Drawing Manga in a Romance Fantasy

Chapter 137

As the premiere concluded successfully, Rupert stood at the exit, bidding farewell to each guest personally. Amidst this, three figures hurriedly approached him.@@@@

"Rupert!"

"Lady Amelia, is something the matter?"

"Oh, no, no! The premiere was absolutely splendid."

"I’m glad you enjoyed it."

Not to be outdone, Iolin quickly interjected into their conversation.

"I, too, found it deeply moving."

"I’m relieved Her Highness enjoyed it as well."

"I loved it too, Rupert!"

"Thank you, Miss Zinnia."

Surrounded by the three women, each expressing their gratitude, Rupert was struggling to keep up with their words.

Whenever Iolin spoke, the other two would seize the opportunity to jump into the conversation, and vice versa, as if they couldn’t bear to let anyone else gain the upper hand.

"Is that heaven or hell?"

"A hell disguised as heaven."

The other men watching the scene felt both envious and grateful that they weren’t in Rupert’s shoes.

Though being doted upon by three beautiful women seemed like a dream come true, they all knew such situations rarely ended well.

"You know, if we’re judging by looks, you’re better than the professor."

"Elsa is more than enough for me."

"You’re crazy."

Even Edric and Adrian were observing the scene while exchanging remarks, their curiosity piqued.

They couldn’t help but wonder which of the three would ultimately end up with Rupert.

"Let it go~ Let it go~!"

Lately, the sound of children singing filled the streets of the empire.

The King of Cards merchandise was no exception to Somerset’s booming popularity.

"I opened ten packs and didn’t get a single super rare card!"

"I’d just like to see the White-Eyed Blue Dragon Ultimate Rare card in person!"

"It’s here! I’m rich!"

Outside Somerset stores, cheers and groans alike echoed as people opened King of Cards packs, each containing ten cards, one of which was guaranteed to be rare.

This was Rupert’s way of ensuring even commoners could enjoy the thrill of obtaining their favorite cards.

However, the rarity of specific cards led to an explosion of demand, with people spending fortunes on card packs.

"Rare cards can fetch decent prices second-hand!"

Those lucky enough to pull particularly coveted rare cards could sell them for a tidy sum. Super Rare and Ultimate Rare cards, however, were in a league of their own, with prices reaching astronomical levels.

This frenzy forced Somerset to impose purchase limits per person, though some found ways around it.

To combat counterfeiting, Somerset theaters and merchandise stores installed "duel tables" capable of verifying cards. Genuine cards would summon a magical hologram of their illustration, while fakes did nothing.

"Master Rupert, how are the new manga manuscripts?"

"They’re promising, but they need more refinement. There’s still time."

"The authors might be disappointed."

"It can’t be helped. Anything serialized in ManaFia must be the empire’s best."

Returning the manuscripts to Esteban, Rupert was determined to expand the current six ManaFia titles to at least ten.

Though he saw potential in the submissions, none had passed his rigorous standards yet.

"We’re nearing the final chapter of Van Helsing, and other authors’ works are wrapping up. Preparation is key."

"Indeed, Van Helsing should conclude within the year."

"And King of Cards has reached the Battle Island arc, hasn’t it?"

"Yes, that’s correct."

Rupert’s gaze sharpened as Esteban mentioned King of Cards.

"It’s time to set ‘that plan’ into motion."

Though Esteban seemed slightly anxious, he knew this was a crucial step for the project they had carefully planned.

"The imperial palace has already reached out."

Rupert smiled, as if everything was falling into place.