Chapter 302: Rice Cake (1)

    Returning to the Minerva Empire went smoothly, almost too smoothly to believe. It felt so easy that I wondered if it was really happening.

    In some novels, you often see the cliche? of an unidentified assassin launching a surprise attack before the protagonist can return home. Considering I revealed my identity as Xenon and insulted the king, I thought something might happen along the way, but maybe I’ve just read too many novels.

    Besides, there is a teleportation device at our disposal, and if I were attacked, the Minerva Empire would have protested strongly. Moreover, I wasn’t alone, I had Rina with me, so the Ters Kingdom couldn’t act recklessly.

    Anyway, after returning to the Minerva Empire and Halo Academy, I waited for the disciplinary actions I would face.

    ‘But will Hiriya come to the academy?’

    The rumor that I slapped Hiriya had already spread throughout the academy. It would be more surprising if it hadn’t, given how many people witnessed it.

    Normally, rumors get exaggerated, but public opinion is surprisingly favorable. While slapping her can’t be justified, there’s a general sentiment that Hiriya was also at fault.

    Among the professors, my image is quite decent, and among the students, it’s not bad either. I’m just the redhead who stands out. However, since not many people know me well, I’m slightly worried about the various rumors that might be circulating.

    Rina said she’d handle things well, but rumors tend to get distorted in strange ways. Besides, it’s uncertain whether Hiriya will return to the academy. Before we left, Hiriya’s mental state was already shattered. Would she come back to the academy?

    Hiriya originally transferred to Halo Academy to improve relations with the Minerva Empire, but that reason is now completely gone. It doesn’t matter whether she comes back or not; I have other things to focus on now.

    “You really stirred things up. It’s going to complicate things on our side as well.”

    “It had to be done sooner or later. And from the Empire’s standpoint, it worked out well without you having to lift a finger, right?”

    “Maybe. It’s good that the Ters Kingdom is collapsing on its own, but we also need to think about the aftermath. I don’t think Ters will fall immediately. Being a cultural powerhouse, they’ll somehow manage to survive.”

    As Rina said, what I need to worry about most are the upcoming events. Though I’ve revealed my identity, that only concerns the Ters Kingdom, and for now, it’s still at the stage of suspicion.

    However, with the release of Xenon’s Biography Volume 22 just a day away, it won’t take long for suspicions to turn into certainty. I’ve already indirectly spoiled the contents of Volume 22, so the nobles present at the trial are likely half-convinced that I am Xenon.

    Of course, if the nobles band together or if Friedrich exerts pressure, they might be able to prevent the rumors from spreading outside. There’s a slim possibility since power can only be wielded if the country remains stable, and the situation could destabilize the nation.

    But will not a single person out of all those people say a word? I highly doubt that. Until then, I can just wait quietly or continue my studies. Meanwhile, I’ll also be working on Volume 23 of Xenon’s Biography.

    For reference, Volume 23 will continue the battle between Xenon and Envy, and from then on, the grand storyline about ‘Pride’ will gradually unfold.

    ‘Should I make some adaptations?’

    By the time I reveal the plotline about Pride, my identity might also be disclosed. I’m not sure if I should write it, especially since it’s closely linked to ‘mythology.’

    Elves, in particular, might react sensitively. It won’t be unpleasant but rather a boost to their pride, commonly known as a “hype” moment.

    ‘The ancestors of the Elves were angels who served beside God. However, after committing a grave sin, they lost their wings and fell to the earthly realm.’

    This is a legend passed down through mythology. The ancestor of the Elves, an angel, rebelled in the ‘Celestial Realm,’ the world of the gods, lost their wings, and fell. However, this myth contradicts many aspects of the Elves. When Elves introduce themselves, they always mention that they are a race chosen by God.

    “Actually, we kind of expected it.”

    “What?”

    “We suspected it ever since that pink-haired girl came to you. And your reactions whenever I asked questions were always suspicious. But I didn’t think it was really true.”

    Their reaction was incredibly anticlimactic. Cindy didn’t even react properly and just flopped around. When I asked if they weren’t surprised, Elena gave an answer that was very typical of her.

    “It would be a lie to say we’re not surprised. But, how should I put it...”

    “We’ve spent so much time together... it’s just kind of fascinating...”

    “Cindy’s right. If I hadn’t known you at all, it would be different. It’s like finding out that a colleague you’ve been working with is actually a royal or something.”

    I think I understand what they mean. Their ordinary reactions made me chuckle despite myself.

    “Can you tell me what’s going to happen in the future?”

    “To write a paper?”

    “Yeah.”

    “No.”

    “Aw, you can’t do that for us?”

    “I’m not a prophet.”

    “Tsk, some friend you are.”

    I felt a bit deflated for hiding it, but I also felt more at ease.

    A few days later, when Xenon’s Biography Volume 22 was released to the world:

    [Shocking! Count Camar of the Terse Kingdom: I know who Xenon is!]

    [Xenon’s true identity is none other than a noble from the Minerva Empire, from a family known for their red hair...]

    [Is his claim true? As everyone’s attention focuses, the Minerva Empire...]

    The seed I had planted began to sprout.

    Translators note: