Chapter 8

“Snow White is one of the few fairy tale books I remember the contents of accurately.”

The iconic cliché of the prince on a white horse—originally from a groundbreaking work that started it all. There was no way I could’ve missed it.

Since I’d shown them a noble romance, it felt like the next step should be an upgrade to a royal romance with the prince on a white horse. That’s why I chose this story.

‘Besides, dwarves actually exist in this other world.’

In Cinderella, fairies are the fantastical element, while in Snow White, dwarves take center stage.

On Earth, dwarves didn’t truly exist, but in this world, there were races that could fill their role.

One of the quintessential fantasy races: short, stubborn dwarves.

The Sylvania continent, the setting for ‘The Youngest Son of the Royal Family,’ did indeed have dwarves.

However, they lived separately from humans in their own kingdom, making them hard to encounter casually.

I hadn’t seen one myself, nor had anyone else I asked, beyond knowing they were short and bearded.

‘If I just draw them like the ones from Disney animations, it shouldn’t cause any problems.’

These designs were already tailored to children’s tastes by a global mega-corporation.

We can trust these designs since no one here would say, ‘That’s not what my dwarf looks like!’

How could someone criticize something they’ve never even seen?

‘There’s no way my book will sell as far as the dwarf kingdom in this vast empire anyway. Everything’s A-OK.’

Even if the dwarves themselves saw it, how would they critique or even access it when they don’t interact with humans?

Perfect. Such a flawless plan.

*

“Again! My Snow White isn’t like this!”

Ah, nitpicky clients who complain without even seeing… they exist even in another world.

I thought I’d drawn the perfect Snow White using memories from my past life and Rupert’s amazing artistic skills.

“I don’t like the colors!”

Eida must not have been satisfied with what she saw.

Our discerning customer began nitpicking every detail after looking at my drawings.

Come to think of it, Eida’s tastes were definitely unique compared to others.

She had a surprisingly refined aesthetic sense for her age, which reminded me of how dissatisfied she was when I first showed her Cinderella.

“It must be because Lord Rupert drew so many pictures for her since she was little.”

Alain smiled warmly and tried to soothe Eida’s complaints.

Rupert, you bastard, how much effort did you put into drawing for your sister?

Still, I couldn’t lose.

Eida’s criticism wasn’t just idle whining to me.

Kids’ perspectives can be surprisingly sharp and critical, clearly distinguishing between good and bad.

If I could satisfy Eida, whose eye for art had been honed by Rupert’s illustrations, surely other kids would be pleased too.

I had to satisfy this editor-in-disguise named Eida.

*

“Young Master, I’ve returned with everything you requested.”

To make the fairy tale book that would satisfy Eida, I needed specific materials.

I entrusted this task to the Yuren Merchant Association, who had previously contracted with me for selling fairy tale books, and they readily agreed to help.

“This fast? Thank you, Guild Leader.”

“No problem. Please take a look.”

I expected a lower-level employee, but was surprised to see the Guild Leader himself delivering the goods. Nonetheless, I decided to check the items first.

“These pigments and dyes come from the finest art shop in the capital. Top quality, of course.”

The art supplies he confidently presented were undeniably superior. Though I thought my previous materials were high-end, the difference was noticeable.

Especially after using up Baron Sleepy’s materials, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of colors available.

‘This is it! This was the missing piece.’

People unfamiliar with art might look at multiple shades of the same color and ask, “Aren’t these all the same?” But they’re distinctly different.

For example, comparing ‘Pearl White’ and ‘Snow White’: though they both appear white at first glance, Pearl White has a subtle shimmer suited for clothing, while Snow White perfectly captures Snow White’s skin tone in the fairy tale.

‘Eida mentioned the issue with colors, didn’t she.’

Snow White’s name itself refers to her snow-white complexion.

But with my old paints, achieving that effect was difficult, and Eida had keenly pointed this out.

“Young Master, I’ve also gathered all the books you requested.”

“Thank you. The Yuren Merchant Association really is reliable. I didn’t expect such quick results.”

“Not at all. We see great potential in your fairy tales. Let us know if you need anything else.”

This guy sure knows how to exaggerate. Sure, fairy tales are popular in this world since they’re new, but they’re just entertainment for noble ladies.

*

Long-standing noble families work hard to maintain strong relationships among themselves.

This also serves to keep watch on newly minted nobles who gained their status through war or other achievements.

‘Shouldn’t we raise taxes?’

‘Hmm… let’s try 5 coins this time.’

‘That sounds fine. Let’s do it together.’

Like committing minor misdeeds together to avoid suspicion, they shared information and sought mutual benefit.

Thus, local lords often interacted, and young nobles attended social gatherings as part of this tradition.

The Bluewell Duke’s social gathering brought together all the prominent noble ladies.

“Thank you for inviting us.”

“Thank you for coming. Enjoy your time.”

Fitting for the most prestigious noble family in the empire, each lady was adorned in their finest, most dazzling dresses and jewelry.

However, none shone brighter than Lady Amelia Bluewell, much to the other ladies’ chagrin.

Though the host typically dressed modestly to highlight the guests, Amelia effortlessly drew attention despite her simple attire.

‘Tch, that arrogant woman. She’s just flaunting the power of the duke’s family while fawning over men.’

Baron Karon’s daughter glared, though it had nothing to do with her crush on the neighboring prince falling for Amelia.

‘With this thing I begged Father to prepare for today, I’ll flatten her pride.’

At noble gatherings, comparisons were inevitable.

Stories circulated about which lady wore expensive jewel-encrusted accessories or whose dress was hand-sewn by the capital’s finest artisans using Arachne silk.

Such occasions showcased wealth, taste, and connections.

“Has everyone heard of this ‘book’?”

When Baron Karon’s daughter confidently pulled out a book as the atmosphere warmed, whispers filled the room.

“Oh my… that book!”

“What book is it? ‘Cinderella’?”

Half knew it, half didn’t, creating mixed reactions, but it was enough.

Confident that its content and illustrations would captivate everyone as it had her, she introduced it.

“It’s a new fairy tale book. It features beautiful illustrations and a captivating story.”

The gathered noble ladies were entranced by her description and fixated on the book.

“The illustrations are stunning!”

“How could such a wonderful story exist?”

“A prince straight out of a dream…”

Soon, all eyes were on Baron Karon’s daughter.

‘I’ve won. I’ve truly won!’

Just as she was about to celebrate…

“My goodness, Lady, yours seems slightly different from what my younger sister owns.”

Amelia Bluewell reignited the supposedly ended battle.

*

“How’s it, Eida?”

I anxiously awaited Eida’s reaction like a webtoon author sending off a manuscript.

Using the new pigments, I believed I’d significantly upgraded Snow White. Would it satisfy Eida’s picky palate?

Eida silently scrutinized the manuscript I handed her without saying a word.

‘Is something still lacking?’

I was disappointed when the expected reaction didn’t come.

I thought she’d at least bounce around happily, but instead, there was silence.

Then,

BAM!

Eida suddenly closed my Snow White manuscript and stood up.

“Big Brother!”

“Huh?”

“Starting today, I’m Snow White!”

Eida declares herself Snow White!