Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

Only ten days remained before they were to perform at the Opera Epiclese.

No matter how one looked at it, that was far too little time.

Yet there was no choice. The sudden disappearance of the original lead had disrupted all plans and arrangements. If they couldn't proceed with the performances, the troupe's fortunes would plummet.

This imminent catastrophe hung like a sword over the heads of all the theater members, threatening to strike at any moment.

There wasn't a soul who didn't feel the weight of unease and anxiety.

And yet...

"O Maryon, I behold your radiance with my own eyes! Even in the darkest night, your figure guides me like the moon's glow— Now, I am destitute and in extreme pain, beseeching you to sing a song that might transport me from all this torment..."

Luna, portraying the protagonist Maryon, assumed a sorrowful expression as she began to sing softly.

Her flowing, mellifluous voice reverberated throughout the room, captivating everyone present.

"Miss Luna's singing is truly exquisite."

"Yes, and she picks up everything so quickly too! She has the script practically memorized word for word. Is this what they call genius...?"

"Alright, cut! Everyone can take a short break now!"

Only four days remained until the official opening.

Luna exhaled deeply, musing that becoming the lead in a musical was no small feat. Not only did one have to master singing, but also act out their part while performing. Despite these challenges, rehearsals were progressing smoothly.

"Luna, a moment of your time," said Romi, the theater group leader, as he approached her with a lavishly dressed woman in tow.

Luna took a sip of water. "We do have one. What seems to be the problem?"

"Allow me to introduce our sponsor. She wishes to make a request regarding your performance."

"What kind of request?"

The sponsor clapped her hands a few times. "I just observed your rehearsal, and I must say, you're incredibly talented. I have a premonition that you could become Fontaine's next star, provided that—you need to be more... daring."

"Please elaborate."

The sponsor began to explain.

"In simple terms, I wish for you to fully unleash your talents."

As she spoke, she handed over a script.

"This is a script I had a friend from the Steam Bird newspaper write. It's meant to counteract the negative publicity campaign against your troupe."

The Dark Moon Troupe's New Moon—A Highly Anticipated Newcomer

Luna glanced at the title and immediately understood the purpose of this article.

As expected, the content was a publicity stunt, featuring quotes from a host of "music drama experts" she had never heard of or met before.

Luna chuckled softly. "I see. You want to capitalize on the recent controversy surrounding our troupe and fan the flames even higher, is that correct?"

"...You're very perceptive, Miss Luna."

It's a tired trope; of course I'm familiar with it.

"How do you feel about this proposal?" Luna asked. "Is this what you call a transaction?"

"Indeed," Luna affirmed.

"Then I have a request," the sponsor interjected.

"Speak," Luna prompted calmly.

"I want Mary's disappearance—her case as the original lead actress—to headline on the same prominent section," Luna explained with composure. "Of course, it must report the absolute truth."

The sponsor looked at her with confusion etched in his expression. "Why?"

"To ensure no one forgets about her, of course. As long as we remember such a person existed, surely someday we'll find her, won't we?"

As for whether she was alive or dead... that remained a mystery.

The sponsor seemed uninterested. "Is that so? Alright, it's not as if it's impossible. But let me warn you, don't put too much stock in it. In Fontaine, no one pays attention to events that don't change."

"People are no different," he added.

Stars without change were cast aside.

Events without change were forgotten.

Conversely, any change, whether for better or worse, would invariably draw the gaze of Fontaine's people to the stage, stirring their hearts with genuine interest.

Luna's expression remained stoic, her smile unwavering. "Many thanks for your advice."

The sponsor's lips curved into a subtle smirk.

"As for how you'll show off your skills, trust your judgment. Give the audience a stage they won't forget, and I'll give you more paths to walk."

It seems this sponsor isn't here to invest in the theater troupe, but in me personally... Luna mused. She couldn't deny that the sponsor truly had an eye for talent.

"No problem."

The patron left contentedly.

Romi then explained, "Her name is 'Madame'... Well, it's not her real name. She just calls herself that. Looks like she's discovered you."

"Discovered?"

"Yeah. Her hobby is finding potential new talent and nurturing them."

"Title: Star Producer strikes again!"

Anyway, according to Romi, her deal was idol creation. After the idols were polished up, she would make a swift exit with all the fuss behind her to discover the next prospect.

If one performed well, they'd get her sponsorship and support.

If this were a game, there'd probably be a quest popping up now:

Objectives: Satisfy the Madam's upbringing requirements

Putting that aside, Luna immediately pondered how to make her performance even more impactful. She wanted to push her skills to the limit, to show off... Fragments of ideas began forming in her mind.

The strongest asset she had right now was definitely not thieving—but singing.

"I see..." she said.

"What is it?" Romi asked.

"I'd like to modify some of the protagonist's songs. Can you take me to the composer?"

Romi nodded. "Sure, but why do you want to see her?"

Luna placed her hands on her hips. "To crank up the difficulty!"

Now that someone had decided to push her into the spotlight, Luna knew she must seize this opportunity. She would spare no effort in demonstrating her true prowess.

This debut would be a seismic tremor for all spectators.

After submitting her suggestions and discussing them with the composer, Luna successfully aligned their visions.

Composer: I've long wanted to write songs that humans can't sing.

Luna: I can be more than human.

In any case, modifications would only affect the protagonist's songs, while everything else remained unchanged. Consequently, it didn't disrupt the progress of rehearsals.

In the blink of an eye, the exhilarating yet nerve-wracking preparation period reached its final stages.

The next day would be her debut.

Though Luna wished she could claim to be perfectly poised, she couldn't shake off a lingering undercurrent of nervousness.

After all... Opera Epiclese boasted the presence of Furina.

Whether it was a trial or a performance, whenever an event unfolded at the opera house, an indelible figure of blue was guaranteed to grace the seats above.

This was Hydro Archon Furina.

Even the people of Fontaine might struggle to fully comprehend her significance.

As a deity, Furina's temperament set her apart from the gods of other nations. The sense of intimacy she exuded differed greatly from that of Liyue's Geo Archon.

In essence: She possessed little of the expected solemnity.

Yet, in the realm of art, the narrative shifted entirely.

Furina stood as the epitome of Fontaine's artistic spirit—a statement that carried no exaggeration—especially in the realms of drama and cinema. This afforded her an exceptionally discerning and unique perspective.

Consequently, the acerbic critiques from Fontaine's foremost star frequently graced the most prominent corners of newspapers.

Even seasoned veterans would tremble at the thought of performing under the gaze of such a discerning audience member.

And within this peril lay opportunity.

"I'll give her a stage she won't forget."