Surviving as a Plagiarist in Another World

“Doe Jane?”

“Yes. The child chose that name herself. Was it inappropriate?”

“No… A witch’s name is originally one they choose for themselves… It’s an honor she used my surname….”

It didn’t seem like she actually took Mary Jane’s surname, but I nodded anyway.

It’s better to let things be.

Mary Jane also nodded slightly as she looked at Doe Jane.

“Then there’s no need to take her to the witches’ village… If it’s just basic witchcraft, I can teach her myself. Of course, if Doe Jane wishes to go to the village, I can take her there.”

“Doe, what do you think? Do you want to go to the witches’ village?”

Doe Jane groaned hesitantly as if in a dilemma.

“No! I want to stay here and keep learning acting!”

Doe Jane, declaring her wish to learn acting, was truly smiling brightly, as if she couldn’t live a day without it.

It was probably an expression she learned from Howlen.

However, since she had chosen to wear that expression at this very moment herself—

Neither I nor Mary Jane could do anything but nod and say we understood.

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There are many stories to tell about Peter Pan’s success.

For instance, like The Little Prince, merchandise featuring Peter Pan and Captain Hook was created, selling well across all ages.

Or, one could mention how the outstanding performances by Howlen and Doe Jane drew crowds, filling every theater in the Empire.

And—

“It was a good story. Peter Pan. Reading it made my heart ache. How could you write such a lovely story?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Don’t you think it’s terribly unfair?”

“Indeed.”

Lately, my cousin Isolette had been visiting our house frequently.

Considering I hadn’t seen her for years since we were children, it was truly surprising how often she came by now.

“So, that Doe Jane girl?”

“She’s having acting lessons with Howlen.”

“Is that so? What a pity.”

Apparently, she had taken a liking to Doe Jane. Come to think of it, Isolette had mentioned a fondness for fairy tales and children a few times.

What would she think if she knew Doe Jane might actually be older than her?

I was briefly curious, but I decided not to bring it up.

“Isn’t it too harsh to push a child so hard just because they’re talented?”

“Well, she’s doing it because she wants to.”

“I suppose. That’s not really your nature. If anything, you’d just neglect it altogether.”

“…I do run a children’s welfare foundation, you know.”

Of course, I might be a bit indifferent to those around me, but I wasn’t careless enough to neglect a child outright.

Probably.

Actually, I wasn’t too sure.

“Can you really say you’re not neglecting a child just because you give them a place to sleep and food to eat? Without warmth and care, a child’s life can feel terribly bleak. Ed, you’re not great at looking after those around you… I doubt you’d make a good father if you ever raised a child.”

“…I’d at least read them fairy tales with dedication.”

“That’s true.”

Isolette chuckled lightly and nodded at my clumsy retort.

Then, in a gentle, low tone, she murmured to herself.

“Sometimes, the needs of adults and children are so different that this world feels cold. In such moments, a world solely for children—one seen through a child’s eyes—might make reality better. A fairy tale-like world… a Neverland-like space where a child wouldn’t have to grow up. Of course, it shouldn’t be a place where growing up leads to losing your head. Have you ever thought of such things?”

“Huh?”

“Someday, I’ll have to look after a child too… though it feels a bit late for me now. Ed, you too, don’t you think? For both of us, the time is…”

“That’s it!”

I jumped from my seat and strode toward Isolette.

Isolette, who had been calmly sitting on the sofa and murmuring, flinched and recoiled in surprise.

“Isolette, I—”

“Yes?”

As I approached, Isolette retreated further, pressing against the back of the guest sofa.

But the sofa’s backrest only offered her a soft embrace, and I grabbed her shoulders, shouting with radiant realization.

“That, that, if you’re talking about right now, of course, Ed, for you, it’s fine—”

“—I should build a theme park!”

“…Huh?”

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Previously, I had pondered the future direction of literature.

As media and culture evolved, literature, which was merely “text,” gradually gave way to other cultural forms, and eventually, a time might come when no one read literature, just like my previous life in Korea.

I had proposed several solutions to this issue.

A publication-centric society where everyone could become a writer, the promotion of library culture through funding, and the expansion of content such as plays or films based on “literature.”

But I had forgotten the most crucial thing.

Ultimately, the future of culture lies with “children,” and literature must serve as a space where such children can unleash their imagination.

If children do not love literature, literature will perish.

That’s why I had published quite a few fairy tales in this world: The Little Prince, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Andersen’s Fairy Tales, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan—all fairy tales.

But if one must read “fairy tales” to love “fairy tales,” isn’t that a contradiction?

Some children do not like fairy tales, and I had no way to reach those children.

I thought it was something I couldn’t help.

After all, I was just a “plagiarist,” and matters outside literature were beyond my capabilities.

How foolish of me.

“Truly, I was foolish.”

“Young Master?”

“I wasn’t using my greatest asset.”

The experiences, knowledge, lifestyle, and information of the 21st century.

Because I was only interested in literature, I didn’t consider anything else important except my memories of “literature.” But in reality, that was one of my greatest weapons.

I know which cultures possess immense power.

I remember what captivates children, what draws them into dreams and fantasies.

So, I should have used it.

“To think I had more content power than Disney in my past life but didn’t think to utilize it….”

“……”

“Sion.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Contact the people who helped with the ‘Empire’s Millennium Banquet’ preparations last time. Also, check the funds and resources I can mobilize, as well as the personnel from my foundation, and organize them so they’re ready for immediate use.”

“Understood.”

“And… check if there are estates available for purchase under my current status. If necessary, inform my father and buy them under Count Fríden’s name.”

“Yes.”

I was planning to build a massive theme park.

A fantasy land that all children dreamed of every night. A paradise they begged their parents to visit on birthdays, Christmas, weekends, and holidays.

A grand city where I poured all my “Homer”-level content power.

If such a theme park were to exist, literature would become even more universal.

No child dislikes amusement parks, and once they’re immersed in the theme park’s worldview, they’ll take an interest in its literary foundation.

Hoping to visit the amusement park, they’ll beg their parents to read them fairy tales every night.

“Ha, haha… Hahahaha—!”

“……”

It was a perfect plan.

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A few days later, I was summoned to the Imperial Palace.

It was to investigate the reasons for purchasing estates, gathering manpower, and consolidating funds.

Hmm.

Why, though?

With that question in mind, I sat absentmindedly in a chamber and waited until Lady Es entered, escorted by the Imperial Guard.

“It’s been a while, Lady Es.”

“Hoo….”

Lady Es, who dismissed the Imperial Guard and sat across from me, picked up the documents on the table and began reading through them one by one.

“Let’s see… First, you purchased large quantities of iron, copper, and precious metals?”

“Yes.”

“You also bought explosives in bulk….”

“Yes.”

“You purchased estates and relocated the villagers after providing them with relocation costs. Then, you filled the estates with people hired through your foundation.”

“Yes.”

“You’ve met with bishops from the Holy See and discussed certain matters. You’ve also requested support from beastmen and merchants.”

“Yes.”

“You purchased large quantities of power devices from the Grey Magic Tower and funded the development of new aircraft and transportation devices.”

“Yes.”

“You submitted a request for climate control to the White Magic Tower….”

“Yes.”

“Additionally, you’ve signed employment contracts with hundreds of mages from various towers, including the Purple, Blue, and Black Magic Towers.”

“Yes.”

“And you’ve distributed promotional materials with the message ‘A New World Opens’ through various printing houses to organizations, orphanages, and educational institutions connected to your foundation?”

“Yes.”

The Empire’s intelligence was truly astonishing. How did they manage to uncover all of this?

As I calmly answered, Lady Es set down the documents as if her head ached and asked.

“Are you planning a rebellion?”

“No.”

“Then what are you doing?”

“I’m building a theme park.”

“…What’s a theme park?”