Chapter 261: Eventful (3)

Chapter 261: Eventful (3)

Accompanied by Marie and Adelia, we headed towards the center of the village, Rina and Hiriya were waiting as expected. Seeing no knights around them, it seemed as though they were observing from a distance.

As usual, Hiriya was dressed in uniform, firmly displaying her status, while Rina, true to her imperial princess status, was adorned in a glamorous dress and jewelry.

Her golden hair, long and flowing, complemented the blue dress and contrasting with the extravagance, the dress seemed more suited for outings, with a relatively short skirt length.

Instead, her attire subtly revealed her cleavage, accentuating Rinas ample bosom. While not as ample as Cecilys, Rina could still be considered quite large.

Perhaps she will come wearing an even more extravagant dress than the one shes wearing now when the performance begins. Nonetheless, in my opinion, the current attire was much better.

I alternated my gaze between Rina and Hiriya before approaching them and respectfully bowing my head.

Im sorry. Im a bit late.

Its okay. We got here early.

I thought Id fall asleep waiting.

Afterward, I fulfilled my role as a guide as planned. Though I was tasked with guiding, there wasnt much to it in reality. It simply involved wandering around and engaging in idle chatter.

If it werent for Hiriya, I would have spoken comfortably without using honorifics, but I had no choice but to use them. This applied not only to me but also to Marie.

While there are many inconveniences, Lena faithfully fulfills her role as a shield. If it werent for Lena, perhaps troublesome situations wouldnt have arisen.

Since Hiriya couldnt openly bully Adelia, she silently surveyed various places in the territory. Occasionally, she glanced at Adelia, but that was it. Despite receiving Hiriyas sharp gaze, Adelia also diligently performed her duties.

Even the seating arrangement was arranged so that Hiriya couldnt touch her recklessly.. Even if she wanted to scheme, she can only quietly accept guidance or instruction from Rinas side.

Whats that building? Its much larger in scale than other places.

Oh. Its the publishing house that will be relocating to our territory this time. I heard that the employees will also move in a week.

Hmm. The only publishing house contracted with Xenons Biography

However, Rina didnt outright block all questions. She only blocked questions with impure intentions; she didnt block those related to the exhibition.

Hiriya glanced discreetly at the conspicuously large publishing house building. It was a rare solemn expression for her, with curiosity gleaming in her sky-blue eyes.

Naturally, curiosity arose since it was the only publishing house contracted with Xenons Biography. She then turned her gaze to me and asked.

Have you met the CEO?

Yes.

What kind of person is he?

He was someone who knew how to keep trust.

Hiriya nodded in response to my immediate answer. She shifted her gaze back to the publishing house and spoke in her characteristic gruff voice.

It seems like this estate has been blessed by the gods every time I look at it. From Xenons birthplace to the establishment of the temples and now a publishing house There cant possibly be such coincidences. Its intriguing.

Although she said it casually, her words struck a chord. With just the merit of being Xenons birthplace, an exhibition was held here, and further, temples and a publishing house were established.

To Hiriya, it might seem like mere coincidences upon coincidences, but I had a hand in turning the tide with my letters. Thanks to them, my father remains buried in documents.

But if I remain silent here, Hiriya will begin to doubt. Recognizing a similar line of thought, Rina quickly spoke up.

Our empire is also flourishing. Among the many countries, Xenon was born in our empire. If things continue like this, cant we surpass Ters as a cultural powerhouse?

Even with Lenas subtle provocation, Hiriya chuckled and responded as if she didnt care.

Hah, impossible. Its true that many artists come to our empire because of Xenons reputation. But the problem is, theres no evidence yet that Xenon is a citizen of your empire. Culture should inherently have evidence from ones own country. Performances, music, sculptures, literature, and so on. Most of the culture in the Minerva Empire is essentially based on our Ters.

If you go by that logic, then the origin of culture is the elves, but does that mean all culture belongs to the elves?

Just because the roots are the same doesnt mean all branches are identical, nor does it mean every branch bears fruit.

The conversation between the two further engraved the animosity and rivalry between the Minerva Empire and the Ters Kingdom.

Since Rina was young, she had been involved in politics steadily, so she knew that Hiriya, who was naturally blunt, wasnt to be taken lightly. Even now, Rina remained silent, perhaps with nothing to say.

Above all, the most potent weapon in verbal combat is a fact. As Hiriya explained, much of the Minerva Empires culture originated from or was heavily influenced by the Ters Kingdom.

The reason can be understood through history. Even during the racial war, the Ters Kingdom existed and wielded significant influence, so much so that it could be considered the center of the Human Alliance.

However, due to mishandled aftermath, they had to witness the birth of the Minerva Empire. They even suffered defeats in diplomacy, allowing the Minerva Empire to acquire a larger territory.

However, its because of this influence that the culture of the Minerva Empire is a mixture of Ters Kingdoms culture. Despite their formidable military power, they couldnt easily conquer the Ters Kingdom, primarily for this reason.

When Ters Kingdom changes history to suit their narrative and presents it as facts, it completely erases any justification from the Minerva Empires perspective. The reason they fiercely cling to their own culture was also rooted here.

And even if Xenon were a citizen of the Minerva Empire, there would still be many issues. Should Helium just sit still, let alone Xavier? The problem is that their reputation has grown too high.

Rina listened to Hiriyas additional explanation and smirked silently. Her bright blue eyes contained complexity and unease.

From the perspective of the Empire, including Rina, this was a dialogue that must not be overlooked. However, its like trying to catch a whale with a fishing rod, let alone a net.

In short, its not just a fish but a whale that far exceeds the size of the ship. Its not about the other sides choice, but mine.

Anyway, I wont go to the Ters Kingdom.

The lack of integrity of the Ters Kingdom is something I confirmed a long time ago. Id say the Minerva Empire is much better.

So, whats your answer?

Let me think about it.

Its good to think. Think about whats best for the Ters Kingdom. Xenon might even fall for you by chance.

As Rina spoke, she gave me a meaningful look. I respond with a wry smile and a gesture of denial.

Objectively speaking, Hiriya fails in both beauty and character. Moreover, theres also Adelia to consider.

As I indicated denial, I suddenly thought of Adelia and glanced back. What reaction is she showing now? Since Adelia was also an ardent fan of Xenons Biography, shes bound to react. And sure enough, I saw a subdued Adelia before me. Like a puppy drenched in rain, she looked crestfallen.

In terms of family matters, she lacks a considerable amount of self-esteem. Its not strange for her to show such reactions.

I dont need to worry about it.

I want to quickly reveal my identity to Adelia. What kind of reaction will she show?

Adelia, who had been slightly tilting her head down as if she felt my gaze, lifted her head and met my eyes. Doubt was evident in her vivid sky-blue irises.

I responded with a smirk while looking into those eyes. In return, Adelia blushed, then cleared her throat and adopted a dignified expression.

Shes trying to hide her emotions as shes on duty, but its obvious. She was effortlessly expressing her own charm.

I enjoyed our conversation today. Lets meet again next time.

Lets make sure to meet again.

I enjoyed it too.

Exactly two hours passed, and Rina and Hiriya left on their way. Now, only Cecily and Arwen remained.

Cecily and Arwens guidance was scheduled to continue after lunchtime. So, for now, its free time.

Marie, Adelia, and I toured the exhibition with a more relaxed mindset than before. Various artworks were displayed like the previous exhibition, delighting our eyes.

It would be great if it continued until lunchtime, but with such a large-scale event, various incidents were inevitable.

Especially, the incident we have been worrying about happening now was somewhat expected. That is

Hey? Isaac. Look over there.

Huh?

You see that guy with the pink hair over there.

Despite a strict instruction not to cross paths with him.

Isnt that the girl in front of him Cherry, by any chance?

Whether it was Cherrys meeting with her father or not, the pink hair stood out so much that it was easily noticed.

As soon as I confirmed the direction Marie pointed to, I moved my feet with the thought that something serious was going on. Marie and Adelia followed behind me.

You still havent come to your senses! I told you to read philosophical books instead of wasting time on such trifling writings!

Get on the carriage right away and return to the mansion! Excluding philosophical books from today, reading books will be prohibited altogether!

As we got closer, the commotion of the man presumed to be the Count Roseberry became louder. Cherry, standing in front of him, remained silent with her head bowed.

No matter how you look at it, causing a scene in a crowded place isnt quite appropriate. I approached them and subtly intervened.

Excuse me.

Hmm?

When I intervened, Count Roseberry turned his gaze to me with a displeased expression.

The same goes for Cherry. Cherry slowly raised her lowered head to look at me with eyes as deep and dark as an abyss, the same ones I saw at the beginning of the semester.

May I inquire as to whats the matter?

I asked the Count with a friendly smile. In response, Count Roseberry squinted one eye and bluntly retorted.

Who are you?

Ah, my apologies for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Isaac Ducker Michelle. And

I continued, looking at Cherry kindly,

Im her senior at the Academy.

Upon hearing this, Count Roseberry twitched his lower eyelid and pointed at Cherry, with none other than his index finger. For a moment, feeling uncomfortable with the treatment akin to handling an object rather than a daughter, Count Roseberry asked me.

Do you know that this child is Cherry?

Of course.

I replied, meeting Count Roseberrys gaze squarely.

Because I helped her.

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