Animation Producer in a Fantasy World

Karleigh von Lohengramm.

The imperial princess of the empire, and simultaneously recognized as the most valuable treasure owned by the imperial family.

Her innate beauty was renowned not just in the empire but throughout the entire continent, and she was extremely wise, earning her the emperor’s deep affection.

Moreover, her personality was so benevolent and gentle that it would not be an exaggeration to call her the epitome of noblesse oblige.

However, even the princess, who was considered perfect externally, had one flaw:

That was, she was a terrible workaholic and a person who had no hobbies whatsoever.

Some might question why being a workaholic is a flaw, arguing that it’s a good thing as she would try her best to handle the tasks assigned to her.

But at least the people working under the princess couldn’t agree with that statement.

Because when the princess, as their superior, didn’t go home and continued working, there was no way her subordinates could say, “I’ll be going home first, haha.”

Moreover, the princess had no hobbies, so she often came to the office on weekends to work.

You could say she was a very capable superior, but at the same time, the type you absolutely wouldn’t want to work under.

Anyway, it was on a weekend that she learned about the theatrical animation “The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel”, which had recently become a hot topic in the empire.

She was reading a report on the recent activities of the nobles when she frowned at the strange word ‘animation’.

“…Hey, Hilde.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“What on earth is… this ‘animation’? It’s a word I’ve never heard before.”

To the princess’s question, her maid Hilde smiled gently and answered.

“Ah, you mean animation. It’s understandable that Your Highness doesn’t know about it. Because it’s a new form of art genre that has recently become popular in the empire.”

“…A new art genre?”

“Yes, that’s right. So, as far as I know…”

Hilde then briefly explained the basic knowledge about animation and about “The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel”, which was causing a huge sensation in theaters recently.

“So to summarize what you’re saying, animation means a living, moving picture book. But why is it popular among the nobles?”

“Well, because it’s entertaining.”

“…What?”

“I watched ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’ last weekend, and it was very entertaining. Unlike plays or operas which tend to have somewhat boring stories, it was very exciting. I understand why people are so enthusiastic about anime.”

At Hilde’s words, the princess frowned as if she couldn’t understand at all.

“…I’ve never thought plays or operas were entertaining, so I can’t empathize with what you’re saying.”

“Ahaha, well, that’s because Your Highness has no interest or concern in that area.”

“However, hearing your explanation, I’m quite interested in this animation.”

“Huh? You are, Your Highness? In what way?”

“According to your explanation, even young children who can’t read or illiterates can easily understand the story in an animation. Then, unlike plays or operas which people tend to find boring, couldn’t animation be used for educating the people?”

“…Ah, yes.”

At the princess’s words, Hilde made a somewhat disappointed expression.

Well, I guess that’s to be expected.

How could the terribly workaholic princess suddenly change overnight?

“In that sense, I suppose I need to see this animation for myself at least once.”

“…Pardon?”

“So, where is it? The place where I can watch ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’?”

So the princess ventured out on the weekend, making time specifically to watch “The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel”.

And on the evening of the day she returned from watching “The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel”.

“…..”

The princess stared into space for a while with a dazed expression, then opened her mouth in a blank voice.

“Hey, Hilde.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“As you said, this animation… it was quite entertaining. It was a very enjoyable time for my eyes and ears.”

“Right? Didn’t I tell you, Your Highness.”

Hearing the princess’s words, Hilde unknowingly broke into a wide smile.

Unfortunately, the princess’s words were not over yet.

“But you know… even though I watched ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’ from beginning to end, there are still some scenes I don’t understand. And there are a few scenes I can’t remember in detail.”

“…Pardon?”

Hearing the princess’s words, Hilde tilted her head.

The princess before her was the owner of an incredibly wise mind that rarely forgot anything once she learned it.

How could it be that she couldn’t understand the story of “The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel”, which even children could understand at once?

“So I’m saying… I think I need to go watch the animation once more after work tomorrow.”

“What?”

“I heard people talking at the cafe in front of the theater, and apparently my case isn’t rare. Some people said they’ve watched ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’ more than 10 times but still can’t understand the producer’s profound intentions.”

“No, Your Highness. That’s…”

Hilde was about to say, “No matter how you look at it, you’re just hooked on the animation,” but she closed her mouth.

Because if the princess took time off to go watch “The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel”.

Those working under the princess would also be able to leave work on time for once in a very long time.

Isn’t that the completion of a world where no one gets hurt?

Moreover, if the workaholic princess developed a healthy hobby, it couldn’t be considered a bad thing.

In the end, Hilde kept her mouth shut not for herself, but for those who usually suffered under the princess.

The next day, as soon as her work was finished, the princess rushed to the theater and watched “The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel”.

A week passed like that.

And then.

“Hilde.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You said you watched ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’ too, right?”

“Yes, I did, but…”

“Then in your opinion, who do you think is the cutest spirit in ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’?”

“…Pardon?”

“There was a souvenir shop for ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’ in front of the theater, and they were selling two spirit dolls, Undine and Ifrit. So I spent a long time pondering which spirit doll I should buy. Both Undine crying ‘Undi, Undi’ and Ifrit crying ‘If, If’ were cute in their own way.”

“…Then why don’t you just buy both?”

“How can you say such an irresponsible thing? Don’t you know that loving everyone is the same as loving no one? You there, chamberlain. What do you think?”

From suddenly conducting popularity polls for characters in the middle of work.

“Tsk. Those guys who talk all day about ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’ in front of the cafe, they’re really something.”
“What do you mean by that, Your Highness?”
“No, I tried to have a light discussion with them while having a cup of coffee on my way out of the theater, but I ended up being completely refuted by them. Indeed, those who have already watched the anime more than 10 times are different. They’re incredible people who know the settings in the anime by heart.”
“…..”
The princess, who usually disliked mingling with those not on her level, casually discussing anime content with people on the street.
“Sigh… No matter how much I think about it, I really don’t like the ending of ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’. Why on earth didn’t the producer end this story with a happy ending?”

“…Wasn’t that much considered a happy ending? I liked that it left a lingering feeling.”

“No, it’s not. An ending where Hamel and Elli return to the human world, promising to meet again someday. Isn’t this an unpleasant ending that makes people feel very unsatisfied!”

“…..”

To constantly talking about “The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel” like this.

Thanks to this, Hilde and all the people working under the princess could quickly notice that she was completely hooked on the animation.

‘Well, considering the princess’s usual image, it’s a bit off, but this doesn’t seem to be a bad thing in its own way.’

‘Since the princess was such a workaholic, it might be good for her to have an outlet like this.’

However, because the princess’s usual image was so good, people didn’t think much of her behavior even when they saw it.

That’s why.

“I need to find the producer of the animation.”

One day, the reason why they couldn’t predict that the princess would suddenly stand up and issue such an absurd order was.

“…Pardon?”

Naturally, everyone gathered in the princess’s office doubted their ears.

“I can’t concentrate on work because of that damn ‘The Disappearance of Elli and Hamel’. I don’t think it will be resolved unless I call the producer directly and have a conversation.”

“…..”

“…..”

“Don’t look at me like that. This is all for the sake of the empire. If my mind is troubled and I can’t handle work properly, it leads directly to losses for the empire.”

“…Understood, Your Highness.”

But what could they do? It was a direct order from Her Highness the Princess.

Realizing that she had no right of refusal, Hilde quietly sighed and bowed her head towards the princess.

But then.

“Oh, just in case, tell them not to be rude when they find the producer. Tell them to treat him respectfully like an honored guest. He is a talent as precious as the empire’s treasure. And-”

The princess rummaged through her pocket for something and then placed it in Hilde’s hand.

It was none other than:

“…Paper and a pen?”

“If you happen to meet the anime producer, ask if he can give an autograph. Also mention that it would be even better if he could write my name along with it.”

“…..”

It seemed that the once wise Princess had clearly crossed a river of no return.