Chapter 17
I'm a Homebody, But I Possessed a Dark Captivity Story
Episode 17
From then on, the work proceeded at lightning speed.
Once Ashley began taking the lead in directing the apprentice painters, everything flowed smoothly, like well-meshed gears turning.
Bermore and the other apprentices, who had initially seemed full of complaints, were assigned to roles where they could best utilize their abilities, and before long, they forgot their anger and began to focus solely on their work.
Still... people with passion.
"I never knew Ashley had a talent for this kind of role delegation."
Sir Rovid, who had inwardly considered Ashley something of a troubled prodigy, seemed genuinely pleased by her transformation, his expression brightening.
"Seeing her persistent efforts, wasn't she someone you kept around because you couldn't abandon her?"
"I was worried about you, Sir Rovid, as her evaluations weren't good, but it seems my concerns were unfounded. Everyone had their own use."
Sir Brown and Sir Kedric also chimed in.
It was understandable. Although Ashley was overseeing the overall direction, their own disciples were playing a major role in the artwork, which could be considered the highlight of a comic.
Knock-knock.
A timely knock echoed.
I, who had been watching the old men exchange pleasantries with their wrinkled faces blooming like flowers, opened my mouth, anticipating the visitor's identity.
"Come in!"
"Ah, hello."
Ashley, looking a bit tired but much happier, entered and bowed deeply.
"It's a little earlier than the scheduled date, but... here, the first volume of <Safety Guidelines for the Haunted Duke's Castle> is complete."
Having finished speaking, Ashley handed me a heavy book.
The cover, reinforced with black leather to match the work's atmosphere, was adorned with ornate gold embroidery.
Its appearance alone was enough to give it significant value as a collector's item.
'Let's take a look, shall we?'
I had only conveyed the content; I had no idea how it would be adapted.
The moment I opened the first page with eager anticipation.
"Ah."
I gaped blankly.
The background, filling almost the entire first page, boasted an absolutely overwhelming quality.
A night sky imbued with a chilling aura, gloomy gray mist. Even the faint shadow of a colossal castle visible in the distance.
Not only that, but the content was so engaging that reading the next page made me look forward to the one after it.
The localization(?) was perfect, all things considered.
I had thought that perhaps the genre of ghost stories might feel unfamiliar and difficult to the people here... but it seemed my worries were in vain.
Ashley's direction, the painters' exceptional skills.
This result, the culmination of all those elements, was on par with modern webtoons or works considered masterpieces!
"H-how is it?"
Ashley watched me with an extremely nervous expression.
Now that I noticed, I could see a few painters who had followed Ashley to the slightly ajar door, pressing their ears against it.
Perhaps the shared struggle of staying up for days to meet the deadline had ignited a sense of camaraderie.
Looking at the dark circles under Ashley's eyes with sympathy, I closed the book and stood up.
"I think we should have a company dinner."
"Huh? W-what do you mean...?"
"Ah, right."
A non-regular evening meal hosted to appear considerate of workers in a company... such a thing wouldn't exist in this world.
Moreover, for me, who preferred rotting away alone during overtime to having fun with everyone, to think of such a thing... I must have lost my sense of self by working so diligently lately.
Shaking my head, I changed my words.
"I should give you additional compensation. This work is truly, wonderfully excellent, more than enough to capture my heart!"
Clap, clap, clap!
Ashley's eyes widened at my standing ovation.
Perhaps it was because the atmosphere was so different from when I had last seen The Blale Chronicle.
"I think the Grand Duke will like it too if I show it to him. No, he'll probably find it novel."
"R-really?"
I meant it. I had already realized that he and I had similar tastes, so why would this time be any different?
And I also wanted to show him what a rewarding job I had accomplished.
"In that case, I shall take it to him."
"...Gasp!"
A shadow, which had stealthily approached, now stood behind me.
Before I could react, Liam snatched the book from my hand and tilted his head mockingly.
When had he been watching?
"Have you finished reading it?"
"I-I haven't finished reading it all, but... actually, the Grand Duke is the one who made this comic possible, so it would be right to show it to him first."
As I dejectedly lowered my head, Liam placed the book back into my hand.
"Ah, no."
"...Yes?"
"The Grand Duke said to bring it to him once you've finished reading it."
Wanting to enjoy the fun comic slowly in a quiet place, I replied with gratitude.
"Ah, then I'll read it quickly and bring it to him myself! Oh, speaking of which, I should just go right now."
Before I could finish speaking, my feet were already halfway out the door.
"Everyone worked hard! Liam, since you were listening anyway, don't forget the bonus!"
"Miss! Then I'll bring up the cake and coffee!"
Bonita, what a genius!
As I headed towards my room with a fluttery heart, a sudden thought made me slow my steps.
It was Liam's attitude that struck me belatedly.
...He wasn't trying to keep me in check, was he?
For the first time in a long while, I was able to enjoy a pleasant break alone in my room, undisturbed, with sweet snacks, coffee, and the comic book.
But even during this happy time, my mind was elsewhere.
Flipping through the thin pages, I buried my face in the duvet and cried out.
"Huuu, the quality is just too good..."
Am I supposed to look at this alone? It's such a waste!
I'm not that altruistic, just a commoner with no interest in world peace...
And yet!
"Why is it such a wasteeee!"
In fact, it didn't make sense for me to monopolize this book alone, given that countless labor forces had been mobilized for its creation.
And above all, realizing that the comic book market in this world was a complete blue ocean, my greed began to grow.
If popularity was an issue, there was a method, just like in Korea's past newspapers, to promote it through serialized comic strips.
'Besides, only a very small number of painters become famous in this world.'
That meant that painters with such outstanding skills would disappear into history without ever gaining recognition.
I found that to be such a waste.
Perhaps Ashley would have become one of those painters if she hadn't caught the Grand Duke's eye this time.
'If I seize this opportunity well, I could open up more avenues for artists!'
As I came up with various justifications, the matter seemed to be growing.
Of course, my inner voice was telling me to stop thinking and just lie down and rest. But...
Spring!*
I sat up and murmured softly.
"What does it matter? I'm not the one doing it."
They say even a dog that stays at a Confucian school for three years can recite poetry. I was now at a level where I could do beatboxing.
Living a life akin to that of a slave, I had learned a few things.
Never step forward.
Since comic books themselves are unfamiliar to people, exposing them through frequently encountered media to help them get used to it is a good idea.
However, there's no need for me to do it.
Because right here...
"It is regrettable. Then I shall be your first patron."
"...Yes?"
"For those with talent must be given opportunities."
There was a savior for the talented!
Conveniently, I had a good excuse to take the comic book to him.
"Bonita."
"Yes, Miss!"
"Could you ask if it's alright to visit the Grand Duke right now?"
"Yes, I understand!"
Watching Bonita dash off energetically, I couldn't hide my wellspring of mischievous smiles.
