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Chapter 25: Extra: Tell Me, Ero-manga Sensei!
The chaotic dust of Orario's streets hadn't quite settled, but I had found a temporary sanctuary in a dim, drafty basement. My head was still throbbing where a piece of masonry—courtesy of Alpia's "Gospel"—had clipped me, a reminder that being a merchant of scandal in a war zone was a high-risk, high-reward profession. As I sat there nursing a lukewarm tea, a series of metaphysical whispers—or perhaps just the intrusive thoughts of my "audience"—began to echo in my mind.
I suppose it's only fair to address the mounting confusion before I dive back into the life-and-death struggle of drawing smut.
I. The Creative Block & Meta-Struggles
Q: Let's start with a light jab. Why are we getting a Q&A instead of the promised Helun doujinshi?
A: Honestly, that's not a jab; that's a straight right to the jaw. The truth is, Helun is a terrifyingly difficult nut to crack. As someone whose primary knowledge comes from the anime, my impression of her was limited to "the yandere who falls for Bell after transforming into Syr". But after delving into the "Water and Light of Fulland" and seeing her shift from foul-mouthed insults to heart-stoppingly direct confessions, I realized my character study was lacking. I'm currently buried in Light Novel volumes 16 through 18, trying to capture that specific brand of obsessive "Sleepy Princess" energy. I want to twist the readers' tastes, not just slap something together.
Q: Do you at least put a 'This story is fiction' disclaimer on your books?
A: Fiction? Is that some kind of divine terminology from the Heavens? As a mere child of the Lower World, such complex concepts are beyond me~♪.
Q: Why risk drawing real, dangerous people when you could just hunt Goblins in the Dungeon?
A: Have you ever met a gambling addict?. They know the house has the edge, but they can't stop chasing the jackpot. The Dungeon is a terrifying grind for copper coins.. Drawing a best-seller? That's a one-way ticket to easy street if you don't get caught. Even the DanMemo chronicles admit that a successful artist makes more than an average adventurer.
II. Identity, Stats, and Logic
Q: What's your actual gender? Both now and in your previous life?
A: Despite the questionable nature of my art... I am a girl through and through!.
Q: How do you keep outrunning high-level killers? What are your actual stats?
A: Let's just say I have a specialized Agility build and I'm Level 3 or higher. You don't survive five days of sleep-deprived sprinting through Orario without some serious investment in your legs.
Q: Why not just draw Jmp or Magzine stories from your past life instead of "Real Life" models (Namamono)?
A: If I did that, the title of this story would be a lie, wouldn't it?. I have a personal vendetta against stories with bait-and-switch titles. If the title says I'm drawing Alpia, then I'm drawing Alpia—death wish be damned.
Q: Why hasn't the Loki Familia just tracked you down via the Guild?
A: The Guild manages adventurers and magic stones, not independent smut merchants. Finn and the others probably assume the Guild wouldn't have info on a "civilian" artist. Plus, can you imagine Finn walking into the Guild and officially requesting an investigation because someone drew a lewd book of his vice-captain?. The shame alone would be a critical hit to their reputation.
III. The Divine and the Damned
Q: Your Goddess sounds... familiar. Is she who we think she is?
A: My Goddess is a lazy, debt-ridden alcoholic who has completely abandoned her femininity. She's a total "dummy" goddess who lives for the bottle and the gamble. Our Captain is basically a saint for managing a household of problem children like us. As for whether we're in a "blessed" or "wonderful" world... well, that's a secret~♪.
Q: Why draw Allen or Alpia? You're literally tap-dancing on a landmine.
A: Because they're hot, adorable, and they sell like crazy!. Also, Alpia actually tried to kill me, so portraying her as a doting mother was just satisfying, petty revenge.
Q: What is the punishment you fear most if you're caught?
A: People assume it would be something scandalous, but they're wrong. The thing I hate most in this world is manual labor.. If someone makes me do actual physical work, I will literally wither away into dust. It's too exhausting!.
IV. The Future Roadmap
Q: Who is next on the chopping block after Helun?
A: I'm setting my sights on Laurier. I didn't know much about her until readers pointed her out, but an Elf who is the "model" of her race and has a massive crush on Bell?. That hits my personal preferences exactly. I'm planning a star-studded cast of heroines to react to that one.
Q: Any plans for the Xenos (Monsters)?
A: I want to, but I don't want to be permanently labeled a "monster-f*cker". If a truly hilarious idea hits me, I might reconsider, but for now, it's just a "maybe".
I stood up and stretched, the stiffness in my back a reminder of my five-day marathon of drawing and fleeing. I had a world to corrupt and a "Sleepy Princess" to study. The war outside might be decided by swords and magic, but in these dark alleys, the pen was currently winning.
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