As the exams approach, the closer the vacations become. Additionally, my academic workload, which includes submitting exam papers, becomes increasingly busy.
You might ask if submitting exam questions is difficult, but surprisingly, it is challenging. Especially in majors close to liberal arts, like history, most exams require subjective answers, and it’s not something I can do alone.
Elena told me to just focus on creating the questions, as grading needs to be fair, and there will inevitably be a lot of differing opinions.
If it were a multiple-choice problem, I could just roughly prepare the answers, but the academy doesn’t work like that. Each professor has their own beliefs and philosophies, so there are no multiple-choice questions; only subjective ones.
So, I kept pondering repeatedly on how to squeeze out some sort of subjective answer. I need to submit the answers quickly to have more free time for myself.
But there’s always a way the world gets its way with you. Suddenly, I had a good idea and proposed it to Elena.
“What if we just submit the problem from a year ago?”
“I was actually thinking about that.”
“···But why ask me for a favor?”
“I was curious about what problem you would come up with. A bit disappointing.”
“··· ···”
One way or another, the test questions were settled casually. Actually, there might not be a better question than asking new students, ‘What is history?’
However, from now on, I really have to submit history questions myself. Since Elena said she would directly submit them for the second-year students, it’s like I’ve been given some substantial free time.
During this free time, I was writing Volume 19 and researching historical data. I’ve been spending my time productively until the vacation approaches.
This free time also includes invitations to the exhibition. Marie, Cecily, and Rina will definitely come to the estate, and Adelia is my bodyguard, so she’ll automatically attend.
However, Leona and Cherry are a bit different. Leona became my woman due to the unique cultural norms of the beastmen, but she has a strong sense of independence.
So it meant that she wouldn’t be able to work part-time throughout the vacation period. She’s always done that until now, so there’s no reason this exhibition would be any different.
“Well then, I’ll cover everything you need for next semester.”
“Ah, even if you say that much…”
“Including food. How much steak do you want to eat?”
“I love you, darling.”
Of course, inviting Leona, who adored steak, wasn’t difficult. When I promised to buy her steak for the next semester without any hesitation, Leona pressed her face against my chest.
It was fortunate that we were alone in the cafe; otherwise, if anyone had seen us, they might have given us a cold stare.
With her ears perked up, she gave off a vibe of a very affectionate cat. Lions are part of the cat family, so maybe it’s not that strange.
Leona often shows her affection by pressing her face against me, regardless of whether it’s my cheek or chest.
Just as animals leave their scent, when we’re alone, Leona tends to engage in physical affection, skin-to-skin.
“There are a lot of delicious things in your territory, right?”
“Yeah, there should be plenty. It’s Xenon’s Biography exhibition, after all.”
“The more I see you, the more impressive you become. How could Xenon’s birthplace be over there?”
Well, because I am Xenon. By the way, I haven’t told Leona that I am Xenon yet.
I should have told her from the beginning, but first, I plan to introduce myself to my parents and then tell her.
It’s all because of my father. He has extensive experience not only with Elven reconnaissance units in the border zone but also clashes with beastmen.
Naturally, there might be some reluctance towards beastmen, so it’s better to seek permission first.
Given Father’s disposition, he’ll reluctantly accept, but I have a feeling that I should let him know that Leona is a beastwoman.
“Well, then when do you plan on pairing up? I’m ready anytime.”
“Um… this upcoming vacation might be tough, right?”
“Ah, so there’s someone who has made prior arrangements?”
“It’s not really a prior arrangement…”
I was at a loss for how to explain this, offering a wry smile. For now, Leona is certain to follow after Adelia.
However, at this exhibition, it’s uncertain whether Adelia and I will have our first night together. I want to give her a joyous first night that erases all past traumas, but it’s not that simple.
I vowed that even if I were to reveal my true identity as Xenon, I would ensure she chooses me, but shouldn’t I also consider others?
Especially since Marie and Cecily are eagerly anticipating this vacation, there might be a chance for Adelia to intervene.
‘She was thrilled when I remembered our anniversary.’
On the exact day marking one year since I started dating Marie, I gifted her a ring adorned with a ruby. It was a fairly expensive ring purchased with the profits from selling Xenon series.
When I asked my mother about it, she said that noblewomen who like to show off prefer expensive jewelry. In particular, They wear the jewelry given by her beloved every day.
My mother also always wears the same ring on her left ring finger. However, it turns out that the ring is a marriage anniversary ring that my father obtained by using his retirement money. I was so surprised to hear that.
Anyway, when I gave her the ring, Marie jumped around happily and confessed her love to me continuously. I, too, was very pleased with her reaction, and my heart became full.
After that, well… you probably know. Despite it being an exam period, her passion for me flared dramatically. She even made a nearly runaway statement, saying that we should have a child immediately.
Luckily, I managed to regain my composure. If not, I might have immediately prepared for a wedding instead of studying for exams.
“It’s a bit unexpected. So, it might take some time. Is that okay?”
“Whether it’s okay or not, it doesn’t matter. It might be a bit challenging during the mating season, but I can endure it.”
“Yeah. Yeah. Thanks for understanding.”
“Purrr.”
I stroked her head with sincere words. As I did, Leona purred, rubbing her ear against me.
Although her tail was hidden behind her pants, I wondered if it would sway if revealed.
While stroking Leona’s head, a sudden thought crossed my mind.
‘Come to think of it, I seem to embrace a different girl every vacation, don’t I…?’
The first summer vacation was with Marie, and the last winter vacation was with Cecily. And though it’s not confirmed, it seems like this summer vacation will be with Adelia. So, does that mean the next winter vacation will be with Leona? Honestly, I seem to fit the description Nicole mentioned, a trash wandering around and seducing girls.
‘Well, what can I do.’
I should consider this my fate. I kept soothing my mind by continuously stroking Leona’s soft, fluffy hair. For some reason, it feels addictive. Even in my past life, I tended to enjoy petting cute puppies or cats. After losing my parents in an accident, the only solace I found was in cute dog or animal pictures. I wanted to raise one myself, but circumstances didn’t allow it, so I lived somewhat lonely.
Although Leona isn’t an animal but a person, isn’t she still a living being? I want to keep feeling this sensation in my hands.
“Purr. Mrrr.”
“Do you like it that much?”
“Yes. Hubby. Please stroke a little more.”
“··· ···”
It’s certain. Leona is not a lion but a cat.
I chuckled and, as she wished, didn’t stop stroking her hand. It seems she wants to address me as ‘Hubby.’
‘I invited Leona too, and the remaining person is…’
Cherry, a freshman who has just sprouted the buds of dreams and hopes. I haven’t proposed going to the exhibition to her yet, but I plan to do so soon. However, given her suppressive family environment, there is a possibility that they strongly discouraged her from even dreaming about going to the exhibition.
I’ve counseled Cherry extensively so far. Her family, the Roseberry, boasted an extremely rigid upbringing. Treating people more like robots than fellow humans. Just listening to it makes one feel suffocated.
Originally, their lineage, well, her grandfather’s time, was relatively ordinary, but this particular Roseberry generation, especially after the release of Xenon’s Biography, became severe. Cherry mentioned this trend intensified significantly after its publication.
‘I should meet her in person and talk.’
If possible, I’d like to invite Cherry to the exhibition. If that’s not feasible, I plan to directly send an invitation to her family. If that’s not possible either… I’ll coax her to come secretly. She needs to witness firsthand how Xenon’s Biography is becoming a culture.
One might call it motivation. The public already speculates her as Xenon’s disciple. Despite only one volume being out, it’s gaining significant attention due to its reincarnation theme.
If Cherry’s popularity continues to rise, even her family won’t easily interfere. It’s the most certain way right now.
Suddenly
“Huh?!”
“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t think you would be surprised.”
I was lost in thought for a moment when suddenly I felt a cold sensation on my neck, making me jump in surprise. Simultaneously, Leona’s apology followed. Wondering what was going on, I glanced down to see her awkwardly smiling with her tongue sticking out.
It seemed she couldn’t resist her instincts and had licked my neck. It’s a behavior commonly referred to as grooming. I stared blankly at the giggling Leona and felt a chill down my spine. Meanwhile, she, with a peculiar expression, regained her composure and spoke to me with sparkling golden eyes.
“I thought it would taste similar since the fragrance was so vibrant. But, it seems not. It even seems quite delicious, doesn’t it?”
“…”
“Can I try licking it one more time? You can lick mine too.”
“…Is that a custom among your kind?”
“More of a characteristic of beastmen like lions, tigers, and catfolk rather than beastmen. So, is it okay?”
I almost asked her to lick somewhere else instead of my neck for a moment.
*****
The second exhibition at Michelle Territory was about a month away. For humans and certain other species, it might seem like plenty of time, but for those whose lifespans surpass theirs by far, it’s quite brief.
Especially for those engaged in the arts, needing to transport their “works” to Michelle Territory makes the time even shorter. Consequently, most artists have been bustling about long before the exhibition, striving busily to secure a spot and earnestly presenting their pieces.
And among those passionately striving to exhibit their work was someone…
“Does this thing really move?”
“Yeah, why would I lie?”
Ains, a dwarf and inventor of the magical engine, who had committed to attend this exhibition, was currently showcasing his “creation” to other dwarfs. At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary carriage, but distinct differences were noticeable here and there.
Firstly, the carriage, quite literally, was horseless; no visible mechanism was in place for the horses. Instead, there were seats for the coachman, and remarkably, seats for guests as well.
However, one striking feature stood out—the peculiar item hitched at the rear—a ‘magical engine’ designed for magical locomotives but affixed to the carriage by Ains himself.
“So, was it coal? How far can you go by putting that black rock in?”
“I haven’t even experimented with that yet.”
“You idiot! Without even trying that, you’re planning to head straight to the Minerva Empire? You’re out of your mind.”
In response to Ains’ unclear answer, a dwarf muttered under his breath. It’s understandable, as the distance between the Dwarf’s realm, Makina, and the Minerva Empire is quite vast.
While it doesn’t require crossing a sea like Alvenheim, traveling by land would take at least a month, assuming one doesn’t walk but uses a carriage. Even with a carriage, it takes a month to cover that distance, and yet, they haven’t even experimented with the magic carriage.
Nevertheless, Ains, confidently folding his thick arms, spoke up. His rich brown beard stood out prominently.
“It’s possible, that’s why I’m doing this! Once you ride it, all doubts will vanish. Did you all think I couldn’t even create a magical engine?”
“Well… that’s true. But why start with this instead of a magical engine train?”
“This is more of an experimental piece. Because of its size, it needs to be constructed on a large scale altogether. The crucial thing is to get it moving, for now.”
“That makes sense. So, what’s its name? Magic carriage?”
“That’s too unimaginative.”
“Well, a magical engine train sounds like it has something special, but this one seems to lack that something. It sounds like a downgrade.”
The dwarves were already criticizing it without having even heard its name, yet Ains paid no mind.
He had anticipated such reactions well enough. Especially among dwarves, one’s inventions must be handled as preciously as one’s own children.
This principle extends to the name as well. It’s crucial to choose a name carefully to avoid becoming the subject of ridicule in the future.
Ains frowned as the dwarves casually assigned names, wagging their tongues, then spoke with his characteristic confident voice.
“Do I look like I don’t have such thoughts? Am I not Ains Eitri, the inventor of magical devices?”
“Yeah, you seem totally clueless.”
“He probably made that thing because he’s a thoughtless fool. We can acknowledge his achievements, but he lacks thought and is reckless, right?”
“Damn bastards. Anyway, the name for this invention is quite simple. No need for any words, it moves only with magical engines!”
If Isaac had witnessed this scene, what would he have thought?
“By its name, the magical car!”
“It seems even worse than before?”
“Just call it a car.”
Perhaps he would have chuckled softly. It might have been a moment where he considered the Second World War novel more carefully.
Ignoring the harsh evaluation of the two dwarves, Ains nodded as if he liked it and then pointed with his thumb to the magical car behind him.
“So, want to give it a try? If you guys want, I’ll give you the honor of the first ride.”
“Well, we’re bored. Should we give it a shot?”
“Why not.”
However, even the inventor Ains had faced a completely unexpected issue.
“But how do we stop this?”
“What?”
“What? What what! Dammit! Stop it right now!”
He forgot to create the ‘brake’. Luckily, it was just before takeoff; otherwise, it would have almost caused the world’s first transportation accident.
With just one month left until the exhibition.
“This reckless guy. Step aside. We should create a stopping mechanism.”
“Let’s also include speed conversion here. What’s the maximum speed of this?”
“It’ll probably be slightly slower than going at maximum speed, right? Whatever we put in, it’ll eventually convert into mana.”
“Hmm. That might be a bit tricky. How about creating a separate mana storage? Store extra mana and if it becomes excessive, just discharge it outside.”
“Is that okay?”
Culture and religion were converging towards science.
Translators note:
