Chapter 21

■ Chapter 20. Steam Locomotive (2) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

It had been about two weeks since the eighth volume of the Xenon Chronicles was published. As usual, before starting another refreshing day, I picked up the newspaper that was left at my door.

There were two types of newspapers; one from the Hoitor Newspaper Company and the other from the Tootly Newspaper Company. The main difference is that the Hoitor Newspaper Company focuses primarily on humans, while the Tootly Newspaper Company covers a wide range of news without regard to race.

Since I subscribe to both newspapers, the subscription fee is a bit high, but it's not a big problem. The living expenses my parents gave me were more than enough.

"Hmm..."

After finishing a simple breakfast, I unfolded the newspapers and started looking for the news I wanted. As everyone knows, the news I'm looking for is about the recently published eighth volume of the Xenon Chronicles.

I started with the Hoitor Newspaper Company, which focuses primarily on humans. As soon as I opened the newspaper, the news I was hoping for was on the first page. I leaned forward slightly to check what was written.

Sure enough, a variety of reactions were listed. Some critics were bluntly critical, while others gave a more nuanced evaluation, accurately assessing the bitter reality. Criticizing the nobility is a sensitive and spicy topic for them, so this reaction was expected.

Still, there didn't seem to be any major issues. Honestly, at first, I wondered if it was okay to include this, but after hearing Leort's story, I was able to make a firm decision. If someone were to deliberately target me, I could simply hide or seek refuge in the royal family.

'Well, it's not just the dark side that's written about.'

While Count Kroost, who trapped Xenon, reveals the dark side of the nobility, Count Kai reveals the bright side.

That's why the evaluations of Count Kai were quite numerous. Most praised him, saying that his character represents the virtues that nobles should aspire to.

'If the Jeros Revolution hadn't happened, it might have been more dangerous.'

In this world, there is an event similar to the French Revolution on Earth. Perhaps because of this, it's rare to see nobles openly oppress or discriminate against commoners. While the habit of nobles looking down on commoners still exists, I haven't seen such a situation yet.

Moreover, as the saying goes, 'a single eel can muddy the water,' there are many nobles with solid principles. For example, the Rekilis Dukedom, Mari's family, practices noblesse oblige.

Since the Duke, who ranks just below the Emperor, lives by this motto, the nobles below him can't help but follow suit.

I carefully examined the reactions from various countries and flipped the page. Since the Hoitor Newspaper Company is based in the Minerva Empire, the evaluations from other countries are in the back.

"Hmm..."

As expected, the Ters Kingdom is showing the most intense reaction. Since the Jeros Revolution broke out in the Ters Kingdom, they are particularly sensitive to such stories.

Interestingly, almost everyone is enthusiastically criticizing Count Kroost. Not just commoners, but nobles and even the royal family are no different. They are all united in their joy at Count Kroost's downfall.

'They say there's not much difference between commoners and nobles in the Ters Kingdom, right?'

The Ters Kingdom practices a form of constitutional monarchy. It means not to govern arbitrarily but to refrain from governing as one pleases. Perhaps because they have gone through a period of turmoil, nobles who discriminate are severely punished.

I continued flipping through the newspaper and checked the time. It's time to go to class. I've only read the Hoitor Newspaper so far, and I haven't even flipped through the Tootly Newspaper.

'I'll just read it after class is over.'

I put the newspaper on the bed and got ready to go to the lecture hall. Before going out, I made sure to check if I had my lecture notes. I don't want to make a critical mistake like last time.

As I stepped outside, the refreshing morning air greeted me. I walked to the lecture hall with a light step.

'By the way, how do they buy the Xenon Chronicles at the academy?'

When the news of the Xenon Chronicles being published came out, an enormous crowd gathered in front of the bookstore.

I was more bewildered than shocked. By now, they must have swept everything up.

My parents have the first edition, so there should be no problem for them, but my sister and brother are another matter. Even the author can't buy the book except for the first edition, so I wonder how they will get it.

'It's amazing how they've managed to buy it so far.'

While thinking about this, I arrived at the lecture hall. As soon as I entered, various conversations reached my ears.

"Did you read the 8th volume that came out?"

"Of course. It's a bit bitter, but it was as expected."

"No noble would let a commoner achieve such accomplishments without restraint. What would have happened if it actually occurred?"

"Hey, did you buy the one that came out? If you did, can you lend it to me?"

"No. I haven't finished reading it yet."

These are conversations I can now hear with one ear and let go with the other. I've heard them so many times that I can easily brush them off. More importantly, I need to check if my acquaintances are seated.

I sat in an empty seat and looked around the lecture hall.

"Miss Cecil, have you read the 8th volume of the Xenon Chronicles that came out?"

"No, I haven't even bought it yet."

"Oh, I see. I can lend it to you if you want."

"That's okay. I'm curious about the content, but I can wait."

The only face I saw was Cecil's, and many female students were gathered around her.

Cecil was making an awkward expression as she answered the questions from the female students one by one. She seemed uncomfortable with the current situation.

I was briefly puzzled by the absence of Lina, but then I noticed she was sitting separately. Looking at where Lina was sitting, I saw that many female students were also gathered around her.

"What do you think, Miss Lina? Even if it's just a novel, don't you think it's too over the top?"

"Hmm... I don't know. If we don't do anything wrong, we can be confident. If I were in Xenon's position, I would try to recruit him as a hero. There are many such examples."

"Then why do you think Xenon refused the noble title? Count Kai even encouraged him to join his knight order, saying he could become a noble."

"Given Xenon's personality, he probably thinks being a free adventurer is better than being a noble."

Unlike Cecil, who was flustered, Lina was calmly and elegantly handling the female students, almost like an adult telling a fun story to children. I almost laughed.

'Why is she sitting separately?'

Cecil and Lina usually stick together. I've never seen them apart.

But now they are separated, and quite far from each other. Given that they usually stick together, it's natural to be curious.

'Did they have a fight?'

I alternated my gaze between the two, who were struggling with the female students, and then looked forward. It's not something I need to worry about right now.

'But where is Mari...?'

As soon as I thought this, someone sat next to me and greeted me brightly.

"Hi!"

Speak of the devil.

Mari smiled and waved at me. I waved back and greeted her casually.

"...Hi."

"What's wrong? Why such a reaction?"

"Nothing."

I was a bit puzzled by why she, who usually comes to the lecture hall early, was here at this time, but I didn't press the issue.

Since Cecil and Lina are sitting separately and surrounded by female students, she might have chosen to sit next to me.

During this time, Mari asked me about my weekend with her usual energetic voice.

"What did you do over the weekend?"

"I read a book."

"What book? The 8th volume of the Xenon Chronicles?"

"No. A history book."

"Eh? A history book?"

Mari made a face as if she had heard something she couldn't bear to listen to. As I've mentioned before, she hates history to the point of shuddering.

I nodded silently, and Mari spoke in a tone that suggested she couldn't understand.

"Why do you read such a boring thing? When you have the Xenon Chronicles."

"I find it interesting."

Moreover, Professor Elena's research room is filled with history books and papers I've never encountered before. These days, I enjoy reading them.

Teaching Cindy composition is like asking for a headache. Her comprehension is so poor that I have to break everything down for her to understand. Still, she has passion, so I can't bring myself to scold her.

"Anyway, everyone has different tastes. By the way..."

Mari glanced back and trailed off. Her gaze was directed at Cecil and Lina.

She then shook her head and said with a tone that suggested she couldn't do anything about it.

"They're still like that."

"Did something happen?"

"Oh, you wouldn't know. They had a fight at a cafe yesterday."

Sure enough, they had a fight. I had a rough idea, but I was still surprised.

I alternated my gaze between Lina and Cecil, who were still surrounded by female students, and asked Mari.

"Why? What did they fight about?"

"I don't know. I just happened to pass by."

"Hmm..."

Did they have a reason to fight? I couldn't think of anything.

"Anyway, did you read the new volume of the Xenon Chronicles that was published?"

While I was thinking, Mari asked me with a slightly excited tone. I snapped out of my thoughts and faced her.

Her eyes were slightly squinted, and she had a smug look on her face. For some reason, it felt annoying. It was as if she was feeling superior. I raised an eyebrow and replied.

"No. What about you?"

"Hehehe."

She didn't answer but let out a strange laugh. I immediately guessed that Mari had bought the 8th volume.

And sure enough, as soon as she opened her mouth, my guess was confirmed.

"Of course. I even got the ones I couldn't get before. My dad used some influence."

"Really? You didn't break any laws, did you?"

"Of course not. I just used some connections. It's definitely not illegal, right?"

Is it really necessary to use connections just to buy a few books? Especially for a duchy with power second only to the emperor.

While I was inwardly amused, Mari said with a teasing expression.

"Jealous? If you're really that curious, I can lend it to you."

"Thanks, but I'll buy it later. It's fine even if it takes some time."

After all, I'm the author. As I said this curtly, Mari made a face as if to say, "See?"

She sighed deeply.

"Phew... If you're going to be like that, I have to tell you something you can't refuse."

"Can't refuse?"

What kind of story could make her say that? While I was wondering, Mari looked around cautiously, as if to make sure no one else was listening.

She then gestured for me to come closer. I leaned in, my curiosity growing. Mari looked flustered for a moment and then whispered.

"Hey, hey! Not your face, your ear. Your ear!"

"Oh."

I turned my face to show my ear. Mari sighed and cupped her hands around my ear to prevent any sound from escaping.

"Don't be surprised when you hear this. My dad told me something really shocking."

"Really? Did the Duke send a letter?"

"Yeah. It said..."

Mari paused and looked around again. Then she whispered in my ear.

"My dad found the author of the Xenon Chronicles."

"..."

My heart sank at those words.

"He even invited the author to our house. The author agreed happily."

"...What?"

I couldn't help but frown at her next words.

What kind of nonsense is this?