บท 157: Winners
(3rd Person POV)
Selina and her co-host Dylan kicked off the ceremony with playful jabs at attending celebrities.
"Lewis Light - who could forget this superstar? His role in 'Serial Mage' was unforgettable. Playing that deranged mage experimenting on children... he traumatized kids worldwide!" Selina's delivery drew appreciative laughter. "Surely he's a frontrunner for tonight's Golden Laurel."
Lewis took the joke gracefully, chuckling as fellow actors elbowed him playfully, whispering comments.
"Lewis was brilliant, true - but let's not forget Michael Corleone," Dylan interjected.
The mention of "Michael Corleone" drew every eye to Arthur's table.
"Now there's a chilling villain - one who'd even kill his own brother. Not exactly less disturbing than Lewis's role," Selina noted, casting a glance toward Arthur. "Perhaps Arthur was just channeling his demonic nature."
Fresh laughter rippled through the audience.
Arthur smiled, impressed by both hosts' natural chemistry. His mind already working on ways to bring them to Hellfire Got Talent.
"Now," Selina transitioned smoothly, "let's begin with our first category - Best Supporting Actor."
The category raised eyebrows - dominated by three actors from "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly."
Clint, Benny, and Lei had all positioned themselves as supporting actors, creating an unprecedented situation that drew curious looks to their table.
"Hope there's no hard feelings when I win," Lei announced with theatrical arrogance.
"Don't get cocky, Elf. That award's coming home with me," Benny shot back.
"Hehe, when's the last time a dwarf actor won anything prestigious? Dream on," Lei chuckled smugly.
"Don't count me out just yet," Clint reminded them both.
On stage, Selina and Dylan built the tension before announcing in unison, "Best Supporting Actor goes to - Benny Cave!"
Applause erupted while Benny sat frozen in disbelief. His earlier bravado with Lei had been just that - he'd actually been pulling for Clint to win.
"Mr. Cave? We're waiting," Selina called again warmly.
Clint broke Benny's stupor with a friendly nudge.
Benny swallowed hard, momentarily struggling with his chair height before making his way through the focused gazes of the audience.
Once on stage, Selina thoughtfully adjusted the microphone to his level.
"First of all, I am very grateful to win this award..." Benny's voice wavered, eyes glistening. "I'm very proud of this moment... I know my family back home will burst with pride seeing their son holding a Golden Laurel Award!"
Thunderous applause filled the theater.
"Who would you like to thank for this achievement?" Dylan prompted gently.
Benny's smile carried deep emotion as he looked toward Clint. "I thank my friend Clint for always being there-" his gaze shifted to Arthur, "And I'm eternally grateful to Boss Arthur for the opportunity. None of this would've been possible without him."
Fresh applause greeted Benny's win. Arthur felt genuine joy for the dwarf actor - after decades in the industry, Benny had finally claimed a prestigious award at age sixty. A well-deserved recognition.
The ceremony moved to Best Supporting Actress. Firfel's nomination for Demonfather Part 2 highlighted her powerful scene rejecting Michael, but victory eluded her.
Noting her disappointment, Arthur leaned close. "There's always next time." He offered an encouraging smile. "Who knows? Next year's Golden Laurel might see you winning Best Actress."
"I hope so." Firfel managed a gentle smile. "Though I try not to expect too much. Being part of such an amazing film, just having the chance to act - that's already a blessing."
Vivienne actually claimed Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
During her heartfelt acceptance speech, she made sure to acknowledge both Arthur and Firfel's impact on her career. Upon returning to their table, Firfel embraced her with genuine warmth.
As the categories progressed, tension mounted for the moment Arthur had been anticipating - Best Director.
Both "Demonfather Part 2" and "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" represented what he considered his finest directorial achievements.
The announcement sent ripples of surprise through the entire audience.
"And the Golden Laurel for Best Director goes to... Stuart Barker for 'Cold Blooded' - an Atlas Entertainment production!"
Stuart ascended the stage with barely contained smugness, his gaze sweeping across the nominated directors before fixing on Arthur with unconcealed arrogance.
"My thanks to Atlas Entertainment and Titan Pictures for funding Cold Blooded." His acceptance speech was as brief as it was pointed.
Arthur maintained his composure with a slight smile.
"Are you alright?" Firfel whispered, concern evident in her voice.
"I'm fine," Arthur assured her with a genuine nod. "To be honest, I wasn't really expecting to win."
Firfel admired Arthur's graceful acceptance, while Vivienne extended her award with a playful smile. "If you want a Golden Laurel, you can have mine."
"Keep it - you earned that one," Arthur declined without hesitation.
As the evening progressed, the Best Actor category brought an unexpected turn - Arthur's name echoed through the theater.
He approached the podium with measured steps. "Funny - I was expecting Best Director, but life has other plans," he quipped.
Soft laughter rippled through the audience. The unspoken truth hung heavy - Arthur deserved the directing award, but the academy's ties to Titan Pictures and other major studios ran deep.
"Still, I'm grateful for this recognition," he continued smoothly. "Another trophy for the collection. Perhaps I should consider switching careers entirely."
More appreciative chuckles followed.
"I have only myself and my helpful assistant to thank-" Arthur said, his "assistant" actually being his system. Then, with a grin, he added, "And since we're on TV, I'd suggest everyone pick up a copy of Demonfather from your local film store. Enjoy my films, and thank you!"
His casual departure from the stage, award in hand, spoke volumes.
The Best Picture announcement proved anticlimactic - both "Demonfather Part 2" and "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" lost to "Cold Blooded."
Industry veterans exchanged knowing glances. Arthur's films clearly deserved the honor, but some truths remained better left unspoken.
The politics were transparent - Atlas, Titan, and other major studios had clearly influenced the Academy's voting.
They'd thrown Arthur the Best Actor award despite Lewis Light's superior performance in "Serial Mage" as consolation - or perhaps mockery, forcing a director to accept recognition as an actor instead.
After all, true filmmakers took greatest pride in their craft behind the camera.
***
The next day, the Golden Laurel Award Ceremony broadcast across Empirica's states on television.
Public dissatisfaction erupted when the beloved "Demonfather Part 2" lost to "Cold Blooded," a relatively unknown film. However, Arthur's Best Actor win as Michael Corleone sparked renewed interest in Demonfather, driving tourists back to Horn Kingdom to visit the sequel's filming locations.
News channels and newspapers stoked public interest with rumors that Titan Pictures, still bitter over their losses to Hellfire Studio, had orchestrated the outcome to diminish Arthur's potential awards. The television coverage painted Titan Pictures as unprofessional, damaging their reputation with these apparent machinations.
Though Demonfather and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly missed the prestigious Best Picture trophy, they'd achieved something more valuable - capturing audiences' hearts.
***
Arthur brushed aside the award politics, focusing instead on recruiting rising talents Selina Taylor and Dylan Smith.
Their agency's excessive demands complicated negotiations. After careful consideration, Arthur secured only Selina Taylor for seventy thousand dollars.
Morris Golden Agency celebrated what they saw as an outrageous overpayment.
Who would invest such money in a rising actress from a faltering telenovela with increasingly inconsistent plotting?
The industry watched in surprise as Arthur immediately pulled Selina from the show, forcing writers to kill off her character. Though he paid additional penalties for breaking her contract with the network, Arthur considered it a worthwhile investment.
He had extensive plans for Selina's future.
บท 158: HP
(Arthur POV)
With my Empirica business concluded - new industry connections established, contact lists filled with writers, directors, and actors, plus securing the blonde beauty Selina Taylor - it was time to return to Horn Kingdom.
Our first-class cabin held an interesting group: Sylwen maintaining her Megan disguise, and Selina Taylor, my newest talent, who'd need to relocate to Horn for upcoming projects.
I noticed her fidgeting as we settled into our seats. "Still nervous?"
Selina shifted uncomfortably, "Yeah... I've never been to the demon realm before. I'm kind of anxious about what I'll find there..."
"Just relax," I assured her with a smile. "You handle crowds brilliantly with such confidence. A foreign land shouldn't pose much challenge."
Her cheeks colored at the compliment. "I only look confident because I imagine everyone as cupcakes. My mother's trick for handling crowd nervousness."
"A classic approach," I chuckled. "The demon realm isn't so different from what you know. Just picture demons as humans or cupcakes - or fish, whatever works for you."
Selina's smile turned bashful, a blush creeping across her face.
"Something wrong?" I prompted.
She shook her head quickly. "No, nothing." A pause. "I'm just relieved the rumors about you weren't true..."
"Oh? Which rumors?" I knew perfectly well, but wanted her perspective.
Selina hesitated visibly.
"Go ahead, you can tell me," I encouraged.
She took a deep breath. "Well... people say Director Arthur bribes pretty women into his bed, takes advantage of them..." Her face reddened deeply at the admission.
Beside me, Sylwen barely contained her laughter behind her hand.
'Wonderful... I'd love to know who's spreading that nonsense.'
"Don't worry," I assured Selina. "I'm not that kind of person."
She nodded, visibly relieved.
"Unless I'm actually an incubus demon," I added playfully.
Selina's startled yelp was worth it.
"Just kidding," I laughed, enjoying her reaction.
I shifted our conversation to more serious matters, laying out my plans for Selina's career.
First, I wanted her to model for the upcoming "Playboy" magazine - a new venture I'd launch following Forbes Magazine's success. Beyond that, I envisioned her as the star of future film projects.
"Titanic" particularly came to mind. She'd fit the role perfectly.
I'd initially considered Firfel, but I couldn't envision her in the famous scene where she poses nude—it would go completely against her will.
***
(3rd Person POV)
Back in Horn Kingdom, Selina's nervousness lingered as she navigated the streets.
Arthur guided her through Hellfire Headquarters with an encouraging smile, particularly showcasing the vast, impressive expanse of Hellfire VFX Studio.
She peppered him with questions about future VFX-heavy productions like Lord of the Rings or The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
Arthur maintained a knowing smile, keeping his plans close. Though he'd already begun developing his next VFX project, it would still require extensive location shooting.
Meanwhile, in Wales, Leaf Kingdom, and Deutschland, his Harry Potter novel had gained significant traction in the publishing world.
The newly established Hellfire Studio branch in Wales had begun casting calls for Harry Potter roles weeks ago.
Arthur regularly reviewed candidate photos from the branch, searching for the perfect young actors. While several showed promise, none yet matched his precise vision for the characters.
***
Five days later, the "Playboy" magazine's debut shocked Horn's publishing industry.
Vivienne graced the inaugural cover, headlined: "Half-demon Half-human Beauty!" The magazine distinguished itself with sophisticated aesthetics and polished presentation, incorporating lifestyle journalism alongside its alluring content.
Unlike typical succubus-focused magazines with their explicit nudity, Playboy's first issue featured Vivienne in artistic shots that balanced sensuality with restraint. Her participation, as an established star, challenged the stigma surrounding such publications.
The cover photo captured her in lingerie with artistic flair, while the magazine's high-quality content drew readers beyond mere physical appeal.
Within two days, Arthur's new publication achieved impressive sales.
Selina, initially hesitant about future cover appearances, found reassurance in Vivienne's confident approach.
She observed how readers maintained - even increased - their respect for Vivienne despite her presence in an adult magazine.
In the days since arriving in Horn, Selina had found an unexpected friend in Vivienne. Now they stood together in the magazine store, watching as male customers approached Vivienne with respectful admiration, politely requesting photos and autographs.
"See?" Vivienne gestured at the courteous fans. "A little freedom isn't harmful. There's nothing shameful about it, especially when you maintain dignity in the presentation."
Selina nodded thoughtfully, "I suppose... I was just worried about losing respect. Back in Tinseltown, celebrities look down on adult magazines."
Vivienne shook her head knowingly. "Just trust Arthur on this. He might not show it openly, but he holds deep respect for women. He'd never allow his talents to be degraded on any magazine cover."
The warmth of reassurance spread through Selina's chest at these words.
"Have you met with the director for the film project that Arthur assigned to you?" Vivienne asked.
Selina nodded. "Yes, met him already. He seems decent enough."
"If that director tries anything inappropriate, tell me immediately. I'll report him to Arthur," Vivienne's protective instinct surfaced.
Selina nodded gratefully at the offer.
Vivienne saw much of herself in Selina. Their shared humanity created an instant connection - as a half-demon, Vivienne often struggled to relate to pure demons.
Meanwhile, Selina's hesitation about Playboy began to fade. If an established star like Vivienne embraced such opportunities without fear, perhaps she could too.
***
In Wales, Arthur continued his recent pattern of frequent travel, with Sylwen - disguised as Megan - serving as his acting secretary.
His current mission: overseeing Harry Potter casting. Days earlier, a promising photo had crossed his desk - a child who perfectly matched his vision for the main character.
Now he needed to assess the boy's acting potential, though Arthur knew talent could be developed. Finding a child who physically embodied Harry Potter had proved challenging enough.
As their airship touched down and they headed toward Hellfire's studio branch, Cardiff's streets reminded Arthur strongly of his previous life's London.
In their taxi, Sylwen leaned close. "We're being followed, boss," she whispered.
"I know," Arthur murmured back. "Likely your old friends from the Skull Organization."
Sylwen's terse nod confirmed his suspicion.
Arthur felt confident despite the probable Skull Organization surveillance. They were likely investigating Sylwen's "disappearance," but their presence didn't concern him.
Upon entering the Hellfire building, staff immediately recognized Arthur, whisking him and Sylwen to an ongoing executive conference.
The fiend demon named Zack, Arthur's appointed president for the Wales branch, initially bristled at the interruption before recognizing his visitor. "Boss Arthur!" he exclaimed. "We weren't expecting you - you should have notified us!"
Arthur settled into the head chair with casual authority. "No need for notification. I'm here for one reason." He fixed his gaze on the room. "It's been weeks - I want to see our Harry Potter casting progress."
After Zack's detailed briefing, they proceeded to meet the potential cast members.
Arthur stroked his chin thoughtfully, contemplating approaching Lewis Light for a role to accelerate production. His attention fixed on a shy, bespectacled boy accompanied by his mother. "He looks more like Harry in person," he murmured.
"Your thoughts, boss?" Zack asked anxiously.
"You've done well finding him," Arthur nodded. "He matches my vision for Harry."
Zack released a relieved sigh.
"Now let's test his acting ability." At Arthur's word, Zack hurried to summon the boy.
The young boy shifted nervously before the assembled demons. Like most human children, his instincts warned him to fear beings like Arthur, Zack, and the other Hellfire staff.
"Please excuse my son's nervousness. He's always like this," his mother apologized.
Arthur offered a reassuring smile, understanding the natural wariness human children felt toward demons. "No need to worry. It's perfectly normal."
The mother's tension visibly eased at his response.
"What's your name, boy?" Arthur asked gently.
"My name is Daniel, sir," the child replied, eyes downcast.
Arthur caught his breath at the coincidence - even sharing the same name as the Harry Potter actor from his previous life.
"Daniel..." Arthur repeated thoughtfully. "Would you show me what you can do, Daniel?"
"What I can do?" Daniel looked up, confused.
"Yes. Your acting ability," Arthur clarified with an encouraging nod.
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