Chapter 160 – Before Completion

Well, well. With all the minor decorations here and there finished, it’s become quite presentable.

Alfred and Viola are currently working hard on the stage equipment inside the theater… but I hope they don’t push themselves too much. I’ll send them some potions and such later.

As for Irmhild and the others’ concert, it’s been decided that it will be held on the next full moon day once preparations are complete. This is because no one enters the labyrinth on this day, so Justia and Dominique have no work either.

The remaining issue is how to use this theater aside from their concerts. Both they and I have other things to do, so we can’t devote ourselves entirely to the theater. Unless it’s related to the three of them’s concert, I intend to leave it to others.

So… King Melvin and Auria have come to visit the theater to inspect the completed building and finalize those discussions.

“You said materials would be delivered, but I never imagined something of this scale could be completed in such a short time…”

“Even having watched the construction process, the speed was astonishing.”

King Melvin murmured in admiration after looking around the theater’s exterior and entering the entrance. Auria also showed a wry smile at King Melvin’s words.

“Then this way, please.”

I guided King Melvin to the second-floor terrace seats. This area is planned to become the VIP section. Looking down at the theater interior from there—King Melvin’s eyes widened.

On the stage—Alfred and Viola were installing magic tools, repeatedly conducting trial runs and adjustments, while Irmhild and the others were playing their instruments and singing.

“…What is that?”

King Melvin listened to the singing for a while and watched Alfred and the others’ work intently, but eventually began asking various questions about the stage equipment.

“I thought it might be useful for productions. The paper at the back of the stage will actually be replaced with white cloth.”

Until the horizon curtain arrives, we’re using large white paper as a substitute and shining lights on it… but that should suffice as a temporary measure. Creating bubbles and illuminating them with colorful lights, using wind magic to guide and manipulate the bubbles… these aspects are also taking shape quite well.

Once the main curtain and carpets arrive, the appearance will become more splendid and theater-like, I think.

“Hmm… This is surprising. The concert should be quite lively.”

“I’d be happy if it succeeds.”

Well, their performance is so captivating that even King Melvin gets absorbed. I’m not too worried.

“Regarding advertising and ticket sales, is it acceptable to leave it to the Guild?”

“That’s my intention.”

I’ll leave the practical aspects to those with the know-how.

“Hmm… Then make sure to provide thorough financial reports.”

“Understood. As for uses other than their concerts…”

King Melvin asked with some amusement.

“Do you have any ideas?”

“I’m considering renting it out to musicians and opera composers and charging usage fees. I hope it gets on track successfully.”

“After seeing that, no one would hesitate to jump at the opportunity. Actually, that’s a good idea.”

King Melvin smiled wryly. Since the theater’s facilities themselves are cutting-edge… I plan to first select musicians and playwrights and invite some to the concert.

If they like it, that would be fortunate. I hope it contributes to artistic promotion, but I won’t aim too high.

“But, indeed. Until it gets on track—we can mobilize court musicians for the vacant schedule.”

I see. That would be reassuring. Irmhild and the others can’t perform every day either.

“In any case, I believe applications to use the theater will flood in immediately.”

“Probably so.”

King Melvin and Auria exchanged glances with rather shrewd smiles, likely thinking that rental fees and admission charges would generate sufficient profit. Both seemed strangely confident of success.

We continued finalizing other minor details.

“Since it’s entertainment for the people, admission fees can’t be set too high.”

“In that case, should rental fees be adjusted accordingly? I think it would be good to vary prices based on seat location.”

“What do you mean?”

“Seats with good views of the stage and the first and second-floor terrace areas would be slightly more expensive.”

Well, it’s like S-seats, A-seats, and so on.

The revenue obtained this way is planned to be distributed to the performers’ rewards, employee wages, maintenance costs, as well as related parties like me and the Brightwelt Workshop, and the Adventurer Guild.

Well… plans are just plans. It’s like counting chickens before they hatch. Since it depends on revenue, I can’t say for sure…

“Your Majesty…”

While we were discussing various matters, Head Shrine Maiden Penelope appeared at the theater. Noticing us on the second-floor terrace from the theater seats, she bowed respectfully.

“Head Shrine Maiden. Would you care to join us?”

“Yes. Then pardon my intrusion.”

Urged by King Melvin, Penelope came up to the second-floor terrace seats.

“What brings you here?”

“After conveying Theodore-sama’s story to everyone, we discussed wanting to return your kindness in some way. We thought we could provide meals and take care of daily needs while you all work here. If it’s acceptable, I’d like to request permission for the shrine maidens to enter the theater.”

“Really? That would be helpful.”

When I responded, Penelope showed a gentle smile.

“Ah, regarding the distribution of profits…”

Since Penelope came, this is perfect timing. Let’s discuss this now.

“Hmm”

“I’d like to redirect my share to the orphanage.”

When I said this, Penelope’s eyes widened in surprise.

“N-no, Theodore-sama. There’s no need to go that far.”

“No, this is something I’ve considered carefully. I’d like you to teach the orphanage children reading, writing, arithmetic… and other useful skills. That should definitely benefit Irmhild and the others.”

I won’t say there’s no emotional involvement, but it’s not purely out of goodwill either.

The theater’s purpose is ultimately to improve the status of the monster girls, create a place for Claudia’s labyrinth village residents, and secure Grace’s position.

Therefore, by supporting the orphanage, I want to strengthen basic education like reading, writing, and arithmetic for the children.

It might sound slightly exaggerated to call it human resource development… but I hope that in the future, understanding individuals will expand their fields of activity in various places in Termwills and the Kingdom of Verdugar. That should definitely work to my advantage later on.

Considering life after leaving the orphanage, it might be possible to hire them for theater-related work… and while there’s room for various dreams, there are limits to what can be covered.

“There are some individuals I’d like to make drink a decoction of your fingernail scrapings. Cultivating capable successors is also my job. I’ll cooperate with that plan.”

King Melvin grinned.

Penelope knelt and respectfully bowed to King Melvin and me.

“Some individuals” probably refers to Marquis Broderick. Since various evidence has been gathering, judgment will likely be passed on the Marquis and his son Norman before long.

“Well… now that we’ve settled matters… since we have the opportunity, how about some ice confections?”

“Oh? Ice confections, you say?”

Since Viola is busy, we haven’t reached the manufacturing stage for shaved ice machines yet… but we already have an ice room, and by skillfully using magic to shave ice, we can create something close to the finished product.

I called everyone to take a break. We moved to the concession stand area, where I used magic to shave ice into wooden bowls. Pouring syrup colored with fruit on top completes it. I’ve prepared several types of syrup.

“Is that the shaved ice Theo-kun mentioned?”

“Yeah. I want to place tools to make this at the concession stand and sell it at the theater.”

Thus began the tasting time.

“Oh ho ho”

Auria was particularly enthusiastic. With keen interest, she scooped it up with a spoon and brought it to her mouth.

“This is… sweet, fluffy, cold… hmm… hmm. It looks refreshing too…”

“If you eat ice confections too quickly—”

“Urgh…!”

I shouldn’t have said that. Auria was pressing her temples. For an Elf and Guild Master… she lacks dignity for her titles.

“This is quite good. Will this be sold? This theater is full of unusual things.”

“It’s sweet and delicious.”

King Melvin and Penelope maintained their dignity, but they consumed the shaved ice at a relatively fast pace. They might have liked it.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying their shaved ice too.

Ashley and Marlene had each received shaved ice with different colored syrups, and they were exchanging bites with each other… looking quite happy.

“They seem to like it.”

Grace smiled. She was the one who mixed the syrups, so she must have been curious about everyone’s reactions.

The response isn’t bad. Maybe having drinks would be good too?

Hmm. Could I create carbonated water by combining wind magic and water magic? I’ll try experimenting a bit later.