Chapter 85

■ Chapter 84. Rest (3) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

Literature, art, language, technology, play, religion, customs, daily life, architecture, and so on.

Culture (文化) comes in various forms, and the power it holds is incredibly strong, beyond words.

If a culture is good, it has the effect of making people follow it 'voluntarily.' Like a drop of ink in clean water, the power of culture slowly influences from within, not from the surface.

It is not a superficial notion implanted through brainwashing or education, but something naturally followed upon exposure to the culture, making its effect outstanding.

In this world, which is close to the medieval era, the most influential culture is undoubtedly 'art.'

Art, as previously mentioned, includes music, painting, sculpture, and crafts, and the masters acclaimed as the best in each field hold a formidable status in the world.

Moreover, in the art world, not only humans but also elves, who laid the foundation of civilization, and dwarves, known as the race of craftsmen, are involved.

The beastmen, being a combat race, had little interest in art, and the demons focused on human rights movements (?) rather than art, so they had nothing to boast about.

The Kingdom of Ters, a nation of culture, early on realized the power of culture and concentrated on developing cultural strength. As a result, it grew into a powerful nation that even the Minerva Empire could not treat lightly.

The Minerva Empire, with its formidable military and economic power, could not pressure the Kingdom of Ters, as the culture that originated in Ters had already permeated the roots of the empire.

Although they wanted to conquer through force, the culture was so powerful that not only other countries but even the empire's own people were hesitant. Therefore, they changed their strategy to erode Ters' culture and maintain a balance.

If the cultural power of the Minerva Empire became similar to that of the Kingdom of Ters, the title of a cultural powerhouse would lose its luster, providing an opportunity. The Kingdom of Ters is also aware of this and is currently engaged in a fierce cultural war with the empire.

“I understand that, but why are you holding the exhibition in our territory, not in the capital? And you're even delaying the opening of Halo Academy.”

I asked the woman sitting opposite me with a hint of dissatisfaction and bewilderment. Honestly, I found it hard to grasp what was going on.

The woman with golden hair, Lina, sitting opposite me, smiled bitterly, looking more worn out than before. It seemed she had nothing to say either.

However, to understand, one must know. Lina, aware of this, quietly spoke.

“...At first, we had no intention of holding the exhibition in the empire. You are not yet subordinate to the empire, and all the renowned artists are in the Kingdom of Ters. We just wanted to show that our empire is making efforts.”

“But then the Kingdom of Ters suddenly handed the exhibition to the empire?”

“Yes. I don’t know why.”

Lina answered, sighing deeply, as if the current situation was frustrating. I was taken aback by her answer but calmed myself down.

We were in the reception room of the Maison family's mansion. As soon as the decision to hold the exhibition in our territory was made, Lina came to see me.

Actually, not only Lina but Leort also came, and he went to see my father first. He was probably having a conversation in a different reception room by now.

‘According to my mother, it’s not just a simple exhibition…’

I sipped the tea brought by the maid and recalled the information my mother had given me.

Until I heard from my mother, I thought it was just a concept similar to 'fan art,' but after listening to her, it was far beyond that.

In the context of my previous life, the Lirus Orchestra is like Beethoven composing and performing, and the painter Imaar is like Leonardo da Vinci exhibiting his works.

Going further, the theater group can be compared to Hollywood.

My handwritten work, the Zeon Chronicles, has brought together stars from all over the world to form a galaxy.

‘A culture that anyone can enjoy…’

With this phenomenon, new cultures are also emerging.

Originally, the art in this world, fitting the medieval era, had a profound aspect, but after the Zeon Chronicles appeared, the paradigm began to change.

It shifted from a culture that required a certain level of education to interpret to one that anyone could enjoy casually.

Using terms from my previous life, it could be called 'snack culture,' but there are many differences.

The snack culture of literature emerged with the spread of the internet and smartphones, and since this work has become a global hit, no one knows how it will evolve.

I thought deeply about the influence of the Zeon Chronicles and carefully placed the teacup down. The clinking sound made Lina's blue eyes fix on me.

“Putting aside the Kingdom of Ters, why our territory? Are you openly telling everyone that the author of the Zeon Chronicles lives here?”

My sharp question made Lina wave her hands in surprise, a reaction very different from her usual composed demeanor.

This means she respects me as an equal and is reflecting on her past mistakes. While I was thinking this, Lina hurriedly explained.

“No, absolutely not. The decision to hold the exhibition in the Maison territory was purely coincidental. I’m sorry, but the Maison territory, which was recently allocated, has almost no distinctive features. However, as a territory granted to a hero who guarded the border, it has great potential for development.”

“I heard that the development of the territory will start three years from now…”

I recalled the information as I listened to Lina’s explanation.

I think I heard it from the coachman on the way to the academy. Anyway, I definitely heard it somewhere.

“Yes. It has great potential for development and is not far from the capital, so the Maison territory was naturally chosen. Besides, Sir Hawk has no interest in politics, so it’s fine to support him.”

“I’m afraid my father will get more gray hair. Did you reach an agreement with him?”

“My brother is probably persuading him right now. Of course, Sir Hawk will prioritize your opinion…”

Lina trailed off, looking at me. If it were before, she would have pressured me with a smile, but now she is politely asking.

I thought deeply in this strangely reversed relationship. To be honest, I want to agree immediately.

However, considering the scale of the exhibition, it’s not easy to accept. As Lina said, our territory has potential but no distinctive features.

Unlike other territories, we don’t have special products, diverse food, or valuable minerals. We have none of these.

That doesn’t mean my father, as the lord, lacks ability. He received the title of baron just five years ago and was officially granted the territory two years ago.

The mansion itself has been there since I was born, but he officially received the territory after he retired.

“Hmm…”

I thought and thought. Should I look at reality or the works of the masters?

If I agree but my father disagrees, it won’t happen, and if my father agrees but I don’t want it, it won’t happen.

In the end, I need to consult with my father. I looked at Lina, who was waiting for my answer, and shared my thoughts.

“I’ll talk to my father. Even if I’m okay with it, there are many practical difficulties.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. There are only two weeks left until the exhibition. During this time, the capital and the palace will provide support. Since the distance between the Maison territory and the capital is close, it can be resolved in four days.”

Lina, rarely showing such enthusiasm, had a clear determination in her blue eyes, indicating she would not give up easily.

Indeed, in the context of my previous life, this event is comparable to the Olympics. Giving up would mean losing money and fame, and that opportunity would naturally go to the Kingdom of Ters.

Perhaps the Kingdom of Ters is targeting this point, saying, “You’re doing this, but what are you doing?”

On the surface, it’s an exhibition for fans of the Zeon Chronicles, but politically, it’s a complex event.

To ordinary people, it’s just an international festival, but to politicians, it’s a very complex festival.

‘I need to prepare for any eventuality.’

If my identity is revealed, the situation will become complicated.

Of course, I have the ultimate scam skill, 'discontinuation' or 'cessation,' so I am relatively safe.

However, the world is vast, and there are many crazy people. As seen in the manuscript theft incident, some crazy person might target me.

Until now, I have been cautious about revealing my identity due to these concerns, but I gained confidence after the manuscript theft incident.

I thought for a moment and then asked Lina a question that came to mind.

“What if it’s not possible?”

“We’ll have to hold it in the capital. The capital is currently saturated, so it will be difficult to hold it normally, but it’s possible with some effort.”

“So the reason for holding it in our territory is because it’s empty and easier to set up?”

“Exactly.”

“Do you know who will attend?”

For such a large-scale event, there are always VIPs.

Considering the relationship between the Minerva Empire and the Kingdom of Ters, the rulers of each country will not attend personally but will send representatives.

Sure enough, the names Lina mentioned were very familiar to me.

“First, as you might expect, my brother and I will attend, and the Duke of Rekilis will also participate. Cecil from Helium might visit. From the Kingdom of Ters, Minister Victor of Culture will visit.”

The title of Minister of Culture might sound a bit funny, but considering the characteristics of the Kingdom of Ters, it is a very high-ranking position, probably comparable to the Duke of Rekilis.

As a host, the lineup is impressive. Still, as the saying goes, 'knowing the enemy and knowing yourself ensures victory,' so with thorough preparation, at least it won’t fail.

“Any other countries?”

“The Seevior Church might send a bishop. I’m not sure about the Velus Kingdom. They will come because they want to, not for political reasons.”

As the outline became clearer, I started to plan in my mind. The royal side will handle everything, but it’s good to have a face to represent us.

My father is not unknown and even has the title of the Red Lion, so there’s no worry about being ignored. If it doesn’t work out, he can just attend as a visitor.

‘I need to pay more attention to security.’

Our territory, which hasn’t started development, rarely has crimes, but you never know.

Most importantly, I’m worried about something else. Since the exhibition is being held in our territory, not the capital, there will surely be people who are suspicious.

The manuscripts from volumes 2 to 10 are all in my personal desk drawer, securely locked. However, considering the manuscript theft incident, it’s wise to be prepared.

“Lina, I have one request…”

“About maintaining security? Don’t worry. The palace will send a knight squad.”

How do the people around me read my thoughts so well? It’s amazing.

Still, since the palace is sending a knight squad, I should be grateful. I bowed my head and thanked her.

“Thank you. To be honest, I also wanted to see the exhibition. If it goes smoothly, I’ll definitely repay you.”

“No, there’s no need to repay. We need to work harder to avoid tarnishing the empire’s name. You just need to enjoy the works of the artists.”

“It’s going to be very tight, and you’ll have to work hard. Can you really prepare everything in two weeks?”

Although the scale is much smaller than the Olympics and it’s an event born out of fandom, it’s a very important matter for leaders like Lina.

Most importantly, with the original author right in front of her, she must feel even more pressure.

Lina smiled bitterly at my concern and answered in a low voice.

“We have to, even if it’s difficult. Our empire has plenty of money. Even if it looks rushed, we won’t fail to make it.”

She then looked at me intently and muttered.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Hmm.”

It seems there are many complex reasons for choosing our territory.

I looked at Lina’s dark expression and offered words of encouragement.

“Hang in there.”

I’ll just prepare and enjoy the popcorn.

* * *

After that, news of major figures from various countries attending the exhibition started to come out one after another.

Concerns grew that the exhibition might not be an exhibition at all, and as more nobles gathered, the common people started to notice.

The artists, feeling the increasing scrutiny, gradually felt burdened. They held the exhibition out of respect and fandom for the Zeon Chronicles, but the outside world was in chaos.

If this continued, the original purpose of 'a culture that anyone can enjoy' would likely fade.

A week before the exhibition, if it weren’t for Isaac’s words.

As soon as those words were spoken, something amazing happened. All news about who from which country would attend disappeared, and only the news that the exhibition was being prepared remained.

Thanks to this, the exhibition, which had become politically complex, could return to its original meaning as a festival.

The artists no longer felt burdened and could focus on their work.

When everyone who loved the Zeon Chronicles was smiling happily, there was one person who couldn’t smile…

“Damn. The old men in the Senate. They missed the timing.”

Queen Arwen of Alvenheim, who missed the timing due to wrangling with the Senate, frowned as she looked at the newspaper Rain had delivered.

If she officially announced her attendance in this warm atmosphere, it would be like pouring salt on the wound.

Originally, she planned to attend the exhibition to satisfy her personal interests and to find information about the author, but the Senate strongly opposed.

They said there was no need for them to go to such a place and that the people should come to Alvenheim instead.

Arwen stared at the newspaper for a while and then muttered.

“…It won’t work. I can do it in a day.”