Mid-January.

Ikelite Opera House.

Situated near the Yala Moat in the north of the city-state and the south bank of Riverport Bridge, the Ikelite Opera House serves as a multifunctional performing arts center in the Royal Capital of Hutton Kingdom, and is one of the most famous and iconic buildings of the South Continent.

Designed a century ago by the architect Jera, it features a series of starry night-like roof structures resembling ship sails, set on a massive blue granite base, seemingly ready to set sail amidst the stars.

Today, on a weekday afternoon.

The Bulida Theater Troupe is rehearsing here.

"Why are you sitting in my room, Miss Half-Demon?"

The male lead, playing a Demon Race Governor, asks the female lead sitting on a chair on the other side of the stage.

The scene is arranged as a noble mansion's room, with the chandelier hanging from the ceiling illuminating the entire bedroom. Deep red velvet sofas and chairs are set by the fireplace, where wood crackles warmly. Even without seeing the snow outside the window, the audience can feel the coziness of this winter manor.

"Because I'm your fiancée."

The Half-witch Noble Lady sits in a vintage leather chair, the curtain pulled down behind her. The light from outside can barely seep through the fine deep red gauze into the room.

She appears as both a debt collector and one with reasoned upbringing, speaking gently to the Demon Race Governor.

"What would it take for you to stop entangling with me?"

The Demon Race Governor helplessly covered his forehead with a raised hand. He had knocked on the door earlier, hoping the butler would send the lady away, but even the butler was unable to do so, leaving him to talk to her here reluctantly.

"..."

The Half-witch Lady gazed at the Governor's expression, seemingly showing a hint of sadness and remorse in her eyes.

Yet to ask her to give up now was not something that could be resolved with just a nod.

They had been so close before, and now he seemed to have forgotten her as if he had lost his memory.

Finally, she stood up in compromise, looking at the Governor.

"I hope you can unravel the mystery of who cursed you, causing you to constantly forget me."

The copper floor lamp stood beside her, she said,

"Even if by then you still cannot remember me, I will persuade my family not to trouble you with this engagement."

Fairies symbolizing good fortune chased each other on the lampshade, seemingly moving with the light and shadow on the two of them.

The stage performance continued.

Sparse figures in the audience seats, Antanas and Sinola reached into the popcorn bucket while watching the rehearsal, whispering to each other.

"They're acting really well."

"It doesn't feel like a farce at all."

Antanas and Sinola accompanied Hyperion here.

"Are you implying there's someone who doesn't act well and resembles a farce…"

The Bingxue Witch mumbled from the side.

She was also on break today, just happened to come to watch the rehearsal, or rather, see it in advance so she could be more composed during her date without being surprised by the day's performance.

"..."

Pranay wiped his glasses; since returning to Ikelite, he had been wearing glasses and carrying a cloth with him.

Pranay, the historical advisor of the troupe, was also present today.

However, he was seated very calmly today.

Just from seeing Pranay, Antanas knew this play was safe, allowing them to speak freely.

Apart from the four of them who had watched the public screening of the Great Demon Clan in Nistrello City last time, there was another member of the Great Demon Clan present today.

Their friend Tolyado was working backstage as the labor musician.

As an employee of the troupe, he had finally returned to Ikelite, a place he had wanted to visit but didn't dare come to initially.

Abigail still hadn't forgiven the Dimensional Bishop for the matter involving twenty thousand pounds, and this time, she wouldn't let him run around during the performance, causing any issues, so he could only honestly conduct the string orchestra and play according to the circumstances.

"Tolyado knows better how to score music, and can even improvise based on special situations."

Antanas listened to the background music of each scene, commenting.

Actually, in Demon World General Yabo's music style was more free-spirited, abstract, and whimsical, but once he settled down to compose for his opera, he could also produce heartfelt musical pieces.

"Seeing him so quiet, he seems unfamiliar to me."

Sinola tilted her head, blocked her mouth, and said.

"In the scenario where the debtor is capable, the one who owes money becomes subservient, you see, when Tata mentions debt, Lanci will also break down."

Antanas stated the truth.

"Although Yabo is usually unreliable, he does indeed have a talent for opera performances."

Pranay spoke objectively for their Demon World friend.

Having been working in the troupe for a while, Pranay knew that director Abigail would definitely keep Tolyado tied to the theater this time to avoid the situation where he couldn't be found during the critical moment before last performance began.

"Dimensional Branch has already been an old troupe, and those who work in intelligence are this way."

Bingxue Witch nodded in agreement.

The Dimensional Branch itself was a troupe that often infiltrated into various places, posing as employees of different units. Back in Demon World, General Yabo's subordinates used to infiltrate human kingdoms to carry out tasks.

"Have you all read 'The Holy War Roman History'? Should I catch up on the original before watching?"

Antanas asked the three Great Demon Clan members beside him.

Today, the Great Demon Clan had five members present, watching this rehearsal which was not open to the public.