[To the spiteful Yuan

Did your flight go well? Though I don’t know much about flying, I wish you as much luck and peace as you’ve wished for me.

The gifts…… yes. I’ll accept them. Because we’re friends. When you put it that way, I have nothing to say.

But is it okay to just keep receiving like this? I don’t think so. I said I’d only feel at peace if I returned as much as I received, right?

I’m sending you a small gift. Nothing grand, and honestly, I’m embarrassed to even call it a gift……

I made syrup with the tea leaves you gave me. I added plenty of sugar according to my taste—do you hate things that are too sweet? I drink it by putting three spoons of syrup in a cup as big as my hand and filling it three-quarters with oat milk.

Whether winter or summer, warming it up fills even my soul. Is that too mundane a metaphor?

Making syrup is also my hobby. What do you do on your days off? With your irregular work schedule, how did you manage to come see the plays? You said you came often, not just once or twice. Priton and Roju aren’t exactly neighboring towns.

I can’t quite imagine it. How you looked, which route you took to the theater.

Oh, I heard unexpected news! This morning, when I went to the hospital to remove my cast, workers were gathered along the street. When I asked what was happening, they said they were installing heating wires in the tactile paving blocks.

Heating wires—doesn’t make sense, right? I tilted my head when I heard it too, but in summary, it’s a device that prevents snow from accumulating on the tactile paving even when it snows. They said some witches and the city hall collaborated—I wonder why? Winter is almost over.

Thanks to this, I’ll be able to walk more safely next winter. That’s really fortunate. From what I briefly heard, the mayor personally ordered it, and I’m still puzzled why that complacent gentleman would initiate such a “hands-on” project.

Well, regardless of why he suddenly changed his mind, it’s good for me. My leg has almost healed, so I should be able to return to work next week.

Perhaps it’s because sprouts are emerging, but the beginning of spring feels nice. The air that’s become soft like thin silk, the warm sunshine, even the slightly cool evening air—everything is lovely these days.

How was your day, Yuan?

March 10,

With curiosity and friendship, Perry.]

[Dear Perry

My day is absolutely perfect. You can probably guess why.

Do you know aviation law? It’s a subject pilots must pass, and I mentioned there was coordination with witches after airplanes were invented. I completed this course with a perfect score during my school years, which earned me the honor of graduating as valedictorian.

Yet even I can’t find an answer to the problem I’m currently facing.

Perry, if a person flies up into the sky because they’re too happy—under which clause should they be regulated? Would a human who isn’t a witch be subject to aviation law?

Syrup, syrup made by the actress herself! How could I possibly eat something so precious? I plan to preserve it forever. This syrup will eternally adorn my bedside.

Thank you.

March 14,

From Yuan Bellium.]

[Just eat it.

— Perry Humble]

[To Yuan

Were you surprised by my previous letter? I was so startled that I sent it in a hurry, making it too brief. It was all meant to be a joke, but were you surprised by my overly serious reaction?

I’m clumsy with jokes, so please understand.

……To clarify, I can make syrup for you anytime. There’s a reason it’s my hobby! In fact, sometimes the production speed outpaces consumption, taking over my entire refrigerator, so I’d be truly happy if you would accept it.

I have good news! I received a casting offer!

To explain precisely, it’s not a formal audition. 「A Midsummer Commotion,」 remember? The play I was in at the beginning of last year. I played the daughter of the female protagonist’s friend.

It’s currently in the middle of its run, but it seems the actor playing my role has some circumstances. I didn’t hear the details, but they’ll be absent for the last two weeks. So—

Yes! The director remembered me and urgently brought me in. Though I’m nervous about joining a cast that’s already in sync, my excitement is greater.

It’s been so long since I’ve been on stage!

The dates are April 3rd to 17th. Closed on Mondays, 8 PM on weekdays, and 2 PM and 6 PM on weekends. It might be too short notice to ask you to come from Priton, but if you have time, please come see it. Though I understand if you’re busy.

I’ll be quite busy for a while. I’ll work at my part-time job until 3 PM, then rush straight to the rehearsal studio. I still remember the script, but there are changed lines, and I need to memorize new movements and prop positions, so I’ll have to be diligent.

I’ll work hard, so please look forward to it!

March 18,

Sending a hug, Perry.]

[To my one and only actress

Work schedule adjustment complete. If I had found out just two days later, coordination would have been difficult, but fortunately, it was time to arrange the April schedule, so my opinions could be actively reflected. It’s also thanks to having accommodated other pilots’ circumstances during times when there were no performances by you.

While I can’t attend every day, I’ll watch as many shows as possible. I’ve already reserved tickets for all the dates I can definitely attend, and for uncertain dates, I plan to purchase tickets at the venue on the day.

I clearly remember 「A Midsummer Commotion.」 The spiteful Miss who teased the female protagonist. Your complex gaze subtly envying the female protagonist and your hesitant movements outside the spotlight were absolutely the best.

Though I want to ask what will be different from last year, I’ll leave that as a pleasure for the day itself.

I’m always supporting you. Please remember that.

I hope you’ll forget about my letters until the production ends. I don’t want to distract from your rehearsals even for a second.

I’ll see you at the theater.

March 23,

From Yuan Bellium.]

[To Yuan

It’s fully spring, Yuan. The wind tickling my nose carries the fresh scent of flowers.

On these beautiful spring days, why have your sentences become so stiff? They’re exactly like when you first sent a letter.

I appreciate your consideration of my schedule, but it’s not to the point of omitting replies. Though I might not be able to write as long as usual.

Rehearsals are going well. I’ve already memorized the changed script and movements—I tend to memorize faster than others. Yes, that’s a boast—and I’m learning the detailed positions of props scene by scene.

You know those moments between acts when the stage lights go out? While the audience waits for the scene change, a fleeting moment that lasts at most thirty seconds. During that time, actors change clothes, bring props in, or take them out.

Other actors might rely on glow-in-the-dark tape, but I’m at a disadvantage in that regard. It’s essential to train so I can move my assigned props even with my eyes closed. If I don’t do this, I might bump into someone or miss my grab, breaking the flow.

In 「A Midsummer Commotion,」 there are many instances of moving not just props but also from left to right or diagonally behind, so I’m being extremely careful. In my case, I have no peripheral vision at all.

Anyway, I’ll try my best so that you will be satisfied no matter which day you come. Even though my stage time will be only about fifteen minutes combining Acts 1 and 2!

March 29,

Missing the audience, Perry.]

※※※

The red curtain closed, then opened again. The actor, standing just barely within the spotlight, looked toward the audience and bowed deeply.

The two-month run of 「A Midsummer Commotion」 concluded successfully. Though it was only a small theater with 200 seats, every seat was packed with people for the final performance.

Clear beads of sweat crossed her white-powdered chin and fell. Her face, drenched in heat, was flushed. Perry, who had closed her eyes tightly then opened them, descended from the stage very slowly, lingering until the directors called her. Coming down happened in an instant.

Perry tried to catch her breath while removing her makeup and changing clothes. The excitement after a performance was accompanied by a strange mix of thrill and melancholy. It was always like that.

Will I be able to come back again? The question that always arose after the first performance stirred her heart. But there was no need to worry about that now. Perry skillfully composed her expression and stepped outside the waiting room.