The next day. Norland National Theater.
It was Joshua’s first time coming to Norland National Theater. Compared to the Weissenasche Theater, this theater was over two times larger.
From the design style and the various meticulous carvings, the theater gave off an air of ‘extravagance.’
As for this extremely extravagant building, it was purchased by Sir Weissenasche yesterday.
“I feel that if someone is to draw ‘for demolition’ on the stone pillars, it wouldn’t seem unnatural.”
Ciri was looking around the Norland National Theater. Compared to the Weissenasche Theater, this one was completely void of business.
At such a time in the day, the Weissenasche Theater would be packed full with movie fans. It would be impossible for Ciri to enter it through the main entrance.
But, the Norland National Theater was completely empty. Its prior glorious days could not be seen at all.
Not only were there no attendant greeting guests outside, the entrance was also completely shut. Likely, given some time, cobwebs would start to gather on the area between the beams and pillars.
“Norland National Theater has some history in this city. It is a waste to tear it down.”
Joshua walked toward the tightly closed theater entrance. The entrance seemed to have its own ‘eyes.’ The moment it ‘saw’ Joshua approaching it, the entrance that has been closed for an entire month slowly opened to Joshua.
“Your Highness Joshua...”
Sir Weissenasche, the new owner of the Norland National Theater, walked out from the entrance. Even though he was trying his hardest to suppress the expression of joy, one could still tell from his face that he was very delighted to have ‘taken down his old rival.’
“Should I address you as Norland National Theater’s new owner now?” asked Joshua.
“The transfer of the theater’s right of attribution is not yet complete. But, the original owner has already left,” as Sir Weissenasche’s words reached this point, his expression turned slightly stern.
Norland National Theater’s original owner was a merchant called Salinya. This Merchant has tried to forcibly bankrupt the Weissenasche Theater.
With Joshua’s help, Sir Weissenasche managed to revive Weissenasche Theater and turn around to devour Norland National Theater instead. He had truly taken his revenge.
“Eh... can you not waste time remembering about your rival?” said Joshua, “I came here to find out how the preparations for ‘World’s Singers’ are progressing.”
“About that... Your Highness Joshua, please follow me.”
Sir Weissenasche immediately removed the stern look on his face and began to guide Joshua into the theater.
Many people in attendant attires were bustling inside Norland National Theater. They were transforming the theater to Sir Weissenasche’s taste.
Leading the group, Sir Weissenasche suddenly asked, “Your Highness Joshua, do you plan to transform this theater into a showplace for movies?”
“Showplace? I’ve considered that. After all, your Weissenasche Theater was packed full beyond capacity with the premiere of ‘Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale,’ no?”
While Joshua was not personally there for the premiere, he had learned about it from Ciri’s descriptions. Likely, it was no different from those renowned large scale migrations on earth.
“Actually... that was a terrifying memory to recall.” Sir Weissenasche wiped away the cold sweat on his forehead. He seemed to have lingering fears toward the premiere.
“Regretfully, I am not planning to turn Norland National Theater into a movie theater right now. Instead... I planned to turn it into a television station,” said Joshua.
“Tele... vision... station?”
Sir Weissenasche repeated the new awkward-sounding phrase Joshua spoke.
“You can also call it arcanovision station. In simpler terms, this will be the place where the World’s Singers competition will be held.”
While talking, Sir Weissenasche has led Joshua and Ciri to a room with an enormous table.
A map of Norland was placed on the table. The sheepskin scroll map detailed Norland’s topography. It was so detailed that even the names of the various shops were written on the map with tiny characters.
“Your Highness Joshua, following your instructions, I’ve negotiated with a total of forty-two taverns and shops. Two-third of the shops are willing to install the arcanotech machines in their shops. As for the remainder, those shop owners that you’ve indicated as ‘bad character,’ we took the action of acquisition.”
Sir Weissenasche pointed to the red symbols on the map. Those symbols represented designated locations for Norland’s residents to watch television programs.
“Did you encounter any difficulties in your acquisitions?” Joshua noticed some ‘x’ marks on the map.
“For now, we’ve not encountered any. Mrs. Melina’s negotiation abilities are truly... exceptional.” As Sir Weissenasche said those words, he let out a soft sigh. He couldn’t help himself from starting a narration, “Regretfully, there’s too much of an age gap between Mrs. Melina and myself.”
Naturally, Joshua and Ciri were able to hear Sir Weissenashe’s rambling. Because of that, the two of them looked at each other. Ciri covered her mouth with her hand. She was using that method to cover the smile on her face.
As for Joshua, he was much more direct. Using his hand, he poked at Sir Weissenasche’s arm.
“Don’t mind such things. If you’re fond of her, be bold and set your heart to it. Mrs. Melina has been alone for many years now. Age is not a problem.”
Joshua was able to tell what Sir Weissenasche was truly thinking.
Sir Weissenasche looked to be in his forties whereas Mrs. Melina was in her sixties.
If it was earth, she might already be someone who should retire and live out the rest of her life enjoyably. But, in this world, humans generally live up to a hundred years. Those with long lifespans could live up to two hundred without any issue.
Furthermore, Mrs. Melina had kept up with herself and looked very good for her age. Even though one could clearly see the traces of time on her face, one could also see the charms from the time of her youth.
“About that... Your Highness Joshua... I...”
Even though Sir Weissenasche’s attainments in art were extremely high, he was still a naive little boy when it comes to love and emotions.
Joshua found it very difficult to imagine him as a person in his forties. Could it be, this man beside him was a legendary ‘Grand Wizard?’
“Opportunities are slim and few. Don’t mind what others might think. That’s all the advice that I can give. Now then... can you tell me what these symbols mean?”
Joshua pointed to the large red symbols on the map. One of them was a circle drawn on Lursk Advanced Magic Academy.
“I’ve been to Norland’s four advanced magic academies to talk about the arcanotech device. But, in the end, only Lursk Advanced Magic Academy agreed to install a ‘television set’ in their campus. The other three magic academies all refused the proposal,” Sir Weissenasche rubbed his left wrist, “Furthermore, that Sage that specializes in the rune system of the God of Lightning and Punishment went as far as to personally kick us out. I even suffered a bit from that.”
“Croshere Magic Academy? There are definitely many among Norland’s Sages that do not approve of the things I’ve done in Norland.”
Joshua looked at the magic academy that was located across the Gray Mage’s advanced magic academy on the map.
The various things Joshua did could most definitely be viewed as bringing about a change of era in Norland. To the rulers, not many would wish to see such a change, such a ‘revolution.’
The main reason why no Sage bothered to seek out Joshua to cause troubles for him was because the changes Joshua brought upon Norland were mostly beneficial.
As for the other reason, it was most likely because Gray Mage Lursk was projecting Joshua from behind the scenes.
“Your Highness Joshua... about those three magic academies...”
“Don’t worry about it. While they could prevent ‘television’ from entering their campus, they cannot stop their students from watching television programs.”
Back when Joshua was in school, countless students climbed over the walls just so they could go and have fun at the internet cafes.
“I have a lecture at Lursk Advanced Magic Academy this afternoon. Sir Weissenasche, find time and arrange the profile of the participants for ‘World’s Singers’ for me.”
Joshua placed high regards in the World’s Singers competition...
It was not only to bring the Blackwood Elves into the eyes of Norland’s citizens as intimate and beautiful singers. More importantly... World’s Singers also served as the debut of ‘television,’ the important tool in the propagation of culture.
Once the ‘television station’ Voice of Norland firmly established itself in Norland, Joshua would finally be able to set up to conquer other cities. No longer will his cultural propagation be limited to Norland only.
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