Lord of Entertainment

Chapter 238 - Surprising Arthur

(Lewis Light POV)

I sat before the demon prince, answering each question with careful consideration. Despite my years of experience in the industry, I felt like a novice actor at his first audition.

Two weeks of trying for the role of Èomer had taught me humility. Even with my confidence in my abilities, every aspect demanded perfection. This wasn't just another role - this was Lord of the Rings. As a longtime fan of the first film, even being considered felt like an honor.

Now, in my final audition, everything hung in the balance.

"Tell me, Mr. Light," Arthur leaned forward, "how has your understanding of Èomer evolved these past two weeks? How do you see his relationship with Rohan's people? His inner conflict about Théoden's condition?"

The questions struck at the heart of the character. Rather than answer verbally, I let my performance speak.

Remaining seated, I transformed - my posture straightened with noble bearing, eyes hardening with the weight of watching my kingdom fall to corruption.

My voice carried the pride of Rohan's cavalry master, tempered by the pain of watching my uncle fall under Saruman's influence.

I delivered Èomer's inner turmoil without grand gestures - just the subtle shifts in expression that conveyed a warrior's heart breaking for his people and his king.

As I finished, I met Arthur's gaze, my heart pounding despite my professional composure. Was it enough? The thought made me want to laugh at myself - here I was, Lewis Light, sweating over an audition like a newcomer.

Arthur's smile broke through my anxiety. "Looking at you perform just now, all I can say is that you did great." He paused for effect. "I guess you can be our Èomer."

Arthur's acceptance struck me speechless. My heart seemed to stop, eyes widening in shock. Joy and disbelief warred within me, leaving me unable to form words.

I'd only felt this way once before - at my very first film casting. That same overwhelming mixture of emotions flooded back.

"Mr. Light? Are you still there?" Arthur's voice broke through my daze.

"Um, uh, yeah," I stuttered, shaking my head. "Sorry about that. I lost myself for a moment."

"No worries." His understanding smile put me at ease. "I can see how much you invested in this role. Your genuine happiness at being accepted shows clearly."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Was I that obvious?"

"Indeed," Arthur chuckled. "For an actor, you're not very good at hiding your joy."

My soft laughter acknowledged the truth in his words.

***

(3rd Person POV)

Back in his office, Arthur settled into his chair, deep in thought. A shadow in the corner stirred, and Sylwen emerged from the darkness.

Without looking directly at her, Arthur spoke. "What news of the dragons' whereabouts?"

Sylwen maintained a respectful bow as she delivered her report. "Boss, I regret that our search has yielded little. Our team has scoured every lead, but most information dates back decades. The dragons' current locations remain elusive - we haven't confirmed even a single reliable sighting. It seems they've grown more skilled at concealment over the years."

Arthur absorbed Sylwen's report with grave focus. He sighed heavily, "Lord of the Rings production approaches, and we need those dragons." His tone carried unmistakable urgency.

Sylwen hesitated before voicing her suggestion. "Boss, have you considered using wyverns instead?" She chose her words carefully. "With proper illusion spells and rune work, we could make them appear as dragons on screen."

Arthur drummed his fingers against his desk, considering her words. "It's possible, certainly, but..." He paused, then decided to reveal his deeper motivation. "Dragons... I've always dreamed of seeing one. And as a future demon king, I want one of my own."

The admission caught Sylwen off guard. "But boss, dragons aren't just powerful - they're ancient beings. They answer to no one."

"You've served me long enough to know my capabilities," Arthur smiled, meeting her gaze. "You've seen what I can do."

Sylwen fell silent, processing his words. True, she'd witnessed Arthur's power firsthand as leader of the Hellsing Organization. Their members ranked among the most formidable agents she'd ever encountered, yet Arthur commanded them effortlessly. His strength might indeed rival the crown prince of Morningstar Kingdom.

"Boss, I've been withholding some crucial information," Sylwen finally admitted, her voice carrying obvious reluctance.

Arthur's eyebrows rose with interest. "Oh? Do tell." His gaze fixed on her - he'd suspected she was hiding something, and now confirmation had come.

Sylwen struggled visibly with the revelation. "In Roses Kingdom, there's a major auction house... they're hosting a sale of companion beasts for pact-making. They'll have Wyverns, Griffins, Unicorns, and..." she paused, "rumors say dragons will be available too."

Arthur's eyes widened slightly. "A companion beast auction? How has this not reached my attention?"

"The auction house is extremely selective," Sylwen admitted, embarrassment coloring her voice. "They only invite high-profile individuals from across the world... And... you actually received an invitation letter at your mansion... which I..."

"Ah," understanding crossed Arthur's face. "You deliberately kept it from me?"

Sylwen fidgeted uncomfortably, maintaining her silence.

"Is this because of your history with your parents in Roses Kingdom?" Arthur asked gently, knowing the complicated relationship between Sylwen, her sister Firfel, and their family.

Her continued silence puzzled him. "Your parents being from Roses Kingdom doesn't explain hiding this from me. They wouldn't be involved in an auction house's business."

The question hung in the air as Sylwen's discomfort grew more obvious. Clearly, there was more to this story than family resentment alone.

Sylwen finally broke her silence. "Boss, I kept this private for personal reasons, but..."

Arthur nodded encouragingly.

"My parents will definitely attend the auction," she stated with certainty.

"You seem quite confident about that," Arthur replied, surprise evident in his voice.

"The auction happens every four years, drawing royalty, nobles, and elites from everywhere." Sylwen took a deep breath. "I'm certain because my parents... they're the King and Queen of Roses Kingdom."

Arthur's eyebrows shot up. "You're telling me you and Firfel are princesses of Roses Kingdom?"

Sylwen nodded, her cheeks flushing. "Yes. Our father currently rules as King, with our mother as Queen."

Arthur rose from his chair. "So both of you have been princesses this entire time?"

"Yes," Sylwen admitted, clearly embarrassed. "I'm sorry for concealing this for so long."

Arthur massaged his temples with a sigh. "Well, it hardly matters now." He shook his head, focusing on the more pressing issue. "What's important is we finally have a lead on obtaining dragons."

He pushed aside the revelation about Firfel and Sylwen's royal status, his mind already picturing himself astride a dragon.

"I truly apologize for hiding something this important, boss." Sylwen bowed deeply.

"It's fine," Arthur waved off her concern. "Start making travel arrangements. We need to be properly prepared for this auction - I won't leave without a dragon."

Sylwen nodded, then added with slight hesitation, "I should mention... Firfel might be there as well."

Arthur stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Then I'll extend her an invitation to join us."

Sylwen's expression tightened almost imperceptibly, discomfort evident in her posture at the prospect of attending alongside her sister.

Arthur caught her reaction and sighed inwardly. While he wanted to help bridge the gap between the sisters, forcing the issue would only make things worse. He'd have to be patient and let Sylwen work through her feelings in her own time.@@novelbin@@