Xiao Xun was captivated by the actress's flowing, peach-pink hair, finding her to be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, perfectly embodying his aesthetic standards, even surpassing them. He felt it was a waste for such a talent to be a mere opera singer.
In this world, opera singers held low social status, better than slaves but lower than common citizens, unless they achieved great fame as a star.
They were submissive before Xiao Xun and Sancho, fearful of offending them. While they knew Sancho had a good temper, it didn't mean one could overstep the bounds with a Duke; the consequences for a commoner would be unbearable.
Xiao Xun shared his ideas with the playwright, emphasizing the tight schedule and heavy workload, urging for a swift script.
The playwright, as renowned as he was throughout the city, proved his fame was well-deserved. Upon hearing Xiao Xun's concept, he quickly adapted a classic opera's protagonist and background story to fit Xiao Xun's vision.
This meant the actors only needed to memorize the slightly altered lyrics and perform them.
The one element that was newly composed and strongly insisted upon by Xiao Xun was the female protagonist's extensive solo at the end. It would detail the atrocities committed by the Scourge Legion and lament her lost beautiful life, all because the brave men who defended their land had perished under the enemy's iron hooves.
The beautiful actress shed tears upon reading the lyrics, indicating she was deeply immersed in her role. This was precisely the effect Xiao Xun desired.
Xiao Xun couldn't resist approaching the actress and softly asking, "What is your name?"
"Reporting to Your Grace, my name is Seraphine."
Although Xiao Xun didn't care for opera, he deeply admired the actress before him. Sancho noticed this but said nothing.
The rehearsal results were excellent, with the official performance scheduled for that evening. Simultaneously, flyers and theater advertisements blanketed the entire city of Tjerger.
Sancho was also looking forward to the evening's performance and said to Xiao Xun, "Your Highness, it's getting late. Shall we return for dinner? Afterwards, we can come and enjoy the show."
Upon returning to the castle, dinner was ready. While not as lavish as lunch, it was still substantial.
Xiao Xun glanced at the dishes before him, a faint scoff escaping him. These were familiar dishes; he had seen them at lunch.
It was remarkable to witness such frugality in a Duke's household.
That evening, the Duchess and her children were less reserved, quickly dividing the dishes among their plates.
This reminded Xiao Xun of village feasts from his childhood; it was almost identical, evoking a strange sense of familiarity.
Sancho, noticing Xiao Xun wasn't eating much, assumed his family's dining habits had disturbed him and quickly silenced their voracious eating with a cough.
Xiao Xun smiled at them, "It's fine, eat whatever you like. As I said at lunch, don't be shy with me."
With those words, they truly did not hold back. After they had devoured the meal, Xiao Xun seriously suspected they hadn't eaten enough at lunch.
As a Duke in a world of magic, he was bound to possess magical abilities. Xiao Xun wondered what kind of magic Sancho wielded. Perhaps fire magic? Given the name 'Radiant' family, it was likely either light or fire. Those who could occupy the most fertile lands of Saint Roman likely had some exceptional skills.
After dinner, Duke Sancho's family retired to their rooms to change into elegant attire, which instantly brightened their appearance. Indeed, clothes could make the person, and after changing, their noble aura was immediately evident.
Xiao Xun, however, was curious why they didn't dress like this normally.
By the time they arrived near the grand theater by carriage, the area was already a scene of bustling traffic and dense crowds. This was precisely the effect Xiao Xun had intended; it was clear that all the commoners from the city had come.
Xiao Xun curiously observed the crowd through the carriage window and murmured to himself, "Are they all like their lord, flocking to 'milk the system' just because it's free?"
He then remembered he was in the same carriage as Sancho and turned to look at the expressionless Duke, feeling an awkward urge to jump out.
"I, I didn't mean that."
Sancho looked at Xiao Xun with a puzzled expression, seemingly not understanding his meaning. "I don't do that sort of 'milking the system' labor in my daily life."
This was a strong attempt to save face for Xiao Xun, who knew the best course of action was to remain silent.
Through a specially constructed passage, they arrived at the opera house's private box. After all, as the lord, he was entitled to such privileges.
Opera viewing was incomplete without snacks and drinks. On the table before Xiao Xun and Sancho were two platters of exquisite pastries and a bottle of deep red wine. Perhaps only when attending a performance did Sancho willingly part with his coin.
The Duchess and her three daughters occupied one private box, while the two sons shared another.
The most central box, offering the best view, was for Xiao Xun and Duke Sancho. Bai Yang stood guard outside the box, while the remaining eleven waited in the passage.
The opera house was as large as five or six movie theaters, and it was completely packed, with everyone eagerly awaiting the performers' spectacular appearance.
Suddenly, the entire theater's lights dimmed, plunging it into darkness.
Then, two powerful spotlights illuminated the stage, and the grand curtain slowly drew open with the rhythm of the drums. The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause, cheers, and whistles.
In Xiao Xun's private box, besides the two of them, there was a waiter responsible for refilling their drinks.
Sancho began to introduce the plot to Xiao Xun, forgetting that the opera was, in fact, Xiao Xun's own concept.
Inside the opera house, the audience was in rapt silence, intently watching the performance on stage.
Only after Seraphine finished her aria and bowed to the audience did someone from the crowd, craning their neck, shout, "Bravo~"
This was followed by thunderous applause that continued unabated.
In Xiao Xun's former world, some older people enjoyed watching plays. Opera had very few admirers in his country; stage plays still had some market, but most people watched movies.
Xiao Xun had little interest in theater, opera, or movies. However, after listening to this opera in its entirety, he was deeply captivated by the story and the moving vocals.
Unlike plays and movies, which only required speaking and a script, opera demanded a good voice, emotional depth, and the ability to resonate with the audience to be considered a great performance.
Seraphine in front of him had achieved this flawlessly, even prompting Xiao Xun to stand and applaud.
Xiao Xun's action was noticed by those in the surrounding boxes, who also stood up. Whether out of genuine appreciation or flattery, they joined in the applause.
Upon exiting the private box, the opera house manager was already waiting, a fawning smile on his face as he greeted Duke Sancho and Xiao Xun.
"Your Excellencies, are you satisfied with tonight's performance?"
Before Xiao Xun could speak, Sancho, slurring slightly from the wine, replied, "Satisfied, satisfied, very satisfied."
The manager rubbed his hands together, "Since both your Excellencies are satisfied, about the bill..."
Xiao Xun nodded, "No problem. I am very pleased with this performance. Calculate the ticket prices, and you can collect them at Duke Sancho's castle later."
The manager smiled and nodded, "Excellent! Safe travels, Your Excellencies. If you have similar events, please favor me."
Sancho had not walked more than a few steps before sobering up instantly. He looked at Xiao Xun, "Your Highness, regarding tonight's ticket fees..."
Xiao Xun's expression turned cold, "You pay them exactly what you owe. Do not, for a moment, act as if you are the lord here and get to watch for free; it is not conducive to your rule."
"I know... but, you were the one who..."
Xiao Xun's voice rose considerably, "Enough. Tonight, I need to discuss crucial military matters with my commanders. It's late now. Tomorrow morning, find your finance officer and prepare ten thousand troops and five days' worth of provisions for me. The rest will be delivered to the front lines within three days."
Without waiting for Sancho to respond, he directly instructed Bai Yang, "Summon our people, let's go!"
Bai Yang nodded, then gestured with his hand, activating a hexagonal magic array, and directly transported Xiao Xun back to the military camp.
Emerging from the magical barrier, Xiao Xun let out a long sigh and said to Bai Yang beside him, "I am truly brilliant."
Inside the Phoenix Army's tent, Xiao Xun ordered his subordinates to light a fire, instantly warming the large tent considerably.
Although the location was absolutely secure, Xiao Xun still instructed his soldiers to change guard shifts every two hours. The patrol teams were to circle the camp, inside and out, every half hour to instill a routine.
The Twelve Star Envoys were to take turns resting in shifts of three, regardless of fatigue.
Initially, Serephise had considered drawing troops from Aaron's legion, as the Phoenix Army was a rebel force and there was a concern of mutiny.
However, Xiao Xun stated that with the Twelve Star Envoys, he could protect himself even if outnumbered, allowing Aaron to guard the capital, which would enable Xiao Xun to act with greater freedom. Serephise then dropped the matter.
Lost in his thoughts, Xiao Xun drifted off to sleep. It was a deep and restful sleep, for he knew no troubles awaited him tomorrow.