This new work required significantly more attention than the previous ones.
First of all, unlike the earlier pieces, no matter how much I condensed the plot, it would need at least seven volumes to reach a conclusion, which made figuring out how to progress the story crucial.
“The first volume absolutely must have an impact!”
So, while crafting the outline for the first volume, I focused on that aspect the most.
The work that served as the inspiration transitioned between the present and the past, but maintaining that style as is might seem unfamiliar to readers not yet used to comic books.
Therefore, I decided to adopt a linear development from the beginning to the end, establishing the storyline and choosing an episode that would deliver the first shock.
A dramatic scene where the protagonist loses a part of his body while trying to resurrect his mother alongside his younger sibling.
That’s where I decided to begin the comic.
Additionally, the transformation of the ‘Autogear,’ which plays a significant role throughout the comic, was also important. Unlike modern people who could accept the world set in the comic, the inhabitants of this land weren’t quite ready to embrace the settings from the book yet.
“Having autogears in a world without even firearms is absurd.”
Given that this work is set on the Sylvania Continent, it’d be problematic if elements that couldn’t be accepted showed up.
So, I opted to replace modern inventions like guns with magic as much as possible, but I was reluctant to give up the Autogear.
It’s a core element of the narrative, after all.
“Originally, the heroine was supposed to be the one who makes the Autogear, right?”
Did the other world have prosthetic limbs like the ‘Autogear’ from the original comic?
Now that I think about it, I recall seeing items for those who lost limbs in battle when I visited the Magic Tower.
‘Golem’s Arm’
These were crafted for soldiers who lost limbs on the battlefield, infused with magical technology that made them highly effective.
However, the design was rather clunky, which was disappointing.
I’ll update the design of the Golem’s Arm to something sleeker and more futuristic.
Just adding a hint of metallic smell could make it look much sharper.
This part could be presented as high-tech Golem’s Arms created by the dwarves using their clan’s craftsmanship, and saying it’s already popular in the world of the comic would be just right.
Besides, since the dwarves aren’t within the Empire, people won’t nitpick about historical accuracy, which is quite convenient.
“For such a protagonist brother, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for the heroine to learn how to manage Golem’s Arms in the story.”
Personally, I have fond memories of the original heroine.
What can I say? She never obstructs the protagonist’s adventures and stays in a supporting role, but her charm shines through, making her a great comedic relief throughout the work.
Moreover, it was because of her that the extraordinary scene appeared at the end of the story.
“That iconic line at the end can’t be left out.”
This work is going to be like MSG, enhancing the flavor of the narrative.
The previous works were undoubtedly fun and intriguing if judged by the standards of another world, but this one is on a different level.
It’s like when children go from eating bland baby food made of natural ingredients to their first taste of Jjapaghetti.
The outline for the first volume is already taking shape.
Of course, there will still be a lot of work needed to turn it into a completed version, but the framework is already set.
“Personally, while full color is appealing, comic books are ultimately meant to be in black and white.”
I plan to draw the entire work in black and white, excluding the cover.
Originally, the use of black and white comics isn’t solely for cost-saving or due to technological limitations.
People tend to engage their imagination and focus a bit more when reading black and white comics compared to full-color ones.
This is because black and white comics leave room for the reader’s imagination, rather than being fully realized by the author’s hand.
It’s no wonder that popular comics are still serialized in black and white.
“If I had an assistant, my work speed would really improve.”
There are countless ideas swirling in my head, but it’s too unfortunate that I only have one body to carry them out.
If only I could use a shadow clone technique, I could work on multiple projects at once; one for the outline, another for characters, and yet another for backgrounds—it would be a dream!
Usually, an assistant is an essential tool for a comic artist, but I haven’t been able to find anyone qualified to assist with my work yet.
To begin with, in a world where drawing skills are underdeveloped, finding someone talented is already tough, and finding someone trustworthy is even more challenging.
“Oh, speaking of that, I heard artisans have been complaining about overwork lately.”
I’m not alone in needing an assistant.
Due to the recent increase in workload, there was a shortage of manpower, and since we even established a goods factory, everyone was pulling extra shifts.
It’s quite uplifting to hear that the people of the territory have started using the Somerset Count’s mansion as a beacon, saying that the lights never go out there at night.
“A lighthouse in the territory? That’s a bit cool, isn’t it?”
In any case, if I don’t expand the workforce soon, the chances of the Empire’s law book being discovered in the workshop will surely increase again.
I thought about having Alain recruit some more people as I continued with my work.
*
“Hey! No matter how exclusive your guild’s goods are, does it make sense for children’s toys to cost this much?”
Bang!
At a branch of the Yuren Guild, shouts echoed once again today.
However, the guild employees had become so accustomed to such incidents that they simply listened with one ear and carried on with their duties.
“Dear customer, please calm down. Of course, the price of the items is somewhat on the expensive side…”
“Somewhat? How can a mere staff or a dress doll possibly cost several silvers?”
From the perspective of the employee dealing with the customer, it was understandable, yet they also wanted to say, “You should be glad.”
After all, merchandise aimed at nobles could easily demand prices in gold!
“First of all, this isn’t a toy; it’s sold under the name of ‘goods’.”
“Isn’t that just wordplay?”
“This is a product specially made for the Ice Kingdom comic, so naturally, the price has to be higher.”
“Even so, displaying items at this price right near places where children frequent is a blatant move!”
Of course, it was intentional. I remember the admiration I felt when I first heard about this devilish sales strategy.
The order to set up pop-up stands in alleys where children passed frequently was truly brilliant.
“Given that there’s not a proper place to promote the goods… since the customer seems to find the price burdensome, how about this?”
“What kind of nonsense is this…?”
“If you want to buy these goods one by one, it’ll cost a fortune.”
True, that’s what makes it unacceptable. It might not matter to wealthy nobles who are swimming in money, but for commoners, it’s a burdensome price!
Commoners would be at their wits’ end trying to afford this.
“However, for those who purchase the comic book, we’re offering this three-piece goods set at a whopping 50% discount.”
“What? 50%?!”
“Yes, of course, it’s still a somewhat heavy price, but for a beloved child, wouldn’t spending a little money to buy this be worth it?”
The man, who had come to argue, paused to think about the employee’s words.
Are they really giving a half-off discount?
Moreover, he already had the comic book at home, so there was no need to buy it again.
Isn’t this rational spending?
“…Is it really 50%?”
“Of course!”
Sure enough, by the time the customer who had come in angry left, he was happily carrying an armful of goods with a smile on his face.
It was just another peaceful day at the Yuren Guild.
*
“Why can’t you cook this, Uncle?”
“That’s because that book is all lies… no, exaggerations!”
I wanted to shout that the dwarf from that fairy tale was a fake, but I quickly changed my words, remembering how badly it went last time when I caused a child to cry.
Kroon felt frustrated. Seriously, was there really a fairy tale portrayal of a dwarf cooking for a human woman?
“Uncle, even if you’re a bit lacking, it’s okay because you helped Princess Snow White!”
Kroon was so taken aback by the child’s words that he couldn’t help but smile.
Back when I lost consciousness while being chased by a burrowing snake, I thought my end was near.
Luckily, this human girl—Sena—brought me to her home, treated me, and took care of me, allowing me to escape peril.
Initially, I was wary because she was human, but Sena helped Kroon with remarkable dedication.
Curious about why, I asked her, and what came out was a sight to behold.
“Dwarfs are the good guys who helped Princess Snow White!”
What on earth does that even mean? But she explained it was something from a popular book in the human realm.
I asked to see the book since it featured dwarfs, and when she showed it to me, it was a fascinating book I’d never seen before.
It was half writing and half illustrations, making it quite easy to read quickly.
“What the… a dwarf looks like that? No dwarf is that naive!”
The author of this book must have met dwarfs somewhere, as they drew them somewhat accurately, but come on—this book’s dwarf looks too simple-minded, doesn’t it?
A dwarf should be rugged and tough to be handsome!
But I was amazed too. The depiction of dwarfs building and living in underground homes was portrayed well; more than anything, they were depicted as kind!
That was truly intriguing.
As far as I knew, humans are just as wary of dwarfs, so I wondered if times had changed.
“Here, eat this!”
Lost in thought, Sena suddenly offered me a baked potato.
“What about you?”
“I’ve already eaten!”
Looking at Sena, who beamed while handing me a potato, Kroon realized she was lying.
Sena’s family was in no position to be generous.
If her parents had seen me, they would have been surprised and would have tried to kick me out, if not for Sena desperately stopping them.
Being a dwarf was enough of a problem, but they had neither the time nor resources to take care of a patient.
So, Sena always chose to give her share of food to Kroon.
There had been times when I felt burdened by such selfless kindness and asked her directly.
“Why are you being so nice to me?”
“Because the dwarfs helped Princess Snow White, and she became happy. I want Kroon to be happy too.”
Upon hearing those words, Kroon was left speechless and couldn’t respond at all.
But one thing was certain.
Dwarfs may never forget a grudge, but they also never forget a kindness.
Kroon vowed to repay Sena’s kindness once he fully recovered.
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