I’ve always thought about it, but I feel grateful that my father’s genes have manifested, albeit late. If that hadn’t happened, my back would have been broken a long time ago.
However, a bigger issue remained: the changed attitudes of Marie and Cecily. It’s not that they were distant or have lost affection towards me, but rather it has deepened even more than before.
To the point where the intensity has become so strong.
Originally, we used to compromise with each other, but starting with Adelia, it seems like they’ve developed a new preference of conspiring together.
Rather than waiting for their turn, it seems they took to staying by my side. Surprisingly, Marie was more proactive than Cecily, and her jealousy seems to be increasing day by day, always trying to keep me by her side.
In her heart, she even wanted us to share a dorm like a married couple. Thanks to that, I could understand how much she loves me.
As time goes by, more women gather around me, but still, I will prioritize Marie and love her passionately.
She was the first to notice me and confess her love, so I couldn’t do anything less.
‘Oh, by the way, it’s almost our 1-year anniversary.’
I remember the exact day when Marie and I officially started dating. I have a habit from my past life of diligently commemorating anniversaries and such.
In this world, apart from birthdays, there’s no culture of commemorating special days. Even with engagements or marriages, it ends there.
So, wouldn’t she be moved if I remembered our anniversary? Since I’ve caused Marie some emotional turmoil, I plan to give back as much as I can.
Of course, Cecily was the same. Even if she pretends not to mind if I only take care of Marie, she’ll feel disappointed inside.
‘But what could be a good gift…’
It was a dilemma thinking about what would be an appropriate gift here, cosmetics or an expensive perfume would be the safest, but asking other women would still be the best.
So, I planned to send a letter to my mother soon and ask her. Or maybe subtly ask Marie so she doesn’t catch on.
Becoming a good-for-nothing, this is the best expression of goodwill and apology I can do. Since this might not be enough, I’ll make sure to commemorate the special days diligently to soothe their hearts.
Anyway, since the Adelia incident, my life has been divided into assistant duties, writing, and sweet dates with my lovers, as usual. There’s nothing else to do than things that require attention one by one, but recently, I’ve been concentrating on writing.
I’ve become accustomed to the assistant life, so helping Elena and Cindy is a breeze, and as for the dates… let’s just pass over that.
However, during the weekend, Adelia’s face bloomed with a bright smile, and that made me very satisfied. Not a smile to hide the wounds but a genuinely happy one. Just that alone is worth sacrificing my waist for.
Although we briefly deviated to another topic, let’s get back to the issue of Volume 17. As everyone knows, Volume 17 focuses on Jin and Lily, and it depicts the events unfolding in the ‘Holy Church,’ which can be considered the ‘Church’ episode of Xenon’s Biography, centered around Xavier like country.
… Let’s not complain that I chose the name ‘Holy’ too casually. I just named it like this because I couldn’t think of a better name.
Anyway, the development is that a priest associated with devils threatens Jin and Lily in the Holy Church. This story was also rather realistic.
The world realized the contamination level of the World Tree’s roots as soon as they saw my book. But how corrupt can clergy members be? Especially in the case of the Luminous Order, there is a distant past where they turned fanatical and slaughtered demons.
Given the considerable time that has passed since then, the likelihood of internal decay once again spreading is high. Hence, though hesitant to write about it when faced with the thought of opposition, I had no choice but to proceed, for fear the plot might stagnate if I made amendments.
More than anything, it was transformed to the extent of creating something that doesn’t exist, unlike Animers previously. If I were to exaggerate a bit and write that dung can turn into gold, there are those who might take it at face value.
With this in mind, while the story continues as it is, I’ll ask Luminous directly. Are there truly corrupt clergy members within Xavier?
[There are.]
‘Crazy.’
And a positive response came back from Luminous. I couldn’t believe it even though I had hoped. Hearing a definitive answer from the god overseeing the world was more than shocking.
I felt my head ringing. However, cursing during a conversation with a god was an obvious blasphemy, so I immediately apologized.
No matter how much Luminous may favor me, a god is a god. Even a slight slip of the tongue in jest is a serious matter.
‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry. How could I…’
[I’m fine. I can understand your feelings. But it’s truly fascinating. Cultural differences aside, the extent of these outcomes is unexpected. It’s quite severe, but interesting, isn’t it?]
Luminous seemed to be in a daze now. Although I poked to check, they probably didn’t expect it to actually exist.
No, he may not directly interfere, but he’s observing. Even though he knew that Xavier was rotting from inside, he probably couldn’t come up with a proper plan.
Not informing about the widespread devil worshippers was similar to this. Since no one raised questions, the gods must have been frustrated. Even if they warned through oracles, it would have been misinterpreted, leading to frustration.
Or maybe those interpreting the prophecy became corrupted. That’s not an impossible possibility.
[…We, gods, always end up owning you. Thanks to you, the future of the world is becoming brighter.]
‘Should I thank the devil worshippers who summoned me here?’
[No. Because of those bastards, innocent souls ended up in a completely different place. From the gods’ perspective, they might be insignificant, but life is always precious. That’s what our mother used to say.]
The mother of gods. Luminous and Mora inherited their compassionate nature from Harte, the goddess of life and nature.
It feels proud in a corner of my heart that this world is developing under the protection of such compassionate and loving gods.
On the other hand, I wondered why the devils would invade this world. They are known for destruction and slaughter, but there must be a leader giving them ‘orders.’
Perhaps the goal of that leader is the destruction of this world. Since there was no clear explanation in the myth, I became slightly curious. Still, I didn’t ask Luminous directly. Instead, I moved on to another question.
‘Can you tell me who in Xavier is making a pact with devils?’
[Sorry, I can’t do that. It’s a future that would shake the entire world, too much for your sanctity to handle even now. Such a great calamity requires an immense force to occur.]
How severe could it be that even my sanctity is insufficient? It seems like it will bring about a wave as significant as the contamination of the World Tree’s roots, which was a major crisis.
And they’ll probably label me as the cause. Now, they will get even more certain with their theories. I dread how severe the aftermath will be once I reveal that I am Xenon. I hope for the safety of those around me, even if I’m unsure about anything else. But things in this world aren’t that simple.
I’ll try to come up with a plan somehow, but I’m not the protagonist in a novel like Xenon, and dealing with the immense power of the world is almost impossible.
Sigh–
Amidst the perplexing situation, just as I exhaled deeply, I felt a gentle touch caressing my head. A touch that felt kind and sacred, such warmth. It’s the first time I’ve felt this while conversing with Luminous.
The god of light and hope, Luminous, gently stroked my head, and simultaneously, a clear sanctity entered my body, soothing my complex emotions.
God doesn’t often lay hands on the heads of believers, comforting them as if soothing them, except for the Pope and the Cardinals, I heard.
‘…Luminous?’
[Don’t worry too much, child. At least, there won’t be any dark clouds looming in your near future. The same goes for the women and family you love.]
Luminous reassured me with his gentle tone. Feeling his touch, I couldn’t help but feel relieved. I feel like I understand why people adore Luminous and love the gods of this world. Offering warmth not just to their families but to everyone, who wouldn’t admire such a deity?
Conversely, despite being established for such a god, the Luminous Order’s clergy, which made a pact with devils, became repulsive. Specifically, I’m referring to a minority of clergy.
Surely, most are devout, but it’s because of this minority that Luminous’s name is being tarnished. Just as Luminous bestowed love and grace upon me, I feel I should repay him in some way.
…Kate, who once asked for my seed, flashed through my mind but swiftly dismissed. There might be a separate favor to ask of her later anyway.
‘Thank you. I’ll try to finish the book as quickly as possible. It won’t take more than ten days to complete the writing. And the story I’ve told isn’t in 17 volumes but in 18. It’s a long way to go yet.’
[Don’t push yourself too hard. Work is important, but taking it easy is just as crucial…]
‘Otherwise, I might be by Luminous’s side soon.’
[… …]
Even if I abruptly interrupted midway, Luminous maintained silence. Luminous probably knew well the situation I was facing at the moment. Curiosity arose with the conversation. It was a half-joking comment, but I wondered what would actually happen if I engaged in nighttime activities without receiving sanctity.
If Luminous had said something, I wouldn’t have been sure, but staying silent without uttering a word made me truly wonder.
‘…Is such a future really possible?’
[Under the assumption of you not receiving sanctity. That future ceased to exist because you have received sanctity. Don’t worry too much.]
‘Can you tell me what kind of future it is?’
[Sometimes not knowing is a form of protection.]
I wondered how sad and dreadful a future would have to be for Luminous to outright reject it. I became more curious, but there were situations where not knowing was better.
Moreover, since I consistently received sanctity, that kind of future ceased to exist, so it’s not something I need to worry about. As always, I should continuously serve and care for my beloved ones.
As long as I continue receiving both physical training and sanctity, there shouldn’t be any major issues if I keep training.
‘Understood. Then, until next time.’
[Oh, before that, ask Cecily to visit Helium once. Mora insists on seeing you.]
Come to think of it, I haven’t visited Mora since the winter vacation. I was too engrossed in academics and writing, not even having the chance to visit Helium.
Though I wish to visit Mora if my heart had its way, I’m currently holding off because I don’t know what prank she might pull. My hair has grown long since winter vacation, and no matter how much I cut it, it seems to grow back overnight. I’ve almost given up. My friends and family say it suits me well and encourage me to continue, but I’m terribly uncomfortable.
The weight of the hair alone is no joke, and it’s incredibly difficult to manage when it tangles every day during washing. I sought advice from Cecily, whose hair is much longer than mine. Thankfully, she offered some guidance, otherwise, I would have struggled alone.
‘Please tell her that I’ll go on the condition that she doesn’t play any pranks like last time.’
[Really? Ah, she apologizes.]
It seems Mora was next to Luminous. That means she heard our entire conversation. With her mischievous nature, I’m not sure what she’ll say, but I hope it’s nothing strange.
[Hmm… It’s probably better to go as soon as possible.]
‘Why?’
Luminous replied. After hesitating for a moment, he cautiously conveyed Mora’s intentions with a careful tone.
[Otherwise, she insists she’ll turn you into a girl for a month…]
‘…’
[It seems she’s suggesting that if it’s not Cecily, you could ask Gartz, the demon, for help.]
I should probably hurry. I may not know about other things, but I must avoid turning into a woman. Daily life itself might not be too much of a challenge, but it’s as clear as day what kind of reaction my lovely lovers would have. Just imagining it gives me goosebumps.
‘…Please say I don’t have to go through that transformation. If not, I really won’t go.’
[They say they’ll give until the end of the week. After a week passes, they say a month will be added with each passing day…]
‘Haha…’
I let out a bitter laugh. She’s a goddess who’s difficult to deal with in many ways.
Even so, she’s as compassionate and kind as Luminous, so her followers will likely faithfully obey, even if they’re groaning. You can tell her character from her dedication to the demons and dark elves who were persecuted from the start.
She might play pranks on the children she likes. But I’ve heard that she’s played pranks on herself too, at Cecily’s behest.
She got rid of everything that could be considered pride. It was comfortable, but then she became so depressed that Mora hastily returned her to her original state.
‘I’ll go as soon as possible. I’m busy too, trying to make time.’
[No need to rush too much.]
‘Understood. Then, I’ll take my leave now.’
[Go ahead. I hope there will be light in your future.]
With those words, Luminous’s voice disappeared completely. I slowly opened my closed eyes and lifted my head.
A statue depicting Luminous stood before my eyes. If Luminous was here, a faint aura would have enveloped the statue, but seeing its absence confirms their departure.
I rose from my spot and loosened my stiffened body. My knees were a bit numb from kneeling for so long, but it was bearable.
‘I should head to Helium as soon as possible.’
It’s been a while since I met Mora, and I don’t want to transform into a woman. I should avoid it at all costs this time. I’ll ask Cecily for help this time, and in the future, I can ask Gartz for assistance to visit regularly.
I bowed my head sincerely to Luminous, who has been very accommodating, and stepped outside. As soon as I stepped out, I unexpectedly encountered someone.
“Saint Isaac?”
“Yes?”
“Did you come to pray to Luminous?”
It was Kate, the Cardinal of Xavier’s Church and the Grand Inquisitor. Her forest-green eyes seemed indifferent but held a hint of delight.
I’ve heard she stays in this temple before, so it didn’t surprise me, but what stood out the most was her attire. Instead of the nun’s habit she usually wore, she was clad in armor that covered her entire body.
Given her usual habit, it was natural to question.
“Hello, Miss Kate. I just finished offering my prayers a moment ago. But about that armor…”
“I’m planning to go exterminate devil worshippers who defile Luminous’s name.”
As expected. As my gaze shifted to her waist, there hung a mace that seemed too heavy to wield with just one hand.
She, with a pure face like a country girl, goes around smashing the skulls of devil worshippers. It felt strange, not aligning with her usual demeanor.
It clearly shows that judging people solely by appearances is wrong. I chuckled at the notion of devil worshippers in the capital and asked.
“Are there devil worshippers in the capital?”
“There are rumors that they reside underground. It’s a fitting place for vermin like them. Those creatures need to be crushed thoroughly and incinerated then resurrection should become impossible.”
I learned during my conversation with Kate that she has quite a sharp tongue. Only when it comes to devil worshippers, though.
Her faith in Luminous must be that strong, indicating sincerity. Despite some missing screws in common sense, she’s not a bad person.
Sometimes, her faith goes overboard, causing some disturbances. But recently, through small talk, she seems to be gradually changing.
“I see. Take care. Don’t get hurt unnecessarily by being too reckless.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
“Um…”
I looked at Kate with an indifferent expression. As I stared, she blinked her green eyes and grinned.
“Do you have something to say?”
“No, just…”
Kate is fervently devoted to Luminous. Does that mean her feelings toward Xavier, her hometown and sanctuary, are the same? It feels uneasy to leave things this way after directly receiving that information from Luminous.
If the 18th volume comes out, it might reveal everything, but by then, it could be too late. However, it’s not something that can be directly disclosed. There’s a risk that revealing it might cause significant trouble for Kate, who is still quite inexperienced.
Certainly, she’s established herself as a skilled individual in terms of combat and has risen to the position of a Cardinal through that. However, there are matters that cannot be resolved by force alone. After pondering repeatedly, I recalled an appropriate proverb and subtly conveyed it to her.
“Do you happen to know the saying, ‘The darkest place is under the candle’?”
“I’ve never heard of that. Is it a directive from Luminous?”
“Not exactly.”
“Hmm…”
Kate cast her gaze downward, blinked a few times, and replied in her characteristic blunt tone.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t quite understand.”
“I see… Alright.”
“Still, I will engrave Isaac’s words in my heart, thank you for that.”
“Thank you. May there be a path of hope for you.”
I bowed slightly, uttering the farewell often shared by clergy of the Luminous order. Kate returned the gesture, offering the same salutation.
“May there be a path of light for you.”
After sixteen volumes and precisely a fortnight later, the 17th volume made its appearance in the world. And…
“Kate has returned to the Holy Kingdom?”
“Yeah, it seems like something urgent came up.”
Exactly two days later, Kate returned to her hometown.
Translators note:
