Chapter 282: Bombshell Statement (1)

It has been a week since I heard Mora's prophecy that I would face a crossroads in a month. This past week felt both short and long, unlike any other week.

First, as planned, I discussed the 21st volume with Helium's king, Descal. Not alone, but with Cecily.

From just hearing this, you can roughly guess what situation unfolded. I could clearly see Descal, who was usually composed, displaying a variety of expressions.

For reference, not only Descal but also Aisilia was present, and she fainted, screaming as if she had seen a horror movie, reacting as if she had seen something she shouldn't have.

Well, it's more surprising if she didn't react when she witnessed her beloved daughter suddenly turning into a devil in real-time.

Fortunately, Cecily had set up a thick soundproof barrier in advance, and I calmly explained everything, so they gradually regained their composure.

At first, they had a look of disbelief, but after confirming that she was fully rational, they had no choice but to accept it.

Anyway, since they are deeply connected with Cecily, they must take action. They planned to give the speech a week after the 21st volume was released.

Since it wasn't a personal matter but a national one, the Academy would likely grant permission for an extended leave. Royals like Cecily are symbolic by their very existence, something the Academy understands well.

"Look, son-in-law, are you really a prophet?"

"No, I'm not."

It was natural for Descal and Aisilia to suspect me of being a prophet. I somehow managed to gloss over this part.

What's left is to see the release of the 21st volume and the speech Cecily will give in Helium.

This is something I have more than 80% stake in, so I subtly suggested to Cecily.

I asked if I could help with her upcoming speech, just as I had written a speech for Arwen.

But Cecily shook her head and politely refused with a clear smile.

"It's okay. I can't always rely on help."

"Are you really okay?"

"Yes. There are things I've wanted to say when our demon race finally saw the light. I want to say those."

Hearing this, I realized once again that Cecily is the princess of the demon race.

Since she stood above her people and harbored a mindset for the demons more than anyone else, the content of her speech itself didn't matter.

The most important thing is that her heart is properly conveyed. And sincerity is the best way to deliver one's heart.

Moreover, while Arwen faced unexpected social turmoil, Cecily is preparing for a well-anticipated future. This does not mean that Arwen's abilities are inferior to Cecily's. As seen before, Arwen's speech skills alone are outstanding.

"Isaac."

"Yes?"

"Thank you so much. For being born into this world."

Her red eyes, filled with affection, looked at me. Half-closed eyes and slightly curved lips radiated a subtle charm. I silently stared at her beauty, which seemed to encompass all the beauty of the world, and then I chuckled.

Thanking me for being born is quite a profound statement. She must be thinking of me as a reincarnator to say something like that.

Now, I don't have the energy or the thought to deny it. I reached out as I looked at Cecily lying on the bed. At first, I touched her face, then moved up to caress her horns. Her horns, gradually turning red.

When I touched her horns, Cecily closed her eyes to feel the sensation. Although there are no sensory organs in the horns themselves, the act of touching them gives demons a great sense of comfort.

"Noona."

"Yes, Isaac."

"Contrary to what you think, I was really a nobody. Or rather, I used to be. I was nothing more than a stone rolling on the street."

I answered in the past tense, talking about my previous life, not the world I live in now. When I brought up my past life, Cecily rested her face on my chest, listening intently. Because of the close contact, I could feel a soft sensation against my arm.

We've already mixed bodies, so there's nothing to be embarrassed about. I continued speaking while stroking her horns and beautiful hair.

"This is not me being humble or lying. I wasn't as physically strong or as much of a leader as Xenon, nor did I have the will to sacrifice myself for someone like Jin. I was an utterly ordinary person, busy laughing and playing outside."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'm not as great as you think I am."

The memories of my past life are deeply rooted. Even though I've somewhat adapted now, those memories create a sense of disparity.

I was a plain writer in my previous life, but in this world, I'm praised as a great literary figure. It's almost like a light novel story.

This is why I remain humble and don't easily reveal myself as Xenon. The common sense from my past life as an ordinary citizen is still deeply ingrained in me, creating a subtle gap.

"So, having many women..."

"...What?"

"Was polygamy accepted?"

At that point, I had nothing to say. We all know that, except for unique cases like in the Middle East, most countries only allow monogamy.

But look at me now. I've already spent the first night with three women, and I can't even guess how many more will join in the future.

"Is that not the case?"

"... ..."

Reading my expression, Cecily gave me a knowing smile, confirming her suspicion. I had no response to that, so I just smiled bitterly.

Maybe I have an inherent womanizer trait that was hidden before.

With Marie, we started dating because we liked each other. In Cecily's case, she pleaded so earnestly that I couldn't refuse. And after the second time, the third was easy. Adelia also liked me as a person, so even Marie accepted her easily.

Leona also became my wife due to cultural differences, but she doesn't seem to mind much. It feels more like she's seeing me as a pet rather than a husband.

Of course, I have to consider that the social culture here is entirely different from my previous life. This is a hierarchical society with royalty and nobility, whereas my past life was a society where everyone was equal.

Despite this, the reason I could accept multiple women, even with my clear memories of my past life, is that I've fully adapted to this world.

'Adapted, my foot.'

It's just that my hidden womanizer nature has surfaced. With no other explanation, I just stroked Cecily's hair. She didn't seem to mind, smiling lightly and snuggling closer to me.

"Isaac."

"Yes, Noona."

"No matter what happens, I'll stay by your side. It may not be enough to repay the kindness you've shown our demon race, but at least, as Xenon's woman, I won't be lacking."

Not lacking was an understatement. I looked at Cecily's face as she spoke with devotion, almost loyalty. Seeing her resting against my chest with her eyes closed, I couldn't help but find her adorable.

Lately, Cecily has been openly expressing her affection, which has been increasing Marie's jealousy day by day. Fortunately, we're in Helium, otherwise, if we were at the academy, bad rumors would undoubtedly spread.

'I need to do my best too.'

For now, I'll give my best to Cecily, but I'll never show favoritism. If any of my women feel neglected, it would be my fault.

Not just Cecily, but Marie, Adelia, and lastly Leona. These three women have also formed relationships with me.

Hmm. No matter how I think about it, I need to keep writing diligently. The problem is, the story is about to reach its conclusion.

After finishing Xenon's Biography, I planned to write a novel related to World War II. However, I wonder if that novel will generate as much divine power as Xenon's Biography.

While Xenon's Biography is more like a hopeful (?) epic, the theme of World War II is 'gray.'

'Will divine power significantly increase if it contributes to scientific or cultural development?'

There were the self-fulfilling incidents in Xenon's Biography that granted me divine power. However, I'm unsure about scientific and cultural advancement.

If the World War II novel is published, the possibility of another divine power surge is close to zero, but instead, scientific technology will advance significantly.

Eins has already invented not just the magic engine but also the automobile. The foundation of the industrial revolution is already solidly in place.

I don't know when magic locomotives will appear, but World War II will act as a propellant for scientific development. The dwarves will probably create something strange again, but that's not my concern.

While I was lost in thought, Cecily began to breathe evenly, indicating she had fallen asleep, resting her face on my chest with a look of utmost peace. I watched her sleeping face and smiled softly. It's always striking how beautiful people look even when they're asleep.

'But what does Mora mean by a choice coming in a month?'

I thought as I gently stroked Cecily's hair. Mora had given me a rare, serious prophecy. She kindly explained that no matter what choice I make, it will open up a path of hardship, even if there is no immediate danger.

'The most likely scenario is...'

I shifted my gaze to Cecily's horns. They were mostly red, indicating that her 'fertile period' was approaching. Demons, like elves, have a fertile period every six months.

However, since she has conquered her inner devil, her desires won't explode during this period. Unless I foolishly fail to use contraception, the chances of Cecily getting pregnant are extremely low.

'Could it be that contraception will fail?'

Contraception in this world is not as foolproof as in my previous life. If my past life had a 99% success rate, this world is around 97%.

You might think that a mere 2% difference is insignificant, but considering the frequency of my relations with my lovers, it's quite a high probability.

Don't understand? Imagine rolling a die and getting the same number three times in a row. It's a 1 in 216 chance.

You might think it's overreacting about pregnancy, but looking at the tension between Marie and Cecily so far, you can somewhat understand my concern. If Cecily gets pregnant first, it will cause a major upheaval. Moreover, it will greatly impact her life at the academy.

I hope this isn't the case, but the high possibility is making me anxious.

'If it's not that, then...'

I couldn't quite grasp what kind of choice I have to make. I stared up at the dark ceiling and slowly closed my eyes.

For now, I'll think about the upcoming speech and focus on writing the 22nd volume. That's the conclusion I've reached.

Oh, and I also need to make sure to use birth control.

'...No.'

I'm already paying the price for my choices. I glanced at Cecily again.

Her skin was glowing and taut even in the darkness, as if she was thoroughly satisfied with today.

It's not just Cecily, the other women were the same. Marie is starting to shine with beauty, like a flower in full bloom, and Adelia's characteristic smile has become even prettier.

Meanwhile, I've become a body that can't survive without divine power. Even though I receive it daily, it's still just as exhausting.

'...I should work out more too.'

The thought of asking my father for physical training suddenly crossed my mind.

Anyway, as the summer vacation spent in Helium ended, the academy's opening day arrived.

[In the midst of readers' worries, concerns, and expectations, Xenon's Biography Volume 21 has been released! But its content...]

Xenon's Biography Volume 21 also made its appearance in the public eye. As soon as Volume 21 was released, readers hurried to check on Jin's condition.

At the end of Volume 20, Jin had his chest pierced by Gluttony. In fact, it wasn't just pierced; a large hole was made, enough to see the background behind him.

A wound that would be fatal not just to ordinary humans but even to much stronger demons. With trembling hands, readers turned the pages.

Could Jin really be dead? If he dies, what will happen to Lily?

No way. He can't die, right? No matter what, he's part of the protagonist's side.

But Kyir died as soon as the side story was released. Ah, that's true, but still, Jin...

As seen from the above comments, a wide range of reactions poured in. The biggest concern for readers was whether Jin would survive.

And as Jin completely subdued his inner demon and regained his sanity, readers breathed a sigh of relief, but it also caused a huge stir.

[Is it really possible for a demon to subdue their inner devil?]

[Even if it's possible, wouldn't they have to live their whole life as a devil?]

[No matter how much it's Xenon's Biography, the risk is too high. Demons should never try this.]

The theory of not suppressing the inner devil but subduing and 'controlling' it. This theory shocked not only demons but other races as well.

On the surface, demons have horns and many are handsome and beautiful, but their most significant feature is their inner devil.

A darkness that turns them into devils if they experience tragedy or despair. That is the essence and identity of demons.

Since the founding of Helium, demons have upheld self-restraint as a creed, but Xenon's Biography contains content that completely denies that creed.

Even the demons of Helium, who revere Xenon as a saint, had to reluctantly admit... This was a bit much

[Look at Lilith. She became a devil and a member of the Seven Deadly Sins, yet she maintained her sanity.]

[In fact, if you look at her end, you can see that she never forgot her beloved.]

[If one becomes a devil, they might initially go on a rampage, but perhaps with a certain trigger, they can maintain their sanity?]

However, the setting of Lilith, a high-ranking devil, which had been overlooked until now, began to receive renewed attention, and the story began to change.

Lilith is a devilized demon who maintained her sanity while acting under the orders of Diablos.

As a result, readers couldn't help but be impressed. Especially with Sakran's last words serving as foreshadowing for Jin's devilization, creating a synergy.

While chaos and understanding repeated themselves and people spent bewildering days, Helium officially announced a statement.

[A week from today, we will conduct a nationwide address.]

[We have things to show and inform everyone about, which will be closely related to Xenon.]

[It will be a significant day proving that we are not devils.]

Helium's nationwide address not only invited its citizens but also foreign dignitaries. This announcement alone caused another uproar.

Where is Helium? It's a nation that had been semi-forced into isolation until now but only recently began to see the light of day through Xenon's Biography.

Although it hasn't been determined whether it's a powerful country or just an ordinary one, everyone knows it has great potential.

Most importantly, Helium has never officially invited foreign dignitaries before. This is essentially the first time.

For other countries, it was an opportunity to gauge the size of Helium, while for Helium, it was a platform to freely express their intentions.

While the world was buzzing with excitement, Isaac...

"Huh? What?"

Realized something as he read the newspaper about Lilith, who maintains her sanity even as a devil.

"I didn't think about this when I wrote it."

It was a setting error.