How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World

Chapter 295: On Top of the Runner (2)

There is a saying: “Play a rigged Go-Stop game.”

It refers to the act of pretending to know nothing to deceive someone, making them look like a fool.

It is often used as slang in cases of match-fixing or fraud, but sometimes friends use it playfully in everyday life.

‘It’s a good thing I knew in advance.’

Marie, who had received a question from Hiriya, is also one of the participants in the rigged Go-Stop game.

Naturally, the one being deceived is Hiriya, sitting across from her. She currently had a blank expression after hearing her response.

Marie almost let out a laugh at his expression but managed to suppress it. This was a moment when her acting skills, honed in social gatherings, were fully put to use.

The reason Marie could respond nonchalantly was none other than thanks to Isaac.

After noticing Hiriya’s stalking through Cherry, Isaac personally informed Marie, who had no trouble meeting him privately.

If he had met Cecily or Rina separately, Hiriya would have noticed immediately, but fortunately, they were currently absent due to state affairs.

The stage was appropriately set, and she had full knowledge of the opponent’s hand. What remained depended on her actions.

After discussing with Isaac, they concluded that revealing his identity would be akin to exposing their strongest card, so they decided to keep it hidden for now.

The card they held was undoubtedly strong enough that the country itself would have to intervene. However, there was no need to reveal it.

Hiriya would spend time his way, and Isaac would buy time his way.

Even if Hiriya couldn’t bear it and jumped to her own conclusions, it wouldn’t matter, as they had long prepared countermeasures.

‘We need to see how they come at us first.’

As Isaac’s reliable fiancée, Marie had long decided to handle the political aspects.

Although she was a member of the Requilis Duchy, she was neither a princess of a country like Cecily nor directly assisting like Adelia. Because of this, Marie had harbored subtle emotions of inferiority in her heart, but it was now proving to be quite helpful in situations like this.

Unlike Cecily and Rina, she was publicly declared as Isaac’s fiancée, so it didn’t matter where or when they met.

In situations where it is difficult for Isaac to meet with others, like now, it would be much easier if she played the intermediary role.

‘What on earth is this woman up to?’

Marie looked at Hiriya, who was lost in thought after her response. She had shown all her cards, and now it was crucial to see how he would react.

The key question was whether she would act as usual, become more suspicious, or come to her own conclusions.

Even if she jumped to conclusions, there were two possible outcomes, but the real issue was whether Hiriya would act as an individual or as royalty.

If she acted individually, any scenario would result in the best outcome. Even if Isaac’s identity was discovered, they could simply silence her through negotiation (or blackmail).

If she acted as royalty, the current situation would likely repeat multiple times. Her petty vengefulness, unbefitting of royalty, would continually annoy Isaac.

The only way to resolve this situation would be through dialogue and persuasion. Otherwise, they would have to find a weakness of Hiriya’s and use it as leverage for negotiation.

However, these solutions only applied to Hiriya as an individual. If she acted in her capacity as royalty, the situation would become even more complicated.

Revealing Isaac as Xenon? The Kingdom of Ters would never keep the secret and would use all sorts of nonsense to harass Isaac.

Hiding Isaac’s identity as Xenon? This would prompt Hiriya to become even more proactive, worsening the situation into a diplomatic dispute.

‘But she’s really messed with the wrong person.’

Marie snorted internally as she watched Hiriya, still deep in thought. The man she loved was not just an ordinary great writer but Xenon.

A few months ago, if they had messed with him, they might have just faced endless criticism. But now, he was almost deified.

It’s no exaggeration to say that one wrong move could literally obliterate the entire country; he wasn’t just a powder keg but akin to a hydrogen bomb.

“…Really?”

After a long contemplation, Hiriya looked at Marie and asked cautiously. There was still doubt in her eyes.

However, doubt is a process one must go through to reach certainty. Marie decided to turn that doubt into certainty.

“Yes. Isaac being Xenon, you need to say something that makes sense. What made you think that?”

“If you intend to deceive me, you should stop.”

“If he were really Xenon, wouldn’t I have threatened Princess Hiriya instead. How dare you stand against Xenon? Can the kingdom of Ters fight the world alone?”

“… …”

Hiriya kept her mouth shut at Marie’s sincere response. The doubt in her sky-blue eyes gradually faded.

However, a trace of doubt still lingered. Her expression suggested she hadn’t reached a conclusion yet.

Eventually, Hiriya stared at Marie and asked again in her characteristic husky voice.

“Then why is Princess Rina protecting him?”

“What?”

“Rina tends to cover for him occasionally. Especially at the exhibition, it was particularly noticeable.”

It’s understandable that Cecily accidentally made eye contact with Isaac during Helium’s speech. But Rina’s case is different.

The story that Hiriya is trying to take Isaac hasn’t even surfaced as a rumor yet. She also strives to delay unnecessary gossip as much as possible.

In other words, only those involved with Isaac know about the current situation, and Marie is connected to the royal family as she is from the House of Requilis.

However, to believe in a fact that hasn’t even surfaced as a rumor and for royalty to directly protect Isaac? It’s excessive, even for business partners.

Resolving all these questions might lead to certainty. Hiriya fixed her sharp gaze on Marie.

“Um… it’s a bit difficult to say…”

There it is. She’s caught. Hiriya smiled at Marie’s flustered reaction.

Yes, it’s suspicious no matter how you look at it for royalty to personally protect him. Even if it was to elevate the status of the ducal house, it’s overly protective.

Of course, it’s possible Marie begged for some help and had it handled somehow. But that’s highly unlikely, so let’s exclude that possibility.

After pondering for a while, Marie glanced at Hiriya and, as if she had no other choice, let out a deep sigh.

“Sigh… I really shouldn’t be telling you this… But before that, there’s no proof Isaac is Xenon, so why are you so insistent on prying?”

“Because there are many circumstances that only make sense if that’s the case. It’s odd for a lady of the House of Requilis to marry into a mere baron’s family.”

“I confessed to him myself! We got engaged after dating.”

“Enough, just tell me the reason.”

Such a rude woman. Marie cursed Hiriya inwardly but reluctantly began to speak.

“Do you know about the border area of the Minerva Empire? It borders Alvenheim but is practically a lawless zone.”

“Are you talking about the northern region?”

“You know it well.”

“Of course I do. It’s an area that used to be rampant with monsters and savages until a few decades ago. How could I not know?”

The Minerva Empire, with its vast territory, has a much wider border than other countries. The reason its military strength has to be strong is that it requires a larger border guard.

Fortunately, the empire has the economic power to support its military, otherwise, it would have had to abandon its territory and succumb to foreign invasions.

Especially the northern region Hiriya mentioned is notorious for its extreme cold, powerful monsters, and the presence of ‘savages.’

It’s also where the Navy Knights, known as the strongest order in the empire, are mainly stationed. Although it has become more peaceful recently, it still harbors many dangers.

“Then, do you know about the Red Lion?”

“I’ve heard of its fame. It’s known as the key player in the Askanal incident. But it’s still just a rumor, so I don’t believe it completely.”

“What if the Red Lion actually exists?”

“If such a thing were… wait a moment.”

Hiriya paused in the middle of her response, staring at Marie as if asking if she was serious.

Marie, maintaining a confident expression, casually tucked her hair behind her ear and began to speak.

“You’re right, Princess. The Red Lion exists, and he is none other than Isaac’s father and my father-in-law.”

“Stop making such absurd claims. Why would someone as significant as the Red Lion not be paraded as a national hero?”

Hiriya’s question was entirely reasonable. The importance of military power in showcasing a nation’s strength cannot be overstated.

In this world, unlike Earth, the military power of a single individual can greatly influence the overall national power.

Just look at how Alvenheim, despite losing the racial war, still holds a hegemonic status, or how Helium has risen as a formidable contender.

If someone as powerful as the Red Lion, who is rumored to have subdued a rampaging dragon and pacified a chaotic border region, truly existed, they would be the face of the military. The nation would proudly proclaim to the world that they possess a warrior as formidable as the Elven Commander.

This single act of promotion would undoubtedly strengthen the Minerva Empire’s national power, reducing the means by which other nations could challenge it.

However, not showcasing such a figure was beyond Hiriya’s comprehension.

As a princess, she only knew of the Red Lion through urban legends and rumors, so it was unimaginable how little other nations might know.

Though it must be noted that the kingdom of Ters has had no direct military conflicts with the Minerva Empire.

In contrast, Albenheim, sharing a border with the Minerva Empire and having frequent military skirmishes, is well aware of the Red Lion’s reputation.

When Isaac visited Albenheim, it was not surprising that Keir, upon seeing his red hair and golden eyes, was reminded of Hawk.

“That’s because our empire’s military strength doesn’t solely rely on the Red Lion. He remains an incredibly powerful asset, but he prefers to stay low-key.”

“That’s nonsense. Politics isn’t that simple.”

“The Red Lion changes the equation.”

“… …”

Marie’s clear and concise retort left Hiriya without words. The reputation and power of Hawk, the Red Lion and Isaac’s father, were undeniably formidable.

And as Marie said, the Minerva Empire is not so weak as to rely solely on Hawk. They have countless soldiers who could be the face of their military.

Their relative cultural deficiency is the only drawback. The reason the kingdom of Ters can rival the Minerva Empire is because of its rich culture.

“Anyway, the reason Princess Rina is protecting Isaac is precisely because of my father-in-law. If, by any chance, he harbors any dissatisfaction with the empire, it would be troublesome for them.”

“… …”

“Do you understand now?”

“Yes.”

Hiriya had no choice but to accept it. She nodded, not realizing she had been taken in by Marie’s skillful persuasion.

Yet, still unable to completely dispel her doubts, she asked again.

“Is he truly not Xenon?”

“Of course not.”

“Can you say the same in front of Luminous?”

“Yes.”

Luminous would surely forgive this little lie. Hiriya leaned back slowly, reassured by Marie’s unwavering response.

The suspicion that had clouded her sky-blue eyes gradually faded, leaving only a sense of certainty.

After a while, she smiled slightly, a crooked grin forming on her lips.

‘How dare you confuse me…’

Despite her annoyance, she found herself increasingly intrigued. His appearance had already passed her standards, and his background was nothing short of impressive.

Marrying Isaac would mean the formidable Red Lion would no longer be a threat, and she could also satisfy her desire for revenge against Adelia.

It was truly killing two birds with one stone. Hiriya began to carefully formulate her plan.

First, it was crucial to create a ‘justification’ for bringing Isaac into the kingdom of Ters. On her home turf, even the imperial royalty would be powerless.

She needed to make Isaac commit some transgression against her. For that to happen…

‘Adelia. I’ll have to use that bastard child.’

As Hiriya openly plotted her sinister scheme,

‘Walking right into the flames of hell.’

Marie clicked her tongue inwardly, mocking Hiriya’s arrogance.

‘Why did he have to be so handsome? I’m going to have to bite into him today.’

She decided that looking at Isaac’s face was the only way to alleviate her foul mood.

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