บท 97: Horn City
(Arthur POV)
It looks like my crew is adapting to our new headquarters in Horn City. They're already making themselves comfortable, relaxing in the studio's hot tub as if they've been here for years.
I didn't stop at just acquiring the studio. I also purchased a three-story dorm building nearby for my crew to live in. It's more than spacious enough for everyone. For the actors who came along, I bought the top few floors of an apartment complex. I'll be living in the penthouse at the very top.
I considered buying a house here, but the prices are quite steep. A standard house costs around 60,000 dollars, while luxury homes range from 100,000 to 300,000 dollars. Looking at these prices, I decided to be more economical.
Yes, I have millions in my bank account, but it's wiser to be cautious with spending, at least until my third film, "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly," is released in cinemas and starts generating profits.
This is especially important since I'm still in the process of transferring my money to the local banks in Horn Kingdom. Luckily, there's a branch of a Morningstar banks here in Horn City, which helps, but I'd prefer to have all my funds transferred to a local Horn City bank eventually.
On the bright side, construction of the new VFX Studio is already underway. Horn City's construction equipment seems more efficient than what I'm used to. The old arena is gradually being transformed into my new VFX Studio.
While the new VFX Studio won't have the ghosts that my former VFX Studio in Morningstar had, it's not a problem. Why? Because I actually brought the ghosts with me. They're incredibly useful and can assist with production in numerous ways. I wasn't about to let them go so easily.
***
(3rd Person POV)
The following day, Arthur set out to explore Horn City's notable spots with Firfel, Vivienne, Shafel, Imkrag, and his other actors. His crew ventured off on their own, their excited expressions betraying their eagerness to discover this part of Morningstar Kingdom that felt so foreign to them.
Jerry Yan, an executive from Righteous Film Studio, offered to guide Arthur and his group around the city.
Their first stop was the bustling market. Arthur and his companions noticed how it outshone the one in Morningstar's Ferland City. Jerry introduced them to Horn street foods, some exotic enough to turn Firfel and the others' stomachs. Arthur and Jerry shared a laugh at their reactions.
As they continued exploring, the group found themselves genuinely enjoying the experience. They visited Victory Harbour, alive with ferries and cargo ships. The famous "Twinkle Ferry" caught their eye, shuttling passengers between the Dragon peninsula and Horn.
Dragon was part of the Horn Special Administrative Region, situated on Morningstar's southern coast.
Boarding the Twinkle Ferry, they crossed to Dragon and explored its Walled City. Arthur observed Firfel and the others having a great time, snapping pictures with their Impact portable cameras.
They even caught Arthur in an embarrassing moment, scratching his butt. The girls couldn't stop giggling at the photo.
"You're all having way too much fun with this," Arthur said, his tone a mix of amusement and mock exasperation.
Later, the group visited Sandy District in Dragon. The bustling area featured a lively shopping district where Firfel, Vivienne, and Shafel eagerly browsed the stalls.
"Look at that, Mr. Morningstar," Jerry said, pointing to a nearby stall.
Arthur glanced over, seeing oval or pear-shaped pouches. "What are those?"
Jerry nudged Arthur, gesturing towards Firfel and the others shopping in the distance. "Come on, don't play innocent. Surely you know what they're for. Very useful for your love life."
"What are you talking about?" Arthur asked, genuinely puzzled.
Jerry whispered, "Those are sheep bladders."
"Sheep bladders?" Arthur repeated, still confused.
Jerry sighed, realizing Arthur truly didn't know. "It's what a man needs in bed! They're... protection!"
Arthur's eyes widened as understanding dawned. "What? Why are you recommending that to me?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Jerry pointed at Firfel. "The news says that elf Firfel is your lover, right?"
Arthur was speechless.
"Aren't you using protection?" Jerry's eyes lit up. "Or maybe you don't need it-"
Arthur cut him off, covering Jerry's mouth. "Shut up," he whispered, ensuring Firfel couldn't hear. "We're not in a relationship!"
Jerry nodded, though his eyes showed he didn't quite believe it.
"Anyway," Arthur said, expression perplexed, "Sheep bladders for protection? Really?"
Jerry chuckled. "Why not? They're better than modern rubber ones. More natural and thin."
"Who'd use that? Who even thought of it?" Arthur asked incredulously.
Jerry was surprised by Arthur's ignorance. "You don't know? Sheep bladders are an ancient form of protection, invented by the Romans themselves."
Arthur shook his head, marveling at this unexpected history lesson in the middle of their city tour.
***
Arthur and his companions spent the entire day familiarizing themselves with Horn Kingdom, visiting various locations before finally returning to Horn City. The day had been tiring, but Firfel and the others were clearly satisfied with their excursion.
Vivienne turned to Arthur, her eyes bright with excitement. "We should do this again sometime. It was so enjoyable!"
Arthur smiled warmly. "I'm glad you liked it."
Firfel chimed in, "This kingdom may be small, but it's more vibrant than Morningstar."
Shafel nodded in agreement.
After chatting with them for a while, Arthur saw them off to their new homes in the apartment complex.
Left alone with Arthur, Jerry broached a new topic. "Mr. Morningstar, about your third film... Is the editing complete? The other executives are eager to see it."
Arthur nodded. "It's nearly finished. Should be done in a few days. The move delayed things a bit."
"I understand," Jerry said, unable to hide his anticipation. "I hope to see it soon."
Arthur could see Jerry's eagerness, and he understood why. After all, his first two films had each grossed hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office.
They continued their conversation in the studio lobby for a few more minutes before Jerry took his leave.
At 5 pm, Arthur headed to a warehouse under his control. This secretive location housed his computer research team, who had arrived in Horn City a few days ahead of the main group.
Upon entering, Arthur was greeted by his tired but dedicated team, their eye bags testament to their hard work.
"How are you guys holding up?" Arthur asked.
Drake responded, "Everything's on track, boss."
Josh added, "We're still adjusting, but it's not a major issue."
Arthur nodded, "The Electronics Expo is approaching fast. How's the basic operating system coming along?"
"Nearly complete, boss," Drake reported.
After a few more questions and words of encouragement, Arthur left for his penthouse via taxi.
Returning to his apartment, Arthur felt satisfied with how smoothly everything was settling. His thoughts turned to Horn's entertainment industry, which he'd observed was more advanced than Morningstar's in many aspects.
He saw numerous opportunities to establish himself in this new market. The key difference, he realized, was the foreign influence prevalent in Horn.
Major studios from Empirica and Evros held considerable sway here. Horn's demon citizens had developed a taste for foreign content, though their preference for martial arts films remained strong.
Foreign investors, noticing this trend, poured money into martial arts productions. However, the genre's once-unshakeable dominance was gradually eroding.
These investors had attempted to diversify, introducing western films and other genres. While these efforts gained some traction in Horn, they hadn't quite reached the tipping point.
Only a select few foreign or domestic films truly captured widespread attention. But Arthur's own productions, "The Demonfather" and "Lord of the Rings," had shaken things up. They'd brought significant change to the industry as a whole and altered foreign investors' perceptions.
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บท 98: Announcement
(3rd Person POV)
Two days after exploring the city, on May 11, 1272, Arthur finally completed editing "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly." He promptly invited the Righteous Film Studio executives for a viewing.
Rayleigh Wang, the 45-year-old Monkey Demon CEO of Righteous Film Studio, greeted Arthur with unexpected warmth. "Delighted to meet the mastermind behind Demonfather, Arthur Morningstar!" He enveloped Arthur in a bear hug as if they were old friends.
"Uh... Likewise," Arthur responded, slightly uncomfortable.
A glance at Jerry Yan's face told Arthur to just go with it. Jerry seemed resigned to his boss's overfamiliar behavior.
As they walked to the private theatre, Rayleigh chattered incessantly. "I'm beyond excited about this third film of yours, Arthur. I've been losing sleep wondering what His Highness has created after Demonfather and Lord of the Rings."
He continued without pause, "Will it be as profitable? I certainly hope so. Otherwise, wouldn't all this anticipation and our warm welcome be a waste?"
Rayleigh's bluntness was startling, especially given Arthur's presence. Only after Jerry's nudge did Rayleigh catch himself. "Hahaha - my apologies," he said, not sounding particularly sorry.
Arthur just shook his head as they reached the theatre.
"At last, the moment of truth!" Rayleigh announced shamelessly.
Throughout the exchange, Arthur maintained his composure, adapting to Rayleigh's eccentric personality.
He realized that navigating such characters would be crucial in establishing himself in Horn's entertainment industry.
As they settled into their seats, Jerry leaned close to Arthur, whispering, "I apologize for my boss's behavior. He's always like this."
"Don't worry about it. I understand," Arthur replied with a nod.
Jerry seemed relieved by Arthur's graciousness.
The studio lights dimmed, and the projector whirred to life, its beam hitting the white wall.
"This is going to be interesting!" Rayleigh muttered, while Jerry and the other executives shook their heads at their boss's antics.
The Hellfire Studio intro appeared, followed by the film's opening.
Although Arthur had previously explained that the film would be set in Empirica's Wild West, Jerry, Rayleigh, and the others were still caught off guard by the unmistakable Western flair.
As the soundtrack began, Arthur smiled, recalling how he'd managed to produce it amid the company's relocation challenges.
The opening sequence introduced "The Ugly" Tuco, "The Bad" Angel Eyes, and "The Good" Blondie.
Initially, Jerry, Rayleigh, and the executives were skeptical of the Western-style film. Past attempts by demons to adapt this genre had failed miserably, leading many to believe martial arts films were safer bets.
They expected Arthur's third film to follow suit. However, as the story unfolded, they found themselves unexpectedly engrossed, only realizing how immersed they'd become as the film neared its end.
The executives became especially thrilled and tense during the final standoff between Blondie, Tuco, and Angel Eyes.
As the powerful, dramatic orchestra piece with its sweeping melodies played, the three characters eyeing each other with hands on their guns, Jerry and the others sat on edge.
Rayleigh, gripping his helpless subordinate's arm, declared, "If Blondie and Tuco kill each other, I'll hate this film forever."
His words left the executives unsure whether to laugh or not.
Rayleigh's investment in Blondie and Tuco's relationship was obvious, mirroring Jerry and the others' feelings. Arthur smiled, noting their engrossment.
When the shooting began, the audience held their breath, half-expecting to see Blondie or Tuco fall while Angel Eyes emerged victorious.
Instead, Blondie and Tuco jointly shot Angel Eyes.
"Hell yeah!" Rayleigh cheered, raising both his and his subordinate's hands.
"It's not over yet, boss," the subordinate reminded him helplessly.
Rayleigh tensed again as Blondie and Tuco eyed each other warily.
"No, no. They won't shoot each other. They're friends," Rayleigh muttered, though unsure given the two characters complicated love-hate relationship.
Relief washed over Rayleigh and the others when Blondie shot Angel Eyes again, ensuring his demise.
The film concluded with Tuco struggling, hung from a tree by a rope, before Blondie saved him.
As the credits rolled, Rayleigh applauded enthusiastically. "Very good! Very good!"
Rayleigh's enthusiastic clapping continued, with Jerry and the other executives joining in, their eyes now fixed on Arthur.
"I love it!" Rayleigh exclaimed, approaching Arthur. "Your Highness, I won't let you down. I'll do everything to distribute this film across Horn Kingdom!"
Arthur smiled, gently reminding him, "Please, no royal titles. I'm an exiled prince."
Rayleigh laughed heartily. "Exiled or not, you're royalty to me. At least in filmmaking, you're certainly a prince."
Arthur, still uncomfortable with Rayleigh's quirks, steered the conversation, "Let's discuss the distribution details."
Rayleigh nodded eagerly. "Although the number of cinemas here in Horn Kingdom can't compare to Morningstar Kingdom, a large portion of our population can afford to watch films," Rayleigh explained. "I can release the film in about four hundred cinemas, which is almost 90% of what Horn Kingdom has. Plus, I also have reach in the Kingdom of Choson and Japon in East Watch - in total, the film will be screened in thousands of cinemas."
Arthur was taken aback. "Righteous Film Studio has reach over Choson and Japon?" He glanced at Jerry, seeking confirmation.
Rayleigh cleared his throat. "Allow me to explain, Your Highness. I have a half-brother, also my business partner, who owns a studio in Choson. My aunt lives in Japon, and her husband owns a studio there too. He's also my business partner."
Arthur was genuinely impressed by the man's connections.
Even his "Lord of the Rings" and "Demonfather" had failed to reach Japon Empire and Choson Dynasty - not because these nations lacked free trade, but because they harbored animosity towards the Morningstar Kingdom.
It seemed Arthur could finally break through to these nations with Righteous Film Studio's help.
***
Two days later, Arthur finalized an agreement with Righteous Film Studio. On May 14, 1272, Hellfire Studio and Righteous Film Studio hosted an event at the renowned Peninsula Hotel in Dragon Peninsula to announce their film's release date.
The high-profile gathering drew notable figures from the entertainment industry. Reporters indulged in complimentary meals and drinks, adding to the festive atmosphere.
To Arthur, it felt more like a celebration than a formal announcement. He observed that such events seemed commonplace in Horn Kingdom's entertainment scene - a party-like atmosphere to entertain guests and reporters before revealing a film's release date.
This approach, Arthur noted, appeared to be one of the foreign influences Horn citizens had adopted and made their own.
As he surveyed the room, Arthur couldn't help but reflect on how different this was from his experiences in Morningstar. The blend of business and pleasure, the easy mingling of industry insiders and media - it all spoke to a more relaxed, yet potentially more effective, way of doing things.
***
Finally, Arthur faced the reporters, flanked by his partners. He leaned into the mic and declared, "My third film, 'The Good, The Bad and the Ugly' will hit theaters on May 25, 1272. Coincidentally, it's also my birthday."
The reporters immediately fired off questions. When asked about the film's style, Arthur replied simply, "It's a western."
This revelation set the reporters' minds whirring, articles practically writing themselves.
The next day, headlines blazed across newspapers:
"Ex-Prince Arthur's Upcoming Third Film Set for May 25 Release—Experts Predict Box Office Failure in Horn Kingdom Due to 'Western Style'"
Horn citizens scoffed at the news. "Hmph. It's bound to flop. Demon filmmakers have tried westerns before, and they've earned peanuts."
More headlines followed:
"Can 'The Good, The Bad and the Ugly' Match Arthur's Previous Blockbusters?"
Then came a surprising news: Titan Pictures announced their film, "The Desired Crown," would also premiere in Horn Kingdom on May 25, 1272.
This move seemed to confirm Titan Pictures' intent to challenge Arthur's third film, potentially splitting audience attention and cutting into his earnings by releasing on the same day.
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