Lord of Entertainment

Chapter 128: Wrapped up and renting failed

(3rd Person POV)

Weeks flew by, and Arthur's production of "Demonfather Part 2" neared completion without major hitches.

Anubis, Leviathan, Anus, and the other mobsters who'd witnessed the production found themselves in a complex emotional state. They'd become too invested, and Michael's arc left them conflicted.

The order to kill his brother Fredo hit hard. The mobsters didn't want to accept it, yet their line of work made Michael's decision grimly understandable. Fredo's betrayal had nearly cost Michael and his wife their lives, all because he couldn't stomach taking orders from his younger brother.

Still, watching Fredo's death scene on the boat was heart-wrenching.

After filming the final scenes, the crew erupted into applause, celebrating the project's completion.

Arthur addressed his team, "Guys, we deserve to celebrate at the restaurant in Fantasia Plaza!" He gestured to Anubis and his friends. "Anubis and the others will order us free drinks!"

"Yeah!" the crew cheered.

Anubis and his mobster friends smiled wryly but acquiesced. "I'll order the most expensive dishes for everyone!" Anubis declared, with the other bosses promising top-shelf liquor.

Arthur smiled inwardly. 'This is the perk of having mobs as friends,' he thought.

"Arthur, can we talk later?"

Arthur turned to see Firfel.

"I have something to discuss about the amulet," she said quietly.

Arthur nodded. "Of course." Then, with a grin, he added, "But first, we celebrate!"

Firfel returned his smile and nodded.

"Master Arthur, can we finally scare other people as a reward?" Diddy approached Arthur eagerly.

"Yes, but don't go too far," Arthur conceded. The ghosts celebrated as he added, "Don't even think of escaping. I've honed my ability to pull you back from the ends of the earth. I've imprinted on all of you."

Diddy and the others visibly sweated. "We won't stray, boss! We'll return obediently!"

"Good," Arthur chuckled as the ghosts vanished.

Firfel watched the exchange, curious. "You're sure it's okay to let them go like that?"

"Hehe, I wasn't lying about my ability to pull them back. And I really did imprint on them," Arthur giggled.

Firfel looked astonished. "You're indeed full of surprises."

"Haha, am I?" Arthur grinned.

"Though I kind of feel bad for those ghosts. They're like unpaid workers for you," Firfel mused.

"Come on, don't feel bad," Arthur reassured her. "I think they've started to enjoy filming."

Seeing Firfel's skepticism, he added, "I also promised to include them in future films. They're excited about it."

Firfel smiled. "Hehe, why are you trying so hard to convince me? They're your ghosts, you shouldn't care about my feelings."

Arthur felt a twinge of embarrassment. He quickly turned to the crew and co-stars, leading them towards Fantasia Plaza.

Fantasia Plaza, owned by the Empirica-based real estate giant Westfield, was a hub of luxury. It housed high-end stores and expensive restaurants, all vying for the attention of the wealthy.

Arthur had visited several times before, yet the establishment's design still impressed him. As they walked past luxury boutiques and chic cafés, a thought crossed his mind.

'I wonder if the arcade machine is already completed by Drake, Josh and the others?' he mused silently.

Arthur eyed the Fantasia Plaza, considering renting a space. So far, every spot seemed occupied by thriving businesses.

His gaze lingered on the casino section. An idea sparked - perhaps he could rent space there for his arcade machines. It was strategic; casino-goers might stumble upon the video games and play those instead.

Lost in thought, Arthur and his group arrived at the expensive restaurant.

Their celebration was frequently interrupted by fans. "Are you Arthur?" one asked.

"Yeah," Arthur nodded, signing an autograph without much thought.

Firfel, however, drew the most attention. "Lady Firfel! I've watched Demonfather, Lord of the Rings, Lovely Lady, Innocent Angel. Can I have an autograph?"

"Sure," Firfel smiled graciously.

Arthur noticed her popularity surpassed his own. Besides their shared projects, she had other works. He, on the other hand, was often the media's favorite antagonist. People admired his films, but not necessarily him.

Yet, Arthur found he didn't care much about fame.

After the celebration, Firfel pulled Arthur aside. "This amulet is strange. It's somehow unlocked a healing effect," she said. "Did you do something to unlock such a function?"

Arthur replied smoothly, "It was always the amulet's function. After the curse was removed, the amulet unlocked it." Inwardly, he was surprised by this development.

Firfel nodded, describing more features she'd discovered - dream control when the amulet was near her while sleeping, a calming effect when she was nervous.

Arthur listened, nodding, while secretly yearning to borrow the amulet again to explore these new functions.

***

The next day, Arthur visited the computer research facility. The "Arcade Machine" project was complete, with four prototypes produced. They already featured several video games Arthur had instructed them to program.

"Which games have you played the most?" Arthur inquired.

Drake smiled. "I played Space Invader, but the others prefer Ping Pong."

After discussing the project further, Arthur left the secret warehouse, his mind buzzing with possibilities.

With the arcade machines complete and loaded with several video games, Arthur was ready to introduce this new form of entertainment to the world. His next step: securing a prime location in Fantasia Plaza.

Arthur arranged a meeting with the Plaza's general manager, a human named Delvin Smile. The GM's secretary promptly confirmed the appointment.

The following day, Arthur entered Delvin's office. The general manager didn't bother to stand, greeting Arthur with indifference. "I heard you want to meet with me?"

Arthur nodded, "Yeah."

"What do you want? My time is precious," Delvin said curtly.

Unfazed by the cold treatment, Arthur stated his purpose. "I'm planning to rent space in the casino section of Fantasia Plaza."

Delvin frowned. "That's it?"

Arthur nodded again.

Delvin sighed, "I'm sorry, but several casino companies have the whole section rented out. It's called the 'Casino Section' for a reason."

"That's why I wanted to meet you," Arthur smiled. "I heard White Casino's lease is about to expire? I'd be happy to fill that spot."

Delvin shook his head. "White Casino is a loyal tenant. We're already in talks for renewal."

"Come on, I'm willing to pay double," Arthur pressed, well aware of the valuable foot traffic in Fantasia Plaza.

Curiosity piqued, Delvin asked, "What do you need the space for anyway? Is it for a film project?"

"No, it's for my gaming machines," Arthur replied with a smile.

"Gaming... machines?" Delvin echoed, assuming, "Are they gambling devices?"

"Something like that," Arthur chuckled, not quite ready to reveal the full nature of his arcade machines.

Delvin considered for a moment before shaking his head. "Sorry, but I can't risk our loyal tenant for someone with unclear intentions for the area."

As Delvin's words hung in the air, Arthur realized he'd have to change tactics. The general manager clearly valued loyalty and certainty over potential profits.

Perhaps a demonstration of the arcade machines would be necessary to sway Delvin's opinion.

"What if I could show you exactly what these machines can do?" Arthur proposed, a new plan forming in his mind. "I think you'll find they offer something unique that could draw even more visitors to Fantasia Plaza."

Delvin showed no interest in learning about the "gaming machine," firmly shaking his head.

Despite Arthur's continued attempts to persuade him, Delvin remained rooted in his stance.

Arthur shook his head, feeling a twinge of pity. He understood Delvin's desire to keep a loyal tenant, but it was a missed opportunity. Fantasia Plaza could have been the birthplace of video games in this world.

He didn't want to force the issue with an arrogant general manager. Clearly, Delvin's position at Fantasia Plaza, owned by the powerful Westfield real estate company, had gone to his head. He wasn't open to potential new business ventures.

'I guess it's time for Plan B,' Arthur thought to himself.

He'd already prepared for the possibility of Fantasia Plaza's rejection. The alternative: Hellscape Center.

While not as popular as Fantasia Plaza, Hellscape Center could serve as a decent substitute.

While the Hellscape Center appeared to be thriving, the property firm that owned it was struggling with bankruptcy.

Although Arthur was initially hesitant to venture into real estate or property businesses, he began to consider acquiring the company solely to implement his plan for introducing video technology.