Chapter 517 : Competitors
Chapter 517: Competitors
Not only that, but the Nightingale Opera Troupe’s debut performance also happened to coincide with the release dates of new operas from several established troupes in Dordogne.
Aside from being known as the City of Magic, Dordogne was also hailed as the City of Music. When all its opera houses were counted together,
there were easily more than a dozen, making the competition especially fierce.
Among these troupes, the Tulip Opera Troupe, Galaxy Opera Troupe, Floral Rendezvous Opera Troupe, and Bauhinia Opera Troupe ranked at the top.
Just like Quentin-Lycente, who bore the title of “Godfather of Music,” was the chief musician of the Tulip Opera Troupe.
Therefore, faced with such formidable competitors, it was undoubtedly a tremendous challenge for the Nightingale Opera Troupe, which had yet to truly establish itself in Dordogne.
"I didn’t expect that the headquarters of the Galaxy Opera Troupe and the Bauhinia Opera Troupe would also be in *Dordogne——"
When Janna was still in the Turin Wizard Congregation, she had already heard of these two opera houses. Back then, however, the Nightingale Opera House had dominated Turin, always suppressing the other two, so Janna hadn’t paid them much attention.
What she didn’t expect was that the Galaxy Opera House and the Bauhinia Opera House, which had seemed weak in Turin, were actually part of a chain, both having their headquarters in Dordogne. Whether in scale or influence, neither was small.
"Janna, did you know? The premiere dates for these troupes’ new plays were originally set for June, but for some reason, they suddenly moved them up."
"Could it be because of the Spring Festival? After all, the holiday does bring a lot of crowds."
"That’s possible too, but I think there must be other reasons—"
Hearing Liji Silks’s slightly conspiratorial tone, Janna didn’t take it too seriously.
When the Nightingale Opera Troupe chose to develop in Dordogne, it was precisely because of its massive market. Since the decision had already been made, they had naturally prepared to face fierce competition.
Moreover, Janna had confidence in the quality of the troupe’s new opera. Even if it didn’t become a huge hit, her own popularity would draw plenty of fans who would buy tickets just to see her, ensuring that the Nightingale Opera Troupe wouldn’t suffer losses.
Of course, the final reception of the opera would still need to be tested by the market. As long as they could build up a good reputation, the Nightingale Opera Troupe would have no problem gaining a firm foothold in Dordogne.
"Janna, Director David-Berg is calling for you."
As Janna drifted off in thought, Liji Silks, beside her, nudged her arm.
Snapping back to her senses, Janna picked up the 【Strings of Flotenath-Moonlight】 she had prepared earlier and walked up onto the rehearsal stage.
"Janna, your rehearsal today starts from the beginning. Go over Isabelle’s solo section once more. Backstage, turn the lighting brighter—add a platinum halo; we’re aiming for a holy angelic feel. Janna, you may begin."
"Alright."
In order not to add more pressure to David-Berg, who was already burdened with stress, all Janna could do now was minimize her mistakes—or make none at all.
After all, playing the lead role of 【Isabelle】, she already had the heaviest share of scenes. As long as she didn’t make mistakes, the rehearsal could proceed much faster.
"Huu——"
Once the lighting was properly adjusted, Janna took a deep breath and quickly entered performance mode.
While moving precisely to her stage marks, she gently plucked the 【Strings of Flotenath-Moonlight】 in rhythm, allowing her heart and body to merge into the mindset of the “Wingless Angel” 【Isabelle】.
"Ding-dong——"
As the ethereal melody of the 【Strings of Flotenath-Moonlight】 echoed through the hall, the once-restless rehearsal room seemed infused with a clear, cool spring, calming everyone’s spirits along with the music.
Even David-Berg, who had been tense under pressure, gradually relaxed, no longer as irritable as before.
"So what if we’re being squeezed by other opera houses at the same time? As long as I have this ace in hand, there’s no reason we can’t turn the tide!"
Listening to the flawless, heavenly sound and watching Janna’s natural, breathtaking performance, David-Berg, who had lost confidence due to the shortened rehearsal period and the looming competition on premiere day, found his fighting spirit rekindled once again.
"The sound’s too low—turn the volume up! Other actors, get ready backstage and await my next command!"
Perhaps Janna’s performance had been a “booster shot” for everyone—not just David-Berg, but even the rest of the actors and the backstage crew—
all seemed instantly invigorated, focusing with renewed energy and dedication.
The atmosphere in the rehearsal room, once gloomy and tense, gradually lifted into brightness and vitality.
"Hehe, as expected of the Nightingale Opera Troupe’s star pillar. Even without makeup, just a spontaneous rehearsal like this can lift everyone’s spirits."
At that moment, Janna stood on stage without any makeup, still wearing her usual wizard robe.
Yet even so, her singing and acting prowess alone was enough to draw everyone into the scene, reigniting confidence in every member present.
"I hope that one day, I can have that kind of strength too—"
As time passed, night quietly fell. When Janna finally returned to her dormitory, it was already around nine in the evening.
"Looks like I’ll be this busy for a while."
Since the rehearsal schedule had been compressed and her role carried the most weight, Janna would likely be rehearsing late into the night for the entire week.
Fortunately, this intensity would only last until the official premiere of The Withering Rose. Once the show opened, she wouldn’t need to work such long hours.
"Splash——"
After removing her clothes, the exhausted Janna stepped into the washroom for a quick, hot shower. Once her body was thoroughly warmed, she dried herself off, slipped into her pajamas, and returned to bed.
"I really hope the Nightingale Opera Troupe can make me proud this year. Don’t let all my efforts go to waste."
As one of the troupe’s partners, Janna genuinely wished for the Nightingale Opera Troupe to gain a strong foothold in Dordogne and earn good profits.
After all, according to her latest contract, she received twenty percent of the troupe’s annual remaining profit—
a significant sum, especially for Janna, whose cultivation now demanded an ever-growing amount of resources.