Hi everyone!
I hope you're all doing well! First, review responses!
tmwillson3: Well, Misuzu's work won't be quite a slight! You'll see! I'm afraid I can't answer your other predictions just yet! As for the play question, you're absolutely right that those sources have similar elements. But, they're not exactly the ones I pulled from. It might help to mention that I pulled from two operas with music written by the same Italian composer!
IzzytheYoukai: Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much! It's always wonderful to hear from happy new readers!
DiamondSparkle42: You'll definitely find out in this chapter! I hope you enjoy it!
lillyannp: Of course! After all, Benibara is a poisonous flower! The mechanical pencil aspect probably won't factor in as heavily as it did in the anime. But, I promise there are twists to come!
I actually have two reader questions this week! The first is still the trivia game from the last update. What plays/operas do you guys think I used as inspiration for the Lobelia Troupe's performance? The other question is actually a reader opinion in regards to a very exciting event! I just realized that this fanfic is on the verge of receiving one hundred reviews! I'd like to celebrate this landmark with all of you, but I'm not sure what to do. So, I'd like your opinions! What would you like to do to celebrate this landmark? I'm doing this for you guys, so please send in your suggestions!
Because it's Thursday, the Reader Wishlist is changing! Similar to last week, it's another headcanon/scenario question. I'd like to work in more moments between Haruhi and the twins. I do have some references to pull from in the original material, but I also want my reader opinions! So, what scenarios and head canons would you like to see regarding Haruhi and the twins?
The next update will be on Monday as usual! I apologize for the lateness of this update. I have been working in a start-up that just got the doors open this week, so I've been adjusting to a new schedule. But, this weekend should give me a chance to get ahead of schedule. Regardless, the posts will continue as scheduled unless I indicate a change.
So, onto the next chapter-in which plots are put into motion!
"What do you mean we can't see the princess?" Benibara stamped a foot furiously, her arms crossing as she glared at Mei. The lady-in-waiting shrugged and carefully blocked the door to the princess's chambers.
"I'm sorry, the princess has been asked not to be disturbed this morning."
"What is it this time?" Benibara growled. "First, you told us she was studying in the library. Then, you told us she was working in the kitchens. Then you said she was busy with dress fittings! On top of that, the king has supposedly taken 'ill' with a case of 'nerves' which has prevented us from performing for her! I don't believe any of it! You've given us the run-around for three days! I demand to see the princess now!"
"I doubt that you have a right to make such demands," Mei cut in. "And may I remind you that our other performing troupe, Le Triomphe de la Comedie, was not able to visit with the princess for almost two months. Not once did they exhibit such ill-tempered rudeness or tiresome insolence."
A sound like a snort of laughter resounded from the chambers behind Mei.
"There's someone in there!" Hinagiku cried.
"I assure you it's only the wind," Mei replied.
Benibara's mouth quirked into a snarl for the briefest of moments. Then, the actress took a deep breath and composed a smile. "Well, if the princess is so busy today, we can only hope that she will be able to squeeze a visit into her schedule. I'm sure she won't mind if we simply sit outside and wait for her."
"I'm sure you'll be waiting for quite some time," Mei stated.
"Oh, that's fine. We can be quite patient," Suzuran chimed. The three performers made a show of sitting down across the hall from the door.
Mei sniffed in disapproval, tossed her head and turned back to the doors. "We'll see how patient you are," she muttered under her breath as she entered the princess's chambers.
She went to the sitting room. Haruhi and the members of Le Triomphe de la Comedie looked up at her.
"They're standing guard outside?" Hikaru and Kaoru asked dryly. They had been standing behind the door for the entire conversation and had nearly given themselves away laughing.
"Afraid so," Mei said.
"Great," Haruhi muttered. "I'm never going to be able to leave. I haven't been able to perform in the city for three days now because they might bother 'Haruki' and now this?"
"Well, at least we gave them the slip with 'Haruki' by telling them she only performs with us on a limited basis in the city but not in the court," Kaoru said.
"But still, what are we going to do?" Honey asked.
"We're going to sneak Haruhi out of the castle," Kyoya said.
The other members turned and stared at him.
"Uh, Kyoya, that's going to be a little hard if they're right outside," Hikaru said.
"Not with this." Kyoya pulled a simple grey cloak from his nearby bag. "Here Haruhi—put that on."
The princess put on the cloak and shrugged at Kyoya.
"Raise and lower the hood," the illusionist suggested.
She did as she was asked.
Kyoya nodded. "Excellent."
The rest of the troupe looked between Haruhi and Kyoya.
"Um, Kyoya…should something have changed?" Tamaki asked hesitantly, giving his closest advisor a sidelong glance.
"Not for anyone in the room."
Just after Kyoya said this, Renge emerged from Mei's sewing room. She sighted Haruhi and let out a shriek, dropping her half-finished costume to the floor.
"Oh my goodness, is that what I really look like?" she exclaimed, one hand flying to her heart.
The others blinked. "What?"
Kyoya smirked. "Renge has graciously volunteered to lend her appearance to a disguise spell for Haruhi. Because all of you were in the room when Haruhi put on the cloak, you couldn't tell a difference in her appearance. But to anyone else, she will look like Renge. We should be to get her out of the castle quite easily."
"But the Gagroot Troupe is still outside the door!" Hikaru complained. "We can't just walk out of the princess's chambers!"
"We won't be going out the door," Kyoya said, nodding towards the window. Something thudded outside.
Honey ran over to the window and looked out. "Oh! It's Cassanova! He's brought a ladder!"
Tamaki beamed at Kyoya. "You're brilliant!"
"As I've said before, I dislike leaving things to chance."
"Well let's go!" Tamaki exclaimed. "We have a performance to put on!"
With that, Honey flung open the window. The members of Le Triomphe de la Comedie and the disguised princess traipsed down the ladder and into the garden below.
Kasanoda stood at the base of the ladder, staring at all of them in puzzlement. "Um, why didn't all of you just walk through the castle?"
"We were attempting to avoid a rather unpleasant confrontation with the ladies of the Lobelia Troupe," Tamaki explained breezily.
"Oh. I guess that makes sense. And is your…manager also performing?" Kasanoda asked, looking to Haruhi.
When she didn't respond, Kaoru subtly ribbed her. She blinked. "Oh! Um, no…I…uh…I need to pick up…fabric! For more costumes!"
"Ah. I see. Well, good luck," Kasanoda said.
"Thanks Bossanova!" Honey chirped.
Kasanoda started to correct him, but the troupe had already bounded off for the city.
#
That evening, the queen finally recovered from his spell of nerves. The court was called to the throne room. The courtiers assembled, expecting another performance from the Lobelia Troupe, but secretly hoping for a performance by Le Triomphe de la Comedie. However, no stage had been assembled in the center of the throne room. The assembled group glanced at each other in confusion as the queen took his seat on the throne.
Misuzu detached himself from the rest of the court and strode to the center of the room.
"I understand that all of you expected a performance tonight. But, as you can probably tell, the performance has been cancelled. It has come to His Majesty's attention that having two acting troupes in the same castle has caused a bit of…unease. Lobelia Troupe, Le Triomphe de la Comedie, would you please step forward?"
The two performing troupes came to stand before Misuzu. The advisor continued.
"His Majesty has declared that this situation cannot remain. The only conclusion that we have come to is that we must ask one of you to leave."
The entire room gasped. Haruhi nearly jumped from her seat to protest. But, Ranka turned to her and offered a conspiratorial smile. The princess settled back in her seat with a bemused look.
Misuzu waited for the chatter to calm. "However, you are both equals in performing ability and we cannot find any other fault that may decide between you. So, we have determined that the only fair way to resolve this situation is through…a competition."
Another flurry of excited murmurs arose as the Lobelia Troupe smirked and the members of Le Triomphe de la Comedie gulped. Again, Misuzu allowed the noise to dissipate before going on.
"The winner of this competition will be determined by one rule." Misuzu paused briefly with the slightest of smiles. "In order to win, you must be able to bring a smile to the face of our judge and tears to their eyes. And this competition will be judged…by Princess Haruhi."
The room burst into an uproar as the smirks melted from the faces of the Lobelia Troupe performers. The members of Le Triomphe de la Comedie tried to restrain their smiles. Even Haruhi and Mei exchanged a hopeful look.
After the uproar, Misuzu looked seriously at both troupes. "You have three days to prepare and will perform on the third night. Use your time wisely…and good luck."
Court dismissed shortly after this announcement. The courtiers crowded around Le Triomphe de la Comedie, offering ideas and words of encouragement. But this cheerful gathering didn't last. The Lobelia Troupe pushed through the crowd and marched up to the other troupe.
"How dare you attempt to get rid of us by such underhanded machinations!" Hinagiku shrieked.
"What?" Hikaru and Kaoru chorused.
"It's obvious that you're so threatened by us that you demanded to have us thrown out!" Suzuran announced.
"Um, we wouldn't do something like that," Honey replied.
But the leader of the Lobelia Troupe was far more infuriated than her companions. "You have some part in this, I know!" Benibara exclaimed, jabbing a finger at Tamaki.
"I'm not sure what misapprehension you're under, but I assure you, I had no part in it," Tamaki replied.
Benibara's eyes narrowed. She took another step towards Tamaki.
Sensing a threat, Honey started forward. But Mori restrained him.
"If you think the princess's favor will save you, you will be sorely disappointed," Benibara hissed.
The surrounding courtiers looked to Tamaki expectantly. The king of Le Triomphe de la Comedie shrugged with a smile. "I'm afraid you're wrong. We're not relying on the princess's favor. We're relying on our own abilities. It is, after all, a competition. One that I believe the best troupe will win."
Benibara's right eye twitched. "Then I hope you have your bags packed."
"Your plays should have taught you that hubris is a fatal flaw," Tamaki retorted.
Benibara took a step back and all three girls glared at their opposition.
As one, Le Triomphe de la Comedie declared, "May the best troupe win!"
And the next chapter excerpt is...
Honey seized Mori's arm as realization struck. He offered a wide grin.
"That's it! I have it! I know what Misuzu wants us to do!"
Ah, what's this revelation? Check back Monday to find out!