How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World

Chapter 341: It’s dangerous outside the blanket (1)

The demon worshiper who nearly ambushed me was immediately apprehended and taken to the temple.

There is a law stating that demon worshipers are to be transferred to the temple as soon as their identity is revealed.

Thus, the ones handling the escort were the Holy Knights.

Since Kate had completely subdued the worshiper, they wouldn’t resort to extreme measures like self-destruction, but caution was still necessary.

Originally, summary execution was the rule, but an exception was made this time.

It was because the individual had used magic within the Academy and had concealed their murderous intent until the last moment, which suggested they were no ordinary person.

Above all, they were sent to assassinate me.

This meant they likely held a considerable position of trust among the demon worshipers.

Of course, it could have been a probing attempt, sent despite knowing it wouldn’t work.

Word of Kate guarding me must have reached the demon worshipers.

However, considering they paralyzed a passerby’s heart, it was certain they were skilled. If not for the arrow that flew in mid-attack, I might have been in great danger.

And so, while the demon worshiper was dragged to the temple, I was promptly escorted back to the dormitory by Academy guards and my personal protectors.

The fact that a demon worshiper used magic within the Academy, aiming for my life, would undoubtedly become a major topic of discussion.

“So that’s why you’ve stayed indoors this whole time?”

“Yeah.”

“You even stopped asking Adele to fetch things and started asking others instead?”

“Yeah.”

Three days passed, and I didn’t take a single step outside the dormitory.

Originally, I would have needed to leave to fulfill my duties as a teaching assistant and assist with Elena’s research, but my perspective changed after being directly threatened by a demon worshiper.

The world outside the dormitory—or even outside my room—suddenly felt dangerous.

The attack reminded me that demon worshipers were not a distant threat but something that could happen anytime, anywhere.

The thought that the Academy would be a safe haven?

I threw that notion into the trash the moment the incident occurred.

My very existence could endanger innocent people.

“You made the right decision. So, are you giving up on graduating from the Academy?”

Marie, who had come to the dormitory because I refused to leave my room, asked me this.

Although she was supposed to attend classes, her attendance was excused since she was my fiancée.

Moreover, after the recent incident, she had all the justification she needed to stay away.

“No. I’ll graduate from the Academy. This situation happened because I wasn’t cautious enough. I just need to be more careful.”

“Then why aren’t you leaving the dormitory?”

“For peace of mind.”

“… …”

Marie gave me a strange look.

It was a face that wanted to say something but couldn’t find the right words.

But I was serious.

Only three days had passed since the incident, and even stepping outside felt risky.

After all, an arrow could fly at me the moment I stepped out. Although the chances were low, there was always the “what if.”

For now, I planned to stay inside the dormitory.

As Marie mentioned earlier, I could ask the guards patrolling the halls to bring me meals and necessities.

Of course, I didn’t plan to stay confined to the dormitory forever. Once the Academy strengthened its security measures, I’d venture outside again.

Until then, I would only meet people who came to see me.

By now, word of the incident must have spread, so I expected many visitors soon.

“At least that’s a relief. Honestly, I was worried. I thought you hadn’t realized what kind of person you are.”

“I was aware. I just thought demon worshipers were a far-off issue.”

I offered a weak excuse. It could be seen as foolishness or complacency on my part.

The deeply ingrained notions from my previous life were partly to blame.

After all, the Minerva Empire’s capital, especially the Academy, was considered highly secure.

So I couldn’t help but think, “As long as I’m a bit cautious, I’ll be fine.” The uneventful week after my return to the Academy only reinforced that belief.

You could call it stupidity, and I wouldn’t argue. I deserved the criticism.

I had always known demon worshipers were scum, but since they had never targeted me directly, I had let my guard down.

Demon worshipers are vile creatures who will do anything to achieve their goals.

Not only did they target my life, but they nearly killed an innocent bystander.

This incident alone was enough for me to clearly understand what kind of people they were.

No matter what their reasons for joining the demon worshipers, they were unforgivable.

Still, one thing lingered in my mind—the words the demon worshiper muttered before taking their own life.

“‘The Father of All Things’… that part is a little concerning…”

I decided to set it aside for now. The priority was figuring out how to return to a normal life.

The incident had occurred at Halo Academy, known for its strict security. How would this affect the Minerva Empire’s reputation?

Even without reading the newspapers, I could imagine the scene.

The Academy’s president and higher-ups were likely being dragged through the mud.

Though they might feel wronged, politics work that way. If you give people a reason, they’ll exploit it.

Fortunately, with Marie publicly recognized as my fiancée, the Empire’s position remained stable. Even I had no plans to leave the Empire anytime soon.

‘Things might change if Cecily and Arwen visit.’

Nibbling on a cookie baked by Adelia, I pondered. Cecily and Arwen were unofficial lovers, unlike Marie.

Though there were other women, none were officially acknowledged like those two.

Especially with Arwen, who indirectly hinted at a “gift,” I suspected there would be a major development soon.

‘When will that happen?’

Cecily’s declaration seemed imminent, yet things were oddly quiet.

However, keeping silent was also a strategy.

Even if they didn’t announce it outright, it wouldn’t be a shock when people eventually found out.

Thanks to The Chronicles of Xenon, many knew about the salvation of the demon race, and Cecily was set to become the next monarch.

Helium had already expressed infinite gratitude toward me as a nation. Moreover, during her speech, Cecily dropped a bomb by declaring herself “Xenon’s woman.”

That one statement cemented the idea in people’s minds.

It would be fine even if she openly dated me, as those in the know were already aware.

‘Arwen, though…’

I was curious when Arwen would reveal her “gift.” Given the elf’s culture, I had a vague idea of what it might be, but nothing was certain until it was unveiled.

Though I intended to stay indoors until the Academy bolstered security, I would consider traveling to Alvenheim if she presented her gift.

“So, when do you think you’ll go out? A week? Or a month?”

“It’ll be at least a week. I think the Academy would prefer I stay put for now. By the way, how’s Lina? She must be feeling the pressure too.”

“She hasn’t been attending classes. She’s probably busy in meetings right now.”

“Hmm.”

I nodded. With such an unfortunate incident happening on her watch, Rina must be struggling.

I felt even more guilty knowing my poor judgment and complacency were causing trouble for those around me.

Resolving to ensure nothing like this ever happened again, I shifted the topic to another matter—one involving Adelia, who had subdued the demon worshiper three days ago.

“Adel.”

“Yes. What is it?”

With Marie present, Adelia replied formally. She always stood as a reliable shield for me.

This incident made me realize how much I relied on her protection.

But what if that shield were to break or become unusable? Though I would take every precaution to prevent such a scenario, nothing in life was guaranteed.

“Didn’t I tell you? It’s better to learn how to handle small weapons, not just simple self-defense techniques.

So that when the moment comes when your shield breaks, you’ll at least have the strength to resist.

If I die, it won’t just make others sad—they’ll fall into despair. So let’s cultivate the strength to at least ‘survive’ threats.

Even if both my hands are cut off, it doesn’t matter. The most important thing is my life.

More than anything, as long as I survive, I can recover everything through divine power. According to Luminous, even regression is possible, though only for a short time.

“So, can you start teaching me from today?”

“…It will be very tough.”

“Better than getting hurt or dying.”

Adelia stared at me quietly, her gaze reflecting determination. I met her eyes, which were filled with calm seriousness.

I wasn’t hoping for the advanced weapon techniques passed down in the family.

It’s already a bit late for that, and what I need to learn isn’t combat, but self-defense.

Father is likely busy with his duties, so it seems better to learn from Adelia for now.

“Then, I’ll first consult the Baron and get his permission. That’s the proper procedure.”

“Got it. That’s fine by me.”

Father will surely give his approval.

There’s no way he’d refuse when his youngest son wants to train in martial arts, even if he’s not a fighter himself.

Besides, communication through the teleport set up at the dormitory is quick. If all goes well, I might be able to start learning today.

Afterward, I wrote a letter in elegant cursive and sent it directly to the estate. The reply I received was…

The Baron says he’s coming in person.”

“…What?”

Father’s coming in person? I blinked in surprise, completely unprepared for such an answer.

Adelia, seemingly just as taken aback, handed me the letter and responded in a daze.

“He said, if you’re going to learn, it’s better to learn properly.”

“What about you? Does he not trust you?”

“I’m not sure. The letter only says he’s coming himself…”

“…”

Could he just be making an excuse to get out of work?

★★★★★

The news that Isaac was ambushed by demon worshippers spread worldwide in an instant.

Considering it was none other than Isaac who was nearly attacked, it was only natural for an uproar to follow.

As expected, the Minerva Empire found itself in deep trouble.

The Halo Academy, constructed by enticing master craftsmen from the Kingdom of Ters with money, had now exposed its vulnerabilities to the world.

In such circumstances, the person in the most difficult position was…

“Ugh. These damned bastards…”

It was Arwen, who had missed the perfect timing to make her announcement because of the demon worshippers.

Originally, the announcement was scheduled for today, but due to the attack on Isaac, the plan had to be scrapped.

When she first heard the news, she worried that something had happened to Isaac.

However, upon hearing he was safe, she felt both relief and irritation.

Frustration.

“Ah, I really want to show it already…”

With a slightly dejected look, she gazed at the ‘gift’ carefully nestled inside the box.

The thought of wearing it and showing it to him made her feel unbearably embarrassed but also filled her with anticipation.

What kind of reaction would Isaac have? The mere thought made her heart race and her lips twitch.

“…I can’t keep delaying this.”

If she kept hesitating, she would miss the timing again. Even if she had to endure criticism, she needed to make the announcement within a week.

Resolving herself, she closed the box containing the gift with a determined expression.

Tap, tap—

Next, she checked to ensure no one was around before lightly tapping the crystal orb on her desk with her fingers.

The crystal orb was none other than a communication crystal, an item used for long-distance communication.

As an elf, and someone of Arwen’s stature, she could have used telepathy, but even she would struggle with the vast distances involved.

Hence, she used the power of the communication crystal to contact someone far away.

“Testing, testing. Can you hear me?”

[Yes, I hear you, Your Majesty. What’s the matter?]

At Arwen’s words, a sultry woman’s voice flowed from the other side of the crystal.

If Isaac had heard it, he would’ve found the voice not just familiar but intimate.

After confirming again that no one was around, Arwen cleared her throat with a light cough and composed herself.

Her face noticeably reddened, and her ears twitched up and down uncontrollably, revealing her emotions at a glance.

“I’ve… made my decision and contacted you about it.”

[Oh my, finally? But… the timing right now…]

“I know that as well. But I feel it’s no good to keep delaying it…”

[Hmm… Understood. So, what do you need my help with today?]

The woman beyond the crystal asked in an intrigued tone.

Hearing the question, Arwen hesitated for a moment.

Although this woman often got on her nerves, Arwen had no choice but to set her pride aside and ask for help this time.

When it came to matters of romance, she was clueless, whereas the woman on the other side of the crystal was leagues ahead.

Not to mention, that woman had plenty of experience with the man she liked.

“Can you tell me… what Isaac likes… and what he enjoys?”

[Oh, that’s easy. I’ll share everything with you later, along with a few others. Just wait a little.]

“I-I’ll be waiting.”

Click—

The crystal went dark as the connection ended.

Arwen stared blankly at the dimmed crystal before letting out a long sigh.

“…A gift should make the receiver happy.”

For that, she could set aside her pride without hesitation.

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