Finally, the triumphant ceremony for the loyal subjects concluded, and it was time for those gathered at the celebrations in the Imperial Palace to have a closing banquet and head back. Initially, there were to be no ceremonies or banquets due to the Crown Prince’s injuries, but circumstances changed rapidly.
The Crown Prince appeared wearing a new prosthetic golem arm created by Kroon. The surrounding nobles were utterly enthusiastic, marveling at the Crown Prince. The most unexpected reaction came from none other than the Emperor. There was an astonishing moment when the Emperor, said to have coldness flowing instead of blood, shed tears as he watched the Crown Prince move his right arm naturally.
In a way, it was only natural for the Emperor to host an unplanned triumph ceremony and banquet.
“Rupert Somerset, your merit is far from being small.” Among the many attendees at the closing banquet, the Emperor was the first to approach Rupert directly and speak to him. It was overwhelming to hear the Emperor, who had been cold during the selection of loyal subjects, now praising Rupert in a friendly tone.
As attention focused on Rupert due to the Emperor’s praise, Rupert barely managed to express his gratitude. Yet even that did not seem enough for the Emperor, who continued speaking.
“Do you have any desire to work for the royal family?” The Emperor’s sudden proposal left Rupert at a loss for words, resulting in an accidental breach of etiquette. Normally, failing to respond promptly to the Emperor’s question would be considered rude, but this time was an exception.
When the Emperor followed up with asking if Rupert would like to become the Crown Prince’s head attendant, countless thoughts ran through Rupert’s mind. The position of the Crown Prince’s head attendant was one envied by all non-heir nobles of the empire.
If the Crown Prince ascended to the Emperor, his head attendant would become the Count of the Court, the closest confidant—truly a fast track to success. Although not an heir noble, it was a coveted position where second sons of noble families could become new counts. If this were early in the otherworldly situation, Rupert would have accepted the offer without looking back.
However,
‘If I become the head attendant, what happens to our family?’ Even if his father could manage the family affairs for a time, only Rupert and Aida were left as heirs. In such a scenario, if Rupert disappeared, Aida would have to inherit the family.
Of course, even then, accepting the role of the Crown Prince’s head attendant was undoubtedly advantageous. Unlike a count of rural territory, the head servant of the royal family or the Count of the Court was closely linked with power, bringing in wealth, making them one of the richest people in the empire. Additionally, they could wield the power of the royal family.
The fact that the Emperor offered such a position to Rupert shows how grateful he was.
“Your Majesty, I’m overwhelmed that you would mention such a prestigious position to me. However, I believe I lack the ability to handle such a heavy role, so please withdraw your offer.”
Becoming the royal family’s head attendant would ensure a prosperous life in the remaining isekai world. The Crown Prince’s previously precarious position was now solidified due to this event, and he trusted Rupert. Yet, Rupert chose his family.
‘Until people give up on me, I can’t give up on them.’ He didn’t choose to become Rupert, but since assuming his role, he felt a sense of duty and commitment.
He had already gathered many people around him for his ambitions. Count Bradley, Aida, Kroon, Sena, Esteban, and many others were by his side, relying on each other. Wealth and power were good, but Rupert realized that what he currently had alongside him was invaluable—a realization that money and power couldn’t compare to.
The Emperor looked surprised, perhaps not expecting Rupert’s refusal. The Crown Prince wore an expression of regret, as if asking why he would refuse this opportunity.
However, Yustaf, standing next to the Crown Prince, had a slightly different expression.
After the closing banquet, Rupert finally returned to his territory and was greeted with an enthusiastic welcome from an upset Aida.
“Aida wants to go to the Golden Cave too!”
“It’s not ‘Golden Cave’, it’s ‘Imperial Palace’, Aida.” Aida, not fully understanding what the Imperial Palace was like, thought her brother had gone to a fun place without her. Showing her eager waiting for his return, Rupert found Aida adorable and tried to hug her.
“No! Aida is angry.” She quickly evaded Rupert’s arms, mounted Rach, and disappeared somewhere in the mansion.
(TN: ‘Hwanggul’= Golden Cave, and ‘Hwanggung’= Imperial Palace)
“Incredible, how can a dog be so fast?” Rupert marveled at Rach’s swift movements, especially given it carried a small child. He felt he should reward Rach for saving Aida from a dark wizard’s attack.
‘What do dogs like?’ Rupert briefly considered preparing a special treat like fresh beef or pork and then informed his father, Count Bradley, of his return before heading to the studio.
Though he wanted to rest right away, he had lost time due to unplanned travel to the capital.
To release volumes 7 and 8 simultaneously, he had to work diligently. Though he wouldn’t push himself excessively as before.
Sitting at the desk, Rupert took out the storyboard drafts and began drawing.
“I wanted to finish it in 7 volumes, but it’s not that easy.” Since the comic wasn’t a webtoon but a print series, Rupert found it hard to gauge the length. Initially, he thought ‘Iron-Blooded Alchemist’ would end in 7 volumes, but it calculated to require at least 10 volumes.
Given the current workflow, the conclusion wasn’t far off, so it was time to start thinking about a follow-up project as well.
‘I should avoid any elements people might misunderstand in the next work.’ Having faced crises from constant misunderstandings and coincidences during the current series, Rupert decided to choose an unfamiliar theme for his next project.
He thought of setting the story in the enigmatic Eastern Continent or creating a narrative about a non-human species with elves as protagonists.
The Eastern Continent was only partially known to merchants importing tea; the general populace barely knew it existed.
Elves weren’t commonly seen, so even if their stories were written, the truth couldn’t be verified. Plus, as a theme, elves had enough allure to capture public interest. Sleek, beautiful characters and their mystical nature seemed almost as if they were born for storytelling.
But a simple elves’ story felt lacking, and another promising idea flitted through Rupert’s mind.
‘Vampires!’ Popular in their western origins and eastern settings alike, tales of bloodsucking monsters have always been popular.
Vampire stories had appeared in films, comics, novels, TV dramas—every medium—and were consistently popular.
Rupert recalled works featuring vampires cut down with swords and those swept away by guns and swords.
‘Vampires exist in this world too.’ He thought a narrative about a secret organization battling vampires threatening the continent would be welcomed easily by people in this world.
Moreover, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings this time, he planned to make the protagonist human but set the background among non-human races like elves, making it more plausible.
With some sketches for the follow-up project completed to a degree of satisfaction, Rupert refocused on the drafts for volumes 7 and 8.
The plot had entered its final phase. The protagonist brothers were scattered, each working to thwart separate plans.
The older brother, Edward, was leading the northern army south, and Roy Mustang, watched over by the military, was preparing a reversal move.
The younger brother, Alphonse, awakened to the truth he realized previously at the Gate of Heaven and was in a climactic scene fighting artificial humans.
Especially against Luxuria of Lust and Invidia of Envy, Roy Mustang emerged as the hero of volume 7.
Revealing the identity of the protagonist’s father, Van Hohenheim, and the resulting intricate emotions of Edward formed the central plot of volume 8.
Until now, shocking scenes kept readers engaged; it was time for past narratives to click together like intricately designed gears, offering satisfaction.
“M’lord, you’re working as soon as you arrive. You’ll overexert yourself again at this rate.”
“I know, that’s why I’ll only have one energy potion a day from now on.” Alain handed Rupert an iced Americano, offering a worried remark, to which Rupert assured him he’d be careful.
In reality, though the pace had picked up, Rupert had fewer responsibilities, allowing more leisure than before.
‘Aida’s upset I left her here, I must make it up to her.’ He couldn’t shake the memories of Aida sulking because he visited the capital without her.
She’d likely be over it when she woke up, but since it had been a while since he made a fairy tale book for Aida, Rupert thought maybe he would create a new piece for her this time.
Knowing that many who awaited his works were children, he wanted to create something bright and uplifting as a gift.
‘An adventurous story would be nice.’ Having drawn many fairy tales featuring princesses, and wanting to move away from the lessons of his previously emotional [A Dog of Flanders], he planned for something cheerful this time.
Before long, a game he enjoyed before being transported to this world came to mind.
A Korean console game that reinterpreted classic fairy tales into a soul-like experience.
Certainly, it was a beautiful story that could inspire children’s adventurous spirits and innocence.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.