Drawing Manga in a Romance Fantasy

Chapter 165

“The positive response is a relief.”

“Thank you. Without your guidance, Prince William, we wouldn’t have achieved success so quickly.”

Somerset Manor, a place every manga enthusiast dreams of visiting. It wasn’t just a production hub for books and merchandise but also offered coveted souvenirs to visitors—items that many desired as keepsakes.

The popularity of the estate meant Rupert’s reception room was never idle. Invitations were a privilege, and even notable figures needed to schedule appointments far in advance to gain an audience.

However, today’s guest was an exception—a figure so prominent that an invitation was extended without hesitation: the second prince, William.

*****

“Our overseas information network is second only to the Imperial intelligence network, I dare say.”

“I wouldn’t know about the Imperial Information Bureau, but the intelligence you’ve provided has been invaluable.”

William sipped tea with Rupert, the discussion flowing seamlessly. The prince had approached Rupert first after hearing about the task assigned to him by the Emperor.

“You’ve been tasked with overseas expansion, haven’t you?”

William, well aware of court proceedings, had proactively offered advice on how Rupert might approach different nations.

“For the Kingdom of Aramen, their pride in their culture compensates for their history of exclusion by other nations.”

William had recommended focusing on The King of Cards for Aramen. Not only that, but he used his network to spread rumors that amplified the appeal:

“Did you hear? The King of Cards is inspired by Aramen’s culture!”

“The Empire might be our rival, but manga isn’t to blame, is it?”

“If you can’t play the card game these days, you’re left out of every social circle!”

Thanks to these efforts, Rupert and Esteban’s cultural infiltration plan succeeded far more quickly than anticipated.

“For the Kingdom of Labas, I suggest The Steel Alchemist. It’s already known as a haven for alchemists, so the theme will resonate deeply there.”

William’s insights into which works would thrive in each region had sent export sales soaring.

“When targeting nations, prioritizing their aristocracy was key.”

“Indeed. It’s amusing, but even in our Empire, if a product is rumored to be used by one of the Seven Great Noble Houses, its sales skyrocket.”

William provided Rupert with a list of influential nobles from each nation, recommending that gifts be sent to them. His reasoning was simple: in this world, trends often flowed from the aristocracy to merchants and, finally, to the common people.

By sending gifts to these key figures, their influence would naturally spread the appeal of the products.

“As a small token of my gratitude, I’ve prepared this gift.”

“This is?”

William opened the small pouch Rupert handed him, his typically stoic expression momentarily breaking with surprise before returning to its usual calm.

Inside were cards from The King of Cards.

“I still can’t forget your incredible performance at the last tournament.”

“Ah, that? Ha! I still can’t forget how I lost to your younger sibling.”

Rupert’s thoughtful gift was tailored perfectly to William, who, despite being born into royalty and surrounded by treasures, had little interest in material possessions.

“Why doesn’t your nose grow?”

“....”

By the time William had left the manor, Ada was still there, hidden away in Krune’s private workshop.

She had sneaked in without anyone noticing, using skills she had picked up from Alain to unlock the supposedly impenetrable dwarven locks.

"Anti-theft measures? No need for magic circles! A dwarf’s lock can’t be picked without the key!"

Click.

Ada would occasionally sneak into Krune’s workshop to explore. Although the room was filled with potentially dangerous items—things Rupert would undoubtedly scold her for even approaching—it was also a treasure trove of fascinating curiosities that she couldn’t resist.

“Look! This is Pinocchio!”

Recently, Ada had stumbled upon something extraordinary in Krune’s workshop: a lifelike doll.

At first, the sight of it startled her so much she let out a scream, but she quickly realized it wasn’t a real person.

What made the doll even more remarkable was that it could move.

“....”

Though it couldn’t speak, it clearly recognized Ada and would move its arms and legs in response to her presence.

Since then, Ada had taken to sneaking into the workshop whenever Krune was away, spending time with the doll she now considered her secret friend.

“Woof!”

Lash, who had taken on the role of lookout due to his reduced walks, kept an eye on whether Krune was returning. Thanks to him, Ada’s secret had remained safe.

Today, she brought her beloved Pinocchio storybook to show the doll.

“Pinocchio’s nose grows when he tells lies! I wish my nose could grow too.”

“....”

The doll tilted its head slightly, as though asking, Why would that be?

“If my nose grew, I could use it to poke Owen!”

The thought of Owen jumping around after being poked by a long, pointy nose brought a mischievous grin to Ada’s face.

“....”

While Ada giggled at her imaginings, the doll’s gaze returned to the Pinocchio book she had brought.

What Ada didn’t realize was that the doll was learning.

Though it couldn’t speak yet, it was beginning to understand words, thanks to Ada’s daily visits and conversations.

Pinocchio.

The doll’s unblinking eyes focused on the illustrations in the book, drawn to the idea of having a name.