Published at 5th of December 2025 7:32 am

Chapter 96

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

A burly man approached with a nonchalant expression, then raised his eyebrows.

Oh.

How about that? I told you so, Jonas exclaimed enthusiastically to the man.

The newcomer gave me a scrutinizing look before smirking and turning back to Jonas.

This ones the real deal.

Thats what Im saying! At first, I thought he came from another troupe.

Easy mistake. Theres a resemblance.

He circled me, inspecting from every angle.

Red hair aside, theres a bit of an Adrian Askanian vibe.

Good thing I cast a light perception distortion spell on myself too.

Still, hes sharp.

I maintained a faint smile, keeping my expression neutral.

Jonas, however, seemed to disagree with the assessment, his eyes wide in surprise.

Really? You think so?

Dont you see it? Its subtle, but its there.

I dont know I dont see it.

The man shrugged nonchalantly. Well, its a bit of a blurry resemblance. In any case, using that name in promotions would be risky, so its better not to.

Itd draw attention, though! We could have a star actor rise from our troupe!

Ha, lets not get ahead of ourselves.

He whispered something to Jonas, then approached me with a cheerful expression, patting my shoulder.

Dietrich Granach, was it? You said you wanted to become an actor here?

Why am I the exception here? Everyone else seems to start with menial tasks.

I couldnt bring myself to respond, already exasperated by what this implied.

He didnt wait for my answer, nodding to himself as if Id agreed.

Alright. Lets give it a shot.

Wow~

So, you managed to join the troupe, huh?

As I warped back to our lodgings with a conflicted expression, my friends turned to greet me, having been listening in via artifact.

Did you become an actor already?

If you were going to go with that story, you shouldve let me test it first! You didnt think itd work, did you? Narce teased.

When was it that you were asking, can we really do this?

I flopped down on the sofa, and Narce chuckled.

Guess we didnt notice with Pleroma, but first impressions really are everything.

Yeah, who knew things would progress this quickly? Leo added, nodding seriously, his usual playfulness absent.

Honestly, I was surprised too.

Despite claiming they had plenty of apprentices, they still decided to fast-track me as an actor without even testing my skills.

It was clear theyd judged me solely on appearances, which rapidly eroded any faith I had in the troupes professionalism.

Last time, you nailed it after just forty minutes of practice. I remember when I watched your Faust, something about it just clicked. You get what I mean?

No. The issue isnt the actingits that the outcome was unexpected.

I wasnt unfamiliar with this field.

While I had more experience with on-screen work than live theater, it didnt matter since I wasnt here to pursue acting seriously.

Id merely planned to start with menial work. This turn of events was just disorienting.

Leo asked, his tone tinged with concern, Ive heard this guy has a deep love for his work. People who meet him casually speak highly of him, but those whove known him for a while all seem to sigh. Are you sure youll manage?

Marianne Baum wasnt just the troupes manager; he was also one of its directors.

Which meant that if my acting fell short, Id never get into his good graces.

Judging by his reputation, being overlooked might actually be the best-case scenario.

I kept my response simple.

Ill do my best. Thanks for the info.

Just focus on building a good relationship with Marianne Baum. You wont need to stay long.

Narce grinned, clearly enjoying the situation, and tried to reassure me.

I returned his smile.

All things considered, this was a good outcome.

Being cast as an actor was a far better opportunity than trying to approach him through menial tasks.

If I caught his attention, Id have more time to talk with him properly.

***

The following evening, I avoided eye contact as I sat in the practice room, trying to ignore the numerous stares aimed at me.

They werent friendly.

It was obvious what they were thinking.

If Id spent time doing menial work and familiarizing myself with the troupe, it mightve been different. But instead, I was directly placed into acting lessons after catching the directors eye.

Sorry, but it couldnt be helped.

Whatever my plans, I couldnt afford to take my new position lightly.

Especially not if I wanted to gain Marianne Baums favor.

While I endured the hostility in silence, the door opened.

A middle-aged man with a gentle demeanor entered the room, scanning the group as he walked in.

Good evening, everyone.

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. Someone hesitantly asked,

Uh Teacher, what brings you here?

I heard we have a new student, so I came to see for myself.

He walked over to me without hesitation.

You must be the newcomer. Your name?

Dietrich Granach.

Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Granach. Im Marianne Baum.

Weve met.

I shook his hand briefly.

He examined me closely as we shook hands, then remarked,

Chris was talking about you all day and now I see why. Im looking forward to seeing what you can do.

He mustve meant the director I met yesterday.

Hearing someone say they had high expectations for me, even before Id attended a single lesson, was slightly unsettling.

Hes probably here to see if Im worth all the fuss.

Not that thered be much teaching involved.

This industry rarely invested heavily in training, given the constant influx of talent.

Soon, the acting instructor arrived and greeted Marianne warmly.

Teacher, youre already here! This must be our new student, Mr. Granach?

Yes, I replied.

Im Brigitte Huber. Looking forward to working with you.

Likewise.

Well then, lets begin. Since we have a newcomer today, well start lightly with some lines.

She handed out single-page scripts to the group, the pages typed out on an old typewriter.

Its Faust again.

The man who walked over with an indifferent demeanor raised his eyebrows upon seeing me.

Oh.

How about that? I told you so, Jonas exclaimed energetically.

The man examined me intently before glancing back at Jonas with a smirk.

This time, its the real deal.

Thats what Im saying! At first, I thought he came from another troupe.

Easy to mistake. Theres a certain resemblance.

He began to circle me, observing from different angles.

Red hair aside, theres a hint of Adrian Askanian about him.

Good thing I used a subtle perception distortion sell on myself.

Still, his observation was spot-on. I maintained a faint smile, hiding any reaction.

Jonas, however, seemed confused and blinked in surprise.

Really? You think so?

Dont you see it? Its faint, but its there.

I dont think so.

The man shrugged. Fair enough. Either way, its not worth using that name for promotion. Too risky.

But imagine the buzz! We could have a star actor rise from our troupe!

Lets not get ahead of ourselves.

The man whispered something to Jonas, then approached me with a friendly smile and patted my shoulder.

Dietrich Granach, was it? You said you wanted to act?

Why does it feel like this is spiraling out of control?

Though I didnt respond, he nodded as if Id agreed.

Alright, lets give it a try.

Faust, being a national treasure of a play, was the perfect piece to hand to newcomers.

The script, with its familiar lines, eased my nerves slightly. Quiet chuckles rippled through the room, likely in response to the heavy tension.

You have ten minutes to analyze. Afterward, well start one by one, the acting instructor announced.

Unlike the condensed scripts Id been given in school, this one contained the full dialogue without omissions.

At least I know which part this is.

I took a moment to scan the room, noting the nervous atmosphere as I set my script down.

The two others with scripts were mouthing their lines fervently, while the rest of the group watched us closely.

Following the most intense gaze, I turned and met Marianne Baums eyes.

To think Id ever find myself attending acting lessons in a place like this.

Times up. Lets begin.

Well, for the chance to infiltrate the Catacombs, this is a bargain.

I broke eye contact with Marianne and closed my script.

***

Marianne Baum sat beside the stage, resting his chin in his hand as he observed the apprentices.

Certainly a promising presence.

The new recruit stood out.

He claimed to work for a baronial household, yet he carried himself with an air that suggested he could be the baron himself.

Not that it matterssuch traits are valuable.

In an era where even commoners could accumulate wealth, nobility had become an aspirational image, a charm that money couldnt buy.

This man had it. Hed be marketable.

The problem is his acting ability.

No matter how much appearances mattered, poor acting could empty theaters.

The decision to put him here, bypassing standard procedures, must have been made with the intent of fast-tracking him onto the stage.

If his skill didnt measure up, no amount of backstage maneuvering would convince Marianne to allow it.

Times up, the instructor said, tapping the desk.

Burfel, youre first.

At the instructors cue, Burfel stepped onto the stage, script in hand.

When the instructor signaled to begin, his demeanor shifted instantly.

Why does hope never leave that man? Forever digging for gold and settling for worms, yet finding joy!

His strong voice echoed through the room.

Marianne mulled it over.

Burfels delivery was solid, his emotions decent. He might make a good youthful Faust.

But that was as far as it went.

The section, Night, comes from Act I of Faust.

It portrays Fausts anguish over his inability to grasp the essence of life, despite mastering countless disciplines. At his lowest point, he contemplates ending his life by drinking poisoned wine.

Though Burfel conveyed anguish, his performance lacked the resolve that leads to Fausts decision.

Dare I have strived to emulate you? I had the strength to draw you in but lacked the power to hold you fast.

Wasting effort in the wrong places.

Marianne sighed inwardly as Burfels lines concluded.

The instructor offered polite applause and a moderate evaluation.

Marianne kept his smile as the next apprentice performed, but his mind wandered. Apprentices were apprentices for a reason.

What truly piqued his curiosity was the newcomer.

Lost in thought, Marianne only noticed the time had passed when the instructor clapped his hands.

Now, we have only our newest member left.

Granach rose from his seat and stepped onto the stage.

The instructor looked curious.

Wheres your script?

If its not required, Id prefer to go without it.

Hmm?

Marianne removed his hand from his chin and spoke.

There are over forty lines, Mr. Granach.

Im aware.

If you stop midway, that wont suffice.

I understand. Unless its mandatory, Id rather perform without the scriptits distracting.

Granachs calm smile accompanied his explanation.

Does he mean he memorized it?

Unlikely.

This must mean hed practiced this script many times before.

Very well. Go ahead.

Marianne gestured for him to begin, intrigued.

Granach nodded and turned his gaze toward a corner of the stage.

Why does hope never leave that man?

His voice wasnt forceful but clear and steady.

Marianne followed his line of sight.

Is he directing his performance toward an imagined student?

As soon as the thought occurred, Granachs focus shifted back to the audience.

Forever digging for gold and settling for worms, yet finding joy! How can such a pure voice echo here, where spirits entwine around me?

Hmm.

He deviated from the script slightly, eliminating the pauses dictated by the lines.

Normally, excessively long sentences risk losing the audiences attention, signaling a lack of stage familiarity.

However, Granachs emotions flowed naturally, unhindered by the potential discord of prolonged despair.

Yet this once, I must be grateful. My gratitude extends to the most wretched soul on earthfor lifting me from despair that drowned all my senses!

His voice grew louder, cold and emotionless, yet accompanied by a faint smile.

Marianne narrowed his eyes.

Is he interpreting Faust as slowly losing his mind?

It wasnt a bad choice for this pivotal moment when Faust resolves to end his life in pursuit of truth.

He has an oddly high level of understanding.

Though it didnt feel like hed spent much time on stage.

Marianne glanced around.

The instructor, who hadnt seemed particularly expectant, was now grinning ear to ear.

Dare I have strived to emulate you? I had the strength to draw you in but lacked the power to hold you fast.

Unlike earlier performances, Granachs voice carried a faint trace of self-deprecating laughter, though his expressions remained restrained.

Not bad.

His interpretation maintained a consistent intensity, avoiding any jarring shifts in tone.

It aligned closely with Mariannes vision of Faust.

However

Im sensing magic here.

There wasnt supposed to be a single noble in this room, yet faint traces of mana hung in the air.

Expressionless, Mariannes gaze locked onto Granach.

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