Surviving as a Plagiarist in Another World

The Thousand and One Nights.

Commonly known as “Arabian Nights,” it is widely recognized as a collection of fairy tales, but in truth, it is closer to mythology than simple children’s stories.

In Korea, tales such as “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp,” “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” and “The Seven Voyages of Sinbad” are the most famous.

However, the actual “Thousand and One Nights” contains hundreds of stories intertwined in a frame narrative, making it rather confusing to read at times.

Setting aside that confusion for a moment, the core of the “Thousand and One Nights” can be summarized as follows:

A woman with a talent for storytelling uses her skill to survive by ending her stories on cliffhangers every night, threatening her audience to spare her life until the next day if they want to hear more.

It is indeed a terrifying form of coercion.

In the era when stories were passed down orally, killing a storyteller would have been akin to burning hundreds of books.

“Isn’t that summary slightly off the mark?”

“…Never mind.”

Regardless, the “Thousand and One Nights” is a treasure trove of exotic and mysterious tales.

Whether viewed from the perspective of the East or the West, the ancient adventure stories from the Middle East inevitably feel fantastical.

(Ironically, the “Thousand and One Nights” often includes tales set in an exotic, Orientalist vision of “China.”)

Among the various stories within the “Thousand and One Nights,” the adventure tales have been particularly beloved.

“In short, there’s no better material for a theme park. It’s so exotic and distinct from reality that it draws you in, with plenty of adventure stories that directly inspire attractions, and it has a strong cultural identity.”

“…You seem to care deeply for children, my lord.”

“Huh?”

“Considering the foundation’s work and now creating an amazing theme park to make children happy, it’s clear.”

Why did Sion’s smile feel like that of a parent gazing warmly at their child?

“Well, in any case, I’ll leave the expansion of the park in your capable hands.”

“I will bring your vision to life perfectly on this land.”

Sion organized the attraction and theme proposals he had prepared for the park.

With the publication of “The Thousand and One Nights,” the “Arabian Nights” themed section of the park would also open.

By then, the park would truly live up to its catchphrase: “A Land of Dreams and Fantasies.”

The “Thousand and One Nights” was published in every bookstore and library across the Empire.

“This is… a legend? A folktale? It feels so mysterious and captivating, almost like a story from another world!”

“There are so many stories, and the narrative-within-a-narrative structure is a bit confusing, but… it’s incredibly witty. To think she had to stretch the stories like this just to survive the sultan.”

The tales in the “Thousand and One Nights” were closer to legends than novels.

Worlds with entirely different cultures, djinn performing magic, mischievous spirits causing trouble, and unimaginable adventures connected one after another.

And.

On the final page of the “Thousand and One Nights,” instead of an author’s note, there was an advertisement for the theme park, “Neverland.”

[Experience the exotic and mystical world of the Thousand and One Nights at the Land of Dreams and Fantasies: Neverland!]

[Sinbad’s Adventures, Flying Carpets, and a Genie that lifts you into the sky.]

[All these experiences await you at Neverland!]

Of course, few could ignore such an advertisement.

“Son!”

“Yes?”

“Ah-hem, do you happen to want to visit Neverland?”

“I do!”

“Well then, I suppose I have no choice. Since my son wants to go, his father must take him—.”

And so.

The “Arabian Nights” theme section opened.

Wherever there’s fun to be had, one figure is never far behind.

“Tsk, as expected, the crowds for a new theme are overwhelming.”

“Shall I prepare folding chairs and parasols for you to rest, my lord?”

“No need. The waiting time itself is part of the charm of a place like this. Look at the children in line; they’re all smiling joyfully.”

The Lazy King.

Known in Harren as the “Eternal King,” he was the eternal ruler of all Harrenites.

Dressed in attire far too casual for a king, he glanced around and chuckled to himself.

“Even the ruler of this Empire seems to be waiting in line.”

“Excuse me?”

“Really, fate is such a bothersome thing….”

The Lazy King.

He bore the strongest trace of the dragon’s bloodline—he was the true “Descendant of the Dragon.”

His eyes saw through the essence of everything in this world.

They discerned truth from lies, separated black from white, and unveiled the wisdom hidden behind veils.

And.

Occasionally, they caught glimpses of a person’s fate.

For he was truly a wise man.

The Lazy King approached a man entangled in chains so chillingly oppressive that they seemed to weigh on the air itself.

He bowed with exaggerated politeness but greeted with the playful demeanor of a jester.

“It’s been a while, Lord of the Empire.”

“…I haven’t heard that the King of Harren paid a visit to the Empire. Did you sneak in?”

“I came as a tourist.”

The Fortunate King, the highest authority in the Empire, looked at the Lazy King in disbelief.

The Lazy King only smiled brightly, savoring the gaze fixed on him.

Eventually, the Fortunate King sighed, his words spilling out as though exhausted.

“You do realize this could become a diplomatic issue, don’t you?”

“Visiting an old friend’s place of business, you mean?”

“A friend?”

“Ah, I’m talking about the author Homer.”

“…You really do have a thick skin.”

The Fortunate King let out a faint laugh and pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.

He scribbled something on it with a pen and handed it to a man nearby who looked like an ordinary tourist.

The man nodded slightly and disappeared somewhere with the paper.

“Next time, make sure to get your entry stamp properly. Don’t sneak in through the magic tower like a rat.”

“Still, I am referred to as the Emperor of the East. Your words are a bit harsh.”

“Didn’t you say you came as a tourist? I am the master of this Empire. This isn’t a diplomatic occasion, so I can speak harshly to you here.”

“That’s certainly true.”

“So, have you been enjoying your tourism?”

“I was just about to. I was planning to check out the newly opened ‘Arabian Nights’ theme, but it was too crowded.”

“What a coincidence. So was I.”

“In that case, would Your Majesty care to join me?”

“Huh?”

The Fortunate King scowled at the Lazy King’s cheeky suggestion and stared daggers at him.

The Lazy King ignored his reaction and nonchalantly posed another question.

“So, what brings Your Majesty, the Fortunate King, to ‘Neverland’?”

“My daughter wanted to visit here. I thought I should check it out before sending her.”

“Hmm? I didn’t expect such fatherly affection from you.”

“…Tch, and you, as a king, are still single without an heir. How does that make sense?”

“You have no idea how much effort I’ve put into avoiding producing an heir.”

“……”

The Lazy King shrugged playfully, then suddenly froze and looked solemnly at the Fortunate King.

He then bowed his head more formally than ever and apologized.

“Ah, my apologies. It seems you’re putting in similar efforts yourself.”

“…I ought to gouge out those eyes of yours. It’s unsettling to be seen through like this.”

“I still have use for them. Unlike Your Majesty’s subjects, mine are quite fragile.”

“Hah…”

The Fortunate King pressed a hand to his temple, closing his eyes as if warding off a headache, and let out a long sigh.

Then.

He nodded reluctantly, as though resigning himself to the situation.

“Fine, I’ll join you. It’s better than dragging around an entourage.”

“Thank you.”

[“Oh, my Lord! How is it that the life of Sindbad the Merchant and mine, Sindbad the Porter, differ so greatly? I endure countless hardships and misfortunes daily, working tirelessly just to earn a barley loaf to save my family. Yet, the fortunate merchant Sindbad squanders wealth and feasts on the finest meals! What did he do to deserve such a joyful life, and what have I done to deserve this harsh fate?”]

[Overhearing this lament, Sindbad the Merchant invited Sindbad the Porter to a banquet.]

[“I heard your lamentation. Could you repeat the prayer you recited at the door?”]

[The porter, flustered, apologized for his rudeness, but the merchant smiled and said he found the prayer amusing, asking to hear it again.]

[In the end, the porter repeated the prayer, and the merchant beamed with delight.]

[“I shall tell you the story of my hardships. You think I gained all this wealth without any suffering, but that is not the case. Only after enduring unimaginable trials and dangers for years did I finally achieve happiness.”]