Chapter 4: Never Ending Notes
Meanwhile, people from all over Trost had flown into rage over the recent disappearance of their angelic countertenor. Gossip had spread all over the district, concluding various culprits for the disappearance- even aliens were to blame, though the only one to actually came to the correct conclusion on who had taken Armin, or where he went, was none other than Marco. "It's the 'Lucky Horse of Trost Theater'." He'd mutter the new nickname for the the mysterious one lurking in the shadows of the theater.
Even when it was late in the afternoon, sounds of bustle and local rumors could be heard for kilometers around. Soon enough, a distressed Erwin Smith would burst through the front doors of his new shared theater. "All these rumors." He said to himself, shaking his head. "Aliens, crazed fans, whoever the guy is who claims to be the owner of this theater! It's all nonsense, yet where could Mr. Arlert be? Such terrors already, have happened while Levi and I have only been here less than one day. First, Ms. Hitch quiting, and now, Armin going missing."
Soon enough, the short, slender, Levi Ackerman appeared in the lobby of the Trost Theater, looking more distraught than usual. "This is all crap!" He exclaimed at Erwin. "Read this." he demanded, holding up a letter. "Calm down. This is nothing to panic over." Erwin replied, taking the letter out of Levi's hand. "But we don't have any lead sopranos!" The shorter man shouted. "You need to read this letter I have received."
"I've got one, too." Erwin shot back before he opened the letter and read out loud:
"Dear Mr. Ackerman, last night's performance was spectacular, wasn't it? Hopefully, I shall be just as pleased during a performance as when you and Mr. Erwin Smith start with your work. Armin Arlert is an amazing performer and I request you keep him in the limelight. If the dreadful Ms. Dreyse were to come back for her former job, turn her down, or there will be consequences. Thank you."
The tall blond paused before taking out his own letter and reading it as well.
"Mr. Smith, I wish to inform you that my salary for running this fine theater has not been paid. Please send every last cent. Thank you. -L.H.T.T." It read.
"Who in the hell would come up with such rubbish?" Both men said almost simultaneously, glancing at each other in surprise. Levi began to say "I believe it must be that Jaeger kid, signing under a pen-name!", when the viscount, himself, burst into the foyer, dashing confidentially to the two managers, cutting Levi off with blaming both men for Armin's disappearance.
"Where is Mr. Arlert?" He asked anxiously. Erwin replied "How should I know? Mr. Ackerman and I have not seen him since last night!"
"Well, are you not the ones who sent me this letter?"
"No." replied Erwin. "I suppose you're being written to as well?"
"Yes." The viscount answered. "My letter reads: "All is well for Mr. Arlert. He is safe with yours truly and out of harm's way. He does not wish to be seeing any of you again. Make no rescue attempts, as they will prove fruitless." If you didn't write this, who did?"
Just as the three were about to come to their senses that Hitch Dreyse was the culprit for writing each threat, the soprano, along with several of her agents walked into the theater, demanding that she see Eren Jaeger at once. "I can't believe you would right such horrible things about me!" she shrieked at the brunette.
"I don't write hate, first of all, and second of all, Levi, Erwin, and I are also being written to. What does your note say?" Eren said, immediately having Hitch shove the envelope into his hand. "Read it!" She snapped.
"Ms. Dreyse, you are no longer wanted here in the Trost Theater. I think you got the hint from last night's little incident. If you get your job back as the lead singer instead of Armin Arlert returning once more to replace you in the spotlight, be aware that you shall be punished in the worst possible way.-"
"No, no, this is all too much!" Both managers said, as they each received a death glare from the soprano. They both took one of both of the soprano's arms, and began to lead her away to help her with the reconstruction of her career, before hearing Marco Bodt's kind voice call after them.
"Armin's back!" He shouted. "Where is he?" Asked everyone all asked at one time. "Well, it was a bit of a long night for him, so I thought that it was good for him to get some sleep, for once." He admitted sheepishly, knowing that his stalling had caused so much controversy. "Anyways, I do have a note, that Armin brought back with him from wherever he was." Marco also added.
He took it out and read it. "Salutations to everyone. Based on every correction that I have sent you, that is how my theater is to be run. Along with this last note, is a play I have written, and I wish to have it performed as soon as possible. The main role, either played as a count or a countess, shall be played by Mr. Arlert. The most minor role, the page boy, is a silent role and shall be played by Ms. Dreyse. I will be watching from the box seat labeled for me, and if my orders are not followed, you will pay. Sincerely, T.G." He said with a gasp.
"That is ridiculous!" Screamed Hitch, before storming off while sobbing. Both managers followed quickly, and attempted to console her. "Ms. Dreyse. Those silly rules mean nothing to us. You will be playing countess, and Mr. Arlert will be playing the pageboy." Erwin said to her. That was what immediately calmed the soprano down. "you will be a limelight princess once more. Come, come. We must get you ready."