บท 73: Controversy
(3rd Person POV)
The room held its collective breath as Herold Green fingered the envelope containing the winner of the Lunar Laurel for Best Director. He cleared his throat, milking the moment for all it was worth.
"And the award goes to... 'Lord of the Rings' directed by Arthur Morningstar!"
The announcement hit like a thunderclap. A beat of silence, then a cacophony of reactions.
"This can't be possible," an elf filmmaker muttered, his face a mask of disbelief.
He wasn't alone. The room buzzed with shocked whispers. Sure, "Lord of the Rings" had been cleaning up in the minor categories, but this? This was different. The main awards were supposed to be above such... upsets.
All eyes turned to Arthur Morningstar - the infamous prince turned filmmaker - as he made his way to the stage. He accepted the silver award, looking almost as surprised as everyone else.
Herold beamed, practically bouncing on his toes. "You're making history, Arthur Morningstar! First demon filmmaker to win a main award at this festival, and your film's sweeping the board!"
Arthur blinked, as if trying to process it all. "Yeah, it's... it's something alright. Honestly, I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that this festival was willing to embrace a film from a demon."
Herold's smile widened. "At this festival, we don't care if it's made by demons, elves, or even orcs. Good cinema is good cinema."
Arthur chuckled, the sound a mix of amusement and lingering disbelief.
In the audience, a sea of sour faces. Filmmakers who'd been so sure of their chances now sat rigid in their seats, a bitter taste in their mouths. The word 'cheated' hung unspoken in the air.
But for the journalists present, it was a feeding frenzy. Pens flew across notepads, cameras flashed. This was history in the making - a demon film shattering records and expectations at the Moonlight Film Festival.
The excitement only grew when "Lord of the Rings" snagged the Celestial Crown for Best Film. It was a clean sweep, unprecedented and undeniable.
Well, almost undeniable. In the back of the room, a cluster of journalists from Titan Pictures-owned papers huddled together, faces grim. They'd been under orders to trash "Lord of the Rings," but this... this made their job significantly harder.
"Rigged festival?" one suggested half-heartedly.
Another sighed. "Maybe we can spin it as a shocking upset that calls the integrity of the whole event into question?"
They knew it was weak, but what choice did they have? Sometimes, the story writes itself, whether you like it or not.
***
The Moonlight Film Festival was a grand spectacle that drew over fifty thousand visitors from across the world to Moon City. Yet, ironically, the majority of the city's three hundred thousand residents barely gave it a second glance. Most were too caught up in their daily grind to spare a thought for the cinematic extravaganza unfolding in their midst.
Still, the festival was a source of pride for the kingdom, and even the busiest locals kept an ear to the ground. They might not have had time to watch the films, but they devoured the newspaper coverage, eager to stay in the loop.
Among the myriad of films mentioned, one title kept popping up: "Lord of the Rings." It wasn't the glowing reviews or critical acclaim that etched this name into the public consciousness, though. No, it was the relentless barrage of negative press that made it unforgettable.
Day after day, the city's major newspapers plastered their front pages with scathing headlines about "Lord of the Rings." The sheer volume and vitriol of the criticism was impossible to ignore. It was as if the papers were waging a personal vendetta against the film.
Ironically, this constant thrashing had the opposite effect of what was likely intended. Instead of burying "Lord of the Rings" in obscurity, it elevated the film to a topic of widespread curiosity and discussion. Even those who had no interest in cinema found themselves wondering about this apparently controversial movie that had riled up the press so thoroughly.
The morning after the Moonlight Film Festival's conclusion, the streets of Moon City buzzed with activity. A young elf, his voice cracking with excitement, darted between pedestrians, waving fresh newspapers.
"Extra! Extra! Demon film dominates Moonlight Film Festival! Sweeps award categories! Get your morning news here!"
An older elf, his curiosity piqued, approached the boy. "What's this about a demon film dominating what now?"
The newsboy grinned, sensing a sale. "All the details are right here, sir! Just one coin for the full story!"
With a sigh and a shake of his head, the elf fished out a coin. "This better be worth it, lad."
"Thank you, sir! Enjoy your read!" The boy pocketed the coin and darted off to his next potential customer.
The elf unfolded the paper, his eyebrows shooting up as he read the bold headline:
"'Lord of the Rings' Conquers Moonlight Film Festival! Demon Film Claims Top Honors, Sparking Controversy!"
As he walked, the elf muttered under his breath, "The festival, rigged? Surely not..."
Around him, other passersby were engrossed in their own copies, their reactions a mix of disbelief and intrigue.
"This calls for an investigation," a dwarf grumbled to his companion.
"Agreed," the other nodded. "The integrity of the festival is at stake."
Not everyone was focused on potential scandal, though. A pair of humans nearby seemed more interested in the film itself.
"I'm curious to see just how bad this 'Lord of the Rings' really is," one mused.
Her friend scoffed. "I heard Love Pictures Entertainment is distributing it. Always knew Kyle Love was in cahoots with demons."
***
(Arthur POV)
And so it begins. I sifted through the stack of newspapers I'd just bought, my eyes skimming the headlines. A handful praised "Lord of the Rings," highlighting its historic win for demon entertainment. But the major papers? They were out for blood.
"'Lord of the Rings': A Stolen Tale?" screamed one headline.
"Film Festival Rigged? Demon Movie's Sweep Raises Eyebrows," declared another.
"Moonlight Festival Loses Credibility with Controversial Win," a third proclaimed.
I tossed the papers aside with a snort. Let them rant and rave. In the end, success speaks louder than any headline. And I knew, deep in my bones, that "Lord of the Rings" would have the last laugh.
As I stuffed the last of my belongings into my travel bag, my mind wandered to the journey ahead. Sure, I could pop back to the Morningstar Kingdom in an instant thanks to my handy portal. But sometimes, the old-fashioned way has its perks.
For one, I needed to maintain appearances. An exiled prince suddenly materializing out of thin air might raise a few too many eyebrows. Plus, the airport would be crawling with reporters and industry folks. A perfect opportunity to gauge reactions, maybe drop a few choice quotes for the press to chew on.
And if I'm being honest? A part of me wanted to savor this moment. To feel the weight of that Lunar Laurel in my bag, to see the sideways glances and whispered conversations as I walked through the terminal. Let them wonder, let them gossip. The story of the demon who conquered the Moonlight Film Festival was just beginning.
With a final glance around the room, I shouldered my bag and headed for the door. Time to face the music - and maybe conduct a little orchestra of my own.
บท 74: I'm back, honey
(Arthur's POV)
As I made my way down the sidewalk, the whispers followed me like a bad smell. They weren't even trying to be subtle about it.
"Is that Arthur Morningstar? The one who supposedly rigged our prestigious film festival?"
"Must be. Despicable demon, isn't he?"
I kept my face neutral, pushing down the urge to roll my eyes. Then an elf nearby decided to get bold.
"Go back to your kingdom, demon," he spat.
I turned, meeting his gaze coolly. "That's the plan."
Their words didn't really get under my skin. After all, they were just parroting what they'd heard, dancing to Titan Pictures' tune like good little puppets. Obviously, none of them had actually seen "Lord of the Rings." Their loss.
But soon enough, when the film hit cinemas across the Moonlight Kingdom, they'd see for themselves. For now, Titan Pictures was doing my marketing for me, free of charge. Couldn't ask for better publicity, really.
As I approached the airport, I couldn't help but smile, thinking about my latest reward from the system.
[Heartstrings: A rare and powerful emotional manipulation skill that enables the director to subtly shape the emotions of their actors, drawing out deeply authentic and captivating performances.]
It was still at level one, only affecting three actors at a time for five shoots a day before exhaustion set in. But with practice, who knew how far I could push it? I was no stranger to leveling up skills, after all. {Nether Surge} had taught me patience.
The moment I stepped into the airport, I was swarmed by reporters. Their questions hit me like a wave.
"How do you respond to the accusations of rigging the film festival?"
I kept my cool, my voice level as I responded, "How could a demon like me possibly influence the festival? Only good films can sway the MFF. And my film? It's a damn good film."
As the reporters scribbled furiously, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. Let them write their hit pieces. In the end, the film would speak for itself.
***
After weathering a storm of accusations from journalists in Moon City, I finally boarded an airship back to the Morningstar Kingdom. Two days and several layovers later, I touched down in Ferland Airport. No surprise, a swarm of demon reporters was waiting for me like vultures circling a carcass.
The moment I stepped into view, they descended en masse.
"Mr. Morningstar! We've heard about your film dominating the MFF!"
"How does it feel to make history for demon entertainment?"
I plastered on my best media smile. "Pretty damn good, if I'm being honest." I reached into my bag, pulling out the Lunar Laurel trophy. Might as well give them a show. "Being the first demon to snag this prestigious award? It's an honor, and yeah, I'm proud as hell."
The reporters' eyes bulged as they gawked at the award. You'd think I was holding the keys to the kingdom or something.
Then, predictably, came the question I'd been asked a hundred times back in Moon City: "What's your response to the controversy about rigging the MFF?"
The crowd went quiet, all eyes on me. I glanced at the reporter who'd asked, noting the "BM Newspaper" logo on his jacket. Ah, Bobby's rag. No wonder.
I sighed, not bothering to hide my exasperation. "Look, I've answered this question more times than I can count back in Moon City. If you're that curious, wait for the elf newspapers to hit the stands. They've got all my responses in black and white."
As I pushed past the stunned reporters, I couldn't help but smirk. Let them chew on that for a while. I had bigger fish to fry.
***
(3rd Person POV)
News of Arthur Morningstar's "Lord of the Rings" dominating the prestigious MFF spread like wildfire through the Morningstar Kingdom. The demon populace was torn. Pride in their race's achievement warred with their dislike of the "weak" ex-prince. Some basked in the reflected glory, while others, fueled by rumors of rigging, spat disgust at Arthur's name.
Among the latter group, none burned with more fury than Bobby Morningstar. In the BM Newspaper office, he paced like a caged animal, his face twisted in a snarl.
"This is unacceptable!" Bobby roared, slamming his fist on the desk. He whirled on Ashen Gray, CEO of Demon Pictures. "How is my worthless brother getting all this attention? And why isn't my colored film, screening for two weeks now, producing better sales? Explain yourself, Gray!"
Ashen maintained his composure, though a muscle twitched in his jaw. "With all due respect, Your Highness, it's not our studio's fault. We poured everything into making your film the best it could be-"
"Then why isn't it popular yet?" Bobby cut in, his voice rising to a shout.
Ashen fell silent, internally kicking himself. He regretted agreeing to Bobby's vanity project, but even more, he cursed himself for turning down Arthur's proposal. That film had raked in millions upon millions. The thought made Ashen want to bang his head against the wall.
Noticing Ashen's silence, Bobby pressed on. "And my brother's second film is getting all this buzz? How do you explain that?"
Ashen's face screamed 'how should I know?', but he kept his tone measured. "Your Highness, even before the ex-prince's second film was made, it was under intense scrutiny. I believe it's a domino effect from 'The Demonfather's' success. That film created such a stir, it naturally drummed up interest in his next project."
Bobby listened, nodding reluctantly. "I suppose that makes sense." But the sour expression never left his face.
***
(Arthur POV)
"Honey, I'm home," I called out as I strolled into the studio, unable to keep the grin off my face.
The crew's heads snapped up, a chorus of grins breaking out across the room.
"Welcome back, boss!" George bellowed, though the knowing glint in his eye reminded me of our little portal secret. The computer team and I had been playing a bit of interdimensional hopscotch lately.
Lilith practically bounced over. "We heard about the MFF success! Is it true?"
"Can we see the hardware?" Klein chimed in, eyes wide with anticipation.
A chorus of "Yeah!" and "Show us!" erupted from the group.
I couldn't help but chuckle. These guys, most of them fresh out of the Infernal Institute of Cinematic Arts, were practically salivating at the thought of seeing a real MFF award up close. Can't say I blamed them.
"Alright, alright," I said, reaching into my bag. "Feast your eyes on these beauties."
The moment the awards came out, I was swarmed. Again. Felt like déjà vu after all those reporter mobs. But this? This felt good.
They oohed and aahed over the trophies, particularly the Lunar Laurel for Best Director and the Celestial Crown for Best Film.
Just as I was basking in the team's excitement, a familiar gravelly voice cut through the chatter. "Congratulations, Your Highness."
We all turned to see Rocky, decked out in a suit that actually fit him for once, a warm smile on his weathered face.
I couldn't help but grin back. "Rocky, you old dog. Looking sharp. Come to join the celebration?"
Rocky's smile widened as he sauntered over. "The moment I heard your second flick was sweeping the MFF, I hightailed it over here. Seems you've gone and made another masterpiece." He raised an eyebrow, a hint of mock accusation in his voice. "Without me, I might add."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, come on, Rocky. You're a bonafide superstar now. Didn't think you'd need little old me anymore."
Rocky rolled his eyes, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward. He leaned in to get a better look at the awards. "Next time, don't leave me out of the fun, yeah? Thanks to you, I can't exactly go back to hawking tickets at my old theater without causing a riot. Need something to keep me from going stir-crazy."
I clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. "Alright, alright. Next time we cook up some movie, you'll be my first call. Can't have our resident celebrity wasting away from boredom, can we?"
Rocky's eyes lit up, though he tried to play it cool. "Well, if you insist. Someone's got to keep you young whippersnappers in line."
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