Chapter 34

■ Chapter 33. What the Hell Is This? (2) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

Discussing pairings can be laughed off, but some might think the topic of logical debate Jackson brought up is a bit odd. To put it in perspective, it's like interpreting the relationships between characters in a literary novel during a Korean language class. The story of Xeon is also structured similarly. Moreover, unlike many novels, the story of Xeon doesn't obscure the relationships, making them clear and straightforward.

Most people know the relationship between the protagonist Xeon and the heroine Mary, and the relationship between Jin and Lily. Including Xeon's comrades and assistants, the dynamics become quite complex.

“Damn. What?”

However, what Jackson said was not only absurd but also incomprehensible to me as the original author. I usually try to avoid swearing, even subconsciously, but this time it just slipped out.

Jackson, surprised that I swore, showed a slightly shocked expression, but it was brief. He then extended his index finger as if to emphasize his point and explained with his usual arrogant expression.

“Your reaction shows that you're impressed. After all, no one would have predicted that Lily would go to Xeon. Don't you think so?”

“Yeah… Now that I think about it, it does make sense.”

“It’s inevitable because their essences are different.”

When Jackson asked the audience for their opinions, most seemed to agree. I could almost see the absurdity of the situation, with someone raising their hand to leave.

Was he swayed by the rhetoric, or was there something he hadn't revealed yet? But since most people agreed, it seems the latter is more likely. These people aren't so easily convinced by just one point.

I tried to calm my boiling anger and asked Jackson. I wanted to yell, but now wasn't the time.

“…Is that all? Just because Lily shows affection towards Xeon?”

“Of course not. In the world of the Xeon saga, discrimination against demons still exists. Moreover, Lily is a promising priestess in the Order of Light. This alone is enough, but I also consider Jin's birth to be even more important.”

“Birth?”

Like a cold splash of water, the boiling anger inside me rapidly cooled down.

Until a moment ago, I thought it was all nonsense, but the mention of Jin's birth changed the story.

After all, Jin's birth is one of the most crucial plot points for the future development.

Jackson, reading my expression, smiled and continued with a confident voice.

“Right. Most people might not have noticed, but the leader of the demon hunters, Sarkan, once told Jin, ‘A demon with such large horns and a high concentration of dark mana is extremely rare.’ Additionally, in the Xeon saga, the demon blood in demons dilutes over generations.”

“… …”

“Putting it all together, Jin isn’t the offspring of two demons but rather the child of a real demon and a human. This makes his demonic traits more pronounced.”

“Wow…”

Clap, clap, clap, clap.

I genuinely applauded, impressed. The start was strange, but the process aligned with the story I wanted to tell.

Indeed, Jin is a demon who is closer to a real demon than a human. His mother was raped by a demon and gave birth to him unwillingly, and he suffered severe abuse from a young age.

Moreover, the demon who raped Jin's mother is not an ordinary demon. He is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, representing Gluttony, and has the ability to steal others' power.

This ability was inherited by Jin, who later uses it to absorb the power of the fake final boss and Great Demon, Diablo. Of course, he is eventually overwhelmed by this power and is tragically defeated by Xeon.

‘At least he’s not completely stupid.’

His actions are rude and annoying, but he’s not entirely unintelligent. He’s more like a dedicated reader of the Xeon saga.

However, being a dedicated reader doesn’t excuse his rudeness. Moreover, Jackson is currently in a situation where he has both luck and misfortune. His luck is that I am the original author of the Xeon saga, and his misfortune is also that I am the original author.

Jackson, feeling proud that I applauded, looked confident and asked, “How about it? If you have anything to say, now’s the time.”

“So, you’re saying that because of Jin’s birth and Lily’s position, they can never be together?”

“Right. You heard well…”

“But it doesn’t make sense for Lily to turn her attention to Xeon just because of that, does it?”

I interrupted Jackson, revealing my opinion. He looked bewildered, not expecting me to firmly disagree.

Jackson’s reasoning was excellent, but as the original author, I had to correct it. His explanation was plausible and could be misinterpreted by many, leading to a different understanding of my intentions.

At the very least, I want to avoid my characters being evaluated in a strange way.

“…What doesn’t make sense?”

Jackson, displeased by my rebuttal, spoke in a low voice. He seemed unhappy that his passionate reasoning was being dismissed.

Of course, Jackson’s reasoning has some valid points, so it’s worth mentioning.

“Your point about Jin’s birth is valid. It might become a significant obstacle. In fact, it’s certain to be one. The more pronounced his demonic traits, the closer he is to a demon rather than a human.”

“… …”

“But would Lily really be unaware of this fact? Having grown up with him, she would know and still stay by his side, wouldn’t she?”

The tragic love line between Jin and Lily has several reasons, one of which is their childhood friendship. Jin was abused by his own mother and suffered greatly just for being a demon. If he had grown up this way, he would have become a real demon, but his life changed completely after meeting Lily. People often say he was saved.

Lily, seeing Jin’s dedication, falls in love with him, but their different positions and circumstances prevent them from being together.

“Moreover, the favor Lily shows Xeon is more human-to-human than rational. Xeon has saved Jin from becoming a demon several times, so Lily must be very grateful. Besides, Jin and Lily know each other’s feelings well. There are many descriptions of them looking at each other and smiling, or subtly holding hands.”

“… …”

“Most importantly, Lily has given Jin flowers several times. Do you know what kind of flowers?”

Jackson frowned, thinking about my question. To save you the suspense, the flowers Lily gave Jin were lilies.

Lilies have various meanings, but the most prominent is ‘pure love.’ As her name suggests, she is openly showing her love for Jin.

“…White flowers, lilies. And the meaning of lilies is unwavering love, or pure love.”

After a moment, the answer came, but not from Jackson. It came from one of the people who had been observing us closely.

I turned to the person who answered. It was a young man with neatly combed-back brown hair, tall and with a well-built physique, likely a martial student.

He had sharp eyes and a sharp jawline, giving him a cold, handsome look.

Anyway, I needed to finish what I was saying. I turned my gaze back to Jackson, who seemed speechless after hearing the meaning of the lilies.

“Lily emphasizes that her feelings for Jin will never change by giving him lilies. Jin, knowing this, is even more dedicated. So, even if they can’t be together, it’s impossible for Lily to go to Xeon. It contradicts the plausibility and Lily’s character. Her name, Lily, is proof of this.”

“… …”

“Still, my admiration earlier was genuine. You caught the subtle foreshadowing about Jin’s birth, which is impressive. Honestly, I was a bit surprised.”

“Grr…!”

I meant it as a compliment, but it didn’t seem to sit well with Jackson. As he clenched his lips and his face turned red, I wondered if I had said something wrong, but I soon realized why.

My comment, “I was a bit surprised,” was from the perspective of the original author, but Jackson doesn’t know I’m the original author. So, he might have interpreted it as me being superior to him.

But what can I do? Once said, words can’t be taken back.

Moreover, considering Jackson’s past behavior towards me, I didn’t feel the need to correct it. Let him overreact.

“Do you also think Jin and Lily can’t be together?”

While Jackson’s face was turning red, someone asked me a question. It was the brown-haired man who had answered the question about the lilies.

His deep, pleasant voice and polite demeanor made me pause for a moment. I didn’t want to spoil the story, and in the worst case, it could lead to trouble. I have a distinctive feature that people don’t forget.

So, I thought carefully and responded, emphasizing that it was just my hypothesis.

“I’m not sure. Only the author knows, but I lean towards them not being together.”

“Why?”

“Jin is the epitome of a knight dedicated to Lily. He would willingly give his life if Lily is in danger. There are several descriptions of this.”

“Ah! Is it that? Jin’s monologue about being willing to become a demon for Lily.”

This guy knows a lot. I was taken aback by the brown-haired man’s bright expression.

He seemed cold and emotionless, but now he looked passionate about a specific aspect.

“Yeah, that’s part of it. Anyway, Jin is prepared to give his life for Lily, even if it means becoming a demon.”

“Poor guy… Will it really come to that?”

“Only the author knows. Still, I hope they end up together.”

“I’ll have to look into it when I get back to my room. It’s fascinating to hear it this way.”

After I finished speaking, the people around us started discussing among themselves. I looked at Jackson, who seemed frustrated that things didn’t go as he planned. His intense gaze was a bit unsettling.

‘Who would say such absurd things?’

Again, his only misfortune is that I am the original author of the Xeon saga. If it were someone else, his reasoning might have been convincing.

His certainty that Jin and Lily won’t be together is commendable, but the idea that Lily, a symbol of pure love, would go to Xeon is something I can’t let stand.

I looked at Jackson, who was trembling and unable to speak, and quietly asked, “Do you have anything else to say? I’m open to anything.”

“…Grr!”

The sound of his teeth grinding was clear, and he walked away, avoiding eye contact. No one paid attention as he left.

Just as I was about to leave, the brown-haired man called out to me.

“Excuse me, sir with the red hair? What’s your name?”

The cold, handsome man stopped me, and I looked at him, slightly surprised.

His face was filled with expectation and interest, and I knew I was about to get involved in something troublesome.

“…I’m Isaac. Isaac Duker Marsh.”

“Duker… Marsh?”

“Marsh, isn’t that the name of the Red Lion?”

“Now that you mention it, Assistant Nicole is also a Marsh.”

Indeed, as martial students, they started whispering when they heard the name of my father, the Red Lion.

Nicole’s name was also mentioned, and it seems she is well-known among the new students. Given her face and skills, it’s no surprise.

“Now I see… Your red hair and golden eyes are familiar. You’re the son of the Red Lion. Nice to meet you. I’m Edin Mabie Signer, the eldest son of the Signer family.”

“Nice to meet you, Edin. By the way, may I ask why you called me?”

Edin, introducing himself, answered as if it was no big deal.

“I want to talk to you, Isaac. As Jackson mentioned, everyone here is a passionate fan of the Xeon saga. I thought you might be similar, and it would be fun to chat together.”

“… …”

I’m not a fan but the original author. I smiled awkwardly at Edin’s invitation.

Still, unlike Jackson, he doesn’t seem to be looking for trouble, and I had a few questions. I decided not to refuse. It could also be a good opportunity to expand my network.

“Sure, why not. Can I get some wine first? My throat is a bit dry.”

“Ah, yes. The wine is on that table.”

I walked to the table Edin pointed to. A waiter was already there, pouring wine for me, so I didn’t have to choose myself.

The wine in the glass was a deep purple, and the aroma of grapes was invigorating.

‘Should I take a sip?’

It wouldn’t hurt to try a sip before leaving. I glanced around and took a small sip.

“…Oh.”

It wasn’t bitter at all, but had a sweet, fruity taste. Perfect for my taste.

Satisfied with the wine, I returned to my seat. The group seemed to be true fans of the Xeon saga, as it remained intact even after Jackson left. Most of their conversation revolved around the Xeon saga, and I felt a bit embarrassed listening to their diverse discussions.

“Ah, you’re back. We were just having an interesting discussion.”

“An interesting discussion?”

While I was getting the wine, they must have had a conversation. I asked, curious, and Edin nodded.

“Yes. We were discussing Mary’s background. As you know, Mary is a mage, but magic is a very difficult skill for commoners to learn. So, most people think she’s a noble, at least a count or higher.”

“Hmm… Is that so? What do you think, Edin?”

“I suspect Mary might be related to elves. The Xeon saga often describes appearances, and Mary is always mentioned as having long hair that covers her ears. Elves, like demons, are masters of magic, so hiding their ears would be easy.”

“… …”

“What do you think, Isaac?”

This guy knows too much. How does he know all this?

I was taken aback by Edin’s detailed knowledge and could only give a vague answer.

“…I’m not sure about that.”