LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 165
“I’m glad to hear the reaction is good.”
“Thank you. If it weren’t for Crown Prince William, I wouldn’t have succeeded this quickly.”
Somerset Mansion, a place that everyone who loves comics desires to visit at least once.
Not only is there a workshop that produces books and prints out goods, but the souvenirs given to visitors are items that many wish to have.
Therefore, many nobles wanted to be invited to Somerset Mansion, and the reception room was never empty for a single day.
Even though they only welcomed important guests after filtering through many ordinary figures.
But today’s guest was someone so significant that he could secure a spot in the reception room by merely being invited.
“I take pride in our overseas information network matching that of the Imperial Intelligence Department.”
“I can’t assert an understanding of the Imperial Intelligence Department, but the information you provided this time felt like real treasures.”
The figure enjoying tea with Rupert in the reception room was none other than Crown Prince William.
‘He received an assignment from His Majesty this time, didn’t he?’
It all started when Crown Prince William, fully aware of events that took place in the court, proactively approached Rupert to talk.
‘The Kingdom of Sylvania has been separately taken care of.’
Crown Prince William offered advice on how Rupert should strategize to penetrate various nations, as he needed to expand overseas.
‘The Kingdom of Aramen is notably proud of their country due to being ostracized by others.’
William recommended selecting <King of Cards> as the main piece to export to the Kingdom of Aramen.
Moreover, he even mobilized his informants to spread rumors.
‘I heard <King of Cards> is set in the Kingdom of Aramen, right?’
‘The Empire may be bad, but the comic isn’t to blame, is it?’
‘They say that if you can’t play card games these days, you won’t fit in among the youngsters?’
As a result, Operation Cultural Invasion achieved outcomes much faster than Rupert and Esteban had predicted.
Furthermore,
“I recommend the Iron-Blooded Alchemist to the Kingdom of Lavas. It’s a kingdom known for its high interest in alchemy, often referred to as the sanctuary of alchemists.”
Thanks to William sharing information on which works would resonate well with major kingdoms across the continent, export sales were soaring.
“The key point was prioritizing nobles when targeting each nation.”
“That’s right. Funny story, but even among our Empire, just the rumor of using something from the Seventh House of Nobility can cause its sales to skyrocket.”
William handed Rupert a list of high-ranking nobles in various countries, suggesting those be sent gifts.
Given the cultural flow in another world, where trends from the noble class eventually trickle down to merchants and finally reach commoners, William’s reasoning was spot on.
Sending gifts to influential nobles would automatically lead to promotion from them, just as William had predicted.
“This is a small gift prepared with gratitude, not as a repayment.”
“What’s this?”
As William opened the small pouch presented by Rupert, his eyes widened slightly before quickly returning to their usual size.
This item, which had brought about such a reaction from William, was none other than a <King of Cards> card.
“I still can’t forget the wonderful match you showed at the last tournament.”
“Is that so? Hahaha, I still haven’t gotten over losing to your brother, you know.”
A tailored gift for William, who loved the <King of Cards> card game enough to participate in tournaments.
Having been born into royalty and raised surrounded by exquisite treasures, William had little interest in material things.
What he truly desired were intangible things like people’s hearts or the safety of the Empire.
Yet, even for him, these cards sparked a curious sense of ownership.
“You might not know, but your comic has given me significant meaning.”
“Is that so?”
William nodded at Rupert’s question.
“I used to think that to get what I wanted, I had to take someone else’s.”
Not long ago, he had even harbored a strong dislike, bordering on hatred, towards those who insisted on resolving issues through peace and dialogue.
“But lately, I’ve been thinking that I was wrong.”
Initially, he hadn’t understood his brothers, who were engrossed in fairy tale and comic books, discussing them all day.
‘Don’t you watch any comics?’
‘Brother, you’re losing half of your life.’
‘How could a youngster not know what even an old man like me watches?’
Having been pressured endlessly by those around him, he picked up a comic to at least understand it, which left a significant impact on him.
Especially <King of Cards> held a distinctive meaning to him.
The protagonist engages in genuine clashes with opponents.
Though some might resort to underhanded means or violence, ultimately, it’s their skills that determine the victor.
This concept resonated deeply with William.
The idea that victory could be attained without harming or threatening someone was appealing.
In a world where strategies evolve and psychological warfare—which was previously viewed negatively—became legitimate tactics for the skilled.
“Lately, I’ve been visiting pubs and salons frequently in the capital.”
Disguising himself and mingling with strangers to play card games had become his new hobby.
Having always concealed his true feelings, he assumed others were just like him, but the world proved otherwise.
William was coming to realize that approaching others sincerely often led them to reciprocate with sincerity.
“This incident is a lesson, and I consider it a repayment for learning something new thanks to you.”
William stood up from the reception sofa, adjusting his attire.
“Are you leaving already?”
“I still have much to do, despite how it appears.”
Though Rupert tried to keep him out of courtesy, William opened the door and left, assuring it was fine.
‘Now I think I somewhat understand why my brother is so enamored with Somerset.’
As he exited Somerset Mansion, which he couldn’t tell if it was a factory or a mansion, images of his brother scolding him after the card tournament came to mind.
‘Are you really going to win against a child now that you’re grown up?’
If he had won, his brother would have been furious enough to grab him by the collar.
Of course, William had brushed aside such words lightly, but he could somewhat relate to his brother’s feelings.
“Aida… She was a cute little rascal.”
She possessed card skills enough to defeat him, yet her behaviors were quintessentially those of her age, and Aida occasionally crossed his thoughts.
“I wanted to see her face while I was out, but it’s a shame to hear she’s not here.”
William felt a tinge of disappointment upon hearing that Aida had gone out early in the morning to play.
He was curious about what she was up to since it was said she wouldn’t return until around sunset.
***
“Why doesn’t your nose grow?”
“…”
While William was leaving the mansion, Aida was still inside.
However, she had secretly snuck into Kroon’s personal workshop, unnoticed by anyone.
-Against thieves? We don’t even need a magic circle! A lock crafted by our dwarves can’t be opened without a special key!
Click.
Aida often came to play in Kroon’s workshop, sneaking in using the skills she learned from Alain.
Though Rupert would scold her for going into such a risky place filled with dangerous things, Kroon’s workshop was one of those secret spots Aida couldn’t resist.
“Look! This is Pinocchio!”
Recently, Aida had discovered something fascinating in Kroon’s workshop.
It was a doll that resembled a human.
Initially surprised enough to scream, she quickly realized it wasn’t a real person and began to observe.
This doll that resembled a human was even moving on its own.
“…”
It seemed unable to speak yet, but the doll clearly recognized Aida, moving its arms and legs.
Unable to resist this enchanting doll, Aida had been sneaking in whenever Kroon was out to spend time with it.
“Woof!”
Thanks to Rach, whose walks had decreased because he was keeping watch to see if Kroon was coming, Aida had kept her secret safe until now.
Today, she had brought her treasured <Pinocchio> fairy tale book to show to the doll.
“Pinocchio grows a long nose when he tells a lie! I wish mine could grow too.”
“…”
The doll tilted its head as if trying to understand Aida’s words.
It seemed to be questioning why that might be.
“If my nose could grow, I could poke Oun with it!”
Just the thought of being poked with her pointed, extended nose made Aida look genuinely delighted.
“…”
Lost in thought, Aida and the doll’s gazes returned to the <Pinocchio> fairy tale book that Aida was showing.
Though Aida was unaware, the doll was currently learning everything.
While it still couldn’t make a sound, thanks to Aida visiting every day and sharing with it, the doll was slowly starting to comprehend the meanings of words.
‘Pinocchio…’
The doll, looking at the illustrations in the book that the girl showed, wanted to have a name.