Chapter 96: Horn Kingdom welcomes the Hellfire

Chapter 96: Horn Kingdom welcomes the Hellfire

(Arthur POV)

In the studio meeting room, I could see the worry etched on my employees' faces. Moving kingdoms wasn't sitting well with them.

Klein, one of my key crew members, spoke up first. "Boss, do we really need to move? Aren't we doing fine here?"

Others chimed in, their concerns tumbling out:

"We're thriving here, aren't we?"

"What about the VFX Studio? We just leaving it behind?"

"I've got family here, boss."

I let them air it all out before sighing. "Look, moving out's the best play for our company long-term. Our future films won't get gouged by local taxes."

Then I dropped the magic words: "It means better pay for all of you."

Their eyes lit up like Christmas trees.

"Without that hefty local tax, I can pad your paychecks," I said, smiling.

Suddenly, the move didn't seem so bad to them.

"As for the VFX studio, we're selling it to Lava Brothers for four million," I added.

That got them going again. "Sell it? Why?"

"Can't we still use it for filming?"

I held up a hand. "Sure, we could use it. But if we film here, we're back to 'local production' and 'local taxation'. Kind of defeats the purpose of moving, doesn't it?"

Explaining all this was draining, especially after wading through the move-out paperwork.

The move to Horn Kingdom was set for my employees and actors. Fortunately, Horn seemed eager to welcome us with open arms.

At Hellfire Agency, my actors peppered me with questions about the relocation:

"Are we leaving the kingdom too?"

"What's our future in Horn Kingdom?"

Even Imkrag chimed in, "Boss, can I bring my family to Horn Kingdom?"

"Mr. Morningstar! Is it true you relocated due to unfair taxation on your films?"

"Mr. Morningstar, sources say you're releasing your third film here in Horn Kingdom. Can you confirm?"

"Arthur, why Horn Kingdom? Why not Thorn? Is it because your family would've stopped you if you chose that demon kingdom?"

Arthur chuckled wryly, "One at a time, gentlemen." He kept walking as his employees formed a protective barrier against the eager reporters. "I'll answer your questions, but let's keep it orderly."

The reporters reined in their enthusiasm, and one asked if unfair taxation drove him out.

"Yes, indeed," Arthur nodded, not bothering to deny it. His tone was light, almost joking. "I might as well have been the tax department's favorite punching bag. They never missed a chance to take a bigger slice of my films' earnings."

His playful delivery left the reporters unsure if he was serious or not.

One reporter pressed, "But isn't it logical for higher-earning films to be taxed more?"

Arthur breezed past him. "Next question."

More questions poured out, and Arthur fielded them deftly. He expressed his optimism for his future in Horn Kingdom and answered a few more before airport security finally separated him from the press.

Jerry Yan approached, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry about that, Mr. Morningstar."

"No worries, Mr. Yan," Arthur smiled, straightening his suit. "I was expecting something like this."

Jerry nodded and led Arthur and his team into the city.

Later, Arthur met with Horn Kingdom officials who couldn't stop praising "The Demonfather" and "Lord of the Rings." He noticed how these politicians seemed more laid-back than those in Morningstar, eager to rub elbows with someone of his accomplishments.

Later that day, Arthur inspected his new Hellfire Studio - a decent, if modest, building in Horn City.

Richard Yu had snagged the building from the bankrupt "Legendary Dragon" studio, its sign still hanging as a ghostly reminder of past glory. Arthur recalled Legendary Dragon's heyday as the premier martial arts filmmaker. But times changed, the genre grew crowded, and foreign films of all stripes gained traction. Legendary Dragon couldn't keep up.

As Arthur and his crew stepped into their new Hellfire Studio, the contrast with their former headquarters in Ferland City's cheap district was stark. This place was a definite upgrade.

The building gleamed with newness, all sleek lines and polished surfaces. It practically screamed 'high-end studio.' Some crew members, still wide-eyed, wandered off to explore.

"Hey, check out the restrooms!" someone called out. "They're actually clean!"

In another section, they discovered hot tubs, separate ones for men and women. This unexpected amenity seemed to lift the mood considerably.

"Maybe this Horn Kingdom isn't so bad after all," muttered a demon, eyeing the hot tub appreciatively.

The initial unease about relocating to this unfamiliar place, ruled by a foreign kingdom no less, began to dissipate. Grins replaced frowns, and excited chatter filled the air.