https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-884-Lance-s-Selfless-Sacrifice-Part-1-/12945305/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-885-Lanfu-the-Matchmaker-Part-1-/12945308/
Chapter 884: Lance's Selfless Sacrifice (Part 2)
Chapter 884: Lance's Selfless Sacrifice (Part 2)
"
Lanqi placed one hand on his chest and slowly reached out to the half-witch's cheek with the other hand, but it seemed like he would never reach her side.
The music from the orchestra pit became urgent and intense, wave after wave, as if conveying the characters' inner turmoil and unspeakable longing.
"Before the twilight descends and the sunset separates you and me."
"Before tonight ends."
"Before the memories start to fade."
The Demon Lord Governor's words to the half-witch were also like a prayer to the gods in the temple.
"I just want to hold onto these moments like a clear dream, forever."
Tick-tock, the gears of the cathedral's clock turned.
The twilight bell was about to ring.
When the twilight bell rang, the half-witch remained quietly seated beside him, but she would not speak again, as if she had turned into a statue.
"Regardless of the truth, I've long been captivated by you."
His eyes, like a spring lake, shone with soft light, confessing his love for the Demi-Mage.
And in the reflection of her bright eyes, the light in his eyes faded, like a phantom dissipating, leaving no trace.
As the music gradually softened, the melody became gentle and tender, like a ray of sunlight piercing through the gloom, illuminating the heart.
The parting tune emerged, intertwining with the main melody, symbolizing hope and redemption descending upon the world.
The ever-changing notes, like a flickering candle in the darkness, revealed the faint light within.
The Demon Lord Governor fell silent, his final words spoken.
With drooping eyes, he succumbed to sleep, longing for the warm spring sunshine and the lively companionship of the Demi-Mage, which enveloped him, helping him forget his past sorrows.
Thus, he lay on the ground, drifting into a dream-like slumber.
Until the very end, the Demi-Mage remained by his side, guarding him like a devoted wife.
The music concluded with a serene and ethereal coda, its resonance lingering.
The distant melody whispered and prayed, gazed and pondered, leaving doubts that might never find answers, but the power of love would awaken all.
The final note sounded and faded into silence, leaving a lasting impression in the heart.
Finally, the performance drew to a close.
Beyond the stage, under the starry dome of the theater）
"..."
Abigail gazed at the curtain, her face reflecting the light and shadows of the stage.
In the surround sound, the Demon Lord Governor's heartbeat and Mademoiselle Maga's voice echoed through the space.
Suddenly, the theater lights awakened her, bringing her back to reality.
The dazzling lights shone like stars, illuminating the entire music hall, transforming it into a dreamlike universe.
Looking at the empty grand theater, Abigail leaned back in her chair, relaxed and gazing up at the sky, contemplating the ending created by Lanqi.
This abrupt conclusion, the hidden confession, and the silent companionship left an open-ended finale, more like a comedy, but with a twist.
It was a safe ending, a compromise to satisfy everyone.
However, from the current perspective, today's performance was a complete failure.
The mystery remained unsolved, leaving the audience confused. It was like watching an incomplete suspenseful play, with the crucial reveal missing.
Even if the audience enjoyed it as a comedy, it was far from Abigail's initial plan and completely contradicted the theme the promotional music aimed to express.
When the critics watched the public screening, they would notice the discrepancy between the performance and the promotional video, as well as its extremely flawed contradiction.
"Headache."
Abigail covered her forehead.
If not for the flaw in the promotional video, the ending performed by Lanqi and Tata would have been quite atmospheric, with a sense of quietly listening to each other's hearts.
Lanqi's intense performance left Abigail wondering if he had something else up his sleeve. She couldn't understand the meaning behind his words about the theme of "lucid dreaming" to the Demi-Mage.
Now, she had no choice but to change the script for tomorrow's second performance to match today's comedic tone.
Wait.
"Maybe we don't need to change it."
Abigail's eyes widened as she understood Lanqi's intention.
If—
Today's performance by Lanqi and Tata was version A.
Tomorrow, on Sunday, the audience would see version B, performed by Lanqi and Huboliyan, where the Demi-Mage was revealed to be a ghost.
The audience would realize that if they combined the stories from the first and second days, the first day's performance was merely a sweet dream from the Demon Lord Governor's perspective.
The second day's performance would reveal the truth—the Demi-Mage had become a ghost, and the Demon Lord Governor needed to wake up.
Combining versions A and B would change everything.
Tomorrow's original performance by Huobao, with Lanqi's setup, would become a masterpiece that contrasted joy and sorrow, deeply moving the audience.
Applause filled the theater.
Most of the audience, unaware of the hidden twist in the second day's performance, was already satisfied with today's show.
The male and female leads' performances were unique and captivating, bringing laughter to the audience.
When the couple finally came together, their love revealed in the twilight of the temple, the journey's chaos ending in quiet listening, and the fulfillment of love, the entire audience was deeply moved.
The lights gradually brightened, illuminating the curtain call.
The thunderous applause continued, and most of the actors' eyes shone with emotion.
Once again, they had performed a play that differed from their rehearsals.
Now, they understood why the cat fairy had left after the previous performance to dance in the streets.
Front row of the audience.
"Lanqi, I'm so glad you were there..."
Abigail leaned back in her chair, overwhelmed.
She covered her face and sobbed.
"Abigail, what's wrong?"
Bianka set down the little black cat in her arms and patted Abigail's shoulder with concern.
She felt that Abigail was too emotional at this moment.
As if they had just escaped a life-and-death crisis.
"Can this be brought back to life?"
Cat Boss lay on Bianka's lap, bewildered.
It felt like Lanqi had revealed everything.
He had tried so hard.
On stage.
"Lanqi, I'm glad you were there."
Taliya secretly held Lanqi's pinky, whispering her relief.
"And it's all thanks to you too."
Lanqi looked at Talia, a tired smile on his face.
Talia had also saved the day, ensuring they overcame the challenge not solely through his efforts.
They had always been the least in sync among partners.
But at the last moment, they became the most in sync, able to complement each other.
"Shouldn't all this be over by now?"
Talia asked Lanqi.
Tomorrow, Huobao would be able to perform with Lanqi, presenting the entire rehearsal content, instead of the improvised opera they had today.
Her work was also coming to an end, and next time, she could sit in the audience and enjoy the show wholeheartedly.
Similarly, Talia could tell that Lanqi had reached his limit; he might be truly exhausted, ready to fall asleep the moment he lay down.
"Yes."
Lanqi nodded in relief.
His true vacation was about to begin.
His journey, his mission, his work—everything was about to reach a perfect conclusion.
Applause continued to echo throughout the opera house, showing no signs of stopping. Some audience members stood up from their seats, shouting words of admiration and offering the highest respect to the actors taking their final bows.
In various parts of the audience, people gathered in small groups, passionately discussing the unique qualities and heavenly voices of the male and female leads. They marveled at the ingenious stage design and lighting, savoring the profound symbolism behind the dramatic twists and turns of the plot.)
Different audience members reacted differently, sharing their impressions. Some Ikirite citizens, still immersed in the opera's afterglow, recalled the most memorable scenes and arias, their faces radiating a satisfied smile. Others couldn't wait to share this wonderful experience, sending messages to their friends and family, inviting them to join the next performance.
The entire Ikirite Opera House was enveloped in the opera's lingering charm.
Some audience members prepared to leave, while others continued to applaud in awe.
The actors taking their final bows remained on stage, expressing their gratitude to the audience. Musicians were busy organizing their scores and instruments.
Amidst the festive atmosphere...
No one noticed a figure in the front row of the VIP seats.
A gray-haired, golden-eyed silhouette, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
On her fingertip rested a tiny insect.
【Friendship Forever Bug】
【Category: Alchemical Beast】
【Grade: Blue Rare】
【Class: 1】
【Effect: Able to learn to hear the target's voice and then speak according to the summoner's thoughts.】
【Note: You can't speak, so I'll speak for you.】
She propped her chin with one hand, her eyes filled with mischief. She had already sent more insects to the shoulders of media reporters she had carefully selected.
Back at the Demon Exam, Lanqi had used the Friendship Forever Bug to sow discord between the two examiners, making them open up to each other.
This simple alchemical beast, which Lanqi had learned to create early on, was even easier for her to manufacture, as its function was limited to secretly transmitting messages, making it the weakest of alchemical beasts.
Huobao and Tata's opera was something she wouldn't dare disrupt.
But she knew what Lanqi had been up to all day.
At this moment, the Friendship Forever Bugs had already flown to the sides of the media reporters, delivering a message that was enough to drive the media crazy—
【The Krethe Emperor is suspected to be in the upper box, dating multiple women.】
"Lanqi, do you know what true despair is?"
When success is within reach, or when one thinks they have succeeded, it's also when they let their guard down the most.
Do you really think I'd let you off the hook?
Lanfu's lips curled in a smirk.
Just teasing you.
"Struggle for me, my master."
While the audience was still immersed in the opera's afterglow, savoring every moment, the reporters preparing to interview the director and lead actors slowly stopped their movements.
Then...
They glanced at each other and looked towards their fellow media colleagues in the distance.
The reactions of their colleagues further confirmed their suspicions.
A bizarre piece of news swept through the theater.
The source of the news was unclear, and no one knew who was spreading it, but in an instant, it had spread throughout the entire audience.
"Is Loren here at the opera house today?"
"He's rumored to be in the VIP box?"
Amidst the commotion, the audience gradually caught wind of this bizarre rumor, and the atmosphere in the theater immediately became awkward.
Everyone craned their necks, searching with their eyes, eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary Krethe Emperor.
"He's even dating multiple women?"
"Hey, I think I really saw the Divine General! If the Divine General is here, it's likely Loren is too!"
"I told you, his return to the Heton Kingdom is to bring his Empress back to the Krethe Empire!"
Whispers and murmurs filled the air, everyone inquiring about Loren's past in Ikirite.
Despite doubts about the authenticity of the information, many reporters seemed more interested in the potential presence of Loren in the opera house.
Not just the media, but even ordinary people gradually shifted their attention from the stage to the potential big news.
"Is this a date? Is this a scandal? What's wrong with the Sacred Emperor marrying a few empresses? This is a serious international news story!"
The Ikirite Academy's Lu Weixier reporter was particularly excited. He stood up from his seat and argued with the audience in the back row.
"..."
On stage, Lanqi, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, keenly sensed the unusual commotion in the audience.
At first, he thought it was a fire safety issue that had caught the audience's attention, but soon he realized it wasn't that simple.
The whispers in the audience, the searching gazes of the reporters—everything indicated that something unusual was happening.
When he closed his eyes and listened to the specific voices in the noise, his calm eyes began to tremble.
"Loren?"
For a moment, he felt confused and flustered.
Impossible.
How could the news of Loren being at the opera house reach the reporters?
Logically, only a handful of people should know about Loren's presence at the opera house...
Lanqi racked his brains, trying to figure out what had happened, until he locked eyes with the gray-haired, golden-eyed woman in the audience, her alluring smile.
It was a look that suggested he wanted to devour her whole.
She didn't hide the fact that it was her doing.
"Lanfu..."
If the Great Poetess had been obsessed with Talia all day, then she should know Loren's whereabouts.
But why would the Great Poetess...
Weren't they the best of friends? They should have been forever.
"Lance, what's wrong?"
Talia called out to Lance with concern, sensing his helplessness.
"Tata..."
As Lance was startled, he saw Talia beside him, and in a moment of distraction, he remembered that stormy night in the Crethe Empire.
He had used Lanfu as a tool to protect Talia, employing the 'Castling' move.
Perhaps it was then that he had inflicted an indelible psychological wound on Lanfu.
"So, there's a reason for this?"
Lance's initially confused gaze gradually became understanding, and he slowly lowered his eyebrows.
Every cause has an effect.
If one commits too many sins, there will be punishment.
Today, he was repaying his debt to Loren.
But he still owed a debt to the Great Poetess.
All the inappropriate things he had done in the past, during those moments when he wasn't aware, might come back to haunt him.
This was why Houboliyan always reminded him to be mindful of his karma.
If the media's attention shifted from the play to the Emperor, things would get tricky.
He knew that once the Emperor's whereabouts were exposed, it would undoubtedly trigger an unprecedented media storm.
Loren wouldn't be able to leave smoothly with the three women; he would be troubled by rumors again.
Having experienced Professor Landry's scandal in the Crethe Empire, Lance also understood how troubled Loren had been at the Ikirite Academy.
With this in mind, Lance was determined to help Loren escape unnoticed.
The only way was to create an even bigger news story.
The media and the audience reacted faster than Lance had anticipated. At this moment, the auditorium was in chaos, with people's gazes shifting between the stage and the audience, searching for the target of this bombshell.
Backstage staff were busy adjusting lights and sound, urging the audience to wait for the show to end, and coordinating support from outside, but it was too late to stop these rumors.
Time was running out for him.
Lance took a deep breath.
If he could save Loren, this was the only way.
He strode down the stage, heading straight for the VIP seats in the front row of the audience.
Lance's heart struggled as he looked at a figure in the front row.
"Huh?"
Ifatiya was surprised to see Lance approaching, unsure of his intentions.
Why was her brother coming down from the stage to find her? Before anyone could react, Lance had already reached a woman, kneeling on one knee, gazing deeply into her eyes.
"Madam, would you have dinner with me tonight?"
Lance knelt elegantly before Minniear, taking her fair hand, and asked.
Minniear was thunderstruck.
The bustling auditorium gradually quieted down as the audience turned their attention to the stage.
Then, an explosive roar filled the hall, and for a moment, many were stunned.
No one expected the male lead of the opera to make such a move at this critical moment.
"Damn, isn't she a married woman? She seems to have a ring on her finger."
"So, the male lead is interested in her?"
"But she's so beautiful, which noble family does she belong to?"
The journalists instantly went wild, aiming their cameras at the couple like a firing squad, clicking away to capture every explosive moment.
Then, cheers and whistles echoed through the theater like a tidal wave.
The audience excitedly whispered and gossiped, their faces beaming with the joy of scandal.
Some started chanting, "Say yes," while others speculated if this was a carefully planned invitation.
The sound of piano music filled the hall, as if trying to match the atmosphere of the surprise confession.
Toriadus played a cheerful tune as if declaring, "You're marrying me today."
This caused the atmosphere in the hall to explode.
After such a grand performance, an open invitation in the venue would be considered high-profile in any situation.
An invitation on Valentine's Day carried a special meaning.
This public and high-profile display of affection could be considered a proposal.
The black-haired noble woman at the center of the storm widened her eyes in surprise, and even her friends beside her were dumbfounded.
"This, this..."
The black-haired woman's gaze shifted.
She was so flustered that she wanted to pull her hand back.
But then she thought—why did Lance come to her and not Houboliyan, Talia, or Sigrid?
Lance had obviously seen through her secret, and choosing her, the most unlikely person, was undoubtedly the best and most attention-grabbing option.
And the reason Lance did this was undoubtedly to help Loren divert attention.
They all owed Loren.
At this moment.
It was only right to repay Loren's debt.
After some inner turmoil.
"I, I accept."
Minniear said, biting her lip and looking down.
It was as if she was being coerced, forced to comply with Lance's request, and tonight, she would follow his lead.
When she glanced nervously at Ifatiya beside her.
Ifatiya's jaw almost drop in shock.
"Wow."
Ifatiya's eyes quickly filled with tears.
She couldn't believe that one day, her brother would come to take away her Minniear; she didn't want this to happen.
(End of Chapter)
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