Contrary to Eliza's earlier expectations, Edward wasn't just skilled at writing lighthearted fairy tales like KonoSuba.
Although Goblin Slayer still had room for improvement in terms of realism and detail, it vividly captured what Eliza needed: brutality!
At first, Eliza had considered finding a renowned novelist to write a suitable script if Edward failed to deliver.
However, when Edward presented this story to her, she immediately realized that Goblin Slayer was exactly what she wanted!
The story begins with a group of inexperienced novice adventurers who, ignoring the warnings from the Adventurers' Guild, set out to exterminate goblins, relying on their preconceived notions about them.
However, due to their lack of experience, they are quickly annihilated.
Only one member, a cautious priestess, survives with the help of the seasoned adventurer known as Goblin Slayer.
The story unfolds from there.
The opening alone was enough to meet Eliza's requirements.
This story, while dark and filled with grim and violent elements, also contains a glimmer of hope.
It is this hope, embodied by courage and wisdom, that gives the story its soul.
Eliza was convinced that it would not only realistically portray the world of adventurers but also be a story that people would enjoy.
"This is indeed an excellent script. Although some of the descriptions of goblins and adventurers are a bit strange, the story itself perfectly captures the real world of adventurers!" Eliza praised Goblin Slayer highly but also noted some issues.
The script's depiction of goblins raping female adventurers and abducting village women as breeding tools was brutally explicit.
Additionally, the portrayal of Goblin Slayer as an anti-hero, going against the mainstream image of powerful adventurers, might provoke audience backlash.
The difficulty of filming the battle scenes, particularly the rape scenes, also posed a challenge.
Nevertheless, a film filled with such bloody, violent, and dark elements would have an unpredictable impact when it was eventually released—something that even Eliza, as the Guild Master of the Northern Adventurers' Guild, found difficult to gauge.
Noticing Eliza's concerns, Edward calmly reassured her, "This script is just a draft. When it comes to filming, we will definitely make significant edits to address the challenges, perhaps by adding blackouts or censorship. After all, I wouldn't do anything that would put me in direct conflict with the law. As for the impact of releasing a movie like this, I don't think you need to worry. The world needs a certain amount of cruelty and darkness. Plays and novels have already showcased all the beauty in the world. At a time like this, if Goblin Slayer is released, I think such a realistic and brutal story will actually be well-received by the audience."
"I hope so. Now, Director Edward, I have one last question: Are the goblin descriptions in Goblin Slayer based on something you've witnessed yourself?"
Eliza's sudden question caught Edward off guard, and he quickly responded, "Sorry, I haven't actually been to the Northern Territory, so I don't know what goblins are really like. The descriptions of goblins in the movie were designed to meet your needs, Guild Master Eliza."
Clearly, Eliza had instinctively feared that such a terrifying creature might truly exist in the world after reading the script.
She was worried that if goblins were real, they could have disastrous effects on the world.
Hearing Edward's "explanation," Eliza sighed in relief and said, "Since it's just a story element, I have no more concerns. Otherwise, I might have launched a goblin extermination campaign immediately..."
"Uh, right..."
Not knowing how to respond to her thoughts, Edward wiped away a bit of sweat.
"I hope Director Edward can create a movie that matches this excellent script. I'm looking forward to it."
Eliza's words indicated that she had fully entrusted the film's production to Edward.
Without being modest, he confidently replied, "Leave it to me, Guild Master Eliza. I will deliver a perfect movie for the audience in the Northern Territory! Of course, I will need your help with many things before the filming can begin."
"Of course. If it's related to the movie, I will do whatever I can to assist you."
Hearing Eliza's confident words, Edward merely smiled and said, "Then, before we start filming, I'll need to do some fieldwork to choose the shooting locations."
"Uh, okay. Do you have any specific requirements for the locations?"
After a moment's thought, Edward responded, "Since the story is set in your region, the filming should take place in the Northern Territory. Can you tell me if there are any goblin settlements there? Preferably narrow caves..."
"Goblin nests? Caves? We do have those, but are you planning to film on-site? I can't guarantee the safety of you and your crew. The Northern Territory is nothing like the Southern Territory; there are all sorts of dangerous monsters outside the towns."
Edward just smiled and shook his head. "Don't worry, I've already arranged for security. You just need to help me find the locations."
"Oh, alright."
Although Eliza didn't know who Edward had in mind as security, she understood that he had a plan and calmly said, "Then, Director Edward, shall we meet here tomorrow? We can use the teleportation magic circle to travel to the Northern Territory."
"No problem."
...
The next morning, when Edward arrived at the Adventurers' Guild, everyone scheduled to travel to the Northern Territory had already gathered.
This included the Headless Horseman as Edward's bodyguard, Viz as the local expert, Daphne and her bodyguard for the audition, and Winry, who had already returned to Durin Castle due to business matters.
"Viz, are things okay at the tavern?"
In response to Edward's question, the lich smiled and said, "The staff all volunteered to take care of the tavern when they heard you were making a new movie, without even asking for overtime pay. They must be excited about the new movie."
"That's good to hear. I was worried you might need to stay behind. By the way, Belldia, how do you feel about returning to your old battlefield?"
Hearing Edward's teasing, the Headless Horseman silently shook the head in his hands.
The scene was both eerie and horrifying, as he replied, "If you had asked me before, I would have been very reluctant to return. But now, I've come to terms with it. After all, this time, I'm not going back to fight; I'm just ensuring your safety during filming. I'm glad to be doing this job."
Satisfied that the bodyguard had no issues, Edward smiled and turned to the distant Eliza, who still seemed shaken by seeing the Headless Horseman in person. "Then let's get going, Guild Master Eliza. It's time to visit your territory."
"Of course, it would be my pleasure."
Although she had seen the Headless Horseman in the movie, Eliza had no other thoughts about him besides marveling at his swordsmanship, as the film didn't deliberately showcase the pressure he exerted.
However, now that she was facing the terrifying being radiating an aura of death, Eliza was suddenly overwhelmed by the familiar dread she'd experienced in the Northern Territory.
The suffocating sense of death lingered around her, and it took her a while to break free from the terrifying impression of the Headless Horseman and finally respond.
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