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Chapter 311
Before discussing the situation in the Kingdom of Ters, there are parts that many people might find puzzling.
Xenon’s Biography was a cultural phenomenon enjoyed by people of all ages, races, and classes. This was something Isaac mentioned at the time of its release.
However, comparing this statement with the rumors slowly spreading in the Kingdom of Ters, there is a discrepancy.
Although Isaac did not directly announce it, very unsettling rumors are gradually emerging in the Kingdom of Ters.
[Xenon’s Biography Volume 23 will not be released in the Kingdom of Ters, and no new volumes will be released thereafter.]
For the citizens of the Kingdom of Ters, this is not just a bolt from the blue, but a catastrophic event.
Not only the common people who have been joyfully reading it but also artists who attend exhibitions are passionate about Xenon’s Biography.
It is not just because of the title “Cultural Nation,” but because the majority genuinely enjoy it.
Above all, Xenon’s Biography significantly boosts the cultural influence of not only the Minerva Empire but also the Kingdom of Ters.
The reason for this is the Xenon Exhibition. There is no better place for unknown artists to showcase their talents.
No matter how talented an artist is, if they do not get the spotlight, they fade away.
The Xenon Exhibition helps these artists shine and blossom.
Through this process, many artists who previously lacked attention have started to emerge.
Surprisingly, the biggest beneficiary of this is not the Minerva Empire but the Kingdom of Ters.
Not all artists, like those in Helium, focus solely on Xenon’s Biography. There are countless other fields to create in.
The Kingdom of Ters was aware of this, so even when they lost the right to host the exhibition, they only licked their lips in disappointment and maintained a relatively calm stance.
[Citizens of the Kingdom of Ters are currently in chaos… The commoners’ delegation is demanding an explanation from the upper echelons.]
[The upper echelons claim they do not know what is happening, but the rumors have already spread widely…]
However, when it was announced that Xenon’s Biography would no longer be released in the Kingdom of Ters, they could not help but be shocked.
More precisely, it is not the upper echelons of the Kingdom of Ters, but the commoners who are most affected. Besides being called a cultural nation, they are just readers of Xenon’s Biography.
Xenon’s Biography is so famous that it is harder to find someone who hasn’t read it than someone who has. It is considered a must-read not only in the Kingdom of Ters but also in other countries. This has been true even before it became a sacred text.
It’s fundamentally interesting and captivating, making it easy for both nobles and commoners to read.
As previously mentioned, books in this world are often composed of very difficult and complex words, making it challenging for commoners to read.
It is worth noting that the illiteracy rate is surprisingly low. Alongside academies, which are not quite fitting for the times, paper-making techniques have significantly advanced.
The biggest problem is the lack of books suitable for the ‘middle’ level. While paper-making has advanced, resulting in collections of fairy tales and other stories, there are no books suitable for intermediate readers.
Once past the basics, there are only books akin to English SAT preparation guides, requiring readers to solve problems as they read.
Consequently, many people turn to essays or diaries written by explorers or adventurers, but those are not quite suitable as they are in diary format.
For these reasons, Xenon’s Biography has become incredibly popular, loved by countless people, almost to the point of addiction.
Let’s recall what happened a year ago during the sudden hiatus incident.
Not only did commoners raise their voices and gather in front of the publishing house, but the fallout from Isaac’s letter almost reached the royal family.
It was a situation comparable to the Prohibition era in the United States.
Fortunately, it turned into an opportunity for the Xenon Exhibition to be held, but it could have sparked a second Jairos Revolution.
And now…
“Explain what is going on! Why is Xenon’s Biography not being published only in our country?!”
“Is it because Xenon is from the Minerva Empire?”
“Come out and explain! We’ve been waiting day by day for the next volume, and yet no one seems to know what’s going on?”
Currently, in the Kingdom of Ters, the sparks of another revolution were gradually beginning to ignite.
In the Kingdom of Ters, there exists a very peculiar culture where commoners can ‘directly’ raise their voices against the nobility.
By direct voice, it means harsh criticism, excluding insults. In other countries, this would likely result in imprisonment for contempt or even execution.
But in the Kingdom of Ters, this is possible. The ‘delegation’ directly represents the voice of the commoners and delivers harsh criticisms to the nobility regarding their policies.
The reason this is possible is due to the ‘Jairos Revolution’ that occurred several decades ago. Although the revolution itself ended in failure, let’s reconsider why it is still recorded as a ‘revolution’.
Before the revolution, nobles could act tyrannically without any repercussions, but that is no longer the case.
If they make even a small mistake, another revolution might occur, so why would they risk acting tyrannically?
This holds true even now. Upon hearing the rumor that Xenon’s Biography would no longer be published, the commoners’ delegation was alarmed and went to the nobles.
Just as there is a delegation for the commoners, there is, of course, a delegation for the nobles.
Typically, they meet once a month at a specific institution to exchange opinions face-to-face. Today happens to be that day.
“We’ve told you several times, but we are also unaware of the details. That being said, wouldn’t it be better to ask Xenon directly about this matter?”
One of the noble representatives said in a calm voice to the commoners’ delegation.
Indeed, his point was valid, as it would be much better to ask Xenon, or rather Isaac, directly about this issue.
Raising their voices here wouldn’t yield any results.
‘Although we know the reason…’
However, despite their words, the speaking noble, along with most of the noble delegation, knew the reason.
Most of the delegates seated here were present during Isaac’s trial.
Initially, they tried to manipulate public opinion to take down Isaac, but once his true identity was revealed, the situation turned 180 degrees.
Moreover, they are in a situation where they have learned even the disgraceful secrets that the royal family of Ters wanted to hide so badly, leaving them unable to take any action.
“That’s ridiculous! Xenon is a kind person who wants everyone to enjoy Xenon’s Biography without discrimination! It doesn’t make sense to exclude only our Kingdom of Ters!”
A commoner countered the noble’s argument with another valid argument, causing the room to become noisy again.
The mediator among the delegations tried to calm things down, but it was to no avail.
The rumor has been circulating for a week starting today. In a world without the internet, rumors spread slowly, but once they spread properly, they grow uncontrollably.
There is no way to confirm the truth. Once a spark ignites, it gradually spreads and turns into a massive fire.
“Would you believe it if Xenon himself said he banned the sale only in our country?!”
Eventually, a noble, unable to bear it any longer, revealed the truth, but…
“Don’t talk nonsense like a passing dog meowing! Who would believe that? Xenon banning sales only in our country? Why?”
“Exactly. There must be a reason why it’s not being sold only in our country, so why do you claim to know nothing about it?”
“Exactly. Tell us the reason! If it makes sense, we will back down quietly!”
It was like digging their own grave. The noble who made the statement could only receive harsh glares from their fellow nobles.
In this way, the Kingdom of Ters, or more precisely, the upper echelons, are in a precarious situation.
They could buy time by feigning ignorance, but if Xenon’s Biography is truly not published, it would lead to a revolution.
Some might question whether a revolution could really break out just because Xenon’s Biography is not sold.
The Jairos Revolution plays a part here too. The reason for the Jairos Revolution was the suppression of art from commoners.
To explain in detail, it was more like ‘censorship’ than suppression. Nobles had freedom in their artistic pursuits, while commoners were heavily restricted.
If anyone proceeded with dissatisfaction, they would be thrown in jail immediately, and especially if they engaged in ‘satire,’ they would be executed.
In other words, ‘censorship’ is both the most sensitive issue and a weapon for the people of the Kingdom of Ters. When those in power attempt to impose censorship, it’s an opportunity for the people to raise their voices.
“Is it really because Xenon is from the Minerva Empire, as the rumors suggest? If that’s the case, you know what might happen!”
An elderly man shouted in a raspy voice. The noble representatives noticeably shrank at his outcry.
The Jairos Revolution occurred 40 years ago. The old man is a living witness to the revolution and carries the most weight in this room.
His words hold more gravity than those of others.
‘Damn it… What a mess.’
The noble representative frowned at the old man’s outcry but found himself at a loss for words. No, he had plenty to say, but he couldn’t say it.
To convince them, he would have to reveal everything that happened at the trial. That might slightly tarnish Isaac’s reputation.
But doing so would be a desperate move and cause greater damage to the Kingdom of Ters.
Moreover, Isaac had a legitimate reason: protecting his bodyguard, a very romantic justification.
Either way, the Kingdom of Ters is facing the worst possible situation.
And there’s one more thing.
“According to the rumors, it’s deeply related to Volume 22. The main content of Volume 22 reveals the tragic past of Envy and a story of revenge. How do you explain this?”
“Could it be that our Majesty… No, it’s better to skip this topic.”
“This is a sensitive matter…”
The image of Friedrich, which had been meticulously built up, was slowly being eroded. For now, it’s just suspicion, but even suspicion can be dangerous.
The commoners’ delegation is already showing signs of caution at the mention of this topic. After all, challenging the king is a gamble even for them.
Thus, the discussion kept going in circles, but conversely, if the truth comes out, it would mean the end of the Kingdom of Ters.
No matter what Isaac is thinking, he’s currently walking a very fine line.
‘Please let this pass peacefully…’
‘If we can just get through today, we can buy another month.’
The nobles are desperately hoping that this time will pass without incident. If today’s meeting ends without a hitch, they’ll gain another month.
During that time, they can think as hard as they can and come up with a solution.
As the discussions kept going around in circles without any progress, a very hot piece of bad news came to their ears.
The bad news was none other than a letter from Xenon, or Isaac.
The letter, as usual, was polite and courteous, and to summarize, it roughly said this:
[As I’ve mentioned, I want a culture that everyone enjoys. If that culture is disliked, isn’t it a problem with that country?]
For those who knew the situation, the reaction might be, ‘This guy?’ to such a sly letter.
“Look at this! Xenon says our country is the problem!”
“Quickly tell us the reason! If not, we’ll storm the palace ourselves!”
“Do you want a taste of revolution?!”
For the Kingdom of Ters, it was like pouring gasoline on a fire.
“We’ll give you a week. If you can’t convince us in that time…”
Just as Isaac was before.
“Then we’ll make sure to make you speak up ourselves!”
The Kingdom of Ters is now at a crossroads.
Translators note:
For some reason I can’t access the novelpia site rn, so no titles until it works again