Children of the Rune – Winterer - Chapter 361

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 131.
May Your Final Performance
Be Your Greatest (6)
People had begun trickling in and filling the seats, and while they greeted one another with familiarity, most were genuinely bewildered. Each had assumed they alone would attend such an event. Many among them were celebrities who would have been treated as guests of honor at any other venue, and as their numbers grew, so did the murmurs of surprise.
The excitement reached its crescendo precisely at eleven o’clock when Will Maycock appeared. With his characteristic precision, he removed his hat and bowed to the assembled crowd, seemingly indifferent to the astonished stares that followed him. He approached Rigi Strauss with an easy smile.
“I trust we have both honored our agreement, have we not?”
So many had brought companions that additional chairs had to be fetched. Finally, the doors closed, and Etern rose to address the gathering.
“First, I wish to express my profound gratitude for your presence here today. In truth, I was uncertain whether this event would succeed or be entirely ignored. Yet seeing so many of you gathered here with greater conviction than I possessed, I find myself ashamed of my own timidity.”
Though her words departed from convention, all recognized the sincerity in Etern’s voice. Her eyes gleamed, her cheeks flushed with color, making her appear almost girlish despite her forty-some years—like the fifteen-year-old girl who once followed her father everywhere, recording his every word. Those who remembered Etern in those days found themselves smiling without conscious thought.
“That figures of renown throughout Kalaisona and neighboring lands should gather in one place may well be unprecedented. Though not all invited could attend, this extraordinary assembly owes itself entirely to the power of one person’s script. Before introducing that person, I must first explain that today’s proceedings will take an unconventional form, and I ask your understanding. As you know, today is a ‘staff audition’—a term that likely did not exist before and which we have created anew. This is not an audition for actors, nor is it a fundraising event. For The Wedding of Il de Morbiane, we currently possess only a single script, and not a single staff member has been decided. From this moment forward, we shall conduct an audition to determine whether you will become that staff, or whether you shall simply depart. The person who will make these decisions is one to whom I have granted full authority.”
Etern turned her gaze toward the back of the room and spoke.
“Then, allow me to introduce him.”
A presence emerged from the rear. He entered through the back door, passed through a deliberately created pathway between the seated guests arranged on either side, and walked toward the tall chair that commanded all eyes. Upon arriving, he turned and bowed briefly before speaking.
“I am Joe Hispanie.”
Before the crowd could react, he continued.
“I conceived the performance of The Wedding of Il de Morbiane, wrote the script, secured the theater, and I shall play the lead role.”
3. The Audition
I intend to select from among you those who will journey with me. My conditions are simple: good health, pleasant temperament, maritime skill, and no money. Why no money, you ask? Those accustomed to wealth cannot endure its absence, but those who never possessed it can manage quite well for an extended period. No salary, you say? Of course not! I am as penniless as you are. Ha ha ha!
Thirty pairs of eyes fixed upon a single point.
Before them sat a youth of perhaps twenty years, lanky and loose-limbed, with his left leg hooked over the chair’s footrest, his elbow resting upon his knee, his chin cradled in his hand, his bearing so casual as to border on insolence. The echo of his voice lingered in the ears of those watching him with an almost uncanny persistence. Many among them were musicians with keen hearing, and so they perceived—beyond the mere content of his words—a texture like white linen crackling, the elasticity of violin strings, and an unmistakable rhythm. It was not a greeting but a perfectly calibrated one-line performance. In that brief moment, no one turned away, no one laughed, no one objected. The space transformed into a small theater staging a solo performance, and the actor held the consciousness of all in his grasp, suspending time itself.
Less than a minute passed, and as Joshua’s face broke into a silent smile, the spell dissolved. A cough sounded from one corner, and those who had worn identical expressions suddenly became distinct individuals once more, exchanging glances or laughing awkwardly.
“Did you hear what he just said?”
“That young man is saying he’ll handle production, writing, direction, and the lead role himself—I didn’t mishear that, did I?”
Yet several remained transfixed by Joshua’s smile. Lady Sui de Molt, among them, found herself reflecting on whether she had held her breath throughout.
Known by the name Sui Aneti before her marriage to Count Molt, Lady Sui de Molt had been an actress in Durnensa whose name appeared second on the cast list not once before that union. She had commanded absolute popularity. Her beautiful face and the prima donna temperament that, far from inviting criticism, actually enhanced her appeal, certainly contributed to her fame, but one could not deny her exceptional talent in both acting and song. Having commanded so many devoted followers, she understood better than most how difficult it was to captivate an audience, even for a moment, and how formidable was the power of an actor who could achieve such a feat.
Indifferent to whatever the crowd might murmur, Joshua spoke again.
“The Wedding of Il de Morbiane, which you have seen in script form, must be completed and staged within a fortnight due to circumstances. Since actors, dancers, and musicians require rehearsal time, I believe approximately four days would be appropriate to determine casting and complete the script, lyrics, composition, and choreography. The stage and costumes can be constructed during the rehearsal period. Of course, the designs for both stage and costumes must also be finalized within those same four days.”
Joshua paused, surveying the room. That no immediate objections erupted was simply because the crowd was too stunned to know where to begin.
“Therefore, today’s audition aims to select those capable of completing the foundational framework of the production—the preliminary work—within four days. In truth, I could accomplish all of this myself, but time is insufficient, so I have requested the assistance of the finest experts. Those of you who believe such work is feasible should now pose your questions to me. I shall answer any and all inquiries regarding the production with complete sincerity. After that, you may decide whether to proceed or decline.”
The moment he finished speaking, three people abruptly rose and exited without ceremony. Joshua stood from his chair and offered a courtly bow toward those already departed.
“I apologize for inviting you to a matter of no interest and wasting your time. Farewell.”
He then straightened his torso and reseated himself. Several who had long served the nobility noticed that Joshua’s bearing was as natural as that of young aristocrats.
The others remained because they were watching one another. With figures like Rigi Strauss and Will Maycock still present, leaving abruptly seemed disrespectful to them, and departing first might suggest inferior capability. In other words, they were studying each other’s expressions, weighing whether to laugh it off as absurd, express indignation, or engage in pointed questioning.
Then Joshua spoke suddenly.
“Those with raised hands, please ask your questions.”
Giovann Hantke, who had been sitting cross-legged and askew at the back, lowered his hand and straightened his posture. His eyes, which had risen and fallen as if searching for fault, now met Joshua’s gaze.
“Ah, Hispanie, I have more than one or two things I wish to ask, but there is one matter I must address first. Your script was certainly excellent, but….”
Suddenly Giovann raised his hands and applauded several times. Ignoring the bewilderment of the crowd, he crossed his arms and continued.
“As a commercial script, it would be difficult to approach it more clearly. But setting the script aside, can we truly believe you possess the qualities of an actor and a director as well?”
“Yes.”
The answer burst out without a moment’s hesitation, and laughter erupted from several corners of the room. Giovann Hantke spoke, moving only the corners of his mouth.
“Let’s assume for now that your answer isn’t a joke. After all, we’ve confirmed you have at least one ability. So if you were to say—if you were multiple people able to handle each task separately—would it be possible for you to compose music in four days, or complete choreography within four days?”
“No.”
Just as people were furrowing their brows, wondering what Joshua was getting at, his answer continued.
“It wouldn’t take four days.”
This time, the crowd erupted into loud, prolonged murmuring. Some were angry, but far more felt suspicion and unease at such an audacious claim.
“Lyrics might be possible, but… there are several pieces needed for a single performance. You’re saying you could compose them all in four days?”
“I can’t speak to other things, but this much I’m certain of: even if composition and lyrics were already completed and waiting, it would be impossible to finish direction within four days.”
“Lyrics absolutely cannot be done in four days either. Anyone who’s actually tried knows this. Even three times four days would be impossible.”
Everyone believed such feats were impossible within their own areas of expertise, and as they chattered and learned of each other’s opinions, displeased voices erupted.
“How can you speak about something you don’t understand? What does this kid think our work is?”
“Etern, why on earth did you call out a busy person for such childish nonsense? You understand you’re responsible for this situation, don’t you?”
“Is this entire gathering perhaps a performance itself? If so, I’ll admire your casting ability in bringing such people here, have a good laugh, and head home.”
Children of Rune – Winterer
Author: Jeon Min-hee
Publisher: 14 Months Publishing
The rights to this book belong to the author and 14 Months Publishing.
To reuse all or part of this book’s content, written consent from both parties is required.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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