How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World - Chapter 293: On Top of the Runner (3)

When I received the letter, I had a hunch it was Hiriya’s doing. Cherry’s visit and the information she shared confirmed my suspicions. Hiriya was currently investigating whether I was Xenon.

According to Cherry, there was a woman following me with brown hair and eyes, wearing glasses that didn’t suit her, and dressed plainly. But I knew immediately it was Hiriya.

Given the circumstances and her recent behavior, there were few others who would send me such a letter. Despite my clumsy and somewhat naive exterior, I was able to piece things together before anyone could dig too deep.

Other than Marie, those who figured out my identity had done so because they investigated thoroughly, it wasn’t something easily discernible. Unlike some, I didn’t have a broad network of connections.

I preferred deep relationships with a few rather than superficial ones with many. This trait, although a disadvantage for a noble where connections are crucial, was mitigated by my ‘abilities.’

Regardless, Hiriya’s new interest in me was neither good nor bad. Honestly, I didn’t care much. If she discovered my identity, she would likely tread carefully. If she decided I wasn’t Xenon, she would continue her usual behavior. Both scenarios had their pros and cons.

If she believed I was Xenon, Hiriya personally wouldn’t be able to do much, but if the kingdom got involved, it would be a different story. They might provoke the Minerva Empire or have some high-ranking official intervene.

Adelia, who was like a thorn in their side, could become a slight nuisance, but they might tolerate it for the nation’s benefit. They likely viewed Adelia as a concubine or spoils of war anyway.

The wildcard here was Marie, my fiancée and a member of the Requilis ducal family. There was already intense scrutiny and competition, if my identity were revealed, the Ters Kingdom would likely become even more aggressive.

As I pondered these possibilities, I realized that I had to be cautious in my actions and responses. Hiriya’s suspicions, whether they led to confirmation or dismissal, would dictate a lot of my future interactions and strategies.

Of course, I’d reject everything they proposed, but it wouldn’t stop at just being a nuisance; the situation would get complicated. This is the scenario if Hiriya realizes I’m Xenon.

If she decides I’m not, things will proceed much more smoothly. Knowing your enemy and yourself means you won’t be defeated in a hundred battles, as the saying goes. It would unfold similarly to the Senate incident.

Given Hiriya’s personality, if she thinks I don’t have backing, she will likely harass me more persistently. Adelia might also get caught in the crossfire.

But, just like with the Council situation, I could use this to make the Ters Kingdom pay dearly.

However, this requires me to reveal my true identity in front of everyone. The consequences of that are well known.

Either way, since Hiriya started suspecting me, it’s been a hassle. This is likely the choice Mora mentioned.

Should I let Hiriya realize I’m Xenon, or should I act as if nothing is different and maintain my usual routine?

Moreover, Cherry’s testimony about being stalked makes it difficult to even meet with Rina to discuss and coordinate.

To make matters worse, Rina is currently busy dealing with Cecily’s speech, Arwen’s announcement, and the impersonation incident.

Especially with the recent rapid growth of Helium and the counteractions from Alvenheim, she’s fully occupied with her duties as a princess.

In other words, the only person I can realistically discuss things with face-to-face is Marie. Additionally, Hiriya believes her stalking has gone unnoticed.

‘What a headache.’

Using this to my advantage is a headache, and ignoring it might make Hiriya realize something’s up.

Since I don’t know when, where, or how she’s stalking me, I need to be cautious in everything I do.

For now, pretending not to notice and focusing on my studies while keeping her confused seems like the best plan.

“Nom nom nom.”

“Is it good?”

“Yes!”

First, I should take care of Leona, who will be working with me as an assistant.

Since the exhibition, we hadn’t had much contact, so I thought it was time to meet up.

As expected, as soon as I invited her to the cafeteria, she eagerly ordered a T-bone steak and started eating it with great gusto.

If she had been born on Earth, she would have made a fantastic mukbang star. Watching her eat is enough to make me feel full.

“Crunch. Munch.“

Leona chewed on the meat and even the bones, her ears perking up happily as she smiled, making me smile too.

But looking at the stack of plates on the table turns my smile into an awkward one.

It’s a good thing no one else is watching, I can’t even imagine how the staff would react if they saw this.

Leona, however, paid no mind and waved her tail cheerfully.

“Ahh, that was delicious.”

Leona leaned back in her chair with a satisfied expression after finishing her fifth plate of steak.

Seeing the steak sauce still smeared around her mouth, it’s clear she’s completely full.

I chuckled, stood up, and wiped her mouth with a napkin.

“After eating, you should wipe your mouth with a napkin.”

“Oh, sorry.”

As I wiped her mouth, she obediently followed my hand. Moments like these make her feel like a pet.

It’s been a few months since she declared her intent to be my wife in front of Marie, but Marie doesn’t see Leona as a ‘competitor.’

Unlike Cecily and Adelia, Marie seems to view Leona more like a cute pet.

I shouldn’t think this way, but it really does feel like Leona is more of a trophy, raising doubts about whether this is right.

‘Leona’s mother didn’t look too happy either.’

As I wiped Leona’s mouth, I recalled her mother from the exhibition visit.

Leona’s mother looked almost identical to Leona, only without the ears and tail.

While Leona was cheerful and a bit playful, her mother had a very kind and graceful demeanor.

Leona’s father, the former chieftain, must have accepted her mother for her virtuous and wise image.

‘To think that a daughter raised with such care would end up with a nobleman…’

The chieftain’s wife had authority as a wife but all the power was concentrated in the chieftain.

Of course, there’s a saying that men rule the world, but women rule the men. If a woman is politically adept, she can wield considerable influence.

Leona’s mother was no exception. Even though she was human, her outstanding wisdom earned her respect among the beastmen.

If she had lacked that wisdom, her life would have been tough, especially given the beastmen’s distrust of humans after the genocide during the race war.

Leona, who was raised with such care, was entering not as a main wife but as a concubine, which must have been troubling.

Her mother was also a concubine, not a main wife, so she likely felt uneasy about it.

‘When should I tell her I’m Xenon?’

Back at the table, I looked into Leona’s sparkling golden eyes as she waited patiently.

Her swaying tail and perky animal ears gave off an undeniable animalistic charm.

Originally, I intended to reveal my identity as Xenon to Leona too, but after meeting her mother, I decided to postpone it.

Even if it was a cultural misunderstanding, proceeding without addressing it felt off.

Marie, Cecily, and Adelia were with me because they genuinely liked me for who I am, but Leona seemed to accept it just because of her culture.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

After a while of just looking at each other, Leona blinked and spoke.

Her tone was characteristically cynical, but it was her way of genuinely asking why I was staring.

That’s just how she talks. However, when I touch her, she turns into a cuddly cat, rubbing her face against me and showing affection. That’s Leona’s charm.

I gazed at her, charmed by her animal-like ears, which were really attractive to me as a beastman, and responded with a weak smile.

“Noona.”

“Hm?”

“It might be a little annoying, but I’ll ask again. Do you really not regret becoming my wife?”

“Again, again, with that question. As I said before, this is a beastman’s culture…”

“Even considering your mother?”

“··· ···”

As soon as I mentioned her mother, Leona froze, her mouth half-open as if she was about to answer.

Everyone knows that Leona is a devoted daughter. The reason she’s trying to graduate from the academy while hiding her identity is to make her mother happy.

But when it comes to her father, there’s almost nothing, almost a strange lack of mention. This implies she hardly has any affection for her biological father.

In beastman culture, males dominating females is taken for granted, and they even consider their offspring as rewards.

Their behavior and culture, in many ways, fit the term ‘beast,’ and it’s why humans, including myself, find it hard to understand them.

Think about it, there’s even an insult that says ‘beast-like guy.’ It shows how hard it is for us to understand each other.

“…Can I be honest?”

After hearing my question, Leona showed a hint of hesitation before cautiously opening her mouth to speak.

I nodded, gesturing for her to continue. Her usual confident and cynical tone was absent, making me even more interested.

Then she let out a deep sigh, revealing her complex emotions, and began to talk about what had happened.

“…During the exhibition, my mother said that there’s no need to strictly follow the beastman culture. If I want to live a life that’s neither purely beastman nor human, that’s fine, but at least my mother prefers the human way of life.”

“Why does she feel that way?”

“Because my mother is human.”

A concise and instantly understandable answer without the need for lengthy explanations. Beastmen and humans can intermingle, but their cultures remain incompatible.

To beastmen, human culture might seem annoyingly meticulous, while humans might view beastman culture as barbaric.

Culture forms simple yet complex relationships, and in the worst cases, it can lead to war.

Even I consider beastman culture barbaric, so it’s no surprise that other humans would think the same.

My past life’s memories allow me to ‘understand,’ but for other humans, understanding would be even more challenging.

“Besides, my father… I can’t even say he was a good father, even in passing. He was an excellent ruler, but he had little interest in his children. Especially me, since I’m a half-breed and not very attractive.”

“What are you talking about? You’re incredibly beautiful.”

“I-I was speaking from a beastman’s perspective!”

When I casually complimented her appearance, Leona blushed and hastily raised her voice. She looks cute even when she’s flustered.

“…Anyway, my mother suggested reconsidering everything once more. She might visit the academy soon. She was busy spending time with me during the exhibition.”

“Hmm… what do you think?”

“…Honestly, I’m not sure. I want to follow my mother’s advice, but I like you. It’s not just one or two women, the fact that you can manage several implies you have the strength and ability. But my mother doesn’t seem to want that.”

That’s likely true. If she were a concubine of a noble, it would be a different story.

Materially, there would be no lack, and she wouldn’t risk dying a lonely death. What her mother probably worries about is ‘politics.’

Strictly speaking, it could be described as a love-related conflict. Her mother probably went through similar experiences herself.

Parents naturally want their children to lead better lives than they did. So, it’s only natural that her mother would want her only daughter to marry a man she loves genuinely, without any worries.

It’s a problem that’s both complex and simple. This is something that needs to be discussed not with Leona, but with her mother.

“Alright, I understand for now. Then it can’t be helped.”

“Then…”

“I think it’s best to put things on hold for the time being. First, meeting with your mother should be the priority.”

“Oh…”

Leona looked genuinely disappointed with my decision. Not only did her ears droop, but her wagging tail also hung limply.

Her reaction made it clear that she liked me. However, it was a necessary step to reassure her mother.

Considering her filial piety, there’s no other way. Any wrong move could strain the harmonious relationship between mother and daughter.

“…Alright. I’ll try my best to convince my mother as well.”

Fortunately, Leona nodded, accepting my decision. It seems she usually follows anything related to her mother, definitely a sign of a devoted daughter.

“Thank you. Just to make sure there’s no misunderstanding, it’s not that I don’t like you. Quite the opposite, actually.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Honestly, hardly any man could refuse a beautiful woman like you.”

“Hehe.”

When I complimented her beauty, her ears perked up and her tail wagged again.

I resolved to persuade her mother, even more determined to touch those ears and tail freely.

“Oh, by the way, Leona.”

“Hm?”

“You said you’re coming to the history department as a teaching assistant after this semester, right?”

“Yes.”

“Is that because of me?”

Leona nodded at my question, then replied with a bright smile.

“Yes! That way, I’ll have more time to spend with you.”

“··· ···”

“Do you… not like it?”

Her ears and tail drooped again. I immediately denied it.

“No, I actually like it. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Great!”

How could she be so adorable? I resolved to persuade her mother no matter what.

*****

Meanwhile, at the same time, in a different place.

“So, why did you call me here?”

Isaac’s lover and fiancée, Marie, asked curtly as she looked at the woman sitting across from her.

The woman opposite her, Hiriya, responded in her characteristically blunt voice.

“I have something I want to ask you.”

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