Eyes.
Eyes were on him no matter where he looked.
‘What kind of awkward situation is this?’
Seated to his right was a man who flashed a charming grin.
“….”
To his left sat a blonde girl, nervously fiddling with her fingers.
“….”
It was none other than Franz and Astrid.
Two people who, if he weren’t careful, could one day point a blade at his neck.
But if circumstances allowed, if the stars aligned, there was a strong chance he could influence one of them—or, ideally, both—to derail completely from the usual narrative of the game.
“I hope you don’t mind, Vanitas,” Franz began. “I know we have some matters to discuss, but it’s rare that I get the chance to spend time with my sister.”
“Of course, Lord Franz,” Vanitas said. “I understand the feeling all too well.”
Vanitas eyed Astrid for a moment.
“….”
She had been unusually quiet, occasionally pressing her tongue against the inside of her cheek. It was a subtle gesture he recognized. Something she did when she was troubled.
Vanitas could understand her discomfort to a certain extent. It was like having one’s guardian meet their teacher at a parent-teacher conference.
Not as if he could truly relate to it.
“Have you heard, Vanitas?” Franz asked from beside him. “The Saintess has been chosen.”
“….’
Vanitas paused, processing the words.
The Saintess.
‘Selena….’
A woman with the ability to foresee tragedies before they occurred. This power alone was a heavy burden on the mind. Perhaps, at this moment, Selena found comfort in the lives she had already saved before the game’s narrative began.
But it wouldn’t last. Sooner or later, she would learn the harsh truth.
Not all tragedies could be prevented.
In any case, the announcement of the Saintess’s inauguration signaled a key event. It was the bulletin that marked the beginning of the game’s main act.
From this point on, the narrative paths could shift in countless ways.
Even for Chae Eun-woo, who had played the game countless times, predicting every key event was impossible.
It was like throwing a stone into a lake.
Plop.
One small ripple could spread outward.
Plop. Plop. Plop….
Altering the course of events in unpredictable ways.
“Is that so?” Vanitas responded.
As they continued to converse, 7 P.M. arrived before they even realized it.
Flick. Flick—!
The lights dimmed one by one. Moments later, the curtains slowly pulled away, revealing the theater stage.
‘Show me what you want to show me, Silas Ainsley.’
Vanitas crossed his arms and leaned back in his seat.
‘Prove to me why I shouldn’t destroy your opportunities for using my sister against me.’
At the center of the stage, an actress made her entrance.
Tak. Tak——!
With each click of her footsteps, the air around her seemed to radiate. Her elegance and beauty stood out even amongst the other actors that even celebrities in the entertainment industry couldn’t help but admire her.
Charlotte Vanessa Astrea.
Her presence alone immediately drew attention.
And with that, the play began.
Für Elise.
* * *
Flick. Flick—!
The play opened with Elise’s life at the orphanage. This part of the story ran for about twenty minutes before her character was adopted into the Aiselle Earl Family at thirteen years old.
On stage, Charlotte—or rather, Elise—began to speak.
——Yes, Father, Mother. From now on, I am Elise Aiselle.
Her voice was soft, flowing smoothly into the ears of the audience.
Standing before her were her fellow club members, Jahlen and Veronica, portraying Elise’s adoptive parents.
The audience was already captivated by Elise’s stunning visuals and eloquence. Even a celebrity in the crowd couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
——Get along well with your new sister, Siegmund. She’s five years older than you.
——Yes.
Her new younger brother, Siegmund—portrayed by Zack, who was on the shorter side for a man—stood beside her. He was about five years younger than Elise, but seemed like a stern child.
From his mannerisms and expressions, the audience could tell that he did not accept this new sister of his.
——Nice to meet you, Siegmund.
Elise spoke gently, offering a kind smile. Siegmund, however, barely reacted. He gave a short nod and avoided her gaze.
——Likewise.
In the background, the soft melody of a piano began to play, setting the atmosphere.
A magic projector enhanced the scene, projecting a realistic 3D illusion that brought the setting to life.
Elise turned to face her adoptive parents once more as the mother figure stepped forward.
——Elise, you are now a part of our family. We expect you to uphold our name with grace and diligence.
——Yes, Mother. I will do my best.
The scene shifted. Elise spoke playfully, as if conversing with the audience, flowing the words out of her lips gracefully like rythmatic lyrics.
She even approached the front row to ask questions and locked eyes with the Imperial Prince, Franz.
Her boldness made Franz chuckle.
Vanitas leaned back, feeling a sense of pride. He had witnessed Charlotte’s efforts firsthand, even volunteering to be her practice audience during rehearsals.
Method acting.
It was a technique Charlotte had thoroughly studied, jotting down notes on how to fully immerse herself in her character.
To become Elise in every way.
“Since it’s your sister,” Franz began. “Perhaps you have some talent in acting too, Vanitas?”
Vanitas chuckled lightly. “Not at all. This is entirely my sister’s work.”
“She’s a natural. Her talent is simply splendid,” Franz commented.
But deep down, he knew that wasn’t entirely true.
If he had to admit it, method acting had been the genre of his entire life. He had worn more names, more faces, and played more roles than he had ever lived as Chae Eun-woo.
Even now, he was still in a play—fully immersed in the role of Vanitas Astrea.
——Ah, Siegmund. Could you help me? This place is quite big. I don’t know where the library is.
Elise turned to her adoptive younger brother, Siegmund. It was her second day in the mansion. Although she had already been given a tour, it was easy to get lost in such a large estate.
——Find it yourself.
——….
Siegmund’s response was cold and dismissive as he turned and walked away, leaving Elise standing there, momentarily downcast.
But she didn’t let it keep her down for long. Determined to earn his trust and acceptance, she quickly stepped forward and gently grabbed his shoulder.
——Wait, Siegmund. I just want to talk to you. We’re family now, right?
Siegmund froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard by her persistence. He turned slowly, giving Elise an annoyed look.
——Family? You were brought here because they needed you for something. Don’t think that makes us siblings.
The audience was fully engrossed in the tension between the two characters. Elise’s expression softened. The pain of rejection behind her eyes was evident.
——Maybe not by blood, but…. I want to be your sister, Siegmund.
Her words were simple yet sincere. For a moment, Siegmund’s gaze softened—but just as quickly, his eyes narrowed like daggers.
——Do whatever you want. Just don’t expect me to care.
Once more, the scene shifted. Elise stood alone on the stage, turning to face the audience.
——I understand. It’s not easy for a child to fully accept a significant change in their household. Don’t you agree?
——Yes!
——I do! I do!
——Just like when my wife left me! Haha!
The unexpected comment from an audience member momentarily stunned Elise. However, she quickly composed herself, maintaining full control over her expressions and emotions, as though it had been part of the performance all along.
Flick. Flick——!
The scene shifted once more. Elise continued her days, gradually settling into her new routine at the Aiselle Earl Household as she poured in the efforts to balance her time between studies and lessons on noble etiquette.
Some days were difficult. There were moments when she struggled to grasp the material, leaving her feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.
However, by the thirty-five-minute mark of the play, Elise’s efforts paid off.
Her home studies came to an end, and she received certification for completing her elementary education.
With that milestone behind her, Elise officially advanced to high school.
Then, the curtains fell and enveloped the stage.
End of Act One.
* * *
After Act One, Charlotte took a deep breath backstage. Zack, who portrayed as Siegmund stood nearby. The two were immediately surrounded by staff.
“You’re doing great, Charlotte!”
“Yeah, seriously! Did you see the look on their faces?” another staff added. “You’ve got them hooked!”
Charlotte smiled, though her nerves were still lingering. “Thanks. I was worried I might’ve stumbled during that last scene.”
“Not at all,” Zack reassured her. “You handled it perfectly. Especially when that guy from the audience shouted that random comment earlier.”
Charlotte chuckled. “Yeah, that threw me off for a second. But I’m glad it didn’t ruin the flow.”
A few moments later, more staff arrived, handing out refreshments to the actors.
Charlotte took a water bottle and sipped from it before receiving her next costume.
It was a high school uniform. Zack was given his costume as well.
Charlotte headed to the changing room and quickly slipped into her new outfit. Once she stepped out, the makeup artists moved in, touching up her face and adjusting her hair to match the new character look.
“Hold still.”
Meanwhile, Zack emerged from his own changing area, adjusting his tie as a wardrobe assistant fussed over his collar.
“Man, I always forget how tight these uniforms can be.”
Charlotte laughed. “At least you don’t have to deal with layers of ribbons and skirts.”
“Fair point.”
Suddenly, Silas appeared, fully dressed in his Professor Valen attire—a black overcoat, neatly tailored, with his hair styled in curtain bangs.
He had even added a small mole beneath his right eye, completing the look down to the smallest detail.
“….”
Charlotte pursed her lips.
She had asked him once, ‘I know this might sound strange, but did you get your inspiration for Valen from Professor Vanitas?’
To which Silas had responded with, ‘Professor Vanitas? Why would you think that?’
‘I just get the feeling.’
‘No, not at all. Professor Valen was inspired by a character in a novel I read.’
‘….Is that so?’
Charlotte hadn’t believed him for a second. Still, the thought was ridiculous enough that she brushed it off.
Yet, the unease lingered.
‘Then let me rephrase my question….’
She had been turning the idea over in her mind for a while now, despite how absurd it seemed.
Für Elise was a real classical piece with a story behind its composition. However, Silas had completely reimagined and transformed that story into his own.
Thus, she posed the question.
‘Is your appropriation of Für Elise based on a true story—’
——All right, everyone! Act Two starts in ten minutes. Positions in seven!
The sudden announcement snapped Charlotte out of her thoughts. She shook her head lightly and glanced around. The actors for Act Two were already dressed and in position.
Charlotte clutched the amulet on her neck and took a steady breath.
Flick. Flick—!
Ten minutes later, Act Two began.
* * *
“What do you think the writer is trying to convey, Vanitas?” Franz asked.
“I’m not entirely sure,” Vanitas admitted. “But from the title, it seems to be inspired by the piano arrangement of the same name.”
“Indeed.” Franz nodded. “If we follow that line of thought, the play may carry the themes of a love triangle. Did you know that Elise wasn’t even the name of the student in the original piece?”
“Yes,” Vanitas replied. “If I remember correctly, her name was Therese.”
“You know your classical music,” Franz remarked with a smile.
“I just read a lot.”
As a spy, Chae Eun-woo had once infiltrated high-profile parties disguised as a musician, mingling with elite figures from the highest social circles such as; executives, government officials, celebrities, and more.
Knowing his music well had been a necessity for success in those operations.
“Who do you think will be part of the love triangle in this play?” Franz asked.
Vanitas sighed inwardly. He really does talk a lot. ‘Just enjoy the play already. You’re just ruining it for yourself.’
“Well, for one, obviously Elise,” Vanitas replied. “But from the subtle hints so far, I’m led to believe Siegmund is also involved.”
“Siegmund, huh?” Franz mused. “From what we’ve seen, Elise seems far more capable in magic than most of her peers. It looks like the Aiselle Family is heavily investing in her. Meanwhile, Siegmund seems to be struggling—”
Franz’s brows lifted slightly as realization struck him.
“Ah, I see. It’s a political move. Poor girl, her adoptive parents seem to be putting a lot of pressure on her,” Franz said.
Vanitas nodded. “It does appear that way.”
“Then, who do you think completes the triangle?”
Vanitas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “The play’s second act seems to be closing on her high school life. So, I’d say the next major segment will focus on her university years.”
“Oh, so perhaps she’ll find a love interest in university?” Franz suggested.
“Exactly,” Vanitas nodded.
“Hmm… based on the theme of Für Elise, the wealthy noble would likely be Siegmund. As for the other figure…. a mentor, perhaps? If my memory serves me right,” Franz said
“That’s correct.”
The two exchanged a knowing glance, as if their thoughts were aligning.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Franz asked.
“Yes.”
They nodded in unison.
——A professor.
“Eh!?”
Astrid, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly flinched in her seat, hearing the same word come out of the two men’s mouth in unison.
She stole a quick glance at Vanitas before quickly turning her attention back to the stage.
“….?”
Her ears were awfully red for some reason.