Chapter 105 Raise The Curtains
It was raining on the day of the Wagner theater troupe's performance.
Not many people look up at the gloomy rainy sky that sings of the rainy season. They must have been eagerly waiting for this day. With excitement coloring their cheeks, the townsfolk all rushed into the pitch-black tent theater.
As Hiiro watched the crowd of spectators, a cold drop fell on his cheek.
"You're too tense, Merifar."
"!"
Even though no one had placed a hand on his shoulder, he straightened up.
Was it a sign of unusual tension? Or was it a reflex from being closely watched by Shidou since his trainee days?
Hiiro quietly chuckled, thinking it could be both.
"Relax a bit. The curtain hasn't even risen yet."
"Heh, that's not like you. To hear that from the captain, who always says 'don't let your guard down.' Are you planning to rain down spears instead of rain?"
"I could drop some thunder if you want? About 'yesterday's incident'... if I recall correctly, you seemed to have abandoned your patrol halfway."
"Ain't no joke, homie. But if we're talkin', Shura was just as slack."
"...Are you trying to snitch? But sorry, I was technically in town. You're the only one getting scolded."
"Stupid. When I found you, you looked all gloomy and lost in thought. That doesn't count as patrolling. Midgard is just as guilty."
"Ugh."
It's quite a childish fight, both sides getting punished.
Shidou, the judge, seemed unimpressed and kept his one eye downcast.
However, thanks to their unreserved banter, the tension in the shoulders of his rebellious subordinate seemed to ease. Hiiro's stiff expression was starting to return to its usual self.
"Captain."
"Time?"
"Yes. It seems both the theater troupe and the Inquisitorial Council are waiting for us."
"...Any movement from the 'target'?"
"No. No suspicious actions have been observed yet."
"I see. Then Batigan, instruct the Neshana sisters to continue waiting at the venue. We'll head there soon."
"Understood."
Quollio, who appeared through the rain, exchanged words with Shidou.
His expression, after giving a straightforward answer, showed no joy for the performance. Despite the passion he had for the theater troupe, he couldn't hide it.
But no one in the squad present, nor Lyam and Sham who were already on security duty inside the venue, pointed out this odd feeling.
Quollio quietly turned to Hiiro, nodded once softly, and then headed back to the venue.
"Well then, shall we go?"
"Yeah."
"Sure."
The rain was coming down lightly.
Few people looked up at the sky, singing the melancholy of the rainy season.
"........."
However, behind Shidou and Shura, who had started walking, Hiiro stopped and looked up at the dark rain clouds.
It felt like the rain was getting heavier. An instinctive feeling, without any basis, made his nose twitch.
* * *
Inside the theater tent, it was bright, like a ballroom. Shidou and the others wiped down their knight armor, wet from the light rain, with towels and tidied themselves up.
By the third day of their stay, the townspeople of Joosa had probably gotten used to seeing them. Voices filled the theater, saying, "It's the knights!" with a hint of joy.
"Oh, look who it is! Captain and the two hero knights! We've been waiting for you!"
"Hahaha, you've worked hard in the rain. You're really dedicated."
"Impressive, impressive."
"Ah, the members of the Inquisitorial Council. Thank you for your concern."
The voices of encouragement came from the 5 elders of the Inquisitorial Council. They too must have been looking forward to today's performance. Each of their smiles had a unique intensity, and the diamond decorations seemed to shine even brighter.
"Wow, wow. Today will surely be a day that's boldly etched into the history of Joosa."
"Indeed, indeed."
"Haboch, acting like a child despite your age. But I feel the same way."
"Absolutely. I can't wait for the curtain to rise."
"Hehe. It's like we're kids. But I heard there's a little 'fun surprise' before the opening...?"
"──Oh, wow. As expected, Mademoiselle, you have sharp ears."
"Oh dear, what a shame. Looks like the surprise didn't go as planned, Marcus."
"...Oh! Well, well! The two stars of the theater troupe have come together!"
Stepping softly into the blossoming conversation were Marcus and Rose.
The pride of the Wagner Troupe, the handsome man held several wine glasses in his hands. A beautiful woman in a provocative dress cradled a wine bottle against her ample chest.
With a noble demeanor, Marcus smoothly handed out the wine glasses to everyone.
"Mr. Marcus, what's this?"
"This is what the mademoiselle mentioned earlier as 'the fun.' My theater troupe leader has a weakness for wine. It's customary to serve wine to the audience before the show during these tours."
Looking around, it seemed the other theater troupe members were also serving wine. Joyful voices were already dancing here and there.
"Well, well, what a wonderful event this is!"
"Isn't it? Now, dear members of the Inquisitorial Council, would you please tilt your glasses? Allow me to pour you the finest spirits."
"Oh, from the lovely Lady Rose herself. Truly a classy gesture, haha!"
Rose, wrapped in a suffocating allure, poured wine into the glasses. The sharp words she had when first meeting Hiiro and the others were nowhere to be seen. For her, the distinguished guests were indeed special.
Though Hiiro seemed slightly displeased by the change in her attitude, he kept his thoughts to himself.
"Now, next, let's pour for the knights..."
"No, that's alright."
"...Huh?"
As Rose tried to pour wine into Shidou's glass, he stopped her with his free hand and even pushed the glass back toward Marcus.
"Hey, hey, that's cold. Could it be that the knights aren't fond of wine?"
"Well, I do enjoy it on my days off."
"Hey, then..."
"However, right now we're in the middle of a bodyguard mission. It's a real shame, but we can't just accept your hospitality."
It seems a bit off to turn down their way of treating us. Marcus tries to reason with Shidou, saying a little indulgence wouldn't hurt, but Shidou doesn't budge.
The label of a clean-cut officer isn't just for show. For Shidou, drinking during a mission is absolutely out of the question. Just last night, he had to punch a troublemaker (Hiiro) for breaking that rule.
Strict Shidou can't be swayed. Seeing Marcus shrug, Rose lets out a sigh and glances at Hiiro.
"I was thinking of giving you a chance to redeem yourself, but too bad, huh?"
"Yeah, real nice of you, but I ain't waitin' for no handouts. I seize the moment."
"......Rose, what do you mean by redeeming oneself?"
"Oh, Marcus Millio. Could you not interrupt the secret matters between men and women?"
"Secret matters, huh? That's a bit jealous, isn't it? Well then, maybe I should seek comfort from the lovely female knight?"
"If you're ready to turn a 2-man act into a solo, I might just comfort you."
"......Haha, well, I still want to stay in the game. I think I'll pass."
Even a noble prince seems unable to charm Ash Valkyrie. With a glare as sharp as a sword, he would back away with a pale face.
"Alright then. In that case, let's treat our proud knights... in a different way. Of course, in line with our duties, right?"
"Rose, that's a great idea. Knights, you'll stick around to watch today's performance, right? If you miss this Marcus Millio's shining moment, it'll be a lifelong regret!"
"......Hmm. Originally, we planned to have some members stationed outside the theater, but if you say so, I guess we can't help it."
"That's more like it."
Drinking is forbidden, but it seems they won't mind us keeping watch while enjoying the play. Normally, the clients shouldn't suggest anything that would make the bodyguard knights relax, but for this unconventional prince, it seems he dislikes missing out on a grand performance even more.
Feeling good after getting the response he was hoping for, Marcus left with a cheerful smile alongside Rose.
* * *
And finally.
The curtain rose.
"Dear people of Joosa, thank you for waiting!"
"What's about to begin is the final epic on stage, carved by our great knight king of Asgardam."
"The last chapter of Sigmund Saga."
"[The Betraying Witch]──let the show begin, let the show begin!"
The curtain rose on the revenge drama.
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