Chapter 1148: The Warmest Season, Winter (20)

Duchy of Stern.

This small country located in the center of Europe was famous for many things.

Its beautiful natural scenery, its advanced financial environment, the dirty money that flowed from that very financial system....

Ri Hyuk closed the guidebook and spoke.

"Apparently, it's one of the countries with the highest GDP per capita in the world. That's why, despite being an absolute monarchy, it still has a pretty high approval rating."

"What is an absolute monarchy?"

"It means a country where sovereignty belongs to the monarch."

"Hmm. This is becoming even more mysterious."

While Jiho stroked his chin, the Alps came into view beyond the airplane window.

The captain's voice came over the speakers.

[Passengers, we will be arriving in the Duchy of Stern shortly.]

Below the clouds, green fields and cities spread out.

Looking at the scenery of the Duchy of Stern, where beautiful old European architecture blended together with modern skyscrapers, I smiled.

"It's been a while since we met the princess."

"It's almost been a year now. It was during Pyeongchang."

I remembered the little princess who had come to greet us during Pyeongchang.

Junghyun spoke.

"I saw Souffle talking about it online. They said our fandom has two princesses. One is Princess Sophie, and the other is the Squid Princess."

We burst into laughter.

For some reason, the clouds beyond the window seemed to be drifting around like squishy squid.

While we were talking about things like that, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official who had finished speaking with Seokhwan hyung in the back of the plane approached us.

"If you're ready, I will go over the etiquette one more time."

"Yes."

It wasn't exactly a formal state friendship event, but we were meeting in a position that represented our country, so we needed to familiarize ourselves with the proper etiquette.

How should we address them?

How should we greet them?

Apparently, they were not particularly strict with foreigners who were not citizens of their country, but for an event like this, as long as it wasn't excessive protocol, following the established procedures was the proper way.

"......You can proceed in that manner. As for the rest, please feel free to act naturally as long as it does not cross the line of disrespect."

"Yes."

"Please refer to the materials we provided for the details."

While we studied using the documents handed over by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seokhwan hyung dropped down into the seat beside me.

"Did things go well?"

"Yeah. There were so many things that had to be coordinated beforehand... Maybe because it's the royal family, but they were incredibly particular. Even the filming regulations were extremely detailed."

"Good work, hyung."

As I looked through the documents while saying that, Seokhwan hyung spoke.

"You might not realize it, but this screening is a really good opportunity."

"I know."

The reason we were going to the Duchy of Stern for the screening wasn't simply because of fan service for the princess.

It was because of the attention it would generate.

Right now, the two regions where NewBlack's recognition was lowest were Europe and Africa.

<Overcooked> had performed well, but it was still only the success of a single song. In terms of overall recognition in Europe, we were nearly on par with Moonlight. Looking at various indicators, the possibility of them overtaking us couldn't be ignored.

That was what the marketing team's analysis had shown.

-There seems to be a difference in preference between white artists and non-white artists. Besides, Moonlight is from America, which is a culture that's more familiar to them.

Thinking about it carefully, even hip hop, a genre that was popular worldwide, struggled to gain the same level of influence in Europe.

Maybe there was some kind of preference difference that I wasn't aware of.

Either way, we needed more buzz in Europe.

Something that would become news.

And just when we needed something like that, the Stern Duchy screening opportunity came along.

It was an opportunity we couldn't afford to miss.

"Everyone! Apparently, the royal family of the Duchy of Stern attended a screening of <Sound of the Sun>!"

It was a win-win situation in many ways.

I smiled.

"Events like this are always good."

"Ah, speaking of events, that reminds me. I heard the White House also requested a screening of <Sound of the Sun> this time."

"......!"

Something flashed in my mind.

If we held a screening at the White House, how much attention would that generate?

The others started whispering among themselves.

"Did you hear? The White House?"

"Who is it? Who just made that White House sound?"

"Hoooooh......"

"That doesn't sound like a good idea."

While only Ri Hyuk shook his head from side to side, Seokhwan hyung answered firmly.

"But the agency already turned it down."

"Why...?"

"They said holding a screening at the White House could actually hurt our image."

"??"

"Apparently, because of the current racial tensions in America, they think it's just a publicity stunt. They said it wouldn't be good."

I could understand that.

Hadn't all of America been thrown into chaos because of a country singer's remarks during Supernova Dodgeball?

But just as I was thinking that, from a marketing perspective, it could still be an opportunity to increase our visibility, Seokhwan hyung took out his phone and showed it to me.

"Look."

On the screen was the president speaking with reporters before boarding Marine One.

His corn-colored hair fluttered in the wind.

[...Claims from some media outlets that I am a racist are fake news. I like Asian people. Unlike other illegal immigrants, they live hardworking and honest lives.]

"......"

[Was it called <Sound of Sunshine>? It sounds like it will be a good movie! Unlike other immigrants who want to settle permanently in America, they...]

"Not easy."

"It's not easy."

We all stared off into the distance.

The royal screening was held at the palace of the Duchy of Stern.

Ba ba ba ba baam—

While a military band in red uniforms played trumpets and a welcoming song, we stepped out of the car and walked toward the royal family.

An elderly gentleman with a gentle expression welcomed us while wearing a uniform.

"Welcome."

After he greeted us in German, the interpreter conveyed his words.

"Thank you for taking the time despite your busy schedule. My granddaughter really wanted to see this film."

"It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness."

As we greeted him according to proper etiquette, laughter came from beside us.

"Heehee!"

It was Princess Sophie, twisting her body while holding her grandfather's hand.

"It's been a while, Princess. Have you been well?"

"Yes. Sophie has grown taller since then."

The princess spoke in English with a proud expression.

The sight of a child proudly standing on tiptoe to show how much she had grown made everyone smile.

Even the guards ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) standing there with expressionless faces had their cheeks twitching.

The butler wearing a monocle and even the Grand Duke himself had eyes full of affection whenever they looked at the princess.

"Sophie will show you our house!"

"Sophie. Running is.... Ah, so she runs."

Following the princess as she dashed away with a cry of excitement, we entered the palace.

"Wow..."

"Wow..."

The palace itself was not particularly large.

Rather than something like the Palace of Versailles, it felt closer to an enormous mansion.

However, it was filled with artworks that clearly possessed tremendous artistic value, and chandeliers hung throughout the corridors.

"Oh, this is..."

When Ri Hyuk stopped in front of a painting, the Grand Duke approached him and spoke.

"You seem to recognize this painting."

"Yes. I've only seen it in books..."

"It has a very long and significant history. During the time when the Nazis spread across Europe, my father at the time..."

While the two of them discussed the painting, Princess Sophie urged us along and continued giving us a tour of the palace.

Starting with the playroom, there were all kinds of rooms.

"Sophie's house has so many rooms."

"That's true."

"So the five of us can live here later."

"Th-that is true..."

A child with sparkling eyes smiled mischievously.

At first, we had been nervous because this was a royal event, but the atmosphere was so relaxed that we quickly loosened up.

The Grand Duke's eyes seemed to say:

'Please have fun with my granddaughter!'

'Yes!'

So we were able to spend the day with the princess in a comfortable atmosphere, almost as if we were simply playing with her.

And the princess was adorable.

"Kyaaaah!"

Princess Sophie hopped around and ran everywhere, simply enjoying herself.

It was probably because she was happy to spend time with us, but more than anything, she seemed thrilled just to have people who would play with her like this.

Her tiny footsteps.

Her sparkling eyes.

The sight of her proudly showing off her home with flushed cheeks made me smile without realizing it.

At that moment, my eyes met those of the Grand Duke, who was wearing a similar expression beside me.

"Ahem."

The man scratched his cheek awkwardly before speaking in English.

"I am very happy seeing my granddaughter enjoy herself. As you know, my son also... passed away in an accident."

It was information I had only learned this time.

The story was that the Grand Duke's son, who had originally been the heir to the Duchy of Stern, and his wife had died in a small aircraft accident in the Alps.

Perhaps that was why he cared so much for the princess.

"As you can see, these days many young people leave for other countries, so there are not many young people in this country. Even this palace is the same. The son of my butler who will succeed him is already in his fifties."

That was why he was expressing his gratitude that people around her age(?) had spent time with Sophie today.

"Whenever my granddaughter listens to your music, she becomes very happy."

"...I am also happy whenever I hear things like that."

There were not many people who became singers because they wanted to make others happy.

People became singers because they wanted to share their songs with others.

But the more I continued my career, the more I found myself wanting to see people enjoying themselves through my music rather than simply wanting to show off my own songs.

When I first started composing, I poured a lot of meaning into my songs, including "Fireworks," but perhaps that was why my more recent songs like <Overcooked> and <October Christmas> focused more on the simple joy of music itself without any particular message.

"Thank you."

The Grand Duke, who had said that while looking at the princess laughing with my brothers, continued.

"And I know that you are famous for treating your fans well, but I also know that you did not come here simply because of fan service."

"Hmm..."

I had been about to say that it wasn't only for that reason, but since it wasn't entirely false either, I simply smiled quietly.

The Grand Duke smiled and waved his hand.

"There is no need to feel embarrassed. Is that not how the world works? Is there anything you want?"

For a moment, something did come to mind.

Your Highness, are you interested in a dome...?!

A dome?

The NewBlack Dome. Fufufufu!

But I couldn't say that out loud.

Besides, I hadn't come here to obtain something in particular, so I shook my head.

"Hmm."

The elderly man's eyes sank into thought.

He looked like he was considering what he could offer in return.

After thinking deeply for several minutes, the Grand Duke spoke to me.

"When ruling a country, there are times when one must know what the people, or one's enemies, truly want. The surprising thing is that, in many cases, people themselves do not actually know what they truly desire. But a good ruler must be able to see into another person's heart under any circumstances."

The ruler of a country looked at me.

"I think I know what you want."

"May I ask what that is, Your Highness?"

"You want the brilliant sunlight to shine brightly across Europe, don't you?"

"......"

A smile appeared on his wrinkled face.

"I believe I can help with that."

"How..."

"That is a secret."

He laughed heartily.

Perhaps because he had been standing for a long time, the butler approached and handed the Grand Duke his cane.

With the cane in his hand, the Grand Duke somehow gave off an oddly mysterious atmosphere as he smiled at me.

"When the flames of two world wars descended upon us, our family survived. Neither the infamous Nazis nor the Soviet Union, which painted the world red, could bring down Stern."

I felt briefly overwhelmed by the spirit of the ruler before me.

"We are a family with far more strength than you might imagine."

"Grandpa!"

"Haha!"

At the call of his granddaughter from a distance, the elderly man returned to a warm expression and turned back to me.

"Then, for now..."

"Yes?"

"Please have fun playing with my granddaughter!"

The Grand Duke placed both hands on my shoulders and gently pushed me forward.

It was truly the expression of a grandfather who would do anything for his granddaughter.

And...

"What's wrong, hyung?"

"Maybe..."

While adjusting my tuxedo, I answered Biju.

"Maybe we just gained a powerful supporter."

There was one truth that generally applied anywhere in the world.

People with influence were all closely connected to one another.

With just one or two degrees of separation, everyone knew everyone else.

This tendency was especially strong in Europe, where long histories had passed without drastic social changes.

"We're connected through marriage between royal families!"

"My uncle married into that royal family. We may not look it, but we are connected by blood."

Royal families whose relationships had been intertwined through complicated networks since the era of marriage alliances.

Of course, in the past, those networks were formed solely through status, but today they were connected through various factors, including capital.

Within this network, the Duchy of Stern was one of the major players.

The country was small.

But for centuries, they had built various businesses, including their own media companies, maintained close relationships with royal families of other countries through marriage ties, and attracted all kinds of shadowy money into this small nation.

That was exactly the kind of influence that was now being exercised indirectly.

"Hmmmm."

One of the critics who had attended the <Sound of the Sun> screening held in Paris.

He was one of the people who had not liked the film.

It's far too America-centric.

He disliked the way the film portrayed 1990s America as a golden age, and he disliked the overall tone of the movie.

It felt as if it was saying jazz music was superior to classical music.

It probably wasn't actually saying that, but he disliked how it seemed to portray jazz as the greatest music in the world.

On top of that, the fact that the protagonist came from Asia was another point of dissatisfaction.

I'm not a racist. But classical music and jazz are obviously something that belongs to this side... They aren't Korean traditional instruments.

Honestly, he even felt irritated by Paul Laurent praising the protagonist by saying, "He was my hope."

"Hmm."

He wrote his review.

[Although it is a film with a Korean protagonist, the emotions contained within <Sound of the Sun> can only be described as America-centric. This suggests that Korean popular culture has become subordinate to American culture, and...]

Tap tap tap tap—

[The classist sentiments contained within <Sound of the Sun> and the capitalist values that emphasize effort are...]

A harsh criticism.

Using sophisticated language, the critic emphasized everything he disliked about <Sound of the Sun> and tore into it mercilessly.

Hahaha. My writing skills are incredible today as well.

Now, people who went to theaters would be influenced by his review.

Surely...

Surely, that was how it should have been.

Until the newspaper where he published his reviews contacted him.

"Critic."

"The tone is a bit excessive."

"???"

After hearing that the tone was excessive, the critic made slight revisions and sent it back.

His own thoughts mattered, but ultimately, the newspaper that paid him was the authority.

"There are also some phrases that come across as slightly racist."

They were fine with it last time though??

"There are several issues with this review..."

Are they telling me to praise the movie a little?

When he tilted his head and changed it to have a more positive tone, the reply immediately came back.

That was exactly it.

And so, similar things began happening throughout Europe.

[He was truly an incredible person. It reminds me of his performance in Berlin.]

Statements and interviews from famous figures remembering Sun Myeongju.

-<Sound of the Sun>, receives unanimous perfect scores from critics!

-<Sound of the Sun> review: "The sun exists. And he is a stranger who came from a distant land."

-<Sound of the Sun> opens with a 9.9 rating.

Praise poured in from across Europe.

Watching such developments from somewhere was Rebecca Cassidy of Silver Screen Pictures, and she was bewildered.

"Uh...?"

The words There is no way they would do this... rose to her throat before she swallowed them back.

Even in the region where <Sound of the Sun>'s success had been expected to be the most difficult, promotional materials were suddenly pouring out.

"Is this our work?"

"No."

"Then where is this coming from...? These are not countries that would ever praise a musician from another country."

Even an experienced marketing executive could not identify the source of this influence.

She briefly thought of someone from NewBlack because of the sudden stroke of luck, but she shook her head.

No way. Wooju isn't some omnipotent god.

She dismissed the ridiculous thought and turned her attention to another employee.

"Is everything ready now?"

"Yes."

"Finally..."

The film that had been achieving overwhelming success in Korea.

Now, it was time for the sun to rise in America as well, where <Sound of the Sun> was about to be released to the general public.