Chapter 79

■ Chapter 78. Rekilis (2) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

In case there are any who haven't seen it, new fan art has been added to the fan art section!

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Although I was dazed by the first spicy taste of the Mari version, my steps toward the mansion did not stop. Even though my arms were still crossed, the burning sensation on my face showed no signs of subsiding. No matter how calmly I tried to act, as Mari said, it was all written on my face, so it was pointless.

“Press. Press.”

“Stop it.”

“No. I’ll do more.”

Mari pressed my face with her fingers and kept teasing me. Even when I told her to stop, she ignored me and laughed brightly.

When I asked her why, she said she was curious if red liquid would come out or something. It was so absurd that I could only laugh hollowly.

In the end, I had no choice but to give up halfway. It wasn’t particularly unpleasant, and it was Mari’s way of showing affection, so I decided to let it be.

Even if someone happened to pass by and saw us, it didn’t matter. Mari would proudly announce that we were lovers to that person as well.

As a boyfriend, I felt a bit embarrassed, but I liked her confidence. Sometimes, she seemed more manly than I did.

Thus, just as Mari was teasing me, we almost reached the mansion.

“Welcome, Miss Mari. We sincerely welcome your return to the family.”

An elderly man, who had been waiting in front of the mansion, greeted us politely. I looked at the old man, who had bowed deeply, with respect.

The first thing that caught my eye was his traditional butler’s uniform.

His gray hair was neatly combed back, and his mustache was meticulously groomed without a single strand out of place. His sturdy build, which couldn’t be hidden even by the butler’s uniform, made him look like a well-honed sword.

His appearance, which bore the marks of years of training, exuded a formidable presence that couldn’t be taken lightly.

“Hello, Butler Sebastian. It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“I am always the same. But who is the gentleman with the red hair standing next to you? He looks familiar…”

The old man, who had received Mari’s greeting, straightened his back and looked at me. I hadn’t noticed his height when he bowed, but now I could see that he was quite tall.

My father is 190 cm tall, and the butler was about the same height. Despite his age, the way he kept his back straight showed that he was a capable person.

‘I’ve heard that butler characters are usually strong…’

It must be a fantasy world thing. I didn’t back down from the butler’s sharp gaze and answered.

“Hello. I am Isaac Duker Maiyar.”

“Hmm. So you are from the Maiyar family. I see, the red hair was familiar.”

The butler, whom Mari called Sebastian, seemed to know my father’s reputation. Of course, I had no intention of mentioning it.

“Anyway, we sincerely welcome you to the Rekilis mansion. There’s no need to ask about your relationship.”

Sebastian spoke smoothly but with a hint of mischief. After all, we were still affectionately holding hands, so it would be strange if he didn’t notice.

I gave a wry smile, and Mari leaned on my shoulder, laughing even more, as if to show off our relationship. Sebastian smiled warmly at our sweet display.

“Sebastian, is anyone inside?”

“They are both inside. I heard that the master finished all his work in one day upon hearing that you were returning.”

It seems like the smell of a doting father is already wafting through the air. Honestly, if you had a daughter like Mari, anyone would become a doting father.

Of course, as her boyfriend, it’s like a huge wall has been erected. I expect a bumpy road ahead.

Mari, oblivious to my thoughts, just smiled.

“My dad is really something. He’s impossible to control.”

“First, let’s take you both inside. Young sir, would you mind staying in the guest room for a while?”

“I’m fine with that.”

“Understood. I will serve you with all my heart, even for a short time.”

As Sebastian extended his hand toward the mansion, we followed. As we started to move, Sebastian also led the way, guiding us.

Finally, we reached the front door of the mansion, which was enormous. The main gate, made of wood, featured a carved eagle, the symbol of the Rekilis family, which exuded a majestic presence as if it were about to take flight.

It was clear that a lot of effort had been put into it, as Mari had mentioned that it was designed by a dwarf.

Creak-

While I was admiring the main gate, Sebastian opened it for us and gestured for us to enter.

Just before we went in, Mari finally uncrossed her arms, which she had been holding tightly. It was so tight that it raised questions.

“At least at home, we should maintain some decorum. Don’t you think?”

When I looked at her with a puzzled expression, she spun around and said. It was a valid point, but I felt a bit disappointed.

Noticing my disappointment, Mari pinched my cheek lightly. It was as if she was asking me to bear with it a little longer.

“Let’s go to the guest room first. Please follow me.”

While Sebastian was guiding us, Mari took the opportunity to tease me. I followed his sturdy back, watching him closely.

The interior of the mansion was not as lavish as I expected, but it exuded a grandeur similar to the exterior. The colors were harmonious and simple, and the interior layout was designed to be comfortable, with only necessary items placed.

The most impressive feature was the ceiling. I had heard from Mari that the Rekilis family valued history, and the ceiling depicted a scene from the ‘Racial War’ 500 years ago.

It showed the conflict between the elves and merfolk alliance and humans, with dwarves supporting humans from a distance.

The depiction was so well-done that even those unfamiliar with history could understand its significance.

‘Since the Racial War ended and the Minerva Empire was born, it makes sense to have it painted on the ceiling.’

Anyway, I take back my comment about the lack of lavishness. The fact that such a painting was on the ceiling, which is like the sky, indicates how important it is to them.

“The Minerva Empire was just an ordinary kingdom during the Racial War. However, it was rebuilt into an empire based on the first emperor’s outstanding abilities and the Rekilis family’s political power. It has survived the cold war period after the Racial War and has reached its current state.”

While I was staring at the ceiling, Sebastian’s gentle voice reached my ears. When I looked down, he was waiting with a warm smile.

I blinked and pointed at the ceiling, asking him.

“Is this a depiction of the Racial War?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“It’s a bit disappointing that there are no demons. They were divided into two factions and participated in the war.”

During the Racial War, demons were divided into two groups: those who hated humans and those who didn’t.

However, there was no sign of demons in the current painting. While demons didn’t achieve great feats due to discrimination, they played a significant role.

Sebastian, noticing my comment, seemed to know about it and spoke with a slightly troubled tone.

“…I also find it regrettable. I heard that the artist who painted this had suffered at the hands of demons. It’s likely that’s why demons were not included.”

“Hmm…”

“But they are currently working on it, so there’s no need to worry.”

“I see.”

Although it’s a bit strange for the Rekilis family, which values history, to have omitted demons, it’s reassuring to know that they are working on it. As Sebastian resumed his guidance, Mari and I followed him.

While heading to the guest room, we noticed portraits hanging on the long corridor walls. Below each portrait was a brief description along with the year it was created.

‘These must be the heads of the Rekilis family over the years.’

Occasionally, I saw portraits of people with white hair like Mari, confirming my guess. As I slowly walked and observed the portraits, Sebastian adjusted his pace to match mine.

Mari also waited for me to finish looking. I thought she would complain about seeing the same portraits over and over, but she was considerate of me.

“…Hmm?”

While observing each portrait, I noticed a peculiar one.

The description tag was usually white, but this one had a black background.

Curious, I read the description and immediately understood.

A tiger does not always give birth to a tiger. Even the Rekilis family, known for producing outstanding individuals, has its share of villains.

The unique design of this portrait seems to suggest that it should serve as a lesson. After all, people often gain greater insights from negative history.

“Hazel Hausen Rekilis. He had great abilities but used them for evil and had a poor character. Fortunately, his son learned from his mistakes, and the Rekilis family avoided any danger.”

When I observed the portrait closely, Sebastian provided additional information.

I stroked my chin, looking at the portrait, and asked a question based on his explanation.

“Wasn’t this a sign of rebellion, collaborating with surrounding nobles? The Rekilis family is close to the royal family, so…”

“Fortunately, the next head of the family stopped it before the royal family noticed. Naturally, Duke Hazel was deposed, and his son inherited the title. That was Indis Hausen Rekilis, the current duke’s grandfather.”

“Hmm…”

Indeed, it’s fascinating. Nothing interests me more than history.

I wanted to look around more, but it wouldn’t be polite to delay, so I moved on. I can learn more about history later.

“You seem to be interested in history.”

“It’s interesting.”

“Hehehe. You fit well with the Rekilis family.”

Sebastian said this and glanced at Mari. She blushed and slightly bowed her head, noticing the meaning in his gaze.

Unlike in Rix, her shy appearance was incredibly cute. I almost reached out to hold her hand without thinking.

“This is the guest room. I will bring some light refreshments shortly. May I ask if you plan to stay overnight?”

“No, no. I’m just here for a visit. I’ll be leaving soon.”

“Understood. Please wait a moment. Ah! There are books over there, so feel free to read if you get bored.”

“Thank you.”

“Have a pleasant stay.”

Creak-

As Sebastian opened the door for me, I bowed and entered. Before entering, I made eye contact with Mari.

She looked pouty, as if she didn’t want to be separated from me, even for a short time. I smiled and mouthed to her.

‘I’ll wait for you.’

As soon as I mouthed this, she smiled brightly. She waved her hand, and I waved back.

Click-

As Sebastian closed the door, the guest room became quiet. Even though I was alone, the sudden silence made me feel a bit strange.

First, since Sebastian said he would bring refreshments later, it would be best to sit down. I turned around to look at the guest room.

“…Wow.”

I’m no longer amazed. The guest room was almost as large as a small house.

Is this what the interior of a true tycoon’s home looks like? In the center was a long table for receiving guests, and there was even a terrace outside.

Most notably, there were bookshelves in the far corner. Despite being a guest room, the bookshelves were neatly arranged, almost like a study.

I moved toward the bookshelves, curious about what books they might have. I hoped to find something I hadn’t read.

“Let’s see… I’ve read this one, and this one, and this one too.”

What? They’re all books I’ve read.

The bookshelves, as if to prove that this was the Rekilis family, were filled with history books, but they were all books I had read at home. Even if they weren’t history books, they were books I had seen at home.

It seemed that, as a room for entertaining guests, they had selected popular books. I felt a bit disappointed and was about to turn away from the bookshelves.

“… …”

A new bookshelf, empty except for a single book, caught my eye. It was my own book, from volume 1 to the recently released volume 10, neatly arranged.

Finding my own book, the Zeon Chronicles, in the guest room of a duke’s mansion, what can I say? It felt like finding a fantasy novel in the school library during high school.

‘But wasn’t it said that only one copy of the Zeon Chronicles could be purchased per person?’

I wondered as I took out the first volume of the Zeon Chronicles. It was well-maintained, with no dust and a clean cover.

There was no musty or damp smell, indicating that it was either recently purchased or meticulously cared for.

Rustle-

I flipped through the book. The paper was slightly yellowed, but considering when the first volume was released, it was well-maintained.

‘I’ll put this back. I should look at other books.’

Since it was a book I wrote, I wasn’t particularly interested. I put the Zeon Chronicles back and looked for other books.

“Hmm? I haven’t seen this one before.”

There was a book I hadn’t noticed at the bottom of the bookshelf. I pulled it out with anticipation.

Fortunately, it was a history book, especially about the complex ‘Racial War,’ which suited me perfectly.

Excited, I walked to the table and sat on the guest sofa. I could spend the time until Mari returned reading this book.

‘What a lucky find.’

With a racing heart, I turned the pages of the book. Even though it was at the bottom of the bookshelf, I could see the signs of careful maintenance.

I focused and immersed myself in the knowledge the book conveyed. Being a new book, it was even more interesting.

‘This person views the fundamental cause of the Racial War from a different perspective. This is intriguing.’

Books are a source of knowledge created by people. Naturally, since people have different thoughts, the knowledge conveyed in books can vary.

Many people believe that the Racial War was caused by ideological differences between elves and humans, but this book suggests something different. It claims that humans instigated a fabricated incident to challenge the elves.

In reality, for a major war like the Racial War to occur, a ‘just cause’ is necessary. Without a just cause, declaring war on neighboring countries would result in severe backlash, and in the worst case, it could lead to a situation like Nazi Germany in World War II.

Of course, citizens could oppose the war, but the Nazis brainwashed their own people, blinding their eyes and ears. At that time, the internet was not widespread, making brainwashing easier.

‘Thinking about it, what were the humans thinking during the Racial War? I’m curious.’

As I traced the history step by step, I naturally became curious about the thoughts of people from that era. Even if you can understand someone, you can never truly empathize with them unless you have experienced it firsthand.

I lost track of time, engrossed in the book. Even when I sensed someone passing by, I paid no attention.

It was a moment when my extreme focus kicked in.

“…Hmm.”

“… …”

“Ahem!”

Suddenly, the sound of someone clearing their throat reached my ears. My intense focus was instantly broken, and I was pulled out of the sea of knowledge.

I was momentarily annoyed by the loss of focus, but then