How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World

Chapter 291: Suspicion (1)

Because of the sudden appearance of imposters, things got a bit noisy for a while, but they soon disappeared as time passed.

According to the newspapers and the rumors I vaguely heard, Kate and Xavier took swift action.

I heard from Marie that Kate herself “reformed” the guy who was boasting around, claiming to be Xenon from Xenon’s Biography.

Of course, people whose real names are Xenon or Kair, or even the names of other characters, are exceptions. Such people tend to keep quiet and live peacefully.

For adventurers or mercenaries, they can just use an alias. If there happens to be someone with a past similar to a character by pure coincidence, Xavier will handle it.

Anyway, the issue of impersonation, which emerged as a new problem in Alvenheim, was completely resolved over time.

By the way, it was none other than Xavier and the Luminous Church who directly handled this, and if they hadn’t, they would have faced a lot of criticism.

The organization was already unstable due to the unprecedented incident of the corrupted cardinal, and it would have worsened.

Impersonation, by its very existence, can tarnish the reputation of Xenon’s Biography. Just think about the attention when Kair impersonators appeared.

However, with Kate, who currently boasted a strong position, stepping forward and shouting “blasphemy,” they soon disappeared.

According to rumors, Kate not only broke the hand of the man impersonating Xenon but also dragged him by his hair.

This is just a rumor, so it might be a bit exaggerated. Even for someone as fanatical as Kate, she wouldn’t be that extreme.

Surely, she wouldn’t break someone’s hand and drag him in front of people. It’s not like she’s dealing with a devil worshiper.

“Isaac, could you hand me file number 2 over there?”

“Here you go.”

“Thanks. Oh, and while you’re at it, could you also look into the Stavirk case? It seems to be closely related to devil worshipers.”

“Sure.”

Anyway, after Cecily’s speech and Arwen’s announcement, followed by the impersonation incident, things returned to a relatively uneventful routine.

Xenon’s Biography is important, but I shouldn’t neglect my studies. Especially since last semester, I’ve been increasingly busy assisting Elena.

Sometimes, while studying history, you come across events that don’t add up and seem suspicious. Recently, Elena has been focusing intensively on these events.

Usually, without any records, it would just be puzzling, and we’d move on. But if a devil worshiper was involved, it changes everything.

Elena’s scholarly zeal, naturally inclined to academics, was overflowing with enthusiasm for this.

As a result, I’m starting to suffer.

Cindy was helping too, but she has her own research topics, so I’m struggling alone.

“Hmm… What could devil worshipers gain from the Stavirk Independence War? Isaac, what do you think?”

“Well…”

I recalled the Stavirk incident upon hearing Elena’s question. The Stavirk Independence War took place a hundred years ago in the Stavirk region of the Minerva Empire.

Strictly speaking, it can be seen as an independence war of a minority group. The independence of minority groups is a type of war commonly seen on Earth in my previous life.

Even now, they claim independence whenever they get a chance, remaining a headache for the Minerva Empire and having a strained relationship with the empire’s citizens.

However, from the Minerva Empire’s perspective, they can never give up the Stavirk region.

Geopolitically, it’s identical to the Korean Peninsula. Surrounded by the sea on three sides and connected to the continent at the top, it’s a natural fortress.

Moreover, right below the Stavirk region lies the Minerva Empire’s arch-enemy, the Ters Kingdom.

For the Minerva Empire, it’s a strategically critical area they can never abandon.

“I think it’s normal.”

“Normal? On what grounds? The Minerva Empire wasn’t putting much pressure on them.”

As Elena pointed out, the Minerva Empire had never discriminated against or pressured the Stavirk region. In fact, it was the opposite.

The Minerva Empire is diligently investing in the Stavirk region, backed by its formidable economic power.

The problem is that the Stavirk region is not only self-sufficient but also its people are exceptionally skilled.

Although not as much as the dwarves, their technological prowess is remarkably advanced, and their unity is equally impressive.

Especially, being surrounded by the sea on three sides, their shipbuilding skills are considered to be a step ahead of the dwarves.

This is why the Minerva Empire cannot give up the Stavirk region and why the Stavirk people desire independence.

“Humans have a very unique duality: they love forming societies but also dream of self-sufficiency. Otherwise, humans would have only one nation, like other species.”

“Go on.”

“Stavirk is the same. Although it was annexed by the Minerva Empire due to the race war, which was a turning point in history, they must have always harbored dreams of independence. In fact, the justification for independence has existed not just a hundred years ago but continuously since the race war. They simply didn’t have a figure like Hick, who founded Animers, to lead the establishment of their own country.”

“Hmm…”

Elena listened to my explanation and seemed to be deep in thought, stroking her chin.

To an elf like her, the Stavirk Independence War, or rather the human spirit of independence, must seem unique.

As evidenced by my occasional teasing about “Elven Communism,” elves have a strong tendency towards collectivism.

However, they also have the peculiar trait of fracturing when faced with crisis situations, like during the race war.

Fortunately, thanks to Arwen’s wise politics, they are gradually uniting, but it remains a potential source of instability.

“So, is that why the race war happened?”

Cindy, who had been listening to our conversation, asked in her characteristically tired voice.

Her prominent dark circles and her messy bun were still there, but since earning her degree, she seemed more relaxed and her face looked less strained than before.

“In a way, that’s true. The race war was when humanity’s desire to be recognized as a single race outside the influence of elves truly came to light. The Stavirk Independence War is likely the same.”

“Humans are really hard to understand. So, the Stavirk independence has no connection to the devil worshipers?”

“I can’t say there’s no connection at all. If Stavirk gains independence, the situation will become extremely complex. Devil worshipers could take advantage of that chaos to become more active.”

“Can you explain that?”

It seemed like a pretty interesting hypothesis for a scholar. Elena and even Cindy, who had been listening intently, looked at me with sparkling eyes.

Although I felt a bit flustered, explaining it wasn’t too difficult. After all, I had lived in such a country.

As I explained what I knew, Elena and Cindy’s eyes sparkled even more.

The topic was not only highly plausible but also had the potential to be a major turning point in history, which explained their deep interest.

“So, what do you think will happen if the Minerva Empire suppresses it by force?”

“Can I swear?”

“Go ahead.”

“It will be a fucking mess.”

It would be like the U.S. struggling in Vietnam and Afghanistan, or Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Unless there is a very compelling justification, the Minerva Empire wouldn’t be foolish enough to push Stavirk with military force.

Fortunately, the Minerva Empire is currently producing wise rulers, much like Rome during its golden age.

Leort, who is set to become the next emperor, also has considerable abilities, so there’s no need to worry.

“So, if Stavirk gains independence, it would be beneficial for the devil worshipers too, right?”

“Yes. The mastermind behind it could even be a devil worshiper. It’s not impossible, considering that a cardinal of the Luminous Church was a devil worshiper.”

“Thanks for the great hypothesis. I feel like I understand humans a bit better now. I’m glad I chose you as my assistant.”

“If you’re grateful, could you assign more assistants? It’s tough doing all the research alone.”

Researching helps with my history studies, but it’s undeniably tough. Elena’s lab alone is like a library, and sometimes I need to visit other professors. It’s not just a matter of asking to borrow materials—often, they ask for favors in return.

Thanks to this, my knowledge grows daily, but the physical toll is unavoidable.

Perhaps understanding my hardships, Elena nodded at my complaint and spoke.

“Actually, we have someone who applied to be an assistant. Do you know Leona?”

“Leona? The girl with the dark brown hair?”

“Yes.”

I couldn’t help but be surprised when Elena nodded. As far as I know Leona’s goal is just to get a diploma.

The academy grants a diploma after four years of study, regardless of the department, so why would she join the history department…?

‘…It’s because of me.’

That’s very likely. She’s probably joining the history department to spend more time with me.

Personally, I don’t mind having another assistant (or rather, a co-worker), but I wondered if she was okay with it.

There’s no need for her to join a department she’s not interested in just because of me. I should probably talk to her later.

“She has a good academic zeal and grades. She seems quite interested in history. She may not be as competent as you, but she won’t be a burden.”

“If you think she’s okay, Professor. Is there anyone else?”

“There are a few students I’m keeping an eye on, but nothing definite yet.”

Elena said this as she took notes on the hypothesis I had just explained.

Her handwriting, while not elegant, was neat and clear, befitting a scholar.

While she was taking notes, I settled into the sofa to read.

I didn’t have many classes left for the day, so I planned to pass the time until 5 PM.

“By the way, Isaac.”

“Yes?”

“You’re really not Xenon, right?”

“… …”

Elena asked casually while writing. I couldn’t help but smile wryly at her question.

Last semester, Elena saw Cherry clinging to me, and since then, she’s been secretly suspicious. I’ve been denying it all along, but once someone starts doubting, they’ll start interpreting every action through that lens.

The small incident Cherry caused has been putting pressure on me, but I can handle it smoothly for now.

“If I were Xenon, what would you do?”

“I’d ask you to tell me what the future history looks like. I’d use that information to write a thesis.”

“Well, with those intentions, I definitely wouldn’t tell you.”

“Then there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Elena didn’t seem to mind and just shrugged, not pressing the matter further. Cindy had no interest from the beginning.

This is why I can trust them—they’re natural scholars with little interest in anything but history.

However, it’s hard to deny that Elena genuinely wants to take advantage of any historical insights for her thesis. Her request for an explanation about Stavirk earlier was a clear indication.

“I’ll be heading out now.”

“Okay. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye…”

As soon as it hit 5 PM, I received Elena’s indifferent farewell and Cindy’s languid goodbye, and headed back to my dormitory.

A lot of incidents had occurred before and after the academy opened, but now things have settled into a quiet routine.

Moreover, the impersonation incident, although indirectly related to me, had little direct impact.

Thanks to that, I’ve been able to work on writing Volume 22 without any issues, and there haven’t been any notable incidents recently.

Except for the fact that the “crossroads” Mora mentioned are slowly approaching.

‘Hiriya has been quiet too. What kind of choice am I supposed to make?’

With these questions weighing heavily on my mind, I returned to my dormitory.

*****

As Isaac was returning to his dormitory with a puzzled mind, a woman was cautiously trailing behind him.

She hid intermittently to avoid detection, demonstrating considerable skill in her actions. Even the passersby did not suspect her, proving that she had done this multiple times before.

Click

The woman watched as Isaac opened the dormitory door and went inside. Once he was inside, she fully revealed herself from her hiding spot.

Her hair and eyes were as blue as the sky, and despite her stern expression, her natural beauty could not be concealed. Her tall, slender figure and the body that even her uniform couldn’t hide made her stand out.

She was Hiriya, the second princess of the Ters Kingdom and the half-sister of Adelia. Since the beginning of the semester, she had been investigating Isaac. She even skipped classes under reasonable excuses to ensure there were no adverse effects.

‘So far, nothing unusual…’

Hiriya gazed at the dormitory Isaac had entered with her characteristic impassive expression.

Although her sky-blue hair was quite conspicuous, she was disguised with a magical item, so she felt secure. To others, she appeared to have ordinary brown hair and eyes. She couldn’t change her beautiful features, so she left them as they were.

However, changing her hair alone significantly altered her appearance, and given that her sky-blue hair was a symbol of the Ters royal family, the importance of her disguise was undeniable.

‘That guy is definitely hiding something.’

Hiriya kept her eyes fixed on the dormitory, glaring intently. She began to suspect Isaac during the exhibition. Despite the need to protect their own nobles, the Minerva Empire’s excessive protection of Isaac had been notable.

The relationship between the Minerva Empire and the Ters Kingdom was like oil and water—never truly mixing. However, this did not prevent marriages. On the contrary, despite personal emotions, international relations were inherently complex and subtle.

If Isaac, a mere baron’s son, were to enter into an arranged marriage with herself, a princess, the Minerva Empire would ultimately be the one to benefit.

Of course, it could be that Isaac is being protected because he is engaged to the Lady of the Requilis family. However, the suspicion remained unshakable.

She even thought that perhaps his engagement to the Requilis family was because Isaac had something valuable.

‘A guy who has nothing but his looks, what could it be?’

From Hiriya’s perspective, Isaac’s appearance was indeed quite impressive. His rare combination of fiery red hair and golden eyes was striking enough to make even the rumor that Lady Marie of the Requilis family married him for his looks plausible.

But that was merely a jest, there had to be something more. She just didn’t know what it was yet.

‘And during Cecily’s speech in Helium…’

She recalled the speech in Helium where Princess Cecily had unmistakably made eye contact with Isaac. Not just once, but three times. Even if his red hair was noticeable, making eye contact three times was unusual.

It could have been a coincidence, but given the circumstances she had observed so far, it didn’t seem like one.

Isaac had something she didn’t know. She was sure of that.

And the most plausible theory was…

‘ Isaac Ducker Michelle is Xenon.’

This single hypothesis explained the Minerva Empire’s protective actions and Cecily’s reaction during the speech.

However, there was a lack of evidence. It was possible that Isaac’s father, Hawk, could be Xenon instead.

Moreover, she only had circumstantial evidence, which was not sufficient.

It could be a case of the Minerva Empire’s image-making, or perhaps they had exchanged glances simply because his red hair stood out.

‘I need to get solid evidence first.’

She had seen Isaac, Rina, Maria, and Cecily together countless times.

According to rumors, this group had been together since their first year.

Even that was suspicious, but she needed more concrete evidence.

‘If he really is Xenon…’

Hiriya briefly entertained the thought but quickly shook her head. At the same time, she denied it, thinking it could never be true.

Anyway, her ultimate goal was to take Isaac away from that wretched illegitimate child. Whether Isaac was Xenon or not didn’t matter to her.

‘But what if he really is Xenon?’

She forcibly suppressed the anxiety that was beginning to sprout in her heart.

Though she didn’t consciously realize it, her sky-blue eyes, fixed on the dormitory, were starting to tremble.

Once the seed of suspicion is planted, it grows vigorously, just like anxiety.

If Isaac truly was Xenon, it could endanger not only herself but also the entire Ters Kingdom.

Hiriya stood there for a while, gazing at the dormitory, before taking a deep breath and turning away. She planned to go back and clear her head.

‘It can’t be true.’

As she left with such thoughts, another figure emerged as soon as Hiriya disappeared.

A woman with pink hair and eyes, reminiscent of cherry blossoms.

“…What is this?”

Cherry tilted her head and murmured softly.

“Could it be a stalker?”

It was a bit hypocritical for her to say that.

Translators note:

I just noticed I posted chapter 290 as 289, I’m really sorry about it(fixed now). Fortunately it was somewhat of a filler but I still fucked up. I’m posting an extra chapter for that.