215 Jennas Worry

As soon as Jenna revealed where she studied acting, a hush fell over the living room. Franca and Lumian exchanged inexplicable glances, causing Jenna to feel a pang of uncertainty. Charlie, the waiter, couldnt conceal his startled expression and the fear that gripped him was evident in his shrinking demeanor and fearful eyes.

Whats wrong? Is there a problem? Jenna asked, her confidence wavering.

Lumian seized the moment and tossed a Louis dor at Jennas feet, his eyes intently following her every move, even the slightest flicker in her gaze.

Dammit! Whats the meaning of this? Jenna looked down at the Louis dor, her confusion turning into anger as she confronted Lumian.

Lumians expression returned to normal, and he turned his head, grinning at Franca. Not a Scrooge.

Of course! Franca responded, a mix of exasperation and amusement. We meet often. She may be a bit frugal, but shes definitely not a Scrooge. Plus, she doesnt exhibit any signs of being a Sex Addict, and her acting skills leave much to be desired.

Franca couldnt help but feel a twinge of regret.

What are you two talking about? Jenna was utterly bewildered, forgetting her own penchant for profanity.

You explain, Lumian instructed Franca.

Franca rose and tried to allow Jenna to squeeze into the recliner with her, but realizing it was too cramped, Jenna opted for an armchair instead, resting a pile of ordinary clothes on her lap.

Do you remember that creep Hedsey? Franca slumped back disappointedly in the recliner.

Jenna responded without hesitation, I remember. Damn it, he died too easily!

It wasnt exactly an easy demise... Lumian silently muttered, recalling the gruesome state of Hedseys lower body.

Using this as a starting point, Franca delved into the secrets of the Bliss Society, the dark Sequences tied to the evil god, the Mother Tree of Desire, the connection between the Bliss Society and the Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons, and various details involving the true Ive, Rentas, Maipu Meyer, and Susanna Mattise.

Jenna, having absorbed Francas mystical knowledge, grew increasingly astonished with each revelation. It was as if a door had swung open, revealing a new worlda scene that was entirely different from what she had known before. It festered, exuded sinister vibes, terrified her, and made her stomach churn with disgust.

After Franca finished her account, she blurted out, Did that creep target me at the Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons?

Considering that Hedsey was a subordinate of theater manager Maipu Meyer and associated with the Bliss Society, he likely frequented and surreptitiously entered the Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons.

Jenna suspected that the pervert often lurked in the shadows, observing the apprentice actresses during their classes.

Its possible, Franca agreed, contemplating why the pervert Hedsey didnt choose another underground singer but instead risked attacking Jenna.

Jenna was undeniably attractive. After her time at the Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons, where she honed her acting and makeup skills, her allure had gradually emerged. However, she wasnt a fully-fledged Witch yet, nor was she overwhelmingly captivating. In the bustling marketplace, there was no shortage of underground singers who were more alluring and could ignite the desires of men of lower standing. Besides, they lacked the distinction of being Red Bootss mistress.

Jenna glared at Lumian, her teeth grinding together in frustration.

Lumian chuckled softly. I suddenly realized that since we met, youve never praised any orthodox god. I still dont know if youre a follower of the Eternal Blazing Sun or the God of Steam and Machinery. Its rather suspicious.

Jenna scoffed and replied, Most of the time when I meet you, Im dressed like this. I wear smoky makeup that symbolizes debauchery and sing, My dear, hes really good with his fingers. If I were to praise the Sun in this state, I believe God would incinerate me.

As she spoke, she pointed to her chest, revealing a generous amount of alluring cleavage.

Without waiting for Lumians response, she turned her finger towards Franca.

And Franca never praises any deity either. Why arent you suspecting her?

Who says I dont? Franca declared solemnly, drawing a triangular Sacred Emblem on her chest. By Steam!

Your acting skills are mediocre... Aurore is the same. She rarely mentions her faith and doesnt attend Mass. She only praises the Sun when questioned... Lumian drew the triangular Sacred Emblem.

By Steam!

Caught up in their actions, Charlie instinctively spread his arms wide.

Praise the Sun!

An indescribable silence descended, as if no one knew how to proceed with the conversation.

After a few seconds, Lumian addressed Jenna, saying, So, your true identity is an apprentice actress.

Jenna couldnt help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. She lifted her chin slightly and replied, Well then, am I qualified to critique your acting skills? And let me clarify, Im not some low-class hooligan with a vulgar mouth. Im merely playing the role of an underground songstress. How did I do? Was it convincingly authentic? Can you find any faults?

No wonder I occasionally find you rather refined, Lumian mocked, concurring with Jennas statement.

What do you mean, rather? Jenna expressed her dissatisfaction.

Charlies gaze darted between their faces, eventually landing on Franca, who sat in the recliner.

Franca pursed her lips and observed Lumian and Jenna as they bickered.

Lumian dismissed Jennas bragging and said, Lets discuss the Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons.

After a few moments of contemplation, Jenna blurted out in frustration, Dammit! My tuition fees!

As soon as the words left her mouth, she noticed everyone giving her strange looks.

Jenna hurriedly clarified, Didnt you mention that Maipu Meyer might escape with the members of the Bliss Society? Wont Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons shut down? Damn it, Ive already paid a years worth of tuition fees to these damn heretics! I need to get that money back!

Once Jenna regained her composure, Lumians lips twitched.

Werent you claiming that your foul mouth and low morals were all part of an act?

... At first, Jenna was left speechless, but then she defended herself forcefully. I am currently Jenna, the underground songstress! I am still in character and havent broken free from it...

Observing Lumians skeptical expression, Jenna became enraged with embarrassment.

Dammit, dont you understand? This is called method acting!

Yes, yes, yes, Franca chimed in, trying her best to change the subject. Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons has a dedicated audience and talented actors. Even if the theater manager and a few leads leave, it wont shut down. At most, they might embezzle funds. Itll be a bit challenging for them. I believe there will be plenty of people willing to take over such valuable assets. Oh, by the way, who owns Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons?

Jenna recollected and replied, Maipu Meyer himself.

Ah, I see... Lumian glanced at Franca. If Maipu Meyer truly intends to escape, we could acquire Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons at a low price. There are numerous dancers and singers under Brignaiss control who dont want to sell themselves. We can give them an opportunity to earn a living at the theater.

They will face fierce competition. Franca contemplated. If we succeed, it could indeed be a viable path. The challenge lies in convincing Brignais... Haha, we can spin him a tale and sell him a promise. Let him know that no matter how much he squeezes a singer who moonlights as a street girl, he can only make a pittance. On the other hand, a renowned theater actress under the influence of our Savoie Mob will bring far greater returns.

Charlies gaze shifted between Lumian and Franca before settling on Jenna, who sat in an armchair.

After discussing with Lumian, Franca assured Jenna, Dont worry, your tuition fees wont be in vain.

Jenna, who had been listening intently to their conversation, let out a sigh of relief and muttered,

The tuition fees for Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons arent cheap at all.

Franca redirected the conversation back to its original course.

Whats your impression of the people from Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons? Who do you find suspicious?

Jenna contemplated for a moment before responding, Maipu Meyer enjoys watching our acting classes. His gaze can be a bit lecherous, but he has never harassed anyone. Thats something many men do, isnt it? Yes, some apprentices might have a private relationship with him. After all, hes the theaters owner and manager.

Rentas possesses remarkable acting skills. He is the most professional and exceptional among all the acting instructors. The characters he portrays in plays seem to come alive, each one distinct from the others...

At this point, Jennas tone revealed a touch of envy, as if she desired to possess the abilities of an Actor. However, thoughts of Hedseys perversity and Susanna Mattises current predicament filled her with fear, preventing her from indulging in such fantasies.

I havent really interacted with the Ive you mentioned. Perhaps he only appears in certain genres...

Im not well-acquainted with Charlotte. By the time I joined Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons, she had already taken on lead roles, but she was my role model. Her acting skills are slightly inferior to Rentass. Im uncertain if shes an Actor. Dammit, its hard to say...

Jenna struggled to restrain herself for a long while before finally cursing.

The other acting instructors are probably not Actors. Their acting abilities pale in comparison to Rentass. They often praise me for my talent in acting. While I may not match Rentas or the previous female leads of Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons, I can hold my own against Charlotte when she was still an apprentice... Jenna suddenly fell silent.

Whats the matter? Franca inquired, concerned.

Charlies gaze shifted from Franca and Jenna to Ciel, who sat beside him.

Jenna furrowed her brow and said, Tomorrow, the official Beyonders will conduct a thorough investigation of Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons. What... what should I do?

She was a wild Beyonder, an Assassin.

Abandon Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons and find another theater? Lumian suggested.

Money was the least of her concerns.

Jenna pressed her lips together, her expression filled with dejection.

B-but I used my true identity at Theatre de lAncienne Cage a Pigeons. What about my mother and brother...