Information
Information
Chapter two hundred one: fifteenth Book
The information hastily relayed by the envoy returning from Animers can be summarized roughly as follows:
A rebellion or coup occurred, resulting in the death of the Great Chieftain. Then, the one who took the Chieftain's place ruled for a while and once again faced a sacred duel and lost their life. As a result, the position of the Great Chieftain is vacant, causing internal confusion.
When a nation is founded, it is natural for a power structure to emerge, along with people who are dissatisfied with that power structure. The caste system itself represents the pinnacle of irrationality and inequality. However, if the ruling class governs well and does not become corrupt, the likelihood of rebellion is significantly reduced. Even if someone blinded by power incites a rebellion, if it proceeds without legitimacy and justification, the nation will ultimately stop it.
As the most significant example, we can look at the Jayros Revolution that erupted in the Ters Kingdom. The Ters Kingdom is renowned as a cultural powerhouse and is considered a beautiful country not unlike Albenheim. However, prior to the Jayros Revolution, culture, which includes the arts, was the exclusive domain of the nobility. Culture was not permitted for the common people, and the reputation of being a nation of culture was limited to a tiny fraction.
If a commoner engaged in the arts? They were immediately suppressed and thrown into prison. In severe cases, they would have their hands cut off, inflicting horrendous suffering. Some conscientious high-ranking nobles protested against this in the upper echelons, but the response they received was demotion and loss of status. This became the catalyst for the Jayros Revolution.
Although the Jayros Revolution couldn't completely overturn the upper class, it did change the king, and, furthermore, art began to permeate among the common people. Thanks to that, the Ters Kingdom even gained the title of the 'Land of Culture.'
Of course, we couldn't possibly know how much blood and sweat it took to earn that title. Rebellions like this alone provide a fragmented glimpse into a nation's history.
The Animers' coup was a very natural phenomenon, but it's slightly different. According to what the envoy revealed, the position of the Great Chieftain has changed several times in the past ten years.
Due to a very unique culture called the 'Sacred Duel,' the throne of the ruler has been vacant, leading to a state of confusion in the country. It seems the original Great Chieftain was wise and skillful, governing the Animers well and actively engaging with neighboring nations, but that was no longer the case. Openly tyrannizing and indulging in debauchery, he lost his life within just two years.
Since then, the Animers have split into two factions over the position of the Great Chieftain. One faction emphasizes 'authenticity' and is centered around lion beastmen like Leona.
On the contrary, the other faction proposes discarding traditions that have shaken the foundation of the nation, suggesting that the country should be governed in a different way, not necessarily by a Great Chieftain. Although there isn't a clear leader for this faction, most of them lean toward abolishing traditions.
In other words, it can be seen as a confrontation between a king and his followers who are tightly bound by tradition and loyalty. The reason for the vacant position of the Great Chieftain is also because these two forces could not find a suitable point of agreement.
The excessive occurrence of sacred duels was ironically fulfilling their justifications. Since they cannot communicate with each other, sacred duels are happening countless times, and as a result, there are blemishes on tradition.
If this continues, it may become chaotic, and the foundation of Animers might be uprooted. Both sides are not fools, so they were trying to prevent this fact from leaking out.
Of course, after the release of Volume fifteen of Xenon's Biography, things changed. Maybe they are also diligently searching for me over there.
It's a story from a distant land, but I can't help but feel tense since it has an indirect connection to me.
'Luminous-nim.'
[Speak.]
'I'm not really an amnesiac regressor or a prophet, right?'
[ ... ... ]
Now, with my batting average in who knows how many seasons, even I began to doubt myself and went to the Luminous's Temple personally.
Perhaps, as the journalists speculated, I can't remember due to constraints. Such an unbelievable suspicion that at first, I dismissed it as nonsense, but as more and more incidents occurred in succession, I began to nurture the seed of doubt.
Of course, I know it's an unbelievable story. Nevertheless, in this world, there is such a thing as "what if."
Due to the incident related to Animers, people's gazes around me became peculiar. Marie immediately asked me, "Are you really from the future?" so you can imagine to some extent how it is.
[Absolutely not. I can swear on my divinity. You're just a soul who crossed from Earth to here, simply an ordinary novelist.]
'But why do these things happen with every new release? Can this really be considered a coincidence?'
[ ... Honestly, even I find it unbelievable.]
Even the deity showed a reaction of "this is a bit ... ". As absurd as it may be, it significantly boosted my credibility.
In fact, partly, I'm complaining to Luminous. The world won't leave me alone, and whenever something happens, they force-fit it to me. It's tear-inducing.
Luminous advised that things would gradually get better over time, but if I continue like this, there will be no solution. I need to come up with a solution somehow ...
' ... How can it be resolved?'
[How about reverting back a few days and starting over? With your current achievements, you can go back two weeks.]
'No, I'll pass. I don't want to redo the story, and it's not that urgent.'
Regressing was an act suitable for urgent situations, and it's not appropriate in the current situation. I'll just endure it.
Besides, even if I redo the story, people will surely view it in strange ways again. In the current situation, no matter what happens, something will explode.
Therefore, the only thing I need to do right now is one thing.
' ... Instead, I'll ask for some Holy Power. I've been through a lot of exhausting things lately.'
[Are those kids bothering you a lot?]
'Well, that's one way to put it, but the situation is just tiring in its own right.'
I need to resolve the stress and fatigue that has been building up over the past few days with the holy power from Luminous. The current situation is one thing, but fundamentally, Marie and Cecily are both troubling me. It was a relief that we reached a compromise last time. We had a hard time because we argued about who would go first. And on top of that, Rina, who was sitting across from me, blushed.
I don't know what she's thinking, but every time our eyes meet, she blushes. Lately, she has been asking subtly where I'm going whenever I send signals to Marie or Cecily. She probably doesn't have such preferences, but for some reason, the mood has become subtle.
[There might be more than just those kids ... If it's already this tough ... ]
'What? What did you say?'
[It's nothing. And you, too. I wouldn't recommend coming to get holy power just because you're finding it hard. You should increase your physical strength, using holy power to compensate won't make any difference.]
'I'm working on it, but it's hard to increase physical stamina in a short period. Right now, this is the only option I have.'
[Hmm ... ]
Luminous showed a thoughtful expression in response to my words and then spoke up about one possible solution.
[In a short period, there is a way to increase your stamina. Especially for someone like you, who has almost limitless divine power, it should be quite suitable.]
'Oh? Can you tell me about it?'
[I have no problem telling you ... but there will be some changes. Just as your hair has grown longer according to Morra's taste, when you use this method, the scent of lilacs will emanate from your body.]
'Ah, I've heard of that.'
Devotees favored by gods undergo various changes. One prominent change is the scent that emanates from their bodies.
According to the myth, Luminous enjoys the scent of lilacs, and the more favor he bestows upon a follower, the stronger the scent of lilacs emanates from them. This is why those who worship Luminous often have a culture of using lilac perfumes.
In addition, Mora priests emanate the scent of peaches, and Harts', the mother of the siblings and the goddess of creation and nature, have a fundamentally different aura.
'Surely Luminous-nim doesn't engage in strange practices like Mora ... '
[I'm different from that mischievous one. The lilac scent alone is enough for me.]
Indeed, siblings will treat each other like siblings. In this way, they truly are godlike beings with human-like traits.
'Thank you. So, can you tell me what this method is?'
[Do you happen to know much about paladins?]
'If you mean paladins ... '
As you all know, Paladins are the personnel responsible for the military within the church. Instead of directly using their holy power, they primarily utilize their divine power for physical enhancement rather than healing. The Grand Inquisitor and Cardinal, Kate, is a Paladin.
Usually, Paladins hold a much higher rank than regular clergy. They are highly esteemed because they do not neglect personal training, even while praying. They are a combination of both martial and intellectual prowess, which is why their rank is so elevated.
Furthermore, Paladins are stronger than ordinary knights since they can wield both magical and holy powers. Rumor has it that Kate's abilities rival those of the Elven warriors, so you can roughly estimate how formidable she is.
[The reason why Paladins can be so strong is because of their divine power. Using divine power for physical enhancement leaves an imprint on their bodies. Training one's physical endurance by expending holy power is much more efficient than using regular magic power.]
'You didn't tell me about using holy power before?'
[Don't worry about that. Holy power and magic power have a similar nature, so you can think of magic power as a form of holy power.]
'Why didn't you tell me earlier?'
[Well ... Anyway, are you willing to accept it?] 'Yes.'
Since I can practically receive an endless amount of holy power, it would be foolish to give it up. The strong scent of lilacs was not a problem either.
In fact, the scent changed pleasantly, becoming sweet like the fragrance of flowers. Originally, I didn't even use perfume.
[ ... It'll probably make it easier for that child to find you.]
'Huh?'
[It's nothing.]
After receiving divine power, I left the private chapel.
"Sniff, sniff. Sniff ... Isn't this a bit overwhelming?"
I vividly felt the intense lilac scent vibrating within my body.
Creak
It wasn't long after Isaac had left his private prayer room. The door to the private prayer room next to him opened, revealing a woman. She had impressive features, with golden hair woven into one and emerald eyes that shone like emeralds.
She possessed a pure beauty, like a country girl, with an aura that seemed infinitely compassionate. She was dressed in the white holy robes typically worn by the Luminous Order, which left little to the imagination, accentuating her voluptuous figure. From her ample chest to her slender waist, wide hips, and finally, the fair thighs revealed by the side slit.
Her name was none other than the Cardinal and High Inquisitor, Kate Louise Angelica, who despite her appearance as a Holy Knight was known for her cruelty towards heretics and demons.
" ... Huh?"
Kate blinked her green eyes and wrinkled her nose as soon as she stepped outside. At first, she was unsure, but the intense lilac fragrance wafted into her nostrils.
While she continued to inhale the scent and look around, a female priestess approached her.
"Have you finished your prayers, Kate Reverend?"
"Sniff, sniff. Oh, yes. Sister Anna. But this scent ... "
"Oh, this scent? I don't know who it is, but someone must have sprayed lilac perfume."
Perfume ... The acolyte didn't think much of it, but Kate thought differently. Because this was definitely not an artificial scent.
The reason she could distinguish between artificially made perfume and natural scent was simple. Just as her body received the favor of the deity, she also exuded a strong lilac fragrance. And the scent she smelled outside the sanctuary was astonishingly identical to her own. In other words, someone who attended this temple was receiving the favor of Luminous.
With a smile as compassionate as any saint in the world, Kate asked the acolyte.
"The scent is still strong, so someone must have gone in just now. Who was it?"
"No, they didn't come in, but someone came out from the adjacent prayer room. Their name ... was it Isaac? He had red hair and impressive golden eyes."
"Oh, right ... Wait a minute. Red hair and golden eyes?"
"Yes."
"Red hair and golden eyes ... "
Kate sat there, deep in thought, touching her chin as if there was something bothering her. The combination of red hair and golden eyes was rare, even when you looked around the world. From the start, having red hair itself was quite unusual.
"In the oracle, it was clearly ... "
Kate, who was meticulously reviewing the oracle Luminous had given her, snapped out of her reverie. The oracle was so vague that it was difficult to make a judgment. It only pointed to an inexperienced person, so it was best to confirm it directly.
"Did that saint's name happen to be Isaac? Do you happen to know where he resides?"
"Judging by his school uniform, he seems to be a student at Halo Academy ... Probably."
"Halo Academy ... I see."
Then, Kate continued with a friendly smile,
"Thanks for your help. It's been really helpful."
With her hand gently resting on her lower abdomen.
Chapter two hundred two: Fifteenth Book (four)
Chapter two hundred two: Fifteenth Book (four)
It's common for a bachelor's home to have a distinct 'bachelor' smell, as they say. In fact, not only men but most places where adults live alone are like this.
So we use air fresheners, ventilate the room, or take a shower every day to get rid of that smell. I'm also someone who dislikes that smell, so I frequently ventilate the place.
However, now there's no need for that. A delightful lilac fragrance emanates from my body, and all I need to do is ventilate appropriately.
Even if I briefly go outside and return, my room is filled with the lingering scent of flowers, which is nice, but it's not without its problems.
"Hey, did you happen to spray perfume?"
"No."
"Then why does this smell emanate from you?"
Immediate reactions from those around me, especially as I am a teaching assistant who often has to visit the lab. The lab was filled with the fragrant scent of flowers.
"It's a nice smell ... better than the musty smell of books ... "
"It's not about whether it's nice. My nose feels bothered."
"Professor doesn't know about it ... How fragrant can flowers be ... "
While Cindy liked the lilac fragrance, Elena wrinkled her nose to block my smell. It seems that Elena, unlike Cindy, has a sensitive sense of smell.
Nevertheless, the sense of smell was the fastest to become accustomed among bodily senses, so it didn't take long for her to adapt. I had to open the window for ventilation, though.
These reactions were the same when I met with other people after class.
Sniff Sniff Sniff
"Isaac, did you put on perfume?"
"No?"
"But there's a pleasant smell coming from you. Sniff Sniff."
When I was on a date with Marie after a long time, she playfully nuzzled her nose into various parts of my body and sniffed. I chuckled at the subtle feeling but remained still because Marie's actions were cute. Marie has always liked the scent that emanates from me, so this situation was familiar. It's a bit of a problem that she doesn't care even if people passing by give her strange looks though.
"You didn't change your soap ... Did you really put on perfume?"
"No, I didn't. I just received holy power from Luminous." "Holy power? Ah, that makes sense. So, is this the scent of lilac flowers then?"
Marie also knew about the myths well, so she noticed that the scent coming from my body was that of lilac flowers. However, she continued to press her face against my body to smell it.
With a warm smile, I carefully stroked her white hair, as if she were a puppy trying to recognize her owner's scent. Coincidentally, as Marie, who had her face pressed against my chest, received my gentle touch on her head, she pulled her head away and met my gaze exactly. Her clear blue eyes were truly adorable.
"It's not too strong, is it?"
"Yeah! I really like it. How long will this last?"
"Well, I'm not sure. Probably for a while. I plan to go to the temple every weekend."
The method that Luminous told me is very simple. After receiving enough holy power for the lilac scent to emanate, all you have to do is exercise more vigorously than usual. Since holy power relieves the burden on the body, physical strength can be increased dramatically, and the amount of holy power consumed increased as the intensity did.
It's a very simple principle, but are knights really just knights for nothing? Since sincerity and patience are important, it may seem simple but is a difficult task.
"Why a temple? Even if it's bothersome?"
" ... ... "
I heard that question and stared at Marie. A woman who receives love is beautiful in itself, but Marie has become more and more beautiful as the days went by.
Her snow-white hair gleamed as if light were reflecting off it, and her skin, despite not receiving any special care, was incredibly elastic.
Perhaps it was because of her growth phase, or maybe there was another reason, but her figure was also improving rapidly.
She was completely transforming from the appearance of a young girl into a full-fledged adult.
"Huh?"
"Yeah, why am I so tired because of someone else?"
When I pinched her cheek, she made a cute sound for a moment, then blinked at the words that followed.
Afterward, she herself smiled, seemingly embarrassed by something.
"Anyway, it's better than being a bachelor. I've been more careful lately."
My cute girlfriend defended herself with pronunciation that was all wrinkled up due to the pinching of her cheek.
I indulged in stroking her cheek to my heart's content, enjoying the taut and springy feeling, and it was worth seeing Marie's face getting messed up here and there.
I pressed her cheeks like steamed buns and then let go as I opened my mouth.
"Yeah, thankfully, you've been more self-controlled lately. Just before the break, it seemed like there was no sign of the burning firewood going out."
"That's the old days. Besides, the fire goes out if there's no fuel. I also felt like it suddenly went out at some point."
"Are you saying that you like me less than before?"
"Oh, come on. I was just using a metaphor, my desire is the same, and I still like Isaac. Isn't it enough that you're right here?"
Marie grabbed my arm while speaking in an affectionate tone, even rubbing her cheek against me like a puppy. Until recently, Marie had been becoming more demanding, but nowadays, she was showing more affection. In contrast, Cecily, as before, was becoming more demanding, just as Marie used to be.
Though our bodies were tired, our hearts were at peace, radiating different charms. Honestly, compared to my previous life, I could say that I was living a blessed life.
Sniff-sniff sniff
"Can you please stop sniffing me?"
"Just a little longer. It's quite addictive."
"Didn't you say the same thing before?"
"Did I? Well, maybe you're just that appealing. Is it the scent coming from your body, or is it coming from somewhere else? I suddenly became curious."
Today, it's confirmed that I'm heading straight to the inn once again. There was no desire in Marie's gaze, but on the contrary, it was filled with curiosity.
I think we might go to the inn to satisfy that curiosity. I forced a smile and changed the subject. There's a question I wanted to ask Marie.
"By the way, Marie, do you happen to know anything about Leona?"
"Huh? Ah, that girl with the reddish-brown hair? Of course, I know her."
The reason Marie knows Leona is simple. Leona has an exemplary image among students of the same grade. She's always diligent in class and participates in almost every class. Her passion for knowledge was exceptional, earning her the favor of many professors. Moreover, her beauty was outstanding, and her lion-like mane of hair made her easily recognizable among her peers.
"That girl didn't attend this class. I'm curious if she attended any other classes apart from history."
"Well ... no? She didn't attend any other classes either. Maybe there's some reason." "Hmm ... "
The fact that Leona, who used to attend all classes, is absent from all of them ... It's undoubtedly related to the Animers. Perhaps she went outside the Halo Academy to avoid being noticed by others. I also feel concerned indirectly because I might have some responsibility in this.
From the very beginning, Leona had concealed his identity to gain knowledge and had entered the Halo Academy. Given her complex family background, it was highly likely that complicated circumstances were at play, much like Adelia.
"By the way, what about Leona?"
"The professor asked about her. Well, everyone has personal reasons, you know."
"That's true."
Isaac thought deeply about how he could help Leona, but he couldn't find any suitable way. During the similar incident with the Half-Blood Crisis, Arwen could have asked for his help, but the conditions were entirely different. Arwen knew that he was Xenon and, besides, she was an elf. She could request help anytime, anywhere.
On the other hand, Leona had no idea that he was Xenon. It was a very ambiguous situation for her to request help from his side.
"Isaac."
"Yeah?"
"What do you think about the Animers situation? It's been quite chaotic lately."
I was momentarily lost in thought, but when Marie asked such a question, I couldn't help but feel surprised. I hesitated for a moment and then regained my composure.
The current situation with Animer was so serious that it wouldn't be surprising if a civil war broke out at any moment. Knowing that a major disaster could occur if they fought each other, they remained silent, like a powder keg. So, it was likely that the world was watching closely.
A king who adheres to tradition, and on the contrary, vassals who believe tradition should be discarded. From a distance, it may seem like a battle between the two, but fundamentally, it's a fight over the identity of the beastmen.
Due to the sacred duel, doubts began to arise about the tradition and culture that had united the beastmen into one.
"Well ... it's more complicated than I thought. Tradition is something that beastmen cannot easily let go of. Do you know about Hick?"
"No. I don't. Who is he?"
"You can think of him as the wealthiest of the beastmen and the founding king. He was the hero who gathered the scattered beastmen from all over the world after the tribal war three hundred years ago. However, the problem is that when he united the beastmen tribes, he made clever use of tradition."
Hick was a beastmen who, like the Elven warriors, was incredibly strong among those who fought in the tribal war. Naturally, his fame was not only known among the beastmen but also among the humans who were once his enemies.
However, no matter how powerful an individual with strong military force might be, he could only witness beastmen indiscriminately being slaughtered by humans because they united.
If he were an ordinary beastman, he would have been enraged and would have been a great calamity to others. However, Hick suppressed his 'anger' and began by addressing the fundamental issues one by one. As a result, he realized that the beastmen could not unite as one and were scattered.
"Hick applied for the sacred duel to each tribe through an unbelievable show of force. But the interesting thing is that he didn't apply for the sacred duel recklessly. If you look at the records, sixty percent were persuaded, thirty percent passed through the sacred duel, and ten percent were others. And even those who lost the sacred duel didn't lose their life."
"He didn't take their lives? If you forcibly bring in people who don't want to come under you, won't nine out of ten become rebellious?"
Marie asked with a puzzled expression. In fact, it's a downside of the sacred duel. The outcome is determined by victory or defeat regardless of the other person's intentions. In other words, it means you have to follow it no matter what complaints you may have. In the worst case, you could lose your life.
The tradition of the sacred duel is good for enforcing your will, but it comes with countless downsides.
"Yeah, that's why if you didn't want to go through with it, he would have to kill you. It's a kind of choice he gave. He defeated them in the sacred duel, but then gave them the final choice."
"Wouldn't that be seen as an insult? In your book, you said that in the sacred duel, you must always follow the winner's decision."
"That's also true. But Hick never 'forced' anyone. He simply gave them a choice. Most of the time, it's the other side that initiates the sacred duel. Hick respected the other person's wishes and didn't shed unnecessary blood."
"Oh ... there was a reason he could become the king. With that kind of inclusiveness, he had no choice but to become a king."
"Yeah. That's true, but ... "
I looked up at the sky with a perplexed expression. Like Hick's example, traditions and cultures tend to deteriorate as time goes by. This phenomenon was evident in the current Animers.
For the beastmen, tradition played a crucial role in uniting the community, but that was about it. To maintain it, flexibility was necessary, but tradition was hindering that.
You could say the situation in Alvenheim was similar to the Elder's Council. Tradition united the race, but it was gradually decaying.
The dilemma Animers faced was similar to wanting to eliminate tradition, which is both the country's asset and the foundation of its establishment, tarnishing Hick's reputation. Yet, preserving it jeopardizes the nation's existence.
Animers found themselves in a precarious situation.
"It's ironic that this tradition, which is currently dividing the nation, has led to this situation."
"Hmm ... do you have any solutions in mind? We've faced similar situations before."
Marie mentioned, referring to the mixed-blood issue, as she knew about Arwen's relationship with me.
"The situation is quite different from what it was back then. This isn't something that can be resolved with a speech. It involves tampering with a tradition that once united the tribes. Moreover, the sacred duel places more importance on pure force than politics or strategy, so they might encounter resistance."
"It's more complicated than I thought."
"Indeed. If I were to suggest a solution ... they'd have to adapt the sacred duel tradition to the current circumstances. It's no longer about tribes; it's about the nation now. For example ... "
"For example?"
"The sacred duel as some kind of tournament ... Wait a moment."
This voice wasn't Marie's, and it didn't come from beside me either. I blinked and turned around to see what was happening.
To my surprise, a copper-haired beastwoman named Leona, whom I couldn't even tell had come close, was eavesdropping on our conversation from behind.
"Could you please tell me quickly?"
Desperation filled her golden eyes.