Chapter 288: Impersonation (3)

    “Haaa...”

    While Isaac and his companions were still bewildered by the elf-style communism, Arwen, the queen of Alvenheim and the person at the center of the incident, let out a frustrated sigh at the unresolved situation.

    Having finished a meeting with her advisors, where they coordinated their opinions, she was now alone in her office, with no one to witness her powerless reaction.

    When sitting on the throne, she had to present a strict and dignified image, so this was one of the few times she could show her vulnerable side.

    One was when she was alone like now, and the other was when she was with Isaac.

    More precisely, this was her true nature. She had never shown her true self even in front of her dark elf bodyguard, Siris.

    Isaac was someone Arwen felt comfortable dealing with, allowing her to express herself not as a queen but as her true self.

    ‘How did things end up like this...’

    Currently, she was troubled by the recent incident in Alvenheim, the Kair impersonation incident.

    If Cecily’s inspiration was Lilith, then Elisha’s inspiration was herself. This statement contained both the intention to check the rapidly growing Helium and her own personal interest.

    From the queen’s standpoint, the growth of Helium had to be slowed down somehow. Otherwise, it would remain Alvenheim’s most dangerous rival.

    Originally, she had underestimated Helium, but after experiencing their cultural prowess showcased at the exhibition, her thoughts changed.

    If things continued as they were, Helium would experience a terrifying growth rate and rise to become a superpower comparable to Alvenheim.

    History has proven what results can occur when people unite with their leader’s intentions. During the race war, humans did so, while Alvenheim was busy with internal divisions. Despite the benefits, just having the people believe in their leader is a difficult task.

    ‘This is a public matter, so it can’t be helped.’

    She wasn’t comforting herself but clearly distinguishing between public and private matters. Though she held compassion for the demon race, who were cursed from birth, Arwen was a wise leader.

    Even if the demon race is pitiable, one must still be cautious where caution is due.

    Despite the hiccups after the race wars, Alvenheim has secured its position as a powerful hegemonic nation.

    Moreover, they have ousted the stagnant elders, who were so obsolete they were practically turning into fossil fuel, and are now experiencing a growth spurt.

    “Do these fuckers think Kair is someone to be taken lightly?”

    Being alone in her office, Arwen did not hesitate to speak harshly. Her delicate brows furrowed in displeasure.

    Thinking about the events that have transpired in less than two years, and now this current incident, she felt a surge of irritation.

    Although her statement was politically and personally motivated, she never imagined it would result in this.

    Not just one, but dozens of people, adventurers, or mercenaries with notable reputations in human society, flocked in.

    Not only do they insist that they are the real Kair, but they also frequently brawl at every opportunity, making it a headache.

    ‘This is an insult to Kair.’

    The tragic romance between Elisha and Kair is one of Arwen’s favorite stories.

    As an elf queen and a half-blood herself, she could deeply empathize with it.

    In Xenon’s Biography, Kair is a gentleman, kind, and considerate.

    A pure-hearted man who looked at only one woman until his dying breath, with a somewhat quirky personality but overall an exemplary human being.

    Comparing him to the trash outside claiming to be Kair is an insult.

    ‘At least no one is claiming to be Xenon.’

    If they did, Xavier himself would have personally intervened. If it were false, they would be dragged away for blasphemy.

    Arwen wished divine punishment upon those claiming to be Kair, but it was a bit complicated.

    The mindset of those claiming to be Kair was the problem. They truly believed themselves to be Kair.

    Of course, their intentions were filled with impurity. Unable to contain her curiosity, she once approached them in disguise.

    Even when they were staging protests or fighting amongst themselves on the streets, it was bearable. I just thought, how little do these idiots have to do to resort to such antics? But things changed after the evening.

    To be sure, I had Siris tail them, and it turned out they were spouting all sorts of obscene talk, with most of them looking for a quick score.

    As soon as I heard that, I wanted to banish them all out of sheer rage, but political complications made it difficult.

    ‘Fortunately, the people took care of it themselves.’

    Arwen’s seething anger subsided as she recalled how her people had taken matters into their own hands, bringing a serene expression to her face.

    The impersonators of Kair had crossed the line multiple times, earning the ire of the citizens of Alvenheim.

    More importantly, the elves had decided to send Arwen to Xenon as a gift to avoid being outdone by the demon race.

    Because the citizens of Alvenheim, not Arwen herself, had expressed this stance, the impersonators were now hesitant.

    ‘Isaac must have been... a bit flustered, right?’

    “Yes, I understand. I agree as well. But the problem is...”

    Keir hesitated, unsure whether to continue, then sighed deeply.

    He gave a bitter smile, as if dealing with a headache, and looked at Arwen before speaking.

    “It’s not those guys, but another one who has crossed the line.”

    “What do you mean?”

    Again, the world is vast.

    “Now, it’s not someone claiming to be Kair, but someone calling themselves Xenon.”

    “...What?”

    There are more crazy people than expected.

    Arwen’s silver-gray eyes widened, then blinked in disbelief at Keir’s report.

    Pretending to be Xenon instead of Kair was truly crossing the line, no matter how many lives they had.

    More surprised than angry, she stammered as she asked Keir for confirmation.

    “Is... is that really true? Not Kair, but Xenon?”

    “Yes. Even without asking Luminous, it’s 100% a lie... You know that, right?”

    Keir subtly hinted to Arwen with a cautious tone. It was a piece of advice, indicating that things would get more complicated.

    As soon as Arwen received the question, her mind raced. Despite the warnings not to cross the line, the impersonators had dared to do so.

    Exile them as they are? Even if exiled, their voice will echo around the world, and impersonators will spring up everywhere.

    The best way is to take them to the temple for verification, but will they comply?

    Moreover, they are impersonating not ‘author’ Xenon, but the ‘hero’ Xenon from Xenon’s Biography.

    Not only Arwen, but others would also know this, making it all the more absurd.

    It’s not a new suicide method, so how bold must they be to impersonate Xenon? Did they covet his position that much?

    “...Can you tell me what they said?”

    “They’re going around saying they’ll make you happier than Kair and asking to marry them. They also said they’re going to be a hero, so treat them accordingly.”

    “What kind of idiot...”

    Arwen stifled the urge to call them god-like fools. She patted her chest to calm herself before barely speaking.

    “...Just tell me their name and characteristics.”

    “They’ve listed their name as Xenon on their entry application. Should I call them that?”

    “Just call them a fake.”

    Xenon, my foot. They’re a counterfeit.

    Keir shrugged at her words and continued slowly.

    “Understood. By human standards, he’s just turned 17, and he’s been boasting about being Xenon in the mercenary guild. So, it’s highly likely that his real name is Xenon.”

    “And?”

    “He’s said to have quite strong skills for his young age and is very talented. Probably because of this...”

    Arwen sighed, realizing what was going on.

    ‘What an immature human...’

    *****

    Meanwhile, around the same time at the Temple of Luminous.

    “Someone in Alvenheim is claiming to be Xenon?”

    “According to the news we’ve received, yes. Will you go?”

    “Of course.”

    Kate, who had received the news faster than anyone else, smiled brightly at the messenger’s question.

    “I’d love to see what kind of madman dares commit such blasphemy.”

    She said this with a truly chilling smile.

    Translators note: