" The Damselette lady, this way please."
Odette stepped aside to lead the way, guiding Columbina into the theater, through the theater corridor, and toward the reception room.
"Just call me Columbina," Columbina said gently. "My lord, that title is too formal."
Odette's earlobes flushed slightly. After a moment's hesitation, she quietly changed her words: "... Columbina."
"Mmm." Columbina responded with a soft laugh, her voice as gentle as falling snow.
Soon, they arrived at the reception room.
The heater was lit first in Odette's reception room.
He poured Columbina a cup of hot tea, and also made a cup of hot cocoa for Bai You and Varesa.
The four of them sat around a soft sofa in a warm and cozy room, a stark contrast to the icy, snowy landscape outside the window.
Varesa sat close to Bai You, her arm tightly clasped around hers, as if Bai You would disappear if she let go.
Her cheeks still flushed from the public embrace, but her eyes kept sneaking glances at Columbina across from her.
I can't believe it, my idol is sitting in my own living room.
"Um... Columbina," Varesa mustered her courage and began, "You just said... you've seen our performance?"
"Yes," Columbina nodded gently, holding the teacup in both hands.
"Last month, during the performance of ' The Final Chapter of Snow ' at this theater, I sat in a box on the second floor."
Varesa's eyes widened in surprise. "That... that one?!"
That performance was one of their most important this year; the entire theater was packed, and she sang the highest note on stage.
She vaguely sensed a distant gaze from the second floor. At first, she thought it was her imagination, but she was wrong—
It was Columbina!
"Your voice is very distinctive," Columbina said earnestly.
"His high notes are incredibly powerful, and his emotional expression is rich; it's not just a matter of technical skill, but a genuine immersion in the song. That's rare."
Varesa felt her face burning hot.
She used to only dream about being praised for her singing skills by her idol in person.
"As for Odette," Columbina's gaze shifted to the ballerina sitting to the side.
"Your control of your toes in the Dance of the Swan segment was outstanding. Most importantly, your shoulders and arms remained relaxed throughout the spins, demonstrating a very solid foundation in your technique."
Odette's fingers tightened slightly, and a glint of barely concealed light flashed in her icy blue eyes.
She tried to maintain a calm demeanor, but the slight upturn of her lips betrayed her inner excitement.
"Thank you for your compliment... Columbina." Her voice was a little softer than usual.
Bai You sat beside them, watching the two people who were usually incredibly calm.
Their ears were all red, and they couldn't help but chuckle to themselves.
"See?" the system thought gleefully.
[They're all so aloof normally, but they all turn into little fangirls when they meet their idols.]
"Shut up," Bai You thought to herself, "You would have done the same if you were in my shoes."
"I am the system, I have no idols," the system said smugly.
[But seriously, you really stole the show today. You punched the Harbinger flying, met the Empress, became the twelfth seat, and even brought the third seat back to your "home." Host, you've sped up your progress bar way too fast!]
"What do you mean by 'brought her home'?" Bai You said, dissatisfied. " Columbina came of her own accord."
[Fine, fine, it's her own choice,] the system drawled out.
[So what are your plans for tonight? Your Varesa is really clingy, and with Columbina on the other hand, tsk tsk, three's a show.] the system teased.
Bai You ignored it; she was definitely going to sleep with the sweet and soft Varesa.
After chatting for a while, Varesa checked the time, then suddenly seemed to remember something and stood up abruptly.
"Oh dear, it's already this late!" She glanced at the sky outside the window.
"I have to cook! I must cook for you today. Columbina, please have a seat!"
"Do you need help?" Columbina asked.
"No, no, you're a guest, how can I let you do it!" Varesa waved her hand, then looked down at Bai You, her eyes softening instantly.
"Bai You, will you come to the kitchen with me?"
Before Bai You could answer, Varesa had already pulled her hand and stood up, giving her a "you have to come" look.
"Okay, okay, I'll go, I'll go." Bai You was dragged away by her, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
Watching the two walk hand in hand out of the reception room, a gentle smile flickered in Columbina's light purple eyes.
"They have such a good relationship," she whispered.
"Hmm," Odette nodded, her gaze also falling towards the doorway, her voice softening slightly, "Since Bai You arrived, Varesa has changed a lot."
"It's clear," Columbina, holding her teacup and taking a small sip. "She loves her very much."
Odette didn't speak, she just nodded slightly.
The reception room was quiet for a few seconds, the firewood in the stove crackling softly.
" Odette," Columbina suddenly spoke up, "I have something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Is there anything you need to discuss with me? Please tell me."
"Starting tonight... may I stay at the theater for a while?"
Columbina tilted her head slightly, her tone questioning.
She paused, a rare tenderness flashing in her light purple eyes:
"I haven't felt this warm atmosphere in a long time. Bai You promised that there would be fruit and bread here every day, so I wanted to stay a little longer."
Odette paused for a moment, then immediately realized what was happening, and an incredulous light flashed in her light purple eyes.
"Of course!" Her voice was slightly tense. "You're very welcome!"
"There's a south-facing room on the second floor with great natural light, and the bed is the softest, with clean bedding. It was just renovated yesterday! I'll go and tidy it up for you right now!"
Bai You: Why am I only allowed to stay in the storage room? This is ridiculous! And why did I have to come at such an inopportune time...?
"No need to rush -- it's too much trouble."
"No trouble at all! Not at all!" Odette stood up. "It's an honor for our theater to have you staying here. Please have some tea first, I'll be right back!"
After saying that, she turned around and walked quickly upstairs, her steps so fast she almost ran, completely lacking the composure and elegance of a ballerina.
Columbina watched her retreating figure and couldn't help but smile.
What a lovely group of people...