EP.8
“Snow White” is one of the few fairy tale books whose content I remember accurately.
The prince on a white horse; it was a monumental work that first introduced what has now become an obvious cliché, so I couldn’t possibly forget it.
Since the previous work showed a tale of social climbing romance, I felt the need to step up the game with the next piece—hence my choice.
“Moreover, this world actually has dwarfs.”
If “Cinderella” featured fairytale elements like fairies, then dwarfs are representative in “Snow White.”
While dwarfs didn’t exist on Earth, there was a race that could play that role in this world.
Dwarfs, characterized as short and stubborn, are among the inevitable races in fantasy settings.
On the continent of Sylvania, the backdrop of “The Youngest Son of the Royal Family,” dwarfs indeed existed.
However, they lived in their own kingdom and didn’t mingle with humans, making encounters quite rare.
Even I, when asking those around me, only knew that they were small and had beards, but no one had ever seen one.
“At that level, it wouldn’t matter much if I drew them just like the ones from Disney animations.”
The images designed by a global corporation already catered perfectly to children’s tastes.
They’re illustrations you can trust. After all, who would complain, “My dwarf doesn’t look like this!”?
How could they dispute it, given they’ve never seen one?
“It’s not like my book is going to sell all the way to the dwarf kingdom in this vast empire, so everything is okay.”
While the dwarfs could potentially dispute if they saw it, how would they even go about doing so? They don’t interact with humans.
It’s perfect. A truly flawless plan.
*
“Again! My Snow White doesn’t look like this!”
Ah. There are indeed picky clients in this world as well.
I was sure I had drawn the perfect Snow White using my memories from my past life and Rupert’s exceptional artistic skills.
“I don’t like the colors!”
It seems Aida wasn’t satisfied with it.
Our discerning client began to nitpick as she looked at the illustrations I created.
Now that I thought about it, Aida’s tastes were indeed quite unique.
She possessed an unexpectedly high standard of aesthetic judgment compared to other children.
I remembered she had been sulking when I first drew Cinderella, showing her dissatisfaction.
“It seems like you’ve raised your standards since the Young Master often drew for you since childhood.”
Alain, watching Aida’s antics, began to comfort her with a pleased smile.
Rupert, just how much effort did you put into drawing for your sister?
But I couldn’t lose either.
Aida’s complaints couldn’t simply be dismissed as childish fuss.
Surprisingly, children’s perspectives can be remarkably cold and sharp, with clear likes and dislikes.
If I could satisfy Aida, whose standards had been raised by Rupert’s drawings, I was certain I could please the other children as well.
I had to satisfy the girl named Aida, who I referred to as Aida and who was my editor.
*
“Young Master, I’ve returned with everything you requested.”
There were several items needed to create the fairy tale book to satisfy Aida.
I had asked the Yuren Merchant Guild, with whom I had a sales contract for the fairy tale books, and they gladly obliged my request.
“Already this quickly? Thank you, Guild Master.”
“It’s nothing much. Please take a look.”
I had expected a subordinate to come, so I was surprised that the Guild Master himself brought the items, but first, I decided to check the goods.
“These are paints and dyes obtained from an art shop in the capital of the Empire. The quality is, of course, the best.”
The art supplies confidently presented by the Guild Master were indeed of excellent quality. I had considered the previous items to be somewhat high-end, but there was a noticeable difference here.
Since I had used up all the materials sent by Baron Sleepy, I had commissioned the Yuren Merchant Guild, with whom I had signed a contract, to procure new supplies, but I hadn’t expected products of this level to be available.
I was particularly pleased with the variety of colors in the paints.
“This is it! This was the color I was missing.”
Often, those who don’t know much about art might look at several types of the same color and say, “Aren’t they all the same?”
However, they were distinctly different colors. Women, in particular, are sensitive to these nuances and often perceive even slight differences sharply.
For example, just comparing the paints labeled ‘Pearl White’ and ‘Snow White’ shows this clearly.
At first glance, they may seem like the same white, but Pearl White has a slight shimmer, making it a suitable color for painting certain types of clothing, while Snow White is the most fitting color for depicting Snow White’s skin tone in the fairy tale book I was making.
“Aida also pointed out that it was about color.”
Snow White is named as such because she possesses skin as white as snow.
However, it would be difficult to perfectly realize this using the colors I previously had.
Aida had keenly pointed out that exact issue.
“Young Master, I also secured all the books you requested.”
“Thank you. The Yuren Merchant Guild is indeed reliable. I didn’t expect you to get them so quickly.”
“Not at all. We see great potential in your fairy tales. Please let us know if you need anything else.”
That gentleman is indeed quite the exaggerator. Of course, the fairy tales were immensely popular since they hadn’t existed in this world, but it was still just a form of entertainment for the noble young ladies.
*
Typically, well-established noble families strive to maintain their own strong relationships.
This is partly to keep an eye on the upstart nobles who suddenly rise to power through war or other merits.
“Shouldn’t we raise taxes this time?”
“Hmm… Then let’s go with a 5 percent increase.”
“That sounds good. Let’s increase it together.”
Just as it is easier to cover up wrongdoing when done collectively, they would share information to secure mutual benefits.
Thus, lords from the same province frequently interacted, and, as a result, there were social gatherings where young noble offspring often met.
At this time, the social gathering held by the Duke of Bluewell featured young ladies from various prestigious noble families.
“Thank you for the invitation.”
“Thank you for coming. I hope you have a delightful time.”
As expected from the Bluewell family, the noblest family in the Empire, all the young ladies attending were adorned in their most splendid dresses and accessories.
However, the brightest star of the social gathering was Amelia, the young lady of Bluewell, which pricked the vanity of the other young ladies.
Typically, it is customary for the host to dress modestly to let the guests shine, yet Amelia stood out more than anyone else in the gathering, despite wearing a rather unassuming outfit.
“Hmph, that insufferable girl. Riding the Duke’s prestige while charming the men,” thought Lady Karon as she looked at Amelia, who effortlessly drew attention even when standing still.
It was not because the prince of the neighboring territory she admired was infatuated with Amelia that she felt this way.
“If I have just this that I begged my father to prepare for today, I can surely knock that girl down a peg.”
The social gathering of noble young ladies was a venue where comparisons were often made.
One young lady arrived adorned with expensive jewelry, while another wore a dress meticulously crafted by a master artisan from the capital using Arachne silk.
It was an unspoken competition among the nobles, showcasing their wealth, discerning tastes, and ability to procure rare items.
“Has everyone heard about this ‘book’?”
Lady Karon, sensing the atmosphere warming up, confidently pulled out a book she had brought along.
“Oh? Is that book…?”
“What book are you talking about? ‘Cinderella’?”
As soon as the young lady revealed the book, a murmur spread through the gathering.
Half of the attendees were aware of its existence, while the other half was not, creating a mix of reactions.
But that was enough. Lady Karon was sure that once they saw the content and illustrations, they would be as astonished as she had been.
“I hear it’s a newly released fairy tale book, filled with incredibly beautiful illustrations and stories.”
The noble ladies who had gathered around her were captivated by the description, gazing at the book as if under a spell.
“The illustrations are truly gorgeous!”
“Is it really possible that such a princess-like story exists?”
“The prince just like the one from my dreams appears in it!”
Now, all eyes in the gathering were focused on Lady Karon, who had suddenly become the center of attention.
“I’ve won. I’ve definitely won!”
Just as the feeling of victory surged within her, Amelia Bluewell reignited the sparks of a battle she thought was over.
*
“How is it, Aida?”
I nervously awaited Aida’s reaction, much like a webtoon artist checking their work.
The story of Snow White, which I believed I had upgraded significantly with the new paints.
Could I actually satisfy Aida’s discerning tastes?
For a long moment, Aida simply stared intently at the manuscript I had handed her, offering no words.
“Is something still lacking?”
I felt disappointment swell up within me at her lack of response, which was not the reaction I had anticipated.
Surely, she should have been delighted enough to at least do a little dance, yet here she was, utterly unresponsive.
But then—
“Bang!”
Aida abruptly closed the manuscript of my Snow White and stood up.
“Brother!”
“Huh?”
“Aida is going to be Snow White from today onward!”
Aida’s declaration of becoming Snow White!
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