Chapter 14: Phenomenal Work "The Lord of the Rings"
The days that followed were calm yet monotonous. Aside from studying, Dudley spent his time researching potions and exercising.
The difference was that Dudley had become even more serious and focused on potion-making. He even asked Mrs. Figg to help him purchase more advanced books on potions and herbs. His physical training also grew more rigorous and disciplined.
It was as though something had spurred him on, turning him into a fanatic for learning.
Soon, a new year arrived—a year worth remembering, and a very important one.
This was 1991, the year Dudley and Harry turned eleven.
At eleven, there was the possibility of being admitted to Hogwarts.
"Harry, I've got something to do today, you go home first." One afternoon after school, Dudley suddenly said, "If anyone at home asks, just say I went to play ball with classmates."
"Okay, D-bro."
Harry obediently nodded, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he walked toward Little Whinging. Having been around Dudley long enough, he knew not to ask unnecessary questions.
Once they parted, Dudley slipped into a deserted alley. There he changed into a suit he had prepared beforehand, then applied things to his face.
Moments later, an ordinary-looking young man emerged from the alley.
This was disguise—or makeup. Dudley had unlocked it in the system, currently only at Level One.
That system truly had everything except magic; all sorts of skills could be found there.
Today, Dudley was heading to meet a publishing house. To conceal his identity, he adopted this appearance.
Although "Master Jerry" being underage was a sensational selling point, it would also invite unnecessary trouble. Dudley disliked trouble. Low-profile living was his rule.
The meeting place was a café.
Dudley had told the publisher he wrote this book in cafés, always ordering a single cup of coffee and sitting there the entire day.
"Professor Jerry, long time no see." The publishing staff member, Jimmy, beamed the moment he saw Dudley.
His smile was brilliant.
Thanks to Professor Jerry, their publishing house was overflowing with wealth.
It was no exaggeration to say that Dudley was their bread and butter.
After some formal pleasantries, they got to the point.
"The Lord of the Rings, Volume Two, as expected, is another bestseller."
"The royalties for this issue have already been transferred to your account. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime."
For Volume Two, Dudley had opted for profit-sharing. In fact, even Volume One had been converted to profit-sharing after its initial massive success.
Its enormous popularity was only natural. In this world, Western fantasy works were severely lacking, and the arrival of The Lord of the Rings struck fantasy enthusiasts like a thunderbolt.
"I wonder when Professor Jerry can deliver the manuscript for Volume Three?"
That was the true purpose of the meeting. With Volumes One and Two selling like wildfire, jealousy abounded, and the publisher was eager. At the current level of demand, it was like free money falling into their laps. No one wanted to miss out.
When Dudley did not immediately respond, Jimmy grew nervous. "Are you worried about profit shares? Rest assured, that's negotiable."
Even if the split lowered, the sheer sales numbers guaranteed profit. Losing a golden goose would be a true disaster.
But Dudley did not rush into discussing shares. Instead, he asked, "Mr. Jimmy, we've been working together for two years now, haven't we?"
"Yes, Professor Jerry."
At this, Jimmy looked nostalgic. Who could have imagined that what started as a gamble would yield such massive success?
"I think you're quite capable. Would you be interested in working with me?"
Dudley wasted no time and went straight to the point. "I want to establish a company."
Jimmy neither rejected nor accepted immediately. Instead, he asked, "Doing what?"
"Merchandise."
One did not need complex, cutting-edge technology to make money. As long as the brand was built up, the revenue from licensing fees and derivative merchandise alone could flood in endlessly.
For example, in Dudley's previous life there was Harry Potter, and globally, the top-grossing IP was Pokémon, whose money-making ability was unrivaled.
Later, as long as the heat was maintained, it could always be "stirred up" again. Even lying down, the money would roll in endlessly.
It was the simplest, most convenient way to get rich.
Write a novel—make it a bestseller—build the brand—sell merchandise. This was the path Dudley had planned from the start, precisely because he might not make it into Hogwarts, though he truly longed to study magic there.
In his previous life, he was always struggling for survival. In this life, he refused to worry about money.
Even if he could not enter a wizarding school, he would at least achieve financial freedom.
Especially since entering the age of technology, the productivity of the Muggle world was in no way inferior to that of wizards.
Technology's threat to spellcasters was no small thing. Take another world for example—Type-Moon's Fate. Kiritsugu Emiya, with a sniper rifle, a pack of bombs, and a single Origin Bullet, could drive elite magi into panicked retreat.
Dudley had long wondered: could firearms kill wizards?
At least in the Type-Moon world, bullets could indeed kill magi.
He would try it one day.
Jimmy did not immediately agree to Dudley's proposal, but cautiously asked, "Professor Jerry, may I have some time to consider?"
In truth, he was very willing. After all, he was only a worker for the publisher. No matter how much the company earned, at best his bonus grew a little, while the real profits went into the higher-ups' pockets.
But following Professor Jerry was different. With the current popularity of The Lord of the Rings, even a small share could put him on top of the world.
Still, he could not be certain whether Dudley was serious or just making conversation.
Dudley nodded, giving him time to think. In the end, he was confident Jimmy would agree.
After all, no one turned away from money.
The two then launched into an intense but friendly negotiation over the profit split for The Lord of the Rings, Volume Three.
At last, they settled on a percentage both were satisfied with, ending the meeting in high spirits.
Dudley: "Pleasure working with you."
Jimmy: "Pleasure working with you."
As Jimmy left, Dudley downed the milk in his cup.
He never cared much for coffee, whether espresso or Americano.
So, in a café, this guy ordered a glass of milk instead.
As he put it, he was still growing and needed more meat, eggs, and dairy.
And indeed, at nearly one meter eighty tall and only eleven years old, he was still very much growing.
A few days later, Dudley received Jimmy's reply—he was in.
One provided capital, the other labor. Together they soon acquired a factory and began producing The Lord of the Rings merchandise.
As Dudley expected, within just a month, sales skyrocketed. The most popular items were derivatives of the Hobbit trio, while the Elf Prince was especially loved by girls.
The already-bestselling series, fueled by this wave of merchandise, drew in countless new readers.
Working hand in hand, The Lord of the Rings quickly became a true phenomenon.
(End of Chapter)
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