Chapter 158: The Arrival of the Orc Prophet!
The Frost Festival had finally arrived under the watchful eyes of the public.
On this day, the entire southern region of the empire, the Imperial Mage Academy, and even some parts of the northern territories erupted into a lively atmosphere. Countless people rushed out of their homes on this cold winter day, heading to the cinemas set up in towns or flocking to TV taverns located in the corners of certain areas.
"I'm sorry, but while Fate/Zero is indeed fantastic, I still choose to watch Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!"
"Hmph, you really have no taste. How can Konosuba compare to the thrilling special effects of Fate/Zero?"
"Going to the cinema costs money, but TV taverns don't require anything—just snag a good spot, and you can watch!"
"Haha, don't you drink at the tavern? I remember you downing a whole bottle last time! Even a child can see through that kind of bundled marketing!"
"Even so, I'm going to watch it on TV! The atmosphere at the TV tavern is fantastic; no matter how loud it gets, you don't have to worry about disturbing others!"
"That's misguided. A movie as spectacular as this should be watched in a quiet environment on a big screen for the best experience!"
"No matter what you say, TV is the best way to enjoy it!"
"No, the movie is!"
"TV!"
"Movies!"
"..."
In an instant, discussions like these could be heard everywhere.
The war between TV enthusiasts and movie buffs had begun long before the release of Fate/Zero, but this Frost Festival had ignited the debate anew.
This just goes to show how bored people in this world really are.
...
Meanwhile, at the Edward Tavern.
Most of the production team, including Durin, had gathered there.
Winry, having received permission from Durin, had rushed over from Edward Castle. She seemed to have lost quite a bit of weight during this time.
Undoubtedly, this was due to the increasing targeting of the Edward family by other nobles in the southern region.
In response, Durin could only offer some words of comfort while he resolved internally to confront the southern nobles directly after the film festival.
Zat, Aya, and Helena, the stars of Konosuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World, were already at the tavern.
The actress who played Darkness had mysteriously vanished after filming, leaving everyone puzzled about where she could be adventuring.
Besides them, the undead—Beldia, Wiz, Saiki, and Laetitia—had also made their appearance.
These individuals often gathered to discuss the knowledge and mysteries of the undead; over time, their relationship had shifted from strangers to friends who could chat and joke together.
The relationship between Beldia and Laetitia had gradually eased under Durin's influence. At the very least, Beldia had come to terms with many things and no longer harbored intense hatred for the lich who had distorted his life.
After all, he could sense that although Laetitia appeared to be an extremely powerful lich, her choice to remain in eternal slumber in the Palace of Frost made her seem like a pitiable being with no control over her own fate.
In this world, there was no tolerance for the undead.
The Headless Horseman, who had survived alone for centuries after becoming undead, understood this particularly well.
In addition, Chase, the director of the Snowflake Theatre, was also present as a representative.
He had nearly worked himself to death over the past few days while filming Konosuba and Fate/Zero. As an ordinary person, his constitution was far weaker than Durin's, and he had been pushing himself quite hard.
Notably, Daphne had not sneaked out of the duke's mansion this time, and it was unclear what had happened to her.
As for the duke of the southern region, Durin had long since planned to meet him.
After this Frost Festival, he intended to officially address many accumulated issues in the south.
The massive impact of introducing the film into the southern region was undeniably significant; many things seemed to be on the verge of happening, just waiting for the right moment to unfold.
When the time came, the events that were destined to happen would indeed transpire.
After all, in an era marked by such frequent changes, Durin had already become a thorn in the side of countless individuals.
.....
As the patrons of the Edward Tavern eagerly anticipated the new movie, Juno did not rush to the TV tavern or the cinema. Instead, she anxiously waited at the city gates.
Before long, a caravan approached in the distance. At first glance, it seemed ordinary, filled with various goods, and its members appeared unremarkable.
But the moment she spotted the caravan, Juno's expression changed to one of tension.
The members gradually disembarked, and among them was a calm elderly man with white hair who walked steadily toward her.
When he reached Juno, the girl nervously said, "Juno of the Black Blade welcomes the Prophet."
The old man's expression remained composed as he replied nonchalantly, "Don't act in a way that raises suspicion. Once we enter the city, I'm just an ordinary tourist from the western region, and you are my granddaughter. Don't get that mixed up."
"Y-Yes!"
Though she responded in agreement, Juno found it difficult to maintain a facade of calm.
Seeing her stiff demeanor, the Prophet sighed helplessly.
"Earlier, they wanted you to come here as a spy. I strongly opposed it, thinking you would inevitably get caught, but this time you've indeed made a significant contribution. So, try not to be so nervous and treat me like the ordinary old man that I am."
"I understand, Grandpa O'Hali."
"Haha, that's more like it."
With that, the two of them walked together into the bustling city.
As they walked, Juno asked, a bit puzzled, "Grandpa O'Hali, why did you come here yourself? Honestly, it's quite dangerous."
"Ha ha, what's danger to us? For us, danger represents opportunity. Wasn't the kingdom itself founded in a time of peril?"
"But is it really worth it just to see a movie? There are some terrifyingly strong figures in this city…"
"Whether it's worth it will be clear after we see it. At the very least, after reading your letter, I felt I had no choice but to come. The future of the Orc Kingdom may very well depend on this."
"This…"
Juno hadn't expected the Prophet to take such a serious stance, but she ultimately nodded in agreement.
The two quickly made their way to the Norsrick cinema, determined to watch the highly anticipated second chapter of Fate/Zero!
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