Chương 38: The First Step Toward a New Stage
After his conversation with Eldric that evening, Leonel, the son of Duke Warwickdom, couldn't shake off the suggestion about theater from his mind. As the heir to a prestigious family, his life was typically filled with political lessons, ethics, and ways to become a warrior, but Eldric's suggestion gave him a new perspective that sparked his curiosity to try something different. As the morning approached, he decided to send a message to an old friend, Arthur, the young Viscount of Elmsworth, who had once been active in the world of acting. Although they rarely met due to their respective responsibilities, their friendship had remained strong since childhood.
However, in this medieval era, communication was not as simple as writing a letter or using modern tools. Instead, Leonel used an Orbica Resonant, a small crystal-shaped magic device that could transmit voice messages over long distances. This tool was often used by young nobles like him to stay connected without leaving the comfort of their rooms.
With a slightly nervous voice, as it was his first time using the device, Leonel said, "Arthur, long time no see. I'm curious, are you still involved in theater? If so, I'd like to know more. I'm looking for something new to try."
Unfortunately, there was a brief awkward pause because Leonel forgot to press the "Send" rune. After hearing the echo of his own voice, he muttered and hastily pressed the rune. "Damn, I should be better at using this thing."
It didn't take long for the device to light up, signaling a reply from Arthur:
"Leonel! Of course, I'm still in the world of theater. In fact, my group is having a rehearsal this afternoon. Come to the small theater at the town hall. I'll introduce you to the real world of theater."
With enthusiasm, Leonel decided to attend the invitation. When he arrived at the town hall, the atmosphere was very different from what he was used to at the grand and quiet Warwickdom estate. The room was full of energy: laughter, lively discussions, and people practicing with intense focus. Arthur greeted him with a warm hug and his signature energetic style.
"Leonel! I'm glad you came. You haven't changed—you still look like a noble who's lost in the outside world!" Arthur laughed.
Leonel frowned, half embarrassed, half confused. "I don't look that lost, do I?"
"Oh, you don't know? Your coat is too long—I almost thought you were going to play a king in a drama!" Arthur pulled Leonel further into the room, making him realize that his noble attire did stand out compared to the others.
In the midst of the crowd, Arthur introduced him to the group members. There was Lady Claire, a passionate young actress who was the daughter of Baron Wiltshire, and Mr. Hendrick, their director, known for being strict yet caring.
"You're Arthur's friend?" Mr. Hendrick asked in a serious tone. "Good. You've come at the right time. We need someone to read a small role. Would you like to give it a try?"
Leonel was taken aback. "Me? Read a role? I've never done that before."
"Everyone starts from scratch," Mr. Hendrick replied, handing him a script. "This is just a short scene. Don't worry if it sounds like you're chanting a failed spell."
Leonel sighed nervously but took the script with trembling hands. The scene was a conversation between two friends arguing over a major decision. Arthur, of course, played the other character. With everyone watching expectantly, Leonel began reading.
Unfortunately, in the first line, he misread an important dialogue:
"I have always stood by you, like a rock on the shore!"
But because of his nervousness, he said:
"I have always stood by you, like a sock on the floor!"
The room fell silent for a few seconds before Arthur burst out laughing. "A sock on the floor? Leonel, is that the kind of friendship you're offering? No wonder they couldn't find a partner for you!"
Leonel blushed, his face turning red, but he laughed along. "That... that was just a misread! Don't take it too seriously, Arthur."
Director Hendrick, trying to hold back his smile, added, "Leonel, you may have just created a new genre in theater. A tragic drama about a... forgotten sock."
Everyone laughed, including Leonel, who felt the atmosphere lighten. Although his slip-up was embarrassing, it broke the ice and made Leonel feel more accepted in the group.
Despite the embarrassment, Leonel tried again. This time, he read his lines better. The words began to flow more naturally, and he started to feel the enjoyment of embodying the character. When he finished, the room was silent for a moment before enthusiastic applause broke out.
"Not bad," said Mr. Hendrick with a slight smile. "You have potential, but you need to learn a lot. If you're interested, come again next week."
Leonel smiled sheepishly. "Thank you. I'll consider it."
After the rehearsal, Arthur and Leonel sat on a bench in the garden outside the hall. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with orange hues.
"So, what do you think?" Arthur asked, looking at his friend with curiosity.
Leonel sighed, then smiled. "It's hard, but... fun. I never thought I could do it."
Arthur patted his shoulder. "That's theater. You challenge yourself to become someone else. If you're serious, I'm sure you can develop quickly."
Leonel gazed at the darkening sky, reflecting on the experience of the day. Eldric was right, he thought. There's something fascinating about the world of acting. He didn't know if this was his path, but he wanted to explore it further.
As he walked home, Leonel felt his life starting to change. There was a new step he was about to take, toward a world he had never imagined before. The theater stage might become an important part of his journey, and he felt ready to face the challenge.
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