SWNOVELXO Chapter 175
“Thank you for the invitation.”
“No, thank you for coming. It must not have been an easy decision.”
Rupert walked through the Sylvania Royal Palace, guided by Adrian who was welcoming him.
“Indeed, it’s a different kind of charm compared to the Empire.”
As Rupert gazed at the Royal Palace of Sylvania, it felt like a medieval landscape drawn straight from a picture.
While the grandeur of the Imperial Palace in the Borus Empire was unmatched, its mixed cultures reflected its vast territory, giving it a rather exotic feel.
The palace of the Kingdom of Sylvania was truly a typical royal palace one would see in a romance fantasy comic.
Just walking through it made Rupert feel as if he were stepping into a romantic fantasy.
“Adrian was originally a supporting male character too.”
In fact, Rupert felt a bit uneasy the first time he met Adrian.
In the original work, Adrian was in a competitive relationship with Edric and Amelia.
“I will have you, even if it means bringing down the Empire.”
Initially, Adrian approached Amelia to catch the Third Prince’s attention, but later darkened and caused chaos in the Empire to genuinely have her.
“Professor, thank you very much for taking on this lecture.”
“No, I’m just glad I can repay you for your help last time, even if just a little.”
After walking around the palace, Rupert and Adrian moved to a chamber to have tea and chat.
“Professor, could you give a lecture in Sylvania?”
After the graduation ceremony, Adrian came to Rupert to ask if he could give a lecture in his homeland, Sylvania.
“Since I got help last time, I can’t just ignore that.”
Having received help during the Sataniel incident from him and his escort knights, Rupert couldn’t refuse.
Of course, that was not the only reason.
“It would be fantastic if this opportunity could improve relations with the least friendly Sylvania.”
Since Rupert had promised the Emperor to break down cultural barriers, he thought visiting the Kingdom of Sylvania might not be a bad idea.
“Professor, or rather Mr. Rupert, I still can’t forget the excitement I felt when the animation was shown at the Academy for the first time.”
“I feel the same way.”
“I want to show that to the people of our kingdom as well.”
Rupert felt that Adrian’s words were sincere.
At first, he thought there might be some hidden motives, but he soon saw that Adrian had become more passionate about comics than anyone else.
“I know what you are trying to do, Professor.”
Adrian had said that to Rupert whenever he visited.
“If that’s the case, the Empire won’t remain isolated as it is now.”
Having noticed the Yuren Merchant Association’s recent efforts to go overseas, he quickly figured out the Emperor’s and Rupert’s plans.
“But I will ensure that our Kingdom of Sylvania is not lacking in culture.”
Then Adrian’s next words shocked Rupert profoundly.
– “That’s why I want to create a world where the superiority of nations is not determined by swords and spears.”
The light in Adrian’s eyes as he said those words was no longer filled with ill intent, but radiant.
***
“People have gathered in huge numbers.”
“Can you blame them? The most famous figure from the Empire just showed up.”
“Hmph! He’s just some Empire guy.”
In the capital of Sylvania, Silberion, there was a specially set-up stage in the plaza.
<"Author Rupert's Signing Event and Lecture">
This stage was prepared for the lecture of Rupert, the author of the fairy tale books and comic books that were gaining immense popularity in Sylvania.
“They say it’s rare to get a signature from Author Rupert even in the Empire!”
“So I hurriedly bought all of his books. It was quite the ordeal.”
“But why have they prepared so much for such a lecture?”
The people of the Kingdom of Sylvania, who had spread Rupert’s works far and wide just like in the Empire, gathered like clouds to make sure they didn’t miss this opportunity.
Even ordinary books, the moment they bore Rupert’s signature, skyrocketed in price, leading to several people being unable to get their hands on the books because they sold out too quickly due to the demand.
Of course, that wasn’t the only reason; many simply wanted to see the author of the books they loved.
“Can you believe an Empire person is receiving such a warm welcome?”
As someone uttered that line, those around nodded, almost unconsciously.
In Sylvania, where people usually spit out harsh words about the Empire—be they commoners or nobles—it was a miracle that so many were gathering just to see a figure from the Empire.
However, it was also true that not everyone present shared good intentions.
“The kingdom has gone mad! Inviting an Empire guy to give a lecture?!”
“They say the Third Prince personally invited him. Has he been corrupted by their ways?”
“I’d rather go to prison than go there and cause a scene!”
Some were gathering to disrupt Rupert’s lecture and humiliate him.
Because of this, the kingdom had specially assigned guards to protect Rupert, and even summoned priests in case of unexpected situations.
As countless citizens of the kingdom gathered with varying motives while awaiting Rupert’s arrival, he finally appeared on the stage set up in the plaza.
***
“Hello! I am Rupert Somerset, the author of fairy tales and comics.”
Rupert climbed onto the stage, greeted the audience, and observed their reactions.
Some had pleasant expressions but were too shy to cheer, while others were glaring at him as if openly expressing their dissatisfaction.
‘What a nostalgic feeling!’
Rupert couldn’t help but remember the silence during his own greeting as he saw the audience’s reaction.
Now, he was welcomed no matter where he went in the Empire, but at that time, many had envied him for acquiring wealth and fame at such a young age.
In fact, he viewed this situation positively.
‘I will need to reach out through lectures in other countries going forward.’
The faces of Amelia, Ioleen, and Jenia passed through Rupert’s mind.
Anyone could tell they were all beautiful and kind women.
He couldn’t keep them waiting, nor could he let them down by not keeping his promises.
At first, he had been taken aback, but once he understood their sincerity and saw their efforts for him, he knew he had to do his utmost to repay their feelings.
“I’ve come to the Kingdom of Sylvania for the first time, and I felt it is a very beautiful place that carries its old traditions.”
At his words, the audience nodded.
Sylvania’s people, who took immense pride in their country, couldn’t help but feel good about the compliments coming from someone from the Empire.
“And remembering that this beautiful Sylvania suffered due to past wars makes my heart heavy.”
However, the next words from Rupert caused murmurs to ripple through the crowd.
The war he mentioned was a recent event, the one that occurred less than ten years ago when the Empire invaded Sylvania.
“Is that Empire guy apologizing?”
“Is this even real? How can he so brazenly bring that up?”
People were unsure whether to be angry at Rupert’s words or cheer him on, while Rupert continued speaking, unaffected by their reactions.
“I do not wish for any country to invade another.”
“I wish for just one thing.”
– “I want the continent of Sylvania to become a beautiful continent.”
“A beautiful continent?”
As the mention of the continent slipped from Rupert’s lips, curiosity began to stir among the crowd.
“My comics and fairy tales are all made to create a better world.”
At Rupert’s words, people nodded in agreement.
Certainly, all of Rupert’s works emphasized moral lessons, and the fairy tales he created contained messages addressing the society’s darker aspects.
“Culture has the power to enrich people’s hearts and foster love for one another!”
At that moment, a white cloth at the back began to display an animation.
“What the heck is that?! The pictures are moving!!”
“Is that the animation I’ve only heard about?”
“How can something like that even exist?!”
The animation projected onto the cloth was a compilation of highlight scenes from the animations Rupert had created so far.
The dazzling visuals left the people gathered in the plaza dumbfounded.
“Do you realize that Sylvania is already a beautiful nation?”
And as Rupert continued, questions arose from the crowd.
“Isn’t that a product of the Empire?”
“Exactly, did he just say the Empire is a beautiful country?”
As the crowd murmured, Rupert quickly continued.
“The Third Prince of Sylvania, Adrian, who is currently studying abroad in the Empire, personally created this animation to present it to the imperial citizens.”
“What?! Our Prince made that?!”
Although parts of Rupert’s statement were omitted, the citizens of the kingdom couldn’t hide their astonishment at hearing that their prince was responsible for such an invention.
They were filled with surprise and admiration that someone capable of creating such innovations was their prince.
“There are already many people in the Empire who are captivated by the works made by Prince Adrian and are praising Sylvania’s culture!”
“Just as I thought! Our Sylvania is not lacking in culture!”
Watching from the back, Adrian felt his face flush red and couldn’t lift his head.
‘Didn’t he exaggerate way too much and skip over quite a bit!’
However, there were too many people cheering for the exaggerated and omitted details to dare to intervene.
“Culture knows no borders! With the prince who created this beautiful work, Sylvania will one day make its name known across the continent with its wonderful culture, and I wish to showcase my works as nourishment for that time!”
“Wowww!!!”
Even wrapped in rhetoric, ultimately, Rupert’s words of wanting to continue selling his works in Sylvania were met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
‘Looks like national pride works in another world too.’
Rupert responded to the people’s cheers by waving his hand.