Vol. 3 Ch. 56

The first task in preparing the play was assigning roles and responsibilities.

“Noa-chan will be the director of this play, and I’ll be the writer. Neither of us will have set roles, but we’ll fill in for some minor characters if we’re short on actors,” Helena explained, holding the script. The first page wasn’t filled with dialogue or scenes but rather her little notes. “Mom will help me revise the script during rehearsals, and Uncle Leon and Aunt Rosvisser can chime in if they have any suggestions about the plot. Moon and Aurora can join in too~”

After all, this play was organized by the academy’s division for young dragons, so it was only natural that children took on the director and writer roles.

It wouldn't be meaningful if everything was left to the adults to handle.

Besides, their division of roles was quite logical.

Noa had previously directed a “documentary,” so she already had some experience. It was a few years ago, back when Leon and Rosvisser went on their first date to Sky City as part of Noa’s school assignment.

Noa had “documented” the entire date, determined to capture the most “genuine” side of her parents. Fortunately, it was Noa’s version of “genuine” and not the messy secrets they were constantly hiding. Otherwise, the “family harmony” essay would have turned into *A Historical Account of the Dragon-War Incited by Miss Silver Dragon.*

In the end, Noa completed a heartfelt essay that earned high marks, and the affection between the foolish couple had indeed warmed a bit (if only on a cosmic scale).

And Helena as the writer was fitting too, given her mother’s profession. She’d been exposed to the craft from a young age, and everyone had confidence in her abilities.

“Alright, with the director and writer set, let’s decide on the main cast for the play,” Director Noa announced seriously. “Since the plot centers around the romantic entanglements of the main characters, it would be best if the actors playing them are in a real relationship.”

Everyone’s gaze naturally turned to the only couple present.

Both Leon and Rosvisser had anticipated they might bear this “burden,” but before the decision was finalized, Leon tried one last shot.

“Noa, Helena, do you think there’s a chance that having a bit of contrast between the characters and the actors might pleasantly surprise the judges and the audience, creating an unexpected effect?” Leon suggested.

Noa frowned, “There’s no chance, Dad. In fact, Helena said that these two roles were specifically tailored for you and Mom.”

“…Tailored, huh?”

Is this play meant for the academy’s competition, or just an excuse for his kids to make him and his wife publicly display their affection?

“No problem, Noa. Your dad and I will follow the arrangement,” Rosvisser said with a smile.

Leon looked at Rosvisser, who gave him a subtle nod.

Seeing this, Leon didn’t argue further. Since he’d already agreed to join the play for Noa’s sake, he might as well go along with her wishes.

“Moon’s role is that of the maidservant to the princess, our lead character. She’s responsible for taking care of the princess and will even help her bravely pursue love when necessary,” Noa said, looking at her sister.

Moon, thrilled, wagged her little antenna-like hair, looking at Rosvisser, “Yay~ It’s Moon’s turn to take care of Mom~”

Rosvisser smiled and patted her head, “Thank you in advance, Moon.”

Puffing up proudly, Moon placed her hands on her hips, lifted her head high, and even curled her tail, “Taking care of Princess Mom is Moon’s solemn duty!”

Perfect! Such spirit!

You’ll make a committed actress someday, my dear daughter.

“Aurora’s role is a small sprite who guides the male lead step by step out of his troubles and back to the princess,” Noa continued.

“I know this one!” Aurora raised her hand eagerly, “It’s inspired by Cupid! I read about him in a book; he’s a little sprite that helps grown-ups fall in love~”

“Well... your role isn’t exactly like Cupid,” Noa clarified.

Aurora tilted her head, “Oh? What’s the difference?”

“Cupid doesn’t wear any clothes. But you won’t have to go that far.”

Aurora: ……

“Haha, you’ve got quite the sense of humor, sis,” Leon whispered with barely contained laughter from behind Aurora.

There weren’t many people who could outwit his feisty youngest daughter, but her big sister was definitely one of them.

“What about Lady Claudia?” Rosvisser asked proactively.

Noa had intended to bring up Claudia anyway, but Rosvisser was strategically bringing her up to leave a memorable impression on their first interaction. Rosvisser planned to keep it subtle, ensuring that Claudia didn’t feel offended.

“Aunt Claudia… will play the role of the male lead’s~~ mother!”

Leon: ?

“Why would a romantic story have the previous generation involved?” Leon asked.

“A love story isn’t always smooth sailing! There’s got to be someone to add some obstacles,” Noa replied, “It raises the stakes and makes the final happy ending all the more rewarding.”

Rosvisser raised an eyebrow, “Obstacles? So, Claudia’s role will be an antagonist?”

“Hmm… not exactly an antagonist,” Helena explained, “It’s just that my mom can really bring that intimidating aura, and yet show concern for the male lead.”

Understood.

It’s a complex role that requires both authority and emotional nuance—too challenging for the young dragons, so it’s best suited for an adult.

“Helena.”

For the first time, Claudia spoke up.

“Yes, Mother?” Helena looked up at her mother’s serious expression.

Leon silently sympathized with the little sea dragon.

As the writer, it was perfectly normal for her to design a multi-faceted antagonist character. If done well, this role could become one of the highlights of the play.

But, dear, did you really have to say it so bluntly—“my mom fits a role with an intimidating aura”? Imagine Noa casually telling Rosvisser that Aunt Rosvisser would make a great villain—Leon could only imagine how his wife would “vent” that evening.

Let’s just hope Claudia has a sense of humor.

With her gaze softened, Claudia lowered her eyes and asked in an intensely serious tone:

“Do I really look like an evil queen?”

“Umm…” Helena pondered.

Oh, please, child, your mother is giving you an out—think carefully before you answer!

Finally, after careful consideration, Helena nodded firmly, “Yes, you do.”

This time, even Rosvisser was taken aback by the child’s daring comment.

Rather than counting on Claudia to be forgiving, Rosvisser could only hope she wasn’t the kind to take offense easily. Otherwise, they’d have little chance of conversing about anything beyond the play.

It was funny—though the conversation was between the sea dragon mother and daughter, the silver dragon couple was the one drenched in nervous sweat.

“Yes, Mommy feels reassured, Helena. You’ve learned the most important lesson in ‘creating’—never let anyone’s doubt sway your vision.”

“But...” Claudia continued, “Mommy has to clarify something.”

“Mommy may look a little fierce, but she’s actually a very kind person.”

“Got it?”

Helena nodded vigorously, “Got it, Mommy.”

Satisfied, Claudia smiled warmly and then turned her gaze to Leon and Rosvisser.

Without saying a word, her expression seemed to silently repeat the phrase she’d just said—

“But I’m actually a very kind person.”

Leon narrowed his eyes slightly, curious as to why Claudia was making such a clear point of this.