Vol. 3 Ch. 62

With the stage props set, Leon and the others took their places.

In the first scene, just as they had rehearsed, Rosvisser sent Moon away, leaving her alone with the "captive" Leon for a private conversation.

The classic "Tail Lock" and "Handsome Man with Scars" scenes played out, stirring whispers among the school faculty and judges in the audience.

"These young actors are quite skilled; they really bring the scene to life," one commented.

"The lead actress nails the expressions and intonations, especially with that regal, haughty cadence—she genuinely has the aura of a cold, proud princess, even a queen," another noted.

"Could she actually be a queen?" someone mused, half-jokingly.

"And why is no one talking about the male lead's performance? His portrayal of a defeated yet defiant captive was outstanding!"

"Yes, his acting is quite remarkable."

"It's so convincing, it almost doesn't feel like acting."

Hearing the faculty praise the model family’s performance, Vice Principal Wilson, seated on the left side of the judges' panel, stroked his white beard in satisfaction.

He leaned toward Headmistress Angelina Ouellette, lowering his voice. "Well, Headmistress, didn’t I say the Melkveys would put on an unforgettable performance?"

Headmistress Ouellette nodded in agreement. "Indeed."

Their impressive performance pleasantly surprised Ouellette. She recalled their first meeting in her office, where Veronica had entrusted her to deliver the Primordial Crystal to Rosvisser as a wedding gift. At that time, the couple had left her with a favorable impression—humble, polite, adept in conversation, and balanced in their approach. They exuded sincerity without being overly trusting, leaving a sense of reservation.

"Shrewd couple," was the label she mentally applied to them back then.

Watching their flawless performance now, Ouellette was convinced they weren’t just shrewd; they were deeply in love and in perfect sync.

She’d often heard Vice Principal Wilson’s praises of their love and harmony, though she hadn’t fully believed it. But after seeing them perform today, she was convinced.

“Has the recording stone captured all of this?” Ouellette asked.

“Every single moment,” Wilson replied proudly.

Ouellette gave a small smile. Perfect. Later, she’d give Veronica the recording stone so she could see for herself what a harmonious pair her granddaughter and her husband were.

Onstage, the first scene concluded.

In the second scene, Aurora, playing the role of a little spirit, entered to guide the captured male lead in his daring escape from the dungeon. After overcoming countless obstacles, he finally returned to his homeland.

Yet, as he neared the borders of his own kingdom, the princess who had been pursuing him caught up with him.

He assumed she’d try to stop him, but instead, this princess—who had already developed feelings for him—came to bid him farewell.

They lingered in each other’s company, neither admitting their feelings.

The pink-haired spirit off to the side grew increasingly exasperated.

She’d been frustrated during rehearsals;

Now, in the actual performance, she was just as anxious.

But her older sister had told her that such matters couldn’t be rushed.

Otherwise, they’d have to close the curtain right after the second scene, leaving nothing left to perform.

Fine. The director’s the boss; listen to the director.

Finally, after much ado, the two parted ways.

Aurora waved her magic wand and declared, “Brave knight, I foresee in the fables that you and the princess will meet again someday. Now, return home, regroup, and prepare for the greater challenges to come!”

With a final wave of Aurora’s magic wand, the second scene concluded, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The judges continued discussing the actors' performances.

“If the first scene established the characters, giving the audience a clear impression of each, the second scene breaks those impressions, making the characters more complex.”

“Yes, through the shifts in their emotions, the story naturally flows forward. The writer has impressive skill.”

“Indeed, but I think the director deserves equal praise for weaving these scenes together so smoothly. After all, bringing a script to life is no small feat—it tests the director’s ability.”

“True. What was the director’s name again?”

“Noa. Noa K. Melkvey, the youngest in the young dragon division, yet she’s held first place for years.”

“Oh? I usually direct for the Sky City Theater and was invited to judge this competition, but I had no idea your academy had such a gifted student.”

“Professor, don’t even think about stealing Noa away. Directing is just one of her many talents; she’s destined to be one of the greatest dragon warriors.”

“Hahaha! So quick to read my mind!”

The judges continued to praise the first two scenes.

Next came the climactic third scene: the showdown between Leon and Claudia.

In this scene, Noa made a cameo as a maid by Claudia's side.

After completing her cues, blocking, and stage setup, Noa watched as her father stepped in front of Aunt Claudia.

Leon bowed his head respectfully and called out, “Mother Empress.”

At that, Noa sighed in relief.

Good job, Dad. You finally called her “Mother Empress” without a hitch!

The two exchanged a few lines, and due to time constraints, the tension quickly escalated.

“You want to return to that woman? Absolutely not! I will never allow it!” Claudia’s commanding presence and acting were so convincing, it was as if…

Leon really were her son, and she genuinely forbade him from loving a princess from a rival nation.

Noa admired Claudia’s performance from the bottom of her heart, no matter how many times she saw it.

She’d always known her parents had a talent for acting, but she hadn’t expected Aunt Claudia to be a natural as well.

Leon had thought similarly, until Claudia mentioned once that the Sea Dragon Clan had never fully supported her sister and brother-in-law’s marriage.

Only then did General Leon realize:

“Life’s a play, and memory is the script,” didn’t apply solely to him and Rosvisser.

It seemed every family had its own share of struggles, Leon mused quietly.

“Mother Empress, just let me see her one last time!”

“No. If you insist on seeing her, fine, but only after you remove your armor, relinquish your insignia, and strip away every honor you hold. Only then may you go to her.”

“... Fine! Mother Empress, I’ll do as you say!”

Leon stripped off his armor and other props, tossing them aside.

“Mother Empress, now are you satisfied?”

“You… you would abandon all of this for that woman? Is she worth it?”

“She’s worth everything. For her, I’d give up anything.”

“Very well… so be it! Guards, banish him from our land, and let him return only when he’s come to his senses!”

As the scene unfolded, Noa watched with delight from the side.

Her dad was born to play a rebellious character willing to risk everything; that intense, defiant energy suited him perfectly.

Aunt Claudia, on the other hand, portrayed each subtle shift of emotion—shock, anger, and finally resignation—so naturally.

Aunt Claudia, are you even acting? It’s like you actually have a rebellious family member at home…

In the following scenes, Leon’s character, guided by Aurora, reunited with Rosvisser.

But Claudia wasn’t the only obstacle in their path to love.

They faced the wrath and condemnation of their respective countries, endured hardships, fell into a witch’s trap, and faced life-threatening trials.

Just as they were about to escape to a peaceful haven, a curse cast by the witch plunged the princess into an eternal slumber.

“No! No!”

(Snow fluttered, and the northern wind howled)

“My love, you can’t leave me like this! Don’t leave me!”

Onstage, Rosvisser lay in a “coma” in Leon’s arms.

Leon held her head, looking skyward in anguish, tears streaming down his face—

Or rather, from the onion he’d applied near his eyes before going onstage to avoid laughing.

The idea of Rosvisser in an endless slumber actually thrilled him (because then he could dress her up in black stockings and bunny ears and take endless photos, heh heh).

Though inwardly amused, he still delivered a powerful, moving performance.

Many young dragons in the audience worried whether the beautiful princess would ever awaken.

The story continued.

Leon’s knight character traveled the world, desperately searching for a cure to wake the princess.

Eventually, both nations learned of his quest.

The princess’s coma was no trivial matter.

Yet, hindered by years of conflict, neither side wanted to be the first to extend a hand.

In the end, the knight’s unwavering love moved them both.

He was no longer alone in his battle; for the first time, he had people supporting him.

In the final scene, the knight finally found a way to awaken the princess.

They reunited on the seashore at sunset, the perfect setting for the play’s title, *Where Love Sinks*.

Leon held Rosvisser in his arms, waiting patiently for her to awaken.

The stage lighting created a soft, sunset-like glow, casting a warm, romantic atmosphere.

Meanwhile, backstage, Helena approached Noa.

“We’re almost ready for the curtain call, Noa. We did it.”

Noa nodded. “Yeah, we… did it.”

“Oh, by the way, remember how Mom asked me to revise the last line?”

“Don’t worry. Right before we went on, Dad said he’d thought of the perfect line.”

The young sea

dragon’s eyes sparkled. “Really?”

“Yeah, really. I don’t know what he’ll say, but… I trust him.”

Onstage, Rosvisser slowly opened her eyes.

The lead characters gazed into each other’s eyes, the “sunset” reflecting in their pupils.

A tender tension shimmered between them, almost tangible, complex and unbreakable.

“You’re finally awake,” Leon whispered.

Rosvisser was momentarily captivated, her gaze locked onto Leon’s deep, dark eyes. She softly replied, “Yes…”

The final line of the play was next, the one Helena had rewritten multiple times but never perfected.

Curious, Rosvisser wondered what Leon would say.

Would it be something simple yet formal, like “I’ve waited for you all along”?

Or a long, romantic speech filled with poetic declarations?

Or perhaps…

Rosvisser had no idea.

This man always managed to surprise her.

“Rosvisser.”

He didn’t use the name of her character but instead chose this moment to call her by her real name.

Of course, Leon was mindful—his voice, saying “Rosvisser,” was soft enough that only the two of them could hear it on stage.

Rosvisser looked at him, a little surprised. This idiot… calling her by her real name… what was he planning?

“Rosvisser…”

Looking into her eyes, with hundreds watching them, Leon spoke slowly.

“I love you.”