Ch.103Highlight (5)

Including my past life and my current one, what I’ve always thought of as medieval “theater” was opera or musical theater. The kind where actors appear on stage, showcase their acting skills, and mix in songs here and there.

But the preview we just saw was definitely not musical theater. Even with memories from my past life, I would give it a perfect 10 out of 10—a directorial brilliance that no one could match.

A man who burst into the middle of the plain let out a horrific scream and gradually transformed into a demonic figure. Just as his wings fully sprouted, a massive scythe emerged from the darkness and snatched his neck.

And finally, a prayer hinting at the appearance of a specific character. Despite being fantasy, the production quality rivaled or even surpassed anything from my past life.

No. It would be more accurate to say it was superior.

This wasn’t a “movie” using CGI, but a “play” happening in real-time on stage.

Thanks to that, my expectations were inflated, and I found myself eagerly waiting for the main performance to begin.

[Ah, ahem. To those waiting in the audience, our Matrix Theater Company’s performance will begin in 20 minutes, so please rest until then. Once again, we…]

Just as I was anxiously waiting to know when the performance would start, an announcement boomed through the venue. Between the prayer the actor had muttered earlier and this announcement, it seemed the Matrix Theater Company had quite a few tricks up their sleeve.

Perhaps the theater company had equipment like microphones. There were microphones set up at the podium during the academy entrance ceremony too, so it’s not that strange.

‘What kind of equipment are they using? Could they be using magic?’

The Matrix Theater Company’s exceptional production techniques are kept secret. Moreover, the director’s identity is not well-known, and they tend to send representatives instead.

In fact, the person who visited our mansion was just a representative, not the person in charge like Lirus. When asked where the person in charge was, the only answer was that the director avoids meeting people.

Because of this mystique, many people are curious about who the director of the Matrix Theater Company is. Even I’m curious about the identity of someone whose directorial skills are so far ahead of their time, let alone others.

I stood up from my seat to go to the bathroom during the break. As I rose, the two women sitting on either side of me asked one after another.

“Where are you going?”

“Where are you headed?”

At times like this, who should I look at when answering? I was momentarily perplexed, but pretending to adjust my clothes, I kept my gaze on the stage and replied.

“Just to the bathroom. And I thought I’d buy something to drink while I’m at it.”

“Oh! Let me come with you.”

“What about you, Cecilly?”

“I’ll stay here. My heart hasn’t calmed down yet…”

Now that I looked, there were tears at the corners of her eyes. It seems Lirus Orchestra’s piece, “Life,” had deeply moved her.

I looked at Cecilly and then at the handkerchief still clutched in her hand. She must have cried more than I thought, as the handkerchief was quite damp.

“Alright. The bathroom and vendors are nearby, so I’ll be back soon.”

“Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Okay. Marie?”

“Yes.”

When I offered my hand, Marie naturally took it and stood up. As she rose, I looked around.

Perhaps because the performance was starting in 20 minutes, not just 10, many people had temporarily left their seats. Not only in the VIP section but also in the commoner seats, there were empty spots here and there.

I decided I should return quickly to avoid losing our seats and headed outside with Marie. Of course, I politely excused myself as we passed by those still seated.

Once we were out of the audience area, I turned to Marie and asked.

“By the way, did you need to go to the bathroom too?”

“I just wanted to follow you, that’s all.”

How does she always choose the sweetest things to say? I almost hugged her right there in front of everyone, but I barely managed to restrain myself.

Objectively speaking, anyone would find it hard to resist when their beautiful girlfriend smiles brightly and acts cute, but I managed that difficult feat.

After quickly visiting the bathroom and taking care of business, Marie and I began selecting drinks for the performance. While choosing, I didn’t forget to ask about the Matrix Theater Company.

“Marie, have you seen a performance by the Matrix Theater Company before? Do they always direct like this?”

“I’ve only seen them once. And yes, their directing style was exactly the same then. Like a preview, I guess? Anyway, they always announce the start this way. Many people look forward to what kind of preview the Matrix Theater Company will show.”

So today wasn’t unusual; they’ve always been extraordinary. I became even more curious about the identity of the Matrix Theater Company’s director.

“You don’t know who the director of the Matrix Theater Company is either, right?”

“Of course not. Maybe they’re someone like you? Just as you hide your identity to write what you want, perhaps the Matrix director hides their identity to show the stage they want.”

“Hmm… that makes sense.”

The Matrix Theater Company has been famous for over 10 years. Yet during those 10 years, the director has never once had their identity revealed.

Of course, a select few probably know who the director is, but being such a master among masters, perhaps no one dares to interfere.

“Why? Would you like to meet them?”

“Yes. When those demonic wings sprouted from the back, I really thought a demon had appeared. Weren’t you surprised?”

“I was at first, but when I saw how calm the orchestra was, I realized it was part of the play. Oh, and I heard you cursing quite clearly. You must have been really surprised?”

“Ahem. Ahem.”

When Marie asked with a teasing tone, I cleared my throat to hide my embarrassment. At that moment, I was so startled that a curse reflexively escaped my lips.

But honestly, who wouldn’t be startled by such a production? Especially when it wasn’t just anyone, but a demon race transforming into a demon.

“…Anyway, let’s head back. Marie, what would you like to drink?”

“Changing the subject, I see. I’ll have lemon juice.”

“Then I’ll have grape juice.”

After purchasing our desired drinks, we started heading back to the stage. As I took a sip of my grape juice, I suddenly spotted someone in my field of vision.

Though I couldn’t see their face clearly because they were wearing a robe, their small stature and the silver-gray hair peeking out from under the robe were distinctive. Judging by the height and hair color, I realized it was Arwen.

She was sitting on a bench, her head lowered as if deep in thought about something troubling. From a distance, she might have looked like she was sleeping.

“Issac?”

“Just a moment.”

Ignoring Marie’s call, I approached Arwen. Although we might just be passing acquaintances, Arwen had helped me choose books, so I couldn’t just ignore her.

Some might call it meddling, but I’m not heartless enough to ignore someone who’s shown me kindness.

“Arwen?”

“…Yes?”

When I cautiously called her name, the girl who had been hanging her head slowly looked up. Seeing her silver-gray eyes and youthful face, I was certain it was Arwen.

Upon seeing me, Arwen blinked her silver-gray eyes a couple of times before widening them in surprise.

“Issac? Why art thou here?”

“I was just passing by and saw you here. You seemed troubled.”

“Troubled?”

At my question, Arwen blinked again as if to say, “What are you talking about?” Seeing her reaction, I could tell inwardly.

I must have been mistaken. Feeling a bit awkward, I scratched my head.

“Never mind. I thought you might be troubled since your head was down.”

“Ah… that’s not it. I just had something to think about. Nothing for thee to worry about.”

“That’s good to hear. By the way, did you enjoy the performance?”

“It was truly magnificent. And more than the performance itself, I was most pleased with the structure of the seating that accommodated people of small stature like myself. I heard it was temporarily constructed, but I could watch the performance clearly with both eyes.”

Indeed, Arwen is quite short. She might barely exceed 150cm.

Fortunately, the seating structure isn’t flat but gradually rises, allowing even petite individuals like Arwen to watch the performance without difficulty. Initially, they were going to build it flat, but thanks to the designer’s sensibility, a disaster was averted.

“So there’s no problem then?”

“As I’ve said before, there’s no need to treat me like a child. Despite appearances, I can handle my share.”

When Arwen grumbled in response, I let out a small laugh. Anyway, it seems there’s no issue, contrary to my concern.

“Alright. I’ll be going then. Enjoy the rest of the performance.”

“I hope thou enjoyest it as well. Even I don’t get to see the Matrix Theater Company’s performances often.”

From her use of “even I,” one can guess at her uncommon status. Still, I didn’t show any reaction and just waved goodbye to her as I returned to Marie.

When I got back to Marie, I found her filled with some kind of discontent. It seems she was displeased that I had conversed with Arwen.

With a sulky expression, she silently sipped her lemon juice before giving me a fierce look and asking in a disgruntled tone.

“Who was that girl?”

“Just an elf I met by chance at a bookstore.”

“Is that really all?”

“What else would there be?”

“Hmm…”

In response to my question, Marie stared intently at Arwen, who was still sitting on the bench. Then, tilting her head, she murmured ambiguously.

“Judging by the robe, she’s definitely not of ordinary status… but even so, it’s strange for her to be out alone without a knight escort…”

“Is a knight escort mandatory?”

“Of course. Just look at Cecilly. Despite having the power to destroy an entire mountain by herself, she came with Mr. Gartz, didn’t she?”

Indeed, Cecilly had visited our territory with Gartz without expressing any intention to participate. Arwen might be in a similar situation.

After listening to Marie’s explanation and pondering for a moment, I recalled what Cecilly had said upon meeting Arwen.

‘Who are these people, she had asked?’

Cecilly must have clearly seen something I didn’t. I remembered the incident from the morning but quickly dismissed it.

It’s unlikely that Arwen came here with impure intentions, and even if she did, our mansion is heavily guarded by knights.

Given that they’re knights dispatched from the imperial palace, we can trust and rely on them.

“You might be right. But everyone has their circumstances, right? Besides, she’ll never know that I’m Xenon.”

“That’s true. Still, don’t give her any attention. Got it?”

Marie pressed her finger firmly against my cheek as she sternly warned me. I gently caught her finger and replied with a sly tone.

“Are you jealous?”

“What if I am?”

“Should I give you a kiss?”

“…Let’s go over there for a moment.”

How honest. I chuckled and then was led by Marie to a secluded spot.

What we did there… well, you can probably guess. Just some affectionate displays that might make others cringe.

Afterward, we returned to the VIP seats and waited silently for the performance to begin. True to the word “collaboration,” the Lirus Orchestra was still on stage.

The difference was that they had moved slightly lower, closer to the audience. Additionally, during the short break, the stage had been refurbished, and a semi-transparent curtain now separated the stage from the audience.

I was curious about the purpose of this curtain, but it also felt somewhat familiar, leading me to mutter inwardly.

‘Could it be the same as the one in the training ground?’

The identity of that curtain is a protective barrier specially treated for shock absorption.

And the Matrix Theater Company’s production aims for extreme realism.

‘No way. Even so…’

But my prediction was beautifully shattered.

BOOM!

“… …”

Because as soon as the performance began, a spectacular battle between actors unfolded before our eyes.

Moreover, they seemed to be using magic power, as every swing of a sword not only carved the ground but also, when weapons clashed, resulted in a loud explosion accompanied by a large blue blast.

Fortunately, thanks to the protective barrier, the audience was unaffected, but they truly were pursuing extreme realism.

‘This… this is incredible…’

If I had known it would be like this, I would have brought popcorn.

*****

Meanwhile, at the same time, not in the VIP section but in the regular audience seats.

The Queen of Alfheim, Arwen, had returned to her seat and was quietly waiting for the performance to begin.

Beyond the performance itself, she was especially looking forward to it because it was based on the Biography of Xenon, which she had always been fond of.

Hadn’t she abandoned all her duties as queen and set foot in this distant territory for this day? Arwen felt her heart racing as she held handfuls of snacks.

Of course, one hand’s worth was for the dark elf, Rain, who had accompanied her. Even with her love for sweets, she wouldn’t eat this much.

But…

[Your Majesty, I have something to check. May I go somewhere for a moment?]

Rain’s voice echoed in her mind. It was telepathy, a skill only those proficient in magic could use.

Due to the characteristics of her race, Rain had to conceal herself, so she communicated only through telepathy. It wasn’t a big deal since both of them were elves.

[Something to check?]

Arwen responded to Rain’s request with a puzzled voice. Apart from the exhibition, there wasn’t much to see in this territory, so what could she have discovered?

Her curiosity was short-lived as Rain sent a telepathic message with an excited tone.

[It might be something you’d like, Your Majesty. I’ll just check and come right back.]

[…Alright. But don’t do anything dangerous.]

[Your Majesty, really. Don’t you trust me?]

It’s because I don’t trust you. Arwen inwardly doubted but granted Rain’s request.

‘I’ve taken precautions anyway…’