Chapter 236: Magnificent (1)

The situation explaining why Arwen was in my dorm and reading the manuscript roughly goes like this:

Last time, Arwen mentioned it, and through letters, we discussed the possibility of meeting if time allowed. However, I’m busy in my own way, and Arwen, with her hands full of state affairs, doesn’t really need a separate explanation.

To give you an idea of how much is piled up, some elves, despite spending several nights without rest, collapsed due to overwork, or something along those lines.

Arwen’s political philosophy is awkward and challenging for elves who resist change, and furthermore, the Council of Elders, which was a symbol of Alvenheim, vanished into history.

Moreover, as I’ve mentioned before, Arwen has become much busier due to the tantrums of Fieren. Somehow, she ended up becoming the closest link to Xenon after the CEO.

Every day is a continuous stream of demanding tasks, but Arwen is also a person. Personal time is necessary, and rest is inevitable. So, after dealing with a pile of documents for several days, she came to the academy to meet me as promised.

However, because her face was somewhat known through her speech, she couldn’t simply walk in openly. She teleported to my coordinates, which she figured out through Siris, instead.

It was vague to roam outside freely, and most importantly, since she didn’t know where I was, she decided it was better to wait.

Although teleporting was a good idea, it seems she was surprised by seeing the manuscript of Xenon’s Biography Volume 18 on my desk.

Who wouldn’t be surprised to find the next volume lying right in front of them? Initially, she tried to endure it, but eventually, she seems to have succumbed to temptation.

Honestly, even I, being myself, would want to sneak a peek at the manuscript. It’s related to the next volume that can’t even be bought with money. Just a little peek, right? That thought might have crossed her mind.

The problem was that Arwen had fallen too deeply into it. Normally, she would have sensed my approach and immediately put the manuscript on the desk, but there was no chance for that.

Already cautious due to Rain’s stolen draft incident, it was a situation where one had to be careful in many ways, and unfortunately, it happened at that precise timing.

“Thankfully, at least. You didn’t steal it like someone else would have.”

“...I’m sorry.”

Cecily’s voice sounded mocking, as if she didn’t approve of Arwen’s actions. Arwen, aware of her own fault, lowered her head along with her apology.Findd new stories at novelhall.com

In Cecily’s crimson eyes looking at Arwen, there was a deep suspicion and animosity. Even if the draft theft incident was Rain’s arbitrary act, Arwen’s responsibility was also substantial.

Moreover, Cecily was a demon. For demons, Xenon’s Biography was a divine grace and a book akin to scriptures.

For Rain to steal the Xenon’s Biography’ draft and now for Arwen secretly sneak in to read the manuscript made Cecily inevitably uncomfortable.

As for me, knowing that Arwen wasn’t that kind of person, I could overlook it as rather insignificant. She didn’t steal the manuscript; she just read it.

Instead, I wonder if it was really necessary for her to teleport straight to my dormitory. It seemed a bit too hasty, considering she could have been informed through Siris beforehand.

“Lift your head, Arwen. You don’t have to be too sorry. I can understand.”

“T-thank you...”

As I gently reassured her, Arwen slowly lifted her bowed head. There was a touch of emotion in her twinkling, galaxy-like gray eyes.

Now, with a difference of at least one head, she looked up at me from below. Already looking younger than her age, her eyes were moist, making me feel apologetic. It’s almost unfair to be looked up at with such a youthful appearance.

I barely restrained the urge to stroke Arwen’s head and started with a question instead.

“I understand why you came to my dorm. But couldn’t you have informed me through Siris?”

“That’s true, but wouldn’t that reduce the time we spend together?”

“Hmm?”

Cecily, who had her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow and let out a sigh. Her expression and reaction conveyed a message of ‘See this?’

Honestly, it’s a statement containing a fair amount of misunderstanding. If anyone hears it, they might mistakenly think that Arwen has feelings for me.

However, considering Arwen’s situation here, sadly, she doesn’t have anyone who could be considered a friend. When she was in Alvenheim, she couldn’t trust anyone due to the Council, and now, due to her demanding duties, she doesn’t even have the chance to build friendships.

Though she gets along with some elves, it’s still challenging to get close due to her position as a queen.

In other words, practically speaking, apart from me, there’s hardly anyone with whom she could lay down the mantle of being an Elven Queen and talk freely. Even Rain, who was her ward, was living in hiding due to a suspended sentence.

I understood Arwen’s words through appropriate filtering and nodded my head.

“Well, then, nothing can be done. But...”

“I’m truly sorry, and I know this might sound audacious, but... even if it’s just for 10 minutes, just 10 minutes, I want to talk to Isaac.”

Arwen pleaded desperately, clasping both hands together with sparkling eyes. Her appearance was such that even Cecily couldn’t help but hesitate.

Who wouldn’t waver when a cute girl holds your hands and pleads? Especially when she’s not just an ordinary human but an elf.

While Cecily hesitated, Arwen once again pleaded in a sincere voice.

“I know very well what kind of relationship you and Isaac have. But I really want to ask like this. I’ll grant you anything you desire in return. Can’t you allow me just 10 minutes?”

“... ...”

If she came out with such an attitude, even Cecily would be bewildered. Arwen is not an ordinary noble; she is the queen of Alvenheim.

Cecily, despite being a princess of Helium, also has clear differences in position. However, coming out in such a manner puts Cecily in a somewhat awkward position.

Ultimately, Arwen was sincerely appealing. How difficult must state affairs be for her to come out with a demeanor that would kneel to the ground for the sake of a 10-minute meeting with me?

‘...Do we really have to do this?’

I wonder what Arwen thinks of me to come out like this. It could be because there’s no one else I would consider a friend, but there seems to be something more.

When I was in a perplexed state, Cecily, with a discerning mind, stared at Arwen, keeping her lips sealed, possibly having grasped the essence of that something.

When there was nothing exchanged between the two in the strange silence, Cecily sighed deeply and then quietly spoke.

“Sigh... I understand. Isaac is a sinner, whatever...”

“T-Thank you! Really, thank you!”

Even if Arwen is happy, why treat me like a criminal? Did they communicate telepathically?

As the situation became increasingly awkward, I tilted my head in confusion. Cecily, with a complex gaze, looked at me and then turned her gaze to Arwen.

Continuing, she spoke with a firm voice to Arwen, who was happily jumping around like a child.

“But! There’s a condition here.”

“What is it? I’ll do anything.”

Arwen complied with the request, wearing a happy smile as if she had obtained what she wanted, but Cecily, raising the corners of her mouth, proposed something that made Arwen hesitate.

“The conversation will happen here, at the dorm. And I will be by your side.”

“...What? That wouldn’t just be a conversation between the two of us.”

“Well, considering you ruined our date, I should get something out of it too, shouldn’t I? You shouldn’t take advantage of the situation too much.”

“Ugh...”

Arwen expressed disappointment at Cecily’s firm assertion. Well, it wasn’t the worst outcome, so she would probably find some satisfaction in it.

‘But what’s this about taking advantage of the situation?’

What on earth did the two of them discuss confidentially?

*****

30 minutes later.

“Well, wouldn’t demons be more superior? Even if the depth of your knowledge is considered, they can’t catch up in terms of diversity.”

“Sigh. How foolish. Diversity essentially leads to versatility. We elves are the epitome of versatility.”

“Are you done talking now?”

“Haven’t you finished speaking?”

A direct confrontation between the strongest beings in the universe.

In many ways.

Translators note: