Jeanette and Claus smiled as they watched the play proceed smoothly. Eventually, the scene in which Princess Christine was about to be married off to the Pakiran Empire arrived. The actress playing her walked onto the stage in a wedding dress, casting her eyes down sorrowfully.
“Hee hee! How nostalgic. At the time, I thought I’d never see you again,” Christine whispered into her husband’s ear.
“R-Right,” he replied awkwardly.
Everyone watched as the actor playing Layton burst into the scene, looking strong and robust. “Your Majesty, please don’t forget our promise!” he screamed, drawing the eyes of the audience.
In the next moment, all the other actors exited the stage. Those playing the southern tribesmen of the Pakiran Empire appeared in their place. Layton’s actor gripped a huge hammer in his arms, and began cutting them all down one after another. His smooth movements showed great martial prowess. The crowd cried out in response, sounding impressed.
“That’s the muscle daruma from hell!” the Pakiran emperor’s actor exclaimed, and this time the audience roared with laughter.
Jeanette glanced over and saw that Christine was laughing happily, while Duke Pablo was awkwardly scratching his reddened cheeks.
At last, the final confession scene arrived. Now, only the actors playing Christine and Layton were left on the stage.
“Princess Christine, despite who I am...won’t you please marry me?!”
“Layton...” The actress gazed at the other with teary eyes, before leaping into his arms.
The two exchanged a passionate kiss, and as if on cue, the audience erupted with cheers. “Bravo!”
“That was amazing!”
“Layton really gave it his all!”
The sounds of applause were mixed with the music which signaled the end of the play. People were up on their feet, and the plaza was bursting with fervor. Only Duke Pablo seemed embarrassed, but even so, he was smiling and clapping like the others. Christine was leaning against his shoulder, ecstatic.
Listening to the story was really fun, but actually seeing it played out by the actors is so moving! It really is the love story of the century! Jeanette thought as she applauded enthusiastically. They did have to change some things to fit the stage adaptation, but for the most part, everything was based on Christine’s real-life experiences. It’s almost like Lady Christine is the heroine of a fable!
As the applause began dying down, Claus stood up.
Oh no! I can’t be distracted now! Jeanette scolded herself inwardly. I have to root for Lord Claus! With that, she fixed her expression. It was time for Matheson Trading—or rather, Claus’s performance.
The two lead actors were bowing deeply on the stage. Claus joined them and called out just as clearly and grandly as they had delivered their lines. “The story has reached a happy ending, everyone. But there’s still a little bit left to go.” His voice tickled everyone’s ears pleasantly, like a cool breeze in the middle of a heat wave. His calm, beautiful, well-projected voice caused the audience to turn to him with intrigue.
“Afterward, Layton gave Christine a ring. He ran from place to place, until he found a single shining diamond which he had affixed to the ring.” Claus gestured toward the actors.
In response, Layton’s actor rummaged in his pocket before pulling something out. It was a ring with a large diamond on it. That said, even though it was sizable, to the audience, it seemed like little more than a speck. But when he moved it, the diamond caught the sunlight and glittered in seven colors. Its glimmer was just like that of the morning star appearing in the daylight. The women sitting in the back rows let out passionate sighs.
“Did you know that the diamond is called by many names?” Claus continued. “A tear of the gods, a fragment of a shooting star, and an everlasting symbol.” Although he was speaking loudly so that the audience could hear him, his voice wasn’t grating on the ears. Instead, it had a softness to it that seemed to permeate everyone.
“Mother Earth has fostered diamonds for thousands of years. Even if our bodies perish, diamonds will persist unto future generations. Our ancestors placed their wishes into these diamonds, and have traditionally chosen them for their wedding rings.”
The belief was that couples with diamond wedding rings had a bond that would last for eternity.
“‘For you, an everlasting light...’ May the diamond watch over Christine and Layton’s path. And if any of you have a beloved, consider granting them an everlasting light too.” To cap off his speech, Claus offered the lead actors a deep bow.
Despite the fact he was standing next to a beautiful couple, his own beauty hadn’t faded at all in comparison. Rather, he might’ve been the most conspicuous one onstage. His good looks were heightened by his elegant conduct and etiquette, which had been drilled into him as a member of the nobility. He had an overpowering aura which put even the popular actors to shame. Everyone gazed at him as if they were under a magic spell while sighing dreamily.
Jeanette was no exception. L-Lord Claus is just too beautiful...!
“Hey, who’s that beautiful man? Is he an actor?”
“I don’t know. But he’s gorgeous...”
“Should we go up to him and ask for his name later?”
Behind her, Jeanette heard such murmurs. She was about to turn around and agree with them wholeheartedly, before informing them of Claus’s name. As expected, Lord Claus’s acting skills are brilliant too! He really could become an actor! He’s good-looking and smart. To think he has both business acumen and the ability to act... He’s incredible! she thought with a shiver.
Right then, Claus raised his voice again. “Now, I would like to borrow this stage and grant my own beloved this ring as well.” His violet eyes were fixed on Jeanette, and he called out her name.
“Huh?!” Jeanette froze at this sudden announcement. Everyone’s gazes strayed toward her. Why did he just say my name...?!
She wasn’t alone. Christine, who’d helped them arrange the play, was also staring at her in bewilderment. After all, Claus had only explained to her how the diamonds were tied to the play, and hadn’t ever mentioned Jeanette coming onto the stage.
“Jeanette, could you come up here?” he prompted again.
Flustered, Jeanette glanced around her surroundings. All those gathered in the area were staring at her. This made her feel even more shaken up, when someone suddenly stood by her side.
“Come now, milady!” Sara urged quietly, pushing Jeanette, with a big grin on her face.
“H-Huh?” The confused Jeanette stumbled onto the stage and gingerly approached Claus. “Um, L-Lord Claus, what is happening...?!” she whispered.
In response, Claus took her hand. He went down on one knee, just like a knight about to swear his loyalty to a queen. From his breast pocket, he pulled out a small, rectangular velvet box.
Is that...? Jeanette stared at it with wide eyes while Claus’s lovely, elegant fingers opened it up.