SchemeDefaultSolarized LightSolarized DarkLightDarkSepiaHigh ContrastFont TypeDefaultTimes New RomanGeorgiaPalatino LinotypeOpen SansFont SizeSmallMediumLargeVery Large Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Cecily has returned to school. Saying “returned” might make it sound like she was held back a year, but that’s definitely not the case.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
As I mentioned before, it was because of state affairs that she only came back now.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
She said they had completely purged all those who had been colluding with the hardline demon faction — that is, the demon worshippers — who had been hiding within Helium.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
The hardliners were already at rock-bottom in terms of public opinion even within Helium, so the general sentiment was firmly on Cecily’s side.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Of course, they didn’t just say “You’re purged” like Stalin; they collected plenty of evidence before proceeding. The initial steps were even carried out in secret.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
An interesting point is that a demon who had appeared aggressive enough to be mistaken for a hardliner turned out to be a patriot, and the one whispering to him was the actual hardliner.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
When the true hardliner was executed, the patriot was understandably shocked, but he did not abandon his beliefs. He wasn’t a demon worshipper — he was a true hardliner in the literal sense.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Thus, one by one, the pests eating away at Helium were purged, and once things were settled to some extent, it was publicly announced.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Those who had sided with demon worshippers were summarily executed, without exception. As a safeguard against false accusations, confessions were extracted inside the temple.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting At times like this, it actually seemed better that there were no unjust casualties. It felt like a birdcage that protected the birds inside. Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Anyway, the great purge that would mark a major turning point in Helium’s history concluded in this way.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“There were even some among the hardliners who plotted rebellion. They stirred up the people and even talked about invading other countries.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Didn’t they get caught earlier?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“If we caught them too soon, it would’ve looked like mere oppression. We were lucky you helped save our people; if a little more time had passed, it could have been dangerous.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
During winter break, I had this thought: if elves resembled communists, then demons were like fascists.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
In fact, Helium had all the ingredients for fascism to thrive.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Like Germans after World War I, the entire race was steeped in defeat and resentment and had been a public enemy of the world.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Fortunately, there wasn’t anyone with the genius rhetoric and propaganda skills of Hitler. Above all, daily life wasn’t so dire.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
If their economy had also collapsed, even slight provocation could have led to full-blown fascism. Humans are generally content as long as they can eat and live decently.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“They publicly executed all those people, saying the hardliners were the true evil that would destroy Helium.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“…Wait, what? Public execution?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Yeah. Other countries do it too, you know.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
I also learned a bit more about how terrifying “the Middle Ages” could be. According to Cecily, depending on the crime, they executed people by hanging or stoning.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Helium had just barely entered a modern era, thanks to the Jeros Revolution, and concepts of human rights were only beginning to bud. Yet public executions were still maintained.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
It’s understandable, really — public executions serve not just as a warning, but also as a form of “entertainment.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Even on Earth, Europeans in the Middle Ages, having so little to do, treated public executions as a spectacle. There are even records of people actively participating, like in stonings.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
I glanced at Cecily, who looked back at me with her vivid red eyes wide open, as if wondering what was so strange, then turned my head.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Next to me, Mari was nibbling on some cookies Adelia had baked.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Mari?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Mm?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Mari stopped chewing and looked at me, her blue eyes round and clear.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“I don’t get out much, so I’m curious — does the Minerva Empire also do public executions?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Munch munch. Of course. They hold them once a month right in the capital city center. Actually, one’s coming up soon. Wanna go watch?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“…No thanks.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
At least for me, that didn’t sound like good entertainment. Once again, I was reminded that this world was still stuck in a medieval era.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Laws had been established to prevent reckless violations of human rights, but for those who did violate them, mercy was nonexistent.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Seeing how uncomfortable I looked, Cecily seemed to think of something and asked,
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Isaac, does your world not have public executions?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“There are places that still do, but it’s mostly a thing of the past. Even the death penalty has been half-abolished in my country.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Why? Isn’t public execution a perfect way to make a strong statement?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Same with the death penalty. But what if something happens during the delay?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Cecily, Mari, and even Adelia, who had been quietly listening, all looked puzzled.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
In fact, public executions weren’t primarily for humiliating criminals — they were closer to being a ‘warning’ to prevent further crimes.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Like, “If you commit a crime, you’ll die like this! Are you still going to commit a crime?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Public executions were kept up until the pre-modern era, but they didn’t have much effect. They just generated fear, which led to public resentment.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“It wasn’t actually that effective. It even gave other countries and citizens grounds to criticize, and it didn’t significantly lower crime rates. More importantly, it worsened the overall social atmosphere.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“The social atmosphere worsens? Even though they’re punishing people who destabilized society?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Hmm…”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
I stopped, thinking for a moment. On reflection, maybe in this world, public execution is still necessary.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Individual power here is so great that large-scale crimes happen frequently.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
And because of the monsters, violence — raw force — is a necessity. We even used force recently to crush the demon worshippers.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
In the end, only stronger force can suppress force. People need to trust that the state will protect them no matter what happens.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Thus, it’ll probably take a long time for public executions to disappear here. Even without considering human rights, the sheer brutality of executions is terrifying.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“There are a lot of complex reasons. In my world, society wasn’t disrupted by force very often. But for rebellion? It’s always the death penalty, no exceptions.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Oh, I see. So violence doesn’t often disrupt society there. Then why is the death penalty only partially abolished?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“It was politically abused in the past, and because it’s seen as a human rights violation. Plus, there’s always the risk of wrongful convictions.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
In countries like South Korea, human rights are important, but political reasons were bigger.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
During the military dictatorships, many political figures were executed.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Nowadays, with heinous crimes running rampant, more people oppose abolishing the death penalty, but it’s still tangled in complicated interests.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“…I get the political part and the risk of wrongful executions. But you’re not saying they protect the human rights of criminals, are you?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Cecily frowned slightly at me, looking like she just couldn’t comprehend it.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Popping a cookie into my mouth, I answered casually,
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“They do.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Even when the guilt is certain?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Yep.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“It’s ironic to protect the human rights of those who violated others’ rights.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“There’s a lot of debate about it.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
South Korea, in particular, tends to cling tightly to human rights. This has caused a lot of social controversy, but it’s understandable.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
In the past, the “state” itself violated citizens’ human rights — sometimes horrifically so.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Even during the military dictatorship, it happened twice, and during the infamous Gwangju Uprising (5·18 Democratic Movement), the state directly massacred civilians.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
It was truly a democracy stained with blood. Even the democratization movements broke out multiple times, not just once.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Just from this alone, it was inevitable to become obsessed with human rights.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
The problem was that it was so extreme it could even be used politically.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“I always say this, but just listen to my stories about the world with one ear and let them out the other. So, it’s fine to proceed with the public executions as planned. As long as there’s no injustice.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“If you can say that even in front of Lady Mora, then it must truly be unjust. Otherwise, divine punishment will come. At times like this, it feels like the existence of a god is nice. At least there would be fewer wronged souls.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“… …”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
At my words, the surroundings instantly fell silent. I could vividly feel the atmosphere sinking.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
As soon as I sensed that, I looked around. For some reason, everyone was glancing at me.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Were they thinking I had suffered some injustice in my past life?
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
I was so dumbfounded that I opened my mouth.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Why are you looking at me like that? Don’t tell me you think I experienced some great injustice?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“… Haven’t you?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“I haven’t.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Except for the absurdities I went through in the army, never.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
The death of my parents in an accident was truly just an accident—more like a bolt from the blue than something unjust.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
At my firm answer, not only Cecily but the others as well breathed a sigh of relief.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
I don’t know what conversations they were having, but it seems that whenever past life stories come up, it’s like walking on thin ice.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“That’s a relief. We were worried you might have suffered. You’re really sure, right?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“I told you, I’m sure.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Only after several confirmations did they seem to believe me.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
I’m grateful for their concern, but I wish they wouldn’t have such unnecessary misunderstandings.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
It feels like they’re treating me like a delicate glass sculpture that could break at any moment.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
They discipline my body roughly but soothe my heart gently—it made me chuckle wryly.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Anyway, that’s settled. Cecily, you’re going to attend the academy too, right? Starting from second year?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“That’s right. Oh, and from now on, can I walk around openly with Isaac?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Cecily asked, her voice alluring, but not directed at me—at Mari.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
It must have been because of that incident where she had seen us together before.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Instead of proving that we weren’t “that close,” I had shown my superiority(?) quite directly back then.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Thanks to that event, not only did rumors about my prowess spread, but I also drew a lot of heated attention from noble ladies at the social gathering.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Cecily must surely know about it.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Moreover, since rumors about my relationship with her were starting to spread, she was asking for confirmation.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“No. You can come visit Isaac’s dorm, but walking openly with him should wait.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Surprisingly, Mari responded firmly, her voice resolute and eyes shut, making it clear she absolutely couldn’t allow it.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Cecily looked puzzled by Mari’s unexpected firmness, but then Mari spoke up with a convincing reason.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“At least wait until after Isaac and I get married. If it comes out before then, my position becomes really awkward.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Even Queen Arwen only gave a gift without openly declaring anything, right?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Tsk. Fine.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Then can I come see him every day?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Cecily licked her lips sensually while looking at me.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
It had been a few days since winter vacation ended, so she must have pent-up desires.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Though I’d been absorbed in playing Go, even passing the worst timing, the desire still remained.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
I just gave a bitter smile.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Do whatever you want. As much as it hurts my pride, I can’t handle it alone. I’ve been working out hard, yet how come I’ve never managed to win even once?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Mari easily agreed but grumbled while doing so.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Finding her adorable, I gently patted her head.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
At that, she immediately leaned against me as if she had never grumbled at all.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
As Mari herself said, she couldn’t win against me at night anymore.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
We both knew each other’s weak points well, but the difference in stamina was overwhelming.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Unlike Adelia and Cecily, who had at least basic training, Mari was just an ordinary person.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
In the past, she would have monopolized me no matter what, but now, due to practical reasons, she was tolerating other women being brought into the bed.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Still, I’ll be the one to marry you first. Hehe.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“… …”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Even so, she had no intention of giving up her position as the primary wife.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
When Mari teased, Cecily’s eye twitched slightly.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
As for Adelia?
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
She was perfectly content with being a concubine and had no complaints.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
She probably felt like a spectator watching a distant fire.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
To dispel the awkward atmosphere, I cleared my throat and carefully moved Mari away from me.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Mari pouted her lips but settled for just holding my hand.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Ahem. So, how’s the movie coming along?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Don’t worry. We’ll be able to show it at the upcoming Zenon Festival. We’ve finished negotiations with Alvenheim, too.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“That’s a relief. By the way, speaking of Alvenheim, Queen Arwen seems to be planning something interesting.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“What kind of thing?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Hearing the mention of Alvenheim, especially Arwen, I focused intently.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Since winter break, we hadn’t been able to stay in touch due to various circumstances, but Cecily, because of the movie, had maintained contact.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Cecily smiled slightly and then dropped a bombshell.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“It seems she’s planning to quote a speech by Hitler. Just the speech itself—because it’s good at stirring the masses…”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“……”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“She asked me to keep it a secret, but I thought I should tell you. Even if it’s just a quote from a book, copying that speech exactly is…”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Can you contact her immediately?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
This had to be stopped.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Of course, Arwen’s speaking style was completely different from Hitler’s.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
While Hitler captivated crowds with aggressive gestures and a dramatic, almost theatrical tone, Arwen gathered her people with a gentle, calm, emotional voice.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
If Hitler was a raging storm, Arwen was like a single drop of ink falling into clear water—completely different styles.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
But the problem was…
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“There’s something I need to explain to her.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Just imitating it would cause a problem.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
★★★
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Around the time Isaac was hurriedly trying to get in touch with Arwen—
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Blood and Steel volumes 7 and 8 finally managed to spread worldwide thanks to Musk’s tearful efforts.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Although they faced difficulties due to a shortage of raw materials, Musk was, from the beginning, an extremely shrewd businessman.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Above all, he had money—and money doesn’t solve everything, but it solves a lot.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
By scraping together a bit more funding to purchase raw materials, the new volumes of Blood and Steel were successfully distributed worldwide without any issues.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
And in Volume 8, the detailed explanation of communism and the founding history of the Soviet Union…
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Communism, huh…”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
…deeply inspired a certain dwarf.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
The sparks began to smolder quietly.
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Hey, Ains! Should we put it in here? Will this thing even work properly?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“We have to test it. It just needs to withstand magic.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“And how are we supposed to load the shells?”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
“Just think of it like putting in a cannon.”
Escaped Newlines TabsAndBackslashesForTesting
Logs were being prepared to fuel the fire.
★★★★★