Chapter 44

■ Chapter 43. Crisis (2) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

I couldn't help but be stunned for a moment after reading the letter my father sent. The short and bold writing style confirmed it was definitely from him.

However, the content was so dramatic, it felt like I was reading a spy novel. It took me a while to understand it, but eventually, I couldn't help but stiffen my expression.

'...Did someone step on the tail?'

The reason I could submit my manuscript anonymously to the publisher was thanks to my father's help. I don't know exactly what he does, but I can guess he uses his connections.

Thanks to that, when *The Zayon Chronicles* became a huge hit and everyone started looking for me, I managed to stay anonymous. However, my father emphasized that I shouldn't let my guard down, as not only the royal family and nobles but also various other people are looking for me.

It seems that today, someone finally stepped on the tail. I stroked my chin and stared at the letter.

'You don't know who it is?'

The subject was neatly omitted, so I couldn't tell who stepped on the tail. Given my father's personality, he would have written the important parts even in a short letter, so it's likely he doesn't know who it is.

After all, if the person who stepped on the tail had sent someone, it would be strange if he knew who it was. Regardless, I need to be careful.

'...I need to stay vigilant.'

I don't know who stepped on the tail, and just because the tail was stepped on doesn't mean my identity is completely exposed. Still, it's best to follow my father's warning.

Honestly, there's nothing I can do. For now, I can only hope my father can cut the tail that was stepped on.

If I get too worked up, it might affect my writing and make others suspicious. So, I should act as usual but stay alert.

'But is there only one letter?'

Usually, my parents send letters together, so if my father wrote one, my mother should have written one too. My father wrote a short letter to convey the news, but my mother would have written a long letter to check on my well-being and progress.

Sure enough, as I expected, another letter was neatly tucked inside the envelope I had just torn open.

When I took out the letter and smoothed it out, the beautifully written text immediately caught my eye. This was definitely my mother's letter, known for its delicate and refined style, unlike my father's.

Reading the sentences that filled the A4-sized paper, I felt a warm feeling in my chest. Whether in my past life or this one, mothers are undoubtedly angels who only think of their children.

Sometimes, some noble housewives treat their children as political tools, but not my mother. She was just an ordinary mother.

I read my mother's heartfelt letter with a sincere smile. The elegant handwriting made my eyes naturally delighted.

It was impossible to predict what kind of person she was in the past, given that she could even influence the royal family. After all, Lina told me that she refused a baron's title and accepted a viscount's title, so she was definitely an extraordinary person.

She was like a reclusive master from a novel. However, the fact that she chose a lower title suggests she has a dark past. She announced her retirement at a very young age, which makes it even more likely.

Even after finishing the letter, the aftertaste lingered. My mother mentioned that she used to write well, and reading the letter confirmed that it was no exaggeration.

The elegant handwriting and touching phrases were perfect.

'...I mustn't disappoint her.'

Although Jin and Lily jokingly asked when their story would continue, it was just a joke. In fact, my mother dislikes it when the story is influenced by external pressure.

I read my mother's letter again, then neatly folded it and put it in the desk drawer. The first drawer contained manuscript paper and extra notebooks, while the second drawer stored letters from my parents.

'First...'

I sat in my chair and started writing a letter instead of working on *The Zayon Chronicles*. The letter was filled with worry, so I needed to reassure her.

Of course, it would be good to mention that the next volume of *The Zayon Chronicles* won't be out for at least two months due to the circumstances.

'With the tail stepped on... there's nothing I can do, so I'll just focus on writing.'

I wrote the reply with a more relaxed mind, thanks to my mother's letter.

* * *

The Minerva Empire is one of the strongest nations in human society. It boasts vast territory, and its military and economic power are so formidable that no one can match it.

Thus, every word the empire utters has a significant impact on the world, and other races cannot ignore it.

However, even the Minerva Empire has a long-standing rival, the Ters Kingdom.

Compared to the Minerva Empire, the Ters Kingdom has lower military and economic power, but it excels in one area: soft power, or "culture."

From music, literature, and education to science, technology, magic, and even the culture of other races, the Ters Kingdom boasts a vast array of cultural elements. It's safe to say that all the world's cultures are included in the Ters Kingdom.

However, the Minerva Empire has not been idle and has often pressured the Ters Kingdom, leading to cultural appropriation. A clear example is the Halo Academy, considered the world's best.

When the Minerva Empire established the academy, it poached all the professors and related craftsmen from the Ters Kingdom. This was a significant blow to the Ters Kingdom, which strongly protested and subsequently enacted strict laws to prevent it.

In any case, while the Minerva Empire is strong in visible power like military and economy, the Ters Kingdom is solid in its internal strength. It is even known as the "Land of Culture," a title even the elves recognize.

However, there were side effects. The strong cultural organization led to major incidents like the "Jeros Revolution." But the kingdom used it as a stepping stone to grow even more, so it wasn't entirely negative.

"So, you caught the tail, but it's difficult to trace it further, right?"

In a room with a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, a middle-aged man with hair tied in a single braid, reminiscent of the sky, spoke to a man standing opposite him. Despite his gentle appearance, his sharp blue eyes and tone were not to be underestimated.

The man in a black uniform, standing opposite him, bowed deeply, clearly expressing his regret.

"I apologize, Your Highness. It's due to my lack of ability."

"No, it's fine. Catching the tail is enough. How much information can you extract from the tail?"

"To be honest, there's almost nothing. He's just a messenger who takes jobs for money, and the client is hard to trace."

"Hmm..."

Friedrich Dukard von Kuchers, the king of the Ters Kingdom, placed his fist under his chin and pondered.

It was a lucky break to catch the tail, but unfortunately, it was just a lizard's tail, which detaches when caught.

When we caught the tail, we thought it would be a clue to find the mysterious author of *The Zayon Chronicles*, but it turned out to be just a useless messenger. The disappointment was as great as the expectation.

Friedrich sighed in disappointment and asked the man in front of him.

"What about the other countries? They must know we caught the tail."

"They won't act immediately. They know that catching the tail is not the end."

"True. We need to find the author first, regardless of the outcome."

While the world is searching for the author of *The Zayon Chronicles*, Isaac, the Ters Kingdom is the most enthusiastic.

The Minerva Empire, including the royal family and high-ranking nobles, is also searching, but not as fervently as the Ters Kingdom.

While the Minerva Empire is taking a passive approach to avoid driving the author away, the Ters Kingdom is gathering clues aggressively.

The reason the Ters Kingdom is searching for Isaac is simple.

"I want to find him quickly and give the Minerva bastards a big blow."

"I agree. We've lost so much that it's infuriating."

As the example of the Halo Academy shows, the Minerva Empire has stolen too many cultural assets. Although it's now prevented by law, the damage has been significant over the years.

Developing culture ultimately requires money, and the Minerva Empire has lured countless craftsmen and artists with its vast wealth. For the Ters Kingdom, this is a situation where a disaster could strike at any moment.

"Moreover, historically, no one has changed the world with just a novel like the author of *The Zayon Chronicles*. It's unprecedented."

"Yes. It's surprising that a demon princess is enrolling in the Halo Academy and will soon send an envoy to our country... It's hard to believe."

"If the author writes a critical piece about our country, it would be terrifying to imagine. Hopefully, that won't happen."

Most importantly, Isaac himself is of immense value. He has already changed the perception of demons with *The Zayon Chronicles*. If he writes a critical piece about a specific country?

In the real world, with the internet, such a book might be overlooked, but not in this world. It could be used as a "weapon" for brainwashing.

Leaders fear internal collapse more than external invasion. If the pillars fall, there's nothing they can do.

The Ters Kingdom, which suffered greatly from the Jeros Revolution, understands this better than anyone.

"I understand. I'll provide all the support you need. Find the author, but if you do, bring him 'politely.' Understood?"

"I will keep that in mind. I will bring good news soon."

"Understood. Any other news?"

"There's news about Princess Adele..."

Friedrich's expression darkened as his advisor mentioned a specific person. He didn't even want to hear the name.

"Enough. Why do I need to know about a person I've already disowned?"

"However, Your Highness, Princess Adele..."

Before the advisor could finish, Friedrich raised his hand, signaling him to stop.

"Enough. If she were my child, I would have enrolled her in the Ters Academy, not the Halo Academy. I only have four children. Remember that."

"...Understood."

Friedrich's firm words left the advisor speechless.

Still, perhaps out of a sense of conscience, Friedrich stroked his chin and thought for a moment before giving an order.

"Well, it's best to inform her. Tell her that we will soon find the author of *The Zayon Chronicles*, whom you so admired."

"...Why inform her?"

"So she won't easily take her own life. She needs hope."

"... ..."

What a twisted sense of humor. The advisor barely managed to hold back a frown.