[4] Determination to Change the Era

Chapter 4: Determination to Change the Era

As the servant took the letter to the designated post, Durin stretched his muscles, as if trying to shake off all the fatigue accumulated over the past five days, then lazily reclined in the chair.

Meanwhile, Winry, having reviewed the script of "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!" again, couldn't resist asking, "Lord Edward, do you plan to promote this story to make money?"

"Well, that's the general idea."

"But why choose to adapt such a story? Although I'm not well-versed in novels, I know of the popular knight and adventure tales of this era. They typically involve heroes facing numerous challenges, gathering diverse companions, and ultimately defeating the Dark Lord, often winning the favor of a princess. Lord Edward, your story is intriguing, but it does feel rather unconventional..."

Upon hearing Winry's inquiry, Durin, who had been contemplating how to localize the script, chuckled and raised his head, saying, "Yes, it's indeed peculiar. Most people would likely share your sentiment when encountering such an unusual story. However, that's precisely our advantage, our unique selling point! While those tales of heroic battles against dragons are classic and have a steady audience, the reality is that many viewers have grown weary of such narratives."

"And the story we're adapting, 'KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!,' is a genuine departure from convention. It lacks the excitement of heroes battling monsters or the romantic encounters of rescuing princesses. Instead, our protagonists often lead miserable lives for various reasons. But don't you find that intriguing?"

Listening to Durin's explanation, Winry pondered for a moment before nodding. "Yes, the story is indeed intriguing."

"Exactly! As long as it's intriguing, it's sufficient. In this dull age, anything entertaining will capture people's attention and earn their affection. Whether conventional or unorthodox, only captivating stories can attract audiences and spread rapidly!"

As Winry nodded along, not fully understanding, Durin became increasingly excited, forgetting his previous fatigue and standing up.

He paced around and exclaimed, "The world today is just too dull! Despite the developed paper industry, the realm of literature remains stuck in its primitive stages. And while magic technology is highly advanced, only a select few possess magic abilities that remain inaccessible to the common folk! Though I may not have ambitions to change the era, I still want to change this status quo, or rather, I must find a way to change it!"

Faced with Durin's impassioned speech, Winry stood frozen in place, unsure of what to say. Likewise, Durin, now fully stirred up, couldn't allow himself to continue lazing around and promptly stood up.

The more Durin worked on the script these days, the more he could sense the lack of prosperity in the world's cultural industry. Despite the absence of external threats to the human kingdoms and the continuous economic growth fueled by advances in magic, everyone seemed to lead uneventful lives.

The nobles indulged in banquets, singing, dancing, and even rapping day and night. Meanwhile, the common folk had nothing to do besides work and gather at taverns for mundane conversations. There were no entertaining activities whatsoever.

Although there was some degree of papermaking technology and a novel industry in this world, the knight novels were mostly monotonous tales of heroes fighting dragons. Even an occasional BL novel was considered innovative.

As a modern person, Durin could tolerate the world's poor diet and worrisome hygiene, but he absolutely couldn't stand its boredom!

Despite having so many ideas from Earth in his head and possessing the ability to change everything, who would choose to do nothing and watch time pass by day after day?

With these thoughts in mind, after sorting out his emotions, Durin spoke up, "Winry, I recall there's a young man named Zat among the castle's squire knights, right? What is he doing now?"

Upon hearing Durin's question, Winry pondered for a moment before quietly responding, "You mean the squire knight who joined the Edward family alongside his father when he was young? It's surprising you remember him. If I'm not mistaken, he should be managing a village near the castle, and I've heard he's doing quite well. Not only is he able to collect taxes steadily, but the people also hold him in high regard."

"Is that so? Then, bring him here. I need to speak with him."

Durin knew the young man named Zat, who had often played with him and his younger brother as the son of a knight when Durin was young. Zat could be considered Durin's childhood playmate.

However, when Durin went to the Mage Tower and his brother, Al, joined the army, Zat remained with the Edward family and reportedly became an official squire knight. But at that time, Durin had no energy to pay attention to him.

Now, as Durin began to consider the lineup of the main characters in "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!," Zat's image involuntarily appeared in his mind.

Based on Durin's impression, the young man named Zat had been very clever since childhood and particularly adept at acting. Many times, Durin and Al were able to sneak out of the castle to play thanks to Zat's acting skills fooling the guards.

Although Durin didn't know Zat's current situation, after receiving some information from Winry, he believed that this young knight with good character could meet his requirements.

After a while, when Durin had made some localized modifications to the beginning of "KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!," the door to the living room was slowly opened.

"Lord Edward, Zat is here," Winry announced.

Upon hearing Winry's words, Durin, who had been contemplating the plot, immediately stood up and looked at the gray-haired youth in the distance, who seemed somewhat nervous and far less carefree than in childhood, and smiled, "Long time no see, Zat. You seem to be doing well now."

"Yes, my lord, all thanks to the former lord's promotion."

It was obvious that Zat was now unusually nervous. Understanding that Zat was unsure due to the difference in status, Durin smiled slightly and shook his head. "Never mind, it seems you're not in the mood for catching up. In that case, I'll be direct. Zat, how good is your acting?"

Surprised that his former friend, now a lord, would ask such a question, Zat quickly nodded as he recalled their childhood memories. "My lord, as you know, although I consider it a somewhat useless skill, my acting is indeed very good."

"Hehe, I don't think it's a useless skill at all."

Confirming Zat's situation and understanding that he had indeed become an excellent knight, Durin smiled and said, "Although I have much more to discuss with you, now is not the time for reminiscing. Frankly speaking, Zat, I need your acting skills. If you're willing to accept, I'll promote you to be one of my elite guards, with increased benefits. What do you say?"

Surprised by Durin's unexpected offer after such a long time apart, Zat immediately half-squatted down and said, "Of course, it would be my honor, Lord Durin."