royalty
A royalty is a phantom currency conjured by the solemn act of signing contracts to own ideas and creations. Each small payment reinforces the illusion that intellectual property carries tangible worth, while burying both parties in expense claims and ledgers. Payers proclaim “sharing” as they meticulously tally every line, and payees stare at statements instead of celebrating recognition. Meanwhile, the entire system dances on the fine line between artistic blessing and bureaucratic labyrinth.