Director Edward

Chapter 231: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Filming Project!

Leaving the Duke of the Southern Region's mansion and returning to Edward Castle, Durin's expression was a mix of helplessness and excitement.

In contrast, Winry, who was beside him, appeared rather troubled, even showing signs of nervousness.

"Lord Edward, are you really planning to compete with those nobles and release a new movie during the Empire's New Year?"

Durin was momentarily taken aback by Winry's comment. He then smiled but gave no reply.

Not long ago, a group of Southern nobles, led by Ranier, had presented a proposal to the Duke of the Southern Region about collaborating to produce a movie.

The Duke showed significant interest in the idea, asking numerous questions, even delving into specific themes.

Durin, who had been present at the time, clearly overheard their plan to base the movie on vampires.

In this world, vampires have always been a popular theme for stage plays, maintaining a strong audience base in the Southern Region and even drawing a large following in other regions.

In the imperial capital, many nobles spend a fortune each year to enjoy stage plays centered around vampires.

This trend highlights how saturated this theme is in the Southern Region.

Behind the Southern nobles are numerous theater troupes that have struggled to survive due to the rise of the film industry.

These troupes possess extensive experience in performing vampire-themed plays and are undoubtedly confident in their ability to adapt this familiar theme to the silver screen.

It's clear that they aim to use their most familiar and skilled theme to compete and, during this critical moment of film market expansion, secure their footing in the movie markets of the Eastern and Western Regions.

On the surface, however, Viscount Ranier maintained a veneer of "kindness" as he said:

"The promotion of the film industry is just beginning. Since Edward Studios is unable to produce a new movie for now, I believe it wouldn't hurt for us to step in. I trust the audience would be excited for something fresh, and it would also ease your burden, Baron Durin!"

Durin, unfazed by Viscount Ranier's "goodwill," made up his mind to challenge them head-on with the same theme.

Publicly, he responded:

"I appreciate your goodwill, Viscount Ranier, but I believe Edward Studios is more than capable of producing a new film. In fact, I've already decided to release a vampire-themed movie on the first day of the New Year, targeting audiences in the Southern Region and beyond to the Eastern and Western Regions."

Durin's bold declaration left the Duke of the Southern Region visibly surprised. The Southern nobles, led by Viscount Ranier, were even more shocked.

However, once the initial surprise faded, the nobles quickly displayed unwavering confidence, as if they were certain of the superiority of their upcoming film.

Faced with the arrogance of the nobles, Durin remained completely unfazed, his expression unchanged.

It was Duke Constantine who raised a question about the production schedule, considering that the creation of a new film would inevitably affect the progress of other ongoing projects.

Durin calmly responded:

"Although the filming schedules for Fate/Zero and Steins;Gate are tight, our studio now has enough talented individuals to take over my role as director. As for The Garden of Sinners, while the production timeline is indeed pressing, I believe delaying it by another month wouldn't cause too much concern."

"...!?!"

Durin's remark about nobody minding a delay caused an uproar, with numerous nobles glaring at him on the spot.

Even Duke Constantine and Daphne widened their eyes in shock, clearly displeased.

After all, compared to an entirely new film with uncertain content, most people were far more excited about The Garden of Sinners, which had already showcased plenty of thrilling material.

Yet, Durin appeared resolute, smiling as he continued:

"In any case, I firmly believe that within the remaining time, our studio can swiftly produce a vampire-themed film to be released on New Year's Day, expanding the reach of cinema even further. As for The Garden of Sinners, I trust that with more time for refinement, it will present itself in an even better light next year."

"This..."

Hearing Durin's determined response, Duke Constantine was momentarily at a loss for words.

Viscount Ranier shot Durin a cold glance before turning away with a displeased expression.

"Then we'll look forward to your new film, Baron Durin. Hopefully, we can compete at the box office when the time comes."

With that, the Southern nobles departed.

The other nobles, sensing the atmosphere of the banquet had dissipated, also took their leave one by one.

Durin had intended to leave as well, but Duke Constantine stopped him, requesting a private word.

"Regarding the matter of the True Ancestor, I hope you won't share it with others."

"Does it need to be kept a secret?"

"Not entirely, but as you know, anomalies aren't particularly safe within the Empire. Although the True Ancestor was once a hero of the founding era and had a close relationship with the first Emperor, in this age, her renown has faded into obscurity. If news of her identity as the vampire True Ancestor spreads, it will only bring unease and disaster—something no one desires."

"I understand."

Understanding the Duke's concern, Durin prepared to leave but suddenly turned back to ask:

"By the way, Your Grace, I wanted to ask—my younger brother, El, is still serving in your army, isn't he?"

Constantine paused for a moment before breaking into a smile.

"You're referring to El Edward? He's doing very well. A young man with great potential. I've stationed him at the Southern Region's third border outpost. After another year of service, his border deployment will end, and he'll be able to return."

"I see. Then I leave him in your capable hands, Your Grace."

"Don't worry, I've always kept an eye on you and your brother," the Southern Duke said, leaving Durin surprised by his words. With that, the Duke departed the scene with Daphne.

Flashback ends.

Back at Edward Castle, Durin returned to his familiar workspace. Surrounded by piles of discarded drafts, he immediately began sifting through them.

Winry, though surprised by his frantic actions, did not stop him and quietly stood by his side.

After a long while, with the discarded drafts nearly filling the entire room, Durin finally found what he was looking for.

"This is it—JoJo's Bizarre Adventure!"

Looking at the work he had once loved so deeply, Durin didn't hesitate. He immediately began reviewing its contents.

After a while, he closed the thin stack of pages, his eyes glowing with determination.

He knew he had found exactly what he needed!

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