Drawing Manga in a Romance Fantasy

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The Somerset Territory was once a southern territory so obscure that many wouldn’t even know of its existence unless they were well-versed in the geography of the Empire.

But now, its size had grown to the extent that it was nicknamed the Empire’s second capital, and it had several enormous buildings that would typically be found in the capital, giving it a bustling atmosphere.

“Is that the Somerset Mansion over there?”

“Indeed, they say it’s the finest mansion in the south and it’s clearly visible even from afar.”

One of the surprising aspects for those who visited Somerset Territory as tourists was the Somerset Mansion.

After numerous renovations and expansions, it had transformed into a structure almost resembling a castle, becoming a must-see landmark for anyone visiting Somerset.

Inside the mansion, there was also the Somerset Workshop, a place that those who love comics dream of seeing at least once in their lifetime.

Because of this, security was extremely tight, preventing outsiders from getting too close, forcing them to gaze from a distance.

And there was a man walking towards the front gate of the Somerset Mansion.

“Oh dear! If he gets too close, he’ll be caught by the guards…”

Those who witnessed this remarked, expressing their concern.

“Hmph! I am a noble! What’s the harm in stepping in for a quick look?”

A noble who said this and tried to shove past the guards to enter the mansion that day ended up getting beaten with halberds by the guards and was dragged off to the prison of Somerset Territory.

“The Somerset Workshop is a treasure of the Empire. I personally bestow the authority to punish anyone who recklessly trespasses here, regardless of their status, upon the House of Marquis Somerset.”

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

Since then, after several people had been caught and severely punished for trying to enter the mansion on a whim, no one dared to approach it again.

“Welcome, Young Master.”

“You’ve been through a lot.”

However, contrary to the worries of the people, the man entered the mansion with no obstruction and was instead welcomed.

“Wait! Could that person be…?”

Although the staff of the workshop could enter the mansion, the courteous attitude of the guard who just welcomed the man indicated that he was not one of the workers.

That meant he was either a guest or a member of the Somerset Family.

“It’s Richard, the Fiery Sword of Sleepy!!!”

“What? The strongest swordsman in the Empire?!”

With his distinctive blonde hair, wall-like eyes, and a solid physique that was a head taller than others, he wasn’t immediately recognized without his huge greatsword, but there was no doubt it was the Fiery Sword Richard, who had made a name for himself by defeating all opponents in the Empire Martial Arts Tournament a few years back.

Rumors about him, operating an academy in the neighboring territory of Sleepy, were already spreading across the continent beyond the Empire.

“Of course, it’s nowhere near the level of the Imperial Academy, but I hear their swordsmanship is nothing to scoff at.”

Boys who used to wish to learn the blazing sword from Rupert’s comic “Van Helsing” had grown into excellent swordsmen whose names were now well known.

“Oh, your wife is an elf? That’s truly enviable.”

“Still, I hear there are elves now in many parts of the Empire, which offers hope!”

The Sleepy Territory, which was more like a wasteland ten years ago, had changed drastically, even if it didn’t compare to Somerset.

Thanks to support from the Imperial Family and Somerset, as well as the settlers who had come to learn swordsmanship from Richard.

But the greatest contributor to Sleepy’s growth was undeniably the elves.

“I’m going to Sleepy!”

The elves, members of the Crimson Warden, stayed behind to help rebuild the Sleepy Territory.

As news spread that there were elves to be seen, Sleepy attracted more tourists than Somerset at one time.

Of course, since the Empire and the elves established formal exchanges, the number of tourists hadn’t returned to the previous levels.

“I will now lead Sleepy Territory in my father’s footsteps.”

Lady Ronwood Sleepy, the daughter of the Count of Sleepy, was reaching adulthood and taking on the role of Family Head to revive the territory once again.

***

“What’s Aida doing now?”

“Welcome, brother.”

As Richard stepped into the mansion, he spotted Aida sparring with Oun.

“Well, those two are just having their usual antics.”

Rupert was sitting on the terrace, sipping tea with a calm expression as if he were used to it by now.

“I’d like to stretch my legs for a bit….”

“Stop! You mustn’t, brother.”

“Ugh….”

Rupert sternly halted Richard, who seemed eager to join Aida and Oun’s sparring session.

“Have you forgotten how you wrecked the workshop walls during your last duel with Aida?”

“That was….”

In truth, Richard was feeling a bit disappointed as he had been teaching just the children in the territory, and he lacked an adequate outlet for his strength.

There were hardly any opponents in the entire Empire that could match his skill, so in that sense, Aida was truly the perfect challenger for him.

But one had to keep in mind that both of their powers had already transcended humanity.

The previous sparring incident, where a slightly misplaced attack had caused the walls of the Somerset Workshop to come crashing down, resulted in Rupert having to physically capture Richard.

Thus, Richard was subjected to a dueling ban.

“By the way, where are your wife and nephew? Did they not come with you?”

“They mentioned a situation in their clan, so they took Oun along to check it out.”

“What a shame. I wanted to see Oun.”

Rupert had quite a fondness for Oregon, Richard’s son with Cypris.

“Uncle! I drew this!”

The blood of the Somerset family seemed to lean towards the extremes.

Either extremely extroverted, or extremely introverted.

While Richard and Aida were the type of people who could hardly sit still for even a moment, their grandfather Bradley Somerset and Rupert were the classic homebodies who found staying in their own house far more appealing than venturing out.

Oregon, who inherited that Somerset blood, was rather unfortunately or fortunately, very much like his grandfather and uncle, having a somewhat introverted personality.

Rather than swordsmanship or adventures, he preferred books and pictures, often trailing behind Rupert as he enjoyed exploring the Somerset Workshop.

And Rupert found Oregon to be quite adorable.

“Oh! Big brother’s here?!”

“Yeah, it’s been a while, Aida.”

While Rupert and Richard exchanged a few words, Aida, who had finished her sparring session, came over to them.

“Quit picking on Oun.”

“Picking on him? Oun loves it!”

Rupert sighed at Aida’s cheeky response, eyeing Oun sprawled out in a corner of the sparring area like a Dragon Ball character.

“Oun looks tough, but I doubt he enjoys getting knocked around.”

Having retired to spend leisurely days tending to the garden with Bradley, Mularus had taken over as the captain of the Somerset Guards.

However, Oun hadn’t become captain merely due to his long service in the Somerset family.

“The knight Oun of the Somerset family is a hidden powerhouse.”

Having reached sword expert status at a young age, he had now matured to the point where few among the experts could rival him.

His impenetrable defense even earned him the illustrious nickname of “The Shield of Somerset.”

Still,

“Uwaaaah!!! Why did the heavens give birth to me and give Aida ladyship?!”

The opponent wasn’t exactly favorable.

Surrounded by those with fearsome titles like Richard, the heir to the Sword, Alain, the head of the assassination organization, and lastly Aida, who bore the terrifying title of the Monarch of Power.

“That guy is definitely the weakest among us.”

Rupert couldn’t help but think of that line whenever he saw Oun.

“By the way, where’s father? I need to greet him.”

“He’s most likely in the underground storage.”

“Again?”

When Richard noticed that his father Bradley was missing while chatting with Aida, Rupert replied nonchalantly.

“Now that you’re leading Somerset, it’s your turn.”

Ever since he passed down the position of Family Head to Rupert a few months ago and officially retired, Bradley had been living a happier life than ever.

“Rupert, this is one of the heirlooms that has been passed down through our Somerset family.”

“Why on earth is our family heirloom such a deadly-looking item?”

“I’m not so sure about that, either.”

Bradley had been busy collecting practical-looking knives that were clearly not for decoration, which had once been sold off due to poor finances in the past.

“This is truly the scenery befitting a noble mansion…”

Bradley had been properly showcasing what it means to be a leisurely nobleman by tending to the mansion’s garden, a long-held dream of his.

“But you’ve had a tough time.”

Unlike the past, Somerset was now so wealthy that it didn’t know where to spend its money, so Rupert never stopped his father from pursuing hobbies.

Moreover, he was just grateful that his father had struggled handling everything in his stead until he assumed the position of Family Head.

“The eldest Young Master has arrived. Dinner is prepared in the dining hall.”

“Alain! You still look healthy.”

“Haha, it seems this old man has been doing well since he has nothing to do.”

Seeing Alain, who had come to announce that dinner was ready, Richard warmly embraced him.

“Alain, what’s on the menu today?”

“Steak, which the young lady loves. It seems the chef has specially put extra effort into it since the family has gathered after a long time.”

“Let’s go quickly!”

Just like when they were little, Aida grabbed Alain’s hand and raced to the dining hall.

“I hope Alain can take a nice rest in retirement.”

Rupert thought this as he followed behind them with Richard.

However,

“I want to serve the Young Masters and the young lady until I die. That’s my happiness.”

Rupert could do nothing to stop Alain, who wanted to take care of the mansion for as long as he lived.

 

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