Chapter 87

■ Chapter 86. Preparation (1) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

I was admiring the view outside the window when the next day came, and I discussed with my father and mother. I suggested that we designate Marshall Manor as a cultural city.

Just like the Kim Kwang-seok Street from my previous life, if we beautify the place based on the fact that a famous person was born there, the manor will surely develop significantly, I expressed my opinion.

Of course, I wasn't unaware of the backlash that might follow. However, I planned to keep the birthplace as it is but not reveal my actual residence.

If that happens, even if an investigation is conducted, there won't be any trouble. Even if my true identity is exposed, I said, it won't be a problem as long as I handle it well.

The manor, which had been quiet, was visibly developing, and I couldn't help but mix a bit of greed into my thoughts. Still, I judged that it wouldn't be a problem since my proposal was convincing.

And my parents' reaction to my story was...

"Hmm..."

"The idea is good, but..."

They showed an ambiguous reaction. While my father is deep in thought, it was unexpected that my mother didn't agree right away.

When I asked if it would cause political problems, my mother looked at my father in silence. After a while, my father, who had been stroking his chin in thought, looked at me with a serious expression.

"Isaac."

"Yes, Father."

"What you suggested is indeed a good thing for you and our manor. It will accelerate development and maximize tourism. It might even become a fixed venue for exhibitions."

Actually, the latter part is the main goal. I want to hold exhibitions in our manor regularly without the need to travel around.

Instead of forcing it to be only in our manor, they can reveal their works as they please before the exhibition. The exhibition is merely a platform for artists scattered around the world to gather and reveal their works.

Of course, for this to happen, my works need to maintain their popularity, but given the current situation, that's unlikely.

When I looked at my father with a questioning expression, he smiled bitterly and continued quietly.

"But that's only a short-term view. In the long run, there are many uncertainties."

"Uncertainties?"

"Yes. First, through my service as a knight in this country, I've realized a few things. For one, our empire is extremely greedy. As you know, our empire is constantly eyeing the Ters Kingdom."

My father extended his index finger and spoke in a heavy voice. I couldn't help but tilt my head in confusion.

I'm well aware of the Minerva Empire's cultural ambitions. They are trying to absorb cultures to conquer the Ters Kingdom and firmly establish their dominance over the world.

They have already maximized their military and economic power and have solidified their foundation through centuries of history. It's natural for them to turn their eyes to neighboring countries.

However, the Holy Kingdom of Sevierre is untouchable due to religious issues, and the commercial kingdom of Velua is far away. Other places are difficult to handle as they are inhabited by different races.

Therefore, the Ters Kingdom, which has been an enemy since the racial war, is their top priority. But I couldn't see the connection between making Marshall Manor a cultural city and this.

"I know that. If I ask the empire not to use it politically, won't they stop?"

"Perhaps now, but will they still do so 100 years from now?"

"Excuse me?"

"Will the empire remain idle after you're gone?"

I blinked at my father's rebuttal. I found it hard to understand, no matter how stupid I might be.

Reading my thoughts from my expression, my father explained with a serious look.

"Isaac, the true power of culture lies in its long-term impact, not just the short term. Even after you're gone, your works, including the Zeno biography, will become a part of culture. If your identity is revealed, our manor might become what you suggested."

"Then is now not the right time?"

"It's not just that, but you were born in the wrong era. Ironically."

"Excuse me?"

What did he mean by that? Born in the wrong era, of all things.

Seeing my confused and bewildered reaction, my father smiled bitterly.

"Your works will naturally increase in value after you're gone. The empire won't miss this opportunity. They might deliberately let the original manuscript be stolen by the Ters Kingdom to justify an invasion, or in the worst case, burn it and frame them."

"..."

"If the royal family is already looking for the thief of the original manuscript and threatening to exterminate three generations, what will happen if the manuscript disappears? A war could break out immediately. This shows how immense the cultural value you possess is."

Here, I realized again that this world is set in the medieval era. The common sense from my previous life doesn't apply, and it's a socially backward world.

For example, if a country in my previous life burned the original manuscript of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, many people, including the British, would be furious, but the governments of various countries would likely only issue condemnations.

If you still can't understand, China is a good example. No matter how outrageous China's actions, the affected countries can only issue condemnations and won't declare war.

Of course, this is partly because China is too powerful, but even the United States doesn't use force arbitrarily. Similarly, China can't use force without a justifiable reason.

In a highly developed society, it's difficult to draw a sword.

'...Truly a medieval era.'

However, this is a fantasy world set in the medieval era. A place where people value honor more than life and can start wars over minor pretexts, which would seem barbaric to an Earthling.

If my original manuscript is burned by a country, it could lead to a declaration of war, and the country would likely be destroyed.

As my father explained, as long as I'm alive, a war won't break out, but the problem is what happens after I'm gone. Human greed knows no bounds, and it wouldn't be strange for them to do crazy things using my works.

It's been 17 years since I was reborn in this world, but the common sense here is still hard to accept.

"...I understand. There are many issues, as you pointed out."

"Don't be too disappointed, Isaac. My words are just predictions, not certainties. There might be a time when you can achieve what you want."

Seeing me dejected, my mother comforted me. Her kind words made me feel better, but I was still disappointed.

It was a rare plan I was enthusiastic about, and the idea of it causing a butterfly effect was scary. My father wasn't wrong to say I was born in the wrong era.

My father watched me silently and then spoke gently.

"It's natural to be greedy when tangible results appear, like you. It's a normal reaction. But it might be a bit hasty right now."

"...I see."

"That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it at all. I'm just giving you advice, not forcing a choice. If you're willing to take responsibility, I'll support you willingly.

My father always gives sound advice. He was a soldier on the front lines, so he knows more than I do.

Most importantly, he was born and raised in this world. My thinking, rooted in the common sense of my previous life, can differ from his in many ways.

'The era won't develop immediately...'

How can I prevent my works from being used politically? While I'm alive, it might not be a problem, but what happens after I'm gone is the issue.

Like any parent, no one wants to give their child a terrible future. I'll eventually get married and have children, and I can't pass on such a future.

What if the cause of that future is directly related to me? Just thinking about it is horrifying.

'There's still time. I should think about it slowly.'

I almost let greed cloud my judgment. I shouldn't apply the common sense from my previous life to this world, but I overlooked even the basics.

I decided to postpone the plan to develop our manor into a cultural city and looked at my parents. They were waiting silently for me to speak.

"...It's hard to let go of my greed."

My father smiled in agreement, seeing my embarrassed smile.

"Being a man, you should have that level of ambition. Honor is a precious thing that can't be measured by money. Of course, you might find something more valuable than honor."

"Ah, you too."

My father subtly touched my mother's hand and spoke playfully. My mother, blushing, leaned on my father's sturdy shoulder.

I've seen this scene for over ten years, but I still can't get used to it. It's like an active volcano, burning fiercely with no sign of cooling down.

'Did he retire because he wanted to be with Mother, not because of the hardships of military life?'

I became genuinely curious about my parents' love story.

Regardless, my ambitious plan was postponed, but the exhibition preparations proceeded without any issues. Thanks to the royal family's support, the manor changed in real-time almost every day.

However, our family's life didn't change. I sent letters to the publisher, and my parents dealt with the piles of documents.

Of course, there were some changes.

"Hi! Our cute little one!"

"Huh? Big sister Adele? Are you going to the exhibition too?"

"Of course! How could I miss this?"

Nicole, who I thought would be at the academy during the break, entered the mansion with Adele.

Nicole is family, so that's understandable, but I didn't expect Adele to be invited to the mansion.

"Actually, I came to see our cute little one too..."

"Stop talking nonsense and I'll show you where you'll stay."

"Aah~ Why~ I just want to talk to Isaac a bit more."

"What are you up to with a boy who has a girlfriend? Stop talking and follow me."

Adele was dragged away by Nicole. Even as she was dragged, she waved happily, making me think she hasn't changed.

'She must be very close to big sister.'

Nicole has never invited anyone to our house before. She's been busy as a private tutor, and our manor isn't impressive.

But now, with the exhibition, Adele seems to have come out of curiosity and probably asked Nicole to invite her. I can imagine it, even though I didn't see it with my own eyes.

'Who else will come?'

There were reports of who from various countries would attend, but they all disappeared after I spoke. So, I don't know who will attend in detail.

'Well, I know a few people, though.'

And sure enough.

"Isaac~"

The day before the exhibition, Marie visited our mansion. She sent a letter, so I could welcome her.

"Hello. I'm Sara Hausen Rekilis, the lady of the Rekilis Dukedom. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Kai Hausen Rekilis, the eldest son of the Rekilis Dukedom. Nice to meet you."

Not only Marie, but her mother and brother also visited. I had seen her brother once before, but this was my first time meeting Sara.

Sara, with her brown hair and brown eyes, was a beautiful woman who looked exactly like Marie. She exuded a dignified and elegant aura, similar to my mother.

'But the exhibition is tomorrow, right?'

I couldn't help but wonder as I greeted them formally. If they didn't get the date wrong...

"I'm sorry, Isaac. I 'misunderstood' the date and came a day early."

"..."

"Can I stay for one day?"

Looking at Marie's smiling face, I glanced behind her.

Her mother, Sara, was also smiling, and Kai was shaking his head.

'She's getting more mischievous.'

So, what should I do? I smiled bitterly, as if reluctantly accepting.

"Alright."

The exhibition was just around the corner.

* * *

Meanwhile, at a similar time in Alvenheim...

"Understood, Rain? You must not cause any trouble this time."

"Got it, Your Majesty. I won't cause any trouble."

"Good. Let's hurry before the Senate finds out."

The two elves disappeared through teleportation.

"What should I wear? I showed this one last time, so I need to wear something different... How about this?"

"This one is better than that one..."

"Is there anything else?"

Cecily was busy choosing a dress in Helium.

'What should I wear to catch his attention?'

Thinking of Isaac in her heart.