Accompanied by Marie and Adelia, we headed towards the center of the village, Rina and Hiriya were waiting as expected. Seeing no knights around them, it seemed as though they were observing from a distance.
As usual, Hiriya was dressed in uniform, firmly displaying her status, while Rina, true to her imperial princess status, was adorned in a glamorous dress and jewelry.
Her golden hair, long and flowing, complemented the blue dress and contrasting with the extravagance, the dress seemed more suited for outings, with a relatively short skirt length.
Instead, her attire subtly revealed her cleavage, accentuating Rina’s ample bosom. While not as ample as Cecily’s, Rina could still be considered quite large.
Perhaps she will come wearing an even more extravagant dress than the one she’s wearing now when the performance begins. Nonetheless, in my opinion, the current attire was much better.
I alternated my gaze between Rina and Hiriya before approaching them and respectfully bowing my head.
“I’m sorry. I’m a bit late.”
“It’s okay. We got here early.”
“I thought I’d fall asleep waiting.”
Afterward, I fulfilled my role as a guide as planned. Though I was tasked with guiding, there wasn’t much to it in reality. It simply involved wandering around and engaging in idle chatter.
If it weren’t for Hiriya, I would have spoken comfortably without using honorifics, but I had no choice but to use them. This applied not only to me but also to Marie.
While there are many inconveniences, Lena faithfully fulfills her role as a shield. If it weren’t for Lena, perhaps troublesome situations wouldn’t have arisen.
Since Hiriya couldn’t openly bully Adelia, she silently surveyed various places in the territory. Occasionally, she glanced at Adelia, but that was it. Despite receiving Hiriya’s sharp gaze, Adelia also diligently performed her duties.
Even the seating arrangement was arranged so that Hiriya couldn’t touch her recklessly.. Even if she wanted to scheme, she can only quietly accept guidance or instruction from Rina’s side.
“What’s that building? It’s much larger in scale than other places.”
“Oh. It’s the publishing house that will be relocating to our territory this time. I heard that the employees will also move in a week.”
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})“Hmm. The only publishing house contracted with Xenon’s Biography…”
However, Rina didn’t outright block all questions. She only blocked questions with impure intentions; she didn’t block those related to the exhibition.
Hiriya glanced discreetly at the conspicuously large publishing house building. It was a rare solemn expression for her, with curiosity gleaming in her sky-blue eyes.
Naturally, curiosity arose since it was the only publishing house contracted with Xenon’s Biography. She then turned her gaze to me and asked.
“Have you met the CEO?”
“Yes.”
“What kind of person is he?”
“He was someone who knew how to keep trust.”
Hiriya nodded in response to my immediate answer. She shifted her gaze back to the publishing house and spoke in her characteristic gruff voice.
“It seems like this estate has been blessed by the gods every time I look at it. From Xenon’s birthplace to the establishment of the temples and now a publishing house… There can’t possibly be such coincidences. It’s intriguing.”
“… …”
Although she said it casually, her words struck a chord. With just the merit of being Xenon’s birthplace, an exhibition was held here, and further, temples and a publishing house were established.
To Hiriya, it might seem like mere coincidences upon coincidences, but I had a hand in turning the tide with my letters. Thanks to them, my father remains buried in documents.
But if I remain silent here, Hiriya will begin to doubt. Recognizing a similar line of thought, Rina quickly spoke up.
“Our empire is also flourishing. Among the many countries, Xenon was born in our empire. If things continue like this, can’t we surpass Ters as a cultural powerhouse?”
Even with Lena’s subtle provocation, Hiriya chuckled and responded as if she didn’t care.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})“Hah, impossible. It’s true that many artists come to our empire because of Xenon’s reputation. But the problem is, there’s no evidence yet that Xenon is a citizen of your empire. Culture should inherently have evidence from one’s own country. Performances, music, sculptures, literature, and so on. Most of the culture in the Minerva Empire is essentially based on our Ters.”
“If you go by that logic, then the origin of culture is the elves, but does that mean all culture belongs to the elves?”
“Just because the roots are the same doesn’t mean all branches are identical, nor does it mean every branch bears fruit.”
The conversation between the two further engraved the animosity and rivalry between the Minerva Empire and the Ters Kingdom.
Since Rina was young, she had been involved in politics steadily, so she knew that Hiriya, who was naturally blunt, wasn’t to be taken lightly. Even now, Rina remained silent, perhaps with nothing to say.
Above all, the most potent weapon in verbal combat is a ‘fact.’ As Hiriya explained, much of the Minerva Empire’s culture originated from or was heavily influenced by the Ters Kingdom.
The reason can be understood through history. Even during the racial war, the Ters Kingdom existed and wielded significant influence, so much so that it could be considered the center of the Human Alliance.
However, due to mishandled aftermath, they had to witness the birth of the Minerva Empire. They even suffered defeats in diplomacy, allowing the Minerva Empire to acquire a larger territory.
However, it’s because of this influence that the culture of the Minerva Empire is a mixture of Ters Kingdom’s culture. Despite their formidable military power, they couldn’t easily conquer the Ters Kingdom, primarily for this reason.
When Ters Kingdom changes history to suit their narrative and presents it as facts, it completely erases any ‘justification’ from the Minerva Empire’s perspective. The reason they fiercely cling to their own culture was also rooted here.
“And even if Xenon were a citizen of the Minerva Empire, there would still be many issues. Should Helium just sit still, let alone Xavier? The problem is that their reputation has grown too high.”
“··· ···”
Rina listened to Hiriya’s additional explanation and smirked silently. Her bright blue eyes contained complexity and unease.
From the perspective of the Empire, including Rina, this was a dialogue that must not be overlooked. However, it’s like trying to catch a whale with a fishing rod, let alone a net.
In short, it’s not just a fish but a whale that far exceeds the size of the ship. It’s not about the other side’s choice, but mine.
‘Anyway, I won’t go to the Ters Kingdom.’
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})The lack of integrity of the Ters Kingdom is something I confirmed a long time ago. I’d say the Minerva Empire is much better.
I responded with a smile, as if to reassure Rina not to worry, despite her anxious gaze. As Rina confirmed my expression and seemed to relax, her wavering gaze gradually settled.
Even amid this, Hiriya’s words didn’t cease. It was strangely captivating, not just idle chatter but rather a very realistic conversation.
“Furthermore, we shouldn’t exclude the possibility of Xenon rejecting everything. Even though the exhibition is being held in Michelle Territory, the ultimate purpose of the exhibition is culture that everyone can enjoy. It’s unrealistic to think that someone with such aspirations would align with one side or the other.”
“So, Princess Hiriya, what are your thoughts? How can we ensure Xenon’s comfortable living without favoring one side?”
Marie, perhaps intrigued by Hiriya’s explanation, posed a question. Anything that affected me as her fiancé would undoubtedly affect her as well.
Marie, who knew my desire for a comfortable life better than anyone else, wasn’t out of line in asking such a question. It was both pertinent to the current situation and appropriate.
Hiriya glanced at Marie after hearing her question, then responded as if it were inconsequential.
“The solution is very simple. Either accept everything or reject everything. That’s all.”
“··· ···”
“Helium will praise Xenon as a savior whether they accept or not, so it doesn’t matter much. Nevertheless, they’ll make an effort to repay the favor.”
That’s already underway. Cecily has even been my lover for a long time.
As soon as I heard the response, I glanced at Marie’s expression. Although her face was round and smiling, I noticed a slight twitch under her eyes.
In addition, she strongly pinched my thigh with her hand so that the person next to me could not see it. She doesn’t seem to care at all that Adelia was behind us.
I had already anticipated it, but even Hiriyao, who didn’t know my identity, seemed taken aback by such words.
“In fact, accepting everything would be the best way, and it would be much better from Xenon’s perspective. It’s fair to each other, and conflicts are less likely to occur.”
“··· ···”
The problem was that Hiriya went a step further. She was saying such things because she really didn’t know anything.
Even here, it would be enough to further provoke Marie’s anger. However, I couldn’t express it openly, so I just tried to calm down inwardly.
It seems like I’m not going to sleep comfortably tonight. I quietly grabbed Marie’s hand that was pinching my thigh, suppressing a hollow laugh inside. It was a sign to stop asking any further questions, as it might arouse suspicion from Hiriya.
Meanwhile, Rina, after carefully listening to Hiriya’s words and seemingly coming up with an interesting thought, smiled elegantly and said,.
“Didn’t you say earlier that the Ters Kingdom would support everything? It seems a bit different from what you said earlier.”
“I said that under the assumption that our kingdom is chosen. Of course, the probability of that happening tends towards zero.”
“Then…”
Rina hesitated for a moment before flashing me a smirk. There was a mischievous glint in her blue eyes, one that hinted at reasons unknown.
Just as I started to feel a slight unease from that mischievous glint, Rina threw a bombshell at Hiriya.
“If Xenon wanted you, would you be willing to marry him willingly?”
“What?”
“Rina?”
In response to Rina’s question, both Hiriya and I, along with Marie, looked at her with surprise. Even Adelia behind us seemed taken aback.
I couldn’t fathom what intentions lay behind such a question. I had no intention whatsoever of marrying Hiriya. No, even before that, I had no intention of getting involved with the Ters Kingdom, which had previously mistreated Adelia. Accepting their royalty, with their flawed characters, would only tire me out.
Surely Rina must have been aware of this fact, so why would she ask such a question? I momentarily suppressed my confusion and observed the situation ahead.
Before long, I could grasp Rina’s intentions. Hiriya, after glancing around cautiously, spoke in a very careful tone.
“That’s… not very appealing. I have no intention of being sold like an item.”
“Even if Xenon wants it?”
“I already said earlier, it’s not just me, there’s also Lara. And as for me…”
Hiriya trailed off, flashing me a smirk and pursing her lips. I nodded in understanding at her response.
Rina meticulously built up her offense and delivered a proper blow to Hiriya. Currently, Hiriya was brooding over me, who has a fiancé, with feeble thoughts of revenge.
But just a moment ago, Hiriya himself said this: Xenon will be granted whatever they desire at the kingdom level.
In other words, if Xenon desires Hiriya, she must go without complaint. In that case, revenge will naturally be unattainable. As for the part about Xenon? Hiriya was completely unaware. From her perspective, it’s a moment of choosing one of two options, a dilemma.
Will she forsake feeble revenge and go to Xenon, or will she oppose Xenon’s will? It’s mere speculation, but it’s been a well-known fact for a long time that Xenon is a man. Even from the perspective of the Ters Kingdom, they must send Hiriya instead of Lara for a sort of ‘courtesy.’
‘So, that’s how politics work.’
Hiriya’s throwing of the gauntlet was the biggest issue, but Rina was making apt use of it. What’s fortunate amidst Hiriya’s misfortune was that there’s no one to listen.
However, Rina presented a kind of practical choice, to choose one and give up the other. She’s directly relieving me of the troublesome part at present. This not only benefits me but also Adelia.
“Why’s that? Is it because you suspect Xenon might be an old sage? There’s also the term ‘regressor,’ so he might be a handsome and young man.”
“Well, you…Would you willingly go?”
“If he desires it, I will go willingly. If it’s for the empire, I can sacrifice this body. After all, I was born for that purpose.”
Our Rina really knows how to twist words. Seeing the upright and proud Hiriya struggling like that, she looked so impressive. There might have been a difference in knowing and not knowing, but the likelihood of Rina saying such words even without knowing I’m Xenon is very high.
Considering the current situation and comparing it with Hiriya’s words, she found the ‘contradiction’ and took advantage of it in the negotiation. I can’t help but think it’s remarkable. All the accumulated dislike towards her was disappearing, replaced by a steadily growing fondness.
… Suddenly, her voyeuristic tendencies came to my mind, but let’s overlook that. Personal preferences should be respected.
“So, what’s your answer?”
“…Let me think about it.”
“It’s good to think. Think about what’s best for the Ters Kingdom. Xenon might even fall for you by chance.”
As Rina spoke, she gave me a meaningful look. I respond with a wry smile and a gesture of denial.
Objectively speaking, Hiriya fails in both beauty and character. Moreover, there’s also Adelia to consider.
As I indicated denial, I suddenly thought of Adelia and glanced back. What reaction is she showing now? Since Adelia was also an ardent fan of Xenon’s Biography, she’s bound to react. And sure enough, I saw a subdued Adelia before me. Like a puppy drenched in rain, she looked crestfallen.
In terms of family matters, she lacks a considerable amount of self-esteem. It’s not strange for her to show such reactions.
‘I don’t need to worry about it.’
I want to quickly reveal my identity to Adelia. What kind of reaction will she show?
Adelia, who had been slightly tilting her head down as if she felt my gaze, lifted her head and met my eyes. Doubt was evident in her vivid sky-blue irises.
I responded with a smirk while looking into those eyes. In return, Adelia blushed, then cleared her throat and adopted a dignified expression.
She’s trying to hide her emotions as she’s on duty, but it’s obvious. She was effortlessly expressing her own charm.
“I enjoyed our conversation today. Let’s meet again next time.”
“…Let’s make sure to meet again.”
“I enjoyed it too.”
Exactly two hours passed, and Rina and Hiriya left on their way. Now, only Cecily and Arwen remained.
Cecily and Arwen’s guidance was scheduled to continue after lunchtime. So, for now, it’s free time.
Marie, Adelia, and I toured the exhibition with a more relaxed mindset than before. Various artworks were displayed like the previous exhibition, delighting our eyes.
It would be great if it continued until lunchtime, but with such a large-scale event, various incidents were inevitable.
Especially, the incident we have been worrying about happening now was somewhat expected. That is…
“Hey? Isaac. Look over there.”
“Huh?”
“You see that guy with the pink hair over there.”
Despite a strict instruction not to cross paths with him.
“Isn’t that the girl in front of him… Cherry, by any chance?”
“…”
Whether it was Cherry’s meeting with her father or not, the pink hair stood out so much that it was easily noticed.
As soon as I confirmed the direction Marie pointed to, I moved my feet with the thought that something serious was going on. Marie and Adelia followed behind me.
“You still haven’t come to your senses! I told you to read philosophical books instead of wasting time on such trifling writings!”
“…”
“Get on the carriage right away and return to the mansion! Excluding philosophical books from today, reading books will be prohibited altogether!”
As we got closer, the commotion of the man presumed to be the Count Roseberry became louder. Cherry, standing in front of him, remained silent with her head bowed.
No matter how you look at it, causing a scene in a crowded place isn’t quite appropriate. I approached them and subtly intervened.
“Excuse me.”
“Hmm?”
When I intervened, Count Roseberry turned his gaze to me with a displeased expression.
The same goes for Cherry. Cherry slowly raised her lowered head to look at me with eyes as deep and dark as an abyss, the same ones I saw at the beginning of the semester.
“May I inquire as to what’s the matter?”
I asked the Count with a friendly smile. In response, Count Roseberry squinted one eye and bluntly retorted.
“Who are you?”
“Ah, my apologies for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Isaac Ducker Michelle. And…”
I continued, looking at Cherry kindly,
“I’m her senior at the Academy.”
Upon hearing this, Count Roseberry twitched his lower eyelid and pointed at Cherry, with none other than his index finger. For a moment, feeling uncomfortable with the treatment akin to handling an object rather than a daughter, Count Roseberry asked me.
“Do you know that this child is Cherry?”
“Of course.”
I replied, meeting Count Roseberry’s gaze squarely.
“Because I helped her.”
Translators note:
