More specifically, it’s like another personality of one person? It could be called a persona, but it’s not a perfect match. If Yuan is serious about theater—don’t deny it. Someone who doesn’t care about theater doesn’t search for magazines—it’s a kind of concept, an imaginary friend, something like that. The conflict escalates as this imaginary friend increasingly interferes with reality in unwanted ways.

Doesn’t it sound interesting? I heard the Royal Theater has been planning and preparing this work for five years. Most of the cast has been decided, and once they fill the remaining roles with this audition, they’ll start rehearsals right away.

This is my first time balancing audition preparation with an ongoing production, so I need to manage my time well. I can’t neglect my current play while preparing for another work.

Phew, I’m so, so nervous. I really, really want this. Plus, if it’s the Royal Theater, Gardrin Sol herself will direct! Remember? The great actor who inspired me to dream of becoming an actor! She’ll be both director and producer, which I’m very excited about.

Of course, I need to get the part first.

Wish me luck. Though knowing you, you’re probably praying harder than I am without me asking.

Who do you pray to when you need to pray, Yuan? If it’s effective, I’d like to try it too.

Sweet dreams to you too.

Today, I’ll be the one wishing you good luck.

July 16,

From your eternal actor.]

[Dear Perry

Thanks to you, I had a good dream. Contrary to your expectations, my audience life isn’t that long, but I do know something about “concepts” appearing in plays. Traditionally, death, love, betrayal, and the like have appeared as personified entities in theater.

As a layman, I think it’s a role with various interpretations possible. That makes the actor’s capabilities all the more important. But you would know better.

For the Royal Theater, I must secure the very front row. As a building constructed hundreds of years ago, its seating structure is notoriously bad. As you know, even just ten years ago there wasn’t even a ramp for wheelchairs to enter. Fortunately, it’s been modernized now, but…… the distance between stage and audience can’t be fixed.

I remember the booking method was more complicated than other theaters. Did we have to write our top three seat choices and send them by letter? I’ll confirm this later.

More importantly, I have something to ask.

Perry, are you available on August 3rd? I received an invitation, but unfortunately it overlaps with my work day. Moreover, it’s not really appropriate for me to attend.

Oh, I swear it’s nothing suspicious. It’s an ordinary party where many artists gather. Have you heard of the social party that writer Milaina holds once a year?

I’ve never been, but I’ve heard it’s good for getting advice or making connections. The atmosphere itself is also wholesome.

Given the tight schedule, I’m enclosing the invitation. Of course, you don’t have to attend. Please don’t worry about me and decide comfortably.

If you need formal attire and accessories, I’ll arrange everything. No, if you don’t say ‘I hate it,’ I’ll send a package soon.

I await your reply.

July 20,

Yuan.

P.S. I don’t have a specific deity I pray to. I do think of someone who gives me strength, though.]

[I’ll take the invitation. The package is fine!

—Perry]

[To the kind Mr. Yuan Bellium,

My reply is a bit late, sorry! I’ve been busy in various ways. Now that 「Parade Night」 has ended, I can focus solely on the audition for a while!

I received the invitation you gave me. Of course I should go. Are you kidding? As an actor, no, as someone who dreams of being an actor, no one wouldn’t know about Milaina’s party.

I heard she only sends invitations to notable people, so I’m curious how you obtained this invitation…… but I won’t pry further! In my experience, you would probably evade or change the subject. Well, this must be just another connection from your wide network.

Next time, I’ll definitely earn an invitation on my own! For now, I’ll gratefully enjoy this opportunity.

And! Thank you for worrying about my attire, but I’ve taken care of everything. I’m capable of that much now.

That said, I couldn’t formally commission a dress or suit from a tailor. Instead, I visited a useful place for people like me. Can you guess where?

That’s right,

A dress rental shop!

Don’t underestimate rental shops. A decent dress there costs more than dresses in department stores.

I considered buying one since I received the invitation, but the price was astronomical. Though I no longer worry about rent or fret over my account book, I couldn’t readily spend more than a year’s rent. It would be an extravagance beyond my means.

Above all, even if I had such a beautiful dress in my closet, could I properly maintain it? I’d probably end up crying and disposing of it after wearing it just a few times.

The rental shop was the right choice for me. So what if others have worn it a few times? Even theater costumes are always worn by previous actors when you’re playing bit parts.

A fellow actor recommended a place too. Oh, and guess who I met nearby? It was Jin!

I stopped him just as he was about to run to the train station. It was truly coincidental! He said he had briefly stopped in Roju for some business. And now it was time for him to return.

After a moment’s hesitation, I asked if he could take the next train. Oh, but I’m telling you in advance, it wasn’t forceful at all! I politely gauged his willingness. He seemed puzzled but readily agreed when I said I needed the young master’s eye.

Have I told you, Yuan? That Jin is a young master from a wealthy family. I don’t know if he’s truly wealthy, but judging by his ingrained manners and maintained attire, he seems like a typical young master. If he had been born three hundred years ago, he would surely have been a prince of some castle! Like a fairy tale prince riding a white horse, looking after his people.

I’ll take the dress rental shop! I felt relieved to have someone to help me. I’ve never had occasion to wear such a dress in my life! At first I thought about wearing a suit, but there were hardly any bright-colored options. Even those were already reserved in my size.

You wouldn’t believe how many dresses I tried on! I must have put on and taken off at least ten. From what I remember now, there was a light yellow dress with exposed shoulders, an elegant purple dress that covered my feet, a pink dress with puffy shoulders like cotton candy……

Jin examined the dresses even more meticulously than I did. And guess what he said? He asked if he could buy one for me!

Haha. What do you think I said to that?

I refused, of course. A cup of coffee is one thing, but a gift of clothing is…… strange, isn’t it? Especially for people who’ve only known each other for barely ten years. We’re not even dating.

Anyway, I chose a good dress. It’s layered with sky blue and light purple fabric, falls just above the ankle so it’s not difficult to walk in, and the material is cool enough to handle August heat. The back is quite low-cut, but it suits me perfectly!

Jin, being the young master he is, recommended something less revealing while still admitting that dress looked best on me. He did suggest a jacket to wear over it.

I’m still wondering how to do my hair…… Hmm, I’ll have to think hard about it in the time I have left.

I’ll have a good time, Yuan. After all, I’m your favorite actor.

July 30,

With all my heart, Perry.

P.S. Come to think of it, Jin had a cast on! I was worried I’d inconvenienced him, but he told me not to worry since he’s ambidextrous.

P.P.S. I wanted to treat him to coffee as thanks, but he hurried off saying his train was about to leave. Next time we meet, I should buy him a meal, right? Yes, I should. Or would a thank-you gift be better? Though I’m not sure if it would match his taste…… He was wearing the same tie pin as you that day. I can’t be certain, but I think he always wears that pin whenever he ties a tie. Perhaps his taste isn’t as particular as I thought? Hmm, it’s difficult.

P.P.P.S. You know, shouldn’t you be able to easily get complimentary tickets for my first leading role? The thought of a friend going through all those troublesome booking procedures brings tears to my eyes.]