When you think about it, Azernar was a world without electricity and many other things.
If you were to ask where the history of broadcasting began, each person would likely give a different answer, but generally, they would probably think of ‘radio.’
With the ability to transmit and receive radio waves, people were able to listen to conversations in real-time, and thus they could play music, read stories, host talk shows, or even air dramas consisting only of voices.
However, in Azernar, that ‘radio’ was never invented.
Of course, considering that radio technology was completed in the early 20th century, one wouldn’t assume that there would forever be nothing like it in a world powered by steam engines. Even if electrical devices were never invented, if magic existed, and using that magic there were phones, then who knows what could happen if we applied that concept.
But a possibility is just a possibility. Anyway, in Azernar, news was still conveyed in writing. So the concept of ‘broadcasting’ as understood by modern people never even got close.
“So, is it like a circus clown?”
“…”
Hmm, well.
It’s not quite right to call them actors; they’re somewhat similar to clowns. But isn’t calling people who broadcast in modern times clowns a bit outdated?
Then again, Charlotte is someone who is indeed out of touch with the times. Although she’s in her mid-teens in Azernar, compared to the 21st century, she’s like someone from over a hundred years ago.
Moreover, being a member of the royal family, probably makes her even more conservative.
It’s even more astonishing that Claire or Alice, who’ve considered trying their hand at broadcasting, find it curious.
“So, what do you all do in this broadcasting thing?”
“Mostly we play games, have conversations, or show off some items.”
Or we might eat something.
Now that Mia is here, the chances of a mukbang have increased significantly. Of course, we will have to see just how much she can eat.
Often, people who eat a little bit frequently end up having trouble when they try to eat a lot all at once. We can’t make her sick after she’s come all this way, so we need to be careful.
“Can you make money just from that?”
“…”
That’s a good question.
I wonder if our broadcasts are entertaining? Honestly, I’m not sure. We never really established a serious comedic concept to make people laugh, so even if we look back at the broadcast, I can’t tell if it’s particularly funny.
But still, the view count has been steadily rising, and the number of viewers is consistently going up, so it seems like there’s some sort of charm to it.
…Or maybe they’re just coming in to see our pretty faces.
“It makes money.”
I nodded and said.
“You said playing games is like having fun? So you can earn money while having fun?”
The look in her eyes resembled that of someone who thought they were being scammed. I had no idea how to explain this.
“Instead of just doubting, how about checking it out for yourself?”
Claire, unable to bear watching this scene from the side, said that.
“It’s almost time to start the broadcast.”
“Okay.”
Charlotte exhaled and said,
“Really, I don’t understand this world at all, even after hearing explanations.”
That’s true. I, too, feel completely lost while trying to explain.
Life really is complicated, isn’t it?
“So, what do you think?”
“Pardon?”
Charlotte blinked at Alice’s words.
“Are you going to join us on the broadcast? Or would you rather watch from the side?”
“…”
Charlotte put her hand on her mouth, pondering for a moment,
“If I could really earn money with log broadcasting, do you think my joining would be helpful?”
“I believe it will definitely be a help.”
After all, the trio of cosplayers, who have a synchronization rate that could break the ceiling, are already a hot topic, and if two more are added, especially two of the heroines from that game series, that will stir up even more buzz.
To be honest, I found Charlotte’s reactions to this world highly entertaining. Just her giving those reactions periodically would surely help.
“Well, then I shall join as well. I can’t just live here for free.”
Charlotte puffed out her chest as she said this, looking quite adorable.
“Alright, then.”
I immediately prepared for the broadcast.
*
[More people?]
[It’s Charlotte!]
[OMG OMG OMG]
[Charlotte? Mia?]
“Somehow, the number of people I’m spending time with has increased.”
I shifted slightly to the side to show the person on screen.
Mia seemed mesmerized by her own image, perhaps not fully grasping that she was being reflected in the others’ eyes.
While it might have inverted left and right like in a mirror, she seemed to realize that seeing herself in the screen a bit delayed told her ‘this isn’t a mirror.’ Plus, people beside her were chatting away.
“So, that’s what they mean by ‘chatting.’”
Charlotte squinted as she spoke.
She obviously doesn’t understand Korean, so to her, it probably looks like some alien language.
“I’ll teach you how to read it slowly.”
“Thank you. I’ll try my best to be of help.”
[Is this too much of a concept? LOL]
[Did you really come from that world? LOL]
[But the quality is great!]
“What are they saying?”
Before starting the broadcast, Mia, who carefully heard a brief explanation about the chat, asked cautiously.
“They think we look like ourselves, and they like that.”
“Is it not obvious that we look like ourselves?”
When Mia tilted her head in confusion, the reaction from the chat exploded.
[Mia is the best!]
[OMG]
[OMG OMG]
[700]
Mia was… in many ways, a character with a bit of a niche following.
“What does this one say?”
“Mia is cute.”
Upon answering Charlotte’s question, her eyes narrowed. While she couldn’t read the chat, her expression stiffened as soon as she knew the content.
“Charlotte, the difference between you and Mia is almost negligible.”
“But there is appearance.”
[Legal?]
I banned the person who typed that in the chat.
… In any case, the resident register shows them as adults, so Mia would undoubtedly be referred to as an adult if such a document were discovered. However, I still know we’re in our mid-teens.
Even if it’s legally acceptable in this country, morally crossing the line openly is a big no-no.
“From now on, these two will also join us for the broadcast. However, since it might be hard for five of us to appear all at once in one broadcast, we might take turns… but nothing is set in stone yet, so I’ll make an announcement once we have definitive plans.”
[LOL]
[Okay, okay!]
I let out a small breath.
I was relieved that people accepted it naturally.
Of course, these two would be Korean too, so I had no clue how they’d react once they heard that story.
“Then… okay. Earlier, you asked why it seemed strange that we looked like ourselves, right? I’ll tell you that reason right away.”
I said this and picked up a game package that was next to the table.
We don’t dive straight into the game. If we do, we’ll run out of energy midway, so first we’ll warm up with a talk for about an hour before jumping into gameplay.
It was a method I had somewhat researched on the internet.
“This is… you.”
Seeing my image on the package, Charlotte’s eyes widened.
“And here I am, and Alice too.”
Claire pointed over Charlotte’s shoulder at the package. There they were, a little distant, but unmistakably drawn: Claire and Alice.
Not only them. Many main characters were illustrated on the cover. Of course, the one drawn biggest was Sylvia, which probably sparked some backlash.
“…I’m on there too.”
“That’s right.”
Upon hearing my response, Charlotte frowned slightly as if something was odd and looked up.
“But, is it really okay to say this openly in front of others?”
“Because I doubt anyone would take it seriously.”
“B-but you said there was no magic here?”
I nodded at Mia’s words.
[Concept is solid.]
[Seems more thorough than most VTubers.]
Well, of course, it’s their own lives.
If we were to pretend to be ordinary, it would be awkward in reverse.
“This is the game we often play during our broadcasts.”
“…We appear in it?”
“That’s right. There’s also romance.”
“….”
Charlotte stared at me intently.
“Yes?”
I glanced at Mia, who wore a clueless expression, then looked at Alice and Claire.
Both seemed to pick up on something from my words.
That’s right.
Alice and I were both trying our best to woo each other, and now there was another candidate in the mix.
Someone completely clueless.
Since the story is still about halfway through, a tough route might be possible, right?
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