empire, but that reason is now completely gone. It doesn't matter whether she comes back or not; I have other things to focus on now.
"You really stirred things up. It's going to complicate things on our side as well."
"It had to be done sooner or later. And from the Empire's standpoint, it worked out well without you having to lift a finger, right?"
"Maybe. It's good that the Ters Kingdom is collapsing on its own, but we also need to think about the aftermath. I don't think Ters will fall immediately. Being a cultural powerhouse, they'll somehow manage to survive."
As Rina said, what I need to worry about most are the upcoming events. Though I've revealed my identity, that only concerns the Ters Kingdom, and for now, it's still at the stage of suspicion.
However, with the release of Xenon's Biography Volume twenty-two just a day away, it won't take long for suspicions to turn into certainty. I've already indirectly spoiled the contents of Volume twenty-two, so the nobles present at the trial are likely half-convinced that I am Xenon.
Of course, if the nobles band together or if Friedrich exerts pressure, they might be able to prevent the rumors from spreading outside. There's a slim possibility since power can only be wielded if the country remains stable, and the situation could destabilize the nation.
But will not a single person out of all those people say a word? I highly doubt that. Until then, I can just wait quietly or continue my studies. Meanwhile, I'll also be working on Volume twenty-three of Xenon's Biography.
For reference, Volume twenty-three will continue the battle between Xenon and Envy, and from then on, the grand storyline about 'Pride' will gradually unfold.
'Should I make some adaptations?'
By the time I reveal the plotline about Pride, my identity might also be disclosed. I'm not sure if I should write it, especially since it's closely linked to 'mythology.'
Elves, in particular, might react sensitively. It won't be unpleasant but rather a boost to their pride, commonly known as a "hype" moment.
'The ancestors of the Elves were angels who served beside God. However, after committing a grave sin, they lost their wings and fell to the earthly realm.'
This is a legend passed down through mythology. The ancestor of the Elves, an angel, rebelled in the 'Celestial Realm,' the world of the gods, lost their wings, and fell. However, this myth contradicts many aspects of the Elves. When Elves introduce themselves, they always mention that they are a race chosen by God.
Many scholars say that even though they rebelled against God, they were still the most beloved angels, which is why they were blessed.
However, I have a slightly different idea. Specifically, I plan to add a deep, hidden backstory to it.
'The ancestors of the Elves were not banished to the earthly realm for their sins, but instead, they tore off their own wings and willingly became mortals. They did this to make the earthly realm a warmer place.'
This reinterpretation not only changes the origin of the Elves but also alters the flow of mythology significantly. It could be considered a hidden history, much like the dark elves.
As someone who has delved deeply into the history and mythology of this world, this is one of the hypotheses I can present, and it's a cliche I've encountered often in my past life.
An immortal who abandoned their powers and authority to become mortal in order to protect the world. Such cases usually feature characters who become allies to the protagonist.
'It's a good idea, but ... '
I scribbled on my notebook with a magical pen, organizing the plot. This revelation is planned for Volume twenty-four, not twenty-three. Volume twenty-three is entirely filled with the battle against Envy, so there's not much to worry about except highlighting Envy's miserable life.
The battle Xenon faces against Envy will be depicted as one of the most desperate, second only to the final boss, Jin.
'Is it okay to touch mythology?'
So far, I've created several significant twists, but I haven't dared to touch the realm of mythology. In a world where gods like Luminous, Mora, and Harte exist, mythology is not something to be tampered with lightly.
However, nothing makes 'Pride' more compelling than this setting. Pride, according to the setup, despises their ancestors for becoming mortals and believes they were foolish. Pride harbors ambitions to regain wings and bring down the celestial realm to rule the world, oblivious to the destruction it will bring.
Moreover, instead of the white wings of an angel, Pride will possess black wings like a demon.
'The gods haven't said anything ... '
At least it should be okay. If there were any issues, they would have warned me directly.
With that thought, I felt more at ease crafting the plot. What if it causes another upheaval? Well, I'll just have to accept it. Honestly, I gave up after Cecily's devilization.
Besides, the idea of ancestors tearing off their wings to become mortals could bring a profound realization to the normally arrogant Elves.
If it's a good idea, then there won't be any negative impact. That's my judgment.
'By the way, should I give Elena and Cindy a heads-up?'
Elena and Cindy are the closest to me in the academy, next to my close acquaintances. The knowledge they've shared with me has been valuable material for Xenon's Biography. The news that I might be Xenon will soon start spreading, and it wouldn't be polite not to tell them.
Since I plan to make an announcement in front of everyone anyway, telling just them beforehand isn't a bad choice. I made up my mind, and now all that was left was to act. I put away the notebook with the organized plot and took out the draft.
This draft is the proof that I am Xenon. Although they didn't believe me during the trial, Elena would likely believe me right away. Feeling a bit nervous, I made my way to Elena's lab. Since I hadn't received any disciplinary action yet, it was okay to move around.
When I revealed my identity to Elena and Cindy, who were busy researching in the lab ...
"Actually, we kind of expected it."
"We suspected it ever since that pink-haired girl came to you. And your reactions whenever I asked questions were always suspicious. But I didn't think it was really true."
Their reaction was incredibly anticlimactic. Cindy didn't even react properly and just flopped around. When I asked if they weren't surprised, Elena gave an answer that was very typical of her.
"It would be a lie to say we're not surprised. But, how should I put it ... "
"We've spent so much time together ... it's just kind of fascinating ... "
"Cindy's right. If I hadn't known you at all, it would be different. It's like finding out that a colleague you've been working with is actually a royal or something."
I think I understand what they mean. Their ordinary reactions made me chuckle despite myself.
"Can you tell me what's going to happen in the future?"
"To write a paper?"
"Yeah."
"No." "Aw, you can't do that for us?"
"I'm not a prophet."
"Tsk, some friend you are."
I felt a bit deflated for hiding it, but I also felt more at ease.
A few days later, when Xenon's Biography Volume twenty-two was released to the world:
[Shocking! Count Camar of the Terse Kingdom: I know who Xenon is!]
[Xenon's true identity is none other than a noble from the Minerva Empire, from a family known for their red hair ... ]
[Is his claim true? As everyone's attention focuses, the Minerva Empire ... ] The seed I had planted began to sprout.