Chapter 306: I am (1) |
Transportation in this world is very underdeveloped. There’s not even a hint of airplanes, and trains are just entering the development stage, leaving carriages as the primary means of travel.
Even carriages are very expensive to use, given that horses, as strategic assets, naturally command high prices. Thus, the one week I had allotted for people to travel was an insufficient amount of time for those coming from other countries.
Even though there are teleportation facilities, they can only be used under limited circumstances and only allow movement from capital to capital.
This means the timeframe I proposed effectively limited attendance to high-ranking nobles who could afford the journey. Despite this, many nobles saw this event as an opportunity to expand their networks and attended, as did many commoners.
Since there are far more commoners than nobles, it was only natural that most of the attendees were commoners. As a result, Michelle territory was teeming with people, comparable to the exhibition.
Some took this opportunity to bring and showcase their own artworks, though there were no official performances or plays—just people touring Michelle territory.
Even so, the number of nobles seemed to be higher in proportion. The difference in clothing made it easy to distinguish between nobles and commoners. Of course, this observation might still be skewed, as many people likely stayed in inns due to the sheer volume of attendees.
Nobles were more interested in this event than commoners. The reason was simple: commoners had little interest in who Xenon was. More precisely, they were less interested, falling into two main categories: those who, like Cecily or Kate, saw me as the savior of the era, and those who loved the works themselves.
It’s easy to distinguish between zealots and fans, but upon closer inspection, the line is very thin. This occasionally led to arguments and even fights between the two groups.
You don’t have to look far to understand the situation—just consider Arwen and Musk. Both of them have had a hard time solely because of their association with Xenon.
The reason why so many nobles are attending this event is mostly political. Despite all the talk about being a saint or a chosen one by the gods, in the end, I am still just a person.
Some are coming to see if they can gain anything from this event, while others might be attending out of genuine interest. This shows how significant the name Xenon is in this world.
“Hello, Isaac. Have you been well?”
“Oh, Kate.”
I was in the waiting room of the concert hall where the event was to take place, nervously watching the time tick by, when I encountered a familiar face. Kate, who would play a very important role today, was there. As always, she was dressed in her white nun’s habit and greeted me with a gentle smile.
Thanks to the magic and technology of the demons, the waiting room was brightly lit. However, it couldn’t compare to the golden, wheat-like glow of Kate’s hair.
“Did Luminous really give permission?”
“Yes, Luminous said he would gladly grant your request.”
Kate nodded and gave a satisfying answer to my question. This is why Kate’s role today is crucial. Even if I stood on stage and revealed my identity, would people believe me outright? I doubt it.
They would likely think Xenon had appointed a spokesperson. From the perspective of someone outside the Ters royal family, this event might seem too sudden.
But if Kate vouched for me, it would be a different story. As a cardinal, Kate wields significant influence within the Xavier Papal State.
If Kate wanted to, she could temporarily declare the concert hall as a divine sanctuary.
“But is it really possible? To declare a temporary sanctuary?”
I asked out of curiosity. It sounded straightforward, but logically, Kate’s claim seemed implausible. After all, the only places where gods can exert direct influence are temples.
“For me, it is possible.”
“For how long?”
“Ten minutes in most places. Here, about thirty minutes. This territory is unique because it is blessed by two gods.”
Kate replied nonchalantly. It reminded me of how exceptional her abilities are and why she has received divine favor. Although she might have unconventional views, her unwavering faith in Luminous is clear.
‘I should include this in the book.’
It’s a technique that would suit Lily, the character hailed as a saint, perfectly. Unlike other skills, it’s also feasible in reality, leaving no room for doubt. Moreover, when a sanctuary is declared, it’s as if the god is directly watching, so no one would dare commit any wrongdoing.
This is why I can confidently stand on stage. Additionally, I have a protective spell that Cecily cast on me. While it might not deceive the eyes of a god, it means that even if a devil worshiper somehow manages to attack, I would be unharmed.
“But Isaac.”
“Yes?”
“Are you really planning to go out dressed like that?”
Kate asked with a puzzled expression. I looked down at my attire in response to her question. Despite all the frantic preparations, my outfit was quite simple.
My outfit was plain, lacking any flamboyant decorations. It was a simple red ceremonial coat, paired with an ordinary white shirt that could easily be found in any store.
Although you could call it a sleek look, to the people here—especially the nobles—it was a rather unimpressive attire. I remembered how the women had vehemently opposed my decision to wear this outfit.
“Yes. People are here to see me, not my clothes. This will do just fine.”
“Isaac, you are indeed a modest person.”
“That’s a polite way to put it. More bluntly, it means I don’t know how to spend money like a noble.”
Kate was right. I often heard that I was modest, but in reality, I simply didn’t know how to spend money. My expenses were minimal, limited to a few sheets of manuscript paper.
Even my magical pen and typewriter were gifts, leaving me with little reason to spend. I did splurge a bit when giving gifts to loved ones, but even then, I wasn’t extravagant.
“Do you prefer modest people, Kate?”
“I like people who spread light in this world, like you, Isaac.”
“Haha. You’re flattering me.”
“It’s not flattery, it’s the truth. So, when will you give me the seed of light?”
“…”
“I’ll be waiting whenever you’re ready.”
I cleared my throat, a bit uncomfortable with Kate’s unwavering determination.
“Ahem. By the way, Kate, has anything unusual happened to you recently?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well… you have a scratch on your face.”
Trying to change the subject, I mentioned the thing that had been bothering me since earlier. There was a noticeable scratch on Kate’s cheek. Whether it was from an animal or self-inflicted, it was a significant mark on her otherwise flawless skin. I hesitated to bring it up, not wanting to create an awkward situation, but I couldn’t ignore it any longer.
“Oh… this…”
Kate looked flustered as soon as I asked. She slowly raised her hand to cover the scratch on her cheek.
Even though Kate has a fanatical side, she’s still a woman who would feel uneasy about a scar on her face. But something seemed off. Kate could easily heal such a wound, so why did she leave it untreated?
Moreover, as a high inquisitor, she is tasked with directly dealing with heretics and demon worshipers. A scar of this nature on Kate likely means something dangerous happened, and I couldn’t help but worry.
“Isaac.”
“Yes, Kate?”
“May I borrow your hand for a moment?”
Kate, who had hesitated to speak, cautiously requested. Her blue eyes were filled with a mixture of emotions, almost a plea. Puzzled but willing to comply, I offered my hand. Kate gently touched it as if handling a delicate artifact, then grasped it firmly.
A golden light began to emanate as soon as our hands touched. It radiated warmth and a sense of divinity, the holy power that only clergy can manifest. This divine energy started to flow into my hand.
“Isaac.”
“Yes?”
“Could you please use this hand to touch my wound?”
In the midst of this peculiar situation, Kate made her request. I looked up to meet her eyes. She seemed both tense and imploring, a look that was impossible to refuse. Not that I had any reason to refuse.
I extended my hand, now imbued with divine power, toward Kate’s cheek. I hesitated momentarily but then gently touched her cheek. As soon as I did, Kate closed her eyes slowly, savoring the touch.
Hwaaaaa
As my hand touched her cheek, the golden light intensified, and to my astonishment, the wound on her cheek began to disappear. The scar healed completely, restoring her skin to its flawless state.
I knew that divine power had healing properties, but witnessing it firsthand was astonishing.
“Haah…”
“Is it over?”
I asked quietly as Kate let out a soft, excited sigh once the wound was completely healed.
Kate gently held the hand I had placed on her cheek and slowly opened her eyes. Her blue eyes, now glistening with moisture, sparkled in the light.
“Thank you, Isaac.”
“I didn’t do anything…”
“No, you did. This feeling of being completely cleansed of any impurity.”
She said in a voice dripping with sweetness.
“This is something only you can do, Isaac. Thank you so much.”
“… …”
It felt like a strange switch had been flipped.
*****
As the scheduled time approached, the concert hall began to fill with a sea of people. Those already seated and those trying to find a place. All of them came to find out who Xenon is.
Just like the previous exhibition, countless people from all over the world gathered, which meant there were many things to pay attention to.
If it were a social gathering instead of a concert hall, the bustling atmosphere would have been even stronger. The reason for choosing a concert hall as the venue was that there was no need to wander around and everything would end just by sitting in a seat.
“Did they intentionally only give a week? The rumors would spread quickly anyway.”
Leort voiced his opinion while looking at the stage where Xenon’s identity would be revealed. Normally, such large-scale events should be scheduled for at least a month, but for some reason, the period was very short.
Moreover, the time it takes for news to spread worldwide should be considered. Given that, a week is tight unless you are a high-ranking noble.
“Maybe they just sent the message for only those who could come. If they extended the time, there would be even more people.”
Rina, sitting next to Leort, offered her opinion. Leort nodded as if he agreed. In reality, Isaac set the duration to a week without much thought, but they had no idea about that.
“But Rina, are you really okay with it?”
“I’m fine, brother. His personality isn’t bad and he looks good, doesn’t he?”
“It wouldn’t matter if it was just a marriage of convenience, but…”
As expected, the conversation between the siblings was about an arranged marriage. The moment Isaac reveals his identity, Rina has no choice but to enter an arranged marriage. Although Isaac is engaged to Marie, the imperial family would have to ‘present’ Rina as well.
But if that happens, relationships will get tangled. Officially, Rina should be the principal wife, but in fact, Marie is. Of course, considering Xenon’s status, they have to comply with his wishes, but human feelings don’t work that easily.
“As I have repeatedly told you, I am okay. Besides, I had been thinking about it from the beginning, so I don’t even have any special feelings now. Wouldn’t it be easier to think that I’m just going to a good man?”
“If that’s what you think, I won’t say anything, but relationships between men and women…”
“That’s enough. Before saying things like that, don’t you think you should consider yourself first, brother? Princess Hiriya is already done for, so you should look for another.”
Rina’s counterattack left Leort with nothing to say, making him smile bitterly. As she pointed out, he also urgently needed to find a partner.
Originally, Princess Hiriya was a candidate, but as everyone knows, it ended the moment Isaac slapped her. Since then, they’ve been searching domestically and internationally for a suitable bride, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.
“And it would be better if you did it before I get married. Otherwise, it will be too difficult to find a candidate because your standards will be too high.”
“Alright, alright. I’ll find someone myself, so stop nagging.”
If Rina marries first, Leort’s wife’s brother-in-law will be Xenon. Under such conditions, who would readily propose? Leort looked around after calming Rina. Almost all the faces were familiar, but a few were different.
Especially Descal, the King of Helium, known to the public as the ‘Demon King’. Currently, Descal is seated next to his queen, Aisilia. Cecily is also with them, chatting amicably, likely because Isaac is absent.
‘It’s going to be noisy for a while.’
Leort knew through Rina that Cecily was dating Isaac. And that would undoubtedly turn into a significant storm in the future. The same goes for the Kingdom of Ters. From the perspective of the Minerva Empire, the Kingdom of Ters self-destructing was beneficial, but the aftermath was a concern.
Once a storm passes, only calm follows, but the upcoming storm is more than just a storm.
‘I need to start arranging the security personnel.’
While Leort was mentally assessing Isaac’s security team, he suddenly heard murmuring from the crowd.
“Huh? Who is that?”
“Someone’s going up on the stage?”
“Could it be?”
As he quickly shifted his gaze to the stage, he saw a man with red hair confidently walking up.
It’s finally starting. Leort smiled in anticipation as he focused on the man.
In the meantime, the handsome young man with red hair, Isaac, confidently stood at the center of the stage and faced the crowd directly.
“… …”
As soon as Isaac stood there confidently, the murmuring quickly died down. Once the murmuring subsided, Isaac glanced around briefly and cleared his throat to prepare his voice.
“Hello, everyone.”
And very quietly,
“My name is Isaac Ducker Michelle.”
In a calm voice,
“I am Xenon, the author of Xenon’s Biography.”
He dropped the bombshell right from the start.
Translators note: