Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

51

Back at the academy after the conversation with Beiolaf.

I was engulfed in a minor frustration.

“Erotic… Me writing erotic….”

Forget about a novel, I doubted if I could even write a single sentence properly.

I had read books and copied them a lot when I was young, but I had hardly ever tried writing. If anything, the most writing experience I had was when I wrote cover letters to become a social worker.

“First of all, since the intimate scenes are the most important in erotic novels. Should I try writing just those scenes first?”

But when I tried to write, my imagination failed me. The most crucial form of the heroine didn’t come to mind.

I had no choice but to substitute the characters around me.

The first person that came to mind was Eonia.

From Noble mtl dot com

“If it’s Eo….”

At first, she would show a tough side, but after getting close, she would reveal an infinitely tender side.

I thought that incorporating such a change in the heroine’s emotions into the novel could create a good response.

I feverishly transcribed the intimate scene as if possessed.

My ability to express in sentences was lacking, but I decided to supplement that part through the change in the heroine’s emotions.

“Surprisingly fun, isn’t it?”

Maybe because I was too engrossed. I didn’t even notice someone approaching closely.

“Master Alse.”

A voice suddenly came from beside me.

“Huh!?”

I quickly folded the paper to hide it.

“If this gets out and spreads rumors….”

I would just dive into hiding from everything that comes next.

“…What are you hiding?”

It was Estelle. She narrowed her eyes, staring at the paper I had hidden.

“Th-this is just a letter.”

“A letter? …Excuse me, but who is it for?”

“It’s really impolite of you to ask that.”

“I’m sorry. But…. By any chance, is it for Lord Salion?”

“It’s for my mother.”

I tried to dodge the question, but she persisted.

“However, isn’t Lord Ilain’s mansion just 30 minutes away from here? If you have something to tell Lady Claire, wouldn’t it be better to speak directly rather than sending a letter? Lady Claire would surely be happier that way. I… I also want to have a chat with Lady Claire after a long time. How about going together?”

When she smiled and spoke, the surroundings brightened.

It had been around 8 months since she started treatment. Estelle, who was now nearing the end of her recovery, was confidently flaunting the beauty that once stirred up the past territory. Her charming short hair captivated others’ gazes, and instead of any foul odor, a subtle, sweet fragrance now emanated.

As she smiled, other guys were captivated. Even the ones who used to tease her like monsters were no exception. Hubert, who had previously picked fights, now awkwardly averted his gaze after a sharp rebuke.

“Well, I may have lied a bit. This isn’t a letter.”

“A lie!? Why would you do that to me…!”

“Everyone has things they want to keep hidden. Oh, by the way, I have other matters to attend to.”

As it was a break time, I tried to leave, but snap! Estelle grabbed my arm as I attempted to depart. Her grip wasn’t strong, yet for some reason, I felt an unusual intensity in her touch.

“…Why are you trying to avoid me?”

“Pardon?”

“It’s been like that since then. Since returning from Grancel! Erina Salion. Did that girl tell you to keep your distance? Is that it?”

“Surely not. This is just…”

“Just what?”

Her eyes were intimidating. Although it was a feeling, the surrounding temperature seemed to have dropped by at least 3 degrees.

‘Wasn’t everything getting better as she made more friends?’

Her current state seemed like a simmering volcano about to erupt at any moment.

Feeling the tension, I decided to speak the truth.

“Now you have many friends too. You don’t need someone like me around.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Estelle replied coldly.

“No. If I stick around, it’ll be difficult for you to make new friends, right? So, that’s why…”

“Why would you say that? What kind of foolish thought is that? How could you be so heartless and cruel? Who told you to do that? Was it Erina Salion? Or did Remyu instruct you to do so? Who was it!”

Her scream silenced the classroom. Judging by their expressions, they seemed ready to break out the popcorn.

“Alus said that. When I recover, I’ll become beautiful, so you wanted to be friends. But why. Even though I’ve recovered, you’re distancing yourself. Why? Why──!”

“That’s…”

“If I knew this would happen, it would’ve been better if I hadn’t recovered at all!”

I had to urgently stop her as she seemed to be about to harm herself by bringing her nails to her face.

“Whoa! Calm down! I understand. I’ll explain properly. Let’s move to a different place.”

I somehow managed to calm her down and moved to a secluded area.

Estelle stared at me with cold eyes, urging me to spill everything.

“Well, if you go to the High Academy, you’ll have to drop out anyway. That’s why I kept my distance. I’ll be going to the Caliper Academy, and you’ll have to go to Crossing. So, I distanced myself to help you make friends from Crossing. In reality, the kids from Crossing didn’t approach you when I was around.”

“Just for that reason?”

“Not just for that reason.”

“Just for that reason. Crying over such a trivial reason.”

Despite that, her eyes still looked frightening.

“Fine. I’ll understand that Alus’s consideration went too far. It’s true that I have to go to the Crossing Academy… But from now on, please refrain from such cruel considerations.”

Looking at her attitude, I realized how insensitive I had been. Rather than being indifferent, I had been unconsciously avoiding her.

I had always maintained a certain distance in human relationships. It was because I prioritized my mission.

The same applied to romantic relationships. Thinking of Alus in the game, it was inappropriate to pursue a romantic relationship.

That was because in the game, Alus, one of the Seven Divinities, entered into a romantic relationship with the Holy Maiden Alicia.

I followed the story, and since Alicia was my favorite character, I was vaguely waiting for the moment to meet her in terms of rational relationships.

Originally, forming a deep relationship with Estelle, who dies in the game, or with Erina, who doesn’t even appear, was something that couldn’t happen in the story, so I kept a suitable distance.

“I was thinking too rigidly.”

After attending my mother’s memorial service, I changed my thoughts.

For Al’s happiness, for my own happiness, I decided not to think too hard. If unexpected problems arise, I’ll deal with them then.

“I’m sorry. I unintentionally hurt you. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again in the future.”

“Sigh…! I’m sorry for raising my voice. Sometimes I can’t control my emotions. It’s like my heart is being torn apart and I can’t see anything else.”

Was she aware of it?

“So, Al’s? Please help me so I don’t end up like that.”

It sounded like telling me to take care of myself.

She, who had shaken off her illness, was emitting a certain sense of intimidation, becoming more and more like Rootger.

“No, Rootger doesn’t feel like this.”

When I didn’t respond immediately, Estelle pressed on.

“Please… Can I ask you a favor?”

“Yes.”

“And what was the writing you were working on earlier?”

“You still remember that!?”

I decided to mix in some truth about writing a novel.

Upon hearing that, Estelle clapped her hands.

“If that’s the case, I can help. When I was ill, all I did was read books. I’ve written a lot too.”

For me, it was a tempting offer. It was daunting to do it alone.

“Then, will you help me occasionally?”

As long as she didn’t realize it was an erotic novel.

So, I promised to learn writing from Estelle every weekend.

◈ ◈ ◈

Rainfall as autumn passed and winter arrived.

After finishing the academy, I spent a lot of time in Crossing’s study.

As this period approached, signs of the Chimera War began to appear. Although I decided not to focus too much on the story, I couldn’t ignore the actual situations unfolding.

“So. From the Kingdom of Europa…”

“Yes. Both countries are withdrawing their forces.”

The traditional rivals, Europa and Tonkai.

The armies that had long been stationed in the border areas of the two countries were withdrawing.

Two countries, unable to kill each other, were simultaneously withdrawing their forces? There was certainly something else at play.

“The alliance between Europa and Tonkai… That seems to be the case.”

This was undoubtedly the precursor to the Chimera War. Of course, the real players were separate.

Tonkai, shaped like a snake’s tail, and Europa, resembling a bull’s body. That meant there was a lion’s head at the core.

“What does Juras say?”

“He showed a similar view to Al’s… ‘The time has finally come.'”

“In that case, there’s no need to worry about Crossing’s preparedness.”

I couldn’t take my eyes off Europa, where the army had retreated.

“Is something bothering you?”

“No. Just thinking about a certain person.”

It was clear. The point where Európe withdrew his troops now was where Beiolaf first went out to the battlefield.

“Let’s say we observe the situation for now… What about the next agenda?”

“It’s about establishing an academy for the people of Curabel. Permission to use the profits from the gold mine has been granted.”

“Juras always has deep pockets. With that amount, isn’t there enough left even after building the academy?”

“Yes, and the Bisqueta official suggested using the remaining funds for residential expansion. Here is the estimated residential area plan she drafted. Please have a look.”

“Hmm. The large canal that was built before was aimed at this. Moreover, since it surrounds the site designated for the academy, it could potentially grow into an educational district.”

Perhaps he could be called a statesman of a nation. Bisqueta Cren demonstrated exceptional administrative capabilities.

“You may proceed as you see fit. Just make sure to thoroughly inspect the use of funds.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Is that all then? Phew!”

A tired sigh escaped involuntarily.

Lately, with all the distractions of writing and whatnot, all I wanted was to go back and rest. But then Anton changed his tone and spoke.

“…My lord, please put on your helmet. Someone is approaching.”

His gaze was fixed outside.

“At this hour? Who could it be?”

I put on the helmet I had taken off.

Knock knock. A calm knocking sound. It was Yumir’s.

“Lord Wade, a guest has arrived. …It’s Duke Regnant Helian.”

“Duke Helian? Let him in.”

Duke Helian seemed to have visited incognito, his face hidden beneath a deep hood.

“What brings you here at this late hour?”

“Sorry, it’s urgent.”

“Please, have a seat for now.”

I took off the helmet again. As Yumir brought in the tea, he spoke.

“I have something I’d like to discuss with you. Well, not so much a discussion as seeking your opinion, I suppose.”

“hahahaha, seeking my opinion, you’re being quite humble.”

His words piqued my curiosity even more.

“What are you planning to do? Are you finding the political struggle with the Saleon faction challenging?”

“I’m not paying attention to those fools. In fact, they might be of help this time. Even that fake Wade they’ve put forward.”

“…Are you planning to start a war?”

“Remarkable. To deduce that from just a few words. Then you must also know where the attack is aimed.”

“Madon, I presume.”

“Exactly. I intend to uproot them this time.”

It was a strategic move.

The southern region where Madon was located was warm enough that even in winter, they could wage war without snow falling.

“But are the food supplies adequate? With the poor harvest this year, there might not be much food in storage. Even if we’re importing from other countries, it’s not foolproof. Starting a war might give Buryang Union a reason to cut off food exports.”

“That aspect has been taken care of.”

Judging by his expression, it seemed like a solid plan was in place.

‘How could they have prepared this much?’

If everything was already prepared, this expedition to Madon was an impeccable strategy.

It was different from when they attacked Albad.

Caliper had already made an unbreakable treaty with Albad Kingdom as a result of the war, lasting for a year.

So even if Caliper attacks Madon, Albad cannot retaliate.

‘Above all, there’s a high possibility that Madon hasn’t predicted this attack.’

Considering Caliper is facing a food shortage, it’s hard to believe they would suddenly start a war in winter.

Moreover, Julian Craig, who was the general of Madon, is taking responsibility for the defeat and is currently staying sober at his residence, making the military atmosphere chaotic.

Unless Caliper foolishly loses the battle, this would be a war where they at least break even.

What bothers me is who meticulously planned this.

“Was it orchestrated by the Duke?”

“No.”

“Then by the Salleon faction?”

“Not that either. It wasn’t planned by the king. This war…”

I, too, found it strange. He was too quiet during the last war.

“Jurass Pamelion. He orchestrated everything.”