Chapter 81

■ Chapter 80. Requies (4) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

The pen is mightier than the sword. It’s a famous saying that you might have heard once, and it carries various meanings.

What Dmitry said about “the person who holds the pen” is similar. It’s a metaphorical expression, but it could refer to a literary author who writes works with a pen, or a journalist who writes news articles.

However, we must reconsider Dmitry’s position here. Dmitry is a duke who holds the second-highest position in the Minerva Empire, just below the emperor, and is naturally closely tied to “politics.”

In other words, the person holding the pen that Dmitry mentioned is likely a politician. But since he used a metaphorical expression, it’s correct to assume it applies to everyone.

Most importantly, I could roughly guess what intention Dmitry had in asking the question. He was talking about the book, *The Zeon Chronicles*, which has not only greatly influenced the cultural sphere but has also gradually seeped into daily life.

There has never been a book that has shaped the world so profoundly, and it is undoubtedly something that those who hold the pen must be wary of.

‘I can’t help but be cautious.’

If you want to feel the power of the pen, you don’t have to go far. There’s Hitler, the protagonist of World War II, whose name no Earthling would fail to recognize.

Hitler maximized the power of the pen, brainwashing the entire German population to use them as he pleased, and further triggered World War II. That single war engulfed all of Europe in flames and played a role in awakening the two giants, the United States and the Soviet Union.

If such a catastrophe can occur with just one country, what if the influence is on a global scale? Naturally, one must be cautious.

Moreover, this is a fantasy world. It has mana, magic, monsters, and non-human races, and the social civilization is no more than medieval.

Even on Earth, where society has progressed several stages, history has been etched by a single act of incitement. This place is likely to be even more so, if not less. After all, *The Zeon Chronicles* has long held the sharp sword of the “demon race” in its grasp.

If the author of *The Zeon Chronicles*, that is, if I were to decide, I could also wield the well-honed sword of the demon race to wreak havoc. Of course, I would never do such a thing, as I am not insane.

However, this is only from my perspective. For someone like Dmitry, the story is different. *The Zeon Chronicles* is a time bomb that could explode at any moment, a dangerous element that could lead to mutual destruction if mishandled.

Furthermore, Dmitry is a member of the Requies. As he claims, he can converse with the past and glimpse the future, and his family boasts extensive knowledge of history.

Given his deep understanding of history, he must be well aware of the power that those who hold the pen possess. He considered all these aspects before asking me.

“A natural phenomenon… and history proves it?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Do you understand the meaning behind my question?”

Dmitry asked with interest and expectation, not reprimand, so I nodded silently.

A single person can influence the entire world, but when viewed in the context of the entire history, it is ultimately just a part of the flow of the era. Even Hitler from my previous life had a significant impact on the world, and his influence persisted even 50 years later.

Moreover, this world has a similar history. The “Racial War” on the table is a great war comparable to World War II, and its influence remains even 500 years later.

“The duke is speaking of the person who holds the pen in various ways, right? It could be a novelist or a politician. Both express their intentions strongly without using direct ‘force.’ Whether directly or indirectly.”

“You understand well.”

“And the pen that is changing the current world… with my limited knowledge, I can only think of *The Zeon Chronicles*. It’s not just leaving a mark on the cultural sphere but is creating a new culture.”

This is an evaluation that I find embarrassing to say myself, but it’s what the newspaper critics have said. I’m just repeating their words.

Dmitry continued to stare at me silently after hearing my explanation. His nearly expressionless face made it hard to tell what he was thinking, but it would be best to continue explaining.

“The influence of *The Zeon Chronicles* on the world is so strong that it cannot be ignored by those who hold the pen. It has not only changed the perception of the demon race but also introduced the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins, redefining theology. Depending on the story of *The Zeon Chronicles*, the target can easily change.”

“Last time, you wrote a story criticizing the nobility. Fortunately, since you also wrote about the bright side of the nobility, it didn’t cause a significant impact.”

“Yes. *The Zeon Chronicles* is slowly changing the world. As the perception of the demon race has changed, many countries have become more welcoming, leading to increased diplomatic benefits through exchanges.”

“And recently, the princess of Helium has enrolled in the Halo Academy. Things that were unimaginable just five years ago are now becoming reality.”

Dmitry then leaned forward and continued in a solemn voice.

“I am also one of the readers who love *The Zeon Chronicles*, but I can boast that I know history better than anyone. Therefore, I cannot ignore it.”

“…”

“What kind of catastrophe can occur when the world changes suddenly, you know, don’t you?”

Dmitry pointed to the books on the Racial War on the table and asked me. As he said, a sudden change in the world means that the process itself is chaos.

It doesn’t have to be a large-scale war like World War II. A prime example is the “Industrial Revolution,” which drastically changed the world.

Machines began to appear, time increased, and the world’s population exploded. However, as a counter-effect, “imperialism” emerged, and many countries were plundered and suffered great damage.

If the world changes drastically, many people will shed blood, and the pen and sword will break without a sound. Change is accompanied by pain.

Duke Requies is judging that *The Zeon Chronicles*, which is currently ongoing, will be no different.

As someone who loves and understands history deeply, he is treating *The Zeon Chronicles* not as a simple cultural work but as a powerful pen.

“Change in the world is not just about seeking progress. It inevitably has a significant impact on society, whether good or bad. In the past, there were no concepts of kings, nobles, and commoners. We initially only had the elves, the council, the ministers, and the people who formed the foundation.”

“…”

“However, as time passed and the Racial War broke out, the current form began to take shape, with kings, nobles, and commoners. But even this has many problems. The conflict between nobles and commoners has intensified, and the Jeros Revolution even occurred in the Ters Kingdom. Recently, when *The Zeon Chronicles* went on hiatus, a protest group even formed. Do you really think all of this is a natural phenomenon and has no significant meaning?”

To this, I answered without a moment’s hesitation.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Then, if the author of *The Zeon Chronicles* makes a mistake with the pen, a terrible tragedy will occur. Would you also dismiss it as a natural phenomenon? I think you are too optimistic.”

For some reason, I had the illusion that Dmitry was issuing a direct warning to me. If you make a mistake with the pen, I will deal with you myself.

However, contrary to his concerns and worries, I am writing *The Zeon Chronicles* purely as a hobby. I can guarantee that I will not change the world or do anything like that.

However, since *The Zeon Chronicles* is already changing the world, I must take responsibility. Dmitry reminded me of this again.

‘Does he have a vague suspicion that I am the author?’

For now, it’s better not to think about it and just answer. I looked at Dmitry, who was waiting for my answer with a serious face, and spoke.

“It’s not just optimism. Historically, this phenomenon has occurred several times. When society changes, people naturally change as well. Of course, there will be a lot of noise at first. People have to accept knowledge that they couldn’t accept before, which is like exploring the unknown. Humans are intellectual beings that must face change to develop, even though they fear it.”

“Hmm.”

“Since you love history, you must know this well. How we humans fought against the elves during the Racial War and how the Minerva Empire was established. To the people of that time, it was a radical change, but it is now a part of the past. For us living in the present, it is a past event that we naturally accept.”

The reason I became interested in history is simple. It’s because I was born in South Korea.

To be precise, as everyone knows, South Korea experienced the tragedy of the 6.25 War just 50 years ago. Not long after liberation, everything crumbled like a sandcastle due to one person’s greed, causing horrific casualties.

But now? South Korea has developed into a powerful nation to the point where it’s hard to believe such a war ever occurred. Although traces of the war remain in various places, you wouldn’t think so by looking at Seoul.

That’s why I became deeply interested in history. To understand how people of the past felt about what we naturally accept as the past.

I continued, maintaining eye contact with Dmitry, who was listening to my story.

“Future generations will think of this moment as just a past event. They will accept it as a matter of course.”

“…”

“It may be very confusing for us living in the present, but ultimately, we are part of the long flow of history. Future generations will see it as a natural part of history.”

“So, your point is that everything that happens in the midst of great change is, from a historical perspective, a natural occurrence. Therefore, whether you observe passively or resist, it has no meaning. Change is a natural process.”

“Yes, that’s correct. However, this is a historical perspective. In reality, it’s better to be prepared to receive a better evaluation from future generations.”

“Hmm.”

After I finished my story, Dmitry began to think, stroking his chin. I lifted my teacup to moisten my dry lips during this time.

I felt a bit drained from squeezing out the story, but the tea was sweet and fragrant.

“I understand your thoughts. It’s quite an interesting story.”

Dmitry, who had been lost in thought, smiled gently and said. I put down my teacup and replied.

“I’m glad you found it interesting. This is the limit of my limited knowledge.”

“No, it’s not. Thanks to you, I feel like I’ve resolved a dilemma. Now, I have another question. This is actually the main point and the most important part.”

Perhaps because he mentioned the most important part, I became even more tense and waited for him to speak.

Dmitry then placed his clasped hands on his face, looked at me intently, and spoke in a low voice.

“Why do you like my daughter?”

“…”

“I would like you to answer honestly. She is a man chosen by my daughter, but it’s not a problem that can be easily resolved.”

The duke’s demeanor was completely gone, and only a doting father remained. I barely suppressed a hollow laugh and forced a bitter smile.

I glanced at Marie, who was sitting next to me, and saw that she was bowing her head, clearly embarrassed. She had buried her face in her hands, indicating how embarrassed she was.

Unable to suppress a hollow laugh, I answered honestly.

“Because she’s beautiful.”

“Hey! Don’t answer!”

As I answered, Marie let out a shriek from the side. This alone was enough to embarrass her, but Dmitry added to it.

“Hmm… An honest answer. My daughter does resemble her mother and is beautiful.”

“Dad! Please!”

Marie was almost in tears.