How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World
chapter-231

Everything is a possibility in the world. Although there is no definite evidence, it refers to events or facts that seem to exist somewhere, even if uncertain.

In other words, it’s ‘Lee Wae-jin.’ There are quite a few cases where someone has casually written or spoken words without much thought, and they turn out to be true. The reason for such occurrences is quite simple. The world is vast, the people living in it are diverse, and these people cause various events and incidents.

Especially in a culturally developed world like Earth, where the ‘Internet,’ a sea of information, has become popular, we often encounter various things. Moreover, media such as ‘movies,’ ‘comics,’ and ‘novels’ stimulate imagination and fulfill fantastical desires.

If people from the distant past were to see what we see now, they would dismiss it as unbelievable, whereas modern individuals think, ‘Why not?’ instead of ‘It can’t be.’

The most significant example is the airplane. People in the past would never have thought that they could fly through the sky with their creations. But now, enormous metal structures fly through the sky, and we even have jet planes that travel faster than the speed of sound.

In this way, ‘imagination’ changes with the development of science and culture, and I, who possesses memories of past lives, can boast of having an imagination that is as outstanding as anyone else.

Just by mentioning a little bit of my past life, others might casually label it as a joke, appearing to them as if I have an extraordinary imagination. However, having witnessed it with my own eyes, I could only smile wryly.

Of course, it’s understandable that the era and the less developed state of science might limit understanding. The problem is that such imagination isn’t confined solely to ‘airplanes.’

The pollution of the World Tree’s roots came from my imagination, and the devil worshippers that appeared in Xenon’s Biography also emerged from my imagination. The hunters of the devil turned demons also made their appearance from my imagination, as did the forbidden fusion magic.

Movies, games, comics, novels, and so on—my imagination, nurtured through various cultural media from past lives, would be truly astonishing by the standards of this world. It becomes an issue when all of that manifests in reality, though.

Moments when my needlessly vast imagination comes back like a boomerang and strikes me in the back have not been few or far between.

To me, these are purely events and thoughts from my imagination, but this place is a “fantasy world.”

Yes, a fantasy world. The fantasy world seen in movies, comics, novels, and games from past lives. I had overlooked the likelihood that crafting stories in such a world could manifest in reality. Thanks to that, the “Prophetic” incidents occurred multiple times.

If it were Earth, it would’ve been purely fantasy, but in the context of the fantasy universe, one might easily consider it a ‘prophecy.’ Realizing this, I’ve become a bit more cautious, little by little.

[The darkness concealed behind the enormous lantern of the Xavier Church has been revealed!]

[The Cardinal of the Luminous Order actually conspired with the cultists…]

[Caught in a whirlpool of shock, the Xavier Church. The person who uncovered the truth is none other than Kate Louise Angelica, this hero is also a Grand Inquisitor…]

However, this time a different meaning of ‘Lee Wae-jin’ emerged. As seen in the recently published newspaper, there was an actual case of a cardinal in the Holy Church consorting with devil worshippers in Xavier.

It’s not that I’m surprised after getting a direct answer from Luminous… but it’s incredibly bewildering.

Because this was a situation expected to unfold in Volume 18. It’s a story where the mastermind behind the attack on Jin and Lily turns out to be a cardinal of the Holy Church, leading up to a battle, step by step.

But before that story could be revealed to the world, the culprit was apprehended in reality. It’s a situation that sounds like a tale as I calmly ate bread in the dorm.

[Cardinal Bark was a faithful clergyman, but blinded by greed, he did things that shouldn’t have been done…]

[Currently, the Xavier Church has declared to eliminate all devil worshippers lurking in the shadows.]

[Moreover, devil worshippers are deeply connected to the underworld through drugs, smuggling, human trafficking, etc.]

The contents in the newspaper were truly shocking. Bark, the clergyman, was a figure among the high ranks of devil worshippers, conveying all of Xavier’s movements to the devil worshippers.

Originally, due to devil worshippers operating like secret organizations, tracking them was incredibly difficult, but after Bark’s identity was revealed, the organizational structure became clear.

Especially noteworthy was the influence devil worshippers have in the underworld. Capturing one of their heads enabled understanding the kind of influence devil worshippers exert.

Just like crimes such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and human trafficking exist in this world, there are also criminal organizations growing through such gains.

However, it has been revealed that there is no place untouched by the sinister influence of devil worshippers within the criminal underworld. The impact they have had on the world, hidden in the shadows for many years, was truly alarming. The problem is that there are some influential individuals associated with these criminal organizations.

While they may not have directly forged alliances with devil worshippers, the fact remains that when connected to a criminal organization, funds inevitably flow towards devil worshippers. In essence, tying them together is reasonable.

[Xavier: “We hereby declare the commencement of the ‘Holy War’.”]

Realizing the situation is far more serious than anticipated, Xavier has initiated the ‘Holy War.’ This war, in the name of religion, was different in meaning this time.

For Xavier, the fact that a high-ranking clergyman entered into an alliance with devil worshippers must have been extremely embarrassing. Some high-ranking clergy members are reported to have left the church, disappointed, according to the newspapers.

Hence, this is not a declaration against a nation but specifically against devil worshippers, revealing a determination to uproot them entirely.

To prevent such incidents, not only high-ranking clergy but also ordinary clergy have started a familiar ‘Mass’ culture, where they pray together.

However, whether it’s a Holy War, Mass, or prophecies from Xenon’s Biography, none of it holds any meaning for me at the moment. There’s something else more urgent.

[The prophecy regarding this event was already foreseen in Volume 17 of Xenon’s Biography! Cardinal Kate remarks that ‘the darkest place is under the lamp’…]

[It will likely be a gentle cardinal, not the one who uttered harsh words toward the truth.]

[If someone who usually doesn’t pray and harbors doubts towards God starts doing so, it’s certain.]

[Will the events unfold in Volume 18 similarly to reality?]

As it turns out, Kate had actually apprehended Cardinal Bark. It was a case of being darkest under the lamp, as he said, and the contents of volume 17. Currently, she’s imprisoned within the Holy See for committing violence, but the newspapers stated that her merits will soon be acknowledged, and she’ll be released.

However, I find myself unable to ignore the situation where the content of Xenon’s Biography Volume 18 has not just been ‘leaked’ but ‘exposed’. It’s enough to make my head spin.

It’s a predicament – on one hand, I’m worried that I might be in the red again, caught up in fervor over the prophecy, and on the other hand, if I change the storyline, it might ruin the structure I’ve built.

It’s truly a desperate situation. I feel the newspapers are subtly waiting to see my reaction.

“Sigh…”

I exhaled deeply, closing the newspaper. It felt like getting a strong blow to the head with a hammer. I can’t grasp what to do next.

It might be better to start with an explanation, but I’m doubtful if people will believe it. I won’t change the story for now. My resolve was firm.

It’s probably better to keep pushing forward as is; there’ll be less confusion, and most importantly, people will naturally come to understand.

Whooom

“Hmm?”

With a heavy heart, I sat on the bed and felt a faint mana wave. It was such a familiar sensation that I didn’t even feel the need to be on guard. I had felt this wave every time Siris teleported to my dormitory.

And sure enough, with a gentle breeze, Siris appeared in my room. She still wore the revealing bikini armor that never failed to delight the eyes.

Quietly, as Siris swayed in with her white hair flowing, I opened my mouth.

“You’re here?”

“Hello. Isaac.”

Siris politely bowed her head in greeting. I asked her while still sitting on the bed, wanting to know her reaction to the letter I had sent to Arwen earlier.

“What did Arwen say?”

“She mentioned that there have been many difficult things recently, but thanks to them, her strength has increased.”

Well, Arwen was the only one externally connected to Xenon. When Fieren made his final move, spreading strange rumors about our romantic relationship, there was nothing I could do. From her perspective, despite the fatigue, having a connection to me had its advantages.

It seemed that she had managed to establish a foundation for solidifying the ‘connections’ she had struggled with even after becoming a queen. For politicians like Arwen, connections were more valuable than gold. However, she was still going through difficulties due to the aftermath. That’s why I had sent her a letter of encouragement last time.

“Here’s the queen’s response.”

“Thank you.”

I received a letter from Siris and immediately unfolded it. It was written on a scroll, subtly girlish in its style, if that description fits a rolled up paper.

As I opened the letter, I was greeted by a graceful handwriting befitting a queen’s position. It filled a page with care and dedication.

[Dear Isaac, I have read your letter. It gives me strength, like a downpour in a parched land. I’ve been through some tough times lately, but thanks to you, everything feels alleviated.]

A content smile graced my lips. Even just reading the words, I felt as though I could hear Arwen’s voice.

…Wait a second. Can I really hear a voice? What’s this?

“It’s an audio storage spell.”

“…Really?”

I pondered whether there was a need for magic when the letter itself sufficed. Despite feeling a bit unnerved, I slowly continued reading the letter.

I can’t fathom the principles behind it, but as I read the letter with my eyes, Arwen’s voice played in my mind.

Perhaps it’s apt to call it magic after all. Astonishing things abound. Arwen being an elf might make this possible; for a human, it would be an ability beyond dreams.

[Due to work commitments, confined to the office, I long to see your face. I know, as a queen, I shouldn’t feel this way, but there’s no one else I feel this comfortable with. Please bear with my longing a little longer.]

How difficult must work be to lament about it even in a letter? Since ancient times, regardless of the region, a hardworking king boasts of an incredibly heavy workload. Just the stack of documents piled up in my father’s office was mountainous, so Queen Arwen wouldn’t have exaggerated if she said it was severe.

Moreover, even though she ascended to the queen’s position, she struggled to implement even a single policy due to pressure from the council, and there were hardly any trustworthy individuals. Before meeting me, there was no one she could call a ‘friend,’ so one could say her life was a bit challenging.

[Thanks to meeting you, many things have changed. We prevented the contamination of the World Tree in advance, and even the council, hindering the progress of Alvenheim, has vanished into the sidelines of history. Even our relations with the Dark Elves are gradually improving. Without you… I wouldn’t have been able to do anything. I want to express my gratitude somehow, but there’s nothing I can adequately do. You have everything a man can possess.]

Arwen’s voice suddenly faded away. It’s a bit awkward for me to say, but I’m someone who lacks very little now.

Power, wealth, fame, and finally, beautiful women. To anyone’s eyes, I must seem like someone who lacks nothing.

[However, my pride doesn’t allow me to step back like this. If there’s anything you desire, please tell me, and I’ll grant it without any hesitation. Don’t even think about replacing it with giving you books from the Sanctuary, it wouldn’t suffice to repay the favor I received from you.]

At that moment, I couldn’t help but flinch. Perhaps it’s not as sincere as it sounds—maybe it’s just a token of gratitude. But even so, seeing Arwen go as far as saying such things indicates a profound sense of gratitude towards me.

[It seems the story has grown long. If the opportunity arises, come to Alvenheim. It feels like even the strength I didn’t have would emerge upon seeing your face. Or if you permit, I might set aside some tasks and make my way there. You might think it childish, but I hope you’ll indulge this whim just a bit. A day for an elf is likely very short, yet after meeting you, a day feels like a week. With that, I’ll take my leave, wishing for Luminous’s protection upon you.]

[Oh, and there’s no need to reply. Just let Siris know when you might come to Alvenheim.]

With that, Arwen’s voice faded away. I smiled while reading the childish content despite the graceful handwriting. I’ve been busy lately, hardly having the chance to meet face-to-face, but visiting during this vacation might not be a bad idea after all.

It’s true that relationships tend to grow stronger when you see each other’s faces. The farther the distance, the more the hearts tend to drift apart.

“I’ve read the letter. Please convey my thanks to Arwen.”

“Understood. Oh, before that… The Queen wanted to ask you something.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

Siris, with his usual poker face, relayed Arwen’s question.

“Regarding the recent events in Xavier, people are starting to firmly believe that Sir Isaac is a prophet or someone from the future.”

“I’m already trying to put that idea to rest. Even if I say otherwise, they won’t believe it.”

“So, Arwen wanted me to ask you this: Are you truly a prophet or someone from the future?”

No, that’s not it. It seems like Arwen even suspects me now. But I have no intention of revealing to anyone that I am a reincarnator. There’s nothing to gain by disclosing it, and it will only cause confusion.

“It’s not like that. Tell her that all of this is just a coincidence.”

I’m just in a fantasy world.

“There are no constraints set by the gods or anything like that.”

Writing something that could happen in a fantasy world.

“I’m just an ordinary writer writing a plausible novel.”

A writer who writes novels.

Really.

Translators note:

2/3