How to Live as a Martial Arts Writer in a Fantasy World

54 – 54. Midterm Exam (2)

54.

[Literature Midterm Exam]

[1. Describe the most significant impact of the publication of The Chronicles of Shuren on imperial literature.]

[2. What is the most significant difference between The Chronicles of Shuren and contemporary imperial literature?]

It was the question on the first day of the midterm exam that made Allen grasp his head.

Of course, there were not only these questions.

Below, there were a few more descriptive questions waiting. Given that Professor Quiros had not mercilessly packed in 60 questions, it seemed he had at least some consideration.

“If this is considered consideration.”

A total of five questions, and the time limit is just 1 hour.

In the feast of descriptive questions to which there were no short answer or multiple-choice questions, Allen felt dizzy.

“Really, I’m going crazy.”

There’s such a thing.

A case where he asked the original author of the literature for the correct answer and was disappointed by the truly ridiculous answer that came back.

In reality, people are impressed by sentences written lightly without any thought and make unreasonable excessive interpretations.

Of course, this is only from the perspective of the original author, how readers perceive it is a realm that the author cannot consider.

Because the perspectives of the original author and the reader can never be exactly the same.

[1. Describe the biggest impact that the publication of “Shuren Chronicles” has had on the history of Imperial literature.]

-Most of the existing Imperial literature is overly rigid and difficult to read, generally bringing more pain than pleasure to the reader.

This is why the act of reading a novel feels like quite the luxury, the main cause for it being considered the preserve of the aristocracy.

The peculiar tone of this Imperial literature persists even in novels that were published relatively recently.

The “Shuren Chronicles” is the only one that deviates from this trend.

…

(Abridged)

A novel fundamentally seeks to entertain, it should prioritize connecting with readers through a simple and easy-to-read style.

Moreover, to offer new enjoyment to readers, authors should invest their energies in freer thinking rather than being captive to preconceptions.

‘I don’t like it, but…’

Hoping this is closest to the right answer, Allen set down his quill pen for a moment.

It took more than 20 minutes just to discuss question number one.

Allen picked up his pen again.

The sound of the scratching quill, as it danced across the paper, filled the silent classroom.

***

“How did your exam go, Scholar Allen?”

“Ah, Princess Lin.”

“I thought I had asked you to call me Lin. You’re still formal as ever?”

At Lin’s words, Allen gave an awkward laugh.

He feels a certain rapport with the princesses due to their frequent interactions, but still finds it hard to be too casual in his speech.

Of course, given more time, that likely would change.

At least, that’s the problem as Allen sees it.

“Long time no see.”

“Recently, I’ve received many inquiries about Kunlun’s attire. Your influence, Scholar Allen.”

“hahahaha. It seems your play and kids are giving you a hard time.”

“It’s a joyful matter.”

Lin said with a gentle smile.

Thanks to Allan’s “Shuren Chronicles”, interest in Kunlun among the people of the Western Empire is increasing. To her, this is truly a joyous thing.

“Thanks to Master Allen, the interest in Kunlun is increasing. It’s really a joy.”

“Did Your Highness do well on the test?”

“Me? Hmm, I think it wasn’t bad.”

“I see. I believe I failed.”

“Oh my, literature is a subject that is difficult to fail. Besides, Allen is the original author, right?”

“If the correct answer set by the professor and the answer I submitted are different, it’s my mistake. Even if I’m the original author.”

There are often sentences that people interpret as having something, when in reality, they are simply a sentence written without much thought from the author’s perspective.

A thought that suddenly comes to mind while eating can become a famous phrase that resonates with people’s hearts for this reason.

Allen squirmed uncomfortably.

Lin chuckled.

“By the way, I’m enjoying the Shuren chronicle comic. You found a good artist, didn’t you?”

“It fell into my lap.”

“Heh heh, good for you. Thanks to it, I now understand sections I had difficulty grasping through text alone.”

“I’m glad.”

He was planning to publish another edition with illustrations later, but decided not to mention that now.

It’s somewhat of a nasty trick.

An evil trick of sucking dry a successful work firstly, then hitting the loyal readers’ wallets again with the hardcover edition.

Lin picked up her teacup.

“It’s a shame that we can only see the manga by buying a newspaper. I wish I could purchase a collection like a novel.”

“Since people do all the work, the downside is that it takes a long time for the manuscript to be made.”

Currently, Raila can only spend about 4 hours a day working strenuously on the manuscript.

From Allen’s perspective, Raila is scary since she effortlessly manages weekly serials even while studying.

In fact, Allen himself had already told Adonel Publishing that the sixth volume would be delayed.

Lin nodded thoughtfully.

“I forgot that people are involved because the quality is so high. Once the entire volume is serialized, are you considering releasing it like a novel?”

“To some extent.”

“I’m glad. It’s a pity that you can only see these kinds of drawings by purchasing a newspaper.”

“You really like it.”

“Of course. Thanks to the Shuren Chronicles, more people are interested in Kunlun. I’m pleased. It’s also why I have a favorable view of Master Allen.”

At her reaction, Allen rubbed his cheek.

Between the two people engrossed in conversation, a golden shadow passed by, just as Felicia slumped into the chair with a fatigued face.

“What are you two talking about so fervently?”

“Welcome, Felicia.”

“It’s been a while, Lyn. I heard you’ve been busy these days?”

“hahahaha, it seems so. Felicia, you said you’ve joined the club run by Prince Allen?”

“I did, yes. hahahahaha. Aren’t you going to join, Lyn?”

“Well, I have thought about it…”

Lyn didn’t deny wanting to join Allen’s club.

“I heard there was a ruckus in the club a while ago.”

“There was indeed.”

Allen smirked.

There were so many application papers to handle that it was a real struggle for five days, screening the applications and interviewing people. That was quite recent. The problem was, there were hardly any worthwhile candidates found.

“I don’t want to burden Prince Allen unnecessarily. Someday, I’d like to join. And, I could offer unlimited advice on Kunlun.”

“I’d be happy to help you with things like sacred magic. It’s a shame that the story Allen is writing is based on the culture of Kunlun.”

Felicia grumbled.

She was unhappy with her lack of opportunity to lend a helping hand.

Allen scratched his cheek.

“Princess, you watched the magic studies class?”

“Of course, I’m a royal. There’s no point in not being the top student.”

“I’m envious.”

Allen pulled out a pocket watch to check the time.

The next examination had a fair bit of time remaining.

‘…I have some time, maybe I should go see Stella or Leila take their exam.’

Allen rose from his seat.

***

Regrettably, Allen was unable to observe either Stella or Leila’s examination. Ironically, the subjects they both were taking exams in today were not practical but written examinations.

“…That’s disappointing.”

“So it is. It’s odd at times like this how things never seem to line up.”

“You two, you’ve become remarkably close.”

Stella interrupts the conversation between Leila and Alan.

Alan looks at Stella as if she were being a pest.

“Do you have some kind of problem?”

“No. Not at all.”

“Leila and I are like business partners to begin with. Do you even know how diligently she reads Shurenjeonki?”

“Well, I also read Shurenjeonki earnestly!”

“Sure.”

Alan didn’t seem interested in Stella’s statement.

Leila asked.

“How about the exams?”

“I might have blown it in literature. If Professor Quiros grades generously, I might just get a B.”

“Despite being the author yourself.”

Alan shrugged his shoulders.

Even though the subject is omitted, she might be implying that it’s odd for Alan to receive low grades when he’s the original author.

Stella brings up.

“By the way, I’ve heard the drama department is seeking a swordsmanship advisor. Apparently, the competition is fierce.”

“There will probably be a great demand for various talents. A swordsmanship advisor, huh… Seems like the drama department really means business.”

“I heard the Princess offered her help.”

“Huh? The Princess?”

Upon Alan’s clueless response, Leila nods.

“Alan, you’re busy.”

“Can’t you let me in on the conversation since I’m also here? It’s upsetting.”

“There must be a place more fitting for a wastrel like you, right?”

“Who’s a wastrel, who?”

“Who else?”

While Alan is having this irrelevant conversation with Stella and Leila, Maia, who he sent on an errand, returns.

“Master, I’ve relayed the discussion about the 6th volume to Adonel Publishing House again.”

“Oh, welcome back, Maia. What did Cal say?”

“He seemed to consider it positively, but he advised that you should write for a professional drama company instead.”

“Of course. Just the reaction I expected. Well, it doesn’t matter. All I wanted from the start was to separate the standard and premium.”

“Should I relay this to Mr. Adonel?”

“No need to rush. I’ll just write another letter before the midterms are over.”

“Understood.”

Leila understood the conversation between Allen and Meia, but Stella looked completely clueless.

‘What kind of conversation is this…?’

Above the frustratingly silent knight, clouds wafted by.