Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 719

"To be perfectly honest, I, and Emma as well, thought that Lord Ridd was already aware of this matter."

"...What do you mean?"

As a heavy atmosphere filled the vehicle heading towards the Wolfmen territory, they explained the process leading up to the publication of "Flower and Love" by the Saffron Trading Company.

The trigger apparently dates back about half a year. Valeri in the Imperial Capital brought a 'proposal for a new publication' to the Saffron Trading Company. The people who handled it were the Saffron Trading Company's representative, Chris's father Martin, and her brother Mighty.

Initially, the two were skeptical upon hearing Valeri's proposal for a 'book combining pictures and text,' thinking it was 'probably just a modified picture book.' However, they were apparently astonished by the high quality of the proposal Valeri brought. Valeri's proposal involved 'preparing separate individuals for the original story writer and the artist responsible for the illustrations, with her herself taking the position of editor supervising the work,' and she had even prepared several prototypes.

After reading the prototypes, Martin and Mighty immediately revised their perception of it being 'just a modified picture book' and signed a publishing contract on the spot, establishing 'Saffron Publishing' within the Saffron Trading Company, sponsored by the Erasenize Ducal House.

However, it seems the plan was advanced in secret, as making it too public risked having the project sabotaged by trading companies influenced by other nobles or major publishers handling newspapers in the Imperial Capital.

The thing that surprised me most in the story was that the reason Valeri's plan could be executed was because the Saffron Trading Company was able to procure 'inexpensive, high-quality paper produced in Baldia' through the Christy Trading Company. If they had used the paper available until now, not only would the magazine's price have been exorbitant, but the quality might have been too poor for it to be read as it is now.

That made me even more curious about why the information never reached me, but it seems Valeri strongly insisted on secrecy to those around her.

*'I will tell Ridd directly at the right time, so until then, I want this kept quiet. Don't worry, we're corresponding by letter, so I'll inform him that way.'*

That Valeri...

She figured that if she told me, who, like her, possesses memories of a previous life, her plan's intentions would be completely exposed, and Baldia would get involved. Well, that line of thinking isn't entirely wrong. Actually, I had been considering something similar for the future myself. But there were many other priorities, and above all, Baldia, due to its regional characteristics, has few 'painters.' Most people who make a living from arts like painting and music are retainers of nobles.

In the Imperial Capital, there are people from Baron households all the way up to Duke households, and with luck and skill, one can even become purveyors to the Imperial family, so those aiming to make a living in that field naturally gather in the capital. On the other hand, in remote areas like Baldia, painters only come for temporary stays, perhaps to practice landscape painting or fulfill commissions. Or they might be those who caused trouble in the capital and were effectively demoted here. Incidentally, our music teacher, 'Satirick Bedrudgiha,' was practically demoted to Baldia when we first met him.

Recently, stays in Baldia have increased for gaining new ideas and inspiration or painting for tourists, but compared to the Imperial Capital, the numbers are still small.

Valeri said she had no time due to princess education, tea parties with other young ladies, and dinners with David, but she must have judged that by 'preparing a writer and an artist and focusing solely on the role of directing editor,' she could manage by using whatever spare time she had. It's well thought out, and I think it's a good plan. It's frustrating that she moved first, though.

She might have worked for a publishing house in her previous life, or perhaps she wrote novels or drew manga.

"...And that's the situation. We believed that Lady Valeri had already contacted you, Lord Ridd.""I see. So, it seems Valeri outmaneuvered me here."

Feeling relieved now that I understood the situation, I shrugged my shoulders with a sigh.

"My apologies. We should not have taken Lady Valeri's words at face value and should have confirmed.""No, no, not at all. Valeri is a Duke's daughter. If she told you that, then naturally, there's no fault with you, Chris, Emma, or the Saffron Trading Company."

I am the eldest son of a Margrave's house, and Valeri is a Duke's daughter. In terms of Imperial peerage, her rank is higher. Even if Chris and the others had ignored Valeri's words and told me, I don't think Valeri herself would have been angry. She'd probably just make an embarrassed face or frown. However, it's highly likely the surrounding nobles would get angry and say 'How dare they!'. Valeri's father usually has a kind, smiling expression, but people like that are the scariest when angered.

"Thank you for your generous words."

Chris and Emma looked relieved, patting their chests.

"But still..."

I said this, then looked at a certain line on the back of "Flower and Love."

"'Sponsored by the Erasenize Ducal House' is brilliant. This is what made the young ladies flock to it, right?""Yes, that idea also came from Lady Valeri. She said that if it's a magazine sponsored by a Ducal house, it would be trendy, and the young ladies could read it with peace of mind. While you are also like this, Lord Ridd, the world is full of truly fearsome individuals, and we couldn't hide our astonishment either.""Haha, I'm glad you think so highly of me."

I smiled wryly and nodded at Chris's words, then opened the magazine again to read the contents.

A new type of magazine, different from novels, paintings, or picture books—'manga.' And specifically, 'shoujo manga' depicting love and dreams for young ladies. While the curiously inclined might be fine with it, normally, people would be wary, thinking, 'What is this?'. But if the Erasenize Ducal House is sponsoring it, they can read it reassured, thinking, 'If proper nobles have checked it, it should be fine.'

Maybe I'll contact Valeri and subscribe when I return to Baldia. It might be just right for my mother, who is convalescing, and Fara and Merle would probably be delighted. Diana, Danae, Garun, and others at the mansion might surprisingly like it too. I'm also curious how Father or Rubens would react if they read it. They might unexpectedly get hooked.

Also, if Valeri is doing a 'shoujo manga magazine,' perhaps I should plan to publish a 'shounen manga magazine' in the future.

So, this is what Johann was reading, which led him to talk about 'pajama parties' and 'love talk.' It's cute, but he has an innocent side, so I should probably write to him and say, 'Please remember that "Flower and Love" is just a story, so don't take it too literally.'

Thinking such thoughts, I tossed a new motion-sickness candy into my mouth.