Sara

{character:player}...*Sighs* I guess I won't be getting a good spot today...

I can't help but sigh when I see the long line outside the tent.

The performing troupe Soul puts on public performances every Saturday and Sunday without exceptions. Unlike other troupes, Soul doesn't charge different fares based on the seating, so whether you manage to grab a good spot depends entirely on how early you get your seat.

But why are there so many people still outside even though the show should be starting soon? The queue is also a mess, and no one has come out to maintain order.

With these doubts in my mind, I play with my phone as I queue up and move slowly to the ticket inspector.

{character:Ticket Inspector}Oh... It's you. I was just wondering why I haven't seen you today.

As I haven't missed a single performance, I've become quite familiar with the ticket inspectors and other employees who greet the audience.

{character:player}I got held up on my way here, so I'll guess I'll take whatever seat you got. By the way, you aren't looking so good. Are you feeling unwell?

{character:Ticket Inspector}It's been getting hotter recently... I'm getting old, and the constant alternation between hot and cold makes me uncomfortable. It's only a small problem though. I'm okay, so don't worry. You better go inside first...

{character:Ticket Inspector}Everyone in the line, please line up properly, and no pushing.

The weak voice of the ticket inspector, who is speaking into a loudspeaker held with trembling hands to maintain order, doesn't really seem "okay" to me.

{character:player}Where's the lady who usually maintains order?

{character:Ticket Inspector}She is suffering from a heat stroke and has been feeling unwell since the morning... Most of the employees of the troupe are old like us, and everyone has been feeling unwell in one way or another recently. Come in—next...

So the ticket inspector is responsible for two people's duties today. No wonder it's taking longer than usual to get everyone inside and seated today.

{character:player}...Can I use this employee's hat and your loudspeaker? I'll maintain the order while you focus on checking tickets here.

{character:Ticket Inspector}Eh? I can't make you do that.

{character:player}The show is about to start. Let's not waste any time.

Since I can't sit in the front row tonight, it doesn't really matter whether I enter earlier or later. Without waiting for the ticket inspector to reject my offer, I walk along the line to appease the impatient audience.

{character:player}Phew, we just made it.

Thanks to our joint efforts, we manage to get everyone inside just before the show starts.

{character:Ticket Inspector}Thank you so much. I have no idea how late the show would've started if you didn't help me.

{character:player}You're welcome. You guys help me get Soul's merch all the time. This little favor is nothing.

{character:Ticket Inspector}You should go inside too. I need to help out backstage, so I probably shouldn't be chatting here...

{character:player}Hasn't everyone gone inside already?

{character:Ticket Inspector}A lot of people are on leave today, so we're short on hands. I'm still okay, so I should help out more.

That's what the ticket inspector is saying, but I can't stop worrying about his ashen complexion.

{character:player}...Why don't I help out backstage for you? You shouldn't force yourself. Just get some rest.

{character:Ticket Inspector}No, that won't do! How can I let you help me—Urgh...

{character:player}Um, calm down first.

The ticket inspector's flushed face makes me worry about his health, so I quickly help him sit down slowly in a cool place.

{character:Ticket Inspector}No, no, no... That won't be appropriate.

{character:player}You should see how bad you look. I won't feel good about myself if I leave now to watch the show.

{character:player}What if you collapse while working and cause a commotion? That would affect the performance, right?

{character:Ticket Inspector}Well...

{character:player}Since I can't get a good spot tonight, maybe I'll see things better from the backstage. It'll be a win-win situation.

{character:Ticket Inspector}...Well, I'll thank you in advance then. I'll rest here first and find you once I feel better.

The ticket inspector shows me the direction to the backstage. After I put on his hat, he makes a phone call to explain something to the other person on the phone, then he lies down on the table. It isn't long before I hear his snoring...

The first thing I hear after stepping into the backstage is the familiar dance music. As a loyal fan, just hearing the melody makes me think of Sara's dancing figure on the stage.

{character:player}Oh, come to think of it, who was the ticket inspector going to help again?

{character:player}...He's sleeping so soundly that it'll be bad to disturb him now. I wonder who I can ask.

{character:???}Who are you?

Someone speaks to me just as I am in a bit of a pickle. I turn my head and see a familiar figure.

It's Ciri, one of the performers of Soul. Her animal-taming show is a must-watch performance here.

{character:Ciri}Who are you? What are you doing here in the backstage?

{character:player}Hi, the ticket inspector isn't feeling well, so I've come to help out in the backstage.

{character:Ciri}You're here to help out in the backstage... Oh, I know what you are.

It seems that the ticket inspector's call was to tell others that I would be helping out.

{character:Ciri}You're quite suspicious.

{character:player}Yes, yes... WAIT! No, no, no! I... Didn't I just tell you that I'm here to help out?

{character:player}Look, I even have one of the hats worn by the staff here.

{character:Ciri}...You definitely stole it.

{character:player}I see you're determined that I'm a suspicious person... Then what do I need to do to make you trust me?

{character:Elderly Man}Ciri, what's happening over here? Is this person... a customer who has gotten lost?

{character:Ciri}It's a suspicious person.

{character:player}I already told you I'm not...

{character:Elderly Man}Oh, that hat... Are you the youngster the ticket inspector said will come to help out?

{character:player}Thank goodness! Finally, someone who knows what's going on.

{character:Ciri}You... You're really here to help?

{character:player}Why do you look so disappointed...?

{character:Elderly Man}Haha! I'm sorry, Ciri doesn't mean any harm. She's just very vigilant because thieves have come in and stolen things a few times while we were busy.

{character:Elderly Man}She said she would catch the thief and teach them a good lesson, so she's probably disappointed that she won't get her chance for now.

{character:player}I see.

{character:Ciri}I'm sorry for wrongfully accusing you.

Ciri bows her head solemnly as she apologizes. How can I not forgive her given her sincere attitude?

{character:player}It's okay. I mean, we sorted out the misunderstanding, right? Let's go back to business then, what can I help you with right now?

{character:Elderly Man}The ticket inspector said he would help me today. However, Ciri, didn't the person who should tidy the dressing room in the morning today also ask for leave?

{character:Ciri}Yeah, but you can take this person if you need help. We can tidy the dressing room by ourselves later.

{character:Elderly Man}Why don't you choose what you want to do? Would you like to handle some chores in the dressing room or follow me and help me with the stage?

{character:player}I'll help out in the dressing room.

Although I'm more interested in helping out on the stage, I'll probably mess things up since I don't have any experience. It's better to do something I know I can do.

{character:Elderly Man}Sure. What do you think, Ciri?

{character:Ciri}The dressing room is over there. I'll take you there.

Ciri opens the door at the end of the corridor and leads me into the dressing room. After explaining some things briefly, she says she needs to prepare for her upcoming performance with the animals and leaves. After that, I start tidying up according to her instructions.

{character:player}...This place isn't that big. It wouldn't take that much time if I don't need to sort the garbage.

After cleaning the floor, I go to the sink to wet a rag and start cleaning the performers' dressing tables. On the outermost side is a table covered with colored paper and ribbons. There are even props such as playing cards and small throwing knives on it.

{character:player}This must be Ryan's table. There's a book here. I wonder if it's about magic... Umm...

"The Proper Way to Treat Onee-Sama" ... Although I'm slightly interested, my instinct tells me not to get look too deeply into it.

{character:player}Okay, let's put it away. The colored paper and ribbons can be thrown away. Now I'll just put this there... Done. Time for the next task.

I turn my head to look at the table on the left. Judging from the cans of pet food and the black leopard plushie on the surface, I assume this is Ciri's table. There's a tattered book under the toy. The title on the cover is: "The Correct Way to Get Along With Humans."

{character:player}...Shouldn't it be something like "The Correct Way to Get Along With Animals"? Animal tamers are interested in researching such... mysterious things.

Sara's table is next to Ciri's countertop, and all her cosmetics are lined up in front of the mirror in an orderly manner, so all I need to do is to wipe the dust on the table. Unfortunately, there are no books. I wonder what Sara usually reads.

The other dressing tables seem to have been unused for some time as they are covered in dust. The only exception is a table with a particularly conspicuous clown mask on it.

{character:player}So there's a clown in Soul? Why have I never seen this person?

{character:Ciri}There used to be.

{character:player}Eek! W-When did you get back here?

{character:Ciri}Just now.

{character:player}You walk so silently that you gave me a fright... If that person has already left, why is this mask still here?

{character:Ciri}Sara said he might come back for it, so you can just leave it there. However, even seeing the belongings of that traitor fills me with disgust.

{character:player}Traitor?

{character:Ciri}It's all in the past now. Sara can tell you herself if she wants to.

{character:Ciri}Although I dislike that person, it has been kinda troublesome since the clown left.

{character:player}Troublesome?

{character:Ciri}The clown was a popular member of our troupe. When he left, he took some of our performers and audience with him, so now everyone has to work harder to win back some of the audience we lost...

Cici looks up at the program list on the wall as she speaks, and I also do the same.

{character:player}The list is basically filled up by the performances of the few of you. And it looks like Sara has the most shows to perform.

{character:Ciri}Magic performances require lots of props that need to be prepared in advance, and animals have limited energy, so neither Ryan nor I can perform for long periods of time... Everyone has their own inconveniences.

{character:player}So... Sara volunteered to fill up the remaining slots in the program?

{character:Ciri}We tried to persuade her not to, but she said it's her duty as our leader... If only someone can change her mind.

The sense of responsibility of the leader, huh...? Unless I'm mistaken, today is Sara's birthday, yet, she's still so busy.

{character:player}...Ciri, I'm almost done here. Is there anything else I can do? Today is Sara's birthday, so I want to lighten her load as much as possible since I'm helping out already.

{character:Ciri}You've already done a lot. As for other things... It's not like we can get you to perform on the stage.

{character:Ciri}It's time for me to go on stage. You can take a break after you're done... Thank you.

After Ciri leaves, with the mentality of not doing things by half measures, I clean the unused dressing tables too. All that's left now is the last step: return the clothes scattered everywhere to the wardrobe next door.

{character:player}Is this a clown costume?

A red and white costume is hanging all alone in a corner on the left side of the room. A pair of funny big-toed shoes is placed under it.

{character:player}The gloves are inside its pocket, and there's a mask on the dressing table outside...

"It's not like we can get you to perform on the stage" ...Although Ciri said that, everything I need for a clown performance is spread out in front of me. I would be lying if I said I wasn't getting some ideas.

I happened to have watched some videos of clown performances recently when I was bored and watching short videos. I'm not confident that I can come up with a decent program on short notice like this, but maybe I can do something wacky and support them with a little performance?

I must want to do it since I'm hesitating. In that case, I might as well just do it!

I play the short videos I watched again and think carefully about which performances I can do. After that, I wear the clown costume and pick some props before heading to the stage...

{character:Sara}Hey!

Sara happens to be performing when I'm making my way to the backstage. Unfortunately, I can't see very clearly from where I am, but it's still a novel experience to appreciate her dancing from this distance.

The music stops and Sara bows to the audience. I start clapping with everyone else. As the next melody starts, I suddenly remember that I am intending to perform on stage, so I hurriedly put on the clown mask, pick up my props, and head onto the stage.

{character:Sara}...Eh?

{character:Audience A}A clown? This is strange. Is there a clown performance today?

{character:Audience B}Soul's got another clown? Is it someone new?

When Sara sees me after I come onto the stage, she is obviously taken aback... Actually, I should say she is outright surprised. She's not the only one though, as the whole audience is wondering who this unexpected performer is.

{character:player}(whisper) Sara, it's me.

{character:Sara}(whisper) ...It's you? What are you doing?

{character:player}(whisper) It's too much trouble to explain everything, but I'm basically here to help out.

{character:player}(whisper) Sara, you should get off the stage and get some rest first. I'll entertain the audience during this time until it's time for you to come back up here.

After speaking, I wave at the audience and receive some appreciative applause from them. Sara falls silent for a moment, then she quickly walks to the end of the stage after saluting the audience. Just like that, the stage is mine.

{character:player}(whisper) Phew... Let's do this! (loudly) Yee—ah—haa—!

I imitate the screams of excitement I saw on that video to give myself courage and to signal the beginning of my show, then I take out some colored balls and start juggling.

The only things I've prepared are simple performances like juggling colored balls and catching hoops since I can't handle anything too complicated. I'm not hoping for lots of applause. I'm happy as long as Sara gets to rest for a little longer before she does her next performance.

However, as I start distributing balloons to the audience, something unexpected happens...

{character:Little girl}Mommy, when will the clown start riding the unicycle?

{character:Woman}Be patient, dear. Can't you see the unicycle on the stage? The clown will ride it after handing out the balloons.

{character:Little girl}Wow!

{character:player}Um...

It's true that riding a unicycle is a traditional clown performance, but it's a little difficult for a novice clown like me.

...While that's true, I can't really say no to the look of expectation on the child's innocent face.

{character:player}It shouldn't be that different from an ordinary bicycle... right?

With great trepidation, I sit on the unicycle, lower my center of gravity, and try to step on the pedal.

Oh! It's started to move! I should be okay as long as I keep my arms open and maintain my balance! I'll ride a lap slowly like this until Sara or someone else comes onto the stage for the next performance on the program!

{character:Little girl}Mommy, can't the clown juggle balls while riding the unicycle?

{character:player}Ahaha... Little girl, can you not be so demanding? Eh?!

Oh no! I got distracted and am about to fall!

Just as I'm about to fall to the ground and make a fool of myself, two hands reach out, clasping my palms and pulling my body up firmly, and start guiding me forward.

{character:Sara}Ahaha... that looks slightly dangerous.

{character:player}Y-You saved me... Thanks.

{character:Sara}Hehe, you're welcome. The music hasn't stopped, so let's continue with our performance.

{character:Little girl}Look, mommy, the clown is dancing with that lady!

{character:Audience C}The clown and the dancer dancing together? Speaking of which, Soul indeed used to have this performance!

As the audience said, Sara doesn't just lead me around but also guides me to dance to a funny and light melody.

Dancing with Sara... I never even dreamed of something so amazing!

I'm so elated by this wonderful experience that I stand in a daze on the stage for a while when the music ends before I manage to say goodbye to Sara and the audience and go backstage.

...Hold on.

{character:Sara}Hmm...

{character:player}Did Sara manage to rescue me in time because she was paying attention to me when she was behind the stage?

{character:Sara}...

I seem to have troubled Sara anyway in the end. I start developing mixed feelings. Did I really manage to help her out?

{character:Sara}Um, are you leaving already? I haven't thanked you yet.

After enjoying the last performance from behind the stage, I return to the wardrobe to change and am about to leave just as Sara comes in. She is holding two cups of tea, so I find a place to sit down and start chatting with her while sipping the tea.

{character:Sara}I heard about everything that happened from Ciri. The ticket inspector is feeling much better now after an afternoon of rest.

{character:player}You're welcome. I just helped out a little. I think I got the better deal because I got to see you perform up close from backstage. It's not easy to get such a special seat.

{character:player}But... It seems like I did something unnecessary by coming onto the stage. Sorry about that.

{character:Sara}Why are you suddenly apologizing?

{character:player}It looked like you would have to do several consecutive performances, so I wanted to give you a break so you can rest. In the end, I had an accident and made you come to my rescue.

{character:Sara}Oh, you're talking about your guest performance. I still don't understand why you're apologizing though.

{character:player}Um, was I not clear enough... Well, I wanted to give you some time to rest, but it seemed like you were watching the stage closely because you were worried. That's why you managed to appear in the nick of time and help me. Is that not the case?

{character:Sara}Haha, I was watching you, but mainly because I wanted to enjoy your performance. I wasn't really worried.

{character:Sara}Also, since we completed the performance successfully, there's no such thing as an "accident" to the audience. In their mind, everything was planned for theatrical purposes.

{character:Sara}Not only did I receive your kind and considerate thoughts, but the audience also got a special performance, so I say today is good day. Don't you agree?

{character:player}...Hahaha, you have a point.

Today is Sara's birthday. As long as she's happy, then it is a good day for her.

{character:Sara}Here, this is for you.

{character:player}What's this? A clown mask?

{character:Sara}I painted this pattern myself. This is a small gift to thank you for helping out today.

Huh? A mask that Sara painted personally? This is a real treasure for a fan like me!

{character:Sara}Each clown has their own mask. I think this smiling face is more suitable for you. As for the other mask... Let's leave it sitting there quietly until its owner returns.

Recalling what Ciri said and hearing Sara's cryptic tone, I realize that there should be a story behind that mask. I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious, but it wouldn't be polite for an outsider like me to ask too many questions about this, so I better not think too much about it.

{character:player}It's your birthday today. Instead of giving you a gift, I'm receiving one from you instead. This feels a little strange.

{character:player}Speaking of which, the work of the troupe is harder than I imagined... The program is so full even though it's your birthday today.

{character:player}The ticket inspector told me that most of the workers of the troupe are elderly, so this must not be the first time that you have had a shortage of manpower, right?

{character:Sara}You're right that it isn't the first time, but the climate of One Han City is quite mild, so everyone has become healthier since we came here. In other places, it's quite common for us to need to rest because many members of the troupe are feeling unwell at the same time.

{character:player}Why doesn't the troupe consider recruiting some younger staff? Oh, don't get me wrong. I have nothing against the senior members of the troupe... but it should be more convenient to have younger people around to do the heavy lifting.

{character:Sara}We have considered that before, but it's not as easy as it seems.

{character:Sara}Although Soul is relatively famous, it's now an old troupe that might close down at any time. A place like this isn't that attractive to younger people.

{character:Sara}What's more, the troupe's current income is only enough for us to maintain the current roster of staff. We're not in a position to recruit more people.

{character:player}I see, so there really isn't much you can do about that.

{character:Sara}There are some ways. For example, many people have advised me to replace the older employees with younger ones. They said we might be able to attract other performers to join us if the working environment becomes younger or something.

{character:player}To most people, this really would be an effective method.

{character:Sara}Do you also think so?

{character:player}I agree with that on a rational level, but... humans rarely make decisions purely on their rational judgment.

Unless it's a matter of life and death, it's difficult for people to decisively give up certain things, even though they are clearly "unprofitable"... At least that's what I think right now.

{character:player}Even if I agree with that, I still wouldn't make such a recommendation because you must have your own considerations as the leader.

{character:Sara}Being rational or emotional... Hehe, actually, I haven't thought so deeply about it. I just don't think I have the right to do that.

{character:player}You don't have the right?

{character:Sara}To me, Soul is a carriage, and we all happened to get on the same carriage by chance.

{character:Sara}We all made our own decision to get on, so everyone should have the right to decide when their own journey will end. No one else should be able to decide that for them. This is our respect for each other. Even if I'm the leader, I'm really just another passenger.

{character:player}You have a point... but there should still be something special about being the leader, right?

{character:Sara}Maybe... Like I'm sitting at the very front of the carriage or have a driving whip in my hand? Hehe...

{character:Sara}What makes us Soul is that everyone is on this carriage. If this problem can be solved by changing people, wouldn't it be more convenient for me to change the carriage? However, I don't want to get off this carriage yet.

{character:Sara}But I don't know how long my journey as the leader can go on. Perhaps my own journey will be over before the carriage is forced to stop. After all, like I just said, I'm just one of the passengers.

{character:Sara}So how can an irresponsible leader like me decide whether our members stay or leave? I can't do anything. I can only dance until the end of the journey and leave everything up to fate.

{character:Sara}Also... I have my own selfish motives too. After all, not any old troupe can tolerate a person like me who does whatever I want on the stage.

{character:player}...I think that you're already very responsible. Dancers should focus on dancing. It's more suitable to say that your journey can continue because you're still in love with dancing.

More often than not, it takes a lot of effort to do one's own duties well. And everything else is probably just up to fate as you say.

{character:Sara}"Dancers should focus on dancing." Thank you, I really like this quote. Somehow, our conversation is getting more and more complicated, so let's talk about something else. How did it feel to perform on a stage for the first time?

{character:player}To be completely honest with you, I was really nervous. But I relaxed once I got on stage and focused on my performance. I even started to find it fun.

{character:player}You might not believe this, but when I almost fell off the unicycle, my first thought was: "how can I fall in a way that can make this show better."

{character:Sara}Oh, to be able to think something like that means you've got a talent for performing.

{character:player}Haha, thanks for the praise! But what I'm happiest about is that I got to dance with you, Sara. This is an incredible thing for a fan like me.

{character:player}Since you gave me this mask, you can get me to come back for a guest performance the next time you feel tired. If you don't have enough people to help you, don't hesitate and just tell me. No matter how good the climate is in One Han City, elderly people will feel physically unwell from time to time.

{character:Sara}...

{character:player}...W-Why are you suddenly so silent? Did I say something weird?

{character:Sara}No, but I've never met someone as weird as you who is so proactive about wanting to help out.

{character:player}There's nothing weird about it. It's because I like watching you dance, Sara.

{character:Sara}That's it?

{character:player}Is that reason not good enough? I... I don't know when your journey will end, Sara, how far Soul can travel, or when I'll no longer be able to watch your dancing.

{character:player}But it's pointless to worry about these things. The only thing I can do is do my best to ensure this carriage can travel a little farther so I can watch more of your performances. You're doing your best in your own way, so I've decided to do what I can to help you.

{character:Sara}...I understand. Thank you, and please help us again if we need your help suddenly.

{character:player}You don't need to say "please." That sounds so formal.

{character:Sara}Hehe, we're going to have dinner to celebrate my birthday a little later. Come and join us.

{character:player}Woohoo! I get a free birthday meal.

Oh, speaking of it, there's something important I haven't said yet.

{character:player}Sara.

{character:Sara}Hmm?

{character:player}Happy birthday.

{character:Sara}Oh, that's the best thing I've heard all day.

{character:player}...Forget it.

I might mess up the schedule if I jump on stage out of the blue, and I feel so nervous and scared just thinking of performing in front of so many people.

{character:player}I should take a look somewhere else after I finish cleaning the wardrobe. Maybe there's another place I can help out.

{character:player}How about I help you out then?

{character:Elderly Man}Sure, come with me.

I'm more interested in helping out with the stage performances. Since the elderly man is letting me help out, maybe he needs me to do something that doesn't require much professional experience.

I follow the elderly man to the back of the auditorium. We chat as we walk, which is how I find out that he's the gaffer here, and my main task today is to help him control the followspot.

The followspots are set up in the center of the last row of the auditorium. Although I've watched several performances from here, it's my first time taking part in stage work, so I can't help but feel a little excited.

{character:Gaffer}...Did you get all that? The start button is this big white dot, and the dial on the right is used to change the color of the light. You won't need the other buttons for today's performance, so just don't touch them, and you'll be fine.

{character:Gaffer}After a while, Sara and the other performers will come on stage. When the lights on top of them fall on them, you'll also aim the followspot at them. It's okay if you miss them at first. You can just adjust the light slowly.

{character:player}Got it! I'll ask you if there's anything else I don't get.

{character:Gaffer}Okay, I'll go handle something else then. Just let me know if there's anything you need to tell me.

As a brisk melody starts playing, three spotlights point at the center of the stage in sequence, illuminating Sara's figure.

{character:Sara}...

Since the lead actors are on the stage, I set the followspot to illuminate her feet as she walks on the stairs. There's a period of time when she doesn't need to move at the beginning of this dance, which gives me time to make adjustments.

{character:player}This melody... I think Sara should be starting to move now, and the light should switch to blue...

{character:Gaffer}Oh? You seem to know what you're doing. Do you do this for a living?

{character:player}There's no such thing. It's just that I've watched this dance so many times that I have some impression of how Sara moves as she dances and when and what color the lights should be.

{character:Gaffer}Haha, so I've enlisted a hardcore fan. It looks like I can just sit back and leave this to you.

{character:player}Sure thing.

Although I'm familiar with the dance, the followspot is still a little hard to control. This could be because the machine is too old, isn't very flexible, and takes some force to move.

That and the need to focus on adjusting the movements and lighting makes my forehead sweat.

{character:player}But I feel so happy.

As Sara dances on the stage and I manipulate the spotlight to follow her figure, I feel like a wondrous interaction is going on between us.

{character:player}If I'm this light, can I say that I'm dancing with Sara right now?

When I think of this, I can't help humming a little tune happily along with the background music, and my hands start to move a little carelessly...

{character:player}Oh no...

When I come back to my senses, the light has deviated from its original path and is drawing an erratic path beside Sara. Fortunately, it doesn't seem too inconsistent with the big movements she's making at this time. I just pray that everyone in the audience is focusing on the dance.

{character:Gaffer}Young man...

{character:player}S-Sorry about that, I just...

{character:Gaffer}Can you do that again?

{character:player}Eh? D-Do what again?

{character:Gaffer}That thing with the lights. How did you get them to move like that? It's quite interesting.

{character:player}...Oh, that was a flash of inspiration. I forgot how I did that too.

{character:Gaffer}Oh, what a pity. Well, you can try again the next time you get some inspiration!

{character:player}O-Okay...

Although I'm very thankful for the gaffer's encouragement, I'm still terrified about almost making a major error just now, so I operate the lighting more cautiously after that.

{character:Sara}...

{character:Sara}Hmm?

Is it my imagination? I thought I just saw Sara look at me and wink in my direction.

...I'm probably overthinking things. Sara usually likes to interact with the audience, so I should stop imagining things and focus on my task.

After Sara's dance is Ryan's magic show, and the followspot isn't needed for this performance, so I take the chance to wipe away my sweat, rest, and chat with the gaffer to pass the time.

{character:Gaffer}The followspot effects you used prove that young people like you have more new ideas. Things would be easier for Sara if there are more fresh blood like you in the troupe.

{character:player}You flatter me. The ticket inspector told me that most members of the troupe are seniors. Why don't you recruit more young employees?

{character:Gaffer}There used to be some young people in the troupe, but... Forget it, let's not mention the bad things of the past. In short, it's tough enough for the troupe to keep us old fellows, let alone recruit new employees.

{character:player}Oh...

Although I'm curious about what happened in the past, the gloomy expression on the gaffer's face tells me it must be something bad, so it's probably better not to talk about it.

{character:Gaffer}...Actually, I don't have the right to moan about it. If the leader fires us old people who are holding her back, she'll have enough money to hire new people.

{character:Gaffer}Even if they don't manage to recruit anyone, with fewer mouths to feed in the troupe, they won't have to perform so frequently every week and can relax a little... But nobody knows where they can go if they leave the troupe, so this issue has been dragged out day after day...

{character:player}...Sir, for how long have you been a member of this troupe?

{character:Gaffer}I joined when I was still a lad. I don't remember exactly how long.

{character:player}It should be the same for the other elderly employees too, right? Thank you so much.

{character:Gaffer}What are you thanking me for? I should be thanking you for helping us out instead.

{character:player}Haha, of course I have to thank you guys. Soul wouldn't exist without you, which means I wouldn't be able to watch Sara shine on stage. Don't you think I should thank you as a fan?

{character:Gaffer}...Haha, you have a way with words, youngster.

{character:player}I'm not flattering you. Also, I'm sure that Sara doesn't see you guys as a liability or anything.

Although I don't have any actual proof, I just... Since I met her, I've never seen Sara complain about anything. She's always smiling and doing her own thing at all times...

I know Soul has all kinds of difficulties, and I can't help with some of them, but I'll do my best to help out when I can, just like today...

{character:Sara}I heard about everything that happened from Ciri. The ticket inspector is feeling much better now after an afternoon of rest.

{character:Sara}Thank you so much. I know, why don't you have dinner with us a little later? Just treat it as my thanks for helping out today.

{character:player}That sounds great. Now that you mention dinner, I do feel a bit hungry.

{character:player}Call me if something like this happens again. I'll come to help out when I'm free. It's inevitable that the elderly will feel unwell from time to time.

{character:Sara}...

{character:player}...W-Why are you suddenly so silent? Did I say something weird?

{character:Sara}No, but I've never met someone as weird as you who is so proactive about wanting to help out.

{character:player}There's nothing weird about it, and I have my own selfish motives too. As a fan, I want to see you dance gracefully on the stage more often. I don't mind trying a little harder if I get to see you dancing.

{character:Sara}...Hehe, thank you, and please help us again if we need your help suddenly.

{character:player}You don't need to say "please." That sounds so formal.

After that day, I occasionally come to help out at the Soul troupe like today...

{character:player}So Soul taking a break today as well...

Soul has been on a break for a while now. Wanjirou and I are out shopping today, and I can't help stopping in front of their deserted tent for a long time when I pass by.

When I asked the employees earlier, they said they would only be taking a few days off. Although I feel a little lonely because I can't watch Sara dance, I feel quite relieved that she can get some rest after being busy for so long.

{character:Wanjirou}It's the first time I've seen them take such a long break, woof. I remember that they're a touring troupe. Could they be taking a break to prepare for their next trip, woof?

{character:player}Preparing for their next trip, huh...

What Wanjirou said is quite possible. In fact, it's something that wouldn't be surprising when it finally happens. As a fan, I should be mentally prepared for this.

But... But!

{character:player}I don't want that to happen!

{character:Wanjirou}Woof?

{character:player}I don't want Sara to suddenly leave! She shouldn't leave until I've watched her dance at least 100 times and filled my home with her posters...!

{character:Wanjirou}Calm down, I'm just pointing out a possibility, woof...

{character:Wanjirou}Woof? This smell... {var:player_nickname}, look, isn't that Sara?

Wanjirou points at a place not far away. Sara is holding a little girl's hand, and they are walking out of a KEC fast food joint, talking and laughing, each with a soft serve cone in their hand. Sara's pet cat, Little Miaow sniffs the soft serve cone from Sara's shoulder, then yawns uninterestedly and jumps onto the ground.

{character:player}Is that little girl... Sara's little sister?

{character:Wanjirou}She could be... They have a similar complexion and look quite similar to each other. They seem to be the right age too, woof.

As I'm about to walk up to greet them, Little Miaow looks over at me first and purrs at Sara, almost like she is giving a reminder. Sara also notices us and walks over with a smile on her face.

{character:Sara}Oh, what a coincidence to meet you two here.

{character:Wanjirou}Long time no see, woof.

{character:player}It's been a while. Are you enjoying your days off?

{character:Sara}I've been comfortable for a while now. I forgot the last time I was so free.

{character:Little Girl}Big Sis Sara, who are they?

According to what she's calling Sara, it seems like this little girl really is Sara's little sister.

The little girl looks at us a few times and stares at Wanjirou for a long time before she hides behind Sara's back, where she continues to look at Wanjirou with eyes filled with a little fear and mostly curiosity.

{character:Sara}They're my friends. And they are very nice people, so say hi to them, Lilia.

{character:player}Hello, I'm {var:player_nickname}, your sister's loyal fan.

{character:Wanjirou}And I'm the great Wanjirou, woof!

{character:Lilia}{var:player_nickname} and... Wanjirou... Hello. Big Sis, is Wanjirou really that great?

{character:Sara}Yes, he is.

{character:player}Wanjirou is great.

{character:Wanjirou}I'm getting a faint feeling that I'm not that great, woof...

{character:player}Are you shopping? Are we getting in your way?

{character:Sara}Of course not. In fact, you're here at just the right time.

{character:Sara}We came out to buy some fabric to make clothes and were thinking of just strolling around randomly.

{character:Sara}You've lived here in One Han City for longer than us. Do you know of any good shops? And can you guide us there if you're free?

"Longer than us," huh... Sara's words make me feel a little emotional inside.

It's been a while since Soul arrived at One Han City and started performing, but Sara has barely had the chance to explore this city. Judging from my experience the last time I helped out, except for when she comes to Mahjong Soul Shrine occasionally, she is probably busy with troupe affairs at all other times. As her fan and friend, I'm naturally happy to help her.

{character:player}I don't have any plans for the rest of the day. Maybe you can find a place to sit down first. I'll come back and meet you after I take these things back to the shrine for Wanjirou.

{character:Wanjirou}That won't be necessary. I can take these things back myself. {var:player_nickname}, just go shopping with them, woof.

After speaking, Wanjirou takes the bag from my hand, turns around, and waves gracefully.

{character:player}Thanks, Wanjirou. If I see any tasty snacks, I'll bring some back to the shrine for you later.

{character:Wanjirou}Sounds good! Don't forget Ichihime's share. She'll get upset if you forget.

{character:player}Haha, I won't.

{character:Lilia}...W-Wanjirou! C-Can I touch your hand?

{character:Wanjirou}Why not? Help yourself, woof.

Lilia grabs Wanjirou's furry "hand" and buries her face in the chubby parts of his palm before nodding her head perfectly satisfied.

{character:Lilia}Wanjirou, bye-bye.

{character:Wanjirou}Come and play at the shrine when you're free, woof.

{character:player}Let's go then. Do you want to go to a place closer or farther away?

{character:Sara}Both options are okay. You can decide for us.

{character:player}Let me see...

I take Sara and her sister to a shop that was once mentioned in Kana Fujita's variety show. That episode introduced lots of shops that were small but had everything you needed at a fair price.

{character:Sara}Oh, this place is very well stocked. There's so much of everything. It's a great shop.

{character:player}I'm glad it meets your needs. Take your time looking. If you don't find what you want, there are several other shops across the street or even next door.

{character:Sara}I think I'll need quite some time just to look through everything here.

{character:player}We can also come again at another time. Hmm? Lilia, why aren't you coming in?

{character:Lilia}I... I don't have anything I want to buy. I'll just wait for you here.

{character:Little Miaow}Meow.

She takes a step back after talking, then she turns around and squats on the ground to play with pebbles outside the shop. Little Miaow isn't interested in anything inside the shop, so she also lies next to Lilia to bask in the sun.

{character:Sara}Lilia, the tailor of our troupe wants to make clothes for Little Miaow, but I'm a little busy over here. Can you find a suitable fabric for her?

{character:Lilia}For Little Miaow...? Okay, I'm coming now.

{character:Lilia}...Little Miaow, what about this one? This one looks good too, hehe.

Lilia walks back and forth between the shelves with Little Miaow in her arms and tugs on the clothing samples on the hangers every now and then with an excited and happy expression on her face. It seems that it's not that she doesn't want to explore this shop, so why did she hesitate for so long at the door and refuse to come in?

And I've never seen Sara dress Little Miaow in any clothing before. Even if she doesn't know that cats don't feel comfortable wearing clothes, she shouldn't have the habit of making Little Miaow wear clothes at the very least. Then why did she...

{character:Sara}...Excuse me.

{character:player}Oh, sorry, my mind wandered. Did you say something, Sara?

{character:Sara}I wanted to ask if you thought the colors of these two types of fabric are a good match. If you're tired, I'll hurry up, and we can sit down somewhere to drink something.

{character:player}Oh, I'm alright, so you don't need to rush. I was just thinking about something.

{character:player}Let me see... The green looks like it might be too dark, so maybe it would be better to find something brighter and lighter?

{character:Sara}We're thinking of the same thing. I'll keep looking then.

{character:player}...What about this one?

{character:Sara}Oh, this is great! I'm becoming more convinced that asking you to come with us is a good idea.

{character:player}Haha, I'm flattered. By the way, Sara, do you always choose fabrics to make your own costumes like today?

{character:Sara}I'm not skilled enough to make clothes. Our troupe has a tailor, and I'm only responsible for picking fabrics. We manage to save money in this way. But I mainly like the process of picking fabrics and imagining what the finished product will look like because it's very interesting.

{character:Sara}I usually come by myself. Since you're here with me today, I would like to hear more about what you think.

{character:player}Then I'll need to think carefully. If these two are the main colors, then...

After comparing several fabrics with Sara, we manage to finalize the general style, fabric texture, and color after discussing things. All we need now are decorations. Sara calls out to Lilia.

{character:Sara}Lilia, I still need some decorations. What color do you think is better?

{character:Lilia}The flower on your waist... Big Sis, what do you think about this one? I chose it and Little Miaow also thinks it looks good, isn't that right?

{character:Little Miaow}Meow!

{character:Sara}That's definitely a yes, so let's pick this one. Okay, our inspiration has done its work. Now we just need to wait for the tailor to work the magic.

{character:player}Will you have a new dance to complement this new dress? Just thinking about it makes me excited.

{character:Sara}You've been waiting so patiently here. You'll definitely be the first to see the dress once it's finished.

{character:player}Yay!

{character:Lilia}Big Sis Sara, Lilia is also... really... looking forward to it...

Lilia tugs on the hem of Sara's skirt with an inexplicably sad expression in her eyes. Sara pats her head while smiling wryly, yet I can't help but notice the sorrow in her eyes.

{character:Sara}Don't worry, I promise that you'll also get to see it, okay...?

{character:Sara}Is this the open-air market?

{character:player}That's right.

I take Sara and her sister to the open-air market near the suburbs. While wandering there, I see a stall selling fabrics. They are just as good as the fabrics in shops, and they are very competitively priced.

After consulting the person in charge of the venue briefly, we go straight to the fabric stalls with the intention to finish getting everything we need before visiting other stalls.

{character:Sara}Oh, this place is very well stocked. There's so much of everything. It's a great stall.

{character:player}I'm glad it meets your needs. Take your time looking. If you don't find what you want, this whole row of stalls sells fabrics.

{character:Sara}I think I'll need quite some time just to look through everything here.

{character:player}We can also come again at another time. Hmm? Lilia, don't you want to come over and take a look?

{character:Lilia}I... I don't have anything I want to buy. I'll just wait for you here.

{character:Little Miaow}Meow.

She takes a step back after talking, then she turns around and squats on the ground to play with pebbles next to the road. Little Miaow also lies next to Lilia to bask in the sun.

{character:Sara}Lilia, the tailor of our troupe wants to make clothes for Little Miaow, but I'm a little busy over here. Can you find a suitable fabric for her?

{character:Lilia}For Little Miaow...? Okay, I'm coming now.

{character:Lilia}...Little Miaow, what about this one? This one looks good too, hehe.

Lilia walks back and forth between several stalls with Little Miaow in her arms and tugs on the clothing samples on the hangers every now and then with an excited and happy expression on her face. It seems that it's not that she doesn't want to explore the stalls, so why didn't she come over earlier?

And I've never seen Sara dress Little Miaow in any clothing before. Even if she doesn't know that cats don't feel comfortable wearing clothes, she shouldn't have the habit of making Little Miaow wear clothes at the very least. Then why did she...

{character:Sara}...Excuse me.

{character:player}Oh, sorry, my mind wandered. Did you say something, Sara?

{character:Sara}I wanted to ask if you thought the colors of these two types of fabric are a good match. If you're tired, I'll hurry up, and we can sit down somewhere to drink something.

{character:player}Oh, I'm alright, so you don't need to rush. I was just thinking about something.

{character:player}Let me see... The green looks like it might be too dark, so maybe it would be better to find something brighter and lighter?

{character:Sara}We're thinking of the same thing. I'll keep looking then.

{character:player}...What about this one?

{character:Sara}Oh, this is great! I'm becoming more convinced that asking you to come with us is a good idea.

{character:player}Haha, I'm flattered. By the way, Sara, do you always choose fabrics to make your own costumes like today?

{character:Sara}I'm not skilled enough to make clothes. Our troupe has a tailor, and I'm only responsible for picking fabrics. We manage to save money in this way. But I mainly like the process of picking fabrics and imagining what the finished product will look like because it's very interesting.

{character:Sara}I usually come by myself. Since you're here with me today, I would like to hear more about what you think.

{character:player}Then I'll need to think carefully. If these two are the main colors, then...

After comparing several fabrics with Sara, we manage to finalize the general style, fabric texture, and color after discussing things. All we need now are decorations. Sara calls out to Lilia.

{character:Sara}Lilia, I still need some decorations. What color do you think is better?

{character:Lilia}The flower on your waist... Big Sis, what do you think about this one? I chose it and Little Miaow also thinks it looks good, isn't that right?

{character:Little Miaow}Meow!

{character:Sara}That's definitely a yes, so let's pick this one. Okay, our inspiration has done its work. Now we just need to wait for the tailor to work the magic.

{character:player}Will you have a new dance to complement this new dress? Just thinking about it makes me excited.

{character:Sara}You've been waiting so patiently here. You'll definitely be the first to see the dress once it's finished.

{character:player}Yay!

{character:Lilia}Big Sis Sara, Lilia is also... really... looking forward to it...

Lilia tugs on the hem of Sara's skirt with an inexplicably sad expression in her eyes. Sara pats her head while smiling wryly, yet I can't help but notice the sorrow in her eyes.

{character:Sara}Don't worry, I promise that you'll also get to see it, okay...?

After buying the fabrics, our group of three people and one cat shop around for a little longer.

As promised earlier, I buy some souvenirs and have them sent to Mahjong Soul Shrine. After a short break, I help Sara take her things and get ready to take them home. However, Sara takes me toward the suburbs instead of the direction of the troupe.

{character:player}Sara, where are we going?

{character:Sara}The place where I've been living recently—Lilia's home.

We pass through the old city and arrive at an open space in the suburbs. The open space here at the foot of the mountain is parked full of carriages. Children are running around and playing, and adults are busy minding their own business beside the carriages. The air is filled with smoke and fire. It's obvious that this is where these people live.

{character:Sara}We're back.

A man and woman walk out from the tent in front of Sara. Lilia shouts "I'm home" and wriggles excitedly in the man's arms.

Are these Sara's parents? It's a little strange. Although their complexion is quite similar, they both have light brown pupils, and Lilia does too, but Sara has unique heterochromatic pupils...

{character:Sara}Aha, are you trying to guess what relationship I have with them?

{character:player}You saw through me. I'm guessing that they aren't your parents?

{character:Sara}Yeah, I met this family when we were on tour. We got along well, but I didn't expect to encounter them again here. They were busier than usual today, so they asked me to take care of Lilia for them.

{character:player}I see. Lilia and you look so alike that I almost thought you are sisters related by blood.

{character:Sara}Haha, that would be nice too. We're from the same homeland, and we're used to calling each other brothers and sisters even if we're not related by blood.

{character:Sara}It's not just this family though. You can probably tell that everyone here is from my homeland. But I guess it's a little awkward to use the word "homeland" since we're all outsiders.

{character:player}Outsiders?

{character:Sara}Lilia, I'll show {var:player_nickname} around. Little Miaow is... sleeping. Please take care of her for me.

{character:Lilia}Okay.

I follow Sara as she weaves through the carriages in the autumn wind and listen to her story about a people who wander with the wind and sand.

{character:Sara}People from all over the world call our people by different names. Some people say that we come from an ancient country filled with yellow sand, while others think we come from a land with black fertile soil. There are even some people who speculate that we are from the highlands and fled the snow-capped mountains because we couldn't stand the cold.

{character:Sara}But it's all just a misunderstanding. The fact is, not even we remember where our ancestors started their journey.

The only thing this group of people who travel in carriages and wander around the world knows is that they can't fit into any society, so they mockingly call themselves "outsiders."

{character:Sara}A long time ago, my grandma got tired, so she got off the carriage with my grandpa to slack off for a while, but that short break ended up with her staying there for more than ten years. During that time, she gave birth to my mother. My mother later met my father, who was a local, and had me. That's how I ended up with a so-called hometown.

{character:Sara}My elders got used to living a comfortable life, except me. My grandma once said that my personality and outlook on life are very similar to our ancestors, hehe... Perhaps that's why I always manage to hit it off with my brothers and sisters who live wherever I perform.

"Outsiders" may leave at any time to embark on a new journey, so Sara cherishes these rare encounters. Whenever she knows that there is a gathering of her people near her, she will make the time to eat and live with them for a period of time to experience what life was like for her ancestors.

{character:player}Sara, do you like this type of life?

{character:Sara}I like it, but I might not be able to get used to it. What about you?

{character:player}In my case...

{character:player}I can't say for sure whether I would like it, but I think I'll have difficulty adjusting to such an unstable life, always feeling like I don't belong.

{character:Sara}Haha, most people would have difficulty adapting to it. It was the same for my father.

{character:Sara}He thought that we shouldn't be like dandelions that float on the wind because our family has already taken root somewhere, so he disapproved of me going on tour with Soul at the beginning because he was afraid I would end up becoming a nomad like my ancestors and never return home.

{character:player}How did you convince him?

{character:Sara}I never intended to convince him. I was going to just say "I'm off now" and start working at Soul. But Sid, the previous leader, took time to accompany me to see my father after he found out and gave his personal guarantee that I would return safely. Only then did my father agree to this.

{character:Sara}But he hasn't completely stopped worrying about me. Even now, he still requests me to contact him regularly. He's afraid of being lonely, don't you think? Hehe...

{character:player}Hahahaha...

His daughter joined a tour performance without a clear timeframe for returning home behind his back, and his only request after agreeing is for her to contact him periodically. I think Sara's father is very open-minded already.

{character:Sara}Although it's a little annoying to regularly contact him... it feels good to know someone is missing you.

{character:player}...Yes, that's nice.

{character:player}This kind of life doesn't sound very stable, but if you ask whether I like it or not... I think I would like it because it feels quite romantic.

{character:Sara}Haha, if only my father thought that way at the very beginning. Then he would have quickly agreed to let me participate in this tour performance.

{character:Sara}When he heard that I was going on tour with Soul, he was afraid that I would end up living a nomad life like my ancestors and never return home. He felt that I shouldn't be like a dandelion that floats on the wind because our family has already taken root somewhere.

{character:player}How did you convince him?

{character:Sara}I never intended to convince him. I was going to just say "I'm off now" and start working at Soul. But Sid, the previous leader, took time to accompany me to see my father after he found out and gave his personal guarantee that I would return safely. Only then did my father agree to this.

{character:Sara}But he hasn't completely stopped worrying about me. Even now, he still requests me to contact him regularly. He's afraid of being lonely, don't you think? Hehe...

{character:player}Hahahaha...

His daughter joined a tour performance without a clear timeframe for returning home behind his back, and his only request after agreeing is for her to contact him periodically. I think Sara's father is very open-minded already.

{character:Sara}Although it's a little annoying to regularly contact him... it feels good to know someone is missing you.

{character:player}...Yes, that's nice.

{character:player}Speaking of which, Sara... Do the people here not welcome me or something?

I don't think I'm overly self-aware. It's just that people have been sizing me up ever since I arrived here. Although they don't look hostile, I can certainly feel that they have their guard up.

{character:Sara}You don't need to worry about them. They are trying to understand you, just like how you're trying to understand them.

{character:Sara}People sometimes have misunderstandings before they manage to understand each other. They need some time to find the distance they should keep from the locals.

{character:player}I see...

In their eyes, I see the same hesitation that Lilia showed when we were shopping.

Maybe I can close some of the distance with them if I greet them warmly, but... I give up after thinking about it. I'm their guest, so they should decide how we should get along since they are the "hosts" here.

After walking for a while, a carefree woman finally comes over to start a conversation.

{character:Woman}Sara, why don't you introduce us to your friend?

{character:Sara}Haha, I was just about to introduce you. This is {var:player_nickname}.

{character:player}Hello.

{character:Woman}Hi, {var:player_nickname}... Sara, this is your first time bringing a stranger here. Are you two friends?

{character:Sara}{var:player_nickname} is my friend and someone important to me.

{character:player}Eh?

{character:Woman}Oh, so {var:player_nickname} is someone you like.

{character:Sara}Yes.

{character:Woman}What about you, {var:player_nickname}? Do you like Sara?

{character:player}I... of course I...

There's no question whether I like her or not, but why are we talking about this topic? Shouldn't you avoid the person you're talking about if you want to gossip?!

{character:Sara}Of course. {var:player_nickname} has never missed any of my performances and is my most loyal fan.

Aha, so that's what she means by important. Sara is able to remember that I'm there among the faceless audience every time. I'm very happy about this as a fan... But I feel a subtle sense of embarrassment when she says it so proudly.

{character:Sara}It's the first time I've met a customer who cares so much about me, is so considerate of me, and offers to help me. At some point, I started to feel lonely when I couldn't see that person... Such a person can only be an "important person," right?

{character:Woman}Yep, I'm gradually understanding everything.

No, your strange smile is telling me you've misunderstood something!

The woman covers her mouth and runs away sniggering before I can say anything else. I hope she doesn't spread anything strange around...

{character:player}*Sighs* Didn't you say that a proactive person like me is a weird customer?

{character:Sara}You are a weird customer, but you're also someone important to me, hehe...

{character:player}...Haha, I'm honored to be someone who is weird and important to you, Sara.

{character:Sara}And it's my honor that you like me.

The sun is about to set. Sara opens the door curtain of a carriage and beckons for me to climb up with her.

Sitting in the carriage is an old lady who is making some handicrafts. Sara sits down beside her and picks up an unfinished knitwear.

{character:Sara}Granny, I've come to help out.

{character:Old Woman}You've come.

{character:Sara}Can you tell me the story you didn't finish last time?

{character:Old Woman}Of course.

The old woman hasn't commented on my arrival. I don't know what to do at this time, so I also sit down and listen to the story.

The woman is telling a story about her past. Stories of things that happened on her journey called "life."

A family... A person... A tribe... And then a family in a tribe...

She speaks slowly at first and sometimes stops when she forgets what she's going to say, which makes me wonder if she has suddenly fallen asleep while talking.

{character:Sara}Granny, you just said you met a handsome young man.

{character:Old Woman}Haha, that young man has become an old man now, hahahah...

Sara reminds her where to continue her story whenever she stops, but the starting point of each journey is the moment she meets her lover.

I wonder when the story will end, but when I see how her eyes light up when she speaks, I find myself thinking that whether she finishes her story isn't so important.

{character:player}(whispers) ...I'm getting a little sleepy.

The sun is getting lower and lower, and so are my eyelids.

Until everything becomes dark...

It's already night when I awaken.

The area around is more lively than when we first came. It's most likely that the people who were out earlier have all returned. The smell of smoke and fire permeating the air has also become more intense. Looking at the campfires burning around me and smelling the aroma in the air, I realize that it's dinner time.

{character:Sara}Oh, you've woken up. Did you sleep well?

{character:player}I slept really well. I hope the old granny won't get angry at me for falling asleep halfway through her story.

{character:Sara}She won't because she also fell asleep. Let's have dinner.

We approach one of the campfires where Lilia and the others are having dinner.

{character:Lilia}{var:player_nickname}, have some more.

{character:player}Thank you, I'm sorry I'm scrounging a free meal off you.

{character:Lilia}It's alright since you're someone important to Big Sis Sara.

...That woman really did spread her nonsense everywhere.

During dinner, people would bring food over to share or come and have a toast from time to time. Looking at this happy and harmonious atmosphere, like Sara said, the people here really do live like a big family.

Even though I'm a visitor who came here suddenly, these "outsiders" don't mind me joining in their feast and are even very enthusiastic, which is a little overwhelming to me.

{character:player}I feel very warm here, and the food is delicious. I never expected to have such a night out when I woke up in the morning.

{character:Sara}I didn't think I would have the opportunity to bring you here either. It's great that you feel happy.

{character:player}Shall we go to that granny again after dinner to listen to the rest of the story?

{character:Sara}She's sleeping soundly, so we probably shouldn't disturb her. I've almost collected enough materials too. If you really want to talk, you can talk to her about One Han City.

{character:player}Collecting materials?

{character:Sara}One of my teachers once said that an outstanding dancer needs to hone their technique and know how to express the many facets of life in their dance.

{character:Sara}But it's difficult to get better with my limited life experience, so I often pester the elders here to tell me their stories, and I use that as inspiration to create new dances.

{character:player}In other words, these elders' lives live on in your dance?

{character:Sara}That's an appropriate statement. We "outsiders" drift about everywhere, but we live uniquely romantic and exciting lives. I want to convey the beauty of their lives to the world, so I take it upon myself to do so.

{character:Sara}I also want to find out where our homeland is from our elders.

{character:player}Homeland? Didn't you say that your people have already forgotten where they came from?

{character:Sara}My mother once said that our homeland is a beautiful place with stunning mountains and rivers. Desert roses bloom everywhere like flames there. I really want to see what it looks like there for myself.

{character:Sara}One reason I joined Soul is so I can perform, but another reason is so I can try my luck while I'm on tour and see if I can find out anything about my homeland.

I want to ask her whether she has found it yet, but the bitter smile on Sara's face tells me the answer.

{character:Sara}It's a shame I still haven't found it. Perhaps... I'll never find it, haha. Like my mother said, we've left our homeland for too long already...

{character:player}...Why don't we ask that old granny tomorrow? Maybe we can even ask other people who aren't elders.

{character:Sara}I'm afraid we won't get the chance. They will be embarking on a new journey very early tomorrow morning. This is their last carnival here tonight, so they are probably gonna keep the party going until it's very late. Are you tired? Should I take you to the station first?

{character:player}I see...

These passionate people are leaving tomorrow. I finally managed to build a good relationship with them, but now I don't even know when we'll see each other again.

Oh, did Lilia look so crestfallen because she knew she wouldn't get to see Sara's new dress...?

{character:player}Sara, can I stay? They've been so kind to me that I want to say goodbye to them tomorrow morning.

{character:Sara}Hehe, of course you can.

After dinner, the "outsiders" begin to gather around the bonfire, as they sing and dance along to the tunes coming from their musical instruments. Sara helps me arrange a place to stay for the night while I sit there enjoying the hustle and bustle.

As I enjoy the exotic song and dance in front of me, I keep thinking about the desert rose.

{character:player}Desert rose...

I grab my mobile phone and search for anything I can find about desert roses.

The desert rose is also known as adenium, and it is not a native plant of One Han City based on its distribution.

{character:player}I'm afraid I won't be able to show Sara a field full of desert roses here.

{character:Little Miaow}Meow.

{character:player}Hmm?

I look around me and see the figure of Little Miaow thanks to the light of the fires. She is walking around leisurely like always. I wonder where she is going...

{character:player}...I might as well follow her.

Although Sara once said that we don't need to worry about Little Miaow as she always returns after walking off, I still feel a little worried since we're in the open.

I borrow a flashlight and follow Little Miaow, who passes through the woods and climbs up a nearby hill.

At the highest point of the hill, Little Miaow curls her limbs and lies on the ground, her eyes staring straight ahead as her tail flicks around from time to time.

{character:player}So you've come here to enjoy the breeze and the scenery, huh? You're in good spirits.

{character:player}...

I'm afraid that Sara won't be able to find me when she returns if I leave suddenly, so I send her a message telling her what's happened. After that, I plan to stay there with Little Miaow and enjoy the scenery until she decides to go back.

It's possible to get a panoramic view of the camp from here. I can hear laughter faintly from such a distance, and the bonfire seems to be burning more vigorously than before...

{character:player}...Hmm?

I rub my eyes. While in a daze, the things I see and hear slowly overlap in my head...

{character:player}Little Miaow, can you wait for me obediently here for a while?

{character:Little Miaow}Meow?

{character:player}The scenery is so nice here. I want to ask your owner to come and enjoy it with us.

I return to the camp, get some drinks from Sara, and return to the hill where I was earlier.

{character:Little Miaow}Meow.

{character:Sara}Oh, are you welcoming me, Little Miaow? Customer, is this the place you mentioned that has great scenery?

{character:player}Yes, Sara, look down from here.

I point in the direction of the camp and wait anxiously, wondering if Sara will see the same thing I did...

{character:player}...

{character:player}...

{character:Sara}Oh, it really is... blooming magnificently.

{character:player}Can you see it?

{character:Sara}Yes, I can see it very clearly. A "desert rose" is blooming wildly like flames in the wild, just like what my mother described.

"Yes!" I shout in my mind. Sara understood what I was thinking!

{character:Sara}Did you come here especially to find this place for me?

{character:player}It was just a stroke of luck. I came here when I was accompanying Little Miaow who was walking around and had some thoughts when I saw the camp... Sara, you said you might never find your homeland, but I think your homeland may always be somewhere around you.

"Outsiders" are wandering all the time. They live on the road, and their journey represents their entire life. To such people, maybe homeland doesn't really exist in a traditional sense.

{character:player}I believe desert roses can be in full bloom in more than one place. However, you might not be surrounded by your people who are singing and dancing together or the bonfires that are like blooming desert roses everywhere.

The scenery of their hometown is different in the memories of each "outsider." The only thing in common is how your people accompany each other.

{character:Sara}...Hehe, that does seem to be true.

Sara pours a drink into a glass cup and holds it in front of her. The flames of the campfire dance in the clear liquid.

{character:Sara}This "desert rose" is so beautiful.

{character:player}Yeah.

{character:player}Cheers!

{character:player}Cheers!

Sara and I quietly admire the scenery of her "homeland" as the evening breeze caresses our cheeks.

Neither of us speaks. At our feet, Little Miaow stretches and falls asleep...

{character:player}...Let's not disturb her.

Sara once said that we don't need to worry about Little Miaow as she always returns after walking off. She's accompanied us all day, so she deserves some free time to play.

Like Sara said, a group of people partied all night, and I even joined them in the end and played with them until sunrise before resting. After noon, Sara and I watch as they embark on their journey.

On the next day, Soul starts performing again, and I almost miss out on getting a ticket...

{character:Sara}Oh, you're here. Is this... a desert rose?

After the performance on this day, I bring a gift backstage for Sara—a desert rose potted plant.

{character:player}I saw it at the bird and flower market earlier, so I brought it with me.

{character:Sara}It's blooming very magnificently. Thank you.

{character:player}If you like it, I'll bring another one next time... Eventually, maybe you'll have a field of desert roses.

{character:Sara}...Did you give me this because I told you about my "homeland" the other day?

{character:Sara}Thank you for your kindness, but it's too costly for you to watch the performance and bring flowers. I'm already very happy that you come to watch my performance.

{character:player}It's alright, I won't be bringing flowers every time. It's just...

{character:Sara}I'm really happy that you like my dance, but... I don't want to become a burden to you. Is my dancing really worth it for you to try so hard to make my wish come true?

{character:player}...

I fall silent for a moment and sort out my thoughts.

{character:player}Sara, you said that one of the reasons you joined the tour performance is so you can find your homeland. If... I can show you the scene of the homeland you've imagined, maybe you won't be in such a rush to find your homeland and embark on a journey.

{character:player}Of course, I know that you'll leave and go to another place with Soul one day. Like I said before, as your fan, I just want to see more of your dancing.

{character:player}Your dancing is worth it for me to try hard to make your wish come true.

I couldn't say it out loud, but the thing is, I've become timid.

The carriage will eventually leave one day. I used to think I was mentally prepared for this, but that short night I spend with the "outsiders" made me realize that some partings can catch you off guard more than you think.

{character:Sara}...It looks like I've become your burden anyway.

{character:player}That's not what I meant...

{character:Sara}Thank you. I'll be looking forward to receiving the next potted plant.

{character:player}Eh?

Before I can respond, Sara walks away with the potted plant.

{character:Sara}Hehehe.

I don't know how she's feeling about this in the end, but she should be happy, right?

After that, I would give her desert rose potted plants after her performance from time to time.

Until one afternoon when Sara called me and asked me to go to where the "outsiders" were camped before.

The smoke and flames of that day have long dissipated. In their place is a field of desert rose potted plants.

Sara smiles at my shocked expression.

She's wearing a new dress made from the fabrics we picked together.

As promised, I'm the first to see her dress.

She's also brought a new dance with her.

I sit on the ground and admire her new dance.

At the same time, I don't forget to pick up my camera and take the most beautiful photo of Sara because we promised Lilia that she'll get to see Sara's new dress.

...Oh, it's a desert rose.

As Sara's mother said, a desert rose is blooming like flames...

{character:Sara}That's it for today's performance. Thank you all for coming! I hope we'll see you again next time!

The music that is played whenever the show ends fills the theater, symbolizing the end of the Soul's performance for the day. The audience start clapping, which proves that today's performance was as exciting as ever.

Some members of the audience weren't satisfied with just clapping. Right at this moment, a woman wearing sunglasses got on the stage and put a bouquet of flowers in Sara's arms, then kissed Sara's hand gently in front of everyone.

The sudden situation caused lots of people to cry out loud. I was surprised too, but more than anything, I was curious about the identity of this woman.

{character:player}Sara is smiling and laughing while talking to her. Are they friends? I really want to know, but I'm too far to hear what they are saying.

After chatting for a while, the woman takes off her sunglasses. That face... Have I seen her before?

{character:Audience A}Huh? I-Isn't that Olevi?

{character:player}Olevi... Oh, I remember now.

I lean forward and confirm that I'm not mistaken after taking a closer look. The woman next to Sara is Olevi, a member of a popular troupe. I just saw the news that she had just arrived at One Han City the day before yesterday.

After Olevi notices the audience looking at her, she smiles and raises her hand to greet everyone. She then takes the microphone from Sara and talks to everyone with her deep androgynous voice from the stage.

{character:Olevi}I think this is the first time I'm meeting almost everyone here. Let me introduce myself... Hello everyone, I'm Olevi from Musae! It's an honor to meet everyone!

Musae is an all female singing and dancing troupe, which is very popular among female fans. The most popular group in the troupe is called Dazzle, and the top star of Dazzle is Olevi. The screams that fill my ears at this moment show me just how excited the female fans are.

{character:Olevi}I've come here today to make an announcement... In a month's time, I'll be having a stage performance competition on this stage with my good rival, Sara.

{character:Olevi}Depending on the result of the competition, Sara may even be joining Musae! I hereby sincerely invite everyone to come and witness this competition!

{character:player}...Eh?

Huh—???

It's clear that many others are just as dumbfounded by this unexpected declaration as I am, causing the venue to be momentarily filled with silence. After everyone comes back to their senses, the chattering of many conversations fills the air.

After the performers all withdraw from the stage, I get up immediately and rush to the backstage because I can't sit still any longer.

{character:player}Sara!

I rush over to the staff lounge and push open the doors to find Olevi chatting happily with Sara and the other troupe members.

{character:Olevi}Who's this? Sara, is this a new member?

{character:Sara}Oh, it's you. You're here just in time. We were just talking about you.

{character:Olevi}Oh? Is this that important guest of yours I've heard so many things about?

{character:Sara}Yes, this is the one.

{character:Olevi}It's nice to meet you. I'm Olevi. Ah, Sara said you watched the performance, so I guess it's a little pointless to introduce myself to you again.

{character:player}It's nice to meet you, I'm {var:player_nickname}... Hold on, this isn't the time to say hi to each other.

{character:player}Ciri, is it alright for you to chat leisurely with Ms. Olevi? She's here to poach your leader. Aren't you nervous at all?

{character:Ciri}Nope, it's not the first time they have competed like this.

{character:Ryan}On the other hand, why are you so nervous?

{character:player}I...

{character:Sara}Haha, it looks like you're a little confused. Let me explain things to you.

{character:Sara}I met Olevi when I was on tour. She watched my performance once and really liked it, so she hopes that I can join her troupe.

{character:Gaffer}Sara turned down the invitation, so Ms. Olevi challenged her. Ah... That was such a fantastic competition.

{character:player}H-How fantastic exactly?

{character:Gaffer}It was absolutely amazing! It was the best turnout we had ever had since I joined the troupe. The people of the city were all packed into our tent!

...So is he just saying that they made a lot from ticket sales that time?!

{character:Ticket Inspector}Business is especially good whenever Ms. Olevi challenges the leader to a competition. Although it's very tiring checking all the tickets, I'm still really grateful to you.

{character:Olevi}You're welcome! But it must be hard on all of you because you need to work overtime whenever I come.

{character:player}So... the competition is just a gimmick to bring in more customers?

{character:Olevi}Of course not. I try my best every time we compete. I'll get Sara to join our troupe one day!

{character:Ciri}Ryan, how many times have they competed already?

{character:Ryan}I've forgotten. They always end in a tie anyway, and I think it'll probably be the same this time.

{character:Olevi}Haha, Ryan, you don't need to save face for me. Being unable to convince Sara to join Musae means that I've lost. There's no such thing as a tie.

Olevi talks and carries herself in such a cool and impressive manner. I can understand why she has so many female fans.

According to what they are saying, they have always ended in a tie, so I can kind of understand why the members of Soul are so relaxed, but...

{character:player}Sara, it isn't that I don't believe in your ability, but accidents can happen. If you really do lose, will you join her troupe?

{character:Sara}Well, Olevi always challenges me seriously, so it's natural that I should keep my promise.

{character:player}Isn't that too unfair? Even if the competition manages to draw more customers, it's such a great loss to Soul if you lose, Sara.

{character:Olevi}It will be a big loss to Soul, but I don't think it's a bad thing to Sara personally if she can spread her wings on a bigger stage. Don't you think?

{character:player}...I shouldn't be the one to answer that question. Sara, what do you think?

{character:Sara}Soul isn't as famous as it used to be, and we manage to attract many new audiences whenever I have a competition with Olevi. With rewards come certain risks, and this is a good deal for the troupe. Not to mention, Olevi considerately comes to our venue to challenge me every time, so I can't let her good intentions go to waste.

{character:Sara}Also... on a personal level, I'm very willing to accept challenges. After all, I'm very competitive and have never avoided a dancing competition in my life.

{character:Sara}What's more, there aren't many chances to compete against a rival as good as her. I'm really looking forward to our competition, Olevi.

{character:Olevi}Same here. My mind is still filled with the scenes of our last competition.

{character:player}In that case... Good luck, Sara. I'll be rooting for you with all the other fans on that day.

{character:Sara}Hehe, thanks.

Sara is indifferent to most things, so it's rare to see such fighting spirit burning in her eyes. If I don't support her now, I won't have the face to call myself her diehard fan.

{character:Sara}Olevi, has the theme of our upcoming competition been decided?

{character:Olevi}I decided it ages ago. The theme this time is Carmen.

{character:player}Carmen...

{character:Sara}Oh, you know about Carmen?

{character:player}It's that famous opera, right? I read the script at the library before.

Carmen is the most performed opera in the world today. It tells the story of a beautiful and free-spirited female tobacco factory worker who falls in love with a police officer and is later killed by her lover because she fell in love with someone else.

The name of the opera, Carmen, is also the name of the heroine. Although the story ends in tragedy, regardless of the plot, just based on the videos I've seen of this show, it's somewhat strange to define this work as just a tragedy.

{character:player}I've heard of it. It's an opera, right? I haven't seen it before though.

{character:Sara}It's a very interesting piece of work...

Sara briefly explains the story of Carmen to me. It tells the story of a beautiful and free-spirited female tobacco factory worker who falls in love with a police officer and is later killed by her lover because she fell in love with someone else.

{character:player}It sounds like a tragedy.

{character:Sara}If you look at just the ending, then does count as a tragedy, but I think it's somewhat strange to define this work as just a tragedy.

{character:Sara}If you're interested, you can take a look at the script or watch some videos of it later. It really is a wonderful piece of work.

{character:player}I definitely need to watch it since you recommend it so highly.

{character:Olevi}Since we have a theme, we need to assign roles. This time, I want to play the matador Leo.

{character:Sara}Oh, what an unexpected decision. I thought you would play the police officer Don.

{character:Sara}Are you sure about this? The matador doesn't have as much of a role as the other two protagonists.

{character:Olevi}A performer's acting prowess is not defined by the amount of stage time they get. You and I should both know this well.

{character:Olevi}I like to play the role of the winner both on and off screen. Leo is the one who wins over Carmen's heart in the opera, which is a good omen. I'm bound to win this time, and...

Olevi walks behind Sara and holds her hair.

{character:Olevi}It's too dangerous for you if I play Don's character. I don't want to do anything rough to you because I'm too deep in character.

{character:Sara}Haha... Are you already in character, Olevi?

{character:Olevi}The sooner one prepares, the greater the chance of success, right?

This is bad. I had a lot of confidence in Sara, but I can tell Olevi is a really amazing performer based on her joking interactions with Sara.

{character:player}Then Sara will be playing the role of Carmen.

{character:Olevi}Of course, who else but her can play it?

{character:Sara}Who else but me, huh...

{character:player}Hmm?

An almost unnoticeable bitter smile flashes across Sara's face, leaving me wondering if my eyes were playing tricks on me.

{character:Olevi}Well, it's getting late, so I better get out of your hair today. See you on the stage in one month, Sara.

{character:Sara}Take care, Olevi.

After Olevi leaves, the gaffer strokes his beard triumphantly.

{character:Gaffer}Excellent! You couldn't play a better character.

{character:Ticket Inspector}Although I feel bad for Ms. Olevi, we'll be winning again this time.

{character:player}What do you mean?

{character:Ryan}A "beautiful girl who is good at singing and dancing and is bold and unrestrained." Don't you think that this description of Carmen fits Sara very well?

{character:Ciri}Indeed, many people have said that Sara resembles Carmen a lot.

I see, well it's very advantageous to play a character suitable for yourself.

{character:Sara}Well, not exactly. I'm sure you all know how talented and magnificent Olevi is. We can't take her lightly.

{character:player}You're right, she's a strong opponent., It's better to be cautious. Speaking of which, who will play the role of Don?

{character:player}This character has a lot of interaction with Carmen's character, so it'll affect your performance as well. You need to choose your partner carefully.

{character:Sara}How astute of you. You noticed the key issue immediately. I want to ask you to help me out with this.

{character:player}Sure, I'll do whatever I can.

{character:Sara}It's something you can definitely help me out with... I want you to be my partner and play the role of Don.

{character:player}Yes, I definitely can do that... WHAT? Hold on! You want me to play Don's character?!

{character:Sara}Is something wrong?

{character:player}I should be asking you if there's something wrong with you... Wouldn't the performers of your troupe be more suitable than me? For example, Ciri here...

{character:Ciri}No, I can't do it. I'm just a beast tamer.

{character:player}Aren't I just a member of the audience...? Well, what about Ryan then?

{character:Ryan}Will you be playing Carmen? If you are, I'll gladly perform on the stage as your Don.

{character:player}Thank you for volunteering, but that doesn't solve our problem.

{character:player}What about the others? There are so many people in this troupe, someone should be suitable for the role of Don, right?

I look at the gaffer who is smoking on one side and the ticket inspector. They smile as they wave at me.

{character:Ticket Inspector}I'm already so old. I won't mess around on the young people's stage.

{character:Gaffer}Oldies like us are happy playing the role of extras in a crowd. We're happy just to participate. Good luck! Hahaha!

{character:Sara}I know my request is a little sudden. You can think about it first and tell me your answer later.

I wanted to ask her if she was joking, but it looks like she's serious. What should I do?

{character:player}...Shouldn't you find a more experienced partner for such an important competition?

Although it's really tempting to be Sara's partner, I get a little scared when I think about how important this competition is to Soul.

{character:Ciri}Don't worry, the fact that Sara is inviting you means that you've got what it takes. Good luck.

{character:Mojito}*Grrr!*

{character:player}Huh?!

Ciri's partner, a black panther called Mojito, has walked up to her at some point and is growling at me silently while staring at me.

{character:Ciri}Look, even Mojito is rooting for you. You can do it.

{character:Mojito}*Grrr!*

{character:player}Thanks for the encouragement, even though it sounds more like Mojito is threatening me...

What should I do? Should I take her up on the offer?

{character:player}It'll be very bad for Soul if I mess up and affect Sara. Ryan, you agree with me, right?

{character:Ryan}That won't happen. You're the best to me. I just feel a little unhappy when I think that I need to share you with other people when you are shining so brightly on stage.

{character:Ryan}But... Even if Sara leaves, you'll still come to watch my performance, right? That sounds like an even better deal to me, hehe.

...I asked the wrong person for support, but it looks like everyone else also agrees with Sara, so...

{character:player}...Sorry, Sara, I can't help you this time.

{character:player}This is a competition that determines whether you need to go to another troupe, so I don't think it's right for a complete beginner like me to go on stage. How about I ask Osamu Saitou if any of his artists can help out?

{character:Sara}You don't need to apologize. It was rude of me to ask. I just decided to ask you because I thought you would be a good fit for the role. But like you said, maybe it is a little rash for the competition.

{character:Sara}I'll find someone else for the performance, so you don't need to worry about it. Will you come and watch the competition?

{character:player}Of course! I'll be cheering for you with all my heart!

{character:Sara}Hehe, thank you in advance...

{character:"Don"}No! I'll make you bleed before I let you leave me! Carmen, you must be with me!

{character:Sara}Very well, either you kill me or you... give me freedom!

On the stage, with bloodshot eyes, "Don" draws his dagger and approaches Carmen who he is enamored with.

The matador Leo walks out of the bullring in high spirits with the crowd cheering for him, but what he sees is the body of his lover who is falling backward slowly.

Rose petals are scattered all around Carmen, and a gust of wind blows her soul to the unfettered shore.

{character:player}...Bravo!

Soul's special performance comes to an end amidst the praise and cheers of the audience. Sara's performance is as stable and wonderful as ever, and Olevi also manages to captivate the audience in just a few short scenes like she said. The contest is still a tie this time.

"There's always a spot for you in Musae, Sara." Olevi leaves gracefully after saying this.

In the end, Sara asked one of Olevi's colleagues to play the role of Don. In order to not affect the contest between them, this actress was very restrained on the stage and played the role of helper very professionally. As I watched her interact with Sara on the stage, I found myself filled with both envy and regret.

{character:player}If it's just a routine performance without stealing Sara's limelight, then even I can do it. I missed a precious opportunity to experience this...

Oh well, I backed down from it, so there's no point lamenting about it now.

But I wonder how many more times Sara and Olevi will compete again like today...

{character:player}If I get another chance like today, I'll try to muster up the courage to get on stage. Yes! Next time for sure.

{character:player}...To be able to perform as Sara's partner is an unbelievable opportunity for a fan. I'm very happy and willing to do it.

{character:player}But Don is such an important character in the original work. Will I really be okay?

{character:Sara}If you're worried that your performance will affect our competition or Soul, then you don't need to worry at all because the decision will be based on my performance and Olevi's performance.

{character:Sara}If you're worried that you won't be able to memorize the lines, we can get someone to voice the lines for you behind the stage, but we'll need you to do your best to complete the actions on the stage.

{character:player}That's okay. I still have another month to practice. I'm just wondering why you want me to do it. If you just need a standard performance, then won't someone else be more suitable than me?

I don't think it's because I have any undiscovered acting talent.

{character:Sara}Although it's an important competition, I don't want the audience to just focus on the contest between me and Olevi. Even if it's more exciting, it won't be fun.

{character:Sara}So I want you to be my partner. You also come up with ideas that are beyond my imagination, just like when we met the outsiders...

{character:player}So what you want from me is an element of surprise?

{character:Sara}That's right. I'm really looking forward to being surprised by you again this time. Also...

{character:player}Also...

{character:Sara}...No, nothing. The most important thing is your element of surprise. So, will you help me?

{character:player}I...

While I'm hesitating, a small black head appears in the left side of my field of vision. Little Miaow comes out of nowhere, jumps onto my shoulder, and stares right at me with its yellow eyes while meowing.

{character:Sara}Little Miaow, do you also think it's a good idea?

{character:Little Miaow}Meow!

{character:player}Even a cat is encouraging me. I don't think I can say no now. Sara, I'll be in your care for the next month. Please teach me well.

{character:Sara}Hehe, let's do our best together.

That's how it was decided that I would perform on stage with Sara.

The competition is in one month, so we don't really have that much time left. During this time, Soul performed less frequently than usual to make time for our rehearsals and to give Sara sufficient time to rest and prepare for the competition.

{character:Ciri}...That's the wrong movement.

{character:player}I was too slow. I should get up and act like I'm pushing open doors here... Oh, that's wrong. That's what I should be doing when the next part of the music starts.

{character:Sara}Why don't you take a break first? We'll rehearse these two parts separately later.

{character:player}No, let's follow the order. I'll go over the script again now.

Carmen's script isn't that long, but the whole play is very compact. If I get distracted during the rehearsal, I won't be able to keep up with the pace of the overall performance.

Over the next few days, I basically return home sweaty every day and fall asleep instantly after showering.

{character:Sara}The tired way of singing you used just now when we were doing the part with the fiancée is very good because it highlights Don's guilty conscience.

{character:player}Haha... Actually, I was just singing like that because I'm tired. But if it's good, I'll sing it like that during the official performance.

Although my body is tired, my spirit is very excited, especially as I always continue until I'm exhausted when I practice with Sara.

During this time, I feel myself growing almost every day, which is a truly exciting thing...

{character:Sara}Ciri, can you get them to play the music again?

{character:Ciri}Okay.

{character:player}We've been practicing for almost two hours. Sara, don't you want to rest for a bit?

{character:Sara}I want to keep practicing while I'm in good condition.

Is this the difference between a professional and an amateur? Sara practices several times as much as me, but her movements are still so clean and performed with ease.

{character:Sara}Heh!

...Or maybe she doesn't feel tired because she's doing something she loves.

Before I know it, there were less than two weeks until the competition.

{character:Sara}Cheers!

{character:Sara}Cheers!

Today, I managed to complete one round of the rehearsal without any mistakes. After practicing, Sara and I eat dinner at a restaurant to celebrate this achievement.

{character:Sara}You've got such a good memory. You only needed three days to memorize the lines. To think I was thinking of getting someone to say the lines for you. I underestimated you.

{character:player}It's just because that script is so short. I wish my body can remember the movements like my brain remembers the lines.

{character:Sara}Didn't everything go well today though?

{character:player}I was just lucky enough to succeed once. Maybe my movements and positioning will be all over the place again after I wake up tomorrow.

{character:Sara}Hehe, you're quite harsh on yourself. Actually, you don't need to worry too much about how precise your movements are. It's okay if they aren't perfect.

{character:Sara}The most important thing about opera is to move in a way that matches the character. If you become your character, the audience will surely feel the charisma of your performance.

{character:player}Becoming the character... That's actually what I find the hardest.

{character:player}From the script, I can understand that Don is so in love with Carmen that he's gone crazy, but it's totally different when I play his character. I'm not confident that I can fully understand him. Maybe that's why I hesitate at some of the more intense parts of the plot.

Such as... when Don kills his lover. Even if it's just an act, without being able to deeply feel the emotions of the character, I feel like my performance in that scene is almost meaningless.

{character:player}In comparison, Sara, you're really amazing, and your performance is really natural. I finally understand why the gaffer and the others are so confident about this competition. Like they say, you are just like Carmen.

{character:Sara}...Do you really think so?

The fleeting bitter smile I saw the other day appears clearly on Sara's face.

{character:player}Sara? I... Did I say something wrong?

{character:Sara}No, you didn't. That really is what many people think about me.

{character:Sara}I just don't really understand what they mean specifically when they say I resemble her.

I've known Sara for a while, but this is the first time I've seen such an anxious or even lost expression on her face...

{character:Sara}I understand that I share some characteristics with Carmen, but we're ultimately two different people. That's why I can't help but wonder if the resemblances I'm thinking of are the same things others want to see in me.

{character:Sara}Other people's expectations are really heavy... I want to respond to their expectations as much as possible and become the Carmen in their hearts, but I don't know if what I'll show everyone is just my conceited idea of what I think they want to see.

{character:Sara}I can't help but get a little nervous whenever I think about this recently.

{character:player}...Sorry, Sara. I didn't realize I was stressing you out.

I finally understand why Sara is acting so strangely when Olevi said who else but her can play the role of Carmen. I never considered that these compliments would become her burden...

{character:player}Now that I think about it, these compliments are a little rude. Sara, you are you. You don't need to resemble anyone else. The person I want to see on the stage is you, not Carmen.

{character:player}I think you're great the way you are now.

{character:Sara}Ahaha, if you start saying things like that, I also need to apologize to you.

{character:player}Hmm?

{character:Sara}You asked me why I wanted you to play the role of Don. The element of surprise is just one factor. Another factor is... I felt that your fondness for me is similar to Don's fascination with Carmen.

{character:Sara}But it looks like I was being rude too. You are you. You aren't Carmen's Don. You're my customer.

{character:player}...Haha, then it's a tie. To be honest, I'm quite happy to hear this.

{character:Sara}Why is that?

{character:player}Because we have the same troubles and are letting go of our expectations for each other at the same time. Don't you think this is worth toasting to?

{character:Sara}It is indeed. Cheers.

{character:player}Cheers.

I feel like I understand Sara a little bit more. We seem to have become closer...

After dinner, I take Sara back to the troupe.

{character:player}Sara, if something unexpected happens and Olevi wins, will you really go to Musae?

{character:Sara}Oh, do you think I'm just joking? If I lose, of course I need to abide by the agreement. Will you be lonely if I go to another troupe?

{character:player}Although it's a little mean to Ciri and the others to say this, as your fan, Sara, it doesn't matter to me where you go. And rationally speaking, I would actually recommend that you go to a larger and more promising troupe.

{character:Sara}Then why don't you want me to lose?

{character:player}Huh? Have I ever said that I don't want you to lose?

{character:Sara}You haven't said it out loud, but that's the feeling I get from you.

{character:player}Haha, to be honest, yes, as your diehard fan, I don't want you to lose at all. No, what I mean is, I can't imagine you losing to her.

{character:Sara}Oh... Now I really have to win, or else I'll be letting you down.

{character:player}I won't apologize this time. I'll do everything I can to help you and achieve my goal.

{character:player}Even if you're right, what if I can't become the character in the end? I can only pray that the audience will ignore me and only focus on your contest with Olevi.

{character:Sara}Haha, you don't need to force yourself if you can't.

{character:player}But didn't you just say that it's very important?

{character:Sara}Yes, but didn't you say that what you want to see on the stage is me? The only person I can show to the audience is myself.

The only person I can show to the audience is myself.

{character:Sara}...What do you see when you look at me now?

{character:player}Um... How should I say this...

{character:Sara}It's alright. You don't need to tell me now. We can revisit this again before the competition.

{character:Sara}If you find an answer, maybe we'll both know what to do to complete our performance.

{character:Sara}I'll be okay from here. Good night. Don't forget the homework I gave you, hehe...

{character:player}Sure, good night, Sara.

It's already after eleven o'clock by the time I get home, but I'm not sleepy at all.

After showering, I sit on the bed and flip through the script of Carmen again.

To play a character well, I definitely need to feel the same way the character does.

{character:player}Don... I'm reading your life. I'm trying to understand you.

Maybe I'll never truly understand you. I mean, we're two different people after all.

What do you see when you look at me now?

{character:player}...Sara, do you see me when you look at me?

Or are you seeing Don?

{character:player}T-There are so many people...

On the day of the competition, the venue is already bursting with people even though there's still some time until the show starts.

{character:Ticket Inspector}Ms. Olevi's appeal sure is extraordinary. All the tickets were sold in the blink of an eye.

Based on Soul's past ticket sales situation, many of the audience should be Olevi's fans—maybe even half of them.

{character:player}Sara sure is right. We can't take her lightly even if this is our home ground.

{character:Sara}Hehe, are you feeling nervous?

{character:player}Of course I am. We'll need to work twice as hard to win over the votes of her fans!

{character:Sara}Hehe, you're in high spirits today.

{character:Ciri}Sara, it's time to put on your makeup.

{character:Sara}Okay. It's almost time for you to get changed too, right?

{character:player}Yes, I'll be going now. Oh right, Sara.

{character:player}If... I'm wondering... If Carmen could leave safely, how do you think this play would have ended?

{character:Sara}If Carmen could leave safely... When you ask me so suddenly like this, I don't have an answer for you.

{character:Sara}But this is a very meaningful question. I'll think about it.

{character:player}Sure... You've got this, Sara.

{character:Sara}Same goes for you. Let's meet again on the stage.

{character:player}Yes, let's meet on the stage.

{character:Announcer}Thank you for waiting! Soul's special opera performance, Carmen, is starting now!

It is the early morning, and there is a steady flow of pedestrians in the square. "I" and a few colleagues are chatting casually while standing guard outside the barracks.

"My" name is Don, a police officer who just started working here recently. At this moment, I'm sitting on a chair and focusing on making a gun chain.

{character:Officer}Don, do you think those girls who are rolling up cigarettes in this building are pretty?

{character:player}Sorry, sir. I don't know. I don't pay attention to these types of things.

{character:Officer}I know, my friend, it's because you already have a sweetheart, haha!

As we chat, loud noise can be heard from the distance, and my colleagues blow their whistles. Clearly, the noise is made by the female workers of the tobacco factory who are getting off work.

{character:player}Sir, why don't you find out if they are pretty for yourself?

{character:Soldiers}(chorus) Where is Carmen? Why can't we see Carmen?

After being called out so enthusiastically by the soldiers, Carmen pushes the crowd aside and steps onto the stage.

She holds her head high and dances proudly. The soldiers are all around her, but they are actually just embracing their own desires.

{character:Soldiers}(chorus) Carmen, when will you have a heart-to-heart talk with us? When will you give us your love?

{character:Sara}Love is like a free bird that none should try to tame. Love is like a vagabond that will never be restrained by the law.

{character:Sara}Even if you don't fall in love with me, you can't stop me from falling into your arms. But if I fall for you, you better be careful!

As she sings proudly, a flower hits me on the head. I pick up the sweet acacia flower that has fallen to the ground and look blankly at her in the crowd.

{character:Sara}Hey, what are you doing?

{character:player}Me? I'm making a chain for my gun.

{character:Sara}Your chain, hehe... Your chain is a chain that binds my soul!

Carmen laughs and runs off singing "love is like a vagabond..." as the bell of the tobacco factory sounds. The others follow her lead and leave one after another.

The only people left in the plaza are me and the officer beside me.

{character:player}What's with that look? She knows no shame! If witches who harm others really exist, she would be one of them!

{character:Officer}Haha! It's a farce, but it has nothing to do with you, Don. You already have a sweetheart.

That's right, "I" already have a "sweetheart"...

{character:Fiancée}Don, mother told me to tell you that she misses you day and night. She even told me to bring you a kiss and wants you to tell her.

{character:player}Mother brought me a kiss... Please tell her how much I love and respect her, and please help me bring this kiss to her.

"My" sweetheart should be simple and kind.

{character:Sara}You want to put me in jail?

{character:player}I'm sorry, I must do that.

{character:Sara}...Don, you even threw away the flowers I gave you. You're been bewitched! You already love me, and you can do anything for me!

...I couldn't throw away the flower. I fell under the witch's spell. "I" can no longer say that my sweetheart is that simple and kind girl.

{character:Sara}Love is like a vagabond that will never be restrained by the law.

Lost in Carmen's bewitching song, "I" embark on a road of no return.

{character:Soldiers}(chorus) Hooray! Hooray! Let's all cheer for the matador, Leo!

Amidst the sonorous and powerful beating of drums, Olevi, playing the role of Leo the matador, takes to the stage happily on a black horse like a general returning in triumph.

{character:Female Fan}Ah! Olevi is here!

The screams of the female fans in the tent are so loud they seem to lift the roof.

{character:Olevi}I should respond to your toast with a toast of my own, gentlemen, because you are soldiers who resemble us matadors! We take pride in fighting!

"Leo" picks up a red cloth and unfolds it in front of his chest while staring in front of himself. After a moment, he turns gracefully and continues to sing.

{character:Olevi}The fully-seated arena is a festive scene. The sound of ecstatic shouting fluctuates... There is a challenge, applause, and noise! It is violent and fiery!

Carmen walks over to Leo with her head held high. The matador smiles and makes the bright red cloth dance in his hands to welcome the challenge of love.

{character:Olevi}Love is waiting for you, matador!

{character:player}Olevi is such a talented actress...

Although I don't want to admit it, I would be more willing to choose this majestic matador instead of Don. As I watch Olevi's performance, I become increasingly unsure of whether we'll win the competition.

{character:player}She declared that she would be able to captivate the audience in just a few short scenes before. It looks like she wasn't bragging about that.

{character:Sara}Hehe, Olevi is just as talented as she is confident, but I don't think I'm inferior to her in the slightest.

{character:Sara}You're doing well today, much better than you were in our previous rehearsals. The first few scenes are over, so you just need to keep this up until the end.

{character:player}Really? That would be great as I won't put the hard work of the last few days to waste.

{character:Sara}To be honest, I think you're quite talented at acting and also dance well. Will you consider joining Soul officially after this competition?

{character:player}If I can help you win this competition, then maybe I do have some talent in this area and I could actually consider your proposal.

Joining Soul... She should just be joking to help me relax. Even so, I'm still a little happy to be recognized by a professional like Sara.

{character:Sara}You should consider it carefully since I'm serious about it.

{character:player}I-Is that so?

{character:Sara}It's time for my next scene. You should get some rest while you can. Oh, and don't forget to consider my proposal.

{character:player}Oh...

She... She was serious?

The performance is nearly over, and the next scene is the most crucial one.

After learning that Carmen now loves another person, on the day of the bullfight, Don comes to his lover in despair and tries to save his love.

This is the climax, the most intense conflict of the whole play. This scene could determine the outcome of the competition...

Outside the bullring, "I" stagger up to Carmen numbly and grab her arm tightly.

{character:Sara}Let me go.

{character:player}Is your new lover the one everyone is cheering for?

{character:player}Carmen, don't leave with him. You... Must you go to him? Do you really love him?

{character:Sara}I love him. Even if I die, I must say that I love him!

In the bullring, the people stare at the blood gushing from the black bull and burst into applause. "Victory! Victory!" The applause seems to be mocking "me" at this very moment...

{character:player}If that's the case, then not even my soul will be saved. How dare you throw yourself into his arms shamelessly and mock me together! No! I'll make you bleed before I let you leave me! Carmen, you must be with me!

{character:Sara}No... No, no! It will never happen!

Carmen breaks free from "my" grasp and throws the ring "I" gave her at me.

{character:Sara}This is the ring you gave me. Take it! Either you kill me or you... give me freedom!

{character:player}...

Okay, it's time to make a decision.

"I" draw a sharp knife while looking at Carmen. There is no trace of fear on her face. She has been fearless from the beginning to the end.

Sara's fearless expression isn't because this is a play and I'm holding a prop. It's because she has become Carmen right now. She is the "outsider" Carmen who bewitches the world in the name of love and would rather die than lose her freedom.

{character:player}(whisper) You're so amazing... Sara. You're so incredible...

Suddenly, I finally understand how Don is feeling at this moment. Like Sara said before, Don is fascinated by Carmen's every move, and I'm also fascinated by Sara's dance. We are just the same.

Can I really kill this person who has enchanted me so deeply?

{character:Sara}...What do you see when you look at me now?

{character:Sara}(whisper) Psst, are you okay?

{character:player}...

Before I make my next move, I need to sort out two things. Who am I seeing right now?

And... How does Don see himself?

"I" was supposed to live a stable life with my simple and kind fiancée and my mother in our hometown, but Carmen entered "my" life like a turbulent storm.

Like I said before, she is a witch who harms other people, and she has seduced "me" into abandoning everything.

Now, she has destroyed the last vestiges of "my" dignity by loving someone else, making "me" a laughing stock and an outcast of fate.

"I" should feel unhappy... I should feel angry!

{character:player}...Fine! Then die!

"I" pull out a sharp knife and stab Carmen in the chest to take revenge on my beautiful lover, using blood to seek justice for my love!

{character:player}Arrest me! I'm the one who killed her!

"I" hug the body of Carmen, who will never move again, and shout with my head raised. Rose petals are scattered all around Carmen, and a gust of wind blows her soul to the unfettered shore.

This is the last decision I make. To present a perfect performance and help Sara win the competition, I will play out Don's life to the end.

The performance ends amidst the audience's sighs...

{character:Olevi}So it's the same old outcome again?

{character:Sara}Ahaha, too bad, Olevi.

After the performance, the competition ends with the audience voting for a tie.

{character:Olevi}Oh well, there's still plenty of time. There's always a spot for you in Musae, Sara. Let's compete again next time.

{character:Sara}Hehe, I'll be looking forward to it.

{character:Olevi}Oh right, will your guest be performing on stage again next time?

{character:player}Huh? Me?

{character:Olevi}Sara told me you've only been practicing for a month or so, but your performance today was simply brilliant. Like she said, you're quite talented.

{character:Olevi}Things will be even more interesting if you also perform on stage the next time we compete.

{character:player}No, no, no. It's better if you two compete alone. I'll...

{character:Sara}Hehe, won't you think it's unfair? We'll have a great advantage.

{character:Olevi}Challenges must be difficult to be fun. It's decided then. See you next time.

After speaking, Olevi waves her hand and leaves.

{character:Sara}It looks like this won't be the last time we perform together.

{character:player}W-Will you two really keep competing like tonight...?

...Oh well, there's no point worrying about the future. For now, let's just celebrate today's victory!

"Don" was supposed to live a stable life with his simple and kind fiancée and his mother in their hometown, but Carmen entered "his" life like a turbulent storm.

Like he said, she is a witch that harms people. However... is Don really unfortunate after experiencing all this?

{character:player}Go, Carmen.

{character:Sara}What are you saying?

{character:player}I said go! Carmen.

Even if Carmen initially approached Don with other plans in mind, I believe that she really did throw that sweet acacia flower at Don outside the tobacco factory in an impulse of love.

Carmen has no lack of suitors, yet she was drawn to Don by his unintentional indifference. Their love was accidental and a stroke of luck. Don just received someone's love by accident.

At this moment, I too am just a lucky fan who was invited by Sara to perform on the same stage as her.

{character:Sara}...Hahahah! Are you pitying me?

{character:player}Never! We don't need to pity each other because...

{character:player}Love is like a free bird that none should try to tame!

In my opinion, Carmen, who Don pursues, is that very free bird. Many of Carmen's actions are unforgivable, but if she loses her proud nature and willingly enters his "birdcage," will she still be the same Carmen who fascinates him?

I don't think so. Although Don and I are similar in some ways, we are still different people. I can't become Don. Like Sara said, the only person I can show to the audience is myself.

So, the person in front of me is Sara, not Carmen. I... want her to be free.

{character:player}Love is like a vagabond that will never be restrained by the law! Go! You're free now, Carmen!

I can see that some members of the audience are already making doubtful and even stunned expressions. It's natural for the audience to have such a reaction when the script is changed at the last minute.

Fortunately, Sara is as calm as always. In my heart, I'm secretly glad that I mentioned the possibility of changing the ending to her before the show started. I can only hope that she understands that I'm trying to "express who I am" at this moment.

...No, I believe she'll understand because this is our homework.

Full of anticipation, I wait for the response of the person who fascinates me. Like her, I also look forward to the element of surprise she has. This kind of improvision is precisely what she's best at.

{character:Sara}Oh? You're so arrogant! That's so arrogant of you, Don!

Sara's fingers slide down my cheeks to my neck and lift up my chin. Her eyes are still proud, but there's a trace of tenderness inside them.

{character:Sara}Go? Where do you want me to go? What right do you have to tell me to leave you?

{character:player}You no longer love me. I don't want you to die, so I can only give you your freedom.

{character:Sara}You've never taken my freedom, so what makes you think it's yours to give? You think you're being generous, but you're actually more arrogant than anyone else.

{character:Sara}You want me to leave? Haha, then I won't leave. Hold my hand, Don. I won't leave anymore!

{character:player}...Are you pitying me, Carmen?

{character:Sara}You were rude to me first, so I'm just paying you back.

Seeing that I'm not moving, Sara grabs my hand herself.

{character:Sara}Don, I like the sound of cheering and winners.

{character:player}But I am a loser of life. Meeting you has made me lose everything.

{character:Sara}No, that chain... your chain... is a chain that binds my soul. It has just wound itself around my heart again just now.

{character:player}Just now? You capricious woman. You declare me the winner just because of this?

{character:Sara}Why not? Love is arbitrary in the first place. It is like a gust of wind, and it happens to be blowing towards you now.

{character:Sara}Let go of your petty self-esteem. At least for this moment, you are enchanting, so you are the winner.

{character:Sara}Rejoice! Winner!

{character:The People}(chorus) Yes! This is great! Victory! Glory belongs to the victor—Don!

Rose petals fall from the roof and land beside us. The bright red that originally symbolizes tragedy has now turned into a blessing for the winner.

Just like that, Soul's special opera performance ends amidst the cheering of the crowd...

After the performance, the competition ends with the audience voting for Sara's victory.

But the last-minute changes to the script spark some controversy, and Olevi's colleagues are angry at the result.

{character:Colleague A}Ignoring the fact that this is their home ground, is a performance that doesn't respect the original work really a qualified performance?

{character:Colleague B}I can't agree with this result. Olevi's performance was more brilliant.

{character:Olevi}Okay, that's enough. Although Sara's impromptu adaptation of the ending was very sudden, doesn't the audience's response prove that this was a wonderful performance?

{character:Olevi}As for winning or losing... Sara's choice is the most direct response. Even if my performance won the audience's applause, since the matador failed to win Carmen's heart, then this is naturally my loss.

Seeing Olevi admits defeat like that, her colleagues have nothing else to say, and this little dispute after the performance is settled.

{character:Sara}You were really brilliant tonight, Olevi.

{character:Olevi}You were too. I was no match for your impromptu performance.

{character:player}Thank you for calming down your colleagues. They made such scary expressions just now...

{character:Olevi}Hahaha, don't mention it. I must say, from your performance, I can't tell that you've only practiced for around one month. Like Sara says, you're really talented at acting.

{character:player}I'm flattered to hear that.

{character:Olevi}If we get the chance, let's perform together on stage again in the future.

{character:player}Huh? That wouldn't be good, right? I only stepped up this time because we couldn't find someone. You two should compete alone next time.

{character:Olevi}That's not really right. I didn't just lose to Sara today—I lost to the two of you. You wouldn't do something unromantic like running away after winning, right?

{character:player}Um, I'm not really running away after winning... Im just helping out...

{character:Sara}Hehe, won't you think it's unfair? We'll have a great advantage.

{character:Olevi}Challenges must be difficult to be fun. It's decided then. See you next time.

{character:player}W-Wait! Ms. Olevi—!

Without giving me the opportunity to reject her, Olevi turns around and leaves after speaking.

{character:Sara}It looks like this won't be the last time we perform together.

{character:player}W-Will you two really keep competing like tonight...?

Oh well, at least this headhunting incident has ended well. I'll worry about the future later.

{character:Sara}By the way, have you decided yet?

{character:player}Decided? Decide on what?

{character:Sara}Hehe, you shouldn't pretend to be confused at this time. Have you decided whether you will officially join Soul or not?

{character:player}Oh, this matter...

So Sara was serious! Forget about the troubles of the future. I have a big problem waiting for me right now...

{character:player}Sorry, Sara, I was too busy thinking about the performance and haven't decided yet.

{character:player}I'll consider it carefully. I'll let you know once I have an answer!

{character:Sara}Hehe, then I'll be waiting for your response.

{character:Sara}You don't need to rush. I'll keep waiting until you have an answer.

{character:player}...Okay.

Actually, I know in my heart that it's not very likely that I'll join Soul, but the option of rejecting her proposal immediately never appeared in my mind.

After all, the person in front of me is my very own Carmen.

No matter how our relationship changes in the future, at least I hope that she'll be a part of my life...