Chapter 3.1 – Such a Wicked Yet Happy Day

The brilliant lights of the Flavium Theater illuminated the city’s night. The crimson-tinged sky at dusk signaled the return of the night’s ruler. Beneath the dazzling chandeliers, which seemed as though they might spill over with crystal brilliance, two hosts welcomed their guests. 

When Edgar Wharton escorted the Duke’s young lady inside, Lady Wharton greeted the guests with a smile. Her gaze llingered on the future owner of the Flavium Theater and the Duke’s young lady standing side by side. The noble elegance of the Duke’s young lady added an air of dignity to the theater’s grandeur.

Lady Wharton, while estimating the day when the two would become husband and wife, refrained from prematurely broaching the subject of their engagement. Patience was key in negotiations. Showing haste would be akin to revealing all one’s cards. 

Olivia surveyed the grand theater, from the ceiling frescoes depicting gods and angels to the fan-shaped marble staircase.

“This theater is truly beautiful. I can see why people dream of spending a night at the Flavium Theater.”

“A great deal of effort went into its construction. The goal was to ensure that the audience could experience a sense of wonder, not just on stage but off stage as well.”

Lady Wharton explained.

Hearing this, Olivia gazed up at the chandelier with eyes shimmering with awe.

“Lady Wharton always told me that a performance isn’t something you watch; it’s something you experience.”

Edgar chimed in. Olivia, her gaze enraptured by the theater’s beauty, now turned her attention to Edgar. 

Edgar exchanged a glance with Lady Wharton over Olivia’s shoulder. The steady gaze from Lady Wharton was a test. 

The orphan boy had undergone trials to belong to the Wharton family. By flawlessly spelling difficult words, by playing the piano perfectly, by excelling academically, and by being the child who smiled sweetly and earned affection. As a young man, he proved his worth by persuading the theater’s demanding patrons, elevating the theater’s reputation, and filling the royal seats with nobles. 

Edgar responded to Lady Wharton’s expectant gaze with a beautiful smile that met her expectations.

“I believe the Flavium Theater should be a place where the audience becomes the protagonist. So, tonight’s protagonist is…”

Edgar raised Olivia’s hand to his lips, leaving a soft kiss on her gloved hand.

“You, Miss Windsor.”

Olivia’s eyes sparkled under the chandelier’s light. Edgar knew that the radiance of her enthrallment would make him all the more desirable. He watched as his reflection filled her unblinking gaze. In her intense stare, he read the yearning of a child coveting the highest doll in a display case. 

Understand what the other desires and use it to your advantage. This was the method of negotiation Lady Wharton had taught him, and Edgar applied it in his own way—by willingly becoming what the other desired.

Lady Wharton, observing the two, revealed her satisfaction with a faint smile at the corner of her lips.

“Well then, I’ll leave you two to enjoy yourselves. May you have a wonderful time at the Flavium Theater.”

After exchanging soft smiles with the Duke’s young lady, Lady Wharton approached Edgar. She leaned in and whispered a final word into his ear.

“Act as the owner of the Flavium Theater.”

Her low voice served to remind him of his responsibilities. It was both praise for having earned trust as the next owner and a demand to act without betraying that trust. 

The weight of Lady Wharton’s words pressed heavily on Edgar’s heart. Yet, Edgar Wharton’s smile remained as light and beautiful as ever.

***

The Flavium Theater was bustling with people. That was Natalie’s first impression upon stepping inside. The theater, whose exterior rivaled that of a palace, felt even more imposing due to the crowd filling it. 

Crowded spaces filled with strangers always made Natalie nervous, but today, she stood confidently. After the incident in the tea room, Natalie had learned how to muster courage. She resolved to overcome today’s perilous adventure as well. Such determination brought courage welling up from deep within her. 

Thus, she was able to exchange greetings naturally with the dashing Mr. Salinger.

“You look stunning today.” 

Natalie said, offering the words she had rehearsed repeatedly on her way to the theater.

“And you look lovely, Miss Maron.”

Though she knew his words were merely polite, much like saying, ‘The weather is nice today,’ and receiving the response, ‘Indeed, it is,’ Natalie still felt delighted. 

She carefully placed her hand on Mr. Salinger’s outstretched one. As she took her first step onto the staircase, Natalie inadvertently glanced upward. 

At the center of the theater’s dazzling scenery stood Mr. Wharton. Natalie’s face lit up with a smile of delight, but she quickly noticed that he wasn’t alone. 

Beside Mr. Wharton stood Miss Windsor. The two, gazing at each other, looked like lovers straight out of a painting. Not only did their radiant blond hair match, but their elegant smiles also mirrored each other.

Did the letter reach her safely? 

Natalie couldn’t confirm whether her letter had helped bring the two closer together. However, it was clear that any misunderstandings had been resolved. 

What a relief.

Natalie imagined Mr. Wharton recounting the story of his reconciliation with Miss Windsor to her.

‘Thanks to you, Natalie, I was able to clear up the misunderstanding. I no longer have to worry about being cast out of the family. And I’ve regained the person I love.’

The mere thought of Mr. Wharton’s bright smile filled Natalie with joy. 

Becoming friends meant sharing each other’s happiness as one’s own. It made the world a brighter place. 

As Natalie watched the two, who looked so perfectly suited for each other, she failed to notice the step at her feet. She stumbled, but Mr. Salinger caught her.

“Thank you.” 

Natalie said, her gratitude directed not only at Mr. Salinger but also at Mr. Wharton, who turned to look back. His gaze fell on Natalie, and a bright smile spread across his face, just as she had imagined. 

Natalie wanted to rush up the stairs and ask if everything had been resolved. She wanted to know if her letter had helped. But Miss Windsor’s voice drew Mr. Wharton’s attention back to her.

“Are you alright?” 

Mr. Salinger asked.

Natalie’s view was blocked by Mr. Salinger’s bowed head. She released his arm and smiled.

“I’m fine.”

“Shall we continue up the stairs?”

“Yes.”

Natalie took Mr. Salinger’s hand again. Though Mr. Wharton’s smile lingered in her mind, she held Mr. Salinger’s hand tightly to avoid tripping again. 

The luxurious marble staircase, the elegantly dressed gentlemen and ladies, the private box seats, the packed audience, the stage draped with crimson curtains—all of it fascinated Natalie. However, she didn’t want to appear inexperienced to Mr. Salinger. She glanced around cautiously but tried to maintain a composed demeanor. 

When Mr. Salinger spoke about the play, she pretended to know more than she did, nervous about revealing her ignorance. As a result, Natalie could only reply, “Yes, I agree,” without sharing any of her own thoughts.

“You can’t truly say you’ve experienced a play just by reading the script. Shakespeare’s lines are brilliant, but their vitality comes from the actors’ performances.”

“Yes, I think so too.”

She could never say that she had only read the written script in her entire life.

Natalie hid the truth behind an awkward smile. As she looked around the interior of the theater, her gaze landed on the opposite box seat. It was the seat of Mr. Wharton and Miss Windsor. Natalie’s eyes widened in surprise; it was both fascinating and delightful.

Inwardly, she hoped that Mr. Wharton would notice her presence on the opposite side and look her way, but she knew such a thing wouldn’t happen. Watching the affectionate couple tilt their heads toward one another in conversation, the bright lights dimmed. The red curtain was drawn, and the stage lights came on.

At that moment, Mr. Wharton looked toward where Natalie was seated. In the dim light, with faint shadows flickering, Mr. Wharton was undoubtedly looking at Natalie. A smile spread across her face.

The actor on stage began their lines. However, Natalie’s attention wasn’t on the stage but on the opposite box seat. In her mind, the stage was occupied not by the actors but by Mr. Wharton. Natalie occasionally glanced toward the opposite side, but Mr. Wharton didn’t look her way again. Their gazes missed each other as the play continued.

Left to watch Mr. Wharton endlessly, Natalie finally turned her eyes away. She shifted her gaze to the actors on stage, illuminated by bright lights. The audience laughed at the actors’ witty performances and fell silent during the dramatic scenes. Before long, Natalie, too, was drawn into the play.

Vows of love exchanged under the moonlight, a duel of tragic fate—scenes she had only imagined unfolded vividly before her eyes. Seeing the protagonists, who had once been mere words, laugh, cry, and come to life felt like a dream. A world beyond books captivated Natalie’s heart entirely.