Chapter 22

■ Chapter 21. Steam Locomotive (3) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

I couldn't help but furrow my brow as I listened to the information Mari had told me. Since I am the author of the Xenon Chronicles, why would she bring up such a story? For a moment, I thought it might be a bluff or a lie.

However, upon careful consideration, the possibility of it being a bluff seemed low. If she were really lying, there would be no need to tell me this in such a secretive manner. Mari must have judged it to be important information and asked me to lend her an ear.

‘…What is it?’

In the previous life, there was a famous meme about a "Hongcheol team without Hongcheol." It refers to a situation where everything is perfect except for the most crucial part. A similar phrase is "red bean paste bread without the red bean paste."

And the current situation is exactly like that. The author himself is right in front of me, yet she says a strange person has been invited. I can't help but be bewildered.

‘…Did Father make a mistake?’

I briefly organized my thoughts and then faced Mari. She was grinning, seemingly confident that I wouldn't refuse her proposal.

First, I needed to confirm the facts, setting aside other doubts. I maintained my composure and asked quietly.

“…Is it true?”

“Yeah.”

“Really the author of the Xenon Chronicles?”

“Of course. Don't you believe me?”

It's hard not to doubt. After all, the real author is right here, yet a strange person has been invited.

However, I couldn't reveal my true thoughts, so it was best to try to understand the circumstances as much as possible.

“Of course. As you know, it's been a year since the Xenon Chronicles were released. During that year, all sorts of speculations about the author's identity have been rampant, but there hasn't been any solid clue. Even the royal family couldn't find any leads.”

“Yeah, that's right.”

“But they found someone? How?”

“I don't know the details. The letter only said they found the author and would invite them to our mansion. Dad said he stumbled upon a clue by chance.”

Hearing this, I recalled how my manuscript reached the publisher. Although I don't know the specifics, Father mentioned he had someone deliver the manuscript to the publisher.

Given his background as the former leader of the Navy Knights, he must have a wide network of contacts. Perhaps that's how the clue was found.

Moreover, before coming to the academy, Father mentioned that while he could hide it for now, it would eventually be discovered.

I absentmindedly rubbed the pen cap and then asked another question.

“Is there any possibility of it being a fraud?”

“Nah. What kind of lunatic would impersonate a noble, especially a duke's family? If it were really a fraud, they'd be so bold as to have no fear at all.”

“Hmm… That's true.”

Could Father have made a mistake? It's not impossible, and it's a bit worrying.

However, the world is vast, and there are many lunatics. It could be a clever use of common sense. As Mari said, no one would dare to deceive a duke, but there are people who risk their lives for a big score.

‘First, the possibility of it being a fraud is high…’

If they only said they found the author, it might be different, but since they said they invited the author to the mansion, the likelihood of it being a fraud is higher.

Therefore, it's best to send a letter home to understand the situation. It's also wise to consider the worst-case scenario.

After organizing all my thoughts, I let out a long sigh and then looked at Mari, speaking quietly.

“So?”

“Huh?”

“What do you want me to do? Do you have a request?”

The topic had come full circle. If Mari was sharing such confidential information, she must have something she wants from me.

Mari's expression momentarily turned blank, then she smiled sheepishly. Her confident demeanor was gone, leaving only embarrassment.

“…Do you accept the proposal?”

“What proposal?”

“When the author comes to the mansion, I'll take you along. You're a fan of the Xenon Chronicles, right? It would be nice to get an autograph.”

An autograph… Come to think of it, in my previous life, I didn't have a unique signature. The only one I had was a hastily scribbled one.

But hearing it from Mari, I felt the importance of having a signature. At least in this situation, it could help identify a fraud. It would be good to include a signature in the next manuscript.

‘Just a signature won't be enough to track someone down.’

Even on Earth, with its advanced scientific technology, that would be difficult. Even with magic, it wouldn't be used for such trivial matters.

In any case, I decided to accept her proposal. Whether it's a fraud or not, I want to see the situation for myself.

“Alright. What do you want?”

Mari maintained a shy expression and answered in a small voice.

“Can you teach me some history?”

“History?”

“Yeah.”

“Why suddenly? You hate history, don't you?”

“Well…”

The situation Mari described was roughly this:

As everyone knows, a certain score is needed to advance to the next grade. So, Mari is focusing on the subjects she's interested in, excluding a few, including history, to review the knowledge she learned from her family.

However, after receiving a letter from her family, the situation changed dramatically. Her father, Duke Rekilis, set a condition for her.

To score at least 90 points in history. If not, she wouldn't be allowed to read the Xenon Chronicles ever again.

While it was unclear why he singled out history, her explanation made sense.

“Our Rekilis family values history. We believe that by learning from past mistakes, we can correct the present and secure the future. That's why we've been teaching history from the beginning.”

“An ideology passed down through generations?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm…”

I was impressed. I already knew the Rekilis family had a solid foundation, but they were even wiser than I thought.

This is why the family has remained strong for hundreds of years since the founding of the Minerva Empire.

However, I doubt the family education is that good. Mari's dislike of history might stem from rebellion.

In my previous life, one reason children dislike studying is due to parental pressure.

I asked Mari if my guess was correct.

“Is that why you hate history? Because the family always pushes you?”

“Yeah! How did you know?”

“There are such things.”

Mari looked at me with admiration, but I continued.

“But is it okay for a student to teach another student? I don't really mind. It's just a review, so it should be fine.”

“Probably not considered cheating, so it should be okay. If not, we can do it secretly.”

“What do you mean secretly?”

While we were talking, a familiar voice intruded. It was a voice that could stir the hearts of many men.

Both Mari and I turned to the source of the voice. Cecil had taken a seat behind us, her eyes half-closed and a playful expression on her face.

I asked Cecil, who had appeared without me noticing, in a somewhat stern tone.

“…When did you get here?”

“Just now. I saw your seat was empty, so I came over.”

As soon as Cecil answered, I checked where Lina was. Lina was surrounded by chattering female students.

I knew Cecil also had many students around her, so I was curious how she managed to slip away.

“Anyway, can you answer my question first? What were you talking about secretly?”

“Uh…”

I didn't answer immediately and looked at Mari. She was clearly uncomfortable.

While I hesitated, Mari, who usually got along well with Cecil, spoke up in a blunt tone.

“It's nothing much. Isaac agreed to help me with my history studies.”

“History? Didn't you say you hate history?”

Cecil's eyes widened in surprise. She clearly knew Mari disliked history.

Mari sighed deeply and spoke in a slightly lower tone.

“…The family wants me to get a good score in history. If I don't get at least 90 points, I won't be allowed to read the Xenon Chronicles ever again.”

“Aha. So you asked Isaac for help? He knows a lot about history, right.”

Mari nodded, not intending to deny it. Cecil looked at me with interest.

I was taken aback by her piercing red eyes. They reminded me of a predator eyeing its prey. It was unsettling.

“Can I join in too?”

As expected, my unease was justified. Mari, who seemed to have anticipated this, answered with a resigned tone.

“Sure, go ahead. It's up to Isaac, not me.”

“Can I join?”

“…Sure.”

I couldn't say no for fear of future complications. Cecil smiled and thanked me.

Although it was a bit burdensome, seeing a beautiful woman like Cecil smile made my face feel hot.

I cleared my throat to regain my composure and change the topic.

“…Miss Cecil? I have a question, is that okay?”

“The reason you fought with Lina?”

“Huh?”

How did she know? Does she have some kind of mind-reading ability?

I was momentarily flustered, but Cecil chuckled.

“You might not know, but Isaac's thoughts are written all over his face. Mari, do you agree?”

“Somewhat.”

“…Is it that obvious?”

I touched my face, feeling embarrassed. I thought I was good at acting, but it seems I was mistaken.

Mari laughed at my flustered expression.

“Remember the time you accidentally gave me that drawing? Your face turned pale in an instant. Anyone could tell you were flustered.”

“Yeah, but… Ah.”

Changing the color of one's face is beyond control. Even the best actor can't change their face color at will.

“…Let's move on. Miss Cecil.”

“Yeah.”

“Why did you fight with Miss Lina?”

“It's nothing much. We've already made up.”

“Then why did you fight in the first place?”

Cecil shrugged and answered kindly.

“Lina revealed almost all the content of the 8th volume of the Xenon Chronicles.”

“… …”

It was a reasonable reason.

* * *

Time passed, and it was the end of the humanities lecture.

While Isaac was in the bathroom, the white-haired beauty, Mari, was staring at a drawing. Cecil, who had finished her notes and stood up, asked Mari.

“Mari, do you want to go to the bathroom?”

“Huh? Not really.”

“Okay. What are you looking at now?”

Cecil showed interest in the drawing Mari was holding. Mari glanced at Cecil and explained calmly.

“It's an illustration from the 8th volume of the Xenon Chronicles. It's a steam locomotive, a significant element in the story. Do you want me to tell you more?”

“No. Absolutely not. If you tell me, I'll know, right?”

“Alright then.”

Cecil left the classroom. Mari, now alone, focused more on the drawing.

“Hmm…”

This drawing, the steam locomotive, is a key element in the 8th volume of the Xenon Chronicles. It's a masterpiece invented by a quirky dwarf who dedicated his life to fulfilling his mentor's last wish.

While most people are still focused on the early parts criticizing the nobility, interest in the steam locomotive is also significant.

Some believe it's impossible to create such a means of transportation, while others think it could advance civilization by several stages if invented.

However, what caught Mari's attention was the appearance of the steam locomotive. It has a cylindrical body, wheels at the bottom, and a steam-emitting mechanism on the head, resembling horns.

Mari had seen something similar before.

“Similar, but not quite…”

She scratched her cheek, feeling uncertain.