Chapter 303 – Before the Performance

The day of the performance had arrived.

First, I went to pick them up at Marquis Zilbolt’s domain, then transported the Marquis and his party directly to the ritual site before heading to Peresford Academy.

My companions were Tephra, Marquis Zilbolt, Lady Belinda, and the members of the Intelligence Unit who had returned from Vinesdora to the Marquis’s domain. They had been invited as this time’s honored guests.

“Good day, Theodore-sama. Father, Mother, it’s wonderful to see you both looking so well.”

“Good day.”

“Indeed. It’s equally wonderful to see you looking well too, Romina.”

Romina, who had been waiting at the Peresford Academy dormitory after hearing about the arrangements in advance, showed a happy expression and bowed as her parents descended from the carriage.

“Good day, Ophelia-sama, Romina-sama.”

“Good day, Ashley-sama.”

It seemed Ophelia had come along too. Since she’s quite caring, she appears to have built a good relationship with Romina. Ashley exchanged smiling greetings with Ophelia and Romina.

“There’s still quite some time before the theater performance begins. What would you like to do? If you have no plans, you’re welcome to pass the time at our home.”

Ilmhild and the others’ performance wasn’t scheduled until around evening. When I asked, Marquis Zilbolt replied.

“That’s very kind. Let me see… Last time we visited Termwills, we couldn’t really relax much… First, we’ll head to secure our lodging, then take a carriage to look around the city a bit. Would it be alright if we visit you after that?”

“Understood. I’ll inform the household accordingly.”

So Marquis Zilbolt and his family would spend time together. They remain such a close-knit family.

“As for our escort, there should be no issues. After all, look at this lineup.”

The Marquis gave a wry smile as he surveyed the carriage carrying the Intelligence Unit members.

“Indeed. Well then, until later.”

“Yes. Until then.”

I gave Marquis Zilbolt and his party their admission tickets and decided to head to the theater. There were quite a few invited guests this time as well, but they were scheduled to enter the theater before the performance began.

Now then. With the main event approaching, I went to check on the theater and found the square more crowded than usual. Apparently, the tickets had sold out long ago, but it seemed some people who couldn’t make it on the day were coming to get refunds. Adventurers were probably gathered at the Guild hoping to snag seats that might become available through refunds. Knights and soldiers were stationed around the square to prevent any trouble from occurring.

There were even lines forming at the stalls in front of the theater selling shaved ice, cotton candy, and carbonated drinks… They seemed to be managing the queues and such too.

Knight Order Commander Mildred was also here. She was probably supervising the soldiers.

Not only King Melvin but also King Eberhart, Princess Stephania, and Princess Adriana were coming to watch today’s theater performance, so security was naturally going to be tight.

Mildred noticed our carriage and approached us.

“Well, if it isn’t the Ambassador,” she called out, so I descended from the carriage to greet her.

“Good day, Dame Mildred. With the increased crowd, it looks quite challenging.”

“Yes, indeed. The hot spring town and theater have become quite the topic of conversation, attracting more and more visitors. Since foreign dignitaries are attending today, I’ve been entrusted with field command.”

“I see.”

Mildred showed a slightly thoughtful expression before asking.

“Speaking of which, I heard about the matter at Blazing Fortress.”

“…Are you referring to the Mirror Knight, by any chance?”

We had arranged for Alfred to inform King Melvin about Lazaro, planning to discuss everything together after today’s performance—but as one of King Melvin’s close aides, it seemed the information had reached Mildred.

“Yes. The Mirror Knight Lazaro is actually my ancestor. Though I haven’t made this widely known.”

“Is that so?”

That was somewhat surprising. It seemed to be information even Rosemary wasn’t aware of—though she was hiding her mouth behind her feather fan, her eyes appeared wide. Mildred gave a wry smile at our reaction.

“I’m from a branch family, you see. I’d rather not have people say I became Knight Order Commander due to my lineage after revealing details about my origins.”

I see. Even though Mildred is said to have sword skills that stand out even among the knights… I get the sense she must have faced various hardships. King Melvin probably knows, of course, but since it’s not something Mildred wants publicized, he likely hasn’t made a point of announcing it.

“We plan to reforge his sword and bring it to Blazing Fortress in the near future… Would you care to accompany us?”

“…Is that acceptable?”

“Yes. Once we have a concrete plan, I’ll contact you as soon as possible. That should make it easier to coordinate our schedules.”

“Understood. I’ll also petition His Majesty regarding this matter.”

Being both Knight Order Commander and one of King Melvin’s close aides, Mildred must be quite busy with various matters.

“Well then, we’ll be going inside the theater to look around.”

“Yes. I’m looking forward to today’s performance.”

“Thank you.”

After saying this, I parted ways with Mildred for now, had the carriage stop at the staff entrance, and entered the theater from there.

“Well then, I’m off to practice.”

“See you later, Theodore-kun.”

“I’m heading out.”

Sheila, Ilmhild, and Cyrille headed toward the stage.

“Hmm. This is another place Theodore created, isn’t it?”

Tephra looked around the theater with apparent interest.

“Yeah. Well, there’s still time before the performance starts, but I’ll show you around while checking things.”

As for me, I decided to check if there were any issues within the theater while inspecting the facilities. I toured the theater with Seraphina, explaining various equipment to Tephra.

“Are there any areas under particular strain?”

“Hmm. Everything seems fine, I think?”

With Seraphina perched on my shoulder, I looked around the theater. After all, Seraphina had checked everything during construction, and the workmanship is solid. There don’t appear to be any particular problems.

At the theater’s internal concession stands, employees were busy making shaved ice and cotton candy or transporting them to the external stalls. The magic tools seemed to be functioning without issues.

“The employees have been issued uniforms, I see. Having uniformity really creates an atmosphere.”

When Claudia spoke admiringly, Marlene nodded.

The theater employees had been provided with uniforms—servant-style outfits but with matching hats featuring feather decorations. King Melvin had handled this aspect, and his sense of style is indeed excellent.

Young people were notably prominent among the employees. This included those who had graduated from the orphanage and started working at the theater or hot spring town.

They seemed quite busy but were working happily. I shouldn’t get in their way, so I decided to go check the stage equipment.

When I went backstage, I saw Brad, the boy I’d met at the orphanage. Though I should mention I knew him from when I was disguised as Mathius, so of course he doesn’t recognize me.

The feather decoration on his hat was white—apparently the color indicating an apprentice. This was probably because Brad hadn’t yet left the orphanage.

Brad was standing slightly behind the stage equipment operator, watching the rehearsal procedures and operation sequences with a serious expression. Incidentally, the person operating the stage equipment was Annie from the Mage Corps on temporary assignment—also an acquaintance of Alfred’s.

She’s someone I met once when I first visited Theoreme Castle.

Apparently she was selected from the Mage Corps because it’s preferable for someone operating stage equipment to possess magical power and be familiar with magic tool operation. There’s a possibility Alfred pulled some strings since he considers her trustworthy.

“Well, if it isn’t the Ambassador.”

Not wanting to be disruptive, I was observing from a slight distance when Annie noticed me during a break and greeted me.

“Good day.”

“Good day, Ambassador.”

When I returned the greeting, Brad also bowed his head.

“Good work. The number of musical pieces has increased, but are the preparations going smoothly?”

As I spoke, I glanced toward the stage. The five of them seemed to be in the middle of practice. I could see Forestbird and the others applauding from the audience seats. They must have escorted Justia and Dominique to the theater.

“Yes. We just ran through the new piece as well. I don’t think there will be any issues with the sequence.”

Annie adjusted her glasses while smiling cheerfully.

“Are there any problems with the stage equipment?”

“Everything’s running smoothly. Oh, let me introduce you. This is Brad from the orphanage, here as an apprentice.”

“N-nice to meet you, Ambassador. My name is Brad. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Brad stood at attention with a nervous expression. The mischievous boy I remembered from before was nowhere to be seen. You could tell he was taking his work seriously.

“Indeed. Pleased to meet you.”

“He’s quite talented, actually. I’ve been teaching at the orphanage, and he seems to have some magical aptitude.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. He’s very eager to work at the theater, so he’s been studying the magic tool control panel. We even let him operate it during practice sessions. His enthusiasm seems genuine too.”

Magical aptitude, huh? Considering aspects like replenishing magical power in magic tools, it’s certainly preferable for someone handling the control panel to have substantial magical power.

Brad, having been introduced like that by Annie, scratched his cheek somewhat sheepishly and said,

“Magicians and the magic tools they installed once saved our—my—our lives.”

That must be referring to when the Duoveris Cult followers attacked.

“I think it’s amazing how the theater can move people using magic and magic tools. That’s why I asked to study here as an apprentice.”

…I see.

“I’m counting on you. Do your best.”

“Yes! I’ll do my best!”

When I smiled back, Brad bowed deeply. …So the stage equipment and control panel are fine.

Now all that’s left is to wait for the performance to begin. I decided to move to the audience seating area, greet Forestbird and the others, and watch the rehearsal.

“Hearing you say that makes me happy.”

“…Yeah. I suppose so.”

When my eyes met Grace’s, she smiled back happily. …Well. I’m glad I built the theater—it’s quite encouraging. I feel hopeful about the theater’s future prospects.