Mushoku Tensei - A Second Chance

The theater was enclosed in a huge, purple and red tent. It almost looked like a big circus tent. When we walked through the large tent flaps, we noticed an immediate temperature shift. It wasn't freezing cold outside, but it was brisk; right on the border of being cold enough to wear a coat. Inside the tent it was considerably warmer. I didn't see any fires. Perhaps they had a magical implement warming the place? I noticed several objects emanating mana; some were likely props used during the play.

Sylphiette and I hurried to an open bench near the front so that we could both sit together and get a good view. There wasn't that much seating available; I could see why they limited the number of customers for each performance. The benches were old and wooden, not the most comfortable seating. Then again, this is a theater affordable for the common people so I guess I shouldn't expect too much.

The other half of the theater's tent was separated by large, red drapes with the worlds 'The Magic Alliance' embroidered onto them.

"The Magic Alliance...", Sylphy read.

"I think that's the name of the play", I answered. "It was also written on the entry tickets I bought."

"I can't wait for the show to start! I've never seen a play before."

"Neither have I. It'll be a new experience for the both of us", I said with a laugh.

While I've never been to a theatrical play, I've obviously been to the movie theater back on Earth, but I don't count that as the same thing.

Once the roughly one hundred or so people finished making their way inside the tent and found their seats, the curtains were slowly pulled back and the murmuring of the crowd quieted down. There was hardly any waiting period for the show to start.

I glanced over at Sylphiette. She had her eyes fixed on the newly exposed stage, eagerly anticipating the actors to step out and begin the play. I don't think she's ever gotten to experience something like this. Seeing her face brimming with excitement made me forget all about the troubles I'd caused earlier. Maybe everything worked out for the best after all.

The play's director was the first to come out on stage.

"Firstly, I want to thank you all for coming to see the debut of our play tonight. This play is a reenactment of the story of our great city's founding. Please try to remain quiet during the performance."

The director walked out of view, back behind the curtain, and in his place a young man dressed in extravagant clothing stepped out onto the stage.

"Our story begins with a young man named Armond Sharia. He was born as the third son of the head of the noble Sharia household...", The play's director could be heard narrating the play from out of sight.

The narrator introduced Armond Sharia, who was presumably the main character of the play and gave a short summary of his background, as well as his ambitions. In his early adulthood, Armond became a member of Ranoa's Magic Guild. We were then introduced to a young woman named Elara, who I could tell immediately would be the love interest.

Elara was the daughter of one of Armond's Father's business partners. She was from the Kingdom of Neris, one of the adjacent countries to Ranoa. As I had guessed, Armond ended up falling in love with Elara. Neither of their parents approved of the marriage, so the two of them eloped to the Dutchy of Basherant.

Honestly, I found the play to be getting a bit boring. I already knew most of this story from my studies at the Academy. They obviously embellished some of the facts to make the play more entertaining, but even still, I wasn't a fan of the overly dramatic actors portraying noble society.

I subtly glanced back over at Sylphiette again. Her eyes were glued open and laser focused on the play. Her face told me in a moment that she was enthralled by the play. Even if I didn't find the play entertaining, it was worth coming here just to make her happy like this.

*Whoosh*

"Ahh!!"

The play had entered a 'fight' scene in which Armond was fighting off some bandits using his magical prowess. The theater used various lights and effects in place of actual magic spells. I could see mana outlining the effects using my Magic Power Eye. I could only guess they were using magic implements to simulate the battle. The crowd gasped in surprise as Armond cast a 'Water Cannon' spell and a wave of blue liquid erupted from the actor's hand. The liquid dispersed above the audience and rained down on us in a light mist.

Sylphy joined the rest of the crowd in clapping after the scene ended and the actors began transitioning to the next.

"Did you see that!", Sylphy asked me excitedly during the transition. "Those spells looked so real!"

"You really think so?", I thought.

"Well they obviously aren't going to use real attack spells in front of a crowd like this."

"I know. They're doing a great job", I said in agreement.

The next scene began with Armond and Elara reaching their destination in the Dutchy of Basherant. From there the play started to bore me again as they delved into more historical politics.

*Cough, Cough*

'Ew.. Did I just swallow a fly? It felt like something just slithered down my throat.'

*Ptt*

I looked away from Sylphy and tried to subtly pull up spit from the bottom of my throat to spit out whatever it was I just swallowed, but nothing came up.

'Eh, whatever. I don't want to make a scene.'

I tried to refocus on the play for Sylphy's sake. The last thing I want to do is ruin the fun for her when she's having such a great time. As I tried to force myself to pay attention to the play, however, my eyelids started to feel heavy.

'How much longer is this play going to last', I thought as I snuck a peek at the lithograph stone I had hidden away in my pocket. 'I hope it doesn't make us late to Sylphy's party tonight'.

"Is it just me, or is it warm in here. They need to turn down the heat..."

I drowsily looked over towards Sylphy as I said that.

"Sylphy?", I muttered out as my consciousness was fading.

She was sitting beside me with her head hanging down, fast asleep.