Since last year, Cecil goods had become increasingly common throughout the city.
The wheels rolled over the newly paved roads of the Noble District. The high-quality surface and equally high-quality wheels almost completely canceled out the jolting of the ride. Ferdinand Wendell sat inside the black Magic-infused Vehicle, his line of sight sweeping past the window. A new shop was being renovated along the street—amid black, spire-roofed buildings in the distinctly Alderan style, a strikingly broad glass display window occupied an entire wall facing the street. Inside stood shelves that had yet to be arranged, while workers hung a sign above the entrance in elegant cursive letters:
"Finest Desserts—Cecil Flavor"
"...As if only Cecilians knew how to make desserts." Ferdinand frowned and could not help muttering softly.
His butler sat opposite him. The honest, reliable man who had served the Wendell family for decades shook his head. "The people opening the shop are locals, actually. The Magic Shadow Play has gotten those sharp-nosed merchants moving."
"Magic Shadow Play?" Ferdinand repeated the term he had been hearing more and more often lately. "I have heard of it... Last winter, Cecil merchants bought a plot of land in the south of the city and opened a New Style Drama theater. But it was for commoners—the tickets were cheap, and practically everyone crowded into one hall."
"Yes, cheap theater for commoners, and hardly anyone watched it at first," the butler said with a smile. "After all, no one knew what it was for—the upper classes had no interest, while commoners were cautious with the loose change in their pockets. But over a month ago, those Cecil merchants spent a great deal on newspaper advertisements and opened the theater free of charge for three consecutive days. Now it has suddenly become hugely popular, and