Chapter 158 – Scale Model

Spread out on the table in my living room was a scaled-down model of the facilities around the temple square and the actual theater we planned to build. I was using Earth Magic to shape it and refine the concept.

“—So, if we hang a white curtain here at the back of the stage like this, we can project light from a Magic Tool onto it to change the background however we want. For example, we could use blue light to make it look like the sky or the bottom of the sea, or red light for a fire scene or sunset.”

In other words, a cyclorama. While planning the stage equipment, I was discussing it with Alfred and Viola.

“I’d like to borrow some of your ideas.”

“That’s fascinating.”

Alfred and Viola were impressed, but unfortunately, I wasn’t the one who came up with the cyclorama. Since we’re building a theater however we want anyway, I figured we might as well incorporate knowledge from Earth.

“Mm. But anyway, I see. If we place a Magic Tool that produces bubbles around here…”

“Bubbles around there… maybe we could use a Wind Magic tool to blow them around?”

“And if we place Light Magic tools above and below the stage and connect them to the control panel in the wings…”

“So we run the circuits to the wings and control all the lighting from there, right?”

“Exactly.”

“You’re not planning to change the wing structure much from the current design, are you?”

“Ah, no, that’s the plan.”

“Then considering the scale, we should be able to move on to creating full-sized Magic Tools soon, shouldn’t we?”

“In that case, I’ll make copies of the model later and set them up in the workshop too.”

As Alfred, Viola and I went back and forth like this, everyone else started peeking in with interest.

“This is the square in front of the temple, right?”

“Yeah. This is the Adventurer Guild, and that’s part of the temple. We’re building the theater here in this empty space.”

As I said this, I touched the theater model I’d placed in the vacant area.

When I removed the roof of the ground-level building like taking off a lid, the interior structure was revealed.

The tiered seating spread out in a fan shape facing the stage… well, it might be a fairly common theater design.

Since making the building too tall would likely spoil the scenery, I designed the stage and seating at what would be equivalent to basement level. I prepared terraces on the first and second floors above ground, creating spaces where VIPs could watch performances with their escorts from what would be first or second floor seating.

“After that, we’ll need to add things like stage curtains… but anyway, this is roughly the basic structure I’m thinking of. How will the sound resonance and audibility be?”

“Hmm. Let me see. The sound will spread from here where they sing and perform…”

Seraphina flew around examining the interior structure, checking it from various angles.

“Mm. I think it’s good. I believe it will be audible well from any seat.This part was somewhat referenced from theater and cinema structures. There shouldn’t be any issues with acoustics.

“What about earthquake resistance and structural strength?”

“Hmm. It depends on the materials too… but it should be fine, right?”

“Well, we’ll figure that out as we actually build it.”

Marlene seemed curious about the signs drawn here and there, tilting her head as she looked at me.

“Those indicate evacuation routes in case of fire. I’ve prepared several passages like that which lead directly outside.”

“That’s easy to understand at a glance. Those pictures.”

Ashley nodded with admiration. Even if you can’t read letters, pictures are intuitively understandable.

“If we explain it before performances, people can escape quickly in an emergency.”

In other words, emergency exit guidance. I designed it so general seating and VIP seating have different exit locations for security reasons.

“What’s this before the seating area?”

“Concession stands and kitchen. So we can sell food and drinks inside.”

Similar facilities to what you’d find in a cinema. There’s the question of who will run which stands… well, I’ll think about that later. As we head into summer and it gets hotter, shaved ice might be good. We could build an Ice Room in the empty space… Yeah. Shaved ice might surprisingly sell well. And there’s no worry about fire either.

“If you notice anything else, please speak up. We can incorporate changes easily right now.”

I removed the walls and floor of the model to examine the underground sections too. Stage wings, backstage with dressing rooms. Staff entrance, material delivery routes with storage. Since we’re building underground, we can use the space quite generously. Considering practical usability when actually in use, along with building strength and earthquake resistance, we adjusted things based on everyone’s opinions – whether delivery entrances should be wider, how easy security would be, how effective evacuation guidance would be, and so on.

“With this, it seems we could start construction right away.”

“Ah… There’s still a problem though.For architectural style, if we refer to older buildings like the temple or Royal Castle, we should be able to create something that matches reasonably well.

The main problem lies in more detailed aspects… the interior. For styles and decorations of ceilings, walls, floors, and pillars, I’ve gathered various books from the school as reference materials.

If it’s Magic Construction, we could make the decorations as detailed as we want, but the question is how far we should go with it. If it’s too dignified it would be odd, but if it’s too plain it would be boring. Overdecorating with excessive ornamentation doesn’t suit my taste either.

In short, I want it to be just right, but finding that balance is quite difficult.

Well, since we have so many people here anyway… I’ll determine the appropriate range while consulting everyone to avoid going overboard.

“Good evening.”

While we were discussing, Claudia also appeared.

“Ah, perfect timing.”

“Is something going on?”

“We were just discussing what structure to use for the theater.”

“Theater…?”

Claudia blinked her eyes.

“Claudia-sama, please join us too. I’ll make tea right away.”

“Thank you, Grace. I’ll help you.”

Claudia smiled back at Grace as they prepared tea. Yeah. She seems to have gotten quite accustomed to the house too.

When the two returned, Sheila explained the current situation to Claudia.

“Irmhild and the others are going to hold a concert soon.”

“That child holding a concert…”

“So we started talking about building a stage, which evolved into building an entire theater. Right now, they’re in the soundproof room. All three of them – Justia, Dominique and Irmhild – are practicing for their performance.”

I pointed to the door connecting to the newly built soundproof room as I said this.

“I see… I wouldn’t want to disturb them, so I’ll join you all here instead.”

Having grasped the situation, Claudia closed her eyes with a gentle smile and peered at the model in the living room.

Unexpectedly, Claudia turned out to be quite knowledgeable about architectural styles, decorations, and interior design. She was having normal conversations with Alfred and Ashley while looking at reference materials about what level of decoration would be just right.

Hmm. Claudia, how should I put it, not only are her manners refined, but her knowledge also has aspects close to royalty or aristocracy. Quite mysterious.

Well anyway… If this goes well, we might be able to provide the Labyrinth Village residents with places to be and work outside. After all, since entertainment in that village seems to revolve around music, most residents were skilled at instruments, singing, and dancing. If they’re willing, I think things like choruses or even musicals wouldn’t be impossible for the villagers.

That said… even if the Labyrinth Village residents know there are places for them outside, they probably wouldn’t be quick to leave that village.

Not because they’re afraid of the outside, but because Claudia, who has watched over them, is long-lived. We shouldn’t let anything happen that would leave her lonely, and they probably don’t intend to do so either. Even though I’m moving forward with this theater project, that’s the point I must keep in mind above all.

“Ah, Claudia-sama.”

Perhaps their practice had reached a stopping point, Irmhild and the others emerged from the soundproof room too.

“Is practice going well?”

“Yes. We should be able to increase our repertoire too.”

Since we’ve borrowed sheet music and such from the school as well. Having a richer repertoire is a good thing.

“This is the actual stage… scaled down.”

When I said this, the three monster girls peered in with keen interest.

“The ceiling is surprisingly high. We might be able to sing while flying.”

Dominique said.

“That might be a good idea. Combined with stage equipment, it could make for good staging.”

And so our discussions continued like this as night deepened. Gathering like this with everyone to create something and exchange ideas is really quite enjoyable.

The general framework has mostly solidified. After this, once we prepare the necessary amount of materials, we should be able to move on to construction. Once we start the Magic Construction process, the rest will be done in no time. As for the various detailed decorations, we’ll probably create them on site together with everyone.