Chapter 29: Disrespect

Chapter 29: Disrespect (Arthur's POV) The day after the premiere, I find myself in a whirlwind of meetings. Unlike Louis Bell, the representatives from other electronics companies actually watched "The Demonfather" and aren't being stingy about royalties for our camera patents. It's amazing what a little color and a lot of talent can do to change perspectives. But the real frenzy is around the film itself. Major distributors are clamoring to acquire the license, having seen how "The Demonfather" is exploding in popularity. We're only on the second day of screenings, and tickets are selling out faster than hellfire spreads. I can barely believe it when I see the numbers: 4,000 dollars from ticket sales already, and that's after the festival takes its cut. Now, every major demon studio, especially Demon Pictures - the same ones who rejected me before - are falling over themselves to convince me to sell them the distribution rights for the Morningstar Kingdom. The irony isn't lost on me, but I push my feelings aside. This isn't about revenge; it's about what's best for Hellfire Studios. Demon Pictures is offering a 30% share of the box office and an upfront payment of 1 million dollars. It's tempting, incredibly so. My team is practically begging me to accept it. But I'm not ready to commit just yet. Underground Films is on the table with a 40% box office share and a 600,000 dollar upfront payment. It's not bad, but something about it doesn't sit right with me. There's more offers from various demon studios, then there's Lava Brothers. Their offer catches my eye: 70% of the box office and a 300,000 dollar upfront payment. The initial payment is lower, but that percentage... it's hard to ignore. As I mull over the offers, I can't help but focus on Lava Brothers. They're not as influential as Demon Pictures that's in the Big Three, but they're among the Little Five in the Morningstar Kingdom. Their offer is intriguing, and I find myself wondering if I could push them a bit further. If they'd raise the upfront payment or bump the box office share to 73 or even 75 percent, I'd be hard-pressed to refuse. It's a risk, no doubt. I can't be certain "The Demonfather" will be an overwhelming success. But my gut tells me the chances are high. If we hit even just 10 million at the box office in the Morningstar Kingdom... well, the math speaks for itself. The potential earnings from those shares are staggering. But it's not just the demon studios that have caught my attention. The offers from human, dwarf, and elven studios are equally compelling. Bryan Brothers, a major human studio, is offering 3 million upfront with a 10 percent box office share. (Richie Robbins' POV) As a demon priest of the Solarus Church branch here in the Morningstar Kingdom, I'm no stranger to prejudice. It's not just me - all demon followers of Solarus face the same discrimination. But what of it? These close-minded demons who look down on us have no real power over the followers of Solarus. Let them try to harm even one of our members. They'll face the fury of the Solarus Religion and our Lord Solarus himself. It's a comforting thought, even in the face of daily sneers and whispers. Today started like any other, tending to my priestly duties. But then I overhear something... unusual. A group of our choir demon orphans are huddled together, whispering excitedly: "Did you guys watch The Demonfather? It was so good!" "Yeah, Michael is so cool." "But is it really right to admire such a film? I mean, it kind of disrespects our religion-" "Shh!! Don't talk about it!" I frown, stepping closer. "Is there anything I should know about, children?" The orphans scatter like startled imps, their faces a picture of panic. One of them stammers, "Umm... Priest Robbins. It was nothing." I raise an eyebrow, trying to keep my voice gentle but firm. "Thou shall not lie, my child. What is it?" They exchange nervous glances before one reluctantly hands me a newspaper. "What could this be?" I mutter, unfolding it. The headline screams at me: "First Ever Colored Film is a Demon Film! Yet it was not only colored, it was also the best film I've seen!" Confused, I start reading. What does this colored film have to do with our religion? But as I read on, my confusion turns to dismay. One line in particular catches my eye: "As a demon critic - the best scene for me is the baptism scene. I love every scene of it, every disrespect to Solarus was both funny and exciting. It was so bold for the exiled prince to even include it." My frown deepens as I study the black-and-white photo of Arthur Morningstar in what appears to be a baptism scene. Wait a minute... "Isn't this the exiled prince who shot a film in our church a few weeks ago?" I ask, more to myself than the anxious orphans. The pieces start falling into place, and a cold dread settles in my stomach. We allowed a film to be shot in our sacred space, and this is how they've used it? To mock our faith?