Chapter 12

For the people of the Enodra Empire, books were unfamiliar entities. To earn money, one had to labor, and if not that, then learn the sword or magic. Even nobles weren’t much different. While they read relatively more, it was limited to philosophy books, etiquette manuals, and educational texts, and they had to maintain respectable hobbies like horseback riding or chess. Living in the harsh reality before them naturally pushed books down in priority. However, there was one novel that appeared like a comet in such an empire.

“Please recommend something similar to Masked Ball.”

So-called fiction—imaginary stories based on the author’s creativity. Word spread gradually, initially becoming a trend among commoners, but later even nobles began reading, with famous trading companies competing to sell them.

“This book looks interesting too. Should I buy a copy?”

People flocked to bookstores they had never visited before. After reading volume 1 of Masked Ball, more people bought and read other books to quench their unresolved thirst, but—

“You pay money to read this trash?”

“I can’t understand what this is even about. Why did they stuff it full of such difficult words?”

It had the opposite effect. Far from quenching their thirst, readers came to realize on their own just how special Karma’s novel was. While everyone was quietly and desperately waiting for volume 2—

“Did you hear that story? Karma is supposedly releasing a new book.”

“Why would they write something else instead of Masked Ball?”

“…We should lock them up somewhere and make them write volume 2.”

Rumors began circulating somewhere. People had thought they’d have to wait a long time for the next volume, but most were puzzled by the author’s unexpected move. Karma’s other book. While it faced some indifference from existing readers for not being Masked Ball, far more people were curious about it.

The rumors that had been spreading soon manifested in reality. On the first day of Knights of the Sky‘s release, people who had been on edge rushed to buy the book first.

“You said your dream was to join the Imperial Knights, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Then read this book right now.”

The reaction appeared that very evening. Those who had read Knights of the Sky in just one day went around with blazing red eyes, recommending the book to everyone around them. It was a situation where new readers who hadn’t even read Masked Ball were flooding in. While Masked Ball‘s passionate readers were mainly women, this time men gathered at bookstores. Of course, since Karma only had two books, the readership eventually became shared.

“Don’t you have volume 1 of Knights of the Sky?”

“We sold out long ago. New stock comes in two days, so come back then.”

The strange thing was that people who had borrowed and read others’ books came to buy copies they had already read.

Commoners and some nobles didn’t hide their impressions of Knights of the Sky, quickly gaining fame.

“…What are you doing in front of the store?”

“You said books were coming in today. No matter what happens, I have to buy the deluxe version and go home, so please open the door quickly!”

True to the high-end version that was difficult to produce, deluxe copies were relatively limited in quantity. Even though they already had smart versions, those with money hoped for deluxe versions. Customers who had heard the bookstore owner mention it casually came and waited in front of the door from early morning. Naturally, others lingering nearby began lining up behind them, forming a queue.

“Sorry, but this person’s purchase is the last one.”

“Ah… damn it.”

Those cut off right in front despaired while those with the last remaining copy rejoiced. A stark contrast of joy and sorrow. Some bookstores and trading companies established in the capital began announcing their major stock arrival dates and opening times, leading to such phenomena.

---

“You seem to have lost a lot of weight. Are you preparing well?”

“Yes, I can maintain my aura much longer than before.”

Though Marcella looked at Callard with somewhat worried eyes, he answered with a spirited voice.

‘It’s fortunate it’s improving when he trains so much.’

Though I hadn’t visited the training grounds at all recently, I could hardly imagine Callard being lazy.

“…Katarina seems hard to see lately too. Please tell us what you’ve been up to—”

The moment Marcella’s gentle voice echoed over the dining table—

“Ahem, Callard. I heard a book about knights became famous. Have you read it?”

Suddenly, Alexis addressed Callard, drawing everyone’s attention to him. Anyone could see he unnaturally interrupted, cutting off the conversation.

“No, I haven’t read it yet.”

“While climbing the ladder of growth is important, sometimes you need to know how to rest.”

The situation was hastily concluded with Alexis encouraging Callard.

‘But that book, could it be about mine?’

It had already been a week since I released volume 1 of Knights of the Sky. I had prepared books to inform my family too, but for some reason I kept postponing it and hadn’t said anything until now.

‘This seems like the perfect timing to mention it.’

When my mouth simply wouldn’t open, I just kept cutting the innocent steak.

“Aren’t you eating?”

Before long, Callard beside me noticed.

“…I’ll eat.”

After answering, I actually put down the utensils I was holding for a moment.

“I have something to tell you.”

Since I had to say it anyway, I’d close my eyes and speak. After making a big decision internally, I spoke with a calm expression.

“I mentioned before that I wanted to become a writer. I acquired the small publishing house Father introduced me to and have published a total of two books so far.”

Marcella, sitting across from me, widened her eyes in surprise, her emotions clearly showing.

“My goodness, how wonderful. Can we see the books you wrote too?”

Having to say it with my own mouth made me feel awkward, and I smiled bashfully.

“The book that came out this time is called ‘Knights of the Sky’… If you’d like, I can give you the books I have.”

Clang—

“Wait, Katarina, are you by any chance ‘Karma’?”

Alexis looked urgent for some reason, while Marcella dropped her utensils, making a loud noise as they hit the dishes. I looked back and forth between my parents in confusion, but Callard had a face that showed he didn’t understand anything.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Oh my goodness. Dear me!”

“…Have you read them?”

When I asked in confusion at the unexpectedly big reaction, Marcella immediately nodded.

“I haven’t read Knights of the Sky, but I have read Masked Ball.”

Then Alexis beside her spoke up.

“I’ve only heard news from various places, but haven’t seen it directly.”

The fact that they already knew about my books before I even spoke felt strangely moving.

“Then Sapphire Publishing was Sparkling Gem and Pen.”

“…Right, I acquired it and changed the name completely.”

After that, I was bombarded with all sorts of questions. I was practically grilled and had to explain every process from the beginning. Once I actually talked about it, I felt relieved.

“This mother is proud of you, Katarina.”

Those words completely released all the remaining tension.

“I don’t want my identity revealed.”

Finally, I emphasized the most important thing, revealing that I was Karma and listing only the bad things that would happen if this were discovered. Callard beside me still looked at me with uncomprehending eyes, but I lightly ignored him. Seeing my family’s faces grow increasingly serious made me feel proud.

“We absolutely won’t tell anyone.”

“I’ll definitely keep the secret.”

Just like knights would. I chuckled seeing the father and son making serious vows.

“I’ll continue focusing on writing to be of great help to the family.”

“…Well, of course. Masked Ball volume 2 needs to come out too, so hurry up! Work hard.”

Mother, who had hesitated for a moment, soon smiled brightly and chimed in agreement.

She really did read it.

When I felt the same thing from her that I had felt from Chloe and Daniel, I hurriedly nodded. Whenever I showed even the slightest hesitation at times like this, both of their eyes would turn fierce.

After the warmly concluded meal, I distributed all three deluxe copies of Knights of the Sky I had to my family members.