Chapter: 767
The atmosphere quickly relaxed at the news that the play we just watched wasn’t a compact representation of Rodesa’s proletarian ideals, but rather a tale of founding myths that actually existed.
In fact, it was just my own tension that dissolved. Until now, I had felt like a dirty bourgeois facing off against the proletariat, but realizing it was a misunderstanding made it entirely reasonable.
‘It’s not uncommon for a bit of blood to be spilled during the founding process.’
During times of national upheaval, nobles typically die off more than commoners, so Rodesa’s play doesn’t necessarily cover any specific ideology. The old powers of an existing nation and society are sure to disappear for the new world to emerge. The only difference is that the protagonist behind the new nation is a commoner rather than a noble.
Moreover, there are indeed historical precedents where commoners led revolutions to establish new nations. Hell, the Apels Empire was founded by commoners, who then immediately snagged heavenly mandate, right? It sure had a good start, so what went wrong in the end?
“You seemed quite surprised by the play. It was rather extreme for nobles, wasn’t it?”
“If it was pure fiction, I would’ve been on edge, but if it’s based on real history, it’s understandable. It was a beautiful moment when a nation was founded, after all.”
“Oh! You have a great perspective! I actually braced for some criticism! Although the administration passed it for public release, the review period took twice as long!”
Of course, I wore a bitter smile at that. When it comes to deep, emotional, real-life narratives, there’s no justification for censorship, even though the content about commoners slashing away at nobles remains unchanged.
A national founding myth? Sorry to burst that bubble, but people tend to see only what they want. Depending on the viewer, it wouldn’t be strange for the ‘founding myth’ to be interpreted as ‘the commoners’ chaotic red revolution.’
In fact, it’s quite impressive that the Saleria administration approved it. If I barely managed to accept it as a third-party observer, I can only imagine how much deliberation went into getting it passed for the officials directly involved.
“People focus on the greatness of the founding figure, but they overlook how it all started! They ignore how the common folk, who once lived in submission to the world, raised their banners, and what made an ordinary village girl pick up a sword instead of a sickle!”
As Rodesa’s eyes began to shine, I inadvertently nodded along.
She’s got a point. Regardless of the internal motivations of the founding figure, if one succeeds in establishing a new nation, only the ‘great decision to save the hearts weighed down by despair’ would remain. Justifying the ruling parties would be interwoven with the lives of the people, no two ways about it.
And if that justification for rising up was for love? Well, from now on, romance serves the people! That’s the narrative the allies and descendants decided on.
“That’s why I wrote this play! For the journey of Wilhelmina I, whose story was once lost! For the fiery and heart-wrenching love!”
“Heart-wrenching?”
Rizie tilted her head at that. The play we watched was flashy, yet it still had a happy ending.
“In reality, Wilhelmina I’s lover died of illness right after the founding. Unable to forget her beloved, Wilhelmina I remained unmarried, and the throne passed to her nephew.”
“Oh, I see…”
“History may have ended tragically, but that doesn’t mean the play has to follow suit! Writers have the privilege to create new stories!”
Rodesa spoke proudly while Rizie applauded her in admiration.
I had thought it was just a radical and unique play, but it turned out to be a work of the author’s pride. People really shouldn’t rush to judgment; experiencing it firsthand is the way to go!
“I heard that Wind and Flowers is also based on true events, but thanks to you, Rodesa, many lovers have found fulfillment through your works. You’re amazing!”
“Oh my! You knew Wind and Flowers was based on true events? That’s quite rare knowledge!”
“I watched it eagerly since I was a kid, so I ended up learning about it!”
Rodesa’s gaze turned even warmer as she looked at Rizie, who was grinning widely.
I understood. If the author has a fan who has loved her since her debut, that connection is bound to be special.
“Um, a sudden thought, but if it’s alright with you—”
Maybe that’s why, as Rodesa, who had been chatting excitedly, cautiously opened her mouth.
“Can I invite you both to my mansion for dinner tonight? You’ve traveled all the way from a foreign land to the Balkros and arrived just in time to see my play; it must be fate, right? I’d like to treat you both, however modestly!”
She invited us, former mere guests now directly asked to her mansion.
Since a ministerial introduction was in the works, we were scheduled to meet at the mansion anyway. However, this invitation was initiated by Rodesa herself, elevating it from ‘a casual meeting through a friend’s encouragement’ to ‘inviting treasured guests of her own desire.’
‘So this is the power of fandom.’
I glanced at Rizie with renewed surprise.
It seems I didn’t even need to ask the Minister of Culture for this; Rizie and Rodesa were fated to meet regardless.
“Well, how could one refuse the invitation of a great writer?”
“Great writer? I’m not quite there yet!”
Hearing that made me chuckle; it sounded like she’d become one with the passage of time.
After all, if people are already calling her a monster based on her unique literary scores, it wouldn’t be long before she officially joined the ranks of great authors.
*
Today is a day where I can write in my journal with a fresh, bright blue ink.
It’s the first day where the administration publicly screened works that had been languishing in reviews, and two esteemed guests from the Empire have arrived.
Not just any guests, but beautiful and pure guests who truly cherish my work.
“I didn’t expect this level of passion.”
I smiled while looking at the lady with lovely pink hair and sparkling blue eyes, as if she had jumped out of a storybook.
Louise Nairad, the wife of Count Tailglehen, who herself is set to inherit nobility among the factions of the Empire. Yet, despite her immense prestige, she remains wonderfully pure.
An unexpected guest and a welcomed one. To be honest, when I received an introduction from a revered senior back in the Empire, I thought I’d just make a modest appearance. A simple greeting, a pleasant exchange of pleasantries, maybe a dedication of a book to gift them.
But this lady is not a guest to treat like that. She’s someone who genuinely thinks and cares about me. I can’t treat someone who loves my work like some formality. If they’re sincere, I have to be, too.
“Welcome! It’s such an honor to host esteemed individuals in this humble abode!”
I opened my arms wide to greet the lady and Count Tailglehen. Given their status, I thought I should welcome them in a lavish restaurant, but bringing them to my mansion felt like the most sincere expression of my hospitality. We can go to restaurants any day, but this is my home!
“It’s our honor to be invited to the home of such a renowned author! Please, think of this as our earnest offering,” said the Count.
“You didn’t have to do this! I’ll gladly accept your kindness.”
As I lowered my head while accepting the box given by the Count, I found its shape to be that of a wine bottle. My recent hobby has been collecting wine, so this is a nice surprise—
“Just in case you dislike alcohol, it’s possible to sell it. This is Boyar wine; you’ll fetch a nice price.”
“…Huh?”
I stared blankly at the box due to the Count’s words.
Boyar wine. One of the top-tier wines produced in the Empire. A luxury item that’s tough to acquire even with money unless you have the right connections…
‘An esteemed guest.’
Before I knew it, I hugged the box tightly.
Today, I have to write in my journal with ink brighter and cooler than the blue ink.
“I’m glad you like it!”
“I’m sorry to feel I need to sell my mansion to repay this gift…?”
“Just accept it with good grace. I mean, it’s a gift on account of this invitation!”
The Count laughed with a flicker of amusement in his gaze as I silently rolled my eyes.
What should I do now? I expected my guests would bring something special, but did I think it would be Boyar wine?
‘This is a predicament.’
The truth is, I had something I wanted to ask the lady and the Count… But how could I make that request after accepting something like this?
‘Should I just bite the bullet?’
Yet, seeing her pure heart, just like springtime, stirred the desires within me brutally, making it hard to suppress.
Alright, let’s just go for it. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.
*
Fortunately, dinner passed without much of a fuss. I had tried to prepare as lavishly as possible, but compared to the meals of high-ranking nobles, it might have felt lacking. Yet, there was not a hint of complaint from my guests.
I’d heard that there are nobles who are picky during meals, but it seems these two are not among them.
“Count, dear husband.”
“Yes, what is it?”
As we finished our meal and sipped our tea, I cautiously opened my mouth, and the lady gracefully responded.
“What I’m about to say is merely a proposal, so please don’t feel pressured. You can reject it if it doesn’t sit well with you.”
“Huh? Oh, yes.”
The lady blinked momentarily, then nodded cheerfully.
With every single action, a warmth and freshness radiated from her. Where on earth did someone like her come from?
“May I write a novel about your love story?”
“…Huh?”
“Hmm?”
Now I was even more curious. How hot must these two have been during their prime?
I wondered how someone who seems personified as spring fell for a man as sharp as a blade.
*
At Rodesa’s proposal, Rizie was left speechless and flustered.
A writer who has produced numerous works based on real events, the very author she had respected and admired from childhood was proposing to write about her story. As a fan, how joyful must that be?
However, the issue is that this story isn’t merely about Rizie; it’s about all of us.
‘If it’s a love story, it’s the story of seven.’
Even worse, it’s not just a couple’s romance, but a tangled mess involving all seven… Quite complex, to say the least. Discussing my and Rizie’s romance would inevitably bring other ladies into the mix.
“That’s an intriguing proposal.”
So, I spoke up on behalf of the still-stunned Rizie.
“But it’s not something we can decide right away. Can we think it over while we stay here in Saleria?”
“Of course! Take your time, and if you decide against it, feel free to decline!”
“Sure, we’ll reflect on it.”
At least I’d need time to think it over before giving an answer.
I would have to discuss it with the ladies back at the mansion as well.
‘A love story, huh.’
I watched Rodesa nodding vigorously while raising my teacup to my lips.
My love story with Rizie. I can’t write about it starting from our romantic phase out of the blue; the prologue would have to feature the first time we met at the academy.
…
‘Wait a minute.’
If I include the academy days, won’t I have to mention all the club members too?
‘What the heck.’
I felt blood rush from my face.
To accept Rodesa’s proposal, I’d have to get the consent of the members; after that, I’d have to include our legendary escapades from the 77th season in the novella.
‘Should I just decline?’
But Rizie seems oddly hopeful.
Oh man, this is a disaster. The thought of immortalizing that nightmare as a novel is terrifying!
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