Chapter 47

The roles have been decided, the script is ready, and there is only one thing for us to do.

We must practice tirelessly until we take the stage.

“Lena, let’s raise our voices in that part.”

“Got it, teacher.”

“Bada, your body is too stiff. Let’s move more naturally. There’s no need to be nervous.”

“Yes…. Hoo… There’s no need to be nervous…. Let’s take it easy….”

“Leon, you’re too emotional.”

“Hmm?! Isn’t it better to do it like this, papat?!”

The children began to practice earnestly, so much so that their faces and clothes were soaked with sweat.

With Rene’s help.

And.

They even started reducing their hobby time or playtime.

When we first had practice time, I wondered if it was really necessary to practice so hard.

Of course, I’m not saying they were wrong. On the contrary, I positive reinforce their actions.

I have no intention of belittling their efforts.

It is completely natural to work hard to achieve what you want, to accomplish something, to fulfill your desires.

The children sincerely want to show an amazing performance to the audience, especially to Red and Rene.

With no practice, would the children’s acting skills suddenly improve? Such miracles do not happen. They know that, which is why they practice so desperately.

However, I think the practice is excessive.

We aren’t entering any competitions, nor do we dream of becoming actors.

It’s just a children’s play.

I think as long as it’s not embarrassing, it’ll be fine.

No. Since it’s a children’s play, everyone will love it even if it’s not done well.

In other words, I hope they can take it easy rather than practicing harshly like this.

Hmm…

“They’ll probably get tired soon and take it easy.”

Children have weaker willpower than adults. They easily get bored and give up quickly.

So I thought they would practice diligently at first, but as time went on, they would take it easy.

But my expectations were wrong.

“Drink this beverage good for your throat while you practice.”

“Thank you, teacher!”

“You’ve become much more natural than before. Just keep doing it from now on.”

“Hehe…”

“Leon, you’ve improved a lot by relaxing your body.”

“Ugh, I still can’t get the hang of it.”

Days passed, and the children continued to practice steadily.

Even though fatigue was evident on their faces, they knew no surrender.

Seeing the children so engrossed made me feel ashamed.

For someone else, it might be a simple play to enhance the festival’s excitement, but for them, it is not.

It is a desperate determination to succeed in the play.

I felt pathetic for underestimating that.

At the same time, I think those children are amazing.

Anyone can put in effort.

From children who understand words to animals, everyone can do it.

But not everyone can continue to persevere.

Desire to play, fatigue, and various other factors hinder people’s efforts.

Yet the children are all enduring it and focusing on their practice.

They are accomplishing a challenging task.

“When I think about it, they all show remarkable concentration for kids.”

Lena practiced singing.

Bada read and wrote a book.

Other children were the same.

They all worked steadily and diligently on what they were doing.

I smiled subtly behind my mask.

If the children are working so hard, I cannot afford to take it easy by myself.

“But how can I work harder in this role?”

I had good momentum, but when I looked at my role, I was at a loss.

I was assigned the role of the princess at the children’s request.

The problem is that my character’s setting is unusual, as they were considerate of me.

A cursed princess who wears a mask and cannot speak.

I have not a single line. No expression acting is needed.

It’s all acting through gestures.

As a result, I simply absorbed my role without any difficulty, unlike the others.

Normally, I would have the hardest role as the lead, but somehow I ended up with the easiest one.

The bigger problem is the princess’s existence.

If the princess were simply an extra, it wouldn’t matter, but she’s one of the main characters.

The lead is such a role.

A being that leads the stage, shining the brightest to capture the audience’s attention.

But will a mute masked princess really engage them?

Can the lead role be like this?

Will people like it?

If I were an audience member, I’d feel like throwing a star-rating terror.

Even while practicing, my mind remained in chaos.

“Lily, why don’t you try acting without the mask just once? I want to see what it feels like without it.”

Then Rene made such a suggestion.

I tilted my head.

After all, I didn’t need to take off the mask for my role.

I understood the intention behind the instruction, but it felt unnecessary.

Still, since she’s not someone who gives orders lightly, I removed the mask as directed.

The children’s eyes gathered on me.

Especially the boys’ eyes sparkled to an uncomfortable degree.

Sigh.

When I gave a glance to the girls, they quickly smacked the boys on the head, waking them up.

The boys groaned, rubbing their foreheads.

Hehe.

I stretched my soft arms up and then down, shaking off my hands and feet lightly.

As I relaxed my body while watching the children.

Their eyes were filled with anticipation.

Thinking I had to meet their expectations, I felt a little tense.

Taking a deep breath, I turned my head towards Rene and nodded slightly.

Rene signaled to start.

I moved my body according to the script, putting on an expression suitable for the situation.

My face basically remained expressionless.

Even though I thought it might be difficult to convey emotions, I infused feelings as appropriate for the situation.

In painful situations, I expressed pain; in sad situations, sadness.

Even though I look inexperienced, I have been a Grim Reaper for a long time, so I’m accustomed to acting.

After showing a few scenes, I turned towards the children.

How would it be?

The children stared wide-eyed with mouths agape.

As a heavy silence fell, I became anxious, worried that I hadn’t performed well.

“““Woooooow!”””

Clap, clap, clap!!!

Suddenly, enthusiastic cheers erupted from the children along with applause.

The kids excitedly rushed towards me.

“You’re amazing! It really felt like seeing a princess.”

“I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

“Why hadn’t you spoken until now with such great acting?”

“Sniff, when I saw the princess’s sad expression, I couldn’t help but shed tears.”

I looked at Rene, feeling flustered by the children’s compliments.

Rene also praised me with a look of admiration.

“You’re incredible. Honestly, I didn’t think you’d do that well. I was drawn in without realizing it. You have enough talent to be considered for acting.”

Overwhelmed by exaggerated compliments, I didn’t know what to do and was flustered.

Then Rene continued while caressing her chin.

“Well, it felt like the emotion came across better without the mask. How about acting without the mask instead?”

Thud! A surprising suggestion struck my mind like lightning.

Suddenly, you’re saying this?

Everyone praised my performance.

Perhaps acting without the mask may provoke better reactions from people.

But.

I shook my head.

If it were inside the orphanage, it might be okay, but removing the mask in front of people still felt wrong.

Disappointment spread around.

The children stared at me intensely.

Their wide eyes tried to sway my heart, but this time I firmly expressed my refusal.

I could do without the princess role, but I can’t without the mask!

Leaving behind the children’s sad expressions, I put the mask back on.

And so we began to continue our practice.

The Angel’s Song truly had a heavenly timbre as if sung by an angel.

The song entered people’s hearts, driving away the darkness.

Colors returned to the gray, dull world.

The sky that had been filled with dark clouds suddenly cleared up to reveal a bright sky.

Life began to sprout on the desolate land.

Warm sunlight shone down, and a pleasant breeze greeted the world.

A calm light unfolded in the turbulent heart.

The power of the Angel’s Song.

People were captivated by the song.

A sinister-looking man shed tears flowing down.

A grim-faced man relaxed, transforming into an entirely different person.

An elderly woman knelt, clasping her hands in prayer.

Even Red was momentarily taken aback.

Such a beautiful song.

At that moment, amidst the peaceful atmosphere, I felt a strikingly different emotion flowing in.

A little fist raised, as if trying to break heaven.

Red hurriedly rushed over to grab Lily’s wrist.

‘!?’

Her small arm trembled faintly.

Fury.

Red was taken aback by the hot emotion.

As the little arm descended slowly, Lily stepped out, seeming to emerge from the song.