Ch.267Support Fire (1)

The Matrix Troupe… is that what I should call it? Anyway, the world’s first film presented by the Matrix Troupe concluded successfully.

The troupe’s identity was on full display—spectacular direction, stellar acting performances, and finally, the sound effects and OST by the Lirus Orchestra.

While their play at the previous exhibition was a masterpiece that harmonized all these elements, today’s film marked the pinnacle of their achievement.

What knowledge must exist in Director Skall’s mind to demonstrate such Earth-like directing prowess to the public? His talent truly seems ahead of his time.

Especially the déjà vu technique shown in the final scene proves Skall deserves to be called a genius. It might be a common cliché in my previous life, but here, it’s completely novel.

Even with experience as a theater director, filmmaking must be Skall’s first attempt. Moreover, he clearly demonstrated the differences between theater and film.

For Helium, Skall is an indispensable talent and artist. Judging by the resources poured into him, one can roughly estimate how exceptional his capabilities and potential are.

In any case, the world’s first film ended successfully, and as with the previous exhibition, the director and actors appeared on stage for the finale.

I noticed something surprising—the actress who played Elisha was actually an elf. It wasn’t makeup or magic.

What’s more, she and the actor who played Kayre are actually a couple in real life. They explained that the aged appearance was achieved through transformation magic.

‘They really put their heart into this production.’

The Matrix Troupe has grown several times larger since the previous exhibition. While the revelation that the director is a demon came as a shock, it didn’t matter much.

Instead, the number of people dreaming of becoming actors and joining the Matrix Troupe has increased significantly. The scale of art has greatly expanded.

Above all, Skall is said to be keeping a close eye on the exhibition. As everyone knows, the exhibition features not only the Matrix Troupe but other plays as well.

Although they may not boast the insane directing prowess of the Matrix Troupe, some plays are quite excellent. Since theater naturally highlights actors’ performances, it serves as a gateway for the Matrix Troupe.

“Does anyone have questions? We still have time, so I’ll take some questions.”

After the lengthy explanation, Director Skall’s Q&A session began. Simultaneously, numerous people on the first floor raised their hands.

The nobles, perhaps to maintain their dignity, were few in number among those raising hands. Of course, I was among those few.

As I raised my hand high, I could feel various gazes pouring in my direction—from the imperial royalty sitting far away to the royalty of the Kingdom of Teres.

To hell with noble dignity. Resolving my curiosity takes priority right now.

“Hmm… the red-haired gentleman over there? Please ask your question. I’ll amplify your voice with magic, so just speak normally.”

Until now, I’ve disliked my noticeable red hair, but today I’m starting to appreciate it. As Skall extended his hand, I cleared my throat and began to speak.

“Ah. Ah.”

Whether it was truly magic or not, my voice amplified as if through a microphone. I marveled at the versatility of magic for a moment before continuing.

First, I offered various compliments—it was a truly excellent film, the direction was worthy of the Matrix Troupe, and so on—to put Skall and the troupe in a good mood.

Finally, I asked what I truly wanted to know.

“So, could you tell us when the next installment will be released? I understand production takes time, but the film was so excellent that I can’t help but look forward to it.”

“The next installment… But sir, could you explain what you mean by ‘film’?”

“Oh.”

Come to think of it, they call it an extension of theater here, not a film. I inadvertently called it a film.

It’s difficult to pass it off as a slip of the tongue. I naturally called it a film earlier too.

Before correcting myself, I glanced sideways with suspicion. Sure enough, my eyes met Cecilly’s as she looked at me with a meaningful smile. Seeing that smile sent a chill down my spine, and I quickly looked forward again.

“Haha… I think I was momentarily distracted. I apologize.”

“Not at all. ‘Film’… it has a nice ring to it. Anyway, to answer your question: After Kayre’s death, Merry confesses to Xenon, and then the full-scale demon invasion begins. However, we lack both the manpower and refinement to resolve all of this. Above all, the demon invasion isn’t just a battle—it’s a war.”

According to Skall’s explanation, the demon invasion follows Kayre’s death. Given that it’s a war-scale event rather than a battle, it’s impossible to film in a short period.

Actors, direction, know-how, and so on—while their first attempt was successful, they lack experience in every aspect.

Skall explained that rather than producing a mediocre work that would tarnish the Biography of Xenon, it would be better not to make it at all.

“That doesn’t mean we won’t do it at all. I’m embarrassed to tell you this, but this play was essentially a test—a prototype, if you will. If Lord Xenon grants permission, we plan to gradually produce from volume one.”

Just shut up and take my permission letter already. As soon as I heard his words, I looked at Cecilly.

She tilted her head quizzically, as if wondering why I was looking at her, with that same enigmatic smile still on her lips.

Seeing her reaction, I clicked my tongue and subtly grabbed her hand. I even nodded my head to convey that I was counting on her.

The reason the Matrix Troupe can produce films is thanks to Helium’s unlimited support. No matter how talented the Matrix Troupe is, nothing can be done without money.

Cecilly chuckled at my desperate(?) request and brought her lips to my ear. Then, in a voice full of sensuality, she mentioned a single word.

“Seed.”

“…”

With that one word, I immediately understood what she wanted. It made me think deeply.

While everything else might be a joke, the seed is something Cecilly is serious about. However, I have no intention of hurting Marie’s feelings for my personal desires.

I’ll just have to be patient. When I gave a bitter smile indicating refusal, Cecilly shrugged as if she had expected it.

In truth, even her seductive request for a seed is likely just teasing. She usually grants most of my requests anyway.

After my question, various questions poured in for Skall—from how they produced the battle scenes, whether he had met Xenon in person, how they would cast actors, and so on.

The most curious aspect was actor recruitment. While humans and demons are one thing, how they would recruit other races was of utmost interest.

Skall seemed to be facing difficulties in this area as well, scratching his head and taking a somewhat ambiguous stance.

“In fact, the actress who played Elisha was recruited through my desperate pleas. Moreover, Alfheim is currently actively engaging with its neighbors through Queen Arwen’s policies. While I’d like to recruit if possible… I suspect Alfheim might produce their own plays.”

This is a highly plausible scenario. Who is the current director of the Matrix Troupe? A demon generously supported by Helium.

From Alfheim’s perspective, they might think, “If demons can do it, why can’t we?” Skall probably knows this, which is why he’s expressing concern.

However, it’s important to remember that race isn’t the important factor here. What matters is solely the director’s capability.

Whether demon or elf, if a director as capable as Skall is at the helm, masterpieces will be born; otherwise, mediocrity will result.

‘I wonder if Arwen will handle this well…’

I shifted my gaze to where Arwen was sitting. She was seated at a slight distance. While she served as a guide earlier, she’s now keeping her distance to avoid suspicion of personal closeness.

If it became known that Arwen and I are personally close, suspicions about Xenon would naturally arise. So currently, she’s sitting alongside her knight, Kayre.

Judging by their whispered conversation, they seem to be exchanging brief opinions. Arwen is a very wise queen, so I trust she’ll take measures to prevent any unusual incidents.

“That concludes my presentation. I am Skall, director of the Matrix Troupe. I sincerely thank everyone who watched our performance, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the exhibition. Thank you!”

After the barrage of questions ended, the Matrix Troupe gave their closing remarks. Not just me, but everyone in the theater responded with enthusiastic applause.

I should write a permission letter tonight and grant approval. While I’d like to see the demon invasion of Elvenheim (the Alfheim in the book) happen soon, that will take time.

For now, the priority is to gradually film from volume one and gain experience.

“That was a wonderful performance, wasn’t it?”

“Yes. I wonder if we can see it again tomorrow?”

“I’m sure others are thinking the same thing. But since they said it would be here for several days, we should be able to see it again at least once.”

After the film ended, I returned to the mansion with my companions. Even as we were leaving, most people remained seated, still immersed in the afterglow.

Not just the plot, but the déjà vu technique shown at the end must have lingered in their minds. Even I, an Earthling, occasionally recall it—how much more so for the people here?

Thus, we made our way to the mansion while exchanging various opinions about the film. Once at the mansion, I plan to urge my parents to watch it.

“Did you enjoy it too, Sister Adel?”

“Yes… I mean, yes. It was really enjoyable.”

Adelia inadvertently spoke informally as usual, then hastily switched to formal speech. Her flustered appearance was quite cute, but it felt stiff.

“You can speak comfortably. It’s just us now.”

“Yeah, it’s a bit awkward when you speak formally, you know.”

Nicole, walking alongside us, placed her hand on Adelia’s shoulder, displaying their closeness. It must have been quite awkward for Nicole that Adelia used formal speech with her too.

“No, I… I’m still on duty for now.”

“Well, if that’s how you feel. But you’ll go back to informal speech when your duty ends, right?”

“Yes.”

Adelia is my personal maid, and normally her working hours end after dinner. But for events like today, her hours are extended indefinitely.

Incidentally, even personal maids receive overtime pay. Whether it’s called night duty or whatever, when hours increase, so does the pay.

Her monthly salary is probably around 80 gold. That’s about 8 million won in Korean currency, making her annual salary close to 100 million won.

Think that’s expensive? Not at all. Adelia is a talented individual who even serves as a martial arts assistant at the academy. If anything, this salary is on the low side.

“Brother Dave, how much salary do you receive now?”

“Me? The base is roughly 100 gold, but including hazard pay and various other allowances, it easily exceeds 150.”

“What about you, Sister Nicole?”

“I’m still an apprentice, so 70 gold. But in practice, it exceeds 100 gold.”

Comparing with my brother and sister’s salaries in the Navy Knights, one can see how inexpensive Adelia’s salary is. From the outset, Adelia possesses skills comparable to Nicole’s.

Moreover, her skills are improving daily through father’s special training, so her value will naturally increase.

She’s willingly accepting this loss just to stay by my side. Thinking about this, I looked at Adelia’s face.

When our eyes met, Adelia blushed and silently bowed her head. She exudes her unique charm, a coexistence of dignity and cuteness.

As we arrived at the mansion while chatting harmoniously, Dave and Nicole headed to their rooms first to remove their stifling uniforms.

I was about to return to my room to unwind when—

“Sister Adelia. You haven’t forgotten our promise, have you?”

“Huh?”

Marie called out to Adelia, mentioning a “promise.” Looking at Adelia, I saw her face rapidly turning red.

“I should help with this. Issac and Marie, you go ahead.”

Not just Marie, but Cecilly as well. She smiled with her eyes, then rubbed her hands together with her characteristic mischievous smile.

These were gestures clearly full of ulterior motives. Come to think of it, I recall they left to have some conversation among themselves this morning.

“…”

Meanwhile, Adelia said nothing, just fidgeting with her lips. She was trying to suppress her embarrassment while glancing at me.

Regardless, Cecilly dragged Adelia away by the arm, her face bearing a smile full of anticipation.

Thus, with Adelia and Cecilly gone, only Marie and I remained. I looked at Marie with an expression of confusion.

Marie sighed looking at my face and grumbled.

“Sigh. Really… where else in the world could you find a wife as kind and good-hearted as me?”

“What do you mean?”

“Never mind, just hurry up and wash, then wait in the bedroom. I have something to do separately for a moment.”

“Um… alright.”

Despite the suspicious circumstances, I let it go for now. The night was long anyway.

And that night…

“Good evening, young master. Did you have a comfortable day today?”

“…Sister?”

In a completely unexpected…

“You must have had a tiring and exhausting day. It is the duty of a personal maid to relieve that fatigue.”

Truly different form…

“T-tonight, I will… p-personally… s-serve you…”

“…”

“…for the night.”

She approached me.