Chapter 21 Building Bridges

Curtains fly across the platform, noting the end of the welcoming keynote. Some students begin shuffling to leave, but I notice none of the upper-years make any show to move.

Bursts of light emanate from the magick orbs, taking everyone aback. “It’s finally beginning…!” I hear a breathless excitement take shape in bated whispers.

Shadows playfully dance all across the room in the shape of flowers - in particular, the ones that bloom from harthrow trees only during the Summer Solstice.

In unison, everyone stops in their tracks. Curtains flinging back, a new stage is set before us. Well-crafted props stand proudly - a miniature duplicate of the royal castle and gardens of flush green.

“Jude, why do you speak in circles? Twisting and turning like a riddle to poem?”

The light hits a figure then. Tied back, pewter-grey hair vivid in the limelight, matching silver doublet with crystals on the neckline. The shimmering spreads out in gradation like snowflakes. Long flowing sleeves flutter as he steps forward to vivaciously spread his arms. “Fairfolk such as you, are a winding river with unceasing current.”

I suddenly feel my chest hammering without my consent.

S-Stop that heart!

Another figure is illuminated by spotlight then. Blonde hair falls in curls, impossibly still as she tilts her head up and opens long, sepia eyelashes to reveal irises of sand. Resplendent cream tulle gathers and shimmers, her ball-gown frolicing in the light in an altogether different way than the diamonds culling on her waist.

“Rome, a kingdom is not built in a day. The chaos of creation is but mere price to sacrifice. Something greater than a single Human’s life, such as your own, lies beyond dawn -” She too steps forward, delicate shoulders are exposed for brevity before the cloth unites once again into draping, chiffon sleeves. “Let us look towards a new beginning.”

I feel my face heat up an inordinate amount, my heartbeat grows even quicker.

Wha- With her too!?

Awe strikes me in wonderment. Is this play a rendition of Rome and Jude? The two on stage shine with such fervor that I have never seen before.

This University truly has the most remarkable people.

Flustered cries of longing and admiration rise from the crowd.

“The pride and joy of the Theatre Club is finally on full display! How my soul has ached to see them perform again.”

“Illiad’s beauty is truly incomparable. Gazing upon her countenance has given me purpose in life.”

“Oh dear Thrice, I think I will faint from Illya’s handsomeness. That bone structure and aura of enchantment… If only she were to be born male…” A forlorn sigh can be heard.

W-Wow, these two are really something.

Wait, huh? I do a double take. The one playing Rome monologues in contemplation.

Female???

I’m left feeling even more confused about my beating heart…

*

“Amazing, to see more than half the student population left in tears. Aren’t nobles supposed to have more pride than that?”

“What are you saying, Fenrir? I saw you bawling when Jude was burned at the cross~” I can’t help but poke fun at him.

Revenge for giving me a weird nickname~

“Wha-! I have no idea what you’re saying, book girl!”

“Reminded me of a just-born hare.”

“Hey! Not you too, Vaniriel!”

Horusha brings a sleeve to his mouth and chuckles in delight. “It is fine, I too was earnestly moved by their performance.”

“It was dust! Dust got in my eyes, okay! If only I had your long eyelashes, maybe the dust wouldn’t have gotten in…!” Fenrir jumps on Horusha’s back and begins flicking his eyelashes.

“H-Hey… Please stop…”