How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World

Chapter 370: Event (3)

The event initiated at Musk’s suggestion had an overwhelming impact, just as expected.

Savior officially declared a “holy war,” but the demon worshippers, armed with meticulous cunning, were difficult to deal with.

On top of that, they were unhesitant about suicide bombings, making it impossible to act recklessly even with obtained intel.

Meanwhile, this delay gave the demon worshippers more time to escape.

But as Musk pointed out, if the rewards are so great that even life itself feels expendable, then none of it matters.

After all, there are plenty of people who value honor more than their own lives.

That said, public opinion at the start of the event wasn’t entirely favorable.

As repeatedly emphasized, this event required risking lives.

Questions arose—was meeting with me truly worth risking one’s life? And despite the stakes, people argued that human lives shouldn’t be put on the line for the sake of an event.

[Horrific traditions continued under the guise of heritage.]

[Currently, inquisitors from various religious orders have been dispatched to the village, and the children, who had suffered emotional abuse and torture there, are now under the orders’ protection…]

However, public opinion shifted 180 degrees when news broke that an entire village had succumbed to demon worship and that even children had been brainwashed and tortured.

Across all times and cultures, children are seen as needing protection.

Those who harm children are universally condemned, even among criminals. Naturally, such news came as a profound shock.

[Villages isolated from outside contact are the most vulnerable.]

[Rural, underdeveloped areas are prime targets for demon worshippers.]

In this world, information flows solely through newspapers.

Consequently, remote or isolated areas are often cut off entirely.

This lack of communication has led to places where slavery and human trafficking flourish, with victims frequently sold to mines or brothels.

There are even cases where lords collude with traffickers to sell their villagers.

Safety is a privilege confined to the capital or major cities.

Given this grim reality, it’s hardly surprising when an entire village falls into such depths.

[The lord of the Liris region, Baron Berk, is suspected of involvement in human trafficking… While he vehemently denies the accusations, villagers claim he ignored missing person reports…]

[Villages not officially registered as part of the territory are at the greatest risk, as even higher authorities remain unaware of their plight.]

[Slave traders bribing nobles to turn a blind eye… Miners treated like livestock were rescued, but even they worshipped the demon worshippers fanatically…]

The event’s impact went far beyond saving a single village.

Like a treasure hunt, it uncovered hidden corruption across various regions.

As a result, numerous lords’ crimes were exposed, and people treated like animals were rescued.

Along the way, shocking incidents came to light one after another, surpassing even the discovery of an entire village of demon worshippers.

[Among the rescued slaves were not just humans but beastkin, dwarves, and even elves. They had been rendered powerless, with severed tendons and blocked mana.]

[Elves, regarded as “high-quality goods,” were primarily used as sex slaves, alchemical materials, or sacrifices for summoning demons…]

[Dwarves were exploited for their labor, while beastkin catered to those with peculiar fetishes…]

The revelation that elves, revered as the chosen of the gods and paragons of beauty, had fallen prey to demon worshippers was especially shocking.

While elves are formidable, even they are vulnerable to traps.

Moreover, their characteristic arrogance often leads to complacency, which the demon worshippers exploited to abduct them.

With the involvement of militant demons among the worshippers, capturing lone elves was an easy task.

[The culprit targeting elves in collaboration with demon worshippers is still under investigation, but their widespread network will make it a long process.]

[Alvenheim’s fury is palpable, with search teams dispatched to track down the perpetrators immediately.]

[Alvenheim urges its citizens to avoid traveling alone and to not overestimate their strength…]

Unsurprisingly, Alvenheim erupted in outrage.

Their citizens were not only enslaved in foreign lands but also used as “materials.”

The fury was justified. While elves had been enslaved during past wars, it was wartime and thus somewhat excusable.

But this was peacetime, making the situation intolerable, with severe diplomatic repercussions.

Despite Helium’s rising influence, Alvenheim remained a hegemonic power—a status long recognized before Arwen’s connection to Isaac.

The situation was comparable to the U.S. expressing outrage in a previous life, prompting other nations to tread carefully.

The Minerva Empire, where the incidents occurred, faced the most pressure.

Its vast territory had already been plagued by bizarre crimes, and the emergence of elf slavery further tarnished its reputation.

Even without considering elves, could the demons have remained untouched?

Everyone knew that demon worshippers had militant demons in their ranks.

[Demons were subjected to “demonization,” used as materials or sacrifices, or even caused harm to neighboring nations…]

[Sex slaves were deemed unsuitable due to their transformation into demons, according to slave traders’ testimonies…]

[Fortunately, Helium’s former isolation spared it from significant harm, but occasional demonization incidents have been linked to demon worshippers…]

Before The Zenon Chronicles, demonization incidents contributed significantly to the demon race’s tarnished reputation.

The Minerva Empire’s Princess Rina was even caught in one such incident, causing a massive stir.

However, most of these incidents were now linked to demon worshippers.

Already busy purging high-ranking officials colluding with the cultists, Helium had further cause for anger.

[How far-reaching is the demon worshippers’ influence?]

[We were far too complacent. Reality is much worse than The Zenon Chronicles portrays.]n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

[The true holy war has begun.]

[The Minerva Empire, possessing the largest territory, has granted neighboring nations the right to conduct joint investigations…]

Faced with mounting public outrage, the Minerva Empire decided to cooperate with neighboring nations, bypassing the usual bureaucratic procedures to allow foreign troops to assist.

Despite its vast land, even the Minerva Empire had its limits in eradicating the cultists.

It was fortunate that these revelations surfaced now; had they been delayed, the demon worshippers might have completely overrun the empire.

If the Teres Kingdom faced a crisis previously, the Minerva Empire was now in a similar predicament.

“You look exhausted.”

“I feel like I’m dying.”

Sitting before me was Rina, visibly worn out.

Her dark circles were prominent, and her once-radiant skin had dulled slightly.

Though her silky, golden hair remained as lustrous as ever, the accumulated fatigue was evident.

“I don’t want to do this. I just want to sleep. I feel like I’m going to die.”

A cheeky, girlish voice chimed in at that moment.

Its owner was nestled in my arms—a unique angel, Ariel, who spoke aloud the inner thoughts she gleaned from Rina.

With her sprouting bud-like antenna atop her head, translucent wings, crimson hair like mine, and golden eyes, Ariel was truly one of a kind.

“…Who’s that? She looks like you, but she’s got a sprout on her head and wings.”

“Will you believe me if I explain?”

To Rina’s question, Ariel nodded, answering in my stead.

Her adorable demeanor compelled me to hug her tightly, eliciting a delighted giggle.

Rina, watching us with tired eyes, let out a faint chuckle.

“To think I’d live to see an angel. You really are something else.”

“You probably have a lot of questions, don’t you?”

“Later. My mind’s too full right now. Yawn…”

Clearly exhausted, Rina yawned elegantly, even in her fatigue.

As she gathered herself, I looked down at Ariel, who was intently observing Rina.

Her curiosity reminded me of when we first returned to the dormitory.

‘It’s been a while since Father laughed so openly.’

The memory of my father joyfully holding Ariel and playing with her brought a smile to my face.

A man who genuinely loved his family, his delight at having an adorable granddaughter was palpable.

Thanks to Mari’s prior explanations, there was little for me to clarify.

All that remained was to return to our everyday lives.

“Ariel?”

“Hmm?”

“What are you going to call Rina from now on?”

“Unni.”

As expected, I nodded at the word “Unni” used to address Rina.

For reference, Adelia is called “Mom,” Kate is called “Unni,” and Rina is also called “Unni.”

With this, it was confirmed. Ariel calls the women connected to me “Mom,” and if not, she calls them “Unni.”

“That just leaves Lilin….”

Let’s think about that slowly. Unlike Ariel, Lily is a newborn.

She can’t even crawl, let alone walk.

At least she can turn over.

When she struggled to flip over in the mansion, it was so adorable I almost fainted.

Lily and Ariel, they’re nothing short of unexpected blessings to our family.

I imagined their future growth with a fond gaze, looking forward as I sipped tea to ward off sleep.

Rina, looking visibly tired, caught my eye, her lids half-closed as she fought fatigue.

“Rina.”

“…?”

“If you’re really tired, you can head back.”

Currently, the Minerva Empire is facing the greatest crisis since its founding.

Although Savior’s fall as a corrupt cardinal nearly ruined its prestige, Kate’s heroic efforts salvaged it.

But the empire remains unaffected by such things.

So much so that it’s on the verge of being branded a haven for demon worshippers.

Vast territories symbolize national power, but if you can’t manage them, they’re nothing but hollow shells.

Fortunately, the Minerva Empire maintains control through its strong military, but this isn’t just a national issue—it’s a global threat.

“No, I’m fine. There’s also some news I must share with you.”

“News?”

“His Majesty the Emperor wishes to meet you.”

“…?”

I blinked at the sudden revelation. However, there’s only one person Rina would refer to as “His Majesty the Emperor.”

The most powerful figure in the Minerva Empire, the Emperor himself.

And he wants to meet me.

As I processed this abrupt proposal, Ariel, nestled in my arms, looked up and asked,

“What’s an emperor, Daddy?”

“Hmm? An emperor?”

“Yes.”

“Um… it’s hard to explain, but they’re the most important… no, the most powerful person in a country. All matters related to the country need the emperor’s permission.”

“Even Daddy?”

“Uh…”

I didn’t answer immediately, glancing at Rina for her reaction.

If she weren’t here, I’d have replied right away.

But with her present, it felt awkward.

She knows full well that my authority has surpassed the emperor’s, but it’s impolite to say it outright.

Sensing my discomfort, Rina responded gently—not to me, but to Ariel.

“Your name is Ariel, right?”

“Yes!”

“Your daddy is an extraordinary man. There’s no one greater than him except the gods.”

“Wow… really?”

“Of course.”

Ariel’s eyes sparkled as she looked at me, impressed by Rina’s words. I could only offer an awkward smile in response.

She probably doesn’t even know what a country is, but she seems to understand “great.”

Well, at least that deflected the topic.

“Hmm, hmm. So, His Majesty wishes to see me?”

“Oh, just to clarify, this isn’t an order but a request. If you refuse, that’s the end of it.”

“Why does he want to meet me?”

To be honest, there’s little to do at such a meeting.

At most, it would involve a lavish meal and light conversation.

Of course, he’ll try to win me over during that time. And for that, he’ll probably use…

“You can guess, can’t you?”

“An arranged marriage?”

“Exactly.”

Of course. I nodded, watching Rina sip her tea nonchalantly.

As mentioned before, the Minerva Empire would propose an arranged marriage to ensure I remain tied to them.

Even though I’m engaged to the Requilis Ducal family, they’d want a firmer bond.

Moreover, rumors about me and Arwen have been spreading quietly, and my relationship with Cecily will soon be announced publicly.

Given this, the royal family has no choice but to exert considerable effort to link me and Rina.

“Isn’t this a bit rushed? Wouldn’t it make more sense to handle it after announcing your relationship with Cecily or marrying Marie?”

“That would be ideal, but ever since the event started, a series of incidents have been unfolding. The demon worshippers have deeply infiltrated the empire, leaving the people uneasy and distrustful. Recently, a lord even sold his subjects to demon worshippers.”

“That’s… shocking.”

At my succinct response, Rina simply nodded.

I fell into brief contemplation.

Since the event began, the pace of purging demon worshippers has accelerated.

But the faster it progresses, the more horrifying atrocities buried below surface.

And we can’t simply cover them up, as I’m the one who initiated this event.

From the empire’s perspective, they can’t stop it now, so ensuring internal order is likely their wisest course of action.

“Of course, this doesn’t mean the marriage would happen immediately. Pushing for it could sideline Marie. It’s mainly about shaping public opinion.”

“That’s reasonable. What’s the timeline?”

“You’re agreeing to it?”

“I don’t see a reason to refuse. But keep in mind, if something happens during the event, it could be delayed. Make sure to remember that.”

The event, while started with good intentions, could result in unforeseen accidents. Above all, innocent casualties must be prevented at all costs.

On the other hand, the demon worshippers might exploit this situation, so canceling it outright isn’t an option.

Hearing my response, Rina’s expression brightened, and she thanked me with a relieved smile.

“Thanks to you, I feel at ease. Again, the marriage won’t happen immediately, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Then, it’s confirmed that you and I will get married?”

“In a way, yes.”

“…I guess we’ll have to do that too?”

My playful comment left Rina frozen with her teacup in hand. Her neck turned red, and soon her entire face followed.

She must’ve understood what I meant despite my vague wording. I chuckled, picking up a cookie.

Realizing my teasing too late, Rina put down her teacup and began fanning herself.

Soon, she swept her hair back, maintaining her elegant tone as she replied,

“…If we marry, it’s inevitable. It’s tradition, after all.”

“Are you really okay with that? If you don’t want to, we could limit it to a political marriage…”

“No, I’d rather marry you than be handed to some random man. Besides…”

Rina trailed off, glancing at me with her flushed face.

Her hands, previously fanning herself, now gripped her dress tightly. She seemed oddly tense.

While I was puzzled by her behavior, she took a deep breath and spoke.

“Hah… Never mind. I’ll talk about this later. For now…”

“Who will you ask?”

“Huh?”

“What?”

Before Rina could finish, Ariel interjected, drawing our attention to her.

Looking at Rina with wide, curious eyes, Ariel mischievously asked,

“Marie? Cecily? Or Gash? Who are you going to ask first?”

“…?”

Her comment was baffling, leaving me tilting my head in confusion.

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