Chapter 305: Rice Cake (4) |
Up until now, I could never get used to the world going into an uproar over a single letter from me. It was burdensome and the reactions often far exceeded what I thought my value warranted.
Though I constantly reminded myself to get used to it, the weight on my shoulders remained heavy. Apart from specific situations, I didn’t have a particularly high tolerance for stress.
Moreover, being in the eye of the storm, my life remained peacefully busy while chaos swirled around me. I would check the newspapers to see if there were any interesting reactions or wonder if another absurd situation had arisen. Even if it did, my response was usually just one of disbelief.
But this time was different. I had to step out of the eye of the storm and walk directly into it. The worth I had cultivated through my serial, “Xenon’s Biography,” had transcended that of a mere great writer—it had reached a near-divine level.
Slightly exaggerating, one could say that a single word from me could turn an entire nation upside down.
The sacrifice of Sakran and the demonization incident had Helium.
The world tree’s corruption and the mixed-blood issue had Alvenheim.
Lastly, the fallen cardinal incident had Xavier.
These accomplishments, achieved through “Xenon’s Biography,” were enough to influence entire nations. With a single statement from me, people would march without questioning the context. The Kingdom of Ters could very well face such a fate.
With the stakes already piled high, if it were to come out that this was all a bubble, the backlash would be severe. Moreover, given the events in the Kingdom of Ters, it’s only a matter of time before my identity is fully exposed.
Count Kamar had tested the waters by informing the newspaper, and it was already half true, placing my father in a very awkward position.
To manage the situation, I sent a letter. Not through Siris, who acted as a messenger between Arwen and me, but through Gartz.
Siris was not a true errand runner, whereas Gartz would gladly help with any request I made, allowing me some peace of mind.
In the midst of the uproar, the most notable news was the gathering of world leaders in the Myshal estate:
[Xenon, who remained hidden amidst the turmoil, is finally revealing his true identity?]
[In less than two years, a figure who changed the course of the era. Revealing his identity at the Michelle estate…]
[World leaders begin to gather at the Michelle estate.]
The official announcements included leaders from Helium, Alvenheim, Belua, and some smaller nations. The Minerva Empire, the Kingdom of Ters, and Machina, along with Animers, sent representatives instead of their leaders.
This was significant because sending a representative indicated that the person would likely be the next ruler, so it couldn’t be taken lightly.
Predictably, conspiracy theories started to emerge:
[Why is Xenon, who has been silent until now, revealing his identity?]
[Is it a collaboration between the Minerva Empire and the Kingdom of Ters?]
[Could it be a plan by devil worshippers?]
These theories were not surprising. For a third party, the situation unfolding was ripe for speculation. It wasn’t just a partial reveal but something that seemed to fall out of the sky, naturally inciting suspicion.
The absence of some world leaders and the presence of their representatives also contributed to these theories. Despite the security in the Michelle estate, a large-scale attack by devil worshippers could still throw the world into chaos.
As I contemplated the swirling rumors and the impending storm, I steeled myself for what was to come. Whether I liked it or not, I was at the center of this maelstrom, and it was time to face it head-on.
Of course, not only is there Luminous, but also Mora’s temple, making the probability close to zero, but there is always an ‘if’ in the world. The gathering of such notable figures in a developing territory like this started to make me feel a creeping fear.
[Xavier Papal State. ‘Evil’, not darkness, will never be allowed to enter.]
[Many clergy, including Cardinal Kate, began to gather in the Michelle territory…]
[Not only the Luminous Church but also the Mora Church joined in. We know the dark places better…]
And shortly after, I received news that completely dispelled such conspiracy theories.
The Luminous and Mora Churches promised to join forces to prevent any incidents.
Unlike the other two orders, the Harte Church has no hierarchy and is not standardized, so there was no news from them, but it was widely believed that they wouldn’t just stand by.
Thus, with just my announcement, a large-scale event worthy of history books was accomplished. Strangely enough, it didn’t feel burdensome.
Instead, I felt relieved at the thought of being able to clear up my emotional knots. The only thing that made me a bit nervous was how I would reveal it.
This feeling persisted even when I returned to the mansion. Outside, it was hectic with welcoming distinguished guests, but inside, it was quiet…
“How about this outfit? Won’t this do?”
“Wouldn’t a simple white t-shirt and dress pants be enough?”
“How could you say such a reckless thing! Do you know how many people will be looking at you from now on!”
…No, they were very busy choosing my outfit. I smiled bitterly as I watched my mother and the other women eagerly picking out my clothes.
Not only Marie and Adelia, but even Cecily, who had rushed to the mansion upon hearing the news, was choosing clothes.
Originally, I planned to dress simply, but my mother insisted that this would leave a bad impression. She said that wearing simple clothes to an official event would be seen as disrespectful.
Although I’ve met people as equals until now, even these small details carry significant meaning.
“If you had known, you should have told us in advance! And you should have planned at least a month ahead. Are you even thinking?”
My mother scolded me as she chose my clothes. Not only my mother but also the other women, including Adelia, nodded in agreement.
Feeling embarrassed by their reactions, I scratched my head. I had thought that a week’s notice would be enough, but it turned out to be insufficient.
The reason I chose the venue to be a theater hall was because I planned to simply reveal my identity and then say what I wanted, rather than giving a formal speech.
“Do you have plans for after that? Things will get much more complicated.”
Marie, who was helping me with my outfit like the other women, asked about my future plans. I nodded in response to her question.
Once I reveal my identity and it is confirmed as the truth, I will become busier than ever.
At the very least, the nation will assign bodyguards to protect me, and devil worshipers might pose threats.
Political attacks will also come without hesitation. I am prepared for these things.
“Yes. First of all…”
I paused and looked at Marie, who was diligently helping me with my outfit.
She was so engrossed in her work that she didn’t realize I was staring at her.
“We should plan our wedding first, right?”
“…Huh?”
Marie was so shocked by my statement that she stopped what she was doing and stared at me with wide eyes.
Her wide, surprised blue eyes were so adorable that I wanted to give her a big hug. I smiled faintly at Marie, who was still in shock, and then glanced around.
My mother was still busy picking out clothes, not paying much attention to what I was saying. Adelia was doing the same. However, there was one exception: Cecily.
When I mentioned the wedding, Cecily froze in place. As I had expected, it was not something she could easily ignore.
“Wasn’t the plan to get married after you graduated from the academy?”
My mother asked casually as she organized the clothes. I responded while Marie was still in a daze.
“That was the original plan, but I think it will be difficult. Someone like Princess Hiriya might try to interfere, and Marie could be in danger. It’s much better to have the wedding soon and live together.”
“Hmm, I see. That does make sense. But rather than rushing, you should wait until things have settled down a bit. It will be chaotic for about six months, so having the wedding a year later might be better.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
I didn’t forget to glance at Cecily while I answered. Although she had resumed picking out my clothes, her mind was probably in turmoil. Despite her calm demeanor, Cecily’s desire for me was as strong as Marie’s.
She had often provocatively claimed she would be the first to have a child with me, and even made bold statements last time.
Given her strong feelings, it was understandable that she would be bitter about me marrying Marie first. It was only natural for her to feel disappointed, even if she knew it was the right thing to do.
Since polygamy is allowed, having multiple wedding ceremonies isn’t an issue. In fact, skipping the ceremony and treating it like a mere contract would fail to build trust.
In other words, a wedding ceremony is akin to stamping a seal on a contract. Even in an arranged marriage, a wedding ceremony is essential.
“Marie, are you happy?”
“Huh? Oh, yes! Of course, I’m happy! Hehe, a wedding. A wedding.”
Marie’s face lit up as I made a firm statement about the wedding. If I mentioned having children right now, she might melt with joy.
I patted her on the head and then looked at Cecily. She seemed a bit down, so I spoke to her.
“What about you, Noona?”
“Huh? What?”
“When do you think we should have our wedding?”
To cheer her up, I asked about her wedding schedule.
Cecily blinked in surprise but then broke into a joyous smile.
“Let’s have it right now! The dress I’m picking now can be my wedding dress, right?”
“Hey! You can’t be serious!”
“Hehe.”
Her playful spirit knows no bounds. Watching them bicker made me smile warmly. Seeing them argue about who would have a child first and how weddings and children are separate matters was oddly comforting.
I wondered how adorable their children would be. It seems I’ve finally come to terms with everything.
“By the way, Isaac.”
“Yes?”
“Besides the daughters-in-law here, do you have any other brides-to-be?”
“Why do you ask?”
“If there are more, it might be better to drop out of the academy. If you’re getting married every six months, will you have time to study?”
“… …”
I was at a loss for words. Even with a minimum of two brides, adding more would make my schedule as tight as my mother predicted.
“Sigh. Did you do this without thinking again? Adelia.”
“Yes, Baroness.”
“From now on, you will manage Isaac’s schedule on a yearly basis. Otherwise, this kind of thing will keep happening.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
“By the way, don’t you want to have a wedding? Even as a concubine, you can still have a ceremony.”
“I’m sorry, but I must decline. This is more than enough for me.”
Thus, another busy day passed.
“What should I say first?”
“Just speak in a way that feels comfortable for you.”
The day of reckoning had arrived.
Translators note:
