Book 9 Chapter 25

Bilyeon and his gang's roundtable discussion

[Aaaargh! We might not have enough manuscript!]

Writers feel the necessity and strong sense of duty to somehow fill the gap when the manuscript volume is small, like in the case of "Biraedo" Volume 9. So, they inevitably resort to various tricks.

It's a struggle for survival.

Well, even if they try their best and run around, they're usually met with criticism – no matter how hard they try – but there's no other choice. The world never offers a hand of compromise in such situations. One must take responsibility for what they've done.

An empty space, an empty manuscript page. Novel manuscript pages are not ink paintings, so there is no beauty of blank space. The blank space on a manuscript page is merely evidence of the writer's dishonesty and insufficient volume. No romance can be expected there. Perhaps nightmares can be expected.

Then the writer must be prepared for toil. This is because there are editors who are as fierce as fire and as vicious as snakes, and readers staring with sharp, glaring eyes.

The writer wants to cry. But they have been overworked to the point that their tears have dried up. It's overwork, but there's nowhere to report it. It's truly unfair. But even courts reject such complaints. So there's nowhere to appeal.

Has anyone noticed why the writer is rambling on like this? If so, they are a very intelligent person. Hehehe!

What? You say I shouldn't cover the sky with my palm? Even so, aren't I writing this with the hope that it might cover a few blank manuscript pages? (Yes! Throw it! If anyone thinks I'm writing this while rushing for a deadline and that it's not fun, throw rocks at me, throw them! Sob sob!) Being a writer is a truly difficult profession. Especially as a novelist, one must walk this path alone in silence. Of course, there are people who help, but in the end, it's all alone. So, you must never let your guard down. You must not compromise with yourself. What happens if you compromise with yourself and let your guard down?

Why are you asking such a question after reading everything? Of course, it becomes like "Biraedo" Volume 9! So, never emulate such a writer.

I look back and see the editor smiling eerily with a knife in his back.

"Manager? Do I still have to write more?"

"Do whatever you think is best!"

They don't tell me the exact amount, just vaguely tell me to figure it out. I hate such subjective evaluations so much. But what can I do? I have to do it anyway. The writer inevitably digs into their surroundings, their personal life, and their past. With a faint hope that something might come up to fill the pages.

Even as the writer rambles on in a lamenting tone, a devilish smile plays on their lips. This is because they know that no matter how they blabber, whether it's a lament or joy, the pages will somehow be filled. The main point? The writer thinks, "Give that to a dog!" Of course, they don't show it on the outside. Why would they say something that would lead to trouble? They just grumble quietly to themselves.

Isn't it truly pathetic? If anyone feels even a little bit that way, please don't curse too much. Even if they know they've done wrong, being cursed makes the writer's tender heart, like a small bird—though not anatomically confirmed—feel like it's tearing apart. Sob sob sob! Lastly, I hope my false tears can be of some help in evoking your sympathy.

Then, I will end my ramblings on behalf of the writer and see you in the next volume (Goodbye…!).

Jang Hong & Hyoryong: Hey! Hey! Ryuyeon! What about our appearance this time? We didn't even get a chance to appear! Isn't that too much?

Bilyeon: Oh, I forgot!

Jang Ryuhong: There are things to forget! Are you saying that because you forgot about betraying your friend, you're going to file a death notice for my forgetfulness? Don't blame my innocent forgetfulness!

Bilyeon: Is that so? In that regard, I apologize! But doesn't your appearance this time seem insignificant? The pages are pretty much filled, and the readers have fallen for my false tears, so your appearance and actions are no longer necessary!

Hyoryong: Isn't that the writer's arbitrary decision, tyranny, and dictatorship? I strongly condemn such a dictatorial writer!

Bilyeon: Condemn all you want! I have no intention of stopping you! But what can I do if the facts are the facts?

Hyoryong: Then do we have no more chances?

Bilyeon: One chance remains!

Jang Ryuhong: What is left?

Bilyeon: The usual illustration introduction! This time, I'll generously give it up! I'm being incredibly generous!

Hyoryong: Then who did you give it up to? Is it me or Uncle Jang Hong?

Bilyeon: Once it's out of my hands, I don't know. Decide for yourselves!

Hyoryong & Jang Hong: Then… (Flash!)

Kuwakwakwakwakwang! Wajajang! Euralalalachacha! Ppasvipasvipasvi!

Jang Ryuhong: Jangyuyuseo (Respect for elders)! Uiiya!

Hyoryong: Kkuahahaha… Ack!

Hwiwoooooooh!

Bilyeon: …Hmm, is it decided?

Jang Ryuhong: Cough, cough, I… I get to do it this time!

Bilyeon: Oh! Then Hyoryong…?

Jang Ryuhong: I buried him quietly. There will probably be no repercussions!

Bilyeon: Ahem! Then let's finish it off with a flourish! The scar on your head looks cool!

Jang Ryuhong: Thank you! That's Hyoryong's work! How dare he challenge me when he's in a slump… He's still 10 years away from defying me! Ahem!

Now, I will announce. The illustration featured in Volume 9, like in Volume 8, is from Dumbinbulchul, who sent it to the next Biraedo Cafe (cafe.daum.net\/TGSNOSF). As always, we will send Dumbinbulchul a signed book from the author.

Hmm… Well, everything else is good, but it's truly regrettable that my illustration has never been included. It would be perfect if that were also included.

Bilyeon: Tsk, who would want your illustration… It's not my taste.

Jang Ryuhong: Wh-what are you talking about! Don't you know about romance gray? Now is the era when middle-aged men sweep the world and the martial arts world!

Bilyeon: Even so, isn't it just sugar daddy relationships?

Jang Ryuhong: Wh-wh-what blasphemous words! If I did something like that, my wife… *creak*… I wouldn't have a life!!!

Bilyeon: Oh ho! Then it's indeed!!!

Jang Ryuhong: (Oops!!!) … Ahem, ahem!! Let's move past such trivial surrounding circumstances! Let's say goodbye to these annoying faces and get rid of them!

Bilyeon: I don't know who has an annoying face?

Bilyeon & Jang Hong: Then, dear readers! We'll see you in Volume 10. Of course, assuming the writer can finish writing without any problems, as always. Then, until next time, stay well.

Hyoryong: ……*

Bilyeon: Volume 10 preview! Will Hyoryong be resurrected? Please look forward to the next volume.

Ah! And I'm writing down the inquiries you've made. Someone asked about something unnecessary.

The writer's E-mail address is [email protected].