Chapter 64

The king of the Richard Kingdom thought highly of himself for possessing an exceptionally broad and progressive mindset.

Indeed, he didn’t discriminate against people based on race or background.

If someone had sufficient ability, he believed that even a lowly person rolling around at the very bottom of society could sit right next to him without issue.

Perhaps, unknowingly, as long as some guy like Hikardo didn’t go off building Soviet-like regimes or sparking red revolutions, he was lenient enough to allow his citizens to do whatever they pleased.

But…

“We intend to make the Knight King a woman.”

“…What did you say?”

“I’m asking if making one of our kingdom’s heroes, the Knight King, female sounds like a good idea.”

“…”

For a moment, the king doubted his own ears.

Certainly, he was quite open-minded for someone from the rigid class-based medieval era.

However, no matter how forward-thinking he might have been, Kaizel’s suggestion completely shattered the king’s sense of normalcy.

‘Is he insane?’

The king knew that Kaizel had recently become deeply engrossed in anime imported from the Empire, like “Knight Shin Chronicle” or “Life and Death Department.”

Well, compared to the antics of other noble brats—like doing drugs or hanging out with questionable women—he thought it was about a hundred times better, so he never interfered.

Now, looking back, the king realized his judgment may have been wrong.

Because of those anime, Kaizel seemed to have finally snapped.

“Your Majesty, I propose this solely to further the prosperity of our kingdom.”

“…What did you just say?”

Fortunately, it appeared Kaizel was speaking in full possession of his faculties.

…Or rather, the fact that he was saying such things while fully sane might actually be more terrifying.

“Your Majesty, you are surely aware that ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ and other anime from the Empire have become wildly popular within our kingdom.”

“Of course, I know.”

How could the king not remember? The shocking incident where a 50-meter-tall Knight Shin wiped out all the monsters in the Great Forest was still fresh in everyone’s memory.

“And are you aware of what phenomena have arisen due to the popularity of these Empire anime within our kingdom?”

“…Hmm, not really, but…”

The king was well-aware that his only son had gotten into drawing doujinshi because of his obsession with anime, but beyond that, he wasn’t sure how anime had influenced the kingdom overall.

“In the past, our citizens held little affection for the Empire, correct?”

“Well, obviously! After centuries of constant warfare between the two nations, it would’ve been stranger if we liked each other.”

It wasn’t as if both countries had suffered from mass amnesia; there was simply no way their citizens could feel anything but animosity toward each other after hundreds of years of conflict.

“But over the last year, that atmosphere has significantly changed. Currently, most citizens don’t hate the Empire anymore. In fact, it wouldn’t be exaggerating to say their attitude has become quite favorable.”

“…What?”

Kaizel’s words left the king utterly incredulous—but only for a moment. He quickly realized why this situation had unfolded.

“It’s because of the Empire’s anime, specifically ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ and ‘Life and Death Department.’”

“That’s correct.”

Kaizel nodded in agreement with the king’s realization.

“As Your Majesty knows from watching ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ and ‘Life and Death Department,’ the settings of both works are entirely within the Empire. The protagonists and those who stand on the side of justice are also citizens of the Empire.”

Truthfully, this wasn’t intentional on the part of Ragnar, the creator of the anime. He had simply set the background of his works in the Empire without much thought.

But from the perspective of viewers from other countries, it wasn’t seen that way.

“In ‘Knight Shin Chronicle,’ the Empire is depicted as a nation that doesn’t give up hope even when invaded by outsiders, striving to protect its citizens. And in ‘Life and Death Department,’ it’s portrayed as a righteous country that refuses to bow to criminals like Zodiac and strives to arrest them.”

Thus, viewers unconsciously began to change their mindset and values.

The Empire isn’t a bad place at all.

It’s a just nation that hates evil, protects its citizens no matter what, and stands above any other nation in the world.

If that weren’t true, why would characters like Kai from ‘Knight Shin Chronicle’ or Alfa from ‘Life and Death Department’ bother going to such lengths to protect the Empire?

Right?

“The mutual hostility built up over hundreds of years has largely crumbled in just one year. Of course, there are still many citizens who harbor ill feelings towards the Empire, but that’s merely a matter of time.”

This is the power of culture.

Dominance through swords and spears can never last forever,

but cultural influence naturally subdues others even after a thousand years.

And if Ragnar’s anime spreads across the entire Empire and the world enjoys his works, then—

“…”

The king now looked at Kaizel with a different expression.

Had his son, whom he’d assumed was just drawing weird pictures of girls squealing and gathering in groups, actually been thinking so seriously underneath it all?

“…Then, what do you think about us creating anime?”

The king spoke with a surprisingly serious tone.

“Our kingdom has had a thriving manga industry for a very long time. Isn’t it possible to use that foundation to create anime as well?”

Honestly, no one knows exactly how Ragnar creates his anime.

But magic exists in this world that can bring drawings to life. Perhaps, after a few trial and errors, creating anime with quality similar to Ragnar’s isn’t impossible.

However…

“No, that’s impossible—at least for now.”

Kaizel firmly declared it as unfeasible.

“True, recreating anime itself isn’t too difficult, as Your Majesty said. But… what’s the point if the core content can’t keep up?”

Kaizel chuckled bitterly.

“Ragnar Terison’s anime surpasses the level of mangas published in our kingdom by leaps and bounds. From story to setting, direction, and composition, it’s far beyond comparison to our outdated mangas.”

In fact, ever since Ragnar’s anime came out, the quality of mangas in the kingdom skyrocketed.

It’s hard to believe, but Ragnar’s anime has reached a level that humans might achieve only after decades, perhaps even a century, of advancement in manga and anime.

As if humanity had developed manga and anime for several decades to a hundred years, reaching a level that cannot be overstated.

“Therefore, attempting to create anime at this stage is almost suicidal. Unless we reach a quality comparable to Ragnar’s work, we’ll only invite ridicule.”

Hearing Kaizel’s words, the king sighed involuntarily.

“…So that’s why you blurted out such crazy talk earlier.”

“Yes. Knowing fully well the immense power of Ragnar’s anime, there’s no reason to reject it. But given our current state, it’s impossible for us to produce anime on par with Ragnar’s—so…”

“Rather than competing, you suggest joining Ragnar Terison’s anime?”

Kaizel nodded in response to the king’s words.

“From what I’ve heard, Ragnar’s upcoming work after ‘Life and Death Department’ involves various heroes resurrecting from different eras and countries to battle. If we could include one of our kingdom’s heroes in that anime—”

“…Not only would it naturally enhance our kingdom’s image, but the value we’d gain from it would be immense.”

Indeed, Kaizel’s reasoning made perfect sense.

If things went according to Kaizel’s plan, there couldn’t be a better outcome.

Still, there was one problem.

“But… must we turn our ancestor into a woman? Even if we consider everything, turning a man into a woman seems a bit… excessive.”

At the king’s hesitant muttering, Kaizel shook his head violently.

“No, this is a benefit to the nation, not a loss. For something as significant as this, I believe our ancestor would understand. Moreover, wouldn’t our ancestor secretly enjoy transforming from a rough man into a beautiful young lady?”

“…”

Hmm…

I wouldn’t be surprised if our ancestor rose from the grave right now to crack your skull open.

That’s how the king eventually succumbed to Kaizel’s persistent persuasion.

He contacted the Empire and conveyed that the kingdom would meet any demand if they included one of their heroes in the next anime.

But there was one fatal flaw in Kaizel’s plan.

Namely…

“We come from the Berisila City Alliance! If you include our greatest hero, the mighty warrior who slayed the nine-headed dragon, in the anime, we’ll pay any price—”

“A mighty warrior? Why should Lord Ragnar include the hero of such a small nation in his anime? Wouldn’t it be better to feature our hero from the Silgeah Federation, the master of twin blades?”

“Wait, wasn’t that guy the one who ran off with another man’s wife—a notorious womanizer?”

“What was that?! Take that back!”

Turns out, other nations had the same idea as Kaizel and sent envoys to the Empire.

Naturally, with national interests at stake, none of the envoys were willing to back down.

Ultimately, to resolve the situation peacefully, Ragnar decided to speak up.

“I will hold an auction.”

“…An auction, you say?”

“Yes. Since no one here seems willing to step aside, an auction is the only peaceful solution, isn’t it?”

Truthfully, Ragnar wanted to implement a gacha system like ‘that game’ for selecting heroes, but feared that nations who failed to draw their hero might declare war.

“Or… are you afraid? Scared you might lose the auction to another nation?”

“…!”

Ragnar’s words sparked fiery glares from the envoys, who fiercely denied his insinuation.

“Absolutely not! How could our federation be inferior to these vagrants?”

“Haughty merchants with nothing but big mouths! You dare challenge us despite having no history or tradition?”

“…”

Even before the auction started, the envoys were already bickering, prompting Ragnar to avert his gaze awkwardly.

Anyway…

Here at the Henesis Free Market…

Auction commences immediately!