บท 93: Stark Quill
(3rd Person POV)
At Hellfire Stories headquarters, Mark Stark waited patiently in the office, the demon CEO beside him.
"Boss Arthur will be here any minute now," the CEO assured.
Mark nodded. "Yeah, I heard he just wrapped up a film?"
"That's right. It's why I contacted you immediately. The boss finally has time to meet."
As they chatted, the office door swung open, revealing the man himself: Arthur Morningstar.
"Boss, you're here," the demon CEO said, relief evident in his voice.
Arthur nodded, patting his employee's shoulder. "I'll take it from here."
Once alone, Mark extended his hand. "Pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Morningstar. I'm Mark Stark. I've seen 'The Demonfather' - learned a lot from it, actually."
Arthur chuckled, shaking Mark's hand. "Learned a lot? How so?"
"It inspired me to lead my family and company like Don Corleone," Mark admitted with a grin. "Though I'll skip the, uh, crueler aspects."
"Yeah, because if you didn't, we'd be trading blows in a cell, not shaking hands in an office," Arthur quipped.
Mark laughed. "Too right."
Arthur smoothly changed gears. "So, I hear you're interested in acquiring the licensing rights to my book?"
"Your book?" Mark echoed, catching the emphasis.
Arthur gestured to himself. "Isn't it obvious? I wrote it."
Mark's eyebrows shot up. "For real? You wrote 'Harry Potter'?"
"You doubting me?" Arthur asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"No- no, of course not," Mark backpedaled. "Just... surprised, is all."
Mark couldn't hide his surprise. The book he'd grown to love was written by the demon standing before him.
Unable to contain himself, he blurted out, "I'm thrilled to meet the author of Harry Potter. I've been dying to ask - when's the next book coming? I've been imagining plots since I finished the first one."
Arthur chuckled, gently steering the conversation back on track. "Maybe we should tackle those licensing rights first?"
"Ah, right, of course," Mark said, a bit flustered. "I'd love to acquire distribution rights for the Leaf Kingdom, Wales, and Empirica."
Arthur's eyebrows rose, impressed. "That's quite a reach. What's your company called?"
"Stark Quill Publishing," Mark replied with a hint of pride. "Based in my hometown in the Leaf Kingdom."
Recognition flashed across Arthur's face. "Stark Quill? You own that? Well, no wonder."
Mark nodded, eager to move forward. "Shall we discuss the licensing rights?"
"By all means," Arthur agreed.
Mark couldn't help but gush a bit more. "I read the book a few weeks back, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. The secret magic school, privileged kids from magical families slipping through walls to catch a train - it's just... fascinating. I'm not even sure I have the words to describe how it made me feel."
Arthur smiled, clearly pleased by Mark's enthusiasm. "I can see the book really resonated with you."
***
(Arthur POV)
I never expected "Harry Potter" to catch the eye of someone owning a major publishing house with reach across both Evros and Empirican Continents. Talk about a pleasant surprise.
As Mark laid out his initial offer, I couldn't help but chuckle. "I thought you liked the book? This offer seems... average at best."
Mark's smile didn't waver. "It's business, Mr. Morningstar. I do like the book, but liking something and betting money on its success are two different things. Everyone's taste differs, after all."
"Fair point," I conceded. "But if it impressed you, a man I assume has read hundreds of books, you must know it's something special. Doesn't it deserve a better offer?"
Mark proved a tough nut to crack. I even tried using {Heartstrings} to sway him, but the man's will was stronger than I anticipated. He kept pushing that average offer.
But two can play at that game. I dug in my heels, ready to negotiate for days or weeks if necessary. I wasn't about to let "Harry Potter" go for anything less than it deserved.
Two days of back-and-forth later, Mark finally caved. His new offer was music to my ears.
He proposed a 15% royalty on all book sales, along with a hefty upfront advance of 80,000 dollars. The deal included exclusive distribution rights for Leaf Kingdom, Wales, and Empirica for 5 years, with a commitment to publish at least 100,000 copies in the first print run. As a cherry on top, he threw in an option for first refusal on future books in the series.
Now that's more like it. Seeing Mark's resigned but respectful nod as he laid out these terms, I knew I'd won this round.
Thinking about it, I can see why Mark was willing to put that kind of offer on the table. After all, "Harry Potter" had already raked in tens of thousands of dollars in the Morningstar Kingdom alone, and that's just in a few months.
Truth is, there's no official sales data out there. I've been so caught up in filming that I never got around to announcing exact figures. I'm the only one who really knows how well the book's doing. Because of that, "Harry Potter" hasn't made it into those magazines or newspapers that list bestsellers.
But word's getting around. Some magazines have started making estimates based on the book's growing popularity. It's all word-of-mouth at this point, but that kind of buzz? It's priceless.
I've got a feeling Mark's done his homework. He must have sniffed out the potential, which explains why he's willing to put up that kind of money. He's not just buying a book; he's investing in a phenomenon.
It's funny, really. Here I am, sitting on what could be the next big thing in publishing, and most people don't even know it yet. But Mark? He sees it. And that's why he's ready to bet big.
***
(3rd Person POV)
A few days after Arthur wrapped up his film project, word of its completion spread like wildfire through the restless media outlets.
Headlines began popping up everywhere, not just about Arthur's film, but also about major studios trying to compete:
"Arthur Morningstar Completes His Film—Titan Pictures Announces Simultaneous Completion of Their Ambitious Project"
"Titan Pictures' Ambitious Movie, Filmed at Their Dwarven-Built VFX Studio—A Copy of Ex-Prince Arthur's Hellfire Studio Using Advanced Mechanics and Technologies—Officially Completed"
"Titan Pictures Asserts Their Upcoming Film Will Surpass The Lord of the Rings, With Rumors Suggesting Executives Are Planning to Set the Release Date to Coincide with Ex-Prince Arthur's Third Film."
Arthur's eyes caught these headlines. Reading further, he learned that Titan Pictures' movie was supposedly an epic tale, also revolving around ancient artifacts and drawing inspiration from elven history.
"Don't tell me they're following in 'Lord of the Rings' footsteps," Arthur muttered to himself, skimming the premise. But even if that was the case, it didn't faze him.
Klein approached, curiosity evident in his voice. "Boss, have you heard about Titan Pictures?"
Arthur shrugged dismissively. "Don't care about them."
"Word is, they're aiming to compete directly with our film."
Arthur sighed, "Guess they're still sore that their smear campaign against 'Lord of the Rings' backfired." Changing the subject, he added, "By the way, did you finish signing those actors I mentioned?"
"Yeah," Klein nodded, "Raymond Crow - who played the hated Carlo, Kyle Brook who was Luca Brasi, Charles Flirt who acted as Sonny, and several others from Demonfather are all signed with our agency without any issues."
"Good work," Arthur nodded, his mind already moving on to the next challenge.
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บท 94: Talents
(Arthur POV)
My next move? Starting my own record label. And no, this isn't some spur-of-the-moment idea.
For weeks now, I've been plotting this. It all started when I caught wind of some big-name music stars using their clout to turn fans against my films. Well, two can play at that game.
The plan? Build my own stable of stars, ones who'll encourage their fans to support Hellfire Studio. These major studios might be industry behemoths, but I've got an ace up my sleeve - a whole world of entertainment knowledge from my previous life, music included.
Even while knee-deep in my film project, I've had my newly hired scout team combing the streets for demon and elf talent.
I gave them clear instructions on the kind of talent I'm after.
Now, after weeks of searching, they've rounded up a few dozen potentials. Time to see what they've got.
I arrive at the studio, greeted by the scout team. "Where are the talents?" I ask Leo, the feline demon heading up the operation. Guy's got a tail and cat ears - hard to miss.
"Any minute now, boss," Leo assures me.
I nod, settling in with a magazine while I wait. A few minutes later, our potential stars finally grace us with their presence.
"Let them perform, one by one," I instruct.
Leo nods, shouting to the group, "Line up, one at a time!"
Looking over the crowd, I see mostly young demons and elves. There's a rebellious glint in their eyes that I recognize all too well. No surprise they kept us waiting.
"Guys," a cocky fiend demon pipes up, "the cat says line up like good little boys. Should we play along?"
An elf snorts. "Who'd listen to that mangy furball?"
"We're here to be famous artists, not obedient puppies!" another demon chimes in.
A chorus of "Yeah!" follows, accompanied by smug grins all around.
Leo turned to me, his tail twitching nervously. "These are the talents you asked for, boss." Poor guy looked like he was expecting a scolding.
The rest of the team wasn't much better, all worried faces and fidgety hands.
I just smiled. "Relax, guys. You've done good."
Sure, these kids were a pain in the ass, but that's exactly what I was after. Demons and elves with a rebellious streak who could carry a tune? Perfect recipe for some grunge stars.
"You lot are pathetic," a voice cut through the chaos. "No wonder nobody likes you."
It was a blond demon, eyeing his fellow talents with disgust. "If you can't even line up, just leave. Stop wasting everyone's time."
That got their attention.
"Oh? The runt's got something to say?"
"Brave words, little man."
You could practically feel the tension in the air. But this blond kid? He had the same fire as the others, just... smarter about it. Interesting.
***
(3rd Person POV)
"Looking for a beat down, brat?" One of the bigger demons cracked his knuckles.
The blond didn't even flinch. "Beat me? Please. I'm here to be an artist, not a punching bag. You want to be my hurdle? I'll take you all on."
Before things could escalate, Arthur spoke up. "The kid's right."
All eyes turned to him. Arthur stood, his gaze suddenly ice-cold. "Don't want to play by the rules? There's the door. You're not stars yet, so quit acting like divas."
"No wonder your family doesn't like you—" a demon started, but he never finished. One moment he was sneering, the next he was a crumpled heap against the wall.
Everyone froze. Arthur had barely moved, just a flick of his wrist. Wind magic, powerful enough to toss a grown demon like a rag doll.
The message was clear: Arthur Morningstar wasn't someone to mess with.
Arthur's eyes were cold as ice. "Don't even think about provoking me." His gaze swept over the crowd. "You really wouldn't like the consequences."
The talents swallowed hard, eyeing the demon who'd dared mention Arthur's family. Seems they'd underestimated the 'weak' ex-prince. That display of magic had them rethinking their assumptions real quick.
"So... you lining up or what?" Arthur asked, his tone deceptively calm.
Like magic, the talents fell into line. The scout team looked on, amazed at the sudden obedience. Can't blame the kids though - they were just as rattled by Arthur's show of power.
"Now, let's see what you've got!" Arthur declared, and the performances began.
One by one, the demons took center stage. Jazz and bebop filled the air - popular genres among these rebellious types. Some even brought instruments, forming impromptu bands.
"Doo doo doo," a demon started, snapping his fingers to the beat.
Arthur watched, silent and scrutinizing. Then came the blond demon's turn.
The moment he opened his mouth, laughter erupted. His voice was rough, husky, unpolished - a far cry from the smooth tones before him.
Leo leaned in, concerned. "Should we stop him, boss? Your ears must be bleeding."
"No, no. Let him finish." Surprisingly, Arthur seemed intrigued.
As the blond wrapped up, his face burned with embarrassment. His fellow talents were still snickering, and he braced himself for more humiliation.
"What's your name, kid?" Arthur asked, sounding older than his 16 years.
"James Blaze," the blond replied, his voice a mix of defiance and resignation.
"James Blaze..." Arthur's smile had a hint of something. He turned to Leo. "Get this kid signed to our agency."
Everyone's jaws dropped, James included.
Leo blinked. "Him, boss? You sure?"
"He's exactly what I'm after," Arthur said, cool as you like.
"And the rest?" Leo glanced at the other talents, all nervous energy and fidgety hands.
Arthur gave them a once-over. "Send 'em packing. Didn't do it for me."
"What?"
"But we sang better than this punk!" They pointed at James, faces twisted.
"It is what it is," Arthur said, meeting their eyes. "You really want to argue?"
That shut them up quick, but you could practically hear the curses in their heads.
"Show 'em out," Arthur told Leo and the team.
Once the reject parade cleared out, James turned to Arthur. "Why me?"
Arthur smiled. "You've got something I'm looking for."
"Something you're looking for?" James furrowed his brow.
"Yes," Arthur paused, "Your voice."
"My voice..." James echoed, still not getting it.
Since he was a kid, his unpolished, raspy singing voice had been nothing but trouble. Whenever he mentioned his dream of being a music star, people would shut him down. "Find another dream, kid."
"You won't become a music star with that voice."
James looked at Arthur, puzzled. "What does my voice have that the others didn't?" He couldn't wrap his head around why Arthur would pick him over the rest.
Instead of answering, Arthur asked, "What's your dream, kid?"
"To be a music star," James said, no hesitation.
"Then go for it," Arthur said. "I don't give a damn what others told you about your voice. Your luck's just changed. I'm gonna help make that dream happen."
James felt something in his chest. Funny, the exiled prince being the first to believe in him.
"Leo'll sort out the details for you. Once that's done, swing by my office. Got a music style I want you to try out," Arthur said, his smile a bit cryptic.
James nodded, eyes bright with anticipation. His luck was finally turning around. As Leo came back to fetch him, Arthur found himself alone in the studio.
"Star search - check," Arthur muttered, his mind already racing ahead. "Wonder how that Horn Kingdom move's coming along."
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