Chapter 271: Run Away (1)

The night with Adelia wasn't just a night, it stretched beyond the night into the morning.

Fortunately, she had focused solely on attacking and neglected defense, so I wasn't in danger of collapsing from exhaustion. Up until then, I had thought this would be the end.

Adelia finished tidying up and even showered before reluctantly putting on her maid uniform. Somehow, she managed to hide under my desk, sneaking her way into it.

I too had no choice but to figure out what she wanted and comply. I followed her as she wore the maid uniform, as if enchanted.

There was even a crisis when Marie came into the bedroom, but luckily, we managed to get through it sensibly.

"Well, do you believe that I'm Xenon now?"

"I-It wasn't a lie..."

"Why would I lie to my Noona?"

Anyway, after the first night extended into the morning, I presented evidence to her that I was Xenon.

Starting from the manuscript, the letters exchanged with the publisher, and finally, the stack of love letters.

She seemed bewildered by the evidence I presented, her sky-blue eyes shaking as if an earthquake had struck.

"Well?"

"W-Well, I don't know... It's still..."

Adelia's demeanor, finding it difficult to accept, left me momentarily pondering. How could I explain things to her in a way that would resonate? How could I speak to her without causing discomfort and instead evoke a bright smile?

After much consideration, I managed to find the right words. It was closely tied to her personal history yet did not excessively trigger trauma.

Still gently stroking Adelia's dazed head, I spoke. As I did, Adelia looked at me as if entranced.

"What about this? The Ters Kingdom, which you longed for. Even that kingdom must bow down to me."

"Ters... Kingdom...?"

"Yes. Though I haven't revealed my true identity as Xenon yet, someday when I do, instead of you clinging to the Ters Kingdom, they will be the ones clinging to you. The choice will be solely ours. Do you see the picture now?"

"······"

Perhaps it was the gentle stirring and release of trauma. Adelia's smile started to undulate like waves. To be hanging from the opposite end of where she once hung—it couldn't get more thrilling than this, especially for those who had inflicted deep trauma.

As Adelia formed a mysterious smile, I moved my hand from her head to gently stroke her cheek. Then, with a sweet voice, I declared.

"So, Noona, you should focus on me, not the Kingdom of Ters. You're my personal maid. Got it?"

"Uh... Yes, I understand, My Lord."

"Like Marie before, you came to me before even knowing I was Xenon. So, I'll do my best to support you in return. So, shouldn't you not look back with regrets?"

"It doesn't matter now. My body and soul belong to you, My Lord."

"Hmm."

That was quite a statement. I almost lost control and almost succumbed to excitement, but I managed to restrain myself.

"Well then, if you need service, feel free to call me anytime."

Kiss!

Adelia's surprise kiss, which almost made me lose control of my senses, continued. Normally, I would have kissed her first, but this time it came from Adelia.

Her taking the initiative means she has completely opened her heart. As soon as I realized the meaning behind it, I gave her a deep kiss in return.

Adelia, now seeming like she won't hide her feelings anymore, also responded with a kiss. It's her own way of saying that she won't cling to the past and will create a new family.

"Now go and rest. Noona must be very tired."

"But..."

"Oh well. I won't leave until you fall asleep, Noona."

After that, Adelia slept all day, caught in a belated aftermath.

Even Adelia, with her mighty stamina, was bound to easily collapse if she only focused on attacking without regulating her pace.

In the end, she couldn't resist the overwhelming drowsiness and fell asleep wearing her maid outfit. I quietly waited until she drifted off to sleep. She looked too adorable, so I amused myself by poking her cheek or stroking her hair to keep her company.

As mentioned earlier, Adelia had a charming gap. Just by changing her clothes, she transitions from elegance to cuteness, even her personality changes. This extends not only to daily life but also to nighttime. Initially, she was embarrassed, but once accustomed, she comfortably lounged on top of me without any reservations.

Night and day, it suits Adelia perfectly. Perhaps the personality she displayed at night reflects her true self.

Due to a dreadful family environment, she was emotionally shaken, but Adelia is more than deserving of love, more than anyone.

Having grown up without receiving such love, it's natural for her to seek affection, especially craving kisses when her true personality emerges. I accepted it all and fulfilled her desires.

'By the way, it's fortunate a temple is being built in the territory.'

During the vacation, I'll spend time harmoniously with Marie, Cecily, and Adelia. Perhaps Marie and Cecily, in a gesture of concession, might further elevate Adelia's importance.

Since it's the first night and I didn't dictate the pace, it was manageable, but if Adelia gradually becomes accustomed, it might become challenging to handle.

Still, Adelia is patient and has a resilient personality, so such occurrences will be infrequent. One might say she's rechargeable.

Not only for Adelia but also for other women, I intend to maintain my holy power consistently.

Today, while having sex with Adelia, I felt anxious that I might be sucked dry if I wasn't careful. It's not even unlikely that women might outnumber men here.

'I should write more diligently.'

I gently stroked Adelia's sleeping head for a while before getting up from bed. Tonight's event might be over, but the exhibition wasn't completely finished.

As Cecily mentioned, the movie will be shown at the venue for a few more days, and the judging of the anonymous artworks displayed at the exhibition isn't finished either.

Like a proverb that says, "Even if you poop, people will clap when you're famous," fame has a tremendous impact, so it's better to exclude the fame factor. It might seem unfair to some, but at least it should be 'fair' to everyone. At least it's better to exclude fame at the Xenon Exhibition.

'Shall I visit the temple today?'

Kate was currently settling in there since the temple was built. She'll probably come out to greet me if I head there.

I have to visit the temple anyway to fill up on holy power, and it's essential to have a conversation with the Luminous Church while we're at it.

Mora's temple should be completed within a fortnight, so I can go then.

'No, perhaps it's quicker to escape to Helium before that?'

The 20th volume was planned to be released along with the side story. Originally, the side story would have been released much earlier, but as you know, the publisher's relocation to our territory delayed it a bit.

However, upon closer reflection, it may be advantageous for both the side story and the 20th volume to be released simultaneously. The shock from the climax of Volume 20 will hit twice as hard.

As Jin's heart is pierced by Gluttony, recollection of parts from the side story will flash by. Will readers not be amazed at this scene?

'It's quite good, isn't it?'

Carefully, I returned to my bedroom, making sure Adelia didn't wake up. Although I wanted to stay by her side, there were things that needed to be done.

Finally back in my room, silence greeted me. There was no warmth or scent lingering from the passionate night, and the bed was neatly made. It seemed like someone had tidied up while I was taking Adelia to her room.

'Was it another maid?'

That's probably the most likely possibility. I glanced at the bed, the same one as before our lovemaking, before turning my attention to the desk.

As soon as I sat down at the desk, memories of the "service" I received from Adelia flashed through my mind, but I quickly shook them off. What's important now is the development of the content in Volume 20. I've already written about half of it, but adding flesh to it here will greatly enhance its completeness.

Tap, tap, tap...

Thanks to my holy power, even if I stay up for a night, my mind remains clear. It means I can continue writing steadily without losing concentration.

Although I'm a bit tired, I'm far from being too tired to disrupt my focus. It's better to endure and stick to my regular sleep schedule than to constantly shift between day and night.

Tap, tap, tap...

The sound of knocking that broke my concentration entered my ears. I tore my eyes away from the typewriter and shifted my gaze towards the door.

"Isaac. Can I come in?"

Judging from the playful tone, it's definitely Cecily. I wonder what she's here for.

"Come in."

"Thank you for letting me."

With my permission, Cecily slowly opened the door and stepped inside. She's wearing a black dress that tightly wraps around her body, unlike the dress she wore to the exhibition.

Although the dress was made of light, airy material, it failed to conceal Cecily's ample chest. Finding clothes that fit her must be challenging.

I briefly glance at her inflated chest and then shift my gaze towards her face.

Judging from her cheerful smile, it seems she has come for a reason.

"What brings you here?"

"Just wondering what you're up to, so I came by~"

Cecily hopped over like a rabbit and settled beside me. She seems to be in high spirits, perhaps because of something good that happened.

I chuckled briefly and discreetly slid the manuscript I had already printed to a different spot. No matter who she is, I have no intention of showing her the manuscript.

Cecily protruded her lips in a pout, but when I gently touched her horn, she quickly softened.

Indeed, Cecily needed nothing else but to have her horn touched to ease her anger.

"Where's Marie?"

"She's with Lily right now."

"Aren't you going to look after her?"

"Well, in a year, I'll be able to see Isaac's child as much as I want. Gotta save my energy."

"··· ···"

Saying that, Cecily licked her lips with her tongue, then gently stroked her lower belly with one hand.

I couldn't help feeling uneasy at her reaction, like a wild beast eyeing its prey.

If it were a joke, I would have dismissed it, but considering Cecily's recent behavior, it seemed genuine.

I strongly felt that we would eventually have to have a serious conversation.

"Phew... Noona. Whatever you think of me..."

"I know too. But Isaac is someone who came from a different world, right? Isn't this a gift or grace from God?"

"··· ···"

What is this woman imagining on her own? I looked at Cecily with a bewildered expression.

However, Cecily's reaction was somewhat unusual, as she wasn't just holding hands and making an ecstatic expression.

The two pupils sparkled like rubies, and there was a faint blush on her cheeks. The reaction seemed familiar from somewhere, but who was it?

Ah, yes. Kate. It's very similar to when Kate showed her adoration towards me.

"Even if you deny it, it's okay. Either way, you're the savior of our demon race. Once this fact spreads, it will surely be recorded in the history of Helium. The gods showed mercy to the demons and bestowed grace, which was none other than the saint who came from another dimension."

"...Isn't that a bit far-fetched? It's not some kind of myth."

"Originally, grand 'histories' tend to be exaggeratedly recorded. Myths are no exception."

"I can't deny that what you're saying makes sense."

I chuckled softly, wearing an expression that said I had nothing to say. Actually, it was quite understandable for Cecily to have such a reaction.

If I were in my past life, I would have dismissed it as nonsense, but this is a world where three gods—Mora, Luminous, and Harte—exist.

Moreover, there are also 'demons' presumed to have come from another dimension. Even if the gods showed mercy and bestowed grace, it's a setting that doesn't lack for inadequacy.

'Wait a minute. If Kate learns about this...'

If Cecily is like this, how much worse could Kate be? She's already pleading with me to spread the 'seed of light', saying that I am the light that will save the world. If it gets worse from here...

To make matters worse, the reason I ended up here in the first place was due to the mistake of a devil worshiper.

With that one mistake, the gods preserved my memory intact, reincarnated me, and that gave rise to Xenon's Biography that led to this moment...

'When you think about it, the plot is ridiculous.'

The development seemed ridiculously smooth yet messy at the same time. If I were to write a novel on this topic, I could knock out a chapter in no time.

Even though I will reveal that I am Xenon, it seemed like I should hide the fact that I was a reincarnator as much as possible.

Just with Xenon's Biography, I've progressed the world's science and culture by a step.

In this situation, I couldn't even guess what kind of impact a World War II novel would have.

"Hmm..."

"Do you have something on your mind, Saint?"

"Oh, a bit."

Whether she was joking or not, Cecily was busy teasing me. Cecily giggled like a prankster when I made a face.

"Sorry. But Isaac is the only person I love most in the world. I just want you to know that. No matter how many women you have."

"Arwen too?"

Mentioning Arwen, who was interested in me, made Cecily look noticeably flustered.

Then, she reluctantly smiled ambiguously and replied with difficulty.

"...I guess I have to think about the little elf queen. But will you accept Queen Arwen?"

"I don't know."

It wasn't an evasive answer anymore. Now, I really don't know.

It's certain that Arwen also harbors rational affection for me. But I can't understand why. Even though I don't know what conversations took place within Alvenheim, it's clear that elven communism has emerged.

It's so clear that it was too bright. If I had realized the power of culture was this great, maybe I would have become a historian instead of writing. Suddenly, I had such thoughts.

'Still...'

I turned my head and faced Cecily. As Cecily and I met eyes, she smiled brightly, revealing a happy smile. If I had become a historian, I wouldn't have seen such a smile, and perhaps the demons would have been persecuted until now. Although tired, I have no regrets. That's what I think.

Slowly reaching out, I gently stroked Cecily's cheek, then slowly moved upwards, cupping the horns that began to turn red. As I touched the horn, Cecily also brought her face as if enjoying the feeling. It was like a cat being affectionate.

"Oh, by the way, Noona, could I ask for one thing?"

"Anything Isaac asks for."

"In about a month, there's a plan to release both the side story and the 20th volume simultaneously. I want to visit Helium for a moment then."

"Why Helium?"

With a bitter smile at Cecily's question, I told the truth.

"Otherwise, I feel like I'll be beaten to death by my mother.

*****

The Xenon Exhibition ended with great success. Thanks to the greatly expanded attractions and improved infrastructure of the venue compared to the previous exhibition, it drew much attention.

Various artworks were displayed, catering not only to renowned artists but also to those nurturing artistic dreams.

At first glance, it might seem like any other exhibition, but what's striking here is the absence of names. To be precise, the uniqueness of the exhibition lay in showcasing artworks without revealing the artists' names until the very end.

As a result, visitors were able to focus more on the artworks rather than the names, and furthermore, it led to the discovery of some exceptionally talented artists with great potential.

[Rules that suit a culture enjoyed by everyone.]

[Even if not entirely fair, it still is.]

[Extending a helping hand to allow seedlings hidden in the shadow of masters to see the light.]

[Masters were surprisingly satisfied without any notable complaints.]

Surprisingly, even the sensitive giants of the art world, who usually value their names highly, were not only satisfied but also pleased. This was because the Xenon Exhibition had a clear "theme."

Choosing a theme is often the most challenging aspect for artists when selecting their works. Just as excellent ingredients are essential for cooking delicious food, a theme is crucial for art as well.

Even if you're given delicious ingredients, if you burn them all, they just become food waste. In other words, the Xenon Exhibition emphasizes the importance of fundamentals.

In that sense, while masters can create masterpieces even with their eyes closed, rookies often lack those fundamentals. Even if you create your own new path, basics are always crucial. Creations made without fundamentals are nothing but monstrosities.

[Matrics Troupe. Introducing a New Paradigm in Theater!]

[A fresh technique of showing pre-recorded plays to the audience rather than performing in real-time.]

[The performance of the Matrics Troupe, along with the melodious music of the Rirus Orchestra, resulted in a masterpiece that will never be seen again in the world.]

Naturally, the films of Matrics Troupe also attracted global attention. This time, the Matrics Troupe presented a performance that exceeded the expectations.

While there were concerns about whether theater would decline, those concerns were quickly dispelled. Theater has its own flavor, and movies have theirs. The unique merit of being able to see actors' performances in real-time greatly influenced theater.

Amidst the warm and fluctuating sentiments, a letter that captured the world's attention arrived at the publishing house.

[Matrics Troupe should start production on the next installment immediately.]

It was a letter from Xenon, or Isaac. The above summary briefly captures the lengthy contents of the letter, indicating how satisfied he was.

Because of this, the Matrics Troupe once again began production with the support of Helium. As I mentioned before, since we are producing from the first installment, people held high expectations in their hearts. However, there was one country that couldn't be left out...

[Alvenheim. We will help too.]

[Although our pride may suffer, we will collaborate for a better work.]

It was Alvenheim. Surprisingly, they chose 'cooperation' over competition. Until recently, elves persecuted demons like other races, but they were still inwardly wary.

While not as profound as elves, demons had developed their magic more in terms of diversity. In short, elves, who had secretly regarded demons as enemies, were the first to bow their heads.

[We will produce the Devil Invasion Part.]

[We can create a work not inferior to Matrics Troupe's current work.]

But it was still unthinkable. Alvenheim immediately launched into political attacks. However, it's somewhat ambiguous to call it political attacks. In order to produce the Demon Invasion Part, cooperation from Alvenheim was necessary no matter what.

No matter how capable one is of disguising with magic, there are limits. Moreover, since it was not a battle but a war, elf magic was not a choice but a necessity.

The Matrics Troupe knew this, and so did the sponsors at Helium, which only added to the dilemma. Sarkran's sacrifice was one thing, but should they hand over the Elf part to the Elves?

It was a moment of dilemma in many ways. Eventually, the debate subsided with a promise to consult. But there was something even more important.

[This time, both the side story and the main story will be released simultaneously.]

[Following Xenon's advice, it's recommended to read the side story before the main story.]

[The side story tells the backstory of Jin and Lily.]

It was out. Not just the side story, but even the 20th volume. People were ecstatic about Xenon's Biography, especially since two new books were released simultaneously.

Helium, in particular, showed the most fervent response, because Xenon had asked the publishers to release it first in Helium. It was seen as a repayment for the gift the demons had given last time. However, there was one true goal...

"Nooo! This can't be!"

It was all about stalling for time. The 20th volume was released, precisely the next day.

"Isaac! Isaac, where is he?!"

The echoes of Anna's cries reverberated through the halls of the Michelle Manor.

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