Chapter 319: Education (3)
Since Isaac’s true identity was revealed, Arwen’s schedule had only gotten busier. Knowing Xenon’s identity was a title that had faded, but her close relationship with him remained unchanged.
In fact, Arwen had revealed her close friendship with Isaac in front of everyone during the small social gathering. Despite the formal setting where they maintained decorum, the attendees were high-ranking politicians with keen observational skills and sharp psychological insights.
On the other hand, Isaac, who was debuting in such a social event, struggled to manage his expressions. Despite Marie’s best efforts to support him, his inexperience was evident. Nevertheless, Isaac interacted with Arwen as if they were truly close friends, engaging in seamless conversation and even exchanging jokes.
Moreover, the head of the Elder Council, Fieren, had made a desperate statement during his final outburst, claiming that Xenon, or rather Isaac, was Arwen’s lover and had even left her speeches.
Whether or not they were lovers was beside the point, the key detail was that Isaac had directly helped Arwen by writing her speeches. This was a direct involvement, unlike the more ambiguous assistance he provided to the demons through “Xenon’s Biography.”
This implied that Isaac was close enough to lend his wisdom to Arwen. If it weren’t for Marie being his fiancée, rumors about them being a couple would have spread. Everyone who needed to know was aware of Arwen’s romantic feelings for Isaac, but they kept quiet to avoid unnecessary confusion.
Regardless, since Isaac’s confession, Arwen had been incredibly busy. While she was used to the overwhelming workload, it was the ‘gift’ that was the real issue. She wanted to present herself as a gift from Alvenheim, but as time passed, it became increasingly delayed.
The timing was one thing, but above all, she was embarrassed. It was practically a public declaration of love in front of everyone.
Confessing to a man who already has a fiancée? Can she handle the backlash? Especially considering that it’s Xenon.
She can. In fact, it’s what she desires. Alvenheim would do anything for their benefactor. Won’t the throne be left vacant? No worries about that either.
She can use her powerful magic to commute back and forth. She can handle her duties in Alvenheim and live a sweet married life at Isaac’s mansion.
Currently, she’s working late nights, but if she manages her responsibilities carefully, such a lifestyle isn’t entirely impossible. The delay is only because Arwen keeps postponing her confession.
The delegation was also urging her, asking why she was even hesitating. If she continues like this, won’t they fall behind the demons? Why hesitate when they need to check the rising Helium?
However, once they understood her feelings, they left the choice to her. The elves’ characteristic relaxed nature, with their near-thousand-year lifespans, also played a part.
As time passed endlessly, Arwen kept watching for the right moment but continued to hesitate. What if it causes problems for Isaac? Would he feel burdened? What if he’s not interested in her? There are other beautiful women around him, maybe even more beautiful than herself, should she even try to intrude?
The queen who upheld her philosophy and implemented policies despite the Elder Council’s opposition. The wise ruler who, after the race war, once again made Alvenheim a dominant nation. Though supported by “Xenon’s Biography,” she was integrating the dark elves with the elves.
“Your Majesty, Lord Isaac wishes to meet with you…”
“I will go at once!”
But even she was just a regular woman in front of her love interest.
“But Your Majesty, you still have work to do…”
“What could be more important than a call from Xenon? I will go immediately!”
Arwen’s statement was undeniably true. No matter how esteemed she was as the Queen of Alvenheim, she couldn’t compare to Isaac.
Let’s recall once more what happened after receiving just one letter from Isaac. We don’t have to look far, just consider the Kingdom of Ters. So it’s not strange at all for Arwen to drop everything and head to Isaac’s mansion. Even those assisting her with her duties could understand, though they couldn’t openly express their displeasure.
“What should I wear? No, before that, do you know why he called me?”
Arwen asked, flustered, while pondering why Isaac had summoned her.
Isaac knew she was busy, so he wouldn’t call her unless it was something important. What could it be?
Siris, quietly watching the excited Arwen, finally spoke.
“It’s related to ‘Xenon’s Biography.’ He said he’d explain the details directly.”
“‘Xenon’s Biography?’”
“Yes.”
Hearing it was related to ‘Xenon’s Biography’ and not something personal, Arwen felt curious. It didn’t seem like a private matter. Nonetheless, meeting him privately after a long time meant she needed to prepare.
“Tell Isaac I will come soon. Is it urgent?”
“No, he said you can come at your convenience.”
“Alright. Tell him I’ll be there shortly.”
“Yes.”
With that, Siris cloaked herself in invisibility. She would soon teleport to Isaac’s mansion.
Arwen watched her disappear and used her magic to confirm her absence. She was gone. No trace of Siris, even after several checks.
“…She won’t be in any strange places, right?”
Confident that Siris had fully vanished, Arwen began to check her outfit. She wore a silver dress with a side slit, the same one Isaac had complimented her on last time. It accentuated her slender waist and the curves of her hips, something she knew would please his eyes.
If any other man looked at her with a lecherous gaze, Arwen would have just ignored it, but with Isaac, it was different. Just imagining it made her feel a thrilling excitement, her heart pounding with the thought that he saw her as a woman, not just a friend.
‘There’s no going back now.’
Arwen was certain that Isaac came from another world. Even during his public speech, he had omitted mentioning his origin from another world. This unique aspect made him special to her. Whatever experiences he had in that other world must have been unimaginable for a mortal.
And those experiences were likely all woven into “Xenon’s Biography.” The idea that these stories emerged from his mind hinted at the existence of the ‘constraints’ he had only speculated about.
“Phew. This isn’t the time for daydreaming.”
Arwen lightly slapped her cheeks to snap herself out of it. Whether he was truly Xenon from the book or Kair, it didn’t matter anymore. What mattered most was her feelings for Isaac.
His kindness, his considerate actions, and finally, his handsome face, even by elven standards. Though this was a minor point, it still added to his appeal.
“I should be fine like this. Maybe I should use some perfume, just in case?”
Although she took longer than initially planned, Arwen, brimming with anticipation, headed to Isaac’s mansion. Since the meeting was related to “Xenon’s Biography,” there wouldn’t be much personal conversation, but just seeing his face was enough. With her life filled with endless overtime work, this alone was a significant source of healing for her.
Upon arriving at Isaac’s mansion and meeting her crush…
“How do elves usually spend their first night together?”
“…Huh?”
She was momentarily stunned by the unexpected and somewhat provocative question. Did she hear that correctly?
“W-what did you say? F-first night? Suddenly?”
Arwen stammered, her silver-gray eyes wide with surprise.
Arwen’s face turned crimson in an instant, and her long elven ears twitched aimlessly up and down. Isaac, thinking her reaction was adorable, gave a sheepish smile, understanding her feelings.
Jumping straight to asking about the first night had been a mistake. In his attempt to figure out how to ask the question, he had caused this awkward situation.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to phrase it that way. I hope you don’t misunderstand. I’m genuinely curious for a pure reason.”
“That’s right, Your Majesty. He might have spoken clumsily, but it’s genuinely related to ‘Xenon’s Biography’.”
Marie chimed in, casting a sharp glance at Isaac.
Finally, Arwen managed to calm her racing heart. She almost misunderstood the situation entirely.
“Oh, I see… Is that really true?”
“It is. I’m planning to include such a scene near the end of Volume 24 of ‘Xenon’s Biography.’ Between Xenon and Mary, and also between Jin and Lily.”
“Oh! Are they finally going to get together?”
Arwen’s eyes widened in astonishment at Isaac’s explanation. Her face was still red, but this time from a different kind of surprise. Isaac nodded and handed her a portion of the manuscript he had prepared. Of course, he only gave her the part describing the situation just before the main event.
“It’s true. The reason I asked you is… I can get help from Cecily for the demons, but I don’t know much about elves. Among the elves I know, you’re the one I’m most comfortable with.”
The phrase “most comfortable with” transformed in Arwen’s mind into something more personal, like “most comfortable person.” Hearing this, her heart started pounding as she gazed at Isaac in a daze. Her silver-gray eyes glistened with moisture, and she gently clasped her hands together.
It was the expression of a woman in love, clear to anyone. Seeing this, Cecily quickly intervened.
“Ahem. So, Arwen, we hope you can help. I know a bit about elves, but not in detail.”
“Uh, yes. I understand. But you should know, I’m a half-elf, not pure-blood. While I embody elven culture, my way of thinking is similar to humans.”
“That’s even better. As you know, Mary wandered human society in disguise. And with her quirky personality, she’s quite similar to you.”
This comment gave Arwen another misinterpretation. She heard it as a comparison between herself and Mary, thinking Isaac might see her in a romantic light similar to Mary.
While I won’t explain exactly what it was, it’s important to note that Arwen’s heart skipped a beat momentarily. She swallowed hard to calm her nerves. Despite feeling like her mind was racing, she knew she had to explain.
Only then would things be easier later. With eyes that seemed to spin from the tension, Arwen slowly began her explanation.
“So, should I explain it now?”
“Whenever you’re comfortable,” Isaac replied.
“Alright. Ahem. Ahem.”
Arwen cleared her throat again to steady her racing heart. She knew she would stutter if she started speaking immediately. When everyone’s eyes were on her, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly.
‘If I were to have my first night…’
Maybe her thoughts were too heated. Instead of imagining an elf accustomed to human society, she pictured her own first night. She smiled unknowingly and began to speak softly.
“As you all might know, the most important thing to an elf is their ears. Long ears are more precious than life itself to an elf. They must never be touched by anyone other than a loved one.”
“I see.”
Isaac noted down her words, likening it to the demons’ horns but understanding the subtle differences. He knew this much from general knowledge, but the ‘ritual’ aspect was what concerned him most.
“So, considering sexual relations as a ritual, can it be done without it?”
“It can. The ritual is mostly about maintaining bodily cleanliness. In Alvenheim, couples on their first night are given ‘dew.’ It’s a liquid diluted with the World Tree’s dew. They apply it to their bodies and then share their love.”
“Hmm… The World Tree has been destroyed, but if we say Mary secretly brought some, it should be fine. Is it just regular water?”
Isaac continued to take notes in his notebook as he asked, realizing that this was information he hadn’t known before and was glad he asked Arwen.
“It’s not just ordinary water, it has a bit of viscosity. How it’s used… depends on the couple.”
She hesitated briefly, but Isaac understood what she was getting at. The viscosity suggested it was similar to a gel. As they continued to discuss and outline the scene, Arwen added more details.
“They apply it to each other’s bodies, confirm their feelings for each other, and then embrace. While doing this, they gently touch each other’s ears and whisper words of love.”
“Hmm… Is there anything to be cautious about?”
“The most important thing is to avoid injuring the ears. Some humans bite with their teeth, but it varies from person to person. I’m fine with it.”
“…”
‘I’m fine with it?’ Isaac and the others felt a bit uneasy at her statement. It seemed she wasn’t fully aware, lost in her daydreams with her eyes closed.
While it was a bit odd, Isaac decided to move on. He blinked and then quietly asked.
“Got it. What comes next? Do they pray to the gods?”
“Praying isn’t a bad idea. Celebrating the first night with someone as wonderful and loving as Xenon would be… truly joyful. Having him touch my ears with those hands would be so…”
“Um… excuse me, Lady Arwen?”
“Yes?”
Sensing something was off, Cecily interrupted. Arwen opened her eyes, looking at her with a puzzled expression. Cecily scratched her cheek, feeling awkward but knowing she had to address it to prevent any misunderstanding.
“Did you, by any chance, project yourself onto Mary?”
“…Huh?”
“It seemed like you were describing your own feelings… so I just wanted to check.”
And then her gaze went straight to Isaac. Isaac was also looking at her with vacant eyes.
At the same time, the scene that she had only imagined in her head quickly changed. The man who was Xenon became Isaac, and the woman who was Mary became herself.
If you think about it, everything she had just said was basically talking about her ideal first night.
“…!!”
Realizing this, Arwen’s ears perked up high.
“Huaaa…”
She melted away, becoming limp like ice cream.
Translators note:
Arwen sure loves to self-destruct~ It’s adorable tho, so it’s okay~
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