Chapter 616, Count Me In
Saban's response was reasonable.
At the very least, it wasn't too late to get the Island Lord's permission before looking for stage play members.
Wu Heng continued asking, "What kind of performance are you planning?"
Saban replied, "I was thinking of a public kind."
Copyright laws for stories in this world weren't that well-developed.
Even performances in theaters rarely brought income to the original authors.
It was only on Gold-Silver Island, under his watch, that someone would even bother notifying about a stage play.
And public performance was like those in taverns.
Anyone could watch, and no one was charged.
So Wu Heng didn't feel the need to bother about copyright fees.
He directly said, "Since you want to try adapting it into a stage play, I permit you to perform."
Hearing that, Saban immediately lit up with joy.
Things were going smoother than he'd expected.
The Island Lord didn't have that lofty attitude common among nobles.
"Thank you, Lord of the Island."
"Let me finish!" Wu Heng added.
Saban froze and got serious again.
Wu Heng said, "I permit you to adapt the story, but the plot can't deviate from the core theme, and it must not bring any negative influence on Gold-Silver Island or the Island Lord's estate."
The story had already given him a lot of positive reputation.
He hoped to maintain that, not let the stage play create problems.
"Lord of the Island, we'll respect the story and its author. We won't bring any negativity to you or your work," Saban solemnly promised.
"Go prepare. I look forward to your performance," Wu Heng smiled.
Saban also reined in his excitement. "We won't disappoint you."
"Mm!" Wu Heng nodded.
Saban bowed once more and exited the room.
Wu Heng remained at the table, not leaving immediately.
On the way here, he'd already chatted about the stage play with a few maids.
This world didn't have—
"Go prepare well. I'm also looking forward to seeing what kind of story you'll bring to life."
Saban forced down the joy in his heart. "We won't let you down."
"Mm!"
Saban bowed again and exited the room.
Once he was gone, Wu Heng also left the meeting room.
He walked down the corridor.
Passing by the steward's office, Wu Heng paused, then knocked.
After hearing a response, he entered directly.
...…
Inside the office.
Sheila Grey and Shiyali were both present.
"What brings you to the guild today?" Sheila Grey asked with a smile.
Wu Heng sat to the side and casually said, "Just borrowing the meeting room."
"What for?"
"A bard on the island wants to adapt the first volume of Great Detective into a stage play. We talked it over," Wu Heng answered.
Shiyali brought refreshments, bent over to place them on the tea table, and asked with big eyes, "First volume? There's more to the story?"
Wu Heng took a sip of tea, "Of course. The next issue of the newspaper will continue the serialization."
The whole Great Detective series was about 500,000 words. Serialized like this in a newspaper,
it could run for over a year.
So he wasn't worried about running out of serialized content anytime soon.
"Are the later stories also about solving cases?" Shiyali's eyes lit up, scooting closer.
"A new case."
"What's it about?" Shiyali pressed.
"...A royal scandal."
Shiyali's eyes sparkled even more. She leaned in again and wrapped her arms around one of his, "Which royal family? Is it a noble love affair? Anyone die?"
"If I told you, it wouldn't be fun," Wu Heng replied.
Sitting behind the desk, Sheila Grey's brows furrowed as her eyes swept toward where her sister was clinging to his arm.
She spoke directly, "Shiyali, that's enough. Don't go too far."
Shiyali quickly realized and explained, "Just asking casually."
Then she returned to her own desk.
Sheila Grey turned back to Wu Heng, "Weren't you using the meeting room?"
"I finished and came over," Wu Heng replied.
Sheila Grey nodded in realization, "No wonder you weren't in a rush."
Wu Heng continued, "What class do you think suits being a ship captain and piloting a ship?"
Sheila Grey thought for a moment, "Not much difference. Sailing relies more on experience and knowledge of ships, not a specific class. Warriors, rangers—it all works."
Wu Heng felt he hadn't asked the right question, so he asked again, "What about operating machinery? Like trains and other mechanical contraptions."
"Also not much different. If I had to say, Technicians probably understand those devices better and find them easier to handle," Sheila Grey replied.
Wu Heng nodded. It was about what he expected.
After all, mechanical devices were made for general use.
Any class could operate them.
"Makes sense."
Sheila Grey looked at him, "Why are you asking? Got another plan?"
"Just planning to research a new kind of machine."
"You know how?" Sheila Grey raised a brow. "Don't you think you're spreading yourself too thin? Not to discourage you, but focusing on spells would be better. Don't waste time on things unrelated to your class."
For most people, having too many hobbies and not focusing on their own class
really was considered not doing one's proper job.
But Wu Heng's case was a bit different.
"Wanna make a bet?" Wu Heng smiled.
"What kind of bet?" Sheila Grey glanced at Shiyali, then said, "No money, just saying."
"Let's bet on whether I can produce a machine that's impressive enough," Wu Heng said seriously.
"You're really hopeless. You're a mage! Why are you researching machines?" Sheila Grey sighed.
"So, are you betting or not?"
"What are the stakes?" Sheila Grey asked nonchalantly.
Wu Heng thought for a moment, "Loser agrees to one request from the winner."
"Fine, as long as I think it's impressive," Sheila Grey emphasized.
After all, she'd be the one to decide if it was impressive. No way she could lose.
Shiyali immediately raised her hand, "Count me in."
"Alright, the three of us then," Wu Heng agreed with a smile.
And just like that, one more participant joined.
...…
In a private room on the top floor of the Golden Sail Tavern.
"Everyone, the Island Lord only asked that we stay faithful to the original story—no other conditions. If you want to join, just give me a straight answer."
Saban stood upright, smiling as he looked at the people seated around him.
The room was filled with quite a few individuals.
All were bards level 5 and above on the island, some regulars at taverns who told the newspaper stories.
Before the newspaper releases, bards didn't hold high status on Gold-Silver Island.
But as newspapers grew in popularity, this profession began receiving more attention.
"Mr. Saban, I have a few questions first," said a middle-aged man in a purple robe, standing up and bowing.
Saban quickly returned the gesture.
He knew this man too—level 12 bard 'Vandal,' who had considerable prestige on Lighthouse Street.
Vandal asked in a gentle voice, "In what form will this stage play be presented? Were any conditions promised to the Island Lord's estate?"
Everyone looked over.
After all, reading newspapers in taverns came with compensation.
Saban replied, "The Island Lord didn't set any conditions. I personally think that if we put on a good show, taverns will invite us to perform. We won't fall behind in either level progression or income."
Vandal nodded again and asked, "Will the stage play disrupt everyone's newspaper storytelling time? A lot of people might have to rehearse all day."
That question—
Immediately drew the attention of those stationed at taverns.
Saban took a sip of tea and said, "It won't. We can coordinate our schedules. Also, choosing the right roles takes time. If you want to join the play, it's essential to read the script and rehearse."
Vandal nodded once more, "Naturally."
Without waiting for another question, Saban continued, "The newspaper release gave us an opportunity. This is the Island Lord giving our profession a second chance. Whether we can transform the bard's status depends on this."