Lord of Entertainment

Chapter 96: Horn Kingdom welcomes the Hellfire

Klein, one of my key crew members, spoke up first. "Boss, do we really need to move? Aren't we doing fine here?"

Others chimed in, their concerns tumbling out:

"We're thriving here, aren't we?"

"What about the VFX Studio? We just leaving it behind?"

"I've got family here, boss."

I let them air it all out before sighing. "Look, moving out's the best play for our company long-term. Our future films won't get gouged by local taxes."

Then I dropped the magic words: "It means better pay for all of you."

Their eyes lit up like Christmas trees.

"Without that hefty local tax, I can pad your paychecks," I said, smiling.

Suddenly, the move didn't seem so bad to them.

"As for the VFX studio, we're selling it to Lava Brothers for four million," I added.

That got them going again. "Sell it? Why?"

"Can't we still use it for filming?"

I held up a hand. "Sure, we could use it. But if we film here, we're back to 'local production' and 'local taxation'. Kind of defeats the purpose of moving, doesn't it?"

Explaining all this was draining, especially after wading through the move-out paperwork.

The move to Horn Kingdom was set for my employees and actors. Fortunately, Horn seemed eager to welcome us with open arms.

At Hellfire Agency, my actors peppered me with questions about the relocation:

"Are we leaving the kingdom too?"

"What's our future in Horn Kingdom?"

Even Imkrag chimed in, "Boss, can I bring my family to Horn Kingdom?"

I addressed their concerns, assuring them they could stay if they preferred. They'd just be working from the Hellfire "branch" here.

But that didn't sit well with them. They wanted to be at headquarters, not some branch office. In the end, they chose to follow me to Horn Kingdom, ready to risk it all.

Later, Vivienne cornered me in my office, her interest piqued. "I'm coming with you to Horn Kingdom. I'm dying to see your next move."

"Curious about my plans, are you?" I couldn't help but smile.

"Of course. This move isn't just for show," Vivienne said. "You've made history with two successful films. I'm not about to let you out of my sight. Plus, I want in on your next project."

I just smiled at her determination. Then Firfel dropped by, concern etched on her face. "Is relocating your entire company really wise?"

I nodded, conviction in my voice. "Yeah, it is."

I gazed out the window of my office, my fingers tracing the expensive desk I'd bought just months ago. "As much as I want to stay in this familiar place, I know that for my company to grow, to dominate the entertainment industry, we need to move away from this kingdom. Away from my family."

Firfel looked at me, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "Dominate the entertainment industry? You've got quite the ambition."

I smiled, "Yeah."

The {Entertainment System} wasn't named that for nothing, and films were just the beginning.

"But is Horn Kingdom really the best choice?" Firfel pressed. "It's still technically part of Morningstar, even if it's under Wales' control. Are you really getting away from your family's influence?"

My smile widened. "That's exactly the point. My family can't touch Horn because it's under Wales. And if Horn ever returns to my family's control, I'll be ready to relocate again."

"You're thinking ahead," Firfel said, impressed.

"Of course," I nodded. "I've also chosen Horn because its entertainment industry, especially films, is more advanced than Morningstar's. It's the perfect launchpad for Hellfire Studio."

My mind was racing, thinking about distributing "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" in Horn Kingdom. Sure, the film was made here in Morningstar and would still face local taxes, but that wasn't a big concern. I never received any incentives anyway, so there were no incentive clawbacks or compliance issues to worry about.

Moving to Horn Kingdom was definitely the right call. At least there, I wouldn't have to watch my dear sister Lucy siphon off my hard-earned cash.

***

(3rd Person POV)

Two weeks flew by in the blink of an eye. News spread like wildfire about Arthur Morningstar selling his VFX Studio to the Lava Brothers, and word got out that he'd secured help from the Horn government to start building a new VFX Studio in Horn City.

Arthur and his team moved at breakneck speed. With the Horn Kingdom government's backing and Richard Yu's team smoothing the way, transferring assets from Morningstar to Horn went off without a hitch.

Thanks to the short distance between Morningstar and Horn Kingdom, moving assets and relocating staff was a breeze.

The day after their arrival at Horn Airport, Arthur and his team were greeted by a swarm of local demon reporters. The Righteous Film Studio executives, there to welcome them to Horn City, the capital, found themselves pushed aside by the eager press.

"Mr. Morningstar! Is it true you relocated due to unfair taxation on your films?"

"Mr. Morningstar, sources say you're releasing your third film here in Horn Kingdom. Can you confirm?"

"Arthur, why Horn Kingdom? Why not Thorn? Is it because your family would've stopped you if you chose that demon kingdom?"

Arthur chuckled wryly, "One at a time, gentlemen." He kept walking as his employees formed a protective barrier against the eager reporters. "I'll answer your questions, but let's keep it orderly."

The reporters reined in their enthusiasm, and one asked if unfair taxation drove him out.

"Yes, indeed," Arthur nodded, not bothering to deny it. His tone was light, almost joking. "I might as well have been the tax department's favorite punching bag. They never missed a chance to take a bigger slice of my films' earnings."

His playful delivery left the reporters unsure if he was serious or not.

One reporter pressed, "But isn't it logical for higher-earning films to be taxed more?"

Arthur breezed past him. "Next question."

More questions poured out, and Arthur fielded them deftly. He expressed his optimism for his future in Horn Kingdom and answered a few more before airport security finally separated him from the press.

Jerry Yan approached, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry about that, Mr. Morningstar."

"No worries, Mr. Yan," Arthur smiled, straightening his suit. "I was expecting something like this."

Jerry nodded and led Arthur and his team into the city.

Later, Arthur met with Horn Kingdom officials who couldn't stop praising "The Demonfather" and "Lord of the Rings." He noticed how these politicians seemed more laid-back than those in Morningstar, eager to rub elbows with someone of his accomplishments.

Later that day, Arthur inspected his new Hellfire Studio - a decent, if modest, building in Horn City.

Richard Yu had snagged the building from the bankrupt "Legendary Dragon" studio, its sign still hanging as a ghostly reminder of past glory. Arthur recalled Legendary Dragon's heyday as the premier martial arts filmmaker. But times changed, the genre grew crowded, and foreign films of all stripes gained traction. Legendary Dragon couldn't keep up.

As Arthur and his crew stepped into their new Hellfire Studio, the contrast with their former headquarters in Ferland City's cheap district was stark. This place was a definite upgrade.

The building gleamed with newness, all sleek lines and polished surfaces. It practically screamed 'high-end studio.' Some crew members, still wide-eyed, wandered off to explore.

"Hey, check out the restrooms!" someone called out. "They're actually clean!"

In another section, they discovered hot tubs, separate ones for men and women. This unexpected amenity seemed to lift the mood considerably.

"Maybe this Horn Kingdom isn't so bad after all," muttered a demon, eyeing the hot tub appreciatively.

The initial unease about relocating to this unfamiliar place, ruled by a foreign kingdom no less, began to dissipate. Grins replaced frowns, and excited chatter filled the air.