P.P.S. Invitation tickets—just imagining it makes me tremble. But if possible, I’d like to purchase my own ticket. It’s absolutely not because I want to reject your kindness. Please understand how much satisfaction and fulfillment I feel from the act of buying a ticket. However, if the unfortunate event of not being able to get a ticket occurs, please understand that I might act a bit more shameless as your first fan.

P.P.P.S. Besides those unpleasant types, what about the other actors? Is there anyone you’ve become friends with or are interested in?]

[To Yuan

Oh, Yuan! You seem determined to turn me into a spoiled actress. Otherwise, why would you act so sweet, like golden chocolate on my tongue? Since it’s clear I’d be in trouble if I only relied on you, I’ll have to take the initiative to stay grounded.

And I don’t recommend bread with burnt edges…… but since it’s probably already well-digested in your stomach, I’ll spare my words. Actually, I’m not very skilled in baking either. I have a favorite bakery that I visit up to twice a day when I can.

It’s run by an elderly man with white hair and his daughter, and I’ve been a regular since I entered school. Personally, I think their bagels and croissants are excellent! Of course, I try their new items whenever they come out. As a regular customer benefit, I often receive more free items than what I purchase.

Today, I ate a bagel from that bakery, a salad loaded with tomatoes, butternut squash soup, and grilled tempeh. As you might have guessed from this menu, I really, really love vegetables. Especially if they’re in season, I don’t discriminate between fruits or vegetables.

When I have free time, I make three bottles of salad dressing at once. Lately I’ve been neglecting this habit since I’m juggling the workshop and part-time job. Fortunately, I sometimes get leftover food from the restaurant, so I don’t worry too much about meals.

You should know the place since you recommended it, right? How amazing the chef’s skills are!

And, oh! You asked if I’ve become friends with anyone?

Not at all.

The workshop curriculum is extremely useful, and the instructors are all extraordinary people, but unfortunately, I haven’t found anyone I click with.

It feels like there’s an invisible line drawn. Perhaps it’s because many of them come from the same theater companies or drama schools. And I’m not proactive enough to break the ice.

Some people whisper that I’m “not quite right” for this workshop. But when everyone got in through the same fair audition process, who can validate anyone else? If they have time for such gossip, they should focus on their assignments.

Oh, just to clarify in case you’re wondering, I wasn’t hurt by this. So don’t comfort me. A thoughtful person like you would worry even if I say this, but I’m truly fine.

Tomorrow, we’ll choose the production and our roles for the showcase. It will be determined by recommendations from the instructors—our seniors—and participants, so wish me luck.

June 8,

Debating whether to have a late-night snack, Perry.]

[Oh my goodness, Yuan!

I have so much to say but no time, so I’m hastily writing a few words.

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, OH MY GOODNESS!

Did you think I wouldn’t recognize it was you because it was anonymous? Did you think I wouldn’t notice when there was a white card with typewritten text saying “For Actress Perry Humble”?

I was so surprised when I went to the rehearsal room as usual. While others were asking “what is this,” I dumbly asked “what is that?” in return!

You asked what my favorite foods were, and it was all for planning this? I’ll praise your thoroughness.

If it had come before the roles were assigned, it might have looked like I was bribing everyone! Fortunately, the production and roles were decided three days ago, so there was less suspicion.

I thought only major actors received such catering services! I couldn’t see clearly, but I vividly heard people’s jaws dropping.

Of course, there was enough food for all the actors and theater staff, with plenty left over!

When did you secretly contact the theater company and prepare all this? I only sent my letter eight days ago!

……Perhaps you had already coordinated with the restaurant and just incorporated my preferences at the end?

I shouldn’t say this, but…… yes, honestly, I liked it. It was quite satisfying.

Those people who boasted about what their fans did for them during every break were particularly quiet today. Though I felt awkward receiving all the thanks when you did all the preparation.

But you don’t need to go to such extremes next time. Though your sense of money seems quite, very different from mine. What if I get used to such kindness?

An arrogant actress who takes your kindness for granted and demands more while giving you the cold shoulder.

I meant to write briefly, but I’ve failed completely. The food was really delicious. I could almost understand why those unpleasant people keep bragging about their wristwatches and acting so pompous.

Because I too feel like detailing today’s events in a newspaper advertisement if I’m not careful.

Anyway, thank you. Even though you weren’t on stage, it felt like you were in the same space as me. Should I say it felt reassuring?

But really, really, you don’t have to do this next time.

Thank you.

— Your friend, Perry.]

[Dear Perry

I’ll accept your thanks, but I must decline your concerns. Haven’t I repeatedly said that your existence is my joy? Though this statement is a bit cautious, you worry too much.

Right after receiving your letter, I was going to deny it…… but that seems futile. It was my mistake to underestimate your insight. Next time, I’ll prepare more thoroughly.

I’m glad the food suited your taste. I had selected three restaurants that provide catering services, but they all tasted similar to me.

In the end, I sought help from my cousin who has expertise in fine dining. It seems like it was a good decision. To add, I welcome both arrogant Perry Humble and haughty Perry Humble anytime.

More than that, I want to hear about your showcase production. Though I’m sure you would perfectly portray any role, for precisely the same reason, my curiosity grows daily. Even a colleague having breakfast with me remarked, “Why are you fidgeting like someone about to collect lottery winnings?”

I hope the returning letter contains answers. It’s clear I won’t be able to sleep until I receive a reply.

June 14,

Yuan.

P.S. Since there’s nothing about me, I’ll add briefly. It’s been a succession of peaceful days. Except for when my aunt called for a family meal.

I’ll probably visit the capital within a month. Is there anything you need? Though Roju is a big city too, everything arrives faster in the capital. Summer gloves or parasols, perfume…… or perhaps a 50-year-old script only available in secondhand bookstores?

P.P.S. I’m asking as a friend. When visiting different regions, it’s customary to exchange a gift or two. Isn’t that right, Perry?]

[To Captain Yuan Bellium

Were you surprised by the addressee? If so, success! Since you often use respectful titles like “actress,” I wanted to return the favor equally. How does it feel?

I wanted to reply sooner, but things became chaotic…… Do you know what happened in the two weeks since I read your letter and sat back at my desk?

Let me summarize neatly for the busy Captain Bellium.

First. Bria Sol’s visit to the workshop.

Second. Perry Humble’s role change incident.

Let me explain the first one step by step. You know who Bria Sol is, right? Anyone who knows anything about theater couldn’t possibly not know her!

And even if you’re a theater novice, you must know the name Gardrin Sol. That great actor! They say she’s unprecedented in the kingdom’s theater history! She’s currently the director of the Royal Theater Company. Bria Sol is Gardrin Sol’s daughter.

She’s about my age, but she’s been on stage since she was seven years old. In terms of experience, she’s an incredibly senior colleague. How could I not be excited when such a person visited the workshop? I was truly beside myself.

She was literally a stunning beauty. Luscious blonde hair and violet eyes like embedded jewels…… She looked exactly like Gardrin in her prime.

Thanks to her making eye contact with each actor one by one, I was able to examine that “painting-like” face in detail. It would have been more certain if I could touch it, but I didn’t have the courage to be that bold.

Have I mentioned it before? That the reason I decided to become an actress was because of Gardrin Sol. Plus, hearing that Bria Sol, who is my age, was already actively performing, was enough to inspire a country kid like me.

Actress Sol was extremely kind. Even after watching our performances that must have seemed lacking to an experienced actress’s eyes, she left kind advice.