Governor Lind did not even bother to come out of the city to greet us.
The person in charge muttered softly, “As expected, the border nobles do not know etiquette.”
Greya reminded him, “After all, we were the ones who agreed to it and did not arrive on the appointed day.”
After the entire convoy had settled down, Greya met Lind in the not-so-large residence.
Although Greya found it hard to imagine that this ordinary residence was where the governor conducted his official business and rested, it was even smaller than a section of Doug Castle.
“You agreed to it, Madame of the Nightingale Opera House.”
Lind critically said to Greya without mercy: “You disappointed my subjects; they have been looking forward to your performance, and many took leave just to see you.”
This was the first time Greya heard a noble express displeasure because his subjects were disappointed, but she maintained her composure and asked, “Lord Governor, do you wish for me to perform opera for your subjects instead of for you and your noble friends?”
“No, I do not understand opera, nor does my wife.”
This was the first time Greya felt so awkward. At that moment, she remembered that the governor’s wife was the notorious noblewoman from the Royal Capital, whom Greya had the misfortune of seeing at the Nightingale Opera House. Each time, the woman sat in the front row, peacefully asleep, which caused significant psychological distress to other performers who thought their acts were too dull, later realizing she only bought tickets to take a nap.
Lind was unapologetic about lacking artistic understanding: “However, out of respect, I still inquired with my subordinates about your opera, which is claimed to be ‘for the masses’. How so? Is it true that your opera can only be performed for nobles?”
“Of course not! My dream is for both commoners and nobles, and even dukes and young lords, to enjoy my performances. This time is no different; my performance will not charge any fees, only requiring you to provide the venue.”
Greya added, “Moreover, the merchants along the way have already donated a considerable amount of charity, so I would feel embarrassed to charge you again.”
“Merchants are merchants; I am I. I will pay you according to the standard. You are not doing this pro bono but were invited to perform, and all scripts must be submitted for my review, understood?”
Free services are always the most expensive. Even if Lind didn’t have ulterior motives, he didn’t want to owe anyone anything.
However, as soon as Lind mentioned reviewing the scripts, the person in charge became unhappy.
“You are infringing on our freedom to perform.”
“Freedom cannot overshadow the law!”
Perhaps it was too late, and Lind was in a bit of a bad mood, coupled with rumors in the Royal Capital about Lind and Lena eating two children at every meal. Just a glare was enough to pin the person in charge to his seat, not daring to utter another word.
“I understand. I will follow your methods of operation.”
Greya didn’t mind much and simply nodded in agreement; her scripts contained nothing unsightly. Although she had considered being sarcastic towards the legendary Devil Viscount, those acts had already been deleted.
The first contact between the two sides was not pleasant, but Greya was still satisfied. It had been a long time since she had encountered such a nobleman who acted by the rules, which brought her immense comfort—no balls or socializing, and no one wanted to climb into her bed. All that remained was to prepare for the performance.
Graywhite Territory had a very high work efficiency. The next day, Greya received notice that she could prepare for the performance, which would be held in an open space.
Although the Nightingale Opera House was not very satisfied with this arrangement, after all, Lind had paid, and the weather the next day was fairly good, though a bit cold. With the presence of warmers, everyone treated it as outdoor training.
To this end, Lind granted half a day off that day; aside from necessary positions, most people would probably come to watch the performance.
In fact, Lind didn’t want to make it an outdoor performance, but building a large theater capable of accommodating so many viewers in a short period was not impossible; it just seemed like a waste.
“Ms. Greya, my brother and I are your fans!”
As soon as she stepped outside, Greya encountered a group of enthusiastic fans on the street who were excitedly shouting, although they were not exactly stopping her, just cheering from the roadside.
The attendants were already used to such situations, leading the way in front of Greya.
But this time, Greya walked up to a girl with a flushed face and asked, “Do you need an autograph?”
“Yes, yes, please!”
Sharen might not have expected to get an autograph, hurriedly rummaging through her belongings and excitedly handed over the notebook she carried.
Greya took the notebook and, seeing the lesson plans written on it, curiously asked, “Are you a teacher?”
“I just started! My brother and I have been your fans ever since we were in the Royal Capital.”
Sharen tugged at Barlow next to her, but Barlow only nodded silently, his hands nervously fidgeting, unsure where to put them.
“Did you come from the Royal Capital?”
After signing, Greya returned the notebook.
“Yes, we came here because we couldn’t live in the Royal Capital anymore.”
A girl capable of teaching in Graywhite Territory would still be considered a scholar in the Royal Capital. How could she possibly not get by? Besides, the brother beside her appeared to be a professional, only someone like him could afford for the girl to go to school and watch her perform. This pairing, even if not wealthy in the Royal Capital, should have no problem surviving.
Noticing this, Greya asked, “Why couldn’t you get by in the Royal Capital?”
“Because of the sore disease.”
Barlow answered in place of Sharen, noticing his idol deep in thought and added, “The symptoms include coughing blood, sores, and pus.”
Greya suddenly understood; the strange illness that appeared in the Royal Capital had a specific name in Graywhite Territory. In fact, most of the funds raised for her charity performance were aimed at treating children afflicted by this sore disease appearing in the Royal Capital.
“Did someone in your family contract the sore disease?”
Seeing the siblings looking spirited, Greya tentatively inquired.
“It was me, but I’m already well. I went to the church for a recheck last time; the Sister said I don’t need to come anymore.”
After Sharen finished speaking, she rolled up her sleeve to reveal her smooth skin.
“Now it’s completely unnoticeable.”
Greya instinctively touched Sharen’s arm, incredulously asking, “Can this sore disease really be cured?”
She had heard that someone in the royal family had already been infected with this sore disease, but so far, aside from Holy Water, there was no good method for treatment, and even Holy Water did not fully cure it—unless you drank it like water.
Before the siblings could respond, the voice of Lucanus came from beside Greya: “It can be, but if the erosion is too severe, it may leave indelible scars.”
Everyone was startled, and the guards beside Greya nervously grabbed their weapons, pointing them at Lucanus.
But Lucanus showed no concern, saying, “Don’t keep your audience waiting too long, Madame Nightingale.”
“Apologies.”
Greya pressed her hand against her chest, still shaken; at that distance, a casual move could have meant instant death for her. Had she asked something she shouldn’t have?
“There is no need to be nervous. The sore disease is not a secret here. I am merely here to urge you. After all, the subjects know our governor is a descendant of the Old Empire, and it’s not unusual for him to have some leftover medicinal liquids from the Old Empire.”
“Let’s go, Madame Nightingale. Don’t keep my people waiting too long.”
