….

  Regal exhaled lightly, the er of his mouth tugging up in amusement.

  Meanwhile, the interviewer flipped a page in his notebook before addressing the audience.

  "For those who might not know, let me give you a bit more text. This young man here isn't just an author, he is also a filmmaker. In fact, his ret success with the film [Following] has been making waves."

  He took a moment to eborate, details for viewers who might catch this interview ter, seamlessly setting up his question.

  "And I have to say, Mr. Regal, I truly appreciate the effort you made to be here, especially when you are still tied up with the release of your debut film."

  Regal let out a breathy chuckle. "Holy, I would have preferred to do both properly if the dates hadn't overpped like this. But… it's my book. It only feels right to be here, promoting it firsthand."

  The interviewer nodded in uanding. "Now, the reason I brought up your Hollywood background is because I am curious, what are the ces of this story expanding into other media? ics are always famous in the U.S., and of course, given your background, a film adaptation seems like a natural step."

  Regal nodded in affirmation. "I will admit, it's tempting. There is a lot of visual storytelling in the book, a, and yered world-building which has the potential to transte well into a film." He tilted his head slightly. "That said, my main goal is for the book to reach young readers first. If it grows beyond that, well… we will see."

  The interviewer raised an eyebrow, smirking. "So, you are not ruling it out?"

  Regal shrugged. "Let's just say I won't be the oo stop it if it happens."

  The journalist chuckled, jotting something down before tapping his pen against the page. "Fair enough. Now, let's talk about your readers. Have you had any particurly memorable iions so far?"

  Regal exhaled slightly, leaning forward. "Actually, yes. On the first day of my book unch bae, there was this little girl, Lilly, I believe. She must have been around seven ht, and for some reason, she was pletely set oing a copy of my book. The way she looked at it, like it was something truly special, really stuck with me."

  The interviewer's smile softened. "Already leaving a strong impression on young readers. That's a good sign."

  He flipped to a new page in his hen gnced back up. "If you don't mind, we go back a little ba the past? Do you remember your thought process while writing this book?"

  Regal leaned back slightly, firag the edge of his sleeve. "I have always had a habit of writing, really, since childhood. But at some point, that hobby grew into something more, though I couldn't say exactly when."

  A pause. Then, a quieter, more deliberate tone. "Six months ago, though, I hit ro, financially and personally. Unlike before, I no longer had the luxury of writing endlessly without pressure. That was the first time I wrote with a real sense ency, a self-imposed deadline. I went all iermio finish this book a published."

  The interviewer's eyebrows shot up, clearly taken aback. "Six months? Are you serious, Mr. Regal? That means it didn't even take one month for you to write this book.

  "No offence, but just how does your brain actually work, actually? Does stuff just pour into your mind magically?" The journalist shook his head, still processing the speed at which the book had been pleted.

  "...I got that a lot. Anyway, it's actually something like that - stuff just does pour into my mind. Like magic."

  "Haha, you have got quite the sense of humor, Mr. Regal."

  Regal tilted his head, feignihought. "Well, thank you, I guess?"

  The interviewer's eyebrows lifted slightly, as if impressed by the dor. "Mr. Regal, your book is tered around children, which makes me wonder, what made you choose that perspective? I assume you like children?"

  Regal let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, you could say that. I think there is a kind of pure, unfiltered y in children, something we all had at one point but lose as we grow up due to circumstances. I suppose that's just part of adulthood."

  He shifted slightly, a more pragmatie creeping into his voice. "As for why I chose to write about children… holy? Reach. Children's books have the highest potential to go global. So, if I am being pletely transparent, it was a calcuted decision rather than some deep creative epiphany. And, well, I suppose that's exactly the kind of 'adult' choice I made."

  The interviewer let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Wow. That's one of the most ho and insightful takes I have heard."

  Regal chuckled, ining his head slightly. "Well, thank you."

  The journalist leaned forward, shifting the versation. "Now, about the writing process itself, do you phing out beforehand, or is it something that takes shape as you write?"

  Regal exhaled. "That's the hardest part of writing, holy. The longer a book is, the tougher it gets to structure. Some parts are pnned, but others… Well, they e to life along the way. It's a delicate bance, but hopefully, I keep it."

  "Aing it published, how difficult was that?"

  Regal let out a shh. "I would say I definitely lucked out. Everleaf Press, my publisher, was actually the first to accept my manuscript. But, of course, that's not ting the many other publishers I sent it to before that. In the end, I am just grateful they took a e."

  The interviewer nodded. "Well, we as readers are also thankful for Everleaf Press putting trust in you and iurn giving us such a great book. And speaking of ces, have you started w on the sed book?"

  Regal's lips curled into a fident smile. "I have, actually. If all goes well, it will be released around the same time year."

  "That's fantastiews! Now, before we , I have o faion. Some readers are worried that, since you are also a filmmaker, you might eventually shift your focus to direg and abandon the books. What would you say to them?"

  Regal didn't hesitate. His tone was firm, resolute. "That's simply impossible. I have already poured so much time and effort into this series. And I am not someone who lets hard wo to waste. So, rest assured, I am fully itted to finishing this story with the same dedication I started with. No promises."

  The journalist smiled, clearly satisfied. "That's reassuring to hear. Well, Mr. Regal, it's been a pleasure speaking with you. Best of luck with the series, and we will all be eagerly waiting for the installment."

  Regal nodded, a polite handshake. "Thank you. It's been a pleasure."

  And with that, the intervieed up, oep closer to solidifying his p the literary world.

  ….

  [Five Days Later]

  [July 6th, 2010]

  ….

  By Monday, the promotional tour shifted from traditional media to a more direct fan e at Forbiddehe UK's most famous sci-fi and fantasy bookstore.

  Located on Shaftesbury Avehe store acked with enthusiasts of all things magical.

  Uerstohis event had a more informal vibe - there was no structured press ference, just an open signing session and a short panel discussion.

  Fans asked questiing from lore specution to his thoughts on potential film adaptations.

  Gwendolyn, who had been handling scheduling like a mae, finally showed signs of exhaustion.

  "...I think this time it's me that should be sharing some energy." She decred.

  Regal, for once, agreed immediately.

  ….

  They carved out a day to experience London properly.

  They visited the British Museum, admired the Jewels at the Tower of London, and took a detour through the bustling stalls of Bh Market for a proper meal.

  That evening, they caught a West End performance of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre. Gwendolye her initial skepticism, admitted it was worth the hype.

  ….

  The final major event was a formal dinner hosted at The Ritz London, a venue chosen for its blend of history and prestige.

  Regal met with senior executives, literary critics, and notable figures in UK publishing.

  There were discussions about future transtions, uping print runs, and, more importantly, the growing demand for film rights - a few Hollywood agents had even flown in, eager to gauge Regal's i.

  ….

  By the time they reached Heathroort, exhaustion had settled deep in their bones. Regal slumped into one of the lounge chairs, exhaling slowly.

  Across from him, Gwendolyn scrolled through her phone, a satisfied smirk pying on her lips.

  "Well, our first baby has been spreading her wings. How does it feel to be a father?" She murmured without looking up.

  Regal blinked. Her, huh…?

  He hadn't realized their 'baby' was a daughter until now - not that he minded.

  Shaking his head, he smirked. "Proud."

  Gwendolyn finally gnced up, unimpressed. "That's it? Just 'proud'? For an author, your vocabury be embarrassingly basic."

  "Yeah? If you ask me, it's your vocabury that needs revision." He shot back. Under his breath, he muttered. "Calling me a father out of nowhere…"

  She stretched, uned. "Too te. You are a father now. No take backs."

  "I don't recall signing up for parenthood." Regal pointed out.

  "Hmm?" Gwendolyn acted, blinking and tilting her head, almost daring him to say that again. "I didn't quite catch that. What was that st part?"

  "Nothing." He gave up.

  "...." She narrowed her eyes suspiciously but let it slide.

  Soon after, their flight was called. Gwendolyn nudged him lightly with her foot. "e on, superstar. Time to return to reality."

  As they made their way toward the gate, Regal took o look at London through the massive terminal windows.

  The city had been kind to him, more than he expected.

  But as the pne loomed ahead, he khis was only the beginning.

  The world was watg now. And he had no iion of disappointing.

  .

  ….

  [To be tinued…]

  ★─────??★??─────★

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