Chapter 98: Contact

The epic showdown ended with the Gray Mage's victory. But, the demonstration of Hearthstone only caught some people's interest and did not cause too much of a commotion.

The nobles that came to the World Expo were all entrusted with their king's mission. They were not only here to play around. Instead, they've come here for the sake of gaining benefits for their country.

Behind the stage. The Black Swan Theatrical Troupe was honored to be invited to perform a closing show for the World Expo.

This performance was most definitely the most important performance in Gallolie's entire life. Since she received the title of 'Flower of Farucci,' this was her first time ascending onto this sort of world stage.

During the hours before the performance, Gallolie should be doing final practices with her theatrical troupe.

But, Gallolie was alone. She stood at an unremarkable corner at the back of the stage.

"I've told you, you must keep this secret for me. Especially my mother, you cannot tell her about it."

Gallolie lowered her voice and spoke with an unyielding tone. She was speaking to the elven girl standing before her.

"Yes... young miss."

Flay had a very difficult expression on her face. She was in a contract to protect Gallolie's life.

The issue lies in Gallolie's current situation. Not to mention not being able to protect Gallolie's life, Flay's own life might even be in danger.

The reason for that was because Gallolie's mother, Madam Schroder, had officially informed the Black Swan Theatrical Troupe yesterday that there will be people in the troupe that will be selected to participate in Joshua's movie filming.

When the people from the Black Swan Theatrical Troupe heard that news, a whole lot of them became extremely excited. The reason for their excitement was because 'movie,' that wholly new sort of performance, had already conquered their hearts.

After watching 'Beauty and the Demon,' all of the stage performers wished to be able to participate in the performance of a movie one day.

But to Flay, Madam Schroder's decision was akin to pushing the theatrical troupe she nurtured with meticulous care into the abyss, an abyss filled with lava. If they're not careful, the entire Black Swan Theatrical Troupe will be burned to ash. Not even a single feather will remain.

"That Joshua is a demon..."

Flay deeply desired to inform Madam Schroder Joshua's true identity and request for her to reconsider.

But, Gallolie immediately stopped her upon learning about her decision.

"Flay, both you and I had been in contact with that demon. Did you really think that he's like the demons preached by the church, a dangerous ruffian?"

Hearing Gallolie's question, the elven girl recalled her interaction with Joshua. Then, she nodded her head with extraordinary certainty.

"He's extremely dangerous! My ability... is completely useless before him."

Hearing her elven bodyguard's stubborn response, Gallolie sighed. She gave up on trying to persuade her elven bodyguard with 'Joshua is a good guy.'

She carefully thought about it. In the end, she decided to speak of her true opinion.

"Do you think people will continue to be obsessed with stage play now that movies has appeared in this world?"

Gallolie asked the question in the core of her heart.

"This..." Flay wanted to say something to comfort Gallolie. But, she found herself unable to answer Gallolie's question.

She was someone who has seen the movie 'Beauty and the Demon.' She must admit that movies were much, much more interesting than stage plays. She believed that movies will soon become popular throughout the entire world.

"I do not wish to see a future where people will only come to watch the performance of the Black Swan Theatrical Troupe because of the reputation of the Flower of Farucci... And, it might even be worse than that. That title might also fade away from people's memory over time and be replaced by the name of a certain movie's latest female lead."

Gallolie said those words in a self-mocking manner. That situation had already occurred in Norland. Belle's popularity had already surpassed her, the Flower of Farucci.

Gallolie was unwilling to accept this future... It was not only because of her competitive nature. But, before Gallolie could inform her elven bodyguard her other reason, Flay suddenly disappeared before her.

Someone came over...

"Never would I imagine that I'll be able to encounter the Flower of Farucci here."

Gallolie turned around after hearing that voice. Several well-dressed men were standing behind her. Gallolie recognized them. Among them, the person with the highest status was the crown prince from the Nation of Steel. Gallolie met him once on a ball.

"It's my honor to see Prince Tanner again."

Even Gallolie's mother, the Grand Duchess of Blackwood, would have to show respect toward this crown prince.

Having trained in the mannerisms of nobles, Gallolie naturally knew how to behave. She had a faint smile on her face as she lifted her skirt with her hands to give a graceful curtsy to the Nation of Steel's crown prince.

"There's no need to be so overly courteous. It is truly a pity. Even though I've just ran into Miss Gallolie again, I'll have to get on the stage to present my arcanotech device... I hope that I'll be able to dance with Miss Gallolie on the upcoming ball. But for now, I'll have to say goodbye."

The crown prince of the Nation of Steel and his three friends started walking toward the stage. After they left, Gallolie could faintly hear their conversation.

See? Didn't I say that the Flower of Farucci is like a porcelain doll?"

"With her being here, wouldn't that mean that we'll have to watch a boring stage play after the exhibitions are over?"

"..."

Gallolie gradually clenched her hands. Her heart was not as undisturbed as she appeared on the surface.

"Young miss..."

The elven girl's appearance gradually appeared before Gallolie. As she saw the current Gallolie, she felt that Gallolie was different from before.

"Flay, I am definitely going to be the main actress for the next movie. No one will be able to stop me, not even you," said Gallolie.

"But... I think that your mother might already know about Mister Joshua's... true identity."

Flay sensed Gallolie's determination from her voice. Gallolie does not desire to lose to anyone in acting. But, she was already fed up with acting on the stage. Joshua had opened a whole new door to Gallolie.

"She knew? How?"

Gallolie remained very calm. If her mother refused to allow her to be in contact with Joshua because he's a demon, she was prepared to run away.

"Yesterday, I... saw your mother meeting up with a strangely-dressed individual. That person seemed to be a dark elf," Flay spoke with uncertainty.

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