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Nighttime, the Tingen City Grand Theatre.
As the industrialization of Loen progressed, the city's cultural and entertainment industry also developed rapidly, giving rise to performing arts forms that appealed to all social classes.
The lower classes tended to watch folk songs, acrobatics, and farces. While watching, they wouldn't maintain proper etiquette, but rather laugh, shout, and curse.
If they enjoyed watching something, they would clap and cheer; if they disliked it, they would immediately jeer and chase the person away, using this as a way to relieve the fatigue of a day's work.
The middle class and upper class prefer to watch plays in grand theaters. However, the former see it as a status symbol, while the latter see it more as a means of social interaction.
Thus, in a large theater that can accommodate thousands of Spectator, one often sees the following scene: the Spectator in the lobby tries to appear sophisticated, while the elites in the boxes are more casual, and while watching, they also interact with their peers in other boxes.
As for how many of them were truly focused on the drama itself, only heaven knows.
"Sir, your ticket."
The waiter in the red uniform respectfully handed the ticket back to Luther, his gaze involuntarily falling to the side of him, a look of amazement in his eyes.
Not only him, but everyone who passed by the door Consciousness turned their gaze to the girl next to him.
Cecilia wore an elegant light purple gown with a layered sweetheart neckline that revealed her fair, rounded shoulders and delicate collarbones. The gown was perfectly tailored, accentuating the girl's beautiful curves, as graceful as a spring mountain range.
Her face was so beautiful that it took one's breath away. What was most captivating was the hint of shyness on that exquisite face, which evoked a sense of pity in everyone present.
"Luther, am I dressed inappropriately? Why are they all staring at me?"
Cecilia hid behind Luther and asked in a low voice. Although she usually appeared very mature, she couldn't help but get nervous in this situation, revealing the typical demeanor of a young girl.
"It's nothing, it's just that my sister is so beautiful, they were mesmerized by her."
Luther chuckled, glancing around to notice that the ladies were all wearing necklaces or earrings, and a pang of regret shot through his heart. He had forgotten all about it; he hadn't prepared any jewelry for his sister.
What kind of jewelry suits Cecilia? I'll take her to a jewelry store in a few days.
As Luther thought this, he reached out to his sister, "Alright, Cecilia, straighten up, we're going in."
Although it is not uncommon for women to watch theatrical performances, in the relatively conservative social environment of Loen, it is generally still necessary for them to be accompanied by a man.
Entering the fan-shaped theater seating area, the scene was lively and chaotic. The curtain separated the stage from the Spectator, and only the messy sounds of setting up could be heard from inside. The Spectator were also talking to each other—the middle class solemnly maintaining their dignity.
After an unknown amount of time, the theater gradually quieted down, and it seemed the performance was about to begin.
Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out near the private room, and then spread to the regular seating area.
"Madam Sharon is here too!"
Someone in the Spectator shouted excitedly.
The crowd erupted in commotion, with many craning their necks to look towards the private room.
Madam Sharon?
Luther seemed to have heard of this name before; she was apparently the most famous and beautiful widow in Tingen City, sought after by nobles and wealthy merchants, and her reputation for beauty was widely known in high society.
So, she must be very beautiful?
Luther also joined in the fun and looked over there. He saw a woman in a richly dressed dress, wearing a veil to cover her face, entering a private room accompanied by a servant. Not only did she cover her famous face, but her arms and neck were also covered with black veils.
Although her skin was covered, her graceful figure still attracted the infatuated gazes of countless men.
Luther felt Cecilia staring at him, so he shook his head and said, "He doesn't even dare to show his face. He must know he's not as pretty as my sister, so he's deliberately covering it up."
"Don't talk nonsense, brother!"
Cecilia had been somewhat unhappy, was immediately amused by him.
After a brief interruption, the curtain rose, and the performance was finally about to begin.
This classic comedy by Emperor Roselle was originally titled "The Backlund Merchant," intended to satirize the Greed and folly of the merchants of Loen. However, after it reached Loen, it was renamed "The Trier Merchant" by local playwrights, and the villains became merchants from Intis, the capital of Trier.
But Luther knew that Roselle's play was plagiarized from Shakespeare's the Merchant of Venice, one of his four great comedies.
One of the most classic scenes in this show is in court, where the villain, citing the description in the Contract, demands that the male protagonist, who owes him money, cut off a pound of flesh as compensation. However, the female protagonist, disguised as Judge, uses the rules to her advantage, demanding that the flesh cut off be exactly one pound, without any blood or error, or else he will pay with his life.
In the end, the female protagonist defeated the villain with her Wisdom, and everyone lived happily ever after.
Luther had enjoyed various forms of entertainment in his previous life, so he wasn't particularly interested in theater itself. But Cecilia was different. It was the little girl's first time watching a play, and the magnificent set, the actors' dedicated performances, and the classic storyline captivated her. She admired the love between the Lovers, worried about the predicament brought by the villains, and was overjoyed at the happy ending, clapping continuously.
Luther felt that watching his sister's reaction was more interesting than watching the play itself. Seeing her so happy made the night worthwhile.
"Ms. Portia is truly remarkable! Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable in law, but she's also so clever; she completely outmaneuvered that despicable businessman from Intis..."
On the carriage ride back, Cecilia continued to talk about her experience watching the play, clearly having a deep impression of the evening.
Luther smiled at his beautiful younger sister and suddenly said, "What's the big deal, Cecilia? As long as you graduate from high school with good grades, you can also go to your ideal university and become someone like her. I've looked into it; Backlund has several good grammar universities."
"Go there without worry. Your brother has plenty of wealth; you can live comfortably in the capital."
To Luther's surprise, Cecilia didn't become happy when she heard his arrangement; instead, she was stunned.
"But then I'll have to leave Tingen, leave you."
She murmured.
Luther's heart softened. He reached out and took his sister's soft hand, smiling as he said, "Cecilia, you should have your own life, instead of always staying by my side... In the past ten years or so since I got sick, you've wasted so much of your youth taking care of me. I can't be so selfish as to keep you in Tingen... Otherwise, years later, the resentment between us might outweigh our affection."
The carriage arrived at No. 6 Daffodil Street, Luther got off. He felt he had been a bit too sentimental, but then he thought about it again and laughed, "Besides, you're so smart, you have a bright future ahead of you. Your brother might even need you in the future."
After saying that, he took the lead and walked forward, took out his key Door Opening.
Behind him, Cecilia, who was following behind, wore a complex and pained expression. She hesitated for a moment, then said, "Luther, brother..."
"What's wrong?"
Luther asked casually, pushing open the door.
A warm and familiar fragrance wafted towards him, and someone was waiting for him on the living room sofa. The lights came on, and the person stood up with a stunning smile.
Welcome back.
Ms. M said gently.