The interviewer who came to the stage was handpicked by Noelle, and had already been briefed on the questions she needed to raise as well as the points she needed to emphasize according to Emilia’s requirements.
Of course, the first person she interviewed was not the lead actor, but the director.
”Miss, your play was titled ‘The Princess, The Witch, and The Frog’, was it inspired by the classic with a similar name?”
The petite ‘director’ rubbed her nose in embarrassment. “To an extent, yes, but ‘The Frog’ in the title does not refer to the prince at all, but is part of the idiom ‘Frog at the bottom of a well’, and the purpose here—”
”—that’s all I have to say. Actually, I’m not very good with words, so if you want to know more, just ask Emilia. She not only helped me with the story, but also played the main character.”
The interviewer knew it was her turn to start the act. She quickly agreed and hurriedly shuffled over to Emilia, trying her best to hide her nervousness.
Although she had already seen their little boss quite a few times by now, and was well aware of her charms, the interviewer had to admit that being so close to the crimson-haired beauty really had a completely different level of impact.
The purplish-blue eyes that seemed cold as glaciers from afar seemed more like rare, delicate gems from up close, and those rose petal lips seemed so soft and fragrant that it was hard to remain professional and avoid staring at them for too long.
The fact that she hadn’t rushed forward to take a bite should already be worthy of a reward, right?
When Emilia smiled, the interviewer almost forgot what she was here for, and started introducing herself instead.
Fortunately, she recovered just in time, feeling cold sweat on her back when she recalled how close she had been to messing everything up. ‘I-It’s true that beauty is the source of calamity, ah! I almost lost my job!’
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Everyone knew that the live broadcast of the Imperial Academy’s Annual Events was an extravagant show of the White Deer’s doting on their little princess, but no one managed to guess the program’s true purpose.
Far from Emilia’s home, in the Blue Dawn Republic, the advertisements and marketing carried out by the show team were hundreds of times more meticulous than anyone could have expected.
From posters and billboards to online advertisements, and even making promises of freebies and gift vouchers, Noelle’s team did everything they could to make sure that a majority of the Blue Dawn Republic’s population would end up checking their show out.
Perhaps it was the result of all these efforts, or the depressing situation of the country, that led most people hoping to find a source of distraction, but on the day of the live broadcast, the viewership was so high that even Noelle didn’t dare to believe that the numbers were right.
Fortunately, with Emilia personally participating in the show, the first day didn’t turn out to be a disappointment, or their marketing might not have had such a good effect.
The camera crew and editors Noelle arranged for the show were also some of the best in the world, and knew just which angle each scene should be shot from and what kind of lighting and effect it should have for maximum impact.
If the people who watched the performance live were entertained, then those who watched the broadcast could be said to be truly impressed.
As expected of the Imperial Academy, not only was the script original, but all the props and actors were also top-notch. Whether it was their appearance or aura, few could find faults at a glance.
For people from a developing country on decline, it was impossible not to be envious of others’ good fortune. But at the same time, there was a faint kindling of hope in their hearts as well. If the rumors were to be believed… their situation wasn’t as hopeless as it seemed.
Everyone had already been watching ‘Emilia White’ closely before the show started, and their scrutiny of the girl was even more severe once she was on screen. But no matter whether it was her appearance or bearing, it was enough to leave them speechless.
Moreover, the girl even seemed to be extremely athletic and full of talent, making many stare at her in both envy and admiration.
Was it really true that money could buy anything?
The curiosity people had for this little princess of the White Deer Corporation seemed to be getting stronger and stronger.
The interview on the screen continued regardless of their thoughts, and soon a question came that aroused people’s appetite.
”While I was watching, I couldn’t help but notice that some of the actors were switched during the performance. Did something happen?”
Emilia nodded generously. “Yes. My friend, Hazel, who was playing the princess before, ended up twisting her leg. And while it wasn’t necessary before, thanks to multiple rehearsals, the changes required the director to stay back and supervise everything herself, so Penny had to step in and act as the witch.”
The interviewer seemed to be momentarily stunned before she regained her senses. “Wow… I can’t believe that you switched out two of the most crucial characters of the show, and still managed to do so well?!”
The crimson-haired girl smiled. “I believe that we should always be prepared to face difficulties, so we already practiced before.”
Those who had been waiting for some spicy gossip couldn’t help but deflate in disappointment. With her frank attitude, it seemed unlikely that there was such a conspiracy.
Of course, many still sneered, thinking that maybe the ‘rich missy’ didn’t want to take a risk with her image at first, but only jumped in halfway through after she saw the play being well received.
For most people, however, the way she managed to keep everything going so well despite the unexpected events showed her ability to adapt and prepare for disasters.
After all, most of the show was focused on her, and while it was easy to overlook other people’s mistakes, hers would be magnified hundreds of times.
The interviewer coughed. “I-I’m not sure if this is an embarrassing question for you, so please feel free not to answer if you wish. But would it be possible to offer some insight into why the princess insisted on marrying the little witch? Was there any special meaning behind it?”
Emilia nodded. “The reason… yes. At first, she was only interested in her because she was ‘stronger’ than herself. The princess was dazzled by her spells and potions, and admired and respected this ‘strength’ greatly in her heart. Moreover, the little witch showed her benevolence by rescuing her, remember?”
The interviewer nodded. “Oh, yes. But was there any need to marry her?”
The crimson-haired girl smiled. “Maybe it was only a whim at first, her own childish way to avoid her father’s nagging to marry her and bring back and tie down the witch at the same time. But once Perry landed in a crisis… that whim changed to determination.”
The interviewer couldn’t help but scratch her head curiously. “Why? Wouldn’t it be better to distance herself first and then investigate the actual cause of her father’s death?”
Emilia shook her head in denial. “The princess had felt the heart of the witch when she interacted with her for so many days. How could she abandon her at such a moment just to preserve her own reputation? Princess Emily’s marriage to the little witch was proof that not only did she not fear change and public scrutiny, but fearlessly embraced it for the sake of clearing Perry’s name.”
The interviewer tilted her head curiously. “But the princess just ascended the throne, and the people didn’t like the witch, right?”
The crimson-haired girl smiled. “No doubt, the people of the Cornflower kingdom didn’t like the little witch at first, but so what? The princess was willing to protect her even when people accused her of treason and the murder of the king, so who would dare to look down on her later?”
”What if the princess was wrong?”
Emilia sighed. “Since she truly believed it with all her heart, even if she ended up losing her life in the end, she would naturally have no regrets.”
All her responses were gentle and soft, but they perfectly displayed both her temperament and attitude in a clear-cut way, and even the most critical viewers couldn’t help but be slightly impressed.
They had to admit, if nothing else, this little princess did know how to speak.
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