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“I will report on the anomalies in this quarter’s revenue.”

In the office of Marquis Demian, Vera, the guild leader of the Vera Merchant Guild, was directly reporting to the Marquis regarding the revenue.

The fact that the actual owner of the Vera Merchant Guild, one of the seven major guilds of the Empire, was Marquis Demian was a closely guarded secret.

Thus, today too, Vera came to report secretly, evading the eyes of others.

“The slight increase in revenue compared to the previous quarter is due to the Somerset Theater finally commencing operations, yielding profits.”

“A modest but upward trend, I see.”

“Yes, however, meaningful revenue has begun to surface. Contrary to our expectations, even after the initial buzz, we have been steadily maintaining revenue.”

Marquis Demian fell into thought while looking at the financial statements of the guild that Vera was diligently explaining.

He had viewed his decision to participate in the new industry of animation as an investment looking toward the future rather than immediate gains.

‘But to think profits are already being made.’

Profits were coming in from both the theater, which had only just opened, and the projector business, which had started sales targeting certain nobles.

Of course, the Marquis wasn’t monopolizing the profits; he was entitled to a certain share, so it couldn’t be considered a huge revenue.

Nevertheless, it was good news that, starting from what he had prepared to experience losses on for a while, clear signs of success were showing from the outset.

“I believe the number of guests who have already watched once and return for posters, special goods, or simply to watch again is noteworthy.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, there’s been a lot of talk among the Empire’s citizens about how many times they’ve seen ‘The Ice Kingdom,’ almost as if they’re boasting and competing.”

The theater business that the Marquis envisioned would take more audience and a variety of works to yield profits in the future.

However, with only one piece available now, he considered that although people might surge in initially, it would eventually dwindle.

Such assumptions of his were pleasantly proven wrong.

It was a joyful thing for him as an investor, but he still questioned if he had underestimated this new industry.

‘It should be called the cultural industry.’

Marquis Demian referred to this new sector initiated by Rupert Somerset as the cultural industry.

He instinctively sensed that this cultural industry was both highly attractive and a risky business.

‘The fact that the public is enthusiastic indicates its significant influence.’

Seeing the fervent reactions of people to the works created by Rupert, the Marquis instantly grasped its impact.

It was a matter of influence, not merely revenue.

Honestly, from the Marquis’s perspective, while revenue from books or goods was substantial, that was something that could be compensated elsewhere.

For example, when the last war with Sylvania broke out, the Northern Iron Guild, which was almost a monopoly on munitions, made an enormous profit.

Being a major guild of the Empire, Vera Guild could earn substantial income, just like the current Yuren Guild at any given time.

However, the story shifted when it came to influence.

‘The day the new Manapia is released will be like a festival in the streets.’

‘From those coming out to sell food to those reselling the books they’ve managed to get first.’

‘And the Somerset Goods Store? If you don’t line up early in the morning, you won’t even get a chance to see the items before they’re all gone.’

The items sold at Somerset and Yuren Guild that were not necessarily essential for living drove people wild nonetheless.

If they had been a bit more ruthless in their business approach, the profits could have skyrocketed compared to now.

‘What if they refused to sell books unless a certain amount of Yuren Guild items were purchased?’

Just by that short thought, countless ways to earn money emerged, and even without connecting it to money, there were numerous methods to leverage this influence.

“It’s about time to make some decisions.”

“Pardon? What do you mean?”

As the Marquis finally spoke after contemplating alone, Vera, bewildered, asked back.

“Honestly, I don’t particularly like sharing.”

“…Yes, Your Excellency Marquis.”

“However, since I see no way to outdo it on my own, there’s only one choice.”

From the beginning of the collaboration between Yuren Guild and the animation business, Marquis Demian had planned to one day steal their skills and know-how to dominate the cultural industry.

But, watching the roaring success of the animation theater and the ‘Card King’ card game, he decided to abandon that thought.

‘It’s like the merchandise and techniques seem to read people’s minds.’

He realized that no matter how hard he tried, catching up with the products and businesses that Somerset was producing would be challenging.

Although he prided himself on being excellent in his own way, surpassing Somerset and Yuren Guild, who were consistently creating products ahead of their time and selling them in unimaginable ways, seemed out of reach.

“I must establish a close cooperative relationship with Somerset and Yuren Guild.”

“Aren’t we already collaborating on the animation business?”

“I mean not just the animation, but I want to cooperate in their publishing and goods businesses as well.”

At the Marquis’s words, Vera’s expression turned to one of shock.

In fact, most of the crucial parts of the animation business were handled by Somerset Workshop, and what Vera Guild was doing was close to mere subcontracting.

Vera thought the Marquis, who secretly manipulated the imperial business world, would be displeased with the current situation.

But him saying that it wasn’t enough and that they should fully cooperate with Somerset’s businesses was essentially instructing Vera Guild to fall under the Yuren Guild.

“Your Excellency!!! No matter how the Yuren Guild has gained momentum recently, we, the Vera Guild, were once the best in the Empire!”

“Now you’re merely one of the seven major guilds.”

“Even so, the Vera Guild is a historic organization with heritage. Why must you ask us to submit to a competing guild?”

Vera couldn’t understand.

Even if they were slightly behind recently, there was no one who underestimated the Vera Guild, and above all, it was the Vera Guild that had significantly contributed to placing Marquis Demian among the seven great nobles of the Empire.

It felt like the Marquis was giving up much too easily.

“I am a merchant before I am a noble.”

To Vera’s accusations, which were usually never raised in the presence of the Marquis, he calmly replied.

Even though the Marquis moved behind the scenes because of his position and prestigious status as one of the seven nobles, he had never forgotten that the origin of the Demian family was that of merchants.

“There was a time when my late father acquired an exceptionally rare vintage wine.”

“Oh, I remember that. It was quite unpopular, and he treasured it dearly.”

“However, my father always said he would drink it on a good day but ended up saving it and never got to.”

“…”

“Now, the Vera Guild has stepped down from being the best guild of the Empire and is content among the seven major guilds.”

– I can’t help but think that the Vera Guild is just like that wine.

With the Marquis’s final words, Vera could only let out a silent groan and fell short of any further comment.

“Right now, Somerset and Yuren Guild are so stretched for manpower and capital due to their ongoing business ventures that they’re probably struggling.”

“Yes, their rapid growth has made even supplying manpower a challenge.”

“Then isn’t now the best time for Vera Guild to join at a premium rate?”

“However! We can’t be certain how long their growth will last; isn’t that a bit extreme?”

Vera understood the Marquis’s intentions, but still couldn’t shake the feeling that it was an excessive decision.

While it was true that the Yuren Guild was doing well, the volatility of what might happen next made them hesitant.

Investing in such a gamble submitting to the uncertain future of the Yuren Guild seemed exceedingly dangerous.

But,

“What if their growth continues?”

“Excuse me?”

“What do you think will happen if the royal power merges behind Somerset?”

“If that happens…”

“I’ve been hearing stories about Rupert Somerset and Your Highness the Princess getting closer.”

The Marquis wasn’t the kind of lunatic to stake his money on baseless gambles.

Recently, there had been a lot of talk about unions between Rupert and Ioleen.

Furthermore, it was already well known in social circles that the Emperor had a private meeting with Rupert.

“The Crown Prince, who is the next Emperor, is quite fond of Rupert Somerset.”

What did it mean to fall under the Yuren Guild and become a subcontractor?

It didn’t phase him at all.

The Marquis was someone who could easily sell such trivial pride without a second thought.

If securing a secondary position under the future-leaping Somerset and Yuren meant further growth, it would be the best trade for him as a merchant.

***

“There’s no helping it. It’s a temporary alliance this time.”

“I haven’t agreed yet!”

“Then are you planning to let Rupert be taken by Her Highness the Princess?”

“That’s…”

In the office of Assistant Professor Jenia at the academy, an unexpected guest had arrived.

“I guess you haven’t heard the rumors yet, but there’s talk that the Emperor is pushing for the Princess’s marriage.”

Amelia, with a stern expression, concluded her statement, causing Jenia’s face to harden as well.

“This is too cowardly! If the Emperor is behind it, it’s practically forced…”

“Therefore, we must stop it before it’s too late.”

Amelia shared the same sentiment as Jenia.

No doubt Rupert was her favorite, but Amelia had no intention of letting him be taken like that.

“But what can we do?”

Ultimately, accepting Amelia’s suggestion, Jenia decided to temporarily join forces, but no clear plan came to mind.

However,

“Don’t worry. I have something in mind.”

Amelia spoke confidently as if she had already prepared something.