How to Live as a Martial Arts Writer in a Fantasy World

12 – 12. Art is Not a Tool (2)

12.

James tried to say something, but his voice was completely drowned out by the deluge of applause. Professor Quiros too gave a satisfied smile.

“That’s a befitting viewpoint of the author of the Shulen Chronicles. I’ve listened well.”

“Thank you for indulging my sophistry.”

“No, that was brilliant.”

Professor Quiros added,

“The statement that art is never bounded to anyone from the beginning, and it’s not born initially as a tool. I was deeply impressed. Keep it in mind.”

“Well, there’s no need to…”

“Allan Edgar von Muller, you’re not incorrect in your assertions. Art is simply freedom. Freedom is conviction and, simultaneously, akin to the wind. It cannot be measured by any standard, nor utilized as a tool.”

A white line was drawn across the blackboard.

Professor Quiros continued,

“Of course, as you say, the dual nature of art holds true. Be it a novelist, a painter, or a sculptor. Art is a poor profession. If you don’t wish to starve, you have no choice but to compromise your beliefs.”

A bitter tone rang clear.

Professor Quiros surveyed his academy students,

“While art could serve as a platform to showcase education or knowledge, it could never be a tool. In the end, good judgment to identify fine art, knowledge, and education are all necessitated. The most complex study in the world, is that of art.”

“Values unseen, and values that are visible. Both aspects are encompassed.”

Professor Quiros nodded to Allan’s words.

“Indeed, that is accurate. Furthermore, the worth of art is always subject to change.”

The value of art undergoes constant transition.

With passing time, fresh concepts become integrated into art, sometimes segregating or vanishing. Paradigms, once forerunners, occasionally reclassify into sub-genres.

Art is a wave weathering countless storms.

In creations, no absolute, or intrinsic values can exist. This is due to the shifting perspectives of individuals over time.

“The worth of art varies greatly depending on the difference in perspectives between the creator and the viewer. This very discrepancy leads to a difference in art prices through the ages.”

Professor Quiros glanced at Allan.

“Allan Muller, your opinion indeed hits the mark. The fundamental question under debate here is, ‘Is art a tool to flaunt one’s education or knowledge?’.”

“Oh, I see.”

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Professor Quiros added,

“If the topic was different, your opinion might well have been discarded as nonsense. Although I did find it fascinating.”

“Quite the sting you possess.”

“Know that sometimes accepting such criticism is the way to become an accomplished author.”

“Thanks for the advice.”

Professor Quiros grinned slightly at Allan’s response,

His gaze shifted back to the students,

“Anyone who wishes to dispute Allan Edgar von Muller’s opinion, step forward. Let’s hear your opinion.”

It wasn’t that Allen didn’t understand what Professor Quiros meant.

“Damn, I have to continue this…!”

This continual debate.

Once Allen had beaten James, it meant the next challenger should step forward.

Seeing hands raised from all corners, he felt his vision darken.

“Damn it!!”

***

In conclusion, Allen had to debate until the end of the class.

Meia, receiving Allen’s school jacket, said.

“You’re quite the eloquent speaker, more than I thought, sir.”

“I’m dying of thirst.”

As Allen grumbled, Meia gave him water from the bottle she had been holding.

After downing roughly three cups quickly, Allen sighed heavily.

Across from him, Felicia grinned.

“I never thought an eloquent speaker would come from the Muller family. You’re good, Allen?”

“He presents arguments befitting of a Sword King’s prodigy.”

Responding to Felicia was Lynn.

Carrying herself with the same elegance as when he first met her, the Princess of Kunlun picked up her teacup.

It’s a short visit to a cafe inside the academy grounds after class. Allen couldn’t escape, as he was caught by the two princesses right after class ended.

“So when is the next volume coming out, Allen?”

“Are you asking that question too, Your Highness….”

“It’s not only me. Isn’t it, Lynn?”

“I look forward to it too.”

Lynn smiled quietly.

Allen felt pressured by her laughter.

Felicia said.

“It’s not fair to finish the first volume like that and then tell us not to expect the next one.”

“Felicia is correct. It stopped right when Shuren left in search of the enemy who destroyed his clan.”

“The scene leaving the hideout was right after Shuren individually practiced the clan’s strongest swordsmanship, growing his loneliness and thirst for revenge, right? It’s natural to wonder what comes next.”

So ask for the next volume without any shame – that’s what Felicia added.

“So, what kind of force is the final boss?”

“I’m not commenting.”

“Is the target of revenge the same?”

Alan closed his mouth.

Having said it from the start would’ve taken half the fun away. While Alan himself enjoyed the story even when spoiled, normal people would feel upset and wouldn’t want to watch the rest when spoiled.

Of course, he had to keep his mouth shut.

Lynn asked,

“So, is the next volume going well?”

“I’m working hard on it, but I can’t tell you what it’s about.”

“I see.”

Luckily, Lynn didn’t probe any deeper about the plot.

“The concept of a ‘clan’ in ‘The Shurengi Chronicles’ resembles a school of thought from my hometown. There are many similarities. Did you know?”

“My mother is of a Kunlun bloodline.”

Alan gave a vague response.

He merely converted martial arts stories into a fantasy genre. Who would’ve thought there would be a correlation with the characteristics of the region known as the Kunlun?

He hadn’t ever imagined becoming the protagonist of a plot he’d only read about in another author’s work.

Felicia chimed in.

“The story of Lady Muller, the Duchess being of a Kunlun bloodline is quite famous, Lynn.”

“Is that so? I hadn’t heard much about the affairs of the Western Continent.”

Lynn, sipping her tea, gave a small smile.

“But it’s enjoyable to have friends to discuss stories with.”

“Did you hear? The first volume was recently republished, but there weren’t enough copies in bookstores that people were scrambling for them.”

“Oh, you mean that. That’s quite surprising. Who knows how far the rumor has spread.”

‘Why do you discuss this in front of the author, your Highnesses?’

Alan sighed inwardly.

He had to quickly write the next volume, otherwise he could only imagine how much more pressure the princesses in front of him would apply. Just the thought made him feel dizzy.

***

“I’m really dying out here. What in the world do these princesses want from me?”

“I have no idea. If you don’t write the next volume soon, who knows what might happen to you.”

“Darn. I never expected Ms. Meia to pressure me about the serialization as well.”

Allen was sprawled halfway on the couch in his room, grumbling.

“Well, I have it because I bought it with my salary…”

“Huh? Why would you waste your money… Just ask me for it.”

“It’s an honor just to be able to read your rough drafts.”

Allen often asked for advice on swordsmanship from Meia, who was usually by his side.

He would ask whether certain moves were actually feasible, and when Meia showed him through demonstration, he would write it down in exacting detail in his novel.

‘Watching her translate my words into action, Meia’s definitely more than ordinarily talented.’

White hair supposedly symbolized a child of disaster, but to Allen, white hair was just a beautiful color.

Dark hues mixed within the azure irises of her white-haired eyes.

The white-haired maid, who was of the same age as Allen, was the only person in the academy who Allen felt completely at ease talking to.

“…It seems that the exchange students from Kun-Lung aren’t too happy with you.”

“Hmm? Why?”

“It seems because you’re often seen with the princess of Kun-Lung.”

Allen frowned.

“It’s not that I want to hang out with her. Every time Princess Felicia beckons, I happen to be there; what can I do?”

“Such details might not be very important to the exchange students of Kun-Lung.”

“…I suppose.”

Allen sighed and shook his head helplessly.

‘Next up is that damned Professor McMillan.’

Shuren’s keyword was revenge, and a journey.

Professor McMillan is the first enemy Shuren encounters on his journey of vengeance. He is a character designed to evoke the only strands of goodness left in Shuren’s heart.

The local noble house of Melnoah.

A villain who torturously oppresses the people of his province, turning their lives into desolation, and even sacrifices their lives for his research into black magic.

‘Hmm, did I go too far with him?’

He considered revising the character setup he had jotted down in his mental note, but Allen didn’t think it was necessary.

After all, only Allen knew that Professor McMillan was the motif behind the Melnoah family.

A smile tugged at the corners of Allen’s lips.

“I should be able to wrap this up soon.”

***

“Not even providing an opportunity to approach, I suppose that’s what sets royalty apart.”

The night descended into darkness.

On the terrace of a café, whose lights were flickering as if to signal the imminent closure of business for the day, a girl with bright blue hair was grumbling in annoyance.

Standing beside her was a fellow international student from the same kingdom of Palos.

“It probably won’t be easy, Miss Yurisis. Considering the opponent we’re dealing with.”

“Though I understand the princess of Kundryun, I wouldn’t have thought she’d also attract the attention of Princess Felicia. Just how many pheromones is he spreading around to the ladies, really?”

Yurisis Velfon del Seirun.

A noblewoman from the Kingdom of Palos which ruled over the seas south of the continent of Rosearia. She was currently feeling quite vexed that her attempts to approach still ended in failure today.

Alan Edgar von Mueller. Was he somehow constitutionally predisposed to attracting women, seeing as how he casually drew the two princesses into his fold?

It was a problem given the two princesses in question ruled over the two empires that bisected the continent from east to west.

“There are too many competitors. His status as the third son of the Mueller family also contributed…”

“It’s a headache.”

Yurisis sighed, furrowing her brows.

“He’s merely published one volume as an author, but it seems like the name of the Mueller family has quite the influence.”

“Don’t underestimate him that much. Seeing how he expresses his views on art, he’s clearly someone with firm beliefs. He isn’t someone who would scorn art like that aristocratic fool James Moore.”

That’s why she couldn’t help but be attracted to him.

The Kingdom of Palos, where Yurisis was born and raised, was a land that loved art. Even though it is the Tyranto Empire that leads the trends of the Rosearia continent, Palos was also not lacking where art and culture were concerned.

Therefore, Yurisis was able to instantly recognize the potential of Alan’s novel.

“To be honest, I was quite impressed by his eloquent speech.”

“So was I.”

“Just now, didn’t you suggest that the influence of the Mueller name might have played a part?”

“That was merely a possibility.”

Yurisis looked at the fellow student from her kingdom with cold eyes.

“Don’t dismiss people so lightly. He’s not someone who deserves such an assessment.”

“I apologize.”

“Schuren Chronicle could become the most famous novel on the continent. Its influence should not be underestimated either.”

“It’s hard to believe that a novel detailing Kundryun could become so famous…”

“It’s a work that could change the paradigm of the novels that have been popular throughout the Empire and the continent.”

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Yurisis enjoyed the deep flavor of the imperial tea.

Although the tea had already gone cold, it still tasted rich. Yurisis, having drained her tea cup, stood up from her seat.

“His uniqueness is precisely why I’m interested. I must find an opportunity to converse with him.”

“The two princesses’ guard is not typically lax. It won’t be easy to catch a window of opportunity.”

“Humph, as they are human, they can’t always be together. I bet we can successfully engage in a conversation if we meet!”

“Things will go as you intend.”