Luminous and Mora repeatedly struck the back of my head hard, but they too couldn't stop the passage of time. Even if the world calls me a prophet and I'm favored as a saint in the Holy Kingdom Xavier, even sending a cardinal after me, the daily life at Halo Academy remains unchanged.
Halo Academy had a somewhat unique culture, namely, each individual has a separate graduation instead of a collective ceremony. So, unlike the entrance ceremony, there was no graduation ceremony, and it is more of a scouting process.
Furthermore, in the case of literary students, unlike non-literary students, the academy directly presents the graduation certificate. However, non-literary students were slightly different.
Most non-literary students admitted to Halo Academy were promising individuals who already had a reputation even before their admission, and they were carefully observed by people in power, waiting for the right moment.
In most cases, when they finish their fourth year, they either join a high ranking knight order or return to their family, but there were also those like Nicole or Adelia who didn't graduate and became assistants.
The teaching assistant (TA) was a highly skilled individual who interacted with non-major students and taught them various subjects, so it isn't difficult for them to join a knight order.
They assisted instructors and even took on tasks themselves during practical training conducted outside the academy. In many ways, they can be considered similar to graduate students.
Just as graduate students face a challenging path to obtain a doctoral degree, TAs also face similar difficulties. Individuals who complete their TA duties are regarded as talents that should not be overlooked from the perspective of the country. Consequently, they receive special treatment and attract a lot of attention.
My older sister, who is also a TA, Nicole, was in the same situation. I made an appointment to bid her farewell as she was leaving the academy for the Navy Knight Order entrance test.
Once I send Nicole off, the winter break will begin a few days later. Nicole will be taking the entrance test, while I planned to return to the mansion with Cecily and then head straight to Helium.
"Noona."
"Yes? What's up?"
"Seeing you in your uniform, it feels really cool."
"This one?"
It was an ordinary Wednesday evening, not a weekend. I arranged a meal to have a last meeting with Nicole. My acquaintances gladly supported the final meeting with my sister without any complaints.
Nicole, as if notifying that she would be leaving the academy soon, was dressed not in casual attire but in a neat uniform. Moreover, it was a men's formal suit that matched her hair color—a deep navy blue top and bottom. Underneath the jacket, she only wore a white shirt, and the overall design was simple. However, it was impossible to hide Nicole's beauty, even though the outfit was plain.
Moreover, Nicole, being a woman, had a considerably tall height, so she was wearing comfortable shoes rather than high heels. She tied her hair neatly in a ponytail instead of leaving it loose, and she applied light makeup, emitting a unique charm.
Isn't "cool" precisely used in situations like this? Thanks to her training, she had a good figure, and suits looked really good on her.
"Why do you always wear plain clothes when you know how to dress up like this?"
"Because it's bothersome. Besides, I don't care about impressing anyone."
"Right! She's been confessed to by four people... Oh my!"
"There are things you can say and things you can't."
As I joked, Nicole pinched my cheek. While normally it wouldn't be much, Nicole was a formidable person who had completed all the training, including being a teaching assistant.
Even pinching my cheek alone caused intense pain for someone like me, who was just an average person. Because of her strong grip, it felt like my cheek was about to fall off.
"Ouch... That's what I get for playing a prank."
"For you, it's just a prank, but for me, it's a headache just thinking about that time."
"Doesn't that mean you were popular?"
"What popularity? Ever since that day, all sorts of weird rumors have been spreading."
Seeing her shudder as if she hated even imagining it, it was clear that they were not good memories.
And since Nicole was a woman, it was only a matter of time before rumors with a bad reputation started circulating. Having been confessed to by four people simultaneously, it must have been quite eventful in various ways.
"For the Navy Knights, do they at least conduct an interview for the entrance test?"
"Of course. If father held the position of the Knight Commander, he would have been one of the interviewers."
"Are you okay?"
"Contrary to appearances, this big sister is quite tough, so you don't need to worry about it, my adorable little brother."
I worried sincerely, and Nicole comforted me by patting my head. No matter how much older and bigger I get, it seems like she only sees me as her cute younger sibling.
I don't know exactly how strong Nicole is, but seeing her so confident, I can't help but believe in her. And it's not just anywhere, she's trying to join the Navy Knights, so she must be among the top in her age group at least.
'Well, even though she looks like that, she can easily pull a truck with one hand.'
I was curious once and checked how strong Nicole was. I witnessed her effortlessly moving a boulder the size of a house with just one hand.
I heard from another combatant who was there that Nicole has an unusually strong power. They even said that among the instructors, no one could defeat her in a strength match.
'Monsters like her exist in the world... It's truly scary.'
Can these people in this world really understand the Second World War? A world without mana might be completely unfamiliar and like a 'fantasy' to them.
Well, for now, I plan to focus on Xenon's Biography. I'm also working hard.
"But Isaac, don't you have to go to the temple first?"
"I went yesterday."
"What did Luminous say?"
"Well..."
Before I answered, I looked around anxiously. Although it was a remote area with few people, I was cautious about speaking recklessly.
"It's okay to speak. I've installed a soundproofing barrier."
"Huh? Isn't that magic?"
"Even without magic, I can create a soundproofing barrier. As long as it only blocks the noise."
Indeed, mana was an infinite power with limitless abilities. It's amazing that you can install soundproofing even without using magic.
Without showing any signs, I looked around with the soundproofing and spoke about what happened inside.
"He said they're sorry. They just mentioned it to praise my achievement, but they didn't expect Xavier to come out like that."
"Is that so?"
But I couldn't believe it. They were beings who can see into the future. How could they not know?
It seems like any incidents related to devils have disappeared without a trace. It seems like they were playing a prank on me. Maybe it was a sign of affection.
So I let it go. In my heart, I want to spend an enormous amount of divine power and go back a week, but I didn't want to turn back time for such a trivial matter.
Above all, regression was not 100% successful. It's a difficult task even for those who attempt it, and the gods had to balance the order of things, so the side effects were severe.
Instead, it's better to use it to extend my lifespan even a little or help others like a true clergyman. It seemed like Luminous secretly wanted to push me into becoming a priest.
The gods become stronger according to the faith of their followers, so if I became a priest, it would be a great help to him. He has quite a hidden ambition.
"What about Mora? Mora also seems to want to meet you."
"Well, there won't be any problem soon because I'm planning to visit Helium. Helium has made Mora their state religion."
"Oh, right, I almost forgot. So you'll go back to the mansion first and then go to Helium?"
"Yes, I plan to go to the mansion with Cecily-noona first."
To go to Helium, Cecily's help was absolutely necessary, just like last time. Luckily, I would be with Cecily alone, and since Marie allowed it for the entire vacation, so there's no need to be discreet.
'Cecily really liked it.'
Although she often joked about being jealous. Marie is always my top priority, Cecily knew it too.
So when Marie allowed it with a big smile, Cecily was touched and hugged her tightly. There was also a happening where Marie's face was pressed against Cecily's large chest and she struggled for breath and pushed Cecily away.
Anyway, this vacation will be spent with Cecily alone. One reason for going to the mansion together was to formally introduce her to my parents.
Although we won't announce it publicly, it seems proper to at least let my parents know the truth. I'll have to talk to Cecily's parents separately about it too.
If that happens, Cecily's parents will also find out that I am Xenon, but it didn't matter. Since most of the demons were friendly to me, I expected they would be grateful and show their appreciation.
"You aren't going to the mansion, right Noona?"
"Yeah. I already informed our parents. I plan to go back after taking the entrance test."
"The weather is cold, but you'll be fine, right?"
The scorching heat had subsided, and winter was slowly approaching. Although I don't know what material the school uniform is made of, it provided excellent insulation. However, occasionally, the biting cold wind still made its presence felt.
Training for a month without proper sleep in this weather, I feel like I understand why there are casualties during the test.
"It'll be fine. I've done winter training a couple of times before. Dave Oppa found it tough too, but it's not that difficult. It's just a battle of stamina and mental strength."
"Well... okay. Then what about Adelia-noona?"
"Huh?"
"Do you know where Adelia is being assigned?"
When asked about Adelia's whereabouts, Nicole's expression showed a slight hint of confusion. She avoided eye contact and gave a vague response.
"Um... well? Adelia will be assigned in a few days. Maybe you'll meet again soon...?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, never mind. You'll find out once you're at the mansion."
"At the mansion?"
I was becoming increasingly puzzled. I asked about Adelia's assignment place, but why was our mansion mentioned?
Nicole sighed heavily, as if frustrated by my inability to grasp something, and rested her hand on my shoulder. When I looked at her face, she had an expression of embarrassment, as if unsure of how to explain.
After a while of pursing her lips, Nicole opened her closed mouth with a bitter smile. Her voice sounded somewhat awkward.
"Isaac."
"Yeah?"
"Well... No, I'm not in a position to say anything either."
Nicole fidgeted with her hand on my shoulder and immediately changed the subject.
"Oh, by the way. When will your next work be released? Two volumes will come out around the time my test is over, right?"
"I'll probably send the next volume in about a week. I need to finish up the work before going to Helium."
"What? Send it a little earlier. I could read it before I leave."
"Just hold on a bit. It's not like you'll die if you read it a little later."
That was my last meeting with Nicole.
"Take care. Don't get hurt."
"Don't worry. I'll confidently get my uniform and come back, so look forward to it."
Nicole left the academy with her usual kind smile.
"Isaac."
"Yeah?"
"Adelia has a lot of wounds, so don't be too harsh on her."
She left behind words that were difficult for me to understand at that time.
*****
Winter vacation has begun. Unlike six months ago when the scorching heat dominated, this time the biting cold has started to prevail, making it feel like my body was freezing.
The Minerva Empire, like the Republic of Korea, had four seasons. However, this was a story about the capital and its surroundings, but the empire's land was so vast that there are places that are cold all year round or hot all year round.
In the areas that are cold all year round, frequent pillaging by monsters and brigands occurs, while in the areas that are hot all year round, the sizes of animals, insects, and even monsters are terrifyingly large, making it difficult to find a safe haven.
Fortunately, the Michelle Territory was located near the capital, so the seasons were distinct. It wasn't just a mere talk that it has high potential.
"It seems like a lot has changed in that short time."
"Yeah, you're right."
It has been about three hours since winter vacation began. I arrived at the Michelle Territory with Cecily. Naturally, we didn't come by carriage but used Cecily's teleportation.
Of course, I didn't forget to take Marie to the Requilis Mansion. Although she temporarily delegated her authority to Cecily, basic manners are still essential.
The only concern was whether Marie will be able to control her sexual desires for a month. Last vacation was only a week, but now it's a whole month.
'Well, she can always come to the mansion, so it shouldn't be a problem.'
Marie and I were not only dating but have also already been engaged. It wouldn't be strange for her to come to our mansion whenever she wants.
Moreover, it's not like I will be solely in Helium for the whole month, so she just needs to be patient. Above all, thanks to the last time at the café, where our love was properly confirmed, the frequency has also decreased.
Now is the time for me to concentrate on Cecily, who was next to me. As soon as that thought crossed my mind, I turned my head to the side and looked at Cecily.
Cecily was busy exploring the Michelle territory that has greatly changed for the past six months. Currently, the Michelle Territory was being deliberately developed as a cultural city by the Minerva Empire.
And the cultural city was no stranger to the tourism industry. Facilities that cater to tourists visiting the territory were gradually being established.
"If you establish official exchanges with Helium, we could provide support in terms of manpower."
"Hasn't the Minerva Empire recently established exchanges with Helium?"
"That's the country, not the territory. We need direct permission from the Minerva Empire to provide support to the territory. I heard that your father has personally sent a letter, but it will take time to receive permission."
Dealing with national affairs was always the most complicated matter. Even though it may seem easy on the surface, a single wrong policy can lead to a downfall in an instant.
Nevertheless, in this world, there were not more than a hundred countries, and the system wasn't tightly knit. If we obtain permission internally, it's only a matter of time before Helium's manpower comes to the Michelle Territory.
"In your opinion, what do you think about the potential of our territory? You can be honest."
"To be honest... the potential is indeed high. However, it will take a long time to become a proper city because there is hardly any infrastructure, such as sewage systems. Without Helium's help, it would take at least five years, I suppose."
"What if Helium's help is available?"
"One month would be enough. Our demon race established Helium from a barren territory, so to speak. Moreover, since its establishment, we have dealt with various incidents and accidents, including hygiene issues, which makes us superior in these aspects compared to the Dwarves."
Cecily proudly extended her chest, but I deliberately averted my gaze as it momentarily focused on her bosom. If they had started with nothing, it would have caused various problems, from hygiene issues to the arrangement of buildings and agricultural zones.
The noteworthy aspect here was hygiene. Due to the constant spread of diseases due to the existence of monsters in this world, hygiene was given considerable attention. There are even sewage treatment facilities that should not have existed in this era, to say the least.
Elves have the ability to magically handle waste, but humans find it difficult. It is known that they requested help from the dwarves. At least, that's how it was recorded.
"The sewage problems in most human nations were resolved by our race. Three hundred years ago, during the racial war, we realized the severity of the hygiene issue and constructed sewage treatment plants."
"What? The records say the dwarves built them..."
"That's a lie. It's true that the dwarves helped, but it was demons who shared the technology. How do you think magic ended up flowing to humans in the first place? At that time, the elves were at war with the human alliance. Do you think they would have shared it?"
"... ..."
"If you come to the palace, you'll discover many hidden histories. Especially those related to the racial war. The truth is always shrouded in darkness."
Cecily gently spoke as she poked my cheek with her finger. Initially, I was dumbfounded, but after listening to her story, I could understand.
Honestly, the pieces didn't quite fit together. We acquired magic from an elf during the racial war? From Alvenheims perspective, branding that elf as a traitor would be justifiable.
However, if demons had passed on their magic to humans, the story would be different. Demons didn't directly engage in the front lines, instead they played a role in preventing elves from recklessly invading human territories.
From that point on, there were records indicating a significant advancement in human magic abilities. If the demons had assisted them, everything fell neatly into place.
"Are you going to include this in your book, by any chance?"
"Thank you for the interesting material."
"Hmph. Isn't this just a small part of the book for you?"
"Perhaps?"
Of course, to me, it was merely material for a story. But Cecily seemed pleased and smiled brightly.
From then on, the two of us made our way towards the mansion, observing how the territory had changed. Along the way, some of the familiar residents greeted me warmly or caught me staring blankly while looking at Cecily.
The more that happened, the more I wanted to feel proud. It might be because I thought of this woman as my woman.
We continued our leisurely date and stepped towards the mansion.
"Hello, Lady Baroness. It's been half a year."
"Oh my, Princess Cecily? What brings you to our mansion?"
As soon as I entered the mansion, I first reunited with my mother. She was surprised at Cecily's unexpected visit, her eyes widening in astonishment.
Cecily opened her mouth with a beautiful smile and said,.
"Actually, there's something I want to tell you, Mother. It's about Isaac."
"Isaac... I have a vague idea of what it might be."
Mother replied with her characteristic gentle expression. Then she lowered her head and gently touched her belly.
"Look, Lily. Your older brother is so popular."
"Is Lily your daughter's name? By any chance..."
"Yes, it's the name of the saint in Xenon's Biography. Isn't it a beautiful name?"
By this point, you might have figured it out.
"It's a lovely name. Are you sure she's a daughter?"
"A few days ago, I asked a pilgrim priest. They said it's a girl."
Mother's belly was swollen like Namsan Mountain. After the exhibition ended and I had my first night with Marie, the fire spread to my parents as well.
Therefore, my current age is 17.
'...Correction.'
An unexpected younger sister (Lily) came into existence.