How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World

[The Queen of Alvenheim finally speaks out! Xenon and I are merely connected by chance, not lovers…]

[A few years ago, there was a chance meeting between Xenon and me. We’ve kept our connection since then due to our shared love for books. He also has someone he promised a future with.]

[Stop inflating rumors any further. Alvenheim is in a state of confusion due to the Council of Elders. We should focus on governing the nation from now on.]

Two days later, as agreed upon with Arwen, we made the announcement. We were not lovers, only linked by a simple connection, which has persisted until now. The reason I could give her a speech was that we used magic to stay in touch, and recently, although we’ve been too busy to communicate regularly, we still manage to see each other’s faces occasionally.

There was a hint of skepticism, not entirely unfounded, but when Arwen made the public statement, the label of “lovers” seemed to still fit… Not without lingering dubious gazes, though. Once suspicion takes root in a person’s mind, it tends to grow until it’s completely eradicated. And as Arwen made the announcement, another round of stories began to circulate.

[The Queen of Alvenheim knows Xenon’s true identity.]

With just that sentence, one can roughly anticipate the situation Arwen was about to face. Articles aside, dignitaries from various countries started to express their positions one by one. A range of statements poured in, but most of them were expressing a desire to meet Arwen promptly. From the Minerva Empire to the Ters Kingdom, the Belua Republic, and even the maritime kingdom across the sea.

For those who didn’t know Xenon, the situation was inevitable as Arwen was their only point of contact. However, Alvenheim, despite having been defeated in the racial war, was once a powerful nation.

Arwen rejected all demands, citing the need to strengthen her own position. If an envoy had visited, she diplomatically and cleverly sent them back in good terms to avoid any diplomatic issues.

Normally, they would have restrained Alvenheim, which was susceptible, but due to the situation where Arwen was the sole connection and they could potentially lose her support, they were left with no choice but to be cautious.

Thanks to Arwen, Alvenheim had gained a formidable shield and received unintended benefits.

And there’s one more thing. A piece of fortunate news reached the readers of Xenon’s Biography amidst the misfortune.

[Hello, dear readers. It’s Xenon. Lately, in various ways… (omitted)… Therefore, my right hand, with the help of a passing priest, has fully recovered. I won’t reveal their identity, but I express my gratitude to the clergyman. The new volume of Xenon’s Biography will be out in as early as two weeks, or at the latest, within a month.]

Xenon’s right hand, which was said to be badly injured, had recovered. Those readers who cared only about Xenon’s Biography rejoiced.

When it was said that his right hand was severely injured, one couldn’t fathom how distressed he must have been. At least half a year, maybe even a year, was expected for recovery, possibly even needing to write with his left hand.

But just as there are villains in the world, there are also virtuous people. One virtuous person, by chance, aided Xenon and alleviated people’s anxious hearts all at once.

[The attack by the elves is true. What about the pact?]

[Alvenheim’s queen. The pact is all lies. Xenon handled them and contacted her personally.]

[How powerful is Xenon’s force that even the elves can’t win?]

Furthermore, even strange delusions were added like seasonings. That Xenon’s strength was great enough to subdue the elves who attacked him in return.

With Arwen’s testimony, people came to regard Xenon as someone endowed with both ‘literature’ and ‘combat.’ While it was known that someone had ghostwritten for him, the focus remained solely on Xenon.

Thanks to this, Xenon’s value naturally soared. A person possessing not only knowledge but also power is a rare find in the world, let alone achieving victory against elves.

Amidst the onslaught of numerous misconceptions like a typhoon, the true protagonist…

“Are these all fan letters?”

“Yeah.”

Like being in the eye of a storm, I was peacefully reading the fan letters.

******

With my arms crossed, I glanced at the pile of fan letters on the desk. Cecily and Marie were looking at them with expressions of curiosity.

After everything was settled and I sent a letter to the publishing company, I requested fan letters. The publishing company gladly complied and sent me a substantial amount of fan letters. And this is the result.

However, the quantity was ridiculously large. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t been receiving fan letters, and in the meantime, an enormous amount has accumulated.

According to what the publishing company president told me, this is only a ‘portion.’ I can’t even fathom how many fan letters are piled up.

“Do you plan on reading all of these?”

When I was pondering which letter to read first, Cecily asked me with a hesitant voice. I heard her question and scratched my temple as I replied.

“Yes, I should read them all. They’re letters fans sent.”

“Can I read them too?”

Marie asked, her expression full of curiosity. She had decided to stay at the mansion for a while to observe the situation. About two weeks remained until the end of the vacation. We planned to stay at the mansion for about three days before returning to Helium, and during that time, Marie would stay at our mansion.

Hearing her request, I thought for a moment and nodded my head to indicate that it was okay. After all, I could just read them again if needed, so there was no problem.

“It’s fine. Just make sure to put them aside after you read them. I need to read them too.”

“Got it.”

“Isaac, what about me?”

“You can read them too, Noona.”

Saying that, I picked up one letter from the pile that was stacked high. I wasn’t sure how long it would take to read them all, but with my practiced speed-reading skills, I would likely finish them quickly. Roughly estimating, it wouldn’t take more than 1 to 2 hours. If there were any contents that seemed like “persuasion” or “threats,” I could simply discard them right away.

“If there’s anything weird written in the letters, you can just ignore it.”

“Weird content?”

“Like saying they’ll make me rich and famous if I join them or something.”

“I see. There might be things like that.”

“Well, it would be strange if there weren’t.”

Marie and Cecily both showed expressions of understanding, then each picked up a letter. As they tore open the envelopes and began to read, I also shifted my gaze to the letters.

Knowing that there was no worry of someone entering the bedroom in the meantime, as I had already informed the servants, I confirmed the sender before tearing open the envelope.

[Cherry Blossom Roseberry]

‘It’s this person again.’

Among the numerous stacked envelopes, there was a particularly noticeable pink one that caught my eye, and as expected, it was indeed from them. Among the consistent fan letters that had been coming from the beginning until now, this was one of the few people to whom I had responded.

Upon receiving my response, it seemed like they were moved, as the interval between their letters had become much shorter than before.

Rip–-

I neatly tore open the envelope, which was pink like cherry blossoms, and pulled out its contents. Then, I unfolded the letter paper that was entirely pink like the envelope and slowly began to read the contents.

[Hello, Xenon-nim! Red-tinted autumn leaves are falling, and the cold winter is already approaching. The villagers are complaining about the winter coming faster than last year. I’m curious if Xenon-nim enjoys the withered flowers of winter. I don’t like them personally.]

As expected, the elegant handwriting, like the letters I’ve received so far, was impressive. In addition, there were words imbued with a girl’s sensibility. Just like the last time, I felt it too, that a single letter can be written so sweetly, warming the heart of the reader.

If the atmosphere of Xenon’s Biography flows smoothly like a river, changing like vast waves, then this woman named Cherry must be wafting a scent of blossoms, attracting butterflies and bees.

I’ve never met her in person, not even once, but somehow, an approximate image has formed in my mind. A literary girl emitting the aura of cherry blossoms.

[Soon, I’ll be entering Halo Academy. I want to acquire as much knowledge as Xenon-nim has. My parents oppose this, but won’t there come a day when I write like Xenon-nim? Unlike an adventure, I want to focus on the love between two people, like the elf and human love story you wrote, Xenon-nim. Love is sweet but also has a bitter taste, a complex yet intense emotion. I want to write in a way that captures that feeling well.]

Cherry, the girl who will soon enter Halo Academy. As I was reading the letter slowly, a question arose in my mind, so I shifted my gaze to Marie.

Marie was concentrating with her index finger against her lips. Although I felt a bit sorry for interrupting her concentration, I wanted to resolve my curiosity.

“Marie.”

“Yeah?”

“Do you happen to know about the Roseberry family?”

“Roseberry? Are you talking about the Roseberry Viscount family known for their pink color?”

“Probably?”

As expected, just like a skilled diplomat, she even knew my middle name. As Marie and I engaged in conversation, Cecily also became attentive to our discussion.

While idly tapping her index finger against her cheek, Marie eventually began to share information about the Roseberry family.

“The Roseberry family is famous even within the Minerva Empire. Like many noble families, they’re wealthy, and they are particularly renowned for producing exceptional philosophers through generations.”

“Philosophers?”

“Yes. More than half of the philosophy books published within the Minerva Empire have come from the Roseberry family. Even the philosophy professors at the Halo Academy are graduates of the Roseberry family.”

A family that places such importance on philosophy was somewhat unique. However, considering the era, philosophy was one of the most crucial disciplines. The development of human rights in my past life was rooted in philosophy, with figures like Sakyamuni, Confucius, Plato, Nietzsche, and others. The philosophies left behind by numerous prominent individuals continued to wield significant influence in the modern world.

Moreover, philosophy was deeply intertwined with the framework of “ideology,” which moved nations. The anecdote of Hitler drawing inspiration from Nietzsche was well-known, and the father of communism, Marx, needs no introduction.

Furthermore, given that gods actually existed here, philosophy was bound to flourish even more than on Earth. It wasn’t entirely strange for a family to revolve around philosophy, and it wasn’t uncommon even in the past life.

‘It makes sense she’s exceptionally skilled at writing.’

Considering she was born and raised in a family that regarded philosophy as fundamental, it wouldn’t be surprising if her writing skills were remarkable.

As I made a convincing expression, Marie pointed to the letter I was reading and asked.

“Is that from the Roseberry family by any chance?”

“Yeah. Cherry Blossom Roseberry. She’s about to enter the academy soon.”

“Really? You might even have a chance to meet her. Even though we’re in different grades. Plus, you were appointed as a recommended student.”

“Hmm…”

Upon hearing those words, I shifted my gaze to the letter. There aren’t many people who can write so sweetly. Maybe I’ll have a chance to meet her at least once.

Of course, that’s a story for when circumstances align. For now, I’m just thinking about exchanging letters from the perspective of an author and a fan.

“Yeah, maybe we could meet.”

I shrugged and started reading the next letter.

******

In the midst of numerous headlines flooding the current news, it’s a well-known fact that many countries are striving to establish connections with Alvenheim. Creating a link with Xenon somehow could greatly advance cultural development. The leaders of each nation were putting effort into gaining Arwen’s favor in any way possible.

Among them was the Kingdom of Ters, renowned for its freedom and culture. When Fieren spread malicious rumors, they went to the Hask region with a carefree attitude, but returned empty-handed.

Only then did the Kingdom of Ters realize that Fieren had spread false information, and they couldn’t help but feel disappointed. With Xenon’s pursuit already thwarted, now even their last hope had been extinguished.

Ultimately, the Kingdom of Ters decided to proceed with its original plans.

“…So, you’re saying I have to go there?”

“It can’t be helped. It’s something you must endure for the sake of our relationship with the Minerva Empire.”

“But isn’t Lara here as well?”

“Lara is still young. And who knows what kind of impoliteness she might commit.”

King Friedrich of Ters spoke firmly while looking at the woman before him. She had sky-blue hair and eyes that flickered beneath her gaze.

Her name was Hiriya Duke von Kurchers, the second princess of the Kingdom of Ters. Unlike her older sister Adelia, who had a different aura and a lively impression, Hiriya exuded a somewhat sharp and cold beauty. Instead of the glamorous dresses that most princesses wore, she was dressed in a neat uniform, projecting a dignified image.

“But that doesn’t mean you’re sending me, right? I made myself clear. I’d rather become a knight than be dolled up like a doll.”

“I know.”

“But why are you so determined to marry me off? Is forming a connection with the Minerva Empire really that important?”

“We’re not sending you off in marriage; we’re merely spreading rumors. So don’t worry.”

“But Olivia noona…”

“Olivia really did hit it off. It’s not my fault. So, she’s still doing well, raising three children and all. The exchange with the Belua Kingdom has become much more active than before.”

“Sigh…”

Hiriya let out a frustrated sigh at Friedrich’s stubbornness. His personality was unwavering once he made a decision, and no matter how many times you asked, the answer remained the same. In order to foster better relations with the Minerva Empire, Hiriya, as one of the two princesses, would transfer to the Halo Academy.

There, she would build friendships with the crown prince or princess, thus bridging the gap between the two nations. Given the unpredictable nature of when and how war might erupt between the two countries, it wouldn’t hurt to become close.

Additionally, there was one unavoidable circumstance driving this decision. That was the fact that the Michelle Territory, where the exhibition took place, was Xenon’s homeland. With just that, the Minerva Empire enjoyed unexpected profits, while the Ters Kingdom faced an unexpected blow from the dry skies.

“…Father.”

“Why are you calling?”

“Promise me. Promise that you won’t send me away in marriage until I want it.”

“For now, I promise. But if your feelings change, I’ll be sure to listen whenever that happens.”

“There’s no way that will happen.”

With resolute determination, Hiriya responded, and then, as if something had occurred to her, she questioned Friedrich in a curious tone.

“Come to think of it, isn’t Adelia at the Hailo Academy?”

“It’s nothing to worry about. Because she has already graduated and won’t be around. It seems she’s become a knight in the service of some noble family.”

“A knight?”

“Yes. So you don’t need to worry about meeting her.”

“Hmm…”

Upon hearing this, Hiriya smiled satisfactorily and spoke quietly.

“That’s a bit disappointing.”

“Huh?”

Friedrich raised one eyebrow in a questioning expression. But in response to Hiriya’s next words, he couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

“I was actually thinking of using the pretext of a duel to teach her a lesson.”

“Hehehe.”

There were two weeks left until the academy’s reopening.

“Let’s torment her just enough. If she ends up resorting to suicide or something, it’ll be a headache.”

“I’ll consider that.”

Another storm was slowly approaching.