Count Balin's Surprise

In the rapidly developing Cecil, new things were constantly being born.

Any competent imperial governor and regional administrator would certainly take an interest in these new things.

After a brief silence, Victoria looked at Count Balin. "Perhaps we should go take a look."

"You mean that New Style Drama?" Count Balin was momentarily stunned. He had not expected the Ice Duke, who had always been aloof and was said to have no interest in "drama," to make such a suggestion. But he quickly realized that she might be interested in the Magic-Conducting Technology behind the New Style Drama, and immediately nodded. "Of course. I mean, it is certainly worth seeing—Magic-Conducting Technology can be applied in every field, and I am also curious what it has to do with drama."

"Find out where it is being shown," Victoria said flatly. "We will go at once."

It took little effort to learn where the New Style Drama was being performed. Victoria and her group quickly followed the directions of passersby and arrived near a large building in the southern district of the city.

It was an unremarkable-looking structure, vastly different from the "theaters" Count Balin had imagined. Theaters had always been exclusive to nobles and wealthy citizens, so naturally they ought to have appeared splendid and lavish. Yet what he saw was merely a square, two-story building. Aside from its considerable size, there was nothing particularly exquisite or luxurious about it.

And around this rather plain-looking large building, quite a crowd had already gathered.

One glance was enough to tell that they were mostly ordinary commoners.

These people, dressed in all kinds of winter clothing and looking quite expectant, had clearly been waiting here for a long time. Those on the outskirts craned their necks toward the entrance of the "theater," while