บท 141: Proposition to two giant companies
(3rd Person POV)
The next day, Arthur visited to inspect the computer team's color TV project.
Just a week ago, Arthur had reverse-engineered the color TV himself, providing the blueprints and design specifications to the computer group for recreation.
They'd completed it today. Arthur examined the color television carefully.
The computer team felt a mix of pride and humility. After all, Arthur was the mastermind behind the color TV - they'd simply brought his vision to life.
"What do you think, boss?" Drake asked. "Does it meet your expectations?"
"It exceeds them," Arthur nodded with a smile. "This TV will impress my partners."
Arthur planned to present the color TV to HOLLOW, a dwarf-owned company. They would handle the mass production that Arthur's operation couldn't manage alone.
With the color TV already patented, he had no concerns about the presentation.
***
The next day, Arthur prepared to meet with HOLLOW and Waves Corporation executives in a private room at Fantasia Plaza's finest restaurant.
A dwarf in his thirties and a human representative were already waiting.
Moments later, Arthur arrived and shook hands with the dwarf.
The dwarf introduced himself as Dulo, HOLLOW's representative, while the human was Harry from Waves Corporation.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you both. This is an honor," Arthur greeted them warmly.
Both men responded humbly, with Dulo saying, "No, the honor is ours."
"Indeed," Harry agreed, adding, "Your name echoes throughout the entertainment industry. Your films are truly iconic masterpieces."
"Thank you," Arthur accepted their praise graciously as he took his seat.
Once settled in their seats, Arthur addressed them. "As you know, I'm interested in establishing my own channel here in Horn Kingdom. I already have programs planned for the channel lineup."
Dulo and Harry nodded attentively.
"We've reviewed the documents and your detailed proposition," Harry said. "It's quite ambitious, though risky."
Arthur chuckled. "Oh, is Waves Corporation getting cold feet?"
"Not at all," Harry laughed. "In fact, we find everything you propose spectacular! The 'commercial' concept - advertisements during show programs - and your other ideas for recovering channel operating costs and generating profit are fascinating."
Arthur smiled, continuing his discussion with Harry for several minutes before turning to Dulo Fort.
"Mr. Fort, you might be wondering why I invited you to this meeting," Arthur said with a knowing smile. "I actually have a product I'd like to show you back at my office."
Dulo smiled. "I was starting to think I was just a third wheel here, listening to your conversation with Harry."
Arthur laughed heartily, joined by Harry's chuckles.
"So, what kind of product did you want to show me?" Dulo asked.
"I'll show you at my office. I guarantee you'll be surprised," Arthur replied.
"Now you've made me curious," Dulo chuckled.
"Can I join?" Harry asked.
Arthur turned to him. "Why not?"
After enjoying their meal in the private room, Arthur led Harry and Dulo to his company headquarters and into his office.
As his guests wondered about the mystery product, Arthur approached a box-shaped object covered by a cloth.
"Here it is," Arthur announced, lifting the white cloth to reveal a television.
Looking at the television, Dulo and Harry exchanged confused glances.
"Is this the product you wanted to show us?" Dulo asked. "It's just a TV."
"Yeah..." Harry nodded, hesitating. "Unless we're missing something? Does it just look like a television?"
Arthur smiled. "No, you're both correct. It is indeed a television."
This confirmation only deepened their confusion.
"This..." Dulo said, disappointment creeping into his expression, "I don't see anything special about it, Mr. Morningstar. It's just an ordinary television."
"I have to agree. Nothing seems new about it," Harry added.
Arthur could tell they were silently questioning if this meeting had been a waste of time.
"Well, it is a television," Arthur said, "but one quite different from what you know."
As Dulo and Harry exchanged puzzled looks, Arthur reached for the power switch.
The screen flickered to life with static, before displaying a vibrant test pattern of rainbow stripes with "No Signal" overlaid.
Though it was just a simple test screen, both Dulo and Harry jumped from their seats.
"It's in color!" they exclaimed in unison.
Their shock was understandable. Until now, televisions had only displayed images in black and white. Major companies had tried and failed to develop color TV technology.
Arthur nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "That's right. This is my company's latest invention - the color television."
"Can it play color films?" Harry asked, still amazed.
"Even if it shows color, there's no way to play film strips on television," Dulo explained. "The format for TV doesn't exist yet."
Arthur's smile widened. "Actually, it can play films."
"It can read film strips?" Dulo asked, shocked.
"Not exactly," Arthur said. "Wait here."
He left the office, retrieving a VHS tape and player from his system storage. Both were recreated by his computer team, with the tape containing "The Demonfather."
When he returned, he found Dulo and Harry leaning close to the color TV, examining it with fascination. "I'm back."
They turned to see Arthur carrying mysterious equipment.
"What's that?" Dulo asked.
"Just watch," Arthur replied. Under their curious observation, he connected the VHS player to the TV.
After inserting a magic core into the VHS player, Arthur slid in the tape.
Dulo and Harry watched in bewilderment as the TV flickered to life, beginning to play "The Demonfather" in full color and sound.
They stood speechless for several minutes, stunned by the demonstration.
Finally regaining his composure, Dulo asked, "Mr. Morningstar... Is that film-playing device also your company's invention?"
"That's right," Arthur nodded. "This is called a VHS player," he explained, then pointed to the cassette. "And this is a VHS tape."
Harry and Dulo exchanged meaningful glances before diving into business discussions about the color TV, VHS player, and tapes.
Arthur smiled at their enthusiasm.
"The VHS player and tapes are incredible inventions! Waves Corporation would be eager to mass produce and distribute them worldwide!" Harry exclaimed.
Noticing Arthur's calculated silence, Dulo asked, "Since you've shown us these inventions, I assume you have a business proposition?"
"Indeed," Arthur confirmed. "While I'm open to negotiating rights for these inventions, I have certain conditions. If met, I'll only request minimal royalty fees and a reasonable upfront payment."
"What are your terms?" Dulo asked eagerly.
"I want to acquire specific patent rights from HOLLOW regarding television technology," Arthur said, then turned to Harry. "And purchase certain frequency and signal patents from Waves Corporation."
Arthur's strategy was clear. He needed HOLLOW's TV rights to sell computers without paying monitor royalties - while HOLLOW hadn't invented television, they owned most rights after purchasing them from Empirica.
He also sought the wireless communication and transmission patents, ensuring his future internet development wouldn't conflict with existing technologies, even though these patents weren't core to internet functionality.
Harry and Dulo exchanged meaningful glances at Arthur's request.
"That could complicate matters, Mr. Morningstar," Dulo said carefully.
Harry nodded. "May I ask why you're interested in these specific patents?"
"I'm planning to establish my own electronics company," Arthur replied with a measured smile.
Dulo and Harry nodded in understanding. "I'll need to consult with the higher-ups about this," Dulo said, rising from his chair. "I hope we can reach an agreement, Mr. Morningstar."
"As do I," Arthur agreed.
"I'll also need to discuss this with management. Such decisions are beyond my authority," Harry added.
Arthur nodded his understanding before escorting his potential business partners out.
With everything set in motion, Arthur simply needed to wait for events to unfold. Soon, his color televisions would spread throughout the Horn Kingdom, and his Hellfire channel would broadcast into homes across the nation.
He felt no concern about HOLLOW and Waves Corporation refusing his terms. After all, he only sought minor technology patents in exchange for groundbreaking innovations. The color television, VHS player, and VHS tapes were too valuable an opportunity for any business to pass up.
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บท 142: Losing control
(Raff Diamond POV)
Weeks have passed without a trace of that damn noble demon.
It's been nothing but headaches - my men have investigated every shady connection around my son, Caleb, with no results to show for it.
Even the drug trafficker involved with my son confirmed he hadn't ordered any hit on Caleb over unpaid narcotics.
"Commissioner." A police officer entered my office clutching documents.
"Any progress with my son's case? Has Arthur agreed to settle out of court?" I demanded.
"Unfortunately, Arthur remains uncooperative," the officer shook his head. "We tried negotiating with him - and even the thugs we sent to teach that uppity filmmaker a lesson ended up beaten senseless."
"Arthur's martial arts skills were unexpected," I said, irritation creeping into my voice. "I suppose while he's weak in magic, he makes up for it in combat ability."
"Indeed," the officer agreed, then added, "Though we can't stop Arthur, we've successfully intimidated most potential witnesses against Caleb, sir."
"That's something at least," I nodded.
"But one witness won't back down, sir," the police officer said, looking uneasy.
"Who?"
The officer hesitated before answering, "The succubus named Alissa - the woman your son Caleb was obsessed with."
"That damned woman," I growled through clenched teeth.
"The Horn Kingdom Court hearing is approaching. We must silence that woman!" I slammed my fist on the desk.
"..." The police officer fell quiet, then said, "I apologize, sir, but... she's missing. We can't locate her."
"Useless!" I shouted. "Then find her!"
"Yes, sir!" The officer saluted and hurried out.
Damn it...
Arthur must be the one hiding her from us!
***
(3rd Person POV)
In Arthur's penthouse, Alissa paced nervously. She'd been living here for quite some time now.
With the Horn Kingdom Court hearing only days away, she couldn't shake her concerns despite Arthur's assurances of safety.
Though determined to testify against Caleb's crimes, she knew all too well the power of his connections.
The Diamond family wielded considerable influence in Horn Kingdom - especially Caleb's father, Commissioner Raff, who posed the greatest threat.
Around noon, footsteps echoed from the penthouse entrance. Alissa's heart raced - her paranoia instantly assuming police had found her location.
She ducked into hiding, then breathed a sigh of relief when Arthur's voice reached her ears.
Her eyes widened at the sight of Clint and Benny beside him.
"Clint! Benny!" Alissa exclaimed. She hadn't seen them in weeks, not since visiting them in the hospital.
"Alissa!" Relief and joy flooded Clint's face.
Benny hung back awkwardly as Clint and Alissa embraced.
Arthur shook his head at the display, though he couldn't help but smile. It was good to see Alissa happy again after days of watching her live in fear.
"I thought you might be getting lonely here, so I brought these two along," Arthur explained.
"Thank you so much!" Alissa's gratitude was genuine.
"I should be thanking you," Arthur replied, "for standing firm against Caleb and agreeing to testify."
Alissa smiled warmly as Clint squeezed her hand. "I'm just glad you're safe," he said softly.
She nodded, fighting back tears.
"She's been quite paranoid lately - hiding at the slightest noise. The police harassment has taken its toll," Arthur told Clint and Benny. "Take good care of her."
"I'll protect her with my life, boss," Clint promised, his smile determined.
***
October 17, 1272 marked the beginning of Horn Kingdom's most anticipated and controversial court case.
The courthouse steps teemed with reporters and divided crowds - supporters split between Caleb and the duo of Clint and Benny.
It had become the kingdom's biggest scandal to date.
"Caleb is innocent! Caleb is innocent!" chanted a group of his supporters gathered nearby.
Most were paid actors - hired by Commissioner Diamond to inflate the numbers and overshadow the genuine fans supporting Clint and Benny.
"Do you believe Caleb capable of such violence?" a reporter asked Clint and Benny's supporters, who stood defiantly near Caleb's group.
"Absolutely!" declared a demon dressed as Blondie from 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' - clearly a Clint fan. "I know someone who's seen Caleb at drug dens! He's notorious for harassing women too!"
"That's right!" added a dwarf wearing Benny's signature style. "Everyone knows about Caleb's reputation with women!"
"But isn't that natural for someone part incubus?" the reporter pressed.
"Doesn't matter," the dwarf shot back. "Caleb's going to prison where he belongs!"
"Maybe he'll finally get an audience there - unlike his empty concerts!" another fan quipped.
Laughter rippled through the crowd, even drawing chuckles from reporters. Nearby, Caleb's few genuine supporters seethed with anger.
The tension between groups was palpable.
A sleek car pulled up to the courthouse steps. Caleb emerged with his legal team, immediately swarmed by reporters.
"I-I'm innocent... I don't understand why Clint and Benny are doing this to me..." Caleb stammered, playing the victim.
After fielding questions and waving to his supporters, he disappeared into the courthouse.
Moments later, another car arrived. Clint and Benny stepped out with their lawyers, faced the barrage of questions, then made their way inside.
***
Inside the courtroom, tension hung thick in the air. Raff sat close to his son Caleb's side, radiating quiet confidence.
He glanced at Alissa across the aisle. One witness didn't concern him.
After all, without substantial evidence, he expected the case would be dismissed.
The court proceedings began with opening statements.
While Caleb's attorney proclaimed his client's innocence, Clint and Benny's legal team presented compelling medical evidence of their injuries. Hospital records, photographs, and expert testimony painted a clear picture of the assault. But the turning point came when Alissa took the witness stand.
Caleb glared at her, betrayal and anger evident in his expression. 'Why, Alissa...' His fists clenched beneath the table.
As Alissa testified, reporters scribbled frantically, shocked by her graphic description of events. She detailed Caleb's persistent harassment, her voice steady and clear.
Caleb's lawyer tried to find holes in her testimony, but Alissa had prepared well, referring to her written statement to ensure precision.
Just as the judge and jury seemed unconvinced by her testimony alone, Alissa revealed her trump card.
She disclosed her months-long relationship with Caleb, producing evidence that left no room for denial.
This blindsided even Raff.
Alissa presented gifts from Caleb, including personal items of deep significance to him.
While Raff knew such evidence could still be contested, his son's composure cracked.
Caleb leaped to his feet, pointing accusingly at Alissa. "Why! Why would you do this to me?!"
Before anyone could intervene, he continued his outburst: "Why would you betray me and side with those bastards?!"
Arthur watched from his seat, having anticipated this very reaction. He'd helped Alissa craft her testimony to provoke exactly this response.
She knew Caleb's tendency to lose control when cornered.
The strategy had worked perfectly. Alissa caught Arthur's eye, and they exchanged subtle nods of understanding.
"I don't want you, Caleb! You're a deranged demon! The one I love is Clint Foster!" Alissa's declaration rang through the courtroom.
"Wh-what did you say?!" Caleb lunged forward, barely restrained by his lawyers. "You worthless witch! You'd choose a lowly actor over me?!"
"Control yourself, Caleb!" Raff's command fell on deaf ears.
Raff glanced desperately at the judge, who remained seated, secretly engrossed in the unfolding drama.
"You're obsessed! Is that why you beat them so brutally?!" Alissa challenged.
"That's right!" Caleb snarled, forgetting himself entirely. "No one can have you but me! I'll kill anyone who tries!"
His confession echoed through the court's recording system - a devastating slip.
Reporters' pens flew across their notepads, capturing every damning word.
Arthur concealed a satisfied smile. His gambit had worked perfectly - without provoking Caleb through Alissa, securing a conviction would have been nearly impossible.
The case had shifted dramatically in his actors' favor.
Even if Caleb's lawyers managed to argue their way out of an immediate guilty verdict, the foundation was laid. One more push would be all it took for Caleb to completely incriminate himself.
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