Chapter 51
“Even if you can’t believe me, at least today, you have to trust me. Please understand that I am the best the troupe can offer.”
“Yes, Miss Maribel.”
After Louisa left the room, I checked the sponsorship contract.
I felt a little guilty taking it in advance, like I was deceiving them, but after seeing this play, anyone would surely want a piece of it.
Since I was doing a good deed anyway, it made sense to get a head start.
The play was a tremendous success.
It was the kind of performance that snapped the drowsy eyes of the nobles awake after tea.
“Gabby! I never doubted us for a single moment.”
“Carlos.”
The actors gave their all in the performance.
Though it was dark and a little hard to see, I noticed Gabriela flinch slightly each time her name was called, gripping Carlos’s hand more tightly in secret.
How cute.
I watched the two of them fondly.
As the climax, which had made commoners angry and tearful, unfolded, even the nobles gasped and flinched.
And with all conflicts resolved, the play ended in a perfect happy ending.
Even Laura, who usually wore a cool expression, seemed moved and discreetly wiped a tear from her eyes.
Cecilia leaned forward completely, and the usually insipid Prince of Puerto leapt from his seat, clapping enthusiastically.
Even the dignified nobles gave a surprisingly long round of applause.
That must have meant they were satisfied.
Except for one person.
Only Mateo, my father, twisted his lips and gave a sour expression as he watched Himena act, his eyes gleaming with scrutiny.
The actors, sweat glistening on their faces from their intense performance, came off the stage to applause.
The staff lifted the shades dimming the audience and opened the windows.
“Thank you. Truly, thank you.”
Himena, bowing deeply, first looked toward me in the audience.
I raised my hand and applauded again.
Her gaze paused briefly behind me, probably when she finally noticed Mateo Sephardi, the lecherous duke who had been pestering her.
Himena bit her pink lips tightly.
When her gaze returned to me, I shook my head slightly, signaling her not to worry.
“Come this way.”
The actors knelt on one knee as they came off the stage.
The first to approach were Gabriela, her cheeks flushed, and the crown prince, looking at her as if happy.
“The protagonists’ names are similar to ours. I am Gabriela Sephardi, and this is His Royal Highness, the noble Crown Prince of the Naparo Empire.”
“It’s just that his name is Carlos.”
The troupe flinched at that remark, and their simultaneous surprise seemed almost theatrical, causing a short laugh from the audience.
Himena, collecting herself, finally spoke.
“I-I truly think this is a wonderful coincidence. I hope both of you experience happiness far greater than this humble play.”
It wasn’t a coincidence—it was at the sponsor’s request. A little flattery was mixed in, too.
I gave a small, sly smile, catching Arius’s gaze.
His raised eyebrow seemed to say, “Isn’t that the wrong name?” so I quickly avoided his eyes.
Luckily, I could hear my stepmother’s restrained voice.
“Can it be performed at the Panto Theater as well? It wouldn’t hurt to watch it a few more times.”
“I asked about that yesterday, but apparently, the theater had already refused this troupe, Mother.”
When I spoke carefully, Laura openly frowned.
“That’s absurd. The theater owner isn’t that clueless. Besides, if it isn’t staged there, no one will get to see it properly. Huh, maybe I should look into it? What do you think, Duke?”
Laura’s question was almost naive, and Mateo’s face twisted bitterly.
“There must have been a reason. It wouldn’t look good for me to interfere in this.”
“You know how much Sephardi sponsorship would cost the Panto Theater.”
“It’s sponsorship, not something we run ourselves.”
The theater owner, forced by the combination of a “clueless” owner and upper management pressure, reluctantly gave up staging a good play. Mateo spoke firmly, concerned about what the owner would choose in response to Laura’s complaints.
When Laura pursed her lips in dissatisfaction, Cecilia spoke up.
“Performing at the Bernau Royal Theater wouldn’t be bad either. Right, older brother? The royal theater is always in the red. If a play like this comes, maybe it can cover that deficit.”
“Cecilia, the royal theater exists for art, not for making money. But…”
Carlos shook his head, watching his sister sparkle with excitement.
Then he addressed the troupe:
“If there’s no sponsor, I’ll consider it. Gabriela and I coincidentally share names with the characters, and as Cecilia said, you might even help the royal theater cover its deficit.”
“Your Highness…”
Mateo blocked Carlos.
“Though the play was enjoyed by many, its content seems insufficient to widely convey Mr. Rosio’s teachings. Furthermore, staging it at the royal theater requires an evaluation, does it not?”
“Duke Sephardi’s point is valid, but shouldn’t the royal theater see some change as well?”
“Nevertheless, Your Highness…”
“Thank you for your concern. I’ll handle the evaluation directly with the palace.”
The Crown Prince’s gentle tone carried the weight of authority.
My father clenched his fist in frustration, but this time, I stepped forward.
“Your Highness,” I spoke brightly, stepping between the Crown Prince and Himena.
“Unfortunately, I have already decided to sponsor this troupe. The contract was finalized before the play began.”
“Really? What a shame. I am later than Miss Sephardi.”
Miss Sephardi.
Himena, behind me, inhaled sharply at the prince’s words.
“I was lucky,” I said, glancing at Himena, making brief eye contact and silently signaling, It’s okay.
Mateo’s displeased voice followed immediately.
“Maribel, sponsorship isn’t cheap. How can you afford it?”
He meant the allowance given to me by the Sephardi household. The amount was surprisingly small—barely more than a chick’s tear.
No wonder Maribel used the name of Muar to make fake jewels.
Compared to other wealthy nobles or rich commoners, I received far less. Laura managed that money, so his complaint was aimed at her—complaining I couldn’t spend it myself.
“Father, what are you saying? How do you think those present would regard Mother? This is more than enough.”
Only the Duke and Duchess of Sephardi knew the exact amount. I feigned innocence to defend Laura.
“If you indulge me like this, Father, people might get the wrong idea.”
“Still, sponsorship is spending money without any return.”
“I’ve mostly stayed inside the Palacio. Gabriela and José do plenty of charitable work, but I haven’t been diligent enough to engage in other ventures, so spending this money is more than enough. Supporting an excellent troupe and allowing them to perform across Naparo will elevate the Sephardi name—surely that’s sufficient.”
Even with some slight embellishment, Mateo remained suspicious.
At that moment, Pedro’s unpleasant laughter reached my ears.
“Duke, I don’t think Miss Maribel lacks money. Isn’t she the first daughter of the Sephardis?”
Pedro grinned arrogantly, knowing everything. I deliberately smiled toward Himena.
“Could you come closer?” I asked.
“Y-yes. With pleasure.”
Himena trembled slightly as she approached, head bowed, emotions swirling across her face.
“How should I show my gratitude? I am Himena Rosa, actor and director of the Bell Troupe.”
“The thanks should go to me. You’ve shown a wonderful performance that everyone envies.”
As I reached my hand, Himena took it and kissed it—a gesture of respect.
I bent and straightened my knees, accepting it.
As she tried to withdraw her hand, I lightly squeezed it, exclaiming in delight.
