Drawing Manga in a Romance Fantasy

Chapter 171

“Have you heard the rumor about pink snow falling in Somerset?”

“Pink snow?”

“Yeah! People who visited Somerset to buy merchandise were raving about how they’d never seen anything like it.”

Recently, an intriguing rumor had begun circulating throughout the Empire.

Somerset, a place most people hadn’t even known existed before, had turned into a bustling tourist destination ever since the Somerset goods store opened. And now, word was spreading that pink snow had fallen there.

“That can’t be true, right? Somerset is in the south. They don’t even wear coats in winter, let alone see snow.”

“Well, that’s true, but... considering it’s Somerset, it doesn’t sound impossible.”

The man who initially dismissed the idea found himself nodding in agreement after a moment of thought.

Everything that came out of Somerset’s workshop was so astonishing that it wasn’t hard to imagine they’d invented something new yet again.

“Should we go see the pink snow for ourselves?”

“We might as well stop by the Somerset goods store while we’re at it.”

As rumors of the magical pink snow continued to spread, Somerset began to experience an unexpected influx of visitors.

The goods store had always attracted customers, but with similar stores now established in the capital, other territories, and major cities across the Empire, the crowds in Somerset had slightly decreased.

Now, however, the number of visitors had skyrocketed, and the residents of Somerset couldn’t hide their excitement.

“Can you believe reservations are already fully booked for the next month?”

“That’s not all! Jans, the restaurant owner, was bragging about earning gold in a single day’s sales.”

“Everywhere’s packed—restaurants, general stores, inns, taverns—there’s not a single quiet spot.”

Most of the visitors coming to see the pink snow were wealthy, and they spent their money freely in Somerset.

As a result, the territory was enjoying an unexpected economic boom.

“Do you remember what the young master said?”

“About what? Oh, you mean how he planned to make it snow pink every winter during a set period?”

“Exactly! Doesn’t that mean we’ll have crowds like this every year?”

“Of course! There’s nowhere else in the Empire—or even the entire continent—where you can see pink snow.”

“So if we set up food stalls and sell merchandise during that time next year, we could make a fortune!”

Though it was too late to prepare for this year, the people of Somerset were already planning how to capitalize on the crowds for the next festival.

Thus began the Somerset Snow Festival, destined to draw visitors not just from the Empire but from across the entire continent.

*****

“I can’t believe you’re already releasing another children’s book.”

“It’s been a bit tight, but with the animation project nearing completion, I managed to find some time.”

Esteban took the new storybook from Rupert and couldn’t help but marvel at the speed of his work.

Rupert was already juggling so much—his role as a professor at the academy, the animation business, serializations in Manafia, publishing children’s books, and producing merchandise.

Even Esteban, who prided himself on being hardworking, couldn’t imagine keeping up with Rupert’s schedule.

“Rudolph? So the protagonist isn’t a person this time?”

“No, it’s a reindeer. One with a red nose, to be precise.”

Listening to Rupert’s explanation, Esteban began carefully reading the new story, Rudolph.

Of course, anything Rupert wrote was bound to be entertaining. But to market the book effectively, Esteban had to fully understand its themes and message.

With The Little Match Girl, for example, he had decided against releasing promotional goods or contests, as the tragic tone of the story demanded a more subdued approach.

At the time, Esteban had sighed and joked that Rupert’s plan to warm people’s hearts with The Little Match Girl was more about setting their emotions on fire than actual warmth.

But now, Esteban was sure of one thing—

Winters in the Empire would be warmer from now on, far more than they ever were in the past.

*****

“Professor, you really never stop creating, do you?”

Adrian sat inside the carriage, flipping through Rupert’s new works, The Little Match Girl and Rudolph.

Ever since he showcased Heart of Steel at the end-of-term ceremony, he had been working on a new project. Rupert’s latest releases were providing him with plenty of inspiration.

‘I’m no longer uncertain—I’m convinced.’

Adrian recalled the first time he had read one of Rupert’s works.

Back then, he had believed that as long as he dedicated himself to his craft, he could eventually catch up to Rupert.

But the more he read and studied, the broader his perspective grew. At the same time, he became acutely aware of just how far ahead Rupert’s level of storytelling truly was.

“Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the palace.”

“Thank you for the safe journey.”

As he closed the books, still reflecting on the gap between their abilities, the coachman’s voice brought him back to reality. Adrian stepped down from the carriage.

“Welcome back to the kingdom!”

Click!

It had been a while since Adrian last laid eyes on the palace of the Kingdom of Silvania.

Though it couldn’t compare to the Empire’s grand palace in size, the elegant and intricate architecture unique to Silvania was nothing short of breathtaking.

Rows of soldiers stood at attention in front of the palace gates to welcome Adrian, the Second Prince, back to his homeland.

Adrian met the soldiers’ gazes one by one, acknowledging their greetings with a nod.

“Welcome home, Your Highness.”

“It’s been a while, Chancellor Kartel.”

Waiting to greet Adrian personally was Chancellor Kartel of Silvania.

The two had always been close, bonded by their shared concerns for the kingdom’s future. Neither bothered to hide their joy at reuniting after so long.

“By the way, where are my father and brother?”

“They stepped out briefly for their morning engagements. They should return shortly. In the meantime, would you care for some tea?”

“Gladly. I drank all sorts of tea in the Empire, but nothing compares to the taste of home.”

Relocating to a side chamber, Adrian and Kartel sipped tea while catching up on the latest news.

Their conversation began with lighthearted topics—how they had been, minor updates, and anecdotes—before finally shifting to more serious matters.

“Your Highness, what did you think of the Empire after seeing it with your own eyes?”

Kartel’s question prompted Adrian to close his eyes for a moment and reflect on his time in the Empire.

“Chancellor, I’ve come to a realization.”

“What do you mean?”

“If we continue like this... Silvania has no future.”

Adrian’s quiet but shocking declaration left Kartel stunned.