Chapter 283: Bombshell Statement (2)

As you can tell from my clumsy and often bumbling demeanor, I tend to make a lot of mistakes.

More precisely, I'm terrible at lying. According to others, my true feelings are always visible in my expressions and eyes.

So, I've mostly stopped lying, but I still make a lot of mistakes. Many of these mistakes have snowballed into bigger issues.

In that sense, Lilith is a result of one of my mistakes. Originally, she shouldn't remember her past lover at all, her new memories should overwrite the old ones.

From the moment she joined Diablos' ranks, she was supposed to be reborn under a new name, regaining all her memories only at the very end.

The very fact that she remembers her "name" is proof that she's maintaining her sanity.

'But what's done is done...'

Technically, it's a clear setting error, but after Volume 21 was released, there was a strange phenomenon where Lilith started being re-evaluated.

There was even a hypothesis, quite baffling to me as the author, that Lilith might have subdued her inner devil out of revenge.

This unexpected development not only improved the work's overall quality but also unraveled unforeseen foreshadowing.

I had no intention of explaining this, so I kept my mouth shut, and the positive reviews kept pouring in.

However, the most significant event triggered by the release of Volume 21 was undoubtedly related to Helium.

The scene where Jin subdues his inner devil gave demons both hope and doubt.

Because of this, the announcement of a speech in Helium garnered everyone's attention.

Especially since this was the first time in history that Helium invited foreign dignitaries for a nationwide address. Naturally, all eyes were on them.

This event might even attract more attention than the mixed-blood incident in Alvenheim.

Of course, the Minerva Empire plans to send dignitaries as well. Not only Leort and Rina but also Duke Requilis will attend.

The different approach compared to the speech in Alvenheim is due to the different national circumstances.

Both countries were conducting nationwide addresses, but while Alvenheim has had active exchanges under Arwen's rule, this is Helium's very first time.

Although it's a nationwide address, it signifies something like a bird taking flight from its cage.

Moreover, unlike Alvenheim, Helium has been semi-forced into isolation. Due to recent diplomatic efforts, neither side knows much about the other.

All that's known is that the Xenon exhibition showcased the superior culture of the demons, almost nothing else has been confirmed.

As a result, foreign dignitaries were bound to flock to Helium to assess its potential.

Some came to evaluate Helium's capabilities, others to understand its ideology, and some to see if it's truly as gloomy as rumored.

With various motives and goals, nobles from many countries headed to Helium, including the Minerva Empire, the Kingdom of Ters, the Republic of Velua, and other smaller nations.

Although Queen Arwen of Alvenheim sent a representative due to state affairs, it's still a significant event.

"Isaac, you're impressive every time I see you."

"What?"

"Every time you publish a book, the whole world gets stirred up. Starting with Alvenheim, then Xavier, and now Helium. Is our empire next?"

Before the speech began, I arrived in Helium early with Cecily's help, and I heard Rina's question, making me smile wryly.

It's understandable that Rina thinks this way since every time I release a new book, a specific country goes into an uproar.

Also, I understand why she pinpointed Alvenheim as the starting point instead of Helium.

Rina is referring to the ideology that shakes the very foundation of a country.

Even though the perception of demons has completely changed, their ideology has not. The same goes for other countries.

However, in Alvenheim, the mixed-blood issue surfaced, and in Xavier, the existence of a corrupt cardinal fractured national significance.

Now it's Helium. Due to the contents of Volume 21, Helium's foundational beliefs are being shaken.

"Um... I'm not sure."

So, I answered thoughtlessly. I genuinely don't know anything about it.

While the incident in Alvenheim was completely unexpected, preparations can be made in advance for the situations in Xavier and Helium.

In that sense, I predict that the next focus will be the Kingdom of Ters, not the Minerva Empire.

Although Volume 21 ended ambiguously due to a failure in pacing, Volume 22 will delve into the full-blown revenge of Envy.

Perhaps then, the Kingdom of Ters will be pricked and step back, especially Hiriya.

Of course, this is just a prediction and not certain. I'm no prophet, so how could I know?

"Your acting skills have improved since I last saw you. Keep it up like that."

I genuinely didn't know, but Rina seemed satisfied with my response, even if it was due to some misunderstanding on her part.

As I stared at Rina with a puzzled expression, I shifted my gaze forward. Ahead, I saw a crowd of people gathered together.

These weren't just demons, but dignitaries from all over the world. Among them, I could see not only humans but also other races.

The dazzling array of colors was almost overwhelming, but witnessing such a scene in Helium felt quite novel.

"Helium must be pretty nervous. It's the first time they've invited so many guests since their founding."

"Isn't this your first time in Helium too, Rina?"

Marie, standing beside me, questioned Rina's assessment.

Given their statuses, they should be using formal language, but neither seemed to mind.

"Of course, it's my first time. I wanted to come before, but I've been too busy with the empire's affairs. In fact, I had to carve out time to attend this speech."

"Busy?"

"Yeah. Thanks to someone."

Rina smiled brightly at Marie's question, then glanced at me. There was a faint hint of resentment in her smile, making me smile awkwardly in response.

She is the princess of the empire, wielding immense power and authority, second only to the emperor and Leorte.

Because of all the various incidents sparked by Xenon's Biography, she has been extremely busy.

I've heard that she was swamped with work and the exhibition. Fortunately, unlike other countries, the Minerva Empire hasn't faced any major crises.

Considering how Arwen from Alvenheim had to work non-stop during the mixed-blood incident, Rina's situation seems comparatively better.

"Isaac and I have been busy playing in Helium~ Being a princess isn't all it's cracked up to be, huh?"

Marie teased Rina with a playful expression, aware of the situation.

Although she would eventually have to deal with political battles when she marries me, her situation would be much better than Rina's.

Her brother, Kay, will inherit the title of Duke of Requilis, and once I reveal myself as Xenon, our future will be bright.

Our status is already elevated to the point where, as long as I don't do anything outrageous, political attacks will be futile. Furthermore, I have strong allies by my side.

Marie's playful teasing comes from knowing she has this support.

"..."

Rina made a face as if she wanted to punch Marie for her teasing.

However, given her past mistakes and my presence beside her, she restrained herself.

Although it wouldn't matter much if she did lash out, Rina has had a rough time due to the hiatus incident and finds it difficult to treat me carelessly.

Rina sighed deeply, shook her head, and spoke in a resigned tone.

"Yeah, I envy you. Some of us are slaving away at work while others are just having fun with their boyfriend..."

"Hehe."

Marie, thinking she had successfully jabbed at Rina, clung to my arm and laughed brightly. She seemed like a playful child, but her cuteness made me simply pat her head affectionately.

Furthermore, this conversation itself was a sign that Marie and Rina had grown closer.

In the past, they would have ignored each other or Marie would have openly shown her dislike.

Knowing this, Rina just gave a small smile at Marie without showing any signs of displeasure.

"Let's move forward. It looks like the speech is about to start."

I pointed ahead, mediating between the two women. The plaza was already crowded with people.

Like in Alvenheim, Helium's nobles sat at the front, and the dignitaries' seats were a bit further back.

"Adelia noona, you can sit over there."

"Understood."

Adelia, who had been quietly standing guard, returned to her seat. Once we were seated, a strange sensation spread through my body.

It was the same feeling I had during Arwen's speech. Call it déjà vu, but it was a vivid reminder that I was in a foreign land.

Helium, although familiar due to frequent visits, is a country inhabited by non-humans.

I looked around carefully to see if I recognized anyone.

"Oh."

"..."

Then, I locked eyes with a pair of light blue eyes. It was the second princess of the Kingdom of Ters, Hiriya.

She glared at me with her characteristic sharp gaze, then glanced back and forth between me and Adelia, who was sitting far away.

Judging by her displeased expression, she still harbored ill feelings towards Adelia.

I wondered how narrow-minded one could be to hold onto such a grudge. At times like this, even Rina from the past seemed more reasonable.

'When will she give up?'

I gave Hiriya a slight nod and then shifted my gaze elsewhere, continuing to look for familiar faces.

With Helium's first opening after being semi-forced into isolation, more dignitaries were present than at the Alvenheim speech.

Among them was an unexpected figure.

'Ka-Kate?'

It was Kate, a cardinal of the Luminous Order and the person who personally brought judgment upon the corrupt clergyman.

I didn't know when she had arrived in Helium, but she was seated in the dignitaries' section with her holy knights in tow.

In essence, this indirectly implies that Xavier wants to trade with Helium.

However, given Xavier's history of massacring demons in a fit of fanaticism, their relationship with Helium is bound to be strained.

Even now, Helium's nobles are casting meaningful glances at Kate.

'It must be that important.'

For Helium, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only leap but soar towards the world. It's also a chance for the entire race to evolve.

In this sense, Cecily's speech could become a historic oration that changes the future, or it might just be an average address.

Having seen various historical records, I knew her speech had to be great.

The pressure is immense, but no one knows when such an opportunity will come again.

Hoping fervently that she delivers a speech as compelling as Arwen's, I waited silently.

Though I wasn't the one giving the speech, my heart pounded with nervous anticipation.

"Hey, is that..."

"Seems like it."

"That woman is Princess Cecily."

As I waited quietly, murmurs from the front reached my ears.

Judging by the mention of Cecily's name, it seemed she had made her appearance. I craned my neck like a meerkat.

Though she hadn't yet stepped onto the podium, I could see Cecily ascending slowly.

Instead of her usual revealing black dress, she wore a simple red dress.

Since it was a speech and not a social event, she seemed to have opted for a more modest attire.

"..."

"..."

As soon as Cecily appeared on the podium, the buzzing plaza fell silent.

Not just the demons but also the guests from afar focused their attention on her. Eyes of various colors, not just red, gazed at her.

I heard occasional praises about her beauty, but I didn't pay much attention.

How much time passed like that, I couldn't tell. Cecily looked around the audience and then locked eyes with me.

She smiled brightly, cleared her throat a few times, and then began to speak quietly.

[Hello. Dear citizens and esteemed guests from faraway lands visiting Helium. My name is Cecily Drat Aisilia Vin. I am the princess of Helium, the sanctuary of demons, and...]

For some reason, I was reminded of her first entrance ceremony speech. Back then, her speech was really...

[The benefactor of Demons, Xenon's, woman.]

It was incredibly good... What?

"What?"

What did she say?

Translators note: