Drawing Manga in a Romance Fantasy

Chapter 171

“Have you heard the rumor about pink snow falling in Somerset?”

“Pink snow?”

“Yeah! People who visited Somerset to buy merchandise were raving about how they’d never seen anything like it.”

Recently, an intriguing rumor had begun circulating throughout the Empire.

Somerset, a place most people hadn’t even known existed before, had turned into a bustling tourist destination ever since the Somerset goods store opened. And now, word was spreading that pink snow had fallen there.

“That can’t be true, right? Somerset is in the south. They don’t even wear coats in winter, let alone see snow.”

“Well, that’s true, but... considering it’s Somerset, it doesn’t sound impossible.”

The man who initially dismissed the idea found himself nodding in agreement after a moment of thought.

Everything that came out of Somerset’s workshop was so astonishing that it wasn’t hard to imagine they’d invented something new yet again.

“Should we go see the pink snow for ourselves?”

“We might as well stop by the Somerset goods store while we’re at it.”

As rumors of the magical pink snow continued to spread, Somerset began to experience an unexpected influx of visitors.

The goods store had always attracted customers, but with similar stores now established in the capital, other territories, and major cities across the Empire, the crowds in Somerset had slightly decreased.

Now, however, the number of visitors had skyrocketed, and the residents of Somerset couldn’t hide their excitement.

“Can you believe reservations are already fully booked for the next month?”
“That’s not all! Jans, the restaurant owner, was bragging about earning gold in a single day’s sales.”
“Everywhere’s packed—restaurants, general stores, inns, taverns—there’s not a single quiet spot.”

Most of the visitors coming to see the pink snow were wealthy, and they spent their money freely in Somerset.

As a result, the territory was enjoying an unexpected economic boom.

“Do you remember what the young master said?”

“About what? Oh, you mean how he planned to make it snow pink every winter during a set period?”

“Exactly! Doesn’t that mean we’ll have crowds like this every year?”

“Of course! There’s nowhere else in the Empire—or even the entire continent—where you can see pink snow.”

“So if we set up food stalls and sell merchandise during that time next year, we could make a fortune!”

Though it was too late to prepare for this year, the people of Somerset were already planning how to capitalize on the crowds for the next festival.

Thus began the Somerset Snow Festival, destined to draw visitors not just from the Empire but from across the entire continent.

*****

“I can’t believe you’re already releasing another children’s book.”

“It’s been a bit tight, but with the animation project nearing completion, I managed to find some time.”

Esteban took the new storybook from Rupert and couldn’t help but marvel at the speed of his work.

Rupert was already juggling so much—his role as a professor at the academy, the animation business, serializations in Manafia, publishing children’s books, and producing merchandise.

Even Esteban, who prided himself on being hardworking, couldn’t imagine keeping up with Rupert’s schedule.

“Rudolph? So the protagonist isn’t a person this time?”

“No, it’s a reindeer. One with a red nose, to be precise.”

Listening to Rupert’s explanation, Esteban began carefully reading the new story, Rudolph.

Of course, anything Rupert wrote was bound to be entertaining. But to market the book effectively, Esteban had to fully understand its themes and message.

With The Little Match Girl, for example, he had decided against releasing promotional goods or contests, as the tragic tone of the story demanded a more subdued approach.

‘Adding commercial gimmicks to The Little Match Girl would’ve completely backfired.’

People often mocked Esteban, calling him lucky for meeting Rupert first. But in truth, no one understood Rupert’s work as deeply as he did.

“This is…”

Having finished Rudolph, Esteban immediately sensed its potential.

“Well? What do you think?”

“It’s perfect. I understand now why you wanted to release this so quickly.”

Hearing Esteban’s response, Rupert smiled.

He trusted Esteban’s judgment more than anyone else’s, and watching him grasp the story’s intent so quickly only reinforced that confidence.

“Did you create the pink snow in Somerset to tie into this story?”

“No, it’s actually the other way around.”

Rupert hadn’t originally planned to write Rudolph.

Since this world didn’t have Christmas or Saint Nicholas, the story’s origins felt out of place.

But after telling his sister Ada about Santa Claus and Rudolph to cheer her up, the tale quickly spread among the children in the territory and received such positive reactions that Rupert decided to write the book on impulse.

‘Even if there’s no Children’s Day, Christmas should at least exist for the kids.’

What could be purer than the anticipation children feel as they wait for Santa Claus to bring them presents?

Rupert wanted the children of this world to experience that same joy.

“More than anything, this story has excellent educational value.”

Esteban seemed particularly impressed with Rudolph.

While The Little Match Girl was an exceptional story, Esteban had worried that its tragic tone might be too heavy for a children’s book.

Though its message was important, he felt that the current times called for something lighter and more hopeful.

And Rudolph fit that need perfectly.

“Not to mention, there’s so much merchandising potential—from Santa Claus to Rudolph.”

“Exactly! Ada already begged me to make her a Santa outfit.”

Rupert shared Esteban’s enthusiasm.

While he hadn’t written Rudolph with profit in mind, it was clear that parents across the Empire would soon be hearing endless pleas for gifts sold at Somerset’s goods stores.

‘The kids are bound to ask for the merchandise sold in our stores.’

The same thing had happened back on Earth.

Toy companies poured all their resources into advertising during the holiday season, and December sales often determined their entire year’s performance.

Rupert saw no reason why this world couldn’t have its own holiday sales season.

Discounts and special events timed to match the festivities would create lasting memories for both parents and children.

“It would be good for the Somerset Welfare Foundation to organize a gift drive for children during this time.”

“Yes, we’ve already received plenty of donations thanks to The Little Match Girl, so we can implement your suggestion right away.”

Esteban watched Rupert, who effortlessly laid out plans as though he’d already thought through every detail.

He recalled something Rupert had said earlier:

‘I need to make this winter a little warmer.’

At the time, Esteban had sighed and joked that Rupert’s plan to warm people’s hearts with The Little Match Girl was more about setting their emotions on fire than actual warmth.

But now, Esteban was sure of one thing—

Winters in the Empire would be warmer from now on, far more than they ever were in the past.

*****

“Professor, you really never stop creating, do you?”

Adrian sat inside the carriage, flipping through Rupert’s new works, The Little Match Girl and Rudolph.

Ever since he showcased Heart of Steel at the end-of-term ceremony, he had been working on a new project. Rupert’s latest releases were providing him with plenty of inspiration.

‘I’m no longer uncertain—I’m convinced.’

Adrian recalled the first time he had read one of Rupert’s works.

Back then, he had believed that as long as he dedicated himself to his craft, he could eventually catch up to Rupert.

But the more he read and studied, the broader his perspective grew. At the same time, he became acutely aware of just how far ahead Rupert’s level of storytelling truly was.

“Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the palace.”

“Thank you for the safe journey.”

As he closed the books, still reflecting on the gap between their abilities, the coachman’s voice brought him back to reality. Adrian stepped down from the carriage.

“Welcome back to the kingdom!”

Click!

It had been a while since Adrian last laid eyes on the palace of the Kingdom of Silvania.

Though it couldn’t compare to the Empire’s grand palace in size, the elegant and intricate architecture unique to Silvania was nothing short of breathtaking.

Rows of soldiers stood at attention in front of the palace gates to welcome Adrian, the Second Prince, back to his homeland.

Adrian met the soldiers’ gazes one by one, acknowledging their greetings with a nod.

“Welcome home, Your Highness.”

“It’s been a while, Chancellor Kartel.”

Waiting to greet Adrian personally was Chancellor Kartel of Silvania.

The two had always been close, bonded by their shared concerns for the kingdom’s future. Neither bothered to hide their joy at reuniting after so long.

“By the way, where are my father and brother?”

“They stepped out briefly for their morning engagements. They should return shortly. In the meantime, would you care for some tea?”

“Gladly. I drank all sorts of tea in the Empire, but nothing compares to the taste of home.”

Relocating to a side chamber, Adrian and Kartel sipped tea while catching up on the latest news.

Their conversation began with lighthearted topics—how they had been, minor updates, and anecdotes—before finally shifting to more serious matters.

“Your Highness, what did you think of the Empire after seeing it with your own eyes?”

Kartel’s question prompted Adrian to close his eyes for a moment and reflect on his time in the Empire.

“Chancellor, I’ve come to a realization.”

“What do you mean?”

“If we continue like this… Silvania has no future.”

Adrian’s quiet but shocking declaration left Kartel stunned.