Then the work went quickly and smoothly.
When Ashley began taking charge of the trainee artists, everything began to run smoothly and efficiently, with each task being completed with complete ease.
At first, Barrymore and the other trainees seemed full of complaints, but once they were placed in places where they could make full use of their abilities, their anger faded, and they devoted themselves to their work.
These people are really passionate.
“I didn't know Ashley had a talent for splitting roles like that,” Lord Robid said, his face lighting up with what seemed like pleasant surprise.
He added: “When I saw her working hard and with determination, I thought she might be someone who could not be abandoned, right?”
“I had doubts, too, and worried about you, Lord Robid, but those fears seemed to be unfounded. Everyone has their own strengths,” commented Lord Browne and Lord Cedric.
Although Ashley was overseeing the overall direction, her interns were also playing an important role in the artwork, which was the highlight of the storyboard.
Knock knock.
As the elderly gentlemen exchanged pleasantries with broad smiles on their wrinkled faces, I guessed the identity of the visitor and opened my mouth.
“Come in!”
“Oh, hello.”
Ashley, looking a little tired but more cheerful than before, entered and bowed
“It's a little ahead of schedule, but... here it is, the first volume of 'Safety Rules for Writing Horror Stories.'
After she finished speaking, Ashley handed me a huge book.
The cover was made of black leather, and decorated with gold embroidery, in keeping with the exotic character of the work.
Considering its appearance alone, it had great value as a collector's item.
Let's see how things turn out.
I just quoted the plot and didn't know how it was adapted, so I opened the first page with high expectations.
“Ah.”
I stood frozen with my mouth wide open.
The first page, almost completely covered by the background, was downright stunning in quality
The eerie atmosphere of a gloomy night sky, the gloomy gray fog, and the faint shadow of a giant castle on the horizon.
It was enough to make you look forward to turning the next page.
As for translation? It was perfect.
Given that horror movies can be unfamiliar and difficult for people in this world, I was unduly worried. It appears that this concern was misplaced.
Ashley's direction and the exceptional skills of the artists make this product comparable to modern comics or comic book masterpieces in quality.
“How are you?” Ashley asked with a tense expression, looking at me worriedly.
I noticed that some of the artists who had been following Ashley were eavesdropping outside the door.
Perhaps their relationship was strengthened through long, hard nights of work.
As I looked at the dark circles under Ashley's eyes with some sympathy, I closed the book and stood up.
“Shall we have a little celebration?”
"Excuse me? What do you mean by that...?"
“Oh, right.”
In an attempt to show consideration for the workers, I thought of an irregular dinner gathering… but of course, there would be no such thing in this world
Additionally, I have always preferred the quiet solitude of moonlighting to participating in a group celebration. Maybe I've been working so hard lately that I've lost my usual self.
I shook my head and changed my approach.
I think I should give you some extra money. This work is absolutely amazing, I absolutely love it!
Clap clap clap!
When she saw me stand up and applaud, Ashley's eyes widened
Maybe it was a little different from the last time I checked “The Blair Chronicles,” which had a very different vibe.
“His Highness the Duke will be pleased to see this. No, I think he will find it refreshing.”
"truly?"
I was honest. After all, I knew that the Duke and I shared similar taste, so I expected the result to be the same this time
And of course, I wanted to show him how much valuable work I had done.
“In that case, I will go to him myself.”
"…Yes!"
Suddenly, a shadow entered the room, and before I could stop him, Liam snatched the book from my hand and nodded arrogantly.
How long was he watching?
“Did you read the whole thing?”
“I haven't read them all, but… since His Highness the Duke is the one who made this comic book possible, it's only right that he should see it first.”
When Liam saw my helpless expression, he handed the book back to me.
“No, that is not necessary.”
"…What?"
The Duke said you should bring it to him as soon as you read it all.”
I was hoping to enjoy the comic quietly and peacefully, but I responded gratefully.
“Okay, I'll read it quickly. Actually, I have to go now.”
Before I could finish my sentence, my feet were already heading towards the door.
“Thank you all for your hard work! Liam, you probably heard everything, so don’t forget the reward!”
“Miss! I'll get the cake and coffee and take them upstairs!”
Bonita, always so sweet!
As I was walking towards my room excitedly, a thought suddenly stopped me in my tracks.
I just noticed Liam's behavior.
...Could he be watching me?
* * *
After a long time without any interruptions, I was happily isolated in my room with sweet snacks, coffee, and a comic book.
But even in this joyful time, my mind was wandering.
As I flipped through the thin pages, I muttered, burying my face in my blanket.
“Oh, the quality is very good...”
Was this really something I should keep to myself? It was a feeling so good that I couldn't keep it to myself.
I wasn't that dedicated, I wasn't interested in world peace – I was just an ordinary citizen...
But!
“Why does it seem so precious?”
The fact that so much work had already gone into creating this comic book made it silly for me to keep it to myself
More importantly, when I realized that the comic book market in this world was a completely blue ocean, I began to feel a growing desire.
If mass appeal is an issue, promoting it serially, as Korean newspapers have been doing with comic strips, might be a good start.
“Besides, famous artists are few and rare in this world.”
This means that many talented artists, like Ashley, could disappear without being recognized in history.
I felt like it was a waste of time.
Maybe if Ashley hadn't had this opportunity, she would have become one of those forgotten artists.
“If I seize this opportunity well, I will be able to open up more opportunities for artists in the future.”
As I was collecting these reasons, I felt that the task became larger.
Of course, the voice inside me told me to stop thinking and get comfortable in bed. But…
With a sudden movement, I jumped up and muttered unintelligible words.
"So what? I'm not the one doing that."
They say that even a stray dog can recite poems after three years, right? I have now reached a level where I can even master the art of beatboxing.
After living a life similar to that of a slave, I have learned a few things.
One is that I should never take the lead.
Since people in this world were not familiar with comics, introducing them to it through a familiar medium was a good idea.
But there was no need for me to do that.
Here, there was someone capable of doing that…
“What a pity. In that case, I will become your first sponsor.”
"…What?"
“Talented people deserve a chance.”
A savior for the gifted!
I was fortunate to have the perfect excuse to deliver the comic book to the Duke.
“Bonita.”
“Yes, miss!”
“Can you ask His Highness the Duke if I can come and see him now?”
"Sure! I'll ask!"
As I watched Bonita running briskly, I couldn't hide my sly smile.