Chapter 33
When I thought about going to the theater, the atmosphere among the troupe members was more relaxed than I had expected. They were all veterans, and since we had done a rehearsal once, it seemed like we only needed a few more run-throughs.
“Is everything going well? It’s been a while. I’ve been a bit busy.”
“Long time no see.”
Shion greeted me with a bright smile. He exchanged light nods with Alex and the other members of the troupe as well.
“I’m a bit nervous since we’ll be performing in front of some important people, but you know how our coordination is… but—”
Shion started as if he wanted to say something. I already had a good guess about what he was going to say.
“But?”
“You know.”
“I do.”
When I grinned, Anna widened her eyes, looking around, then hurried over.
“What is it? Why do only you two know?”
“Someone tried to approach to poach one of the actors. And do you know what’s funny? It was the troupe leader.”
Alex smiled quietly.
“Since they didn’t know it was me, they must have thought I was just a lead actor. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was really surprised to get such an offer.”
“How much did they offer?”
Alex shook his head slowly.
“It doesn’t matter—I’m not going anyway.”
“Well, thank goodness there’s only one key actor, huh!”
Shion exaggeratedly expressed his disappointment again.
“How much money did I make playing the Grand Duke? Honestly, isn’t my face more… appealing? I mean, even to the noble ladies… ugh.”
Anna covered Shion’s mouth with her hand.
“Don’t say such messy things in front of Miss.”
“I’m just saying I was popular! Don’t underestimate me.”
“Haha, maybe reflect on your usual behavior first.”
While Anna and Shion bickered, I whispered to Alex.
“Annoying, huh? Being dragged into political matters.”
“Not really. It wasn’t unexpected. If this gives me a connection to the Grand Duke, that would be good—as long as he solidifies it on his end.”
I nodded.
“They’ll give you sufficient compensation, right?”
“Are you imitating Shion?”
“Hehe.”
Alex laughed.
“Oh, by the way, I didn’t come just to say hello. I wanted to ask if we could open the theater. Can we perform before the banquet?”
“…It’s good for us if we do, right? It came together faster than expected. Why?”
“I need to meet the audience again.”
“So why?”
“A strong rival is going to appear.”
I couldn’t reveal the specifics yet. My prediction might be wrong, and I didn’t want to overly unsettle the troupe members.
“So, we need to win the audience’s favor first.”
Alex stood up and clapped twice. Everyone turned to look.
“You should tell the troupe directly.”
“Everyone, listen! How about opening the theater a little later and performing before the banquet? The one with the green monster from before! Would it be too much for stamina or time?”
“I’m fine with it!”
John was the first to answer loudly.
“But some might have difficulties! Doing two plays at the same time…!”
The troupe members looked at each other as if to say, “What is she talking about?” My face heated up, thinking I might have misspoken.
“Sorry, I might be asking too much—”
“Unnecessary worry!”
Someone shouted loudly.
“Of course it’s possible, we just didn’t understand your question!”
Someone else behind added loudly.
“What situation would make it impossible?”
It was as if they were questioning every little thing.
“Actually, it’s even better! Our energy drops because we haven’t seen the audience!”
Anna said.
“And it’s extra income, right?”
“…Right! Honestly, I want to earn money too!”
Now was the perfect time to stage a play exclusive to the Forest Troupe—before the Katia Troupe!
On the morning of the founding ceremony, Reuke and I were fully engaged in preparations, even hiring a maid solely for makeup and styling. Naturally, Reuke shone brighter than anyone, and I also put in effort—I didn’t want to be outshone by Katia today.
“Today you look the prettiest, I think.”
Reuke looked at me with admiration. Normally, she was the one receiving praise, so hearing it felt a little embarrassing.
“You too, though—”
“You took more care than usual.”
Reuke had no other opportunities like this. From my perspective, Katia was the rival, but Reuke couldn’t miss this chance to showcase herself in front of others. Reuke wore an elegant blue dress with silver embroidery, and the dress hugged her figure up to her thighs, making it a bold outfit by this world’s standards. This time, Reuke’s opinions were heavily reflected in the design.
“Does it suit me?”
“Of course.”
“Hehe, it’ll draw a lot of attention. The dress shop was worried too.”
It was a deliberate strategy to attract attention. A noblewoman becoming an actress and wearing a revealing dress would undoubtedly spark controversy. It was worrisome, but strategically a good choice.
“I’m just worried you might get hurt emotionally.”
“Hahaha, better than being trapped at home doing nothing.”
True. And controversy meant that public opinion would be split—exactly the kind of attention we wanted. Seeing how much Reuke had grown, I reflected on how worried I had been.
“Do well. I’ll be watching from below.”
“You won’t be the only one seeing me—you’ll be shining bright too.”
“Today is an important day!”
I wore brighter colors than usual—a pale sky-blue dress with small diamonds on the upper body. The skirt had multiple layers of sheer material, making it voluminous, and it sparkled in the light. My hair accessories also matched the dress.
“Your dark hair makes it suit you better. It contrasts nicely.”
“Today our styles are opposite, aren’t they?”
“Next time we can swap. Sizes are similar anyway.”
“Alright.”
“See you later!”
Reuke, who had to perform on stage for the founding ceremony, left first in a carriage, and I followed a little later since I had time.
“Oh my.”
Sure enough, as I went down the stairs, I ran right into my aunt. Aunt, Amy, and Sophie widened their eyes at the sight of me.
“Melias, life must be treating you well these days. Is that Burton guy secretly supporting his fiancée?”
“Amy. Watch your words.”
Aunt warned her, probably because of the mention of “that Burton guy.” He was the one providing continuous support in exchange for Reuke.
Amy sneered but couldn’t take her eyes off my attire. Aunt was the same. Little Sophie alternated her gaze between them and gave me a hostile look.
“Oh? Didn’t you tell me? That you earn money hanging out with lowly actors?”
“Do I still do that?”
“You can see for yourself, right? It’s profitable.”
Aunt frowned, clearly displeased. Watching them always made me laugh—they criticized me for lacking refinement, yet when they saw me, they tried to dismiss me.
“Katia is such a good person. She even sent invitations to you all… Why isn’t Reuke here?”
Amy asked, sarcastically. I answered as expected.
“She left first.”
“What’s going on?”
I smiled at Aunt and Amy.
“She’s busy these days too.”
Aunt cleared her throat and, perhaps intending to provoke, added:
“Sure. Once you’re married, you’ll quietly stay at home, embroidering and raising children. At least you can meet friends. It’s not been long anyway.”
She probably intended to sting, but I didn’t respond.
“Since we’re going the same way, shall we ride together in the carriage?”
Aunt and Amy exchanged looks, as if questioning my sanity. I was curious about their expressions when they saw Reuke on stage.
“Fine, do as you like.”
“Mom!”
Amy shook her head in displeasure. I got into the carriage that was waiting.
“Aunt, sister! Hurry!”
Amy climbed in, pouting, and Aunt followed with Sophie, hiding a smirk.
“What’s making you so happy?”
Amy sneered.
“What’s there not to be happy about? Why are you so mad? You held several balls with the money earned from selling a pretty cousin, but you still didn’t get a proposal?”
It was true. Hosting a ball wasn’t cheap, and even after three balls, no man had proposed to Amy. Amy didn’t want to remain single either. Aunt’s face had stiffened.
“Say whatever you want. Nothing will change. Amy, don’t waste your anger.”
There was no point in arguing further, so I stayed quiet.
When we arrived at Katia’s mansion, the entrance was crowded. Katia stood on a platform in the banquet hall, with troupe members seated behind her. Reuke immediately caught my eye.
I waved at Reuke, and she noticed, meeting my gaze and waving back. Some onlookers, thinking she was waving at them, pointed and widened their eyes in surprise.
“Is she looking at me?”
“Me?”
“She must be an actress. She’s beautiful…”
“I’ve been to a lot of theaters, but I’ve never seen her.”
“Who is she? I know the others…”
Meanwhile, Aunt and her companions looked pale.
“Is that… Reuke on the stage?”
“That can’t be… must be someone who looks like her…”
Their expressions were priceless.
