Animation Producer in a Fantasy World

[Ragna Tersion’s new work, “Sky of Destiny”… Continuing the ‘box office myth’ like its predecessors.]

[What is “Sky of Destiny”, the animation that has made the Empire go wild following “Machine God Chronicles” and “Book of Life and Death”?]

[Recently released episode 5 of “Sky of Destiny” continues its success amidst overwhelming praise…]

[Animation magic? Riding on the popularity of “Sky of Destiny”, plays and musicals themed on mythical figures are also enjoying enormous success…]

[Professor Hermione’s critique: Discussing the success of “Sky of Destiny”.]

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(omitted)

…In that sense, Director Ragna’s new work, “Sky of Destiny”, can be said to be an incredibly surprising work.

Originally, mythology and history are disciplines with a strong character of being something rigid that doesn’t attract much interest unless you’re an undergraduate student or professor at the Academy.

This is not just a simple prejudice, but a fact in itself.

Because history is a discipline written based on facts, it inevitably didn’t consider ‘entertainment’ for its readers.

Isn’t that why plays and musicals themed on mythology or history have been thoroughly shunned by the public, except for a very few?

That’s why when Director Ragna, who had just finished “Book of Life and Death”, said he would produce a new work reinterpreting stories related to heroes from mythology, many people expressed concern.

But such predictions of those foolish ones all missed the mark.

Because Director Ragna’s new work, “Sky of Destiny”, is presenting us with a new kind of entertainment quite different from “Machine God Chronicles” and “Book of Life and Death” for the Empire’s citizens.

The ‘Full Moon Ritual’ that grants all wishes, held secretly by mages.

And seven heroes summoned from all eras, called to the present world by the ritual.

Heroes from legends who originally would never have known each other, let alone meet, come back to life in modern times and begin a fight to kill each other.

This background setting itself is drawing people’s attention, but Director Ragna has even added one more element that can attract viewers’ interest.

That is the point that the heroes’ ‘true names’ are hidden.

The heroes appearing in “Sky of Destiny” are basically in a state of hiding their true names.

Because if their true names are revealed, there’s a high probability that their ‘weaknesses’ appearing in history or mythology will also automatically be exposed.

And this element is greatly stimulating viewers’ interest.

For example, what on earth is the identity of the female knight summoned by the protagonist Yuri?

Who is the archer summoned by Sein, Yuri’s collaborator, to be showing such diverse abilities like freely handling both sword and bow?

Who are the three heroes who haven’t revealed themselves yet, and what abilities do they have?

With just one such question, viewers can spread countless wings of imagination.

Perhaps the hero who hasn’t appeared in the work yet might be that hero we’re imagining now.

Thanks to this work called “Sky of Destiny” created by Director Ragna’s amazing imagination, it’s said that plays and musicals themed on myths or legends are also enjoying success.

From here on is just my speculation, but could Director Ragna have produced this work called “Sky of Destiny” while predicting all of this situation?

In the past, Director Ragna had plays and musicals staged that subtly twisted the ending of “Book of Life and Death”.

Like he did then, didn’t Director Ragna have the purpose of reviving the overall stagnating culture of the Empire?

If my speculation is true, what Director Ragna is pursuing is not simply money, but-

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“Hmm, this is quite an interesting speculation.”

Reading the newspaper editorial, the Emperor makes a very interested expression.

“That the reason Ragna produced ‘Sky of Destiny’ was to revive the Empire’s culture, which was overall lagging compared to other countries?”

“To be honest, I don’t think the professor’s claim is entirely wrong.”

Kaya, sitting opposite the Emperor, answered in a serious tone to the Emperor’s words.

“If the Director didn’t have such a purpose, there would have been no reason to hold collaboration events with the theater and musical industries for ‘Book of Life and Death’. To be frank, the Director doesn’t need to hold such troublesome goods raffles just to earn some petty cash, does he?”

“Well, that’s true.”

Of course, the reason Ragna went through the trouble of holding goods raffles was none other than to earn ‘that petty cash’, but.

The Emperor and Kaya, who were noble from birth, couldn’t understand Ragna’s such common-folk mindset at all.

“As culture, including animation, flourishes like this, the benefits the Empire has gained in a year are truly enormous. Didn’t other countries even voluntarily kneel to the Empire to import the Director’s animations?”

“Hmm.”

Since that was also true, the Emperor unconsciously nodded his head.

In fact, the benefits the Empire gained indirectly due to Ragna’s animations were truly enormous.

First, as the Empire’s citizens who were illiterate frequently encountered the letters inserted in the animations, they unknowingly gained the effect of learning characters.

According to a recent survey at the imperial level, it’s said that the illiteracy rate has significantly lowered compared to a year ago.

Moreover, other countries, including the Rihart Kingdom, took a submissive attitude towards the Empire and even handed over various rights to import Ragna’s animations.

Especially the Rihart Kingdom side, didn’t they even use the bold move of ceding the kingdom’s territory to the Empire to include the Knight King in “Sky of Destiny”?

It’s no exaggeration to say that all countries on the continent are watching the Empire’s mood because of one animation made by Ragna.

And that, the Emperor just found surprising.

Because until now, he had never thought that culture, which he considered nothing more than entertainment, would have this kind of power.

“Ah, come to think of it, the Silgea Federation side asked to convey their thanks to that Ragna last time.”

“…Excuse me? The Federation side? For what?”

“Well, it’s nothing much… The Rihart Kingdom side decided to establish diplomatic relations with the Silgea Federation again this time. When I asked the reason, they said that new work made by that Ragna had a big influence.”

Saying that, the Emperor burst into laughter as if genuinely delighted.

“It’s really interesting. Not only has a single person raised the Empire’s status higher than ever before in history, he even brought peace to the entire continent.”

To be honest, even throughout the Empire’s history, there were very few people who had achieved such great merits.

If we only consider merits, isn’t it at a level that could easily surpass ordinary nobles?

“Hmm… Come to think of it, last time the envoys from other countries begged that if that Ragna naturalized to their country, they could give him a decent title.”

At this point, Ragna had become an irreplaceable figure beyond the level of exerting enormous influence on the entire Empire.

So if by any chance Ragna had accepted their offer, it’s clear that the Empire would have suffered tremendous damage as a result.

…Also, there would be major difficulties in watching new animations made by Ragna on time or collecting limited edition goods like now.

‘…That much is not allowed. Absolutely not.’

In the end, it means that for the future of the Empire and for the Emperor’s smooth hobby life, Ragna must be kept in the Empire by any means necessary.

“I’ve decided. What kind of reward to give Ragna.”

The Emperor smirked at Kaya, who was making an expectant expression as if it was her own business.

Don’t worry.

Probably, this won’t be a bad thing for you either, Kaya.

So, the minimum title that can have a relationship with a member of the imperial family is probably-

“So Kaya. What do you think about conferring the title of count to that Ragna?”

“…Conferring a title? To me?”

One day when I was cooped up in my room as usual, working hard on the production of “Sky of Destiny”, Kaya brought me such news.

“Yes. It’s not just at the level of consideration, but it’s virtually confirmed. His Majesty said he would soon call the Director to the imperial palace for the conferment ceremony.”

At Kaya’s words, Serika, who was next to me, made an expression as if she was about to jump for joy.

“Is that true? Congratulations, Ragna! I knew a day like this would come someday!”

“…Oh, yeah. Thanks for the congratulations.”

Actually, I wasn’t feeling any particular excitement while listening to Kaya’s words.

Because I wasn’t particularly interested in politics or things like becoming a lord and ruling a domain in the first place.

Well, anyway, since this world is a class-based society, it wasn’t such a bad thing to formally receive a noble title, but.

‘I would have been happier if they had given me a ton of money, or told me to stop making anime and retire.’

As I was grumbling inwardly like that, Kaya suddenly looked at me as if she had remembered something and opened her mouth.

“Oh, by the way, His Majesty said this. After conducting the Director’s title conferment ceremony, he said he would host a congratulatory party and ball at the imperial level.”

“…A party and ball, you say?”

That’s really something that sounds like a word that would drive socialites crazy just by hearing it.

But unfortunately, I was an asocial loner who preferred staying at home watching anime to mingling with people in places like clubs in my previous life, so I didn’t feel any particular excitement.

Still, well, since it’s being held to celebrate my title conferment ceremony, I should at least show my face.

While I was roughly thinking like that to myself.

“…..”

“…..”

“…Hm, what’s wrong? Both of you?”

For some unknown reason, Serika and Kaya were looking at me with some mysterious gaze.

“…Director, do you know this? Usually when that kind of party is held, the protagonist of the party must bring their partner.”

“A partner, you say?”

Well, I guess it would be funny if the so-called protagonist of the party eats alone sadly.

“So I’m asking… Who are you thinking of bringing as your partner, Director?”

“…Excuse me?”

As I blinked my eyes at that sudden question, Serika and Kaya thrust their faces towards me and opened their mouths as if competing.

“It’s obviously me, right? We’ve known each other for over 10 years, we’re more than friends. So what woman other than me is qualified to be your partner? Right?”

“Ha, Miss Serika. If you’ve shown your face for as long as 10 years, wouldn’t the Director be a bit tired of Miss Serika? Wouldn’t it be better for me, who has always assisted the Director for the past year, to step up for this occasion?”

“Excuse me? Tired? Are you done talking? Your Highness?”

“…..”

I’m not sure.

No matter which of the two I choose, I feel like I’m going to be screwed in the end, or is it just my imagination?

Seeing Ragna’s reaction, who instantly returned to the form of an animation director, Serika finally made a tearful face.

Ah geez… This isn’t it….