Chapter 72

■ Chapter 71. Aftermath (2) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

The rough draft of the first volume of the Xeon Chronicles was stolen. This news alone was enough to turn the world upside down.

If it were a handwritten copy or a first edition by the publisher, it might have been overlooked, but this was the rough draft. The manuscript that Isaac had written by hand and sent to the publisher.

It is a very important cultural artifact, not only leaving a significant mark on the cultural scene but also historically. The theft of such an item is a very serious matter.

The news spread in just a few days. The shock of the incident was so great that newspapers churned out special reports as if they were coming off a factory line.

As a result, people gathered again to demand an explanation from the publisher, but the crowd soon dispersed.

High-ranking officials, dispatched from the royal palace, began to investigate the safe themselves, sensing the severity of the situation. People returned to their daily tasks, wary of getting caught in the crossfire.

However, they all shared a common worry: the fear that Isaac might be so angry that he would indefinitely suspend the series.

For now, all they could do was hope that the higher-ups would conduct a thorough investigation.

The investigation gradually narrowed down the suspects to a werewolf and an elf.

The time and efficiency of the operation suggested it was not the work of a human, and dwarves, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, would not have removed the door of the safe in such a manner.

Information emerged that the demon did not use their characteristic black mana, so they were ruled out as suspects.

Therefore, the remaining suspects were the werewolf and the elf. These two possessed unparalleled physical abilities, and the elf, in particular, had magical abilities that no other race could match.

However, there was one major issue.

What was the purpose of the thief in stealing the rough draft of the Xeon Chronicles? What benefit could be gained from it?

Experts were stumped on this point, and the investigation made little progress. For now, the only option was to locate the rough draft.

Given its immense value, it was highly likely that it would be sold on the black market or through a dark auction route. The royal palace was aware of this and began a thorough investigation.

The biggest concern was Isaac. People were anxious because the rough draft, which he had written by hand, had been stolen.

This anxiety fueled the investigation, but unfortunately, the thief left almost no evidence, making it difficult to find any leads.

Moreover, the countries of the elves, Alvenheim, and the werewolves, Animus, protested. Not just individuals, but the nations themselves.

Both countries presented plausible reasons, which only made the case more confusing. Naturally, the hearts of the Xeon Chronicles' fans grew increasingly anxious.

What if Isaac were to declare a hiatus? People waited anxiously for an official statement from Isaac.

Amidst this turmoil, how was Isaac, one of the biggest victims, faring?

Was he angry, sad, or taking it in stride?

His letter arrived at the publisher about a week after the incident. As always, it was a long letter, but the gist was as follows:

Another major bombshell had been dropped.

* * *

The news that the rough draft was stolen from the publisher just a day after I handed it over was a huge shock. I had anticipated that there would be a commotion, but I never imagined it would be stolen so quickly.

Even more shockingly, the method of the theft was incredibly crude. The thief didn't even know the safe's combination but simply ripped off the door. I couldn't help but feel more absurd than angry.

I have no idea what the thief's motive was, but one thing is certain.

"...I'm so frustrated."

I was on the verge of losing my temper. I'm usually known for being stoic and don't often show my emotions.

However, the fact that I expressed my frustration so openly indicated how angry I was. Honestly, anyone in my position would be furious.

The Xeon Chronicles is not a web novel stored on a computer but a novel I wrote by hand. Naturally, I have a deep attachment to it.

Moreover, anyone would be angry if a valuable item they entrusted to someone else was stolen. However, it's difficult to hold the publisher responsible, as they likely never imagined someone would rip off the safe's door.

This only made me angrier. What kind of lunatic would go to such lengths to steal my rough draft?

Given its immense value, the thief might be planning to sell it somewhere, but the likelihood of that is low.

Based on the investigation, the thief is not just a common thief but possibly part of a powerful organization that even high-ranking officials would hesitate to confront.

'Why?'

What was the thief's motive? If caught, the thief would face national condemnation and severe consequences.

I sighed deeply, increasingly puzzled by the thief's motives. This was the first manuscript I wrote after reincarnating, and its loss felt disheartening.

"Isaac? Are you okay?"

"... ..."

While I was sighing in frustration, Maria, who was sitting next to me, asked with concern. I turned my head at the sound of her voice.

When I turned, I saw Maria's face, filled with genuine concern.

"...Maria."

"Yes, Isaac."

"Come here for a moment."

Although we were in a lecture hall, there weren't many people around, and no one was unaware of our relationship.

Maria, after a moment of surprise at my low voice, obediently followed my request. When I opened my arms, she seemed to understand my intention and smiled, spreading her arms as well.

Poof—

They say a hug is the most effective and simple way to alleviate depression. As soon as I hugged her, the gloom in my heart began to lift.

As always, hugging Maria was healing. I buried my face in her like a child.

I wished we could stay like this forever, but with many people watching, I had to pull back, albeit reluctantly.

"Are you feeling better now?"

After the hug, Maria asked with a slightly embarrassed expression, her cheeks slightly flushed.

I nodded with a gentle smile. I wanted to kiss her, but the lecture hall made it difficult to do so.

"Don't worry too much. The royal palace is investigating, so they'll likely catch the thief soon. I want to help, but with the royal palace involved, it might be difficult."

"Just being by my side is enough."

"Wow... hug me again."

Moved by the moment, Maria spread her arms, asking for another hug. I happily obliged, hugging her once more.

This was the second time we shared warmth in the lecture hall. I didn't care about the whispers around us.

It was a bit embarrassing, but I felt good.

"Now you're openly advertising that you're a couple?"

As we pulled apart, a familiar voice came from behind. I turned to see Cecil, looking at us with a seductive gaze.

At first glance, she seemed to be enjoying the scene, but from my perspective, her gaze felt strange.

"Jealous? Jealous? Even if you're jealous, I won't give Isaac to you."

Maria pulled me close and hugged me tightly, teasing Cecil. She probably thought Cecil was asking out of jealousy.

Cecil shrugged and silently stepped back, her eyes still fixed on me, tinged with a hint of red.

'By the way, where's Lina?'

The lecture was about to start, but there was no sign of Lina. She might have taken a personal day due to the theft of the rough draft.

After all, the protests had only recently subsided, and such a major incident would keep her busy. She wouldn't be able to focus on her studies.

'She'll manage.'

No, she has to manage.

The royal palace would have to find the thief to avoid proving their incompetence. Moreover, Lina would have to work tirelessly to improve our relationship, which was on the verge of collapse.

For now, the only thing I can do is check in with Lina every few days. This is a problem even my father can't solve, so I have to wait.

'But who in their right mind would steal the rough draft?'

If I ever find out, I want to see the thief's face and give them a good beating for tampering with someone else's property.

* * *

"Did you hear the news? The rough draft of the Xeon Chronicles was stolen."

"What? What are you talking about? Wasn't the rough draft released yesterday?"

"Yes, but it was stolen just a day later. Some guy apparently ripped off the safe's door."

"Wow. What a lunatic. This is going to be a big mess."

"I heard the royal palace has dispatched an investigation team. The situation is getting more serious."

Taverns are always lively in the evening. Many people discuss the day's events or drink heavily until they are in a stupor.

In this lively atmosphere, a lone figure sat quietly. Dressed in a robe, her face was hard to see, but her slender build and the slightly exposed face were very refined.

From this, one could guess she was a woman with a unique copper-colored skin. Sitting alone at a table, she sipped her beer and quickly scanned her surroundings.

'Fortunately, there are no trackers.'

Had she committed a crime? She reassured herself while touching her right chest.

The 'valuable item' she had obtained today, despite the risks, was safely stored there. Although it was made by a dwarf and enchanted, making it difficult to work with, it held little significance to her.

Although she had to resort to brute force to remove the door due to the difficulty of using mana, the good outcome made it worth it.

'The queen will be pleased.'

She touched her long, pointed ears, imagining the smile of the queen she served.

Uniquely, unlike a typical elf, her ears were partially cut off.