Drawing Manga in a Romance Fantasy

Chapter 187

The Somerset estate was once a southern region so obscure that even those well-versed in the Empire’s geography often didn’t know of its existence.

Now, however, it had grown so significantly that it earned the nickname "the Empire’s second capital," complete with numerous grand buildings that were once only seen in the capital, lending the estate a bustling atmosphere.

"Is that the Somerset mansion?"
"Truly, they say it’s the most magnificent mansion in the south, and you can see why even from a distance."

One of the sights that amazed visitors to the Somerset estate was the Somerset mansion itself.

After countless renovations and expansions, the mansion had become more of a castle and was a must-see for anyone visiting Somerset.

Inside the mansion was the Somerset Workshop, a place that any manga enthusiast dreamed of seeing at least once in their lifetime.

Due to this, security around the workshop was incredibly tight, and outsiders weren’t allowed to approach, forced to admire it from afar.

And now, a man was walking toward the main gate of the Somerset mansion.

"Oh no! If he gets too close, the guards will catch him..."

Those who noticed the man murmured with concern, pitying his seemingly inevitable fate.

"Hmph! I’m a noble. What could possibly happen if I just take a quick look inside?"

A nobleman who had once spoken such words while trying to push past the guards and enter the mansion was promptly beaten with spears and thrown into the Somerset estate’s prison that very day.

"The Somerset Workshop is a treasure of the Empire. I grant the Somerset Marquisate full authority to punish anyone who intrudes here, regardless of their status."

This was the Somerset Security Law, proclaimed by the former Emperor, Leonious Bell, who was delighted by Rupert’s achievements.

Since then, several individuals who had tried to sneak into the mansion were harshly punished, and no one dared to approach recklessly anymore.

"Welcome, my lord."
"You’ve been working hard."

Contrary to the crowd’s concerns, the man was warmly welcomed and entered the mansion without any hindrance.

"Wait, could that be...?"

While employees of the workshop were allowed entry into the mansion, the polite attitude of the guards toward the man indicated he wasn’t one of them.

That meant he was either an invited guest or a member of the Somerset family.

"That’s Richard, the Flaming Sword of Sleepy!"
"What? You mean the greatest swordsman in the Empire?!"

Golden hair, blue eyes characteristic of the Somerset family, and a sturdy build a head taller than most men.

Without the signature greatsword he was known for, it had taken them a moment to recognize him. But he was undoubtedly Richard, the Flaming Sword, who had gained fame years ago by defeating all his opponents in a single strike during the Imperial Swordsmanship Tournament.

Now running an academy in the neighboring Sleepy County, Richard’s reputation as the continent’s top swordsman had spread far and wide.

"They say the academy might not rival the Imperial Academy in all fields, but its swordsmanship is unmatched."

Inspired by Rupert’s manga Van Helsing, boys who had once dreamed of wielding a flaming sword had grown into accomplished swordsmen under Richard’s tutelage, further solidifying his name.

"I heard his wife is an elf. I’m so jealous."
"Still, elves used to only be seen in Sleepy County, and now you can find them throughout the Empire. There’s hope for us yet!"

Ten years ago, Sleepy County had been a near-ruin, but now, while not as prosperous as Somerset, it was unrecognizable from its past.

This transformation was thanks partly to support from the royal family and Somerset, but mostly to those who came to learn swordsmanship from Richard and settled there.

However, the greatest credit for Sleepy’s revival belonged to the elves.

"I’ll go to Sleepy!"

The Crimson Warden elves who stayed behind to help rebuild Sleepy County became a major attraction, even surpassing Somerset in tourist numbers at one point.

Though the number of visitors had decreased after official relations were established between the Empire and the elves, Sleepy continued to thrive.

"I will take over my father’s role and lead Sleepy County now."

Now, Lady Ronwood Sleepy, the daughter of the Count of Sleepy, had come of age and assumed the title of lord, guiding the county toward a new era of prosperity.

*****

"Why is Ada at it again?"
"Welcome, brother."

The moment Richard entered the mansion, he saw Ada sparring fiercely with Owen and made a comment.

"Well, this is just how those two are," Rupert replied, seated calmly on the terrace, sipping tea as if accustomed to the scene.

"Perhaps I should stretch myself out for a bit—"
"Stop. Brother, you’re not allowed."
"Hmph..."

Rupert firmly stopped Richard, who seemed eager to jump in after watching Ada and Owen’s sparring.

"Have you already forgotten how you and Ada destroyed the workshop’s walls during your last match?"
"That was..."

Richard, who had been teaching children in his territory, often lamented that he didn’t have many opportunities to unleash his full strength.

Given his abilities, there were only a handful of people across the Empire who could even come close to challenging him, and Ada was one of the best opponents he could have.

However, their sparring was already considered beyond human limits.

The last time they dueled, one stray attack had collapsed the walls of the Somerset Workshop, leaving Rupert so exasperated he had grabbed both of them by the necks.

As a result, Richard was banned from sparring within the estate.

"By the way, why didn’t your wife and son come with you?"
"There was an issue in the tribe, so they went to check on it, and she took Oregon with her."
"That’s a shame. I wanted to see Oregon."

Rupert doted on Oregon, Richard and Syphris’s son.

"Uncle! I drew this!"

The Somerset bloodline seemed to be one of extremes—either extremely extroverted or extremely introverted.

Richard and Ada, for instance, couldn’t sit still for even a moment and were the embodiment of extroversion.

Meanwhile, Rupert and Bradley Somerset were classic homebodies, who found the idea of leaving their house an ordeal.

Oregon, who had inherited the Somerset blood, fortunately or unfortunately, took after his grandfather and uncle, having a shy and introverted nature.

Instead of swordsmanship or adventure, Oregon preferred books and drawing, often following Rupert around the Somerset Workshop.

Rupert found him utterly adorable.

"Oh! Brother, you’re here?!"
"Yes, it’s been a while, Ada."

While Rupert and Richard exchanged a few words, Ada, having finished her sparring match, approached them.

"Stop bullying Sir Owen."
"Bullying? He likes it, you know?"

Rupert sighed at Ada’s shameless reply and glanced at Owen, who lay crumpled in a corner of the training yard, reminiscent of a certain character from Dragon Ball.

"Owen isn’t someone who would normally get beaten up so easily."

Owen had succeeded Sir Mulous, who had retired to spend his days peacefully tending the gardens with Bradley, as the head of Somerset’s guard.

It wasn’t merely his long service to the Somerset family that earned him the position, either.

"Owen, the knight of the Somerset family, is a hidden master."

Having reached the level of Sword Expert at a young age, Owen had now achieved a level of refinement that placed him among the strongest of his rank.

His impenetrable defense even earned him the nickname “Shield of Somerset,” a testament to his exceptional skills.

But—

"Ahhh!!! Why, heavens, did you create me and also create Lady Ada?!"

His opponents were simply far too overwhelming.

In his circle were people like Richard, heir to the Sword Saint; Alain, a former leader of an assassin organization; and Ada, whose fearsome reputation as the “Fist King” preceded her.

"Among us, he’s definitely the weakest."

Every time Rupert looked at Owen, this thought would inevitably cross his mind.

"By the way, where is Father? I need to greet him."
"He’s probably in the basement."
"Again?"

As Richard asked about their father, Bradley, Rupert responded as if the answer were self-evident.

"It’s time for you to lead Somerset now."

After passing the title of family head to Rupert a few months ago, Bradley officially retired and was now living his happiest days.

"Rupert, this is one of our family’s heirlooms."
"Why does our family’s heirloom look so deadly?"
"I’m not sure either."

Bradley had started reacquiring heirlooms that the family had sold off during hard times, such as practical-looking knives that were clearly not for decoration.

"This is what a noble mansion’s garden should truly look like..."

He also indulged his long-held dream of landscaping the mansion’s garden, fully embracing the leisurely life of a retired noble.

"Well, he’s earned it."

With Somerset now so wealthy they scarcely knew where to spend their money, Rupert didn’t object to his father’s newfound hobbies.

He was also deeply grateful to Bradley for taking on so many responsibilities before Rupert became the family head, ensuring everything was in order.

"The young master has also arrived. Dinner is ready in the dining hall."
"Alain! You’re looking as healthy as ever."
"Haha, it seems this old man has nothing else to do."

Richard warmly embraced Alain, who had come to inform them that dinner was ready.

"Alain, what’s on the menu today?"
"Steak, Lady Ada’s favorite. Since the whole family is gathered for the first time in a while, the chef put in extra effort."
"Let’s go!"

Just like when she was a child, Ada grabbed Alain’s hand and dashed toward the dining hall.

"I wish Alain would retire and rest comfortably."

As Rupert followed them with Richard, he couldn’t help but think this.

But—

"I wish to serve the young masters and lady until the day I die. That is my happiness."

Rupert couldn’t bring himself to stop Alain, who was adamant about dedicating his life to the family.