After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 126
Chapter 126: Not So Bad, Right?
“How was it? Not bad, right?”
Sieg’s grin won’t quit. He’s enjoying himself, seeing me squirm at the deliberately embellished production.
It seems Sieg had planned all along to show me and the fiancées this play. He had already secured the second-floor box seats for that night’s performance, inviting me, Gretel, and Ayaka-san. Box seats are for nobles and wealthy merchants… During intermission, they even served wine and provided impeccable service.
The play itself dramatized various events surrounding the war with the empire, and as popular entertainment, it wasn’t half bad. Rather, the script was well-crafted, appropriately tear-jerking, and the actors’ performances were splendid. It was quite enjoyable… if I weren’t the main character, that is.
The portrayal of me was excessively exaggerated. They fabricated a cheesy encounter with a contrived Beato, claiming that the moment our eyes met, love’s laser beams shot between us. Of course, the relationship with Gretel was depicted as a heartwarming bond between childhood friends evolving into passionate love… My struggles and doubts were conveniently ignored.
In the play, I trust and deeply love all three, including Sister Liese, offering them unwavering encouragement and advice, leading them to victory… Sister’s formidable water magic devastates the national army, Gretel’s light sword paves the kingdom army’s path, and Beato’s magic binds the empire’s forces. And amidst the ravages of war, Beato saves the land with her gentle wood magic. Throughout the play, for each event, I provide strategies to the women, sometimes embracing them for support, sometimes whispering words of love with a kiss. With just that, the women are spurred on by their feelings for me, surpassing their own abilities and becoming heroes who save Belsenbrück.
If you read into this scenario deeply, it might seem like I’m doing some magical mobile battery thing… but by excessively embellishing it with “the power of love” theme, it ironically makes you feel like, “Well, this is a play, so it’s not real,” which is quite comforting.
And above all, the leading actor is cool. The actor in his twenties, with silver hair like mine, exudes a mature charm I lack, capturing the attention of female audience members. If those women were to see the real me after this, they’d probably say, “Oh, he’s just a kid?” On top of that, this actor, in just a short while, relentlessly whispers to the women, “I love you,” “I believe in you,” “You’re beautiful,” “You can do it,” “For me, with your power,” and such embarrassing lines. There’s no way someone like me, with a Showa-era mentality, could do something so embarrassing.
Hmm, it’s fine if the audience enjoys it, but being used as entertainment seasoning is quite disagreeable.
“It was wonderful. It felt like the real Lord Lutz was there.”
The unexpected comment comes from Ayaka-san. As the “other” wife, Ayaka-san, of course, doesn’t appear in the play. I was a bit worried she might feel uneasy about that, but it seems she genuinely enjoyed the drama as entertainment.
“Well, I can’t spout such embarrassing lines…”
“That’s what stage direction is. Of course, our reserved Lord Lutz wouldn’t utter such frivolous words. But, providing us with the strength to face challenges is just like in the play. It warmed my heart.”
Ayaka-san, usually rational and reserved, seems a bit flustered, her cheeks tinted pink, as she praises the play with excitement.
“Yeah, I was moved too. The real Lutz wouldn’t whisper such contrived words of love, but the ‘feelings’ conveyed are the same. It’s not just staging; it’s a fact that Lutz’s words can empower like magic.”
Oh, even Gretel is saying that. Well, she’s rough around the edges but has a romantic, innocent side. Still, it’s nice to hear her express her feelings for me so openly… I guess I should be grateful even for such emotional theatrics.
“I can’t stop trembling at the thought of being united with the lead of such a wonderful drama. I can’t wait for the few days until the ceremony…”
She’s praising it that much. Well, even in the old world, plays and operas were deliberately exaggerated in staging and acting… but they still attracted audiences, and hardcore fans would come back every time. If Ayaka-san and Gretel, who know the real story, are also praising it, then it’s only natural for it to become popular among the general public.
“Yeah, thanks to this play, Lutz’s stock is rising rapidly in the capital. Everyone is looking forward to seeing the princess’s spouse at the wedding. It might not make you happy, but think of it as for Princess Beatrice’s sake and resign yourself to it.”
“For Beato’s sake?”
“Yeah. To secure Princess Beatrice’s position, which lacks strong noble support, everyone needs to approve of her chosen spouse. Despite being recently made a marquis… Lutz is just the fourth son of a count. To win over the people… Lutz has to play the role of the nation’s hero.”
Sigh. I figured as much, but it’s exhausting. But for Beato’s sake… I guess I have to endure this embarrassing play, huh?