This new work was different from the previous ones, and there were many aspects that required attention.

Unlike the previous works, this one couldn’t be concluded even if the story was condensed. It would take at least seven volumes to reach completion, so deciding how to progress the plot was crucial.

“The first volume has to make an impact.”

Therefore, while planning the storyboard for the first volume, I focused intensely on that aspect.

The original work that inspired this one included scenes that jumped between past and present. However, I felt that readers who were still not accustomed to manga might find it confusing.

So, I decided to use a linear narrative from start to finish. Once I established the storyline, I selected the first impactful episode.

The protagonist loses part of his body in a shocking scene while trying to resurrect his mother with his younger brother.

I decided to start the manga with that scene.

The transformation of the Auto-Gear was also important, as it played a significant role throughout the manga. Unlike modern people who can accept the manga world, the people here were not yet ready to accept such fictional settings.

‘Auto-Gear didn’t exist on Earth, and introducing such advanced technology in a world without even firearms is a stretch.’

Given that this work was set on the continent of Sylvanias, introducing an implausible setting would have been problematic.

So I decided to substitute modern technologies like guns with magic, but it was a shame to give up on Auto-Gear.

It was a core element of the story.

‘Wasn’t the heroine originally introduced as the one who created the Auto-Gear?’

Did this world have prosthetics like the ‘Auto-Gear’ from the original manga?

Come to think of it, I remembered seeing items at the magic tower designed for people who lost limbs on the battlefield.

‘Golem Prosthetic’

These were items made for soldiers who lost limbs in war. They incorporated magical technology and had excellent performance.

However, the design was too crude and unrefined.

By altering the design of the Golem Prosthetic to look more sleek and futuristic, with just a hint of metallic scent, it could appear much sleeker.

I could say that this was an advanced Golem Prosthetic made by the dwarves with their tribal technology, and it was already popularized in the world within the manga. It was just right.

After all, the dwarves were not within the Empire, so no one could question the historical accuracy, making it an extremely convenient tool.

“If the heroine learns to manage the Golem Prosthetic for the protagonist’s brother, it could fit nicely into the storyline.”

Personally, I remember the heroine from the original work very fondly.

How should I put it? She didn’t interfere with the protagonist’s adventure and remained in a supporting role, yet she retained her charm, playing a pivotal role throughout the story.

Moreover, the iconic cosmic scene at the end of the work was possible because of her.

“I can’t leave out that iconic line at the end.”

This work will play a role similar to MSG.

If previous works were exciting and engaging by the standards of this world, this one was on another level.

It was like children who had been eating bland, unseasoned baby food made from natural ingredients trying instant ramen for the first time.

The storyboard for the first volume was nearly complete.

Of course, the process of turning this into a finished product was still necessary, but the framework was set.

“Personally, while full color has its appeal, manga is truly best in black and white.”

I planned to draw this work entirely in black and white, except for the cover.

Black and white manga was not just used to reduce costs or due to technical limitations.

People tended to use more imagination and focus more when reading black-and-white manga than full-color ones.

The reason was that black-and-white manga left room for imagination in the reader’s mind, rather than ending with the artist’s work.

There’s a reason why popular manga are still serialized in black and white.

“If I had an assistant, the work would progress much faster.”

Countless ideas and works were swirling in my mind, and it was frustrating that I only had one body to work with.

If only I could use a cloning technique, I could work on multiple projects simultaneously or divide the tasks among creating storyboards, characters, and backgrounds.

Originally, this role would be filled by an assistant, a crucial tool for any manga artist, but I hadn’t yet found anyone suitable to take on the role for my work.

In a world where art wasn’t developed, finding skilled people was difficult, and finding trustworthy individuals was even more so.

“Oh, come to think of it, the craftsmen have been complaining about overwork lately.”

I wasn’t the only one in need of an assistant.

The recent increase in workload had caused a shortage of manpower, and with the addition of the merchandise factory, everyone was working overtime.

The people in the estate had started using the Somerset estate as a landmark at night because the lights never went out, and that made me feel a sense of pride.

‘The lighthouse of the estate, how cool is that?’

Anyway, if we didn’t expand the workforce soon, there was a high chance that the Imperial Code would be found in the workshop again.

I continued my work, planning to ask Alain to recruit more people.

“Hey! How can you charge this much for a child’s toy, even if it’s an exclusive item from your trading company?”

Bang!

Once again, shouts echoed in one of the branches of the Yuren Trading Company.

However, for the employees of the trading company, such incidents were now a part of daily life. They simply listened with one ear and focused on their work.

“Please calm down, sir. While it’s true that the prices of the items are relatively high…”

“Relatively high? How can a wand or a dress-up doll cost several silver coins?”

As an employee dealing with customers, I understood their concerns, yet I also wanted to point out that they should consider themselves lucky.

Some goods exclusive to nobles were priced in gold coins.

“These are not toys; they are goods sold under the name merchandise.”

“Isn’t that just a play on words?”

“These items are specially made for the Frozen Kingdom manga and are priced accordingly.”

“But still, how can you justify displaying these expensive items in areas frequented by children?”

Of course, it was intentional. I remember clapping my hands at the devilish marketing strategy when I first heard about it.

The idea of setting up stalls in alleys with high foot traffic from children was truly brilliant.

“Since there aren’t many places to advertise products… Seeing as you’re uncomfortable with the price, how about this?”

“What’s your scheme…?”

“Look, buying each of these goods individually would cost a fortune.”

That’s right. That’s why it’s unacceptable. If you were a wealthy noble with overflowing riches, it might be different, but for ordinary citizens, the price was burdensome.

For commoners, buying this would mean breaking their backs.

“However, we are offering a 50% discount on this set of three goods to those who purchase the manga.”

“What? 50%?!”

“Yes, while it is still expensive, it’s a price you can afford for your beloved child, isn’t it?”

The man who had come to complain thought deeply.

They were offering a 50% discount.

Besides, he already had the manga at home, so there was no need to buy the book separately.

Wasn’t this a reasonable purchase?

“…Is it really 50% off?”

“Of course!”

The customer who had come to complain left carrying an armful of merchandise, wearing a happy smile.

It was another peaceful day at the Yuren Trading Company.

“Why can’t you cook this either, Mister?”

“That book is all lies—no, I mean it’s an exaggeration!”

I wanted to shout that the dwarf in the fairy tale book was a fake, but I remembered the trouble I got into when I made the child cry the last time I said that, so I quickly changed my words.

Krun felt frustrated. What kind of absurd fantasy was it to depict a dwarf cooking for a human woman?

“Mister, you might be a slightly lacking dwarf, but you helped Snow White, so it’s okay!”

Krun found himself both speechless and comforted by the child’s words, and he couldn’t help but laugh.

When he lost consciousness after being chased by the Earth Snake, he thought it was the end for him.

Fortunately, this human girl, Sena, had taken him home, treated him, and cared for him, saving him from danger.

At first, he was wary of her because she was human, but Sena was incredibly dedicated to helping him.

Curious about her reasons, he asked, and her response was amusing.

“Dwarves are the kind people who helped Snow White!”

At first, he was confused, but she explained that it was content from a popular book in the human kingdom.

Curious about dwarves appearing in it, he asked to see it, and it was a fascinating book unlike any he’d seen before.

Half of the book consisted of words, and the other half was pictures, making it quite easy to read.

‘Really, no dwarf looks like that! There’s no way such a naive-looking dwarf exists!’

He didn’t know where the author of the book had met a dwarf, but they had drawn it somewhat accurately. However, the dwarf in the book seemed too gentle.

By nature, dwarves were supposed to be rough and rugged to be considered handsome.

But he was surprised. The way it depicted dwarves living in underground houses and portrayed them as kind was interesting.

That was the most astonishing part.

As far as he knew, humans were as wary of dwarves as dwarves were of humans. Had things changed?

“Here, eat this!”

While he was lost in thought, Sena suddenly offered him a roasted potato.

“What about you?”

“I already ate!”

Seeing Sena smile brightly as she handed him a potato, Krun realized she was lying.

Sena’s family was not well-off by any means.

If Sena hadn’t desperately prevented them from doing so, her parents, who were shocked to see Krun, would have already kicked him out.

Being a dwarf was one thing, but they couldn’t afford to care for a patient given their tight circumstances.

As a result, Sena often gave Krun her share of the food.

Once, feeling uncomfortable with such selfless kindness, Krun directly asked Sena why she treated him so well.

“Because the dwarves helped Snow White, the princess became happy. I want you to be happy too, Krun.”

After hearing that, Krun was left speechless, unable to say a word.

However, one thing was certain.

Dwarves never forget a grudge, and they never forget a favor either.

Krun vowed that once he recovered, he would repay Sena for her kindness.