Were there any scenes that didn't take place in the Dungeon?
Annan hadn't known Olmedo was that kind of person. Recalling the story of Betar's Happiness, he said, "Me too. That part with the jailer was pretty novel..."
"Did you like the premise or the plot?"
Ingrid was watching him, and Abby was right beside her. Annan braced himself. "The premise, I guess... It was much more ingenious than the Mage Tower one..."
"You're selling yourself short... As a Magic Film, it can't compare to the Mage Tower one, but the original story really is better."
That thing even had an original story?
Annan suddenly realized they might not be talking about the same thing and fell silent.
"Do you understand what I mean?" Olmedo tapped her slender fingers on the table. "Where's your third Magic Film? If you don't release it soon, that cast from Witch's Blood will overtake you."
"I need to prepare the Port for spring... I'll send Francois over in a few days."
For now, Annan could still outclass the others through sheer technique. But Magic Films had no copyright, and more and more people were imitating him. They would choose local stories, too. People in Breeze City liked The Mage Tower's Fall; people in Betar City liked Betar's Redemption; men liked Mage Tower Romance and Betar's Happiness. Familiar tales held more appeal than Annan's stories.
Francois, who had worked with Annan on two Magic Films, was suited to the task. As a Noble, he ought to have been exposed to plenty of literature. As for Annan... the last time he had read a book was three months ago.
A tap-tap came from the window. Abby opened it and let the Fire Crow inside.
"Are you still in contact with the Reeves family?"
"Apart from the