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How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World-Chapter 227: Book 17 (2)
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The 17th volume portrays the intimate romance between Jin and Lily, while unfolding events occurring within the Holy Kingdom. Although the Holy Kingdom was originally favorable to the allianceβs establishment, upon hearing the news of having to unite with demons, they refused. The reason is simple and clear: demons can turn into devils at any moment.
(TL: Clarification, Holy Kingdom in the book and Holy Kingdom Xavier in Isaacs world are spelled differently and it would be more accurate to call Xavier a βTheocracyβ but I donβt want to change it now. Thus I will try to use Xavier instead of βHoly Kingdomβ Xavier when possible to avoid confusion.)
As mentioned before, even if the readers knew, the characters in the book didnβt directly witness Sakranβs noble sacrifice. Only a few priests who witnessed his final moments treat demons as humans, the upper echelons remain unchanged. Even Jin, who had served as Lilyβs guardian knight since childhood, finds himself in a situation of suspicion. While Jin himself was accustomed to such discrimination, the circumstances make it frustrating.
Moreover, the veterans tend to grow stagnant, and unfortunately, the cardinals, all of whom were aged elders, further slowed down progress.
Afterward, Jin and Lily postponed the formation of the Allied Forces and headed to an inn for the night⦠Only to be attacked without doing anything. The clues regarding the mastermind behind the attackers are found thereafter, concluding Volume 17.
Because hints and clues about the mastermind have been scattered throughout, someone with good deduction skills could easily realize who the culprit is. Anyway, all truths will be revealed in Volume 18, so thereβs no issue.
[Xavierβs Holy See assures that the contents are unrelated to Xenonβs Biography under the name of Luminous.]
This was the βdeclarationβ released by Xavierβs Holy See as soon as Volume 17 emerged.
Yeah, itβs nothing but a declaration. Since they were the first ones to claim that Xenonβs Biography is a prophecy, that Xenon is a βregressorβ or something, itβs natural theyβd be rattled.
Amidst the diminishing discriminatory views towards demons, Helium now possessed enough power from the perspective of other nations to make them drool.
Not only exceptional in dwarf-level item crafting ability but also possessing a force with each individual demon comparable to tactical weaponry.
Each of these aspects was a sweet fruit, and since the nation of Helium possesses them all, itβd result in significant loss if anyone were to view it unfavorably.
However, due to its characteristic as a βHoly Nation,β even if criticized from within Helium, it might not suffer significant damage. But from the perspective of other nations, theyβd need to tread cautiously.
[Demonkind in the book is still discriminated against. Thatβs why the emotions are more poignant.]
[An attack on the Saintess, especially an attack within the Holy See, is by no means normal.]
[Is there a secret battle happening within the Holy See?]
(TL: I just learned the Holy See is a thing.)
Readers began to question and analyze the part about them being attacked. After all, the Saintess should receive as much favor within the Church as the Pope himself, so the attack raised doubts. Consequently, Xavier found itself in a precarious situation. They not only had to provide explanations, but they also emphatically stated that such a thing could never happen under the name of Luminous.
Even though this scandal involving the church exploded to the point where readers were quite skeptical, itβs a nation established for the sake of the βgod,β so they chose to overlook it, at least temporarily.
Certainly, for the clergy, forming pacts with devils while evading the eyes of the gods was an unimaginable act. Even though there might be followers of the World Tree and devil worshipers, these incidents wouldnβt occur within the sacred nation.
Originally, to receive an oracle, one must undergo strict scrutiny and obtain permission from Luminous, so they firmly deny any such events. Of course, receiving an oracle might be difficult, but itβs even easy to fall into corruption afterward. As power increases, morality tends to diminish, and one becomes more susceptible to desires.
In the 18th volume, explanations about this will be provided, and as Luminous mentioned, the world will turn upside down.
[Though the attack disrupted things for a night, hope still remains.]
[They practically confessed their mutual feelings. Damn those attackersβ¦]
[I believe it will continue in the 18th volume.]
The progress between Jin and Lily, the couple, has also garnered much attention. As mentioned before, Jin and Lily are just as popular as the main characters, Xenon and Mary.
In fact, even my mother was more drawn to Jin and Lily than the main characters, indicating how high their popularity truly is.
So far, they have never directly revealed their hearts to each other. Jin was genuinely hiding his feelings, while Lily noticed Jinβs emotions but quietly waited. However, starting from Volume 17, Lily couldnβt hold back and confessed to Jin first, which must have been earth-shattering for the readers.
The ambush disrupted their night together? That doesnβt matter. Whatβs most important is that they didnβt hide their feelings. If things continue like this, itβs obvious what will happen nextβthe ending will see the birth of a lovely child between them.
βThatβs impossible.β
Jin is the final boss. Thatβs an unchanging fact, and he will consistently move towards that fate. Original works usually end tragically to deeply imprint on readersβ minds. Just like Sakran, he will sacrifice himself to protect the one he loves.
I might receive some criticism and scolding from my mother, but I have no intention of changing it. If it gets too severe, I can release a spin-off. Until then, Iβll sprinkle foreshadowing and clues for the readers, injecting a sense of foreboding. It will be an introduction of a very famous cliche, the βdeath flag,β in Xenonβs Biography.
βBut why did Kate leave? Did she understand what I said and leave because of it?β
While writing Volume 18, I pondered over Kateβs whereabouts. She returned to Xavier within just two days after the release of Volume 17 of Xenonβs Biography. Perhaps she sensed something, as the saying goes, βitβs darkest under the candle.β
Yet, from what Iβve observed, Kate is out of touch with common sense and her social skills in human relationships are very underdeveloped, almost lacking.
Itβs a bit strange that someone like that sensed something off and went back to Xavier. Or maybe thereβs an aspect of her that Iβm unaware of.
βSheβll figure it out on her own.β
From my perspective, itβs a decent situation since the priestess that occasionally sought my seed is gone. Even Marie seemed relieved upon hearing the news of Kateβs return.
My current tasks are to write Volume 18 and prepare for the anniversary. I subtly asked Marie what she wanted most.
βBut when it comes to that giftβ¦β
Thinking about what Marie might want the most as a βgift,β I smirked. She doesnβt need anything except for me to be there.
As a noble, Marie has grown without lacking anything, so if she needs anything, she can rely on the familyβs power or something like that.
Itβs me whoβs in trouble. How can I satisfy Marie? Iβve already purchased top-tier cosmetics with my motherβs help, but that doesnβt change the fact that Iβm the top priority gift.
Lately, with more women around me, Iβve become possessive. In any case, I need to come up with a solution.
ββ¦Should I at least make a wish ticket and give it to her?β
It might sound crazy, but surprisingly, it could be a good giftβ¦ or not? I donβt know. If it was my past life, I would search the internet for a suitable gift, but here, itβs quite limited.
Iβll just give cosmetics as an anniversary gift and offer the wish ticket as an extra. Iβll also write a heartfelt letter while Iβm at it.
If it was my past life, upon receiving a handwritten letter, one might have grumbled about it being old-fashioned and told your partner not to bother with such gifts. But this isnβt Earth. Itβs a time filled with emotions and romance, the late modern to early contemporary era.
βLetβs see. Thereβs about ten days left until the anniversaryβ¦ Iβll have to go see Mora soon.β
As for going to see Mora, Iβve already asked Cecily to do that for me. By the way, itβs not Gartz but she herself who plans to bring me to Helium.
Originally, I had planned to ask Gartz instead, but she insisted on personally bringing me as part of our date. Since I didnβt really mind, I easily agreed. I absolutely have to arrive on time, as I must avoid transforming into a woman at all costs.
βBut considering Moraβs personality, she might pull some prank againβ¦β
If she jokes around, I should say I wonβt come again. She might grumble a bit, but if she understands my sincerity, sheβll reluctantly accept. For now, letβs focus on writing. I need to hurry and finish Volume 18; otherwise, the bugs hiding in Xavier will run away.
βAh, right. I should expect a letter from Arwen soon.β
Thereβs just too much to do, even though thereβs already too much.
*****
Inside a carriage returning to the Xavier, at a similar time.
Kate, the inquisitor of the Churchβor rather, Grand Inquisitor Kateβsat with her eyes closed inside the carriage. Clad in white armor, her closed eyes lent her an aura of sanctity and beauty, almost befitting a saint. Her hair, reminiscent of golden fields, was tied neatly, while her long eyelashes exuded a mysterious air, painting a scene akin to a picture of a βsaintlyβ figure.
Her face, with its characteristic impassiveness, seemed distant from any torment. Sitting across from her, a priestess quietly spoke up.
βInquisitor Kate.β
ββ¦ β¦ β
At the priestessβs call, Kate slowly opened her closed eyes, meeting her gaze. Her emerald-green irises, resembling leaves, seemed to harbor a resolute determination.
She then smiled gently, a bright smile adorning her face, before speaking softly.
βYes, Priestess Aisha. What is it?β
βIβ¦ Iβm curious as to why youβre returning to the homeland. Have you completed your pilgrimage, perhapsβ¦?β
The priestess, Aisha, cautiously inquired about the reason for Kateβs return. She knew to some extent that Kate had embarked on the pilgrimage path to find Xenon. However, returning to Xavier before completing the pilgrimage seemed contradictory. The pilgrimage held great significance for clergy.
Unless under extraordinary circumstances, returning without fulfilling this duty was enough to raise questioning and suspicion.
βSurely, you havenβt found Xenonβ¦β
βNo, thatβs not it.β
Kate responded firmly, nodding her head slowly at Aishaβs questioning. Xenon, well, she did find Isaac, but she fulfilled his request and didnβt disclose it to the world. Besides, something more urgent than Xenon has arisen, so she must return.
Kate glanced at Aishaβs puzzled expression and chuckled before subtly asking,
βAisha,, what comes to mind when you hear the saying, βItβs darkest under the lampβ?β
Kate, having absorbed Isaacβs advice, delivered it word for word. Aisha blinked, then smiled and replied.
βWell, I donβt even know why itβs darkest under the lampβ¦β
Kate received the expected response and, with a wider smile than before, slowly closed her eyes. Aisha couldnβt fathom why Kate had said such a thing and looked baffled, but Kate remained silent.
Meanwhile, Kate mentally revisited Isaacβs advice and the recent Xenon incident that had emerged.
βIf the stories in the book are trueβ¦β
Though lacking in human relationships and common sense, Kate possessed an exceptional level of analytical and observational skills. She was the one who had originally uncovered the devil worshippers hidden in the Minerva Empireβs capital. She tracked them by gathering rumors, information, and meticulously tracing each clue.
The position of the Cardinal and the Grand Inquisitor is not something easily obtained by chance.
βThe mastermind is undoubtedly someone lacking in faith, probably someone who hasnβt prayed recently. Cloaked in the authority of a Cardinal, hiding behind a mask with a smile.β
She already precisely saw through who the person behind was. In other words, it means she can predict exactly how Volume 18 will unfold.
When Volume 18 comes out, there will surely be chaos even in the Xavier. Itβs probable that someone has made a pact with a devil, and itβs among the ranks of the Cardinal.
And Kate will uncover such individuals and deliver punishment. Of course, if she were to immediately punish them, it would cause her significant harm as well, so she planned to proceed slowly with her work.
Thereβs at least a fortnight remaining. She must pull them out of hiding like insects before Xenonβs Biography Volume 18 comes out.
βSo thatβs why you only told me. Surely, he must have trusted me.β
Isaac predicted such an event and informed her. He gave instructions to find those who tarnish the name of Luminous and crush their skulls.
If Volume 18 comes out and they just start searching, it will be too late. Therefore, it was a roundabout way of saying to quickly return to her home country and start the operation. freew(e)bnovel
βSir Isaac is undoubtedly someone from the future. Thatβs why he couldnβt directly say it.β
Not only that, but Kate had another conviction. Until now, people have speculated that Isaac couldnβt reveal his true identity because of the βconstraintsβ imposed by God.
Things that will happen in the future are events humans canβt handle alone, and theyβre revealed through the βbook.β The contamination of the roots of the World Tree and the worshipers of devils were examples of this.
Above all, Isaac himself gave her advice that sounded like a proverb: βItβs darkest under the lamp.β It indirectly expresses that there is a fallen clergyman in Xavier. Therefore, the conclusion is clear. Isaac is certainly someone who has returned from the future and cannot speak directly due to constraints set by God.
He is the βchosen oneβ by βGod,β blessed as a βsaint,β and finally, a βheroβ to save the tainted world. The titles that would startle Isaac if he were to hear them continued one after another, but at least Kate thinks so.
βI dared to seek the seed of such a personβ¦β
She still fell far too short. Kate hugged her belly hidden under the armor.
At least to receive his seed, she needs to further refine her faith more than now and eliminate all the dirty things. Otherwise, it would be a disrespect and insult to the saint chosen by God.
So, the foremost task is the βpurificationβ of Xavier. They are secretly defiling Luminousβs name while under his banner. Unforgivable. Kateβs subtle anger surged briefly in her heart, but when she thought of Isaac again, her mind calmed down.
βPlease wait, Isaac. I will follow your instructions.β
Following Isaacβs words was akin to following the words of Luminous.
βAnd someday, your seedβ¦β
A βpure madnessβ began to take root in Kateβs mind.
Translators note: