Chapter 264: Soft Power (1)

Cherry's switch had been completely turned on, but the exhibition wasn't over yet. There was plenty of time until evening, which could be called the highlight, and, above all, I had to guide after lunch.

Therefore, after lunch time, I asked Cherry for an understanding. My work wasn't done yet, so she should just wander around here and there. After all, she could relax now that her identity had been revealed.

Lastly, I promised to find her after the guidance was over, but Cherry's response was indifferent.

"You won't abandon me, will you?"

"... ... "

"Please promise me that you'll definitely find me."

Why would I abandon you? I dislike it when people I know end their lives by suicide, and if it's because of my actions, I'll carry guilt for the rest of my life.

As time passed, lunchtime ended, and I headed to the meeting place for the guidance in the afternoon. From lunchtime onwards, the guidance would be for Cecily and Arwen.

Of course, unlike the time with Hiriya, I wouldn't just formally guide them, but we would just hang together, chatting and sightseeing, and that would be the end of it.

But that didn't mean I could let my guard down. As I had seen before, Cecily and Arwen were strangely polar opposites. It seemed like they didn't have much issue with each other, but they were subtly checking each other.

Moreover, Cecily's perception of Arwen was not favorable due to the recent incident of the manuscript theft. Especially when recalling the grand confrontation they had in the dormitory.

Despite many points of unease, it remains unchanged that both of them still enjoy Xenon's Biography, so there shouldn't be any trouble.

"You're here?"

"Oh! Come quickly."

As lunchtime ended and I headed to the meeting place on time, as expected, Cecily and Arwen were already waiting.

Cecily was wearing a black dress that partially exposed her chest, just like what I saw earlier. Arwen, on the other hand, was wearing a dress that fully displayed her strengths.

That's the silver dress that particularly emphasizes the hips. Befitting an attire worn by a queen, it wasn't dull at all, with elaborate patterns drawn all over the dress. Even below the hips, the white thighs were clearly visible, accentuating the sexiness. It's a dress that seems to have been chosen to strengthen her pluses.

Cecily focused on the upper body, while Arwen focused on the lower body.

As they unabashedly displayed each other's strengths, it naturally felt majestic. Starting from their races, then their respective image colors, and finally their individual strengths.

How can there be so many differences from one to ten? I felt amazed but tried my best to control my expression to avoid showing it.

Finally, as I approached them, I noticed the escorts guarding each of them.

Naturally, Gartz was guarding Cecily , while surprisingly, a familiar face I knew was standing beside Arwen.

"Oh? Could it be Mr. Keir?"

"It's been a while."

When I arrived in Alvenheim, I met an elf named Keir. Like the last time I saw him, he was a handsome man with typical elven features and a charming smile that left an impression.

He was unforgettable because of the vivid memory of him casually dismissing the immigration officer who had refused Cecily's entry for absurd reasons.

"Wasn't Mr. Keir originally the immigration supervisor?"

"I got cut off."

"··· ···"

The phrase "got cut off" sounded odd. I glanced at Arwen, then asked for an explanation.

Arwen seemed equally surprised, coughed awkwardly, and then glanced at Keir.

With a hint of amusement in his eyes, Keir chuckled lightly as if it were a joke before explaining properly.

"I apologize. It was a joke. Queen Arwen appointed me as her guardian knight. Bringing a familiar face along seemed like a good idea, didn't it?"

"I see."

As you may know, Arwen's usual guard was a Dark Elf, Siris. But this arrangement is more of a trade-off between Arwen and the Dark Elves.

While Arwen's strength is formidable, her choice of guardian knights speaks volumes about her realm.

Especially at events like exhibitions, where she meets numerous people, having guards around is essential.

"Please take good care of our queen."

"Don't worry. Mr. Keir, please enjoy the exhibition to your heart's content."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Keir politely bowed his head according to the etiquette of Alvenheim before departing. Similarly, Gartz also nodded briefly and moved along.

Although the two guards had departed, they would likely still be watching us from not too far away. I alternated my gaze between the two women who remained after the guards had left.

'Honestly, they don't need guards.'

Cecily was an intimidating force without needing any explanation, and while Arwen's strength wasn't certain, her deep understanding of magic would likely make her formidable.

But regardless of what might happen, they would likely handle everything within their capabilities. After all, if anything were to occur, it would be our opponents pleading for their lives in the first place.

"Hello, Queen Arwen. It's been a while."

Marie greeted Arwen politely as soon as the guards left.

Arwen responded to Marie's greeting while wearing a subtle expression. It was unclear what she was thinking, but it was certainly enigmatic.

The reason for this was none other than Marie's expression. Her face displayed a bright smile, but her eyes didn't quite match.

It was as if she was scrutinizing the other person, quickly scanning Arwen up and down as if assessing her.

It seems that she became guarded after hearing that Arwen may have affection for me.

"... ... "

Then Marie's gaze stopped at a particular place, which was Arwen's wide hips. I didn't notice it when we last met, but now, with her wearing a dress, they couldn't help but stand out.

Observing Arwen's face and hips alternately, Marie complimented her with a gentle smile.

"You're truly beautiful. Queen Arwen, you possess a different kind of beauty from Princess Cecily."

"T-Thank you."

Arwen seemed slightly taken aback by Marie's somewhat direct compliment. However, judging from her blushing face and the way her lips curled up, it wasn't unpleasant; quite the opposite.

A different kind of beauty from Cecily must refer to her lower body. It's a metaphor often used among nobles when praising one's figure.

By the way, some impolite nobles might comment on someone's potential to raise children well or bear them, which is nothing short of sexual harassment.

As I watched the two women complimenting each other, I glanced back discreetly. Adelia was observing them with a pensive expression.

For her, the idea of Marie and Arwen being on good terms was likely news. Still, she doesn't look entirely bewildered, probably because Marie was a noble's daughter with a commanding personality. She might just brush it off as expected behavior.

"But may I ask who the person behind is?"

At that moment, conveniently enough, Arwen gestured towards Adelia and asked her question. As a result, all eyes turned towards Adelia at the back.

In response, Adelia politely nodded and calmly replied.

"Sir Isaac's guardian knight..."

She hesitated momentarily, about to say "guardian knight" out of habit, but quickly corrected herself.

"...I mean, I am Isaac's personal maid, Adelia Cross. It is an honor to meet the Queen of Alvenheim."

"A personal maid..."

Arwen glanced at me after hearing Adelia's introduction. It was a look of surprise upon hearing the term "personal maid" instead of just an ordinary maid, as it is almost equivalent to a secretary. Arwen looked at me, as if asking if Adelia knows my identity. After all, a personal maid always assists their master whenever they work.

To prevent this, I shook my head subtly. Although there had been a few slips so far, Adelia hadn't properly caught on yet.

Arwen, who understood the implication, nodded her head and introduced herself as Adelia had done, in her own dignified yet aged tone.

"I'm sure you know, but my name is Arwen Elodia. I am the queen ruling Alvenheim."

In response to Arwen's introduction, Adelia once again placed her hand over her chest and courteously greeted her.

They finished their greetings like this, and all that was left was guidance. It was less like guidance than just attending an exhibition.

Adelia was standing behind me, and the walking arrangements... didn't hold much significance. Marie and Cecily always stuck by my side, but Arwen, well...

"Wow! What an amazing sculpture! It looks like it could come to life any moment with just a bit of mana!"

"This painting seems to depict Kyir and Elisha. It was truly heartbreaking when Kyir died."

"It looks like there's a performance going on over there. Would you like to go together?"

We were busy having fun. We were touring around, looking at artworks and performances scattered throughout the estate.

The queen's formality had vanished completely, leaving behind only a girl visiting an amusement park. With her petite stature, she seemed even cuter.

I wanted to maintain courtesy, but judging from Arwen's expression, it seemed unnecessary. She herself didn't seem to care.

"You've been through a lot lately, haven't you?"

"Yeah, I have."

Through Cecily's words, Arwen was expressing her desire to release all the stress she had accumulated so far through this exhibition.

The disappearance of the Council of Elders into the annals of history, the turmoil caused by Fieren's final act of defiance—it all weighed heavily on Arwen.

From the high-profile theft incident, the issue of mixed blood, the Council of Elders, and finally, my (Xenon's) connection with her.

These incidents erupted one after another in a short period of time, and there was hardly any place to relieve stress. Although she was the queen of a country, Arwen was ultimately just one person with clear ups and downs in life. It didn't seem too bad to just run around and have fun like this.

"I heard earlier that many nobles are sticking around trying to connect with you, Your Majesty?"

"I'm struggling even here."

Hearing Marie's words, Arwen seems genuinely upset. I thought I really ought to help Arwen relax with as much sincerity as possible.

"Nom nom nom."

"Is it delicious?"

"Of course it is!"

Seeing Arwen happily munching on skewers, a smile naturally spread across my face. I barely managed to suppress the urge to pat her on the head.

I really want to ask where Siris is, whether she's okay, in a friendly manner, but Adelia was right behind me, so it's awkward to do so.

Instead, I have to ask indirectly. After finishing the skewers and seeing Arwen's satisfied expression, I asked her subtly:

"Your Majesty. May I ask you something?"

"If it's your question, I'll answer anything."

"As Your Majesty knows, thanks to the gift from the demons, Xenon's efficiency has increased dramatically. I wonder what gift the elves, who dislike the demons, would give."

Flinch-

In response to my question, Arwen visibly flinched. At the same time, Cecily and Marie also looked at Arwen with curious expressions.

As everyone probably knows, Elves despise dealings with demons. They are a race whose every aspect stands in stark opposition, starting from their very nature.

So, just as the demons did, the Elves would likely give me a gift. Especially Arwen, who is known externally as a link to Xenon, would know what kind of gift it is.

However, Arwen's reaction was a bit unusual. After hesitating for a moment, her pale face suddenly turned red.

Adding to that, she seemed reluctant to meet my gaze. I became even more curious about what the gift could be.

"Um, it's... embarrassing to say it now."

"Embarrassing?"

"Yeah, that's right. But just know that it's a gift of Alvenheim itself. And not only me, but all the people of Alvenheim desire to gift it."

Alvenheim itself... I felt puzzled after hearing Arwen's answer.

Even though it's abstract, it's too abstract of an explanation for anything to come to mind. However, seeing Arwen so embarrassed, there must be a deep connection between her and it...

'...Could it be?'

It feels like lightning flashing through my mind. If Elven communism permeated all of Alvenheim, then it was entirely possible.

The characteristics of elves who do not want to lose to the demons and have a deep sense of community, as well as Arwen's embarrassed reaction with both hands on her chest.

When all of these were combined, there is one expected 'gift'. It couldn't be said outright because Adelia is behind.

As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I immediately checked the reactions of others. Adelia wouldn't think anything, so I just needed to check with Marie and Cecily. First, Marie.

"...It seems like an amazing gift."

As expected, she noticed, her expression showing amazement. Along with that, the strength of the arms intertwined with mine increased even more.

Hmm. I heard the sound of my life going to hell from here. Next, let's check Cecily.

"..."

Unexpectedly, Cecily was smiling without any thoughts apparent. But I could tell.

She's definitely telepathically talking to Arwen. Sometimes, seeing Arwen would flinch sporadically, so it seemed like a reasonable deduction.

Decisively, Cecily was halfway giving me a sideways glance. While nodding her head, it seems like she got convinced, even though I don't know what conversation went on.

One thing was sure.

'Shit.'

It was fucked up from the beginning, but now it's even more fucked up. In a way, it can be said that it is a truly amazing life to see such results come from just one series.

As I was laughing with a detached mind, someone spoke in the awkward atmosphere.

"Oh. Your Majesty."

"Hmm?"

"Will Your Majesty be attending the performance tonight?"

It was Cecily. She asked Arwen while focusing attention with a clap of her hands.

Arwen, still blushing her ears and face, blinked her silver-gray eyes and replied quietly.

"Of course. The collaboration between the Matrics Troupe and the Rirus Orchestra cannot be missed."

"Are there artists like Director Scar in Alvenheim? Artists who use magic for their performances?"

"...There aren't. Even if there were, there are no elves who use magic in performances."

"I see."

After hearing Arwen's response, Cecily nodded confidently and continued in her assured voice.

"Perhaps based on this exhibition, the cultural prowess of our Helium might surpass Alvenheim's."

"What?"

Arwen's gaze slightly hardened at the clear provocation. Culture is undoubtedly one of the undeniable strengths of Alvenheim.

The Kingdom of Ters may claim to be a cultural powerhouse, but considering Alvenheim as the origin of culture, It's only natural that there would be discomfort.

Marie and I observed with intrigued faces.

As I had heard it at the mansion, Cecily confidently mentioned having established a "project" on a national scale for this exhibition.

At the heart of this project lies the Matrics Troupe, with full support extended to Director Scar.

It was a moment when I couldn't help but wonder about its true nature, and it seemed like Cecily wanted to indirectly provoke Arwen.

Thinking back, Cecily does seem to harbor a strange sense of rivalry towards Arwen.

"Just imagine. Instead of showing the stage in real-time like a performance, we select and showcase only the most splendid and remarkable scenes. And transcending the stage environment, we vividly show events occurring on various terrains to people. Do you think something like this is possible for elves?"

"··· ···"

Yes. It's possible. I've seen it countless times in my past life.

As I listened to Cecily's elegant explanation, I couldn't help but wonder if it was what I had anticipated.

In the meantime, Cecily placed her hand confidently on her ample chest and continued speaking with determination.

"We've made it possible in Helium. By combining the polished 'culture' and 'magic' we've cultivated, we've created another culture. We intend to showcase that through this exhibition."

Eventually, she concluded as if making a declaration.

"We are planning to give another 'gift' to Xenon."

Cecily's words were essentially the will of Helium. In fact, it was no different from what Helium had said.

They intend to demonstrate a cultural prowess one step higher than Alvenheim's. Of course, Alvenheim wouldn't take kindly to this.

Arwen responded with a wry smile.

"That sounds exciting."

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