Chapter 34: Obsessed fan

Chapter 34: Obsessed fan

(Anus Hades POV)

Reading the review about the demon film was full of praise from such a picky critic. I find myself curious about this so-called film "The Demonfather".

I haven't watched the film yet, and I don't know if Dianne was telling the truth or not, but it has certainly piqued my curiosity. After all, it's a film about my kind.

I just closed the newspaper when I saw a billboard in the distance that boldly displayed — "The Demonfather" showing on October 10, 1271.

The colorful billboard has the Bryan Brothers label on it, and the design of the picture evokes a powerful feeling within me.

It's a picture of an old vampire demon, wearing a black suit with a blood-red rose pinned to his lapel. He's dressed in a finely tailored, pinstriped suit with wide lapels, a crisp white shirt, and a black tie. He sits regally in a high-backed leather chair, exuding an air of authority.

Looking at the picture, it reminds me of Don Leviathan — his style is similar to that, but somehow, the old demon on the billboard picture conveys a sense of authority and power that somehow exceeds my view of Don Leviathan.

"Is this the film that infamous critic is raving about?" I mutter to myself as I glance at the closed newspaper in my hand.

October 10 is just around the corner. I quickly make my way to the local theater box office. I don't mind using some of my savings to secure a ticket for the October 10 showing. This is one film I simply must see for myself.

***

(Arthur POV)

My film is set to premiere nationwide in the Morningstar Kingdom in about a week, on October 3, 1271. In the few weeks since finalizing the agreement with the Lava Brothers, LB has been aggressively advertising the film through billboards, newspapers, and their own magazines.

My team and I, along with the cast, have been exceptionally busy. I've hired workers to plaster posters and distribute lobby cards in public spaces like bus stops and theater lobbies. We've also been making the rounds on radio channels partnered with Lava Brothers, discussing the film.

I suggested a publicity stunt to the Lava Brothers for additional marketing. Today, we've organized an unusual event where most attendees have already seen "The Demonfather." We're facing journalists invited by Lava Brothers, fielding questions about the film. At my insistence, we're also taking questions from the general public.

A dwarf approaches the microphone, his voice tinged with skepticism. "My friend told me that The Demonfather was a masterpiece. I've never watched the film, so I don't believe it. So, prince director, is my friend telling the truth?"

The term "prince director" elicits chuckles from the crowd.

"Boss, this is all the latest newspapers featuring The Demonfather topic."

Lost in thought, I heard my men entering, presenting me with a dozen newspapers.

"Good work," I said with a nod, leaning back in my chair, one hand resting on the armrest while the other gently stroked my chin. My gaze was steady, almost piercing as I regarded my subordinate.

This simple action revealed how deeply The Demonfather had influenced me. I'd begun to incorporate Michael's demeanor and facial expressions lately, and I'd noticed my men starting to respect me more for it.

I checked each newspaper, scanning for the latest topics about the film. It had become my perfect way to unwind from mob life, immersing myself in anything related to The Demonfather.

"Boss, I've been meaning to ask..." my subordinate hesitated, "Is there any important reason why you're so interested in The Demonfather? Are you planning something big, inspired by the film?"

Inwardly, I felt uncomfortable. There was no important reason at all for my obsession with The Demonfather. But, maintaining a composed posture and an indifferent face, I crafted an excuse:

"The Demonfather isn't just entertainment, it's a study in power dynamics and strategy. Every scene, every dialogue holds lessons we can apply to our operations. I'm analyzing it to stay ahead of our rivals and strengthen our position in Ferland. In our world, knowledge is power, and this film is a goldmine of insights."

I paused, fixing my subordinate with a stern look. "Never underestimate the value of learning from others' experiences, even if they're fictional. Now, is there anything else you need to report?"

My response seemed to satisfy him, and I could see a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. As he shook his head and left, I turned back to the newspapers, silently thankful that my quick thinking had turned a potential moment of weakness into an opportunity to reinforce my authority.

As I read through each newspaper, I noticed several were criticizing "The Demonfather". I chuckled inwardly — despite being a mob boss, I understood the real reason behind these negative reviews.

These newspapers had connections to major demon studios that failed to secure the license rights for "The Demonfather". Now, they were attempting to tarnish the film's image out of spite and competition.

Besides the Lava Brothers, who had acquired the rights, studios like Demon Pictures and Underground Films were using every resource at their disposal to downplay this masterpiece.

It wasn't just demon studios either. Human major studios that missed out on the rights were also leveraging their connections to paint a negative picture of the film in the press.

As I pondered this, a dangerous thought crossed my mind. Perhaps I could use my gang to... persuade these newspaper companies to reconsider their dishonest reviews. As a fan, it was infuriating to see a masterpiece unfairly maligned.

I caught myself, realizing the extent of my obsession. Was I really considering intimidating journalists over a film review? Part of me knew it was absurd, yet another part felt it would be justified.

I set the newspapers aside, deciding to focus on more pressing matters. But the thought lingered — in a world of power and influence, how far would I go to protect something I believed in, even if it was just a film?