Chapter 46
Chapter 46
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: 12. Second Anime Plan (2)
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It was the late '90s edging into the early 2000s.
A fact that today's MZ otaku generation might not fully grasp, but back then, the otaku scene—on the verge of being crushed under the weight of Korean Wave fever—was mumbling about how "those were the days."
Unlike today, where people lament "there's nothing good to watch," it was the golden age of anime, overflowing with new shows every single day.
Back then, it was like the Warring States period, with legions of fans rampaging for their favorite series.
It was also a brutal survival-of-the-fittest era where they'd snarl that my anime was the pinnacle of the world, while yours was just trash for losers—and they never stopped tearing into each other.
But now, over twenty years later...
Those anime that once boasted massive followings are all but forgotten, surviving only in Namuwiki articles that barely anyone reads anymore.
Yet even so, a few have clung to life beyond mere survival.
One colossal IP still commands an enormous fanbase to this day.
It started out as an 18+ visual novel, sure.
But now, it's evolved with the times, shedding even the memory of those "roots" to thrive perfectly as a cute girl gacha otaku game.
The Emperor wants an anime based on the Knight King legend.
My mentor wants one with a mage as the protagonist.
So, wouldn't that work be the perfect answer to satisfy both?
This could work. No, this is great.
After running the numbers in my head, I couldn't help thinking that basing our next project on it wouldn't be half bad.
On 21st-century Earth, it racked up massive popularity over more than twenty years.
Hell, back in middle and high school, about half my chuunibyou phase was dedicated to it.
I mean, how do you resist that "hero of justice" high?
During those impressionable years, getting hyped over a guy who unhesitatingly sacrifices one family to save a hundred—ain't that innocent enough?
Whenever my teacher asked who I admired, I'd mutter quietly:
"Emiya Kiritsugu."
"Who’s that, dear? Some historical figure?"
Ahh—they don't know.
This world's full of half-baked humans everywhere.
"A man who... once chased justice..."
"Ah... I see..."
She probably couldn't wrap her head around it.
Justice? In this day and age?
I still vividly remember her looking at me like I was some angsty teen.
And sometimes, when I recall that moment, I think:
If she'd known what kind of life Kiritsugu lived...
She surely would've teared up and agreed with me right then.
Anyway, since it was a series I was obsessed with back then, basing an anime on it would practically guarantee success.
But then.
"The Knight King... as a woman?"
Kaya's voice trembled as she spoke to me.
Her face was like she'd spotted some creature that shouldn't exist in this world.
"..."
"..."
Serika and my mentor wore similar expressions, just with different flavors.
"D-Director, even so... no, putting tastes aside, that feels a bit dangerous."
"Huh? Why?"
"Well, making the Knight King female isn't inherently bad. It's fresh in some ways. But—"
Kaya let out a quiet sigh.
"Did you forget? The Knight King isn't some ambiguous figure from legends or fairy tales. He's the founder of this empire. A real historical person documented in the history books. So, changing her—no, his—gender would mean—"
"...Insulting the imperial family, descendants of the Knight King, and by extension, the Emperor himself."
Right.
Unfortunately, I'd momentarily forgotten that this was a fantasy world where rigid class systems were alive and kicking.
Even if the Emperor said he wouldn't meddle in production, this was on another level.
It could look like a direct challenge to imperial authority.
Of course, as a enlightened democratic citizen, I could understand it... but empathize? Not quite.
Brits were thrilled even when we made the Knight King a guy in Japan.
They didn't see it as an insult—they loved how cool it was!
If even the British—the root of all global issues—could get it, why can't these fantasy backwater folks?
Heck, right next door in Japan, a story about a middle-aged guy isekai'd as a little girl soldier was a massive hit!
As I frowned at this unexpected roadblock, Serika—who'd been sitting quietly beside me—spoke up cautiously.
"Um... Raguna. Come to think of it, Father mentioned a few topics he'd like you to turn into anime."
"...The Duke too?"
No, it's not like he's asking for a bloodbath of favors. Why are so many people bugging me to make anime?
"What did he want?"
"Well... something about gathering seven orbs that grant wishes? And a half-demon protagonist collecting pieces of an orb that amplifies demon power—something like that."
"...What?"
I doubted my ears for a second.
Orbs? Wish-granting orbs?
And shattered demon-power orb pieces? What the hell?
"And... what else? Oh, a protagonist joining some group to save his demon-turned little sister, or two prideful geniuses hunting each other down in a battle of wits. He said the protagonist's name was Lua Nox or something."
"..."
Lua Nox? Isn't that the genius who could've changed Korea's fate if born in the Enlightenment era?
I stayed silent at Serika's words, and she looked at me anxiously.
"S-See? Even you think it's kinda iffy, right? Ahaha, sorry Father, but pretend I didn't say that..."
"...No, it's fine. The Duke's ideas aren't bad at all."
"Huh? Really?"
"Yeah. Worth seriously considering turning one into an anime."
Truth be told, the Duke's ideas went way beyond "not bad."
If he'd been born on Earth, he'd probably be serializing a blockbuster to rival One Piece by now.
That guy isn't secretly from Earth like me... is he?
Anyway, now's not the time to ponder the Duke's mysterious origins.
What matters is there are parts of his ideas ripe for... inspiration.
Especially that last one Serika mentioned.
Two prideful geniuses clashing. A battle of wits.
The moment I heard it, one perfect source material sprang to mind.
A work from the early 2000s that, in some ways, outshone even "the original web novel king" in popularity.
Adapted into anime, movies, live-action, even musicals—and still legendary today.
Not just suffocating genius mind games, but elevated by deep philosophy like "Is killing evil true justice?"
Time to choose.
Knight King legend anime, or genius brain battle anime?
I pondered long between "Knight King" and "Lua Nox," then made my call.
"Better to use one of the Duke's ideas for the next project. We'll do the Knight King legend after."
"What?!"
"Really?!"
Serika and Kaya stared at me in disbelief.
"Why? Sure, there were risks, but a mage and Knight King-themed anime sounded fun..."
"That's exactly why."
"...Huh?"
"A Knight King who's not a blonde beauty? No motivation for that."
"..."
...Goodbye, Saber.
Sorry I couldn't protect you.
With that, I bid farewell to the girl forever alive in my heart.
Vowing that if I couldn't make her female, at least her sword would fire beams.