NOVEL WEB Chapter 25
After a lengthy conversation with Mas, all those countless questions were finally resolved.
Why did the Dark Mages show up just like my book said?
It seems like the Dark Mages totally believe my book, which might explain their attempts to match the scenario!
Why do the Dark Mages think things are going to unfold according to my book?
I’m still not entirely sure, but maybe it’s because, like when I got kidnapped, my book can draw out negative emotions? That’s my guess.
How did Rain manage to throw a bomb right into the wreckage?
Mas claims he saw her greatsword shining amid the rubble.
Maybe it just reflected light because she was using magic?
And lastly, why did the dungeon collapse?
After defeating the Dark Mages, it was said it wouldn’t collapse anymore, so it’s highly likely they were periodically bringing it down to find Ricardo.
But then I thought…
If things turned out this way…
‘Could it be that all of this is happening because of my book?’
It’s not that the events in my novel happened naturally; rather, the Dark Mages were following my book, which is both a relief and a realization that it’s a so-called ‘copycat crime.’
“My book is the problem…”
Honestly, I’ve seen copycat crimes happen in the works of authors I read back on Earth.
Books are supposed to have a positive influence, but they can also leave a negative impact, after all.
Feeling troubled, I cautiously asked Eve, who was sitting next to me,
“Your Highness, this incident seems to have happened because of my book… Shouldn’t I just stop writing?”
I didn’t want to quit writing over something like this.
Eve gasped and grabbed my shoulders tightly in response to my question.
“Zech, I understand how you feel, but this is absolutely not your fault.”
“Y-You’re right! The author’s book is blameless!”
Mas quickly chimed in, supporting Eve’s comment.
“But… the Dark Mages believed in my book and destroyed the dungeon, right? I thought it was such a ridiculous notion that I even entertained the idea that the world was really turning as I wrote it. If my book is the source of the Dark Mages’ troubles, isn’t it right to stop writing?”
Of course, I acknowledge that the Dark Mages are at fault.
But since they followed my book, I can’t shirk all responsibility, can I?
Ugh, I need to shake off this habit of letting negative thoughts invade my mind.
The habits from Earth really haven’t disappeared yet.
“I’m sorry. I keep thinking there’s something wrong with my writing. You all probably want to see the conclusion of Support Disbandment; it seems I misspoke.”
Yeah, mentioning stopping writing in front of people desperate to read my novel isn’t right.
At that moment, Eve suddenly grabbed both my hands.
“W-What, Your Highness?”
“Zech, look me in the eye.”
I locked eyes with her as she said.
Her pink eyes, which have always been so clear.
“Zech, it’s not your fault. The ones in the wrong are the Dark Mages.”
“I-I know that much. But, um, I apologize. It’s just my habit…”
“Hah… what am I going to do with you…”
Eve sighed and suddenly grabbed my collar.
“W-What, Your Highness?”
I was momentarily confused, but Eve pulled my collar, bringing our faces so close together.
“Your Highness?!”
“Zech, how do my eyes look?”
“Uh? They’re… brilliant, always clear, and beautiful, of course?”
“Beautiful… Ahem, anyway. Was I like this when I was in the Academy?”
“Um… no, you were kind of dull and lifeless back then, almost like a doll.”
“Right, that’s how I was. But when you talked about your story in front of me at the Academy…”
Eve’s eyes softened into a gentle smile.
“Being by the side of someone who’s going to be a great author, I ceased to be a doll. So… Hang in there, author.”
With that whisper, Eve released my collar.
‘…Is it because she’s a princess? So bold!’
“…Wow.”
Mas looked on from a distance.
“Ah.”
Never mind, I must have just forgotten something.
“Ahem, showing a scene like that in front of guests…”
“No, um… it was actually nice to see?”
“Ahem! Anyway! I think we need to learn more about the Dark Mages. Zech? Is it possible for you to write a story that can gather the Dark Mages? I know it’s extremely rude to interfere with an artist’s work, but I’m asking you.”
“Hm… It was already planned to happen in the last part. The Dark Mages would gather to summon the Demon King, and Marcus would use all sorts of means—”
“Zech, stop.”
“Huh?”
At Eve’s command, I stopped and looked around; for some reason, the atmosphere had turned quite chilly.
“No spoilers.”
“Oh.”
I suddenly felt apologetic.
“I’m sorry. I tend to discuss with the Hero the future content often…”
“Is that so?”
“Oh dear.”
Why do I feel even colder after explaining myself?
“…Anyway! The Dark Mages were already supposed to gather. So don’t worry; it’s not like a ninja is going to show up out of nowhere.”
“Ninja?”
“Yeah, something like that.”
After discussing what to do once the Dark Mages gather, I received a promise of help from the Twin Blade party.
“Well then, we’ll be taking our leave. Thanks again, author.”
“Yeah, see you next time.”
Once the Twin Blade party left, Eve and I linked arms and headed toward the guest room.
“…Anyway, Zech, I’ll be counting on you.”
With our arms linked, I confidently replied with a thumbs up.
“Just leave it to me. But, I’m thinking of taking a vacation after finishing Support Disbandment, so please help me ensure everything goes smoothly then.”
“Vacation? Where do you plan to go?”
“Well, I just wanted to go home and rest a little. Our mansion may lack many things compared to the Imperial Palace, but that’s kind of the charm of the countryside, isn’t it?”
“Hmm… you mean to Hypno Territory…”
“Yes. It’s my home, so nothing much to be concerned about.”
“I see…”
Why is she looking at me so meaningfully?
“Oh, and the Hero plans to go with us when we head to our Territory.”
“What? Why is the Hero going there?”
“You remember his hometown, right?”
“Didn’t you say that place was all destroyed?”
“Yeah, but the descendants who survived the village are still around. Apparently, those people are now following my brother and settling down in our territory. Even that female thief is dating my brother now?”
“Zech is dating someone?”
Even Eve can’t believe my brother is in a relationship.
“Right? Anyway, the Hero also decided to come down with me to see the people from his old village.”
“Oh, I get it. I’ll go speak to His Majesty about it.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“It’s nothing to this extent. Hehe…”
“Haha…”
Why is she grinning suspiciously?
“…Oh, they’re already here! Would you like to come in for a cup of tea?”
“No, it’s fine. If I had my way, I’d love to have a cozy tea time with you, but… something urgent has come up.”
“Aha.”
It’s probably about the Dark Mages?
Now I feel a bit guilty for adding more tasks to someone already busy.
“Uh… take care, Your Highness. I can only cheer you on…”
I wish I could use hypnosis on myself to speed up my efficiency, but that would likely bring on a terrible headache.
Wait a minute.
‘Come to think of it, doesn’t Eve have her own potions or something?’
“…Your Highness.”
“Yes?”
“Would it be okay if I hypnotized you?”
“…What?”
“No, that sounds weird when I say it like that, but it’s just that…”
I totally messed up how I phrased that.
“I thought it looked like you were having a tough time working, and I wanted to do what I do when I’m writing…”
“…Pff. I knew you’d say something like that.”
‘What does that mean?’
“Well, I’ll gladly accept your concern. However, once I accept it, I might keep asking you for favors non-stop.”
“Ah, that’s true.”
Ever since using hypnosis has boosted my writing speed, I keep relying on it, so that makes sense.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think that through.”
“Nah, it’s fine. I understand you meant well.”
“S-So it’s all good?”
“Of course. Anyway, you should go in now.”
“Ah, okay.”
With that, I returned to my room and started working on the finale of Support Disbandment.