Bab 34: Obsessed fan

(Anus Hades POV)

Reading the review about the demon film was full of praise from such a picky critic. I find myself curious about this so-called film "The Demonfather".

I haven't watched the film yet, and I don't know if Dianne was telling the truth or not, but it has certainly piqued my curiosity. After all, it's a film about my kind.

I just closed the newspaper when I saw a billboard in the distance that boldly displayed — "The Demonfather" showing on October 10, 1271.

The colorful billboard has the Bryan Brothers label on it, and the design of the picture evokes a powerful feeling within me.

It's a picture of an old vampire demon, wearing a black suit with a blood-red rose pinned to his lapel. He's dressed in a finely tailored, pinstriped suit with wide lapels, a crisp white shirt, and a black tie. He sits regally in a high-backed leather chair, exuding an air of authority.

Looking at the picture, it reminds me of Don Leviathan — his style is similar to that, but somehow, the old demon on the billboard picture conveys a sense of authority and power that somehow exceeds my view of Don Leviathan.

"Is this the film that infamous critic is raving about?" I mutter to myself as I glance at the closed newspaper in my hand.

October 10 is just around the corner. I quickly make my way to the local theater box office. I don't mind using some of my savings to secure a ticket for the October 10 showing. This is one film I simply must see for myself.

***

(Arthur POV)

My film is set to premiere nationwide in the Morningstar Kingdom in about a week, on October 3, 1271. In the few weeks since finalizing the agreement with the Lava Brothers, LB has been aggressively advertising the film through billboards, newspapers, and their own magazines.

My team and I, along with the cast, have been exceptionally busy. I've hired workers to plaster posters and distribute lobby cards in public spaces like bus stops and theater lobbies. We've also been making the rounds on radio channels partnered with Lava Brothers, discussing the film.

I suggested a publicity stunt to the Lava Brothers for additional marketing. Today, we've organized an unusual event where most attendees have already seen "The Demonfather." We're facing journalists invited by Lava Brothers, fielding questions about the film. At my insistence, we're also taking questions from the general public.

A dwarf approaches the microphone, his voice tinged with skepticism. "My friend told me that The Demonfather was a masterpiece. I've never watched the film, so I don't believe it. So, prince director, is my friend telling the truth?"

The term "prince director" elicits chuckles from the crowd.

I lean into the microphone, a wry smile playing on my lips. "Are you seriously asking me that? If I said yes, would you believe me, considering I made the film and might be biased?"

Laughter ripples through the audience. The dwarf, undeterred, continues, "Maybe. After all, The Demonfather didn't even win the festival's main award."

I chuckle inwardly, wondering if this dwarf was planted by someone with a grudge or if he simply dislikes me. Either way, I can only respond diplomatically. "I couldn't say how good it really is, but one thing is certain — you'll only know when you've watched it for yourself. Thank you."

As I step back from the microphone, I can't help but feel a mix of pride and anticipation. Regardless of the skeptics, I know the film speaks for itself. The real test will come when it hits theaters across the kingdom.

***

(Anubis Flameworth POV)

I've been relentlessly checking for updates on "The Demonfather's" nationwide premiere lately. It's a film my cousin recommended after he watched it at the film festival.

Initially, I thought my cousin was overly excited about a worthless film. I felt it would be a waste of my time, especially considering the illegal operations of my gang around Ferland city that demand my attention.

I assumed my cousin was exaggerating, particularly when he kept rewatching it. But only after experiencing the full film did I understand why his enthusiasm was justified.

After watching it, I became even more obsessed than my cousin.

Why?

As the head of a gang in the city, I relate deeply to the film - the story, the power dynamics, the use of magical firearms, the deaths. It portrays how dangerous gang life can be, while simultaneously making the life of a powerful mob boss seem alluring and glamorous.

The film captures the duality of our world - the grit and the glory, the danger and the allure. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities, yet it paints our lifestyle with a seductive brush that's hard to resist.

I find myself drawn to the character of Don Corleone, the aging demon patriarch. His struggle to maintain power, to protect his family while navigating the treacherous waters of the underworld - it's like looking into a mirror of my own life.

The scenes of strategic planning, of deals made, of loyalty tested and betrayal punished - they resonate with me on a visceral level. It's as if the director have peered into the soul of our world and laid it bare on the screen.

And yet, despite its unflinching portrayal of violence and corruption, there's a strange beauty to it all. The cinematography, the music, the performances - they elevate our often brutal reality into something almost... poetic.

I've lost count of how many times I've rewatched it since the festival. Each viewing reveals new layers, new details I missed before. It's become more than just a film to me - it's a reflection, a guide, a warning, and a celebration all at once.

"Boss, this is all the latest newspapers featuring The Demonfather topic."

Lost in thought, I heard my men entering, presenting me with a dozen newspapers.

"Good work," I said with a nod, leaning back in my chair, one hand resting on the armrest while the other gently stroked my chin. My gaze was steady, almost piercing as I regarded my subordinate.

This simple action revealed how deeply The Demonfather had influenced me. I'd begun to incorporate Michael's demeanor and facial expressions lately, and I'd noticed my men starting to respect me more for it.

I checked each newspaper, scanning for the latest topics about the film. It had become my perfect way to unwind from mob life, immersing myself in anything related to The Demonfather.

"Boss, I've been meaning to ask..." my subordinate hesitated, "Is there any important reason why you're so interested in The Demonfather? Are you planning something big, inspired by the film?"

Inwardly, I felt uncomfortable. There was no important reason at all for my obsession with The Demonfather. But, maintaining a composed posture and an indifferent face, I crafted an excuse:

"The Demonfather isn't just entertainment, it's a study in power dynamics and strategy. Every scene, every dialogue holds lessons we can apply to our operations. I'm analyzing it to stay ahead of our rivals and strengthen our position in Ferland. In our world, knowledge is power, and this film is a goldmine of insights."

I paused, fixing my subordinate with a stern look. "Never underestimate the value of learning from others' experiences, even if they're fictional. Now, is there anything else you need to report?"

My response seemed to satisfy him, and I could see a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. As he shook his head and left, I turned back to the newspapers, silently thankful that my quick thinking had turned a potential moment of weakness into an opportunity to reinforce my authority.

As I read through each newspaper, I noticed several were criticizing "The Demonfather". I chuckled inwardly — despite being a mob boss, I understood the real reason behind these negative reviews.

These newspapers had connections to major demon studios that failed to secure the license rights for "The Demonfather". Now, they were attempting to tarnish the film's image out of spite and competition.

Besides the Lava Brothers, who had acquired the rights, studios like Demon Pictures and Underground Films were using every resource at their disposal to downplay this masterpiece.

It wasn't just demon studios either. Human major studios that missed out on the rights were also leveraging their connections to paint a negative picture of the film in the press.

As I pondered this, a dangerous thought crossed my mind. Perhaps I could use my gang to... persuade these newspaper companies to reconsider their dishonest reviews. As a fan, it was infuriating to see a masterpiece unfairly maligned.

I caught myself, realizing the extent of my obsession. Was I really considering intimidating journalists over a film review? Part of me knew it was absurd, yet another part felt it would be justified.

I set the newspapers aside, deciding to focus on more pressing matters. But the thought lingered — in a world of power and influence, how far would I go to protect something I believed in, even if it was just a film?