Chapter 80 – Requilis (4)

April 14th, 2023

“The pen is mightier than the sword” is a well-known proverb that encompasses various meanings. 

Similarly, what Dimitry told me about “the person who holds the pen” is also similar.
It is a metaphorical expression that could mean a literary writer who writes works with a pen or a journalist who writes news articles with a pen.

However, we need to think about Dimitry’s position again.
Dimitry is a duke who holds the second-highest position in the Minerva Empire, second only to the emperor, and is naturally related to “politics.”

In other words, the person who holds the pen that Dimitry mentioned is likely to be a “politician.” However, since a metaphorical expression was used, it could apply to anyone.

Above all, I could roughly guess what Dimitry’s intentions were when he asked the question.
He was probably referring to Xenon’s Biography, which gradually began to assimilate into everyday life, having a huge impact on the cultural industry.

The book, which caused a sensation and was discussed all over the world, is undoubtedly a target that must be wary of as a person who holds a pen.

‘I guess I have no choice but to be careful.’

If you want to feel the power of the pen, you don’t have to go far.
There is Hitler, a name that no human being on Earth can fail to know, who was the main villain of World War II.

Hitler maximized the power of the pen, brainwashed all of Germany, and used it as he pleased, triggering World War II.
One war engulfed all of Europe, and it helped awaken two giants, the United States and the Soviet Union, later on.

If such a tragedy could occur simply by one country alone, what if the influence extended to the entire world? Naturally, we must be cautious.

Above all, this world is a fantasy world.
Mana, magic, monsters, and even non-human races exist, and the social civilization is no more advanced than the Middle Ages.

Even Earth, which is a few steps ahead in terms of society, has been marked by terrible history due to a single instigation, but here, the situation is likely to be worse.
Moreover, Xenon’s Biography has already put a sharp sword called “demons” in its own possession.

If I wanted to, as the author of Xenon’s Biography, I could wreak havoc with a seasoned sword called “demons.” Of course, I would never do such a thing, but that’s only from my perspective. 

To others, like Dimitri, the story is different.
Xenon’s Biography is a time bomb that could go off at any moment, a potential threat that could lead to annihilation if mishandled.

Furthermore, Dimitri belongs to the Requilis family, who boast a wide range of knowledge, especially when it comes to history, as he claims to have conversed with the past and glimpsed into the future.
He is aware of the power wielded by those who hold a pen and is cognizant of all these factors when he asked me the following question.

“It is a natural phenomenon? And is it something that history can prove?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Do you understand why I asked that question?”

Rather than chastisement, Dimitri’s inquiry brims with interest and anticipation, and I nodded my head silently in response.

Even if one person has a global impact, in the grand scheme of things, they are merely a part of the flow of time, rather than a cause for alarm.
Hitler in a previous life had a massive influence on the world, and even after fifty years, his impact still lingered. 

There are similar histories in this world, such as the “Race War” on the table in front of us, which is a war greater than the Second World War in my past life, and its influence is still present even five hundred years later.

“The person who holds the pen, which the Duke mentioned, could be referring to various meanings.
Literally, it could be a novelist, or it could be a politician.
Both have something in common, which is the ability to express their intentions strongly without resorting to direct or indirect violence.”

“I see that you know well.”

“And the pen that is currently changing the world… With my limited knowledge, I can only think of Xenon’s Biography.
It’s not at the level of leaving a mark in the cultural industry, but it is a novel that is recreating culture as we know it.”

It’s an evaluation that I’m too embarrassed to say in my own words, but it’s what the critics of the newspaper said.
I’m only borrowing their words.

Even after listening to my explanation, Dimitri was still looking at me with a blank expression.
I don’t know what he’s thinking because his face is almost emotionless, but it’s probably best to continue my explanation.

“The influence of Xenon’s Biography on the world is so powerful that those who hold a pen can never ignore it.
It not only changed the perception of demons but also introduced a new concept of the Seven Deadly Sins, which redefined theology.
Depending on the stories that come out in the future, Xenon’s Biography will continue to change its target.”

Last time, I wrote a story criticizing the nobility.
Fortunately, since I wrote about not only their dark side but also their bright side, there was no big impact.

“Yes.
Like this, Xenon’s Biography is slowly changing the world.
As the perception of demons changed, many countries welcomed them, and naturally, diplomatic benefits follow through exchanges.”

“And recently, the Princess of Helium has enrolled in the Halo Academy.
Things that we couldn’t even dream of just five years ago are becoming a reality one by one.”

Then, Dimitri slowly leaned forward and spoke in a solemn voice.

“I am also one of the readers who love Xenon’s Biography, but I can boast that I know history better than anyone else.
So, I can never ignore it.”

“… …”

“Do you not know what kind of catastrophe would occur if the world were to change in an instant?” 

Dimitry pointed to the book about the racial war on the table and asked me.
His words were in line with the fact that a sudden change in the world is chaos itself.

It doesn’t have to be a large-scale war like World War II.
The greatest example is the ‘Industrial Revolution,’ which literally changed the world abruptly.

‘Machines’ appeared in earnest, ‘time’ increased, and at the same time, the world’s population exploded.
However, on the contrary, ‘imperialism’ emerged and many countries were plundered and suffered significant losses.

If the world changes rapidly like this, many people will shed blood, and the pen and sword will easily break without making a sound.
Change is such a painful process.

Duke Requilis predicts that the ongoing Xenon’s Biography will also be similar.

As a person who loves and understands history more than anyone else, he regards Xenon’s Biography as a powerful weapon rather than just a culture.

“Changing the world doesn’t just mean pursuing progress.
It’s likely to have a significant impact on society, whether good or bad.
In the past, there was no concept of a king, a noble, and a commoner.
At first, we imitated the elves and had only councilors and vassals, and finally, only the people who rooted us remained.”

“… …”

“However, as time passed, the racial war broke out and it began to take its current form.
We have kings, nobles, and commoners as three classes of people.
But even this has many problems.
The conflict between nobles and commoners is deepening, and even the Jayros Revolution occurred in the Ters Kingdom.
Furthermore, recently, when the Xenon Chronicles went on hiatus, a protest group was even formed.
Do you really think all of this is a natural occurrence and has no significant meaning?”

Without any hesitation, I replied. 

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Well then, if the author of Xenon’s Biography makes a mistake in the book and a terrible tragedy occurs, will you still attribute it as a natural event? I think it’s too optimistic, but what about you?”

I felt as if Dimitry was warning me directly for some reason.
IfI make a mistake in the book, he’ll take care of me himself.

However, despite his concerns and worries, I am writing Xenon’s Biography purely as a hobby.
I can guarantee that I will never change the world or anything like that.

However, as Xenon’s Biography is already changing the world, there is no denying that I must take ‘responsibility.’ Dimitry reminded me of that once again.

‘Does he vaguely realize that I am the author?’ 

I decided it would be best not to think about it and gave my answer while looking at Dimitry’s serious face.

“It’s not just optimism, it’s something that has happened historically several times before.
When society changes, ‘people’ naturally change as well.
Of course, there will be a lot of noise at first.
We must fully accept knowledge that we could not accept as common sense, and it is no different from exploring the unknown.
People fear change, but ironically, they must face it to evolve as intellectual beings.”

“Hmm.”

“I’m sure you, as a Duke who loves history, know very well how humans fought against the elves during the racial war and how the Minerva Empire was established through what process.
At that time, it may have been a revolutionary change for people of the era, but it is strictly a thing of the ‘past’ for us who live in the ‘present,’ and we naturally accept it.”

The reason I became interested in history is simple.
It’s because I was born in South Korea.

To be more precise, as everyone knows, just 50 years ago, South Korea experienced a tragedy called the Korean War.
Shortly after celebrating independence, everything collapsed like a sandcastle due to the greed of one person, causing terrible human casualties.

But now? South Korea has developed into a strong country to the point where it’s hard to even imagine such a war happened.
Although traces of the war remain here and there, if you look at Seoul, you wouldn’t think such a thing happened.

So, I became very interested in history, wanting to know how people of the time felt about the ‘past’ that we naturally accept now.

I finished my story, looking straight at Dimitri who was listening to me.

“Future generations will just think of this moment as something that happened in the past.
It’s just a history that they will naturally accept.”

“…”

“From our perspective of living in the present, it may be very confusing, but ultimately, we are just part of the flow of ancient history.
To future generations, it will be a history that they will just accept naturally.”

“So, your point is that every occurrence within a massive change is a natural event from a historical perspective.
Therefore, whether you stand idly by or resist, it’s all meaningless.
Change is a natural process.”

“Yes, that’s correct.
However, this is strictly a historical perspective, and it’s better to prepare for it realistically to receive better evaluations in the future.”

“Hmm.”

After finishing all of my stories, Dimitry started to stroke his chin thoughtfully.
I lifted my teacup to my lips to hide my dry mouth.
I felt like I had squeezed out the story with a lack of sugar coating it.
The tea had a sweet fragrance when I drank it.

“I understand your thoughts.
You told me an interesting story.”

Dimitry, lost in thought as he stroked his chin, spoke to me with a gentle smile.
I put down my teacup completely and replied.

“Thank you for listening with interest, with my limited knowledge.”

“No, it’s not.
I feel like I’ve solved one problem thanks to you.
Now I’ll ask you another question.
Actually, this is the main and most important part.”

He mentioned it was the most important part, so I waited more nervously until his lips moved again.

“What do you like about my daughter and date her?”

“… …”

“I wish you would answer honestly.
You’re the man my daughter chose, but it’s not an easy problem to overlook.”

As a duke, he lost all his dignity and became nothing more than a doting father.
I barely managed to suppress a bitter laugh.

Just in case, I glanced at Marie sitting next to me, and she hung her head as if she was ashamed of herself.
She buried her face in her hands, looking quite embarrassed.

Unable to hold back my laughter, I answered honestly.

“Because she’s beautiful.”

“Hey! Don’t answer that!”

Marie screamed beside me.
It would have been enough to make her feel ashamed, but Dimitry went a step further.

“Well… that’s an honest answer.
My daughter is pretty, like her mother.”

“Dad! Please stop!”

Marie was almost screaming.

Translators note:

I actually frogot to press publish yesterday and went to sleep, lol.
My bad.