Chapter 56

The conference room of the Imperial Palace.

This was usually where the Emperor and high-ranking nobles gathered to discuss major affairs of the Empire.

And right now, exactly in that place, the Emperor and the nobles were assembled with serious expressions on their faces.

If someone who knew nothing about the situation saw them, they might suspect that some colossal calamity had befallen the Empire, given the gravity etched on the faces of these high-ranking nobles.

Well, you could say, from a certain perspective, that wasn’t entirely wrong.

After all, the reason these nobles had gathered here was none other than the fact that they had received a shocking piece of news akin to a bolt from the blue.

“Since this matter is quite serious, I will proceed straight to the main point. Everyone, please remain silent.”

Duke Grinevalt, acting as the chairperson for this meeting in place of the Emperor, opened his mouth with a calm tone.

“I believe everyone present today remembers it well. I’m referring to that absurd incident where we held a meeting here due to episode 25 of the ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’.”

At the Duke’s words, the nobles involuntarily nodded their heads.

How could they possibly forget such an event?

It was the time when they convened a meeting because of an ‘animation,’ something they usually considered no more than mere entertainment.

But what was even more astonishing was that the incidents caused by the fallout of episode 25 of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ turned out to be something not even the nobles gathered here could ignore.

Back then, Ragnar Terison, the director of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle,’ must have eaten something strange because, at the end of episode 25, he introduced the absurd plot twist of blowing up the Earth.

As a result, all sorts of crazy people started appearing: those hoarding food in preparation for emergencies, others inciting panic among the populace claiming the end of the world was near, and so on.

Of course, most people gathered here already knew this well.

Humans are creatures easily influenced by media like culture and art.

Sometimes, a single book or a beautiful melody can wield more influence than controlling people with swords or magic.

Still, despite knowing that, the impact that animation—starting with ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’—had on the citizens of the Empire was truly immense.

And now…

The horrifying nightmare caused by episode 25 of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ was about to repeat itself.

The reason? None other than…

“Ragnar Terison plans to prematurely conclude ‘Book of Life and Death.’ And soon—perhaps within the next ten episodes!”

“What, what did you say!?”

“Is…is that true!?”

“Unbelievable! My ‘Book of Life and Death’? It’s only ten episodes away from conclusion!?”

At the Duke’s words, the nobles gathered there gasped in shock.

Because even they, too, were diligent viewers of ‘Book of Life and Death,’ which aired every weekend at 9 PM.

In fact, some of them secretly collected merchandise related to the series or even participated in online forums under anonymous aliases, enjoying heated discussions.

That’s how deeply animation had become an integral part of the lives of the Empire’s citizens.

Of course, they also understood…

No matter how entertaining an animation might be, as a story, it would eventually come to an end.

However, wasn’t this a bit much?

Ragnar’s previous work, ‘Knight Shin Chronicle,’ had run for an impressive 50 episodes.

Not only that, but he had even added special endings for each heroine in a director’s cut version!

So why was ‘Book of Life and Death’ being wrapped up so early?

‘Book of Life and Death’ could have easily run for 50 episodes without anyone complaining!

“I was just as surprised, so I spoke with Ragnar. He said that for this particular work, leaving while the applause is still ringing is the right path.”

“…Pardon?”

“He believes that concluding ‘Book of Life and Death’ this way will allow it to achieve a fitting finale.”

Though no one present realized it, whenever Ragnar watched the Earth-based work that inspired ‘Book of Life and Death,’ he always felt a sense of regret.

Why? Because while the cerebral battles between the protagonist and the detective chasing him were absolutely legendary in terms of entertainment value…

Once the story passed its halfway point, due to various “adult circumstances,” the quality of the work deteriorated significantly as the serialization was forced to continue artificially.

Incidentally, this wasn’t just Ragnar’s personal opinion—it was the original creator’s view as well.

In his next work, which featured a young boy aspiring to become a manga artist, the creator directly referenced his past masterpiece and expressed regret over not having ended it earlier due to editorial constraints.

Therefore, Ragnar shared the same sentiment.

Though he certainly felt the loss of the success and continued airing of ‘Book of Life and Death,’ Ragnar judged that concluding it here would ultimately be best for the work itself.

…Though, truthfully, since there were plenty of other works waiting in the wings for potential adaptation, Ragnar had the luxury to make this decision.

However…

“Your Grace Grinevalt, could you perhaps try to persuade the director again? It would be… rather inconvenient if ‘Book of Life and Death’ concludes at this point.”

“…Is there some issue?”

Baron Florence, who oversaw the Empire’s public security, sighed deeply before speaking.

“Since the broadcast of ‘Book of Life and Death,’ the crime rate across the Empire has decreased by over 50%.”

“…What?”

“That’s not all. The number of criminals turning themselves in has also surged dramatically. A single work of fiction has achieved what pouring millions of gold into policies couldn’t accomplish!”

Everyone present looked utterly astonished at Baron Florence’s statement.

Even they, while watching ‘Book of Life and Death,’ had entertained thoughts along the lines of, “If I commit any wrongdoing, Zodiac might judge me through the Book of Life and Death.”

But really, to the extent that criminals were confessing voluntarily?

This was an overwhelming result that made all the crime-reduction policies implemented by the Empire look laughably ineffective.

“Of course, this is likely a temporary phenomenon caused by the widespread broadcast of ‘Book of Life and Death’ across the Empire. But isn’t it obvious? The longer ‘Book of Life and Death’ airs, the more benefits it brings to the entire Empire.”

Previously, Ragnar had successfully reopened cultural exchanges between the Empire and the Richard Kingdom through ‘Knight Shin Chronicle.’

And now, ‘Book of Life and Death’ was contributing immensely to reducing crime rates across the Empire?

‘This is insane. Truly mind-blowing. Who would’ve thought that some viscount’s son could grow into a power player shaking the very foundations of the Empire?’

‘I misjudged this. Like Duke Grinevalt, I should’ve invested in Ragnar’s animations early on.’

‘Should I reach out to Ragnar Terison now? If I could join his animation business, I’d surely reap enormous profits…’

Just as the nobles gathered there were calculating the potential gains in their heads…

The Empress, who had been silently listening to the discussions while seated to the Emperor’s right, finally spoke softly.

“Forgive me, but I will pretend I didn’t hear the Baron’s words.”

“…Pardon? Your Majesty, why…?”

“Because the director has already decided to conclude ‘Book of Life and Death’ within the next ten episodes.”

The Empress stated firmly, showing no intention to compromise on this matter.

“We made a promise when we first agreed to create animations together. I promised not to interfere with his creative process. And I do not wish to break that promise.”

“…Your Majesty…”

“My apologies, Baron. Let’s consider your suggestion unheard.”

Though she appeared composed in front of the Baron, in reality, the person most upset about the early conclusion of ‘Book of Life and Death’ was none other than the Empress herself.

She personally preferred the storyline of ‘Book of Life and Death’ over ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ and hoped it would air for as long as possible.

However, forcing Ragnar to continue producing ‘Book of Life and Death’ wouldn’t guarantee the same satisfying development, and she vividly remembered how her father, the Emperor, had behaved unbecomingly when he refused to accept the ending of ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ episode 50.

She didn’t want to become anything like him.

“…Hmm.”

“It’s regrettable, but since Your Majesty has spoken, there’s nothing we can do about it.”

As the nobles sitting there nodded in agreement with the Empress’s words…

“Hmph. That nobody viscount thinks he’s so high and mighty. If it weren’t for Your Majesty, I’d have already kidnapped him and forced him to produce ‘Book of Life and Death’ daily.”

Gulp.

Upon hearing the muttered words from one of the nobles seated at the conference table, the Empress unconsciously furrowed her brow.

Turning her head, she saw a face unfamiliar to her.

Given that she, as the Empress, had memorized the appearances of most notable nobles, this man was likely some insignificant noble from somewhere.

Or even if he wasn’t insignificant, it didn’t matter.

By speaking ill of Ragnar, the Empress had already categorized him as trash.

“Ah, interesting opinion.”

The Empress fixed her gaze on the man and spoke.

“Knowing full well who I serve, you still dare to speak such words… Quite courageous indeed.”

“M-my Lord! T-that is…!”

The man belatedly realized what he had said and pleaded for mercy.

But it was far too late.

The Empress had already decided on the punishment for this insolent man.

In truth, she simply wanted to return the favor she had received from Ragnar a few days ago by doling out the same treatment to someone else.

“I hear you love ‘Book of Life and Death’ so much that you want to watch it every day? In that case, let me give you a special preview of how the upcoming episodes unfold.”

“No, no! Please don’t tell me! Have mercy…!”

But the Empress casually ignored the man’s pleas and whispered softly into his ear.

“…The second Zodiac to obtain the Book of Life and Death on Earth is a woman who lost her family to a murderer dealt with by Louis in the first episode. She can see others’ lifespans after making a deal with the Grim Reaper.”

“Guh…!”

“Due to her careless actions, Louis ends up revealing his identity as a Zodiac. However, using the Grim Reaper whom Louis has feelings for, he devises a scheme…”

“Aaaaagh…!”

The man paid dearly for his loose lips, learning all the twists set to occur over the next four episodes.

Thus, he lost all motivation to live for the next two weeks.