Chapter 139

Chapter 139

#139. Level-Max Omnimaster’s Soft Power Cultivation (5)

A warm and cozy atmosphere, fitting for the end of the year, continued to fill the office.

Entaire and I enjoyed the magic card game “King of Play” while continuing our conversation.

“These toys that are currently trending in Lenslet… I think we could definitely produce them too.”

“Hmm? Is that so? But making them isn’t exactly a walk in the park, you know?”

Naturally, the topic of conversation turned to business.

“In the Empire, labor costs are low. If there’s any shortage, we can just hire more people.”

“Hmm…”

“I’ve heard that the current toys produced by Arad Group aren’t meeting demand.”

“In that case, how about this: Arad Group will outsource production to Bishop Company’s factory.”

“Thank you!”

With that exchange, the concept of OEM bloomed in this world.

More factories would be built, and thousands of jobs would be created.

“Ah, by the way, regarding the original manga of *Mobile Knight Pluto*…”

“Yes?”

“That one might be tough in the Empire, but it’ll sell well in the Kingdom Alliance. Bishop Company has some connections in Badenheim as well. How about we handle the distribution there? And other mangas and novels too.”

Entaire then brought up the topic of expanding into the Kingdom Alliance.

“While the Kingdom Alliance uses Imperial language as their common tongue, the commoners still use their own regional languages. We’ll take care of everything from local translations to merchandise.”

With the ability to create our own printing presses and machines, Entaire was brimming with confidence.

“The Kingdom Alliance is just starting its industrialization. Let’s wait a bit before diving in.”

To Entaire, I indirectly expressed my refusal.

‘We need to hurry up and prepare for direct exchanges with the Kingdom Alliance.’

It seemed like cultural content would be a good start for these interactions.

“Then, may Bishop Company purchase the rights for the Kingdom Alliance beforehand?”

Whether he didn’t understand my thoughts or was testing me, Entaire wasn’t giving up.

“No, it’s fine. I plan to handle the Kingdom Alliance separately.”

To Entaire, who persisted, I firmly conveyed my refusal.

“Ah… I see. Well, now that the ‘20 Northern People Ban Law’ has been abolished, it might be worth trying.”

After confirming my resolve, Entaire nodded willingly.

But Entaire’s eyes were still gleaming brightly.

‘It seems Arad and Bishop will become competitors in the Kingdom Alliance market.’

I didn’t view Entaire’s reaction negatively.

If there’s no competition at all, an organization is bound to fail.

This was the perfect time for healthy competition. Good timing.

“If you ever need help, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’ll provide Bishop’s influence in both the Empire and the Kingdoms at reasonable prices.”

Entaire seemed to only half-believe my words about direct trade with the Kingdom Alliance.

It’s true; trading with the Kingdom Alliance from the North usually requires going through the Empire. How could it be possible without Bishop’s help?

“Bishop’s support is truly reassuring. If any problems arise, I’ll ask for help right away.”

Though I didn’t foresee needing much assistance anytime soon, I thanked him out of courtesy.

‘Nope. There is something I do need help with.’

Just then, a thought popped into my mind.

‘They say people change after entering and exiting a restroom. Who knows, they might secretly sell my mangas and novels in the Kingdom without telling me. Even if Entaire keeps his word, there’s no guarantee Bishop employees will follow suit.’

It was essentially a safeguard against Entaire and Bishop Company’s mischief-making.

‘Of course, intellectual property issues are hard to enforce even in modern Earth, but having no concept at all would be worse.’

This was both an intangible message to Entaire and a precautionary measure to protect our rights when we officially enter the Empire and the Kingdom Alliance.

“Hmm? Do you need help with something?”

Entaire immediately reacted upon seeing my gaze.

“Yes, there’s something quite suitable for our current situation—beneficial to both us and Bishop.”

“What is it? Please tell me.”

“I’d like to introduce the concepts of copyright and patents.”

“Copyright and patents?”

“Yes.”

I briefly explained the concepts of copyright and patents to Entaire.

After hearing my explanation, Entaire wore an expression that indicated understanding—though whether it was about copyright and patents themselves or the reason I suddenly brought it up remained unclear.

“Hmm… It’s certainly a necessary law and concept. The issue is whether it can actually be implemented effectively… As you know, this isn’t something that can be achieved solely through the power of myself and the nobility council. Cooperation from the royal family and Mage Tower is also required.”

Here in the Northern region of Lenslet, where Arad practically is High City and High City is the Lenslet Order, implementing copyright and patent systems wouldn’t be a problem.

But the Empire was different. And the Kingdom Alliance would be even harder.

“To gain their cooperation, we’ll need to show them how copyright and patents benefit them.”

“The nobility council could be swayed with serial mangas and novels published in newspapers. However, gaining the royal family and Mage Tower’s cooperation is trickier. It’s not something that can be resolved with simple bribes.”

“I’ll register the mass-production of Magic Communication Devices as a patent in the Empire. That should secure the royal family’s cooperation, right?”

“OOOOH! That sounds promising!”

When I proposed sharing the patent for Magic Communication Device production, Entaire was especially pleased.

Currently, Bishop employs separate mid-to-low-level magicians to independently manufacture and operate Magic Communication Devices.

The problem is that the magician mindset and apprentice-style production method severely limits output.

Prices are astronomical, to the point where one might worry about the well-being of their parents.

For these reasons, widespread use of Magic Communication Devices was impossible in both the Empire and Bishop.

“Will you register the manufacturing process and enchantment formula as patents?”

“Yes, it needs to go that far to secure the Imperial royal family’s cooperation.”

“OOOOOOH!”

‘Even if registered as a patent, nothing will really change, right?’

Watching Entaire’s pure joy, I inwardly sighed.

The magical circuits and formulas for Magic Communication Devices are relatively simple. The Golden Mage Tower of the Empire already knows them.

Even if large-scale production techniques are patented, the current Imperial system couldn’t replicate them.

The mages of the Mage Tower are far more stubborn and prideful than any artisans, refusing to listen to advice.

Even if you teach them factory-style magical artifact production methods, they’d likely reject it, saying, “That’s not a magical artifact!” and continue handcrafting each piece.

The Emperor must know this too.

‘Still, the Emperor will cooperate. He’ll see this patent registration as my extended hand to the Empire.’

If the royal family directly handles copyrights and patents, they’ll expect me to register more knowledge as patents.

They’ll judge that the uncooperative mages will be stimulated by this.

“But even if we register these patents, unless the mages change their minds, not much will change.”

I added this explanation to Entaire, who was celebrating. I was surprised he hadn’t noticed what the Emperor surely would.

“Hahahaha! I know. But it’ll serve as a decent stimulus. Look at how they make magical artifacts in the northern Lenslet. Are you guys going to keep doing things the old way? Are you letting northern mages steal all your work?”

Apparently, Entaire’s excitement stemmed from this latter point.

“I sincerely hope Bishop sees meaningful changes.”

“Thank you.”

Watching such an enthusiastic Entaire, I genuinely wished for increased production of Bishop’s Magic Communication Devices.

‘The printing revolution created a public foundation in the Empire. If a communication revolution happens too?’

Among countless magical artifacts, there was another hidden reason for specifically choosing the Magic Communication Device.

“I’ve finished setting up my deck.”

While conversing, our hands never stopped shuffling and preparing the card decks.

“My turn. Count Entaire, you go first.”

“Talking about work while playing cards feels less like work and much more enjoyable.”

Entaire and I restarted the magic card game.

On the side table, piles of mana cigarette butts gathered from Entaire’s smoking, and at a slightly further table, tea and desserts were continuously reheated and refilled.

Clack.

Entaire placed the Druid card on the table first.

[ROAR!]

Though no sound was made, the Druid illustration on the card moved vividly.

After laying down the Druid Warrior card, Entaire spoke.

“The noble faction can secure cooperation through mangas and novels, and the royal family through Magic Communication Devices. Now, all that’s left is the Mage Tower. Especially on the patent side, the Mage Tower’s cooperation is essential.”

Even during the card game, work talk continued.

“Ah, you don’t need to worry about the Mage Tower’s cooperation.”

“Excuse me?”

Clack.

Upon seeing the High Knight card of High City I played, Entaire questioned my surprisingly nonchalant response.

Clack.

In response, Entaire countered with his ultimate Witch card.

“There’s~ a way.”

Recalling Yulkaneis, I immediately played a counter-card.

[GOLDEN ROAR!]

The golden card depicting Pluto beautifully attacked and destroyed the Witch card Entaire had just laid down moments ago.

“Grrr…”

Sensing defeat in this round, Entaire furrowed his brow.

“Well, if Chairman Jin says so confidently, it should be fine.”

While contemplating which card to play next, Entaire glanced at my Giant Soldier card and casually remarked,

“By the way, is someone really producing something like Pluto somewhere in the North?”

“…?”

What kind of casual attack is this? My previously confident expression wavered slightly.

“Would you believe me if I said no?”

“Aha! I roughly get it.”

“??”

‘What do you roughly understand?’ This question almost escaped my lips, but I simply shrugged it off.

Because denying strongly is often perceived as confirmation.

So, I decided to adopt the Israeli approach—neither confirming nor denying.

“By the way, are the employees I introduced earlier helpful?”

“You mean the four working at Arad Capital? Absolutely. They’re being a great help and adapting well.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Just keep sending us people like that.”

“Hahahahaha.”

We lightly exchanged pleasantries about the Imperial-origin employees working at Arad Capital.

“So, I heard Arad Entertainment is preparing a theater troupe.”

“That’s correct.”

“Are you planning to recreate the contents of novels and mangas into plays?”

“Yes, I think combining music and theater could work well.”

“Do you need any help from me?”

It seemed Entaire mentioned the Imperial-origin employees earlier for this very reason.

“Are there talents similar to the Capital employees in the theater troupe?”

“A few exist. To be precise, they’re people who’ve fallen on hard times for various reasons.”

“Actors? Directors?”

“Both.”

The conversation naturally shifted to theater-related topics.

‘What does Entaire plan to do with Imperial-origin theater people?’

I grew suspicious of Entaire’s intentions.

“The perception of Imperials among Northerners is still negative. I want to instill the idea that while the Empire might be bad, the Imperials themselves aren’t.”

Realizing my thoughts, Entaire quickly added an explanation.

‘Musicals are within my capabilities, but I’m too busy to fully focus on them.’

The mangas and novels I had merely set up the settings and overall plots for and then largely abandoned came to mind.

Of course, Arad Entertainment is ensuring a proper conclusion for them.

I only occasionally offer advice and conduct quality checks.

‘There are still no theater specialists in Lenslet. Unlike with mangas and novels, I can’t completely leave it alone here, can I?’

The Order and High City occasionally held festivals featuring plays or concerts. However, they were merely showcases of hobbies by Lensretians engaged in their daily professions, far from professional.

Unlike the Empire or Badenheim, they hadn’t reached specialization.

“With such good intentions, there’s no reason to refuse.”

“Yes! I won’t disappoint you.”

Ultimately, I accepted Entaire’s proposal.

Whether his stated intention was genuine or if there was another hidden agenda like with Arad Capital, I couldn’t tell.

‘Teaching the musical format and techniques to the theater people Entaire brought and adding various light projection magic effects to the theater? A musical unseen even on Earth could be born.’

Given the high benefits compared to risks, overthinking was unnecessary.

“Lord Arad, who exactly is this author Meteo?”

As I was about to refocus on the card game, Entaire cautiously asked.

“Secret. Top secret.”

“One person can’t possibly write so many works alone… Moreover, they transcend genres. The writing styles differ too. Which means there are at least two people involved…”

It seemed Entaire had already formulated his own theory.

“Could Lady Mary be the writer? Or perhaps His Highness the Crown Prince?”

“…?!”

Wow, you can think about it this way too?

Surprised, I looked away from the cards I was holding.

“Aha! I roughly get it.”

“??”

Again, what do you roughly understand?

Recognizing my gaze, Entaire once again wore an expression indicating he’d figured things out on his own.

“But… hasn’t Lady Mary been missing lately?”

Before I could explain, Entaire looked around and asked.

“She’s mainly working at High City these days.”

‘Yeah, go ahead and speculate.’

Giving up on explaining, I briefly replied about Mary’s recent activities.

“Could it be that you had a quarrel?”

Then, Entaire whispered very cautiously and seriously.

“Impossible, right?”

These days, everyone I meet asks the same thing.

Our conversation with Entaire, which had been smoothly progressing on business topics, ultimately veered toward this issue.

“Hmm… Chairman Jin? Knowing it’s none of my place to advise, but…”

“??”

Oh my goodness! Now I have to listen to love advice from Mr. Entaire?

“…Yes, I’ll listen.”

Though reluctant, I couldn’t outright refuse and nodded while clearly hiding my discomfort.

“First, rumors are spreading in the Empire that Chairman Jin had a fight with Lady Mary and has recently distanced himself from His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“So it’s reached that far.”

“Because of that, currently within the Empire, regardless of whether it’s the Newcomer Faction, Noble Faction, or the Order, preparations are underway to pair Chairman Jin with women. Very, very discreetly.”

“…!”

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