What Lee Yeon-woo loved in his former world were the musicians. Every year, during festival season, his city would hold a celebration, with numerous idols and groups performing.
For Lee Yeon-woo, that sight was exceptionally spectacular. He loved music—the kind that soothed the soul and the kind that made it boil.
So, to hype up the festival, he thought, why not make his own boy band in this world?
Since the main entertainment here consisted of plays and clown tricks, why not create a group that specifically performs at festivals?
"Woooaaaahhh!!"
As the whole crowd cheered for the performance, Stephen smiled and walked back to the estate. Judging by how the people erupted into cheers, it seemed the performance had been a blast.
---
The entire territory rejoiced, each face filled with awe. After the first night of the festival, everyone started whispering about the second day's event.
"I've heard it's a play."
"A play? Like a romance play?" Another person asked.
Curiosity grew among the crowd, including Vanessa, who was dressed in a commoner's outfit with a long drape covering her body.
She walked with her trusted bodyguard Vincent, while scouring the festival, buying numerous items—even food in the process.
She touched her cheek and moaned in delight. 'I didn't know that this kind of food existed!' she thought.
She wouldn't have come all the way to the count's territory if the deli café hadn't closed down. After eating there that fateful day, she became its number one customer.
But the shop had closed down for the festival, so she made a plan to visit the count's territory in search of tasty food. Her hopes were not dashed, as the food in the count's territory was delightful.
It was already her fourth time eating the fried chicken. "Wow, this is heavenly." Even her trusted guard, Vincent, was eating well.
Both happily ate while listening to some of the passersby, all currently whispering about a certain play that would be held tonight. She had recently arrived and wasn't well-informed yet.
"Don't you think Omer was super handsome?" one of the young ladies asked, holding her child.
"Oh, don't even get me started! Medard looked incredible, especially with his muscular body!" another young lady chimed in.
"No!" a little girl holding her mother's hand shouted aloud. "If anyone's the most handsome, it has to be Gabriel!"
Another girl overheard the comment, her eyes narrowing. "Bah! Tobie's the best! He's the leader!"
There was friction among the ladies, even the young girls who hadn't reached their teens were arguing.
For Vanessa, this was somewhat confusing. She didn't know why everyone seemed to be talking about these names. "Are they magicians, perhaps?" she asked.
"Are you curious about what they're talking about?" Kale asked, the hooded woman nodded in response. Kale smiled and explained. "They're talking about last night's show."
"Did something spectacular happen last night?" Vanessa asked, wanting to know more.
"Well, it was amazing! A group under the count's direction performed. It was such a blast; everyone had a great time! Ever since last night the women have been forming little fan groups to support their favorite singers," Kale explained.
Vanessa still had question marks plastered on her face but didn't pry any further, content to continue enjoying her tasty fried chicken. "Did you recently open?"
"Yep," Kale replied. "Many stalls here opened recently, thanks to the count. But I think after this festival, we'll expand."
Vanessa smiled hearing the new information. "That would be amazing, then."
---
It wasn't just Vanessa enjoying the food; the Third Prince, Clifford, was also walking around the stalls, sampling various treats. "Wow, this is heavenly!" he shouted, munching on some skewered meat.
"It is good, my lord," his trusted aide Robert agreed, also munching happily. "Can we get two more servings?"
"On it!" the stall owner replied eagerly, handing them two more skewers. He couldn't help but ask, "Are you travelers?"
"Yes, we are," Clifford replied. "By the way, how did you come up with such delicious food?"
"You mean barbecue?" The stall owner smiled. "Well, I wasn't the one who came up with it; it was the count."
"The count?" Clifford asked, curious. "Is this some kind of family secret recipe?"
"Well, I don't know about that. Many of us who owned shops or wanted to work were called by the count. He taught us how to make these," the stall owner replied.
Clifford continued eating, finding it all rather mysterious.
Born to the former patriarch and a common woman, Stephen's circumstances were strange, especially given that his father's was the one who discovered the count's illegitimate child.
But how could his father know? It seemed as though the former patriarch wasn't even aware he had a child. Clifford was certainly curious, wanting answers.
'William's death was strange, too.' Clifford recalled the dismembered body, supposedly from a carriage accident.
The carriage had been reinforced with magic to shield its interior and minimize damage, yet the body was severely mangled. 'Everything is so strange…even Father closed the investigation…'
The investigation regarding William's death was stopped immediately, stating that there was no need to furthermore investigate.
Clifford shook his head, setting his questions aside as he continued eating happily.
After a few hours, a large crowd began gathering. Curious, Clifford asked the stall keeper, "Where is everyone going?"
"Oh, there's a show tonight. Everyone's excited, especially after last night's performance," the stall keeper replied.
Curious, Clifford stood up, wanting to see the show. "Hey, Robert, I'm going to check out the show." Clifford said, handing Robert some money.
"Have fun!" Robert replied, continuing to buy food for himself. He didn't worry about the Third Prince's safety; since no one in their right mind would challenge a three-star swordsman.
As the crowd settled, Clifford took a seat. The lights dimmed, and the play began with a narration.
---
The ocean was calm that morning, almost unnaturally so. Its surface gleamed in the pale, tentative light that slipped through the mist.
Out there, somewhere beneath those endless swells, lay the scattered remains of the great ship—pieces of iron and human memory frozen in the depths, lost to time and waves.
On the deck, a frail woman stood, her pale hair caught in the breeze as she stared toward the horizon.
She had outlived almost every name, every title given to her in her youth, and now, at the age of one hundred and one, she was simply Rosa.
---
Ethan was alone in his office, stretching as he took a break. With no one at the estate, not even his mother, who had left to watch the show, he was left in peace. Leaning back on the sofa, he rested, puffing lightly on a pipe.
"Well, I hope the show brings everyone delight," he murmured, a hint of satisfaction in his tone.
He had bought a rendered script of Tiboatnic from the system store. He had hoped that everyone would enjoy the show.
(A/n: Changed the title so I wouldn't get sued)
---
"Waaahh!" A little girl's wails filled the area. Some women were even sobbing.
"Shh, Annie." Manuel held his granddaughter, hugging her close. This was the first time she'd cried so much, even as a baby, and all because of a play.
"Waaahh! Jake!" another voice wailed. This time, it was Laure, Roch's younger sister.
Instantly, wails filled the air all around them.
Vanessa sniffled, wiping her tears. Even Vincent had to wipe his tears secretly.
After the play, the actors stood on the stage, bowing their heads.
"Rosa!" a man shouted, drawing the actress's attention.
"Jake! I love you!" a woman called out to the actor who had played Jack.
The actors couldn't help but shed a few tears as they bowed, surrounded by shouts and praises from everyone who had watched.
Marie, who played Rosa, smiled. Her family's small theater group used to perform in the territory, but after economic hardships, they lost their jobs.
Then, a month ago, the count had summoned them, requesting a play for the festival.
Their entire family worked hard, rehearsing lines tirelessly. Even Marie's husband, who played Jake, barely slept while preparing for the role. Her father, captivated by the script, had given his best performance as well.
"Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed the show!" they said in unison, before heading backstage.
---
The show ended, and some people left to rest. Vanessa was quickly escorted by Vincent back to their quarters.
Meanwhile, Clifford was still in awe of what he had seen. Standing up, he couldn't help but reenact the final moments of Rosa and Jake. 'That…was amazing.' He thought as he returned to the stall to fetch Robert, who was still munching on barbecue.
"Wow, you're back already? I was worried for a minute after hearing the shouts and cries," Robert said, stuffing his mouth with food.
"I can't believe you. How long have you been eating at this stall?" Clifford asked, holding his coin pouch, now nearly empty.
"Hmm, two hours, I guess?" Robert replied, standing up. "Anyway, let's get some sleep. We've got more stalls to visit tomorrow," he said, yawning.
Clifford followed Robert as they returned to their quarters.
Meanwhile, Veronica was escorted by Emeric. Unlike a month ago, she now wore a beautiful dress tailored by the territory's weavers. She held her fan, her eyes locked on Clifford's departing silhouette.