The beginning of the week proved to be not too eventful, but active nonetheless. Agata managed to find decent accommodation, acquire clothing, and now wanted to locate boss of the Slaughter or one of his lieutenants, but luck wasn't on the young lion's side yet. He wandered the streets at night, scanning carefully around, sat in various dives, visited inconspicuous black market shops dealing in organs, meat, various illicit services, yet all in vain. And when he sat in a dingy basement bar, sipping cheap whiskey on the rocks in small sips, fortune finally smiled upon Agata.

Two figures barged into the bar — a massive doberman and a lean, yet sturdy-looking leopard — followed by someone more interesting. From the casual pace and observation of the two misfits who had arrived a second earlier, it could be inferred that the newcomer was no ordinary beast. But he, the white lion, dressed in a light-gray jacket with a black diagonal-striped tie, with a cold gaze of light blue eyes and calculated, composed movements, looked imposing. Especially considering he was slightly taller than the already sizable Agata, and the bulkiness of his jacket hinted that the lion didn't neglect his physical form. There were some signs of age, probably around fifty years, concluded the former Shishigumi, but perhaps those fifty when a body hardened in criminal life only grows stronger.

"As usual, Donny," he addressed the slender bartender-amphibian without any greeting.

"Yes, Makoto-san. Something for Jack and Chiuri?"

"They'll order themselves."

As Louis used to say? He needed to be both Jinma and Dope… and Agata…

But what was really needed now was to be as annoying and memorable as Free.

"Rough day, old man?" Agata asked insolently, grinning. The lion glanced at him.

"Not your concern."

"We're so menacing and stern," the young one remarked sarcastically. "Maybe I'm also having a bad day."

"Sympathies, kid. But again, you've addressed the wrong listener. Go bother someone else."

"|Just order me a drink. And you'll see how sociable I can be as a conversationalist."

"Jack, Chiu. Throw him out and teach him some manners," the white lion said calmly over his shoulder, pointing with a claw towards the intrusive Agata. He smirked.

Just what was needed.

Relaxing, he let himself be led away by the overly eager henchmen, after which there was a commotion behind the door. Donny placidly placed a glass with ice in front of Makoto and a liquid of the same color, though several categories more expensive, than the one on the right. However, on the black market, prices didn't vary as much as in the outside world.

"Thanks," he dryly thanked and pushed the glass towards him.

Through the door, a flustered lion with dark fur and mane burst in, licking his lips and shaking off the dust from one hand. Already without a sports jacket, in a white T-shirt and dark red pants, now visibly flexing muscles. The pinkish marks on his cheeks and forehead seemed to glow a bit brighter. With the other hand, he stuck a narrow triangular knife into the stand in front of Makoto, explaining as if he were an idiot:

"Imagine, one of your guys wanted to stick this thing in me! There'd be a hole, and I really don't like holes in my skin. Oh, is this for me? Thanks!"

He deftly grabbed the glass and took a sip, breaking into a smile:

"Good booze. Quality stuff."

"Where are they?" the white lion asked sharply. The young one insolently replied:

"On the street. Alive, if they don't want more. I'm a good guy, you know?"

"So good that you could end up dead in the first dive you come across?" Makoto quickly drew a gun just to aim it at another. The situation was taking an unpleasant turn. But where did this punk get the gun from?

"Gentlemen, if you suddenly decided to start a fight, can we ask to move it outside?" the bartender asked gloomily.

"Shut up, Donny. Look, and he's armed himself. Where'd you get it?" Makoto asked, placing the gun on the counter.

"Where I got it, it's not there anymore. Rinsed an old boss's hideout," Agata replied, taking another sip. He still didn't sit down, looming over the bar and holding the gun in his hand. He didn't want to shoot, though. Makoto chuckled, signaling the bartender to serve another drink.

"And what's the name of our boss?"

"He's dead anyway. We always just called him 'Boss' or 'Chief,' nobody knew his name."

"And who are you then?"

"Shishigumi. Former one, if you please. We stirred up a fuss here a couple of years ago, maybe you heard."

Makoto had heard a few times from the slum dwellers about a gang of lions led by some psycho. But to suppose that this insolent was among them… though the way he dealt with two thugs looked good.

"Shishigumi? You were locked up, or so that I've heard" Makoto noted, finally sipping the desired alcohol. Agata barely visibly grimaced:

"Yeah. Wanted to make a little money, but got caught. But they didn't really accuse me of anything, so I got away with a slap on the wrist. Just got out."

"Where did you resided for that slap?"

"Belleview luxury sanatorium. Heard of it?"

"I've heard. Want to say you just got out and now looking for a job?"

"Something like that," Agata nodded. "So, what, old man? Got any jobs?"

"Interview can wait. Let's go outside, discuss some things," Makoto said dryly, downing the rest of the whiskey in one gulp. His fists itched to give a piece of his mind to these careless lackeys, but perhaps fate threw this punk in his place instead.

Exiting and grimly surveying the not-too-wide street, which was slightly enlivened by the unconscious bodies of his subordinates, Makoto took off his jacket and, looking around for a place to hang it, neatly placed it on a small ledge by the door. Clearly, it was intended for a flower pot, but such decorations didn't last long in the slums.

"One minute. No claws or fangs, just good old fistfighting. If you manage to get to me — we'll talk about work. If not — you'll stay lying here and thinking it over."

"'kay," Agata nodded and tilted his head from side to side, loosening his neck. He wasn't as good at bloodless fights, but he relied on his strength and reaction speed.

Yet the white lion almost caught him off guard. A fist whizzed past his nose, another almost instantly collided with the void where Agata's abdomen and lower ribs were. Dodging, he also landed a blow, but had to strike from a very uncomfortable position, and Makoto simply blocked the punch with his shoulder. There was clearly something more than just physical prowess behind him — skill.

For about eight seconds, they fought almost evenly, nevertheless, the Congolese lion was the first to miss, a weak glancing hook to the head threw him off balance, staggering, Agata stepped back and instinctively threw his hand forward, but the opponent dodged his lunge and struck powerfully underneath. Slightly twisting his torso, he avoided instant suffocation, but the pain signaled that the attack did not pass without consequences — from the next blows, the young lion stepped back diagonally, diving behind the opponent's back and again attempting to attack the torso, but he evaded.

For a few more seconds, Agata caught his breath, dodging and blocking, then he saw that Makoto was trying to avoid his sweeping blows. He struck straight again, and when his opponent's shoulders and head leaned to the side away from the blow, clearly intending to attack his ribs, he sharply turned and brought down his fist, aiming for the lion's jaw. Makoto barely managed to cover himself, but the force of the blow taken on the block was such that his arms were knocked aside. He pulled his head back, and the dark lion followed suit, delivering a light and long uppercut, twisting his whole body. The knuckle clicked against Makoto's chin. It was not enough for a full blow, but the gangster deemed the threat sufficient. If he didn't stop the fight, luck could well turn in favor of the younger and more resilient rascal.

He raised his hand:

"Enough. You're strong, although some work on technique wouldn't hurt. Ready to hear an offer?"

"Could have started with that," Agata grumbled, struggling not to rub his bruised ribs.

"I'm Makoto. You don't need to know more about me for now, but there is a much greater force behind me than you are capable of biting, kid."

"The kid also has a name. Agata."

"Alright, Agata."

"Why bother with the charade? You already knew I was strong when your goons proved unable to beat me."

"These?" The white lion nodded towards the bodies. "They're just backyard scum, only good for collecting money from rabbits. For you, I have a job that Jack and Chiuri couldn't handle. You do it — we'll talk about payment… and your entry into the gang."

"What gang?" Agata inquired. The lion snorted, pushing his hands into his jacket sleeves:

"Clearly you're new around here. We call ourselves the Slaughterhouse."

"Stylish."

"A bit lengthy for my taste. But most just call it the Slaughter. Look, kid. Lately, the same few beasts have been hanging around the base. We suspect they're from the unfinished Marauders, but we can't confirm — we haven't caught any of them yet. There's a baboon named Ricar, a Pallas cat with a scar across his cheek, an old mastiff with small white patches, and a jackal with no particular features. We don't know the names of the last three. You need to find at least one of them and drag them alive here, to the corner near Old Pete's shelter. Chon Hee will take care of the rest."

"Understood," Agata nodded calmly, loosening his slightly buzzing shoulders. "Find, knock out, drag to the shelter. What next?"

"There are two of ours there. Tell them Makoto-san sent you, they'll summon me."

"So you're a big shot in this Slaughterhouse of yours, huh, old man?"

"You could say that," Makoto grinned. "But don't mistake me for the boss, or the real boss will slit your throat."

"One of the close ones, but not the boss. Got it. Then I'll go wandering. Who knows who I'll stumble upon. How… alive should the client be?"

"Alive enough to speak without much effort. The rest is up to you."

"No problem. See you later, Makoto-san."

The white lion nodded his head, as if acknowledging the change in address. This young lad is sane and has some wits about him. Maybe he got lucky finding a truly capable assistant. Although, as rumors have it, the Shishigumi meticulously weed out any trash.

He approached Jack and nudged the Doberman with his foot. He was still breathing, but clearly in a deep shutdown. There were no visible signs of blood, just a couple of drops from his nose. The lion took out his phone and briskly issued a couple of sharp commands into it, waiting until he was connected to make a call.

They'll take care of them, bring them to their senses… and send them off to scrub off the mess until it shines. Nobu didn't like failures and losers, neither did Makoto himself.

Unlike the search for the gang itself, Agata managed to find the target for the new boss within a few hours. Entering another establishment, he briefly caught sight of the mastiff's back and headed for him in the restroom. He started washing his hands, glancing in the mirror, waited until the dog finished his urgent business, then knocked him out with a single blow, carried the body over his shoulder through the kitchen, ignoring the frightened cooks, and went out onto the street. The whole operation took about five minutes at most. As a precaution, he carefully inspected the victim — there were white patches, and not just one. Of course, this guy could turn out to be a cop, but at the moment Agata didn't care what the Slaughter would do with him.

If the poor guy is destined to serve as a pass, so be it.

As dusk approached, he effortlessly dragged the man to the intersection of two streets near the shelter, where he found not too hiding gang members — one in a jacket over bare skin, the other in a dark leather jacket with three carelessly painted scars. The mongoose also had similar scars, but he made a mark directly on his cheek, while the more powerful Rottweiler seemed genuinely proud of his attire and marked it. It's interesting what his cohorts thought about it.

Obviously, the boss and the lieutenants disregarded the marks. Agata, already somewhat out of breath — the mastiff turned out to be not quite of an athletic build, and his ribs still hurt from the fight with the white lion — approached them and said:

"Sup. I'm from Makoto."

"I haven't seen you before," the mongoose squinted. The lion nodded, "Yeah. I'm new around here. Are you going to see the patient or should I drag him back?"

The mongoose circled around him and lifted the head of the unconscious dog, nodding in satisfaction, "Go inside."

"You'll find a flying squirrel in there, named Chon Hee. But you address him as Chon-san, he's one of the elites," the rottweiler added in a low voice. The mongoose slapped himself on the forehead, "Idiot, Brum. But what if he's a cop?"

"Then he wouldn't be hauling riffraff for us," the other retorted fairly. Leaving the brawling bouncers behind, the lion squeezed through the narrow door with his load. Inside, cigarette smoke filled the air, and old music played — this lieutenant clearly loved the atmosphere of old crime movies. Moreover, the room turned out to be a billiard room. There was no one behind the bar, but seven or eight animals were milling about nearby. Three were playing snooker, one was eyeing Agata askance, another pair had just disappeared, perhaps to the kitchen or utility rooms, and two more were sitting at the table. Or rather, one was sitting at the table, and on the table, equally comfortably, sat a rat dressed in black. Opposite it sat a squirrel with a serious look and semi-circular glasses. Agata only got one glance, and if it was indeed Chon Hee, he continued speaking with his previous interlocutor:

"Are you sure, Stump?"

"I swear, Chon-san, my guys have checked everywhere. The Inarigumi seemed to have disappeared without a trace — they either left the black market for good or moved their operations to the outer part of the city."

"Disgusting. Now sit and guess whether to expect an attack from their side or if they surrendered."

"I think nobody would want to compete with the Slaughter," the rat flattered him.

"In direct combat — yes. But foxes, as rumors have it, have always been much more sophisticated in diversions than in direct attacks. In general, you can take three or four off the search for now, and try to sniff out that mysterious lab that Nobu has been looking for for a month."

"But we…"

"I know, Stump. I know everything perfectly well. But you're not being pressured from above, ironic as it may sound, while I am — quite unpleasantly. Take this scum away for now," Chon Hee ordered. The large animals surprisingly obeyed the squirrel quite well; apparently, the size and strength of the animal had nothing to do with its position in the gang. Although in the Shishigumi, it was usually not the strongest but the most… adaptable who reached the top, perhaps.

"We'll talk later, Stump. You're free for now. But if you find any trace at all — come straight to me."

"Yes, Chon-san."

The rat adjusted his hoodie and briskly ducked into a small door almost at floor level.

"Sit," the impatient rodent nodded to the seat opposite. Agata squeezed himself behind the narrow table and crossed his fingers in front of him. He said, "I hope I don't have to sell pens?"

"A comedian? We don't like those here," Chon coldly remarked. Agata retorted, "The main thing is not the ability to come up with a good joke, but the ability to survive after a bad one."

"Don't think you have irresistible charm, furball. Maybe that works with big cats, but I didn't order a stand-up, sorry. Name?"

"Agata."

"Real or nickname?"

"My own, the nickname never stuck."

Chon Hee critically examined the pinkish freckles on the short dark fur and ambiguously chuckled, "Yeah, right. So where are you really from, unsticky?"

"I'm from Cherryton, local."

"Really? First time on the black market, huh? I've never seen your face here before."

"Neither have I," one of the players, a massive horse, spoke up. "And I've been living here for six years."

The sharp gaze of the squirrel sliced through him, and the bandit looked away. Chon spoke up, "Lomo, next time you hire a whore, I'll come over and comment. Don't butt in, be kind."

"Alright, boss. Although I have nothing to be ashamed of…"

"Idiot. So where were you really, Agata?"

"I didn't see this guy on the streets a year and a half ago," the dark-maned lion squinted. "Maybe he was sitting with his tongue up his ass while we were taking cream off the merchants?"

"You? And who's that?"

"Shishigumi."

"Ha. Are you continuing your comedy act?" Chon asked heavily, regardless of his small size. Agata leaned forward, "I, Chon…san, am not lying or pretending. And to confirm my words, just ask those who actually lived on the black market. Not those hiding in the surrounding slums."

"Then why aren't you with your gang anymore?"

Agata grinned sardonically, "I got off with a light sentence and a reproachful look from the judge. Most got the book thrown at them. The guys are still in Belleview, and I don't want to work as a pizza delivery guy, Chon-san."

"Well," the one sitting opposite remarked, "even if you're lying through your teeth, those muscles will find use in the a drop of necessary respect is also present in your brain. However, the candidacy must be approved by the boss, so my and Makoto's words won't be enough. Where were you, you say, held?"

"Belleview Prison."

"Good," nodded Chon Hee, jotting something down in a small notebook. "Do you know where the former cannery is? Since you're a local."

"That big shit next to the old two-story wooden wreck? Of course, I know."

"Go there and say today's password — 'eye meat'. After which the guys at the entrance should let you in. And rough you up half to death if you say anything else. Got it, comedian? They love jokes. Really love them."

"Understood, Chon-san. Or should I call you 'boss'?"

"Here — whatever you want. But if you address me like that in front of Nobu…"

"Understood. There's only one boss."

"What a clever joker. There you'll either look like a feast to scavs — or find your fellow Makoto, he's also there if he hasn't left for the city. That's it, go, there's plenty of work without you."

Leaving the squirrel, who was contemplatively examining a strangely hand-drawn map in the billiard room, the lion strode down the street, exhaling with relief. It seemed that ventilation there was really poor. It looked like the next destination promised to be the last for today. Agata still didn't feel like a pizza delivery guy, but he could easily pass for a courier now.

The factory was still of interest to various groups, vagrants, and other shady characters even during Agata's time. Initially, the owners of the factory had no idea that just a couple of years after its opening, the criminal situation around it would start to resemble a cesspool, poisoning the nearby areas. And yet, the idea was not to can anything illegal, just fruits and their derivatives. However, two years later, the factory went bankrupt due to logistics problems, and then whatever the judicial system didn't sell was taken for scrap metal by enterprising bums.

The lion seemed to remember that they even tried to open a disco club there, but it quickly got entangled in drugs and sank without ever starting to make any profit. Now it was favored by the Slaughterhouse. Well, the building couldn't compare to Shishigumi's mansion, but it was still strong, reliable, and capable of withstanding a small siege. Especially when there was no one to fear with enough beasts around. Not even the police.

Especially not the police. Those cowardly cretins were afraid to stick their noses here. Black market thugs, on the other hand, weren't afraid of anyone — except maybe the Black Demon, but he disappeared somewhere along with the last of the Shishigumi and their mysterious insane boss. Agata sighed discontentedly, remembering the encounter with Melon. Well, now the restaurant, clearly his cover, was blown… wouldn't this psycho show up here? Or is he already in the Butchery? Judging by the gang's name, the chances were high. The fact that Melon didn't finish them off during the meeting could be explained by Louis-san's good security or by the fact that he was more concerned about his own hide. A master of killings and escapes, may Rex devour him.

"Hello," he greeted with feigned politeness a group of assorted animals at the entrance. "I'm a candidate."

"What are you?"

"He's a candidate, Tars. Kind of wants to join the gang," grumbled the elderly giant anteater. "A smart one, Rex tear him apart. Who are you, kid?"

Agata was two heads taller than him, although clearly it wasn't height that distinguished the omnivorous animal.

"I did some work for Makoto, then talked to Chon Hee."

"And Chon-san, of course, provided you with a pass? Besides the address."

"'Eye meat,'" nodded Agata. The anteater nodded in response:

"Guessed… what's your name?"

The lion grinned and replied:

"Comedian."

Cherriton High was boiling like a cauldron once again. Today, the cause of excitement was an article published in the morning, which caused the newspaper to be grabbed up like the ever-instantly disappearing crumbs in the cafeteria. The epochal work of the oxpecker Chiro was accompanied by a very curious photograph, bore the title "When They Step Over the Screen," and almost exactly reflected the interview he took on the attic with Sisu. Of course, the feathered worker couldn't help but embellish some of his questions or her answers, but it was hard to find fault with the truthfulness of the information presented.

"So, we inform our esteemed readers: despite the fact that any rational animal would consider such a case fiction, and the heroine of this article a myth… the most curious myths are the living ones. And, perhaps, not everything in the structure of our world is as transparent and subject to understanding as scientists believe.

Chiro Nabake."

Louis folded the newspaper and set it aside. He chuckled:

"That's all. He took quite a while, your friend, Bryson-kun."

"Chiro persuaded the editor to accept the article for publication. Remember, they stopped by at the rehearsal yesterday, Louis-san?"

Louis didn't remember anything from yesterday. The scent of the she-wolf, her curves, her quiet words filled his entire information flow, the deer shook his antlers slightly and replied sorrowfully:

"Sorry. Must've missed it."

"I understand. You have business to care about…" nodded the buffalo, speaking gratefully. The play director graciously bowed his head — though they meant entirely different things by "business."

In general, almost the entire drama club had gathered here, including the temporarily housed dragoness — Sisu lay around a small group of animals, eagerly paying attention to the first article about herself in her life. Some words from under the oxpeckers' feather made her uneasy in places, but overall… it was pleasant. And the club animals occasionally gave her small signs of attention in the form of strokes and pats on her long body.

The only ones missing were Pina, Juno, and Legoshi. It was surprising that the two main actors and the technician were suddenly late for rehearsal (something none of them had suffered from until today), but the deer hoped they would have a worthy excuse. Juno himself had taken her to school in the morning, although she honestly admitted that she would hardly be able to grasp a single sentence in class. The night had been too exhausting for both of them…

As for the Dall's ram and the deer's closest friend, they were unlikely to be late separately. Louis's suspicion knew no bounds or mercy.

Juno was the first to appear, and an uncontrollable smile twisted Louis's lips. In a white school dress, light, springlike, she looked fresh and beautiful — as always. Shouting from the doorway:

"Ah, my beloved club is already assembled! Wonderful! Sorry for being late…"

Tsutomu nudged Eri quietly with his elbow:

"Are you sure it's her and not you?"

"Juno-senpai can behave however she wants," the cat said defensively. Their president did indeed seem slightly more cheerful than usual. Juno flew past everyone, hugged a few girls, tousled Sisu's mane, causing her to only squint, and as she passed by, left a barely noticeable touch of her lips on the deer's cheek.

She proclaimed over her shoulder:

"I'll change now, and we can start!"

"Thank you for allowing it," Louis smirked. He twirled the cane thoughtfully in his fingers, then asked the quiet audience:

"Maybe we should run through the first scene again? But now with the columns and costumes for those who have them."

"And with ambiance," the hedgehog raised a finger.

"With what?"

"With the sound of rain. I found the right background, maybe we can try it with that?"

"Oh… yes, of course," Louis nodded. "All in favor? Tao, have you memorized your lines yet?"

The black cat grumbled:

"Why Tao… I'm not the biggest idiot here."

"Oh?" Kibi asked teasingly. His friend shushed him:

"Shh. You shouldn't even be here, go work on the decorations."

Goro got up with the bench moved to the center of the hall:

"I'll go to Bea for the costume."

"And take mine, please," came a breathless voice from the door. Pina — yes, it was him, which many wouldn't believe at first — was dragging a tilted cart with several boxes and large paper bags behind him.

"Pinch me," Tao skeptically said, flicking his tail. "Pina. Voluntarily. Doing physical work. Ouch! Keebs, I didn't mean for real!"

"Louis-senpai, next time, could you order groceries online," Pina said, panting and almost bending over in half. Then he straightened up and brushed the long curly hair away from his blue eyes. The deer spread his hands with sincere regret:

"Sorry. Completely forgot about it amidst all the tasks."

"I saw those tasks, almost running into the club and wagging your tail on the go," the sheep grumbled almost inaudibly, but Eri and Tsu, sitting closer to the entrance, both snickered. Sisu perked up, realizing he was tired:

"I'll help! What and where should I carry?"

"Everything upstairs to your lair," he smiled gently.

"Pina… you didn't have to tire yourself out like that…"

"Well, I think I still have enough strength for the rehearsal. As for the rest — would you like to sit hungry?"

The dragoness grabbed one box with her teeth by the straps and carried it to the stairs. Following her with a paper bag was Pina. Louis called out to him:

"Pina!"

"Yes?"

"Go change, Sisu will handle it."

"And we'll help," Tsu nodded. "Didn't you see Legoshi?"

"I thought he just left," the ram raised an eyebrow, willingly handing over the load to the flying fox. The bag was indeed quite heavy. "He's standing outside, talking to Wutenga-san. And I wouldn't say their conversation sounded friendly."

Strange, the deer's inner voice noted. Legoshi mentioned that they had become friends… why all of a sudden?…

Oh well, they'll figure it out without me.

"Dave, Mokichi, bring your masterpieces over here to the right. We don't need the columns to completely block the stage, just create the illusion of a large, spacious facade under which you can shelter from the rain."

"Louis-san?"

"Yes, Bea?"

"You said we need costumes for the first scene, but not all of them are ready yet!" the tigress exclaimed indignantly, folding her arms across her chest. She was already quite large, and looking at the director from the stage, she seemed colossal. The deer waved his hand:

"No big deal. Let's work with what we have. What are you working on right now?"

"We're working on dresses, we have a bunch of patterns for the professor's mother's outfit and two dresses for Eliza. And the workshop is mined with pins scattered everywhere… right, Kibi?!"

"I'll clean up!" he hastily responded.

"Two dresses?" Louis asked, double-checking his memory. Beatrice nodded:

"Yes, you wanted a poor outfit for the first scene to be simpler."

"Ah… right. Okay. Will you be able to finish by Friday?"

"I hope so," she nodded, then turned her gaze back to the anteater. "Especially if Kibi-senpai helps."

"I'm needed everywhere," Kibi said importantly, climbing onto the stage. Tao called after him, "And yet you do nothing!"

"I'll make your costume last!" Kibi retorted. "It'll be black briefs with a bowtie in the front!"

"Critics will be ecstatic," Louis chuckled, envisioning the theatrical look. "Singing praises to whoever boldly reimagined Freddie's image."

"Really?" Tao asked cautiously, his voice carrying a hint of pleading with a banner that read 'please, no'.

"No. That script is reserved for top-tier actors — whatever they do, critics always shower them with praise."

"Good thing there's no critic club at school," the cat mused and walked off stage.

After the scene was set up, Gadzmir, waiting for the signal, started the soundtrack. The stage indeed began to look much livelier and more realistic — especially considering that some of the animals were already dressed in "street" clothes. For authenticity, Louis fully utilized both the acting and dancing groups, excluding only Juno and Tao, who were to appear later in the action.

Now it was Ryu delivering the first line instead of Akihito: " I'm getting chilled to the bone. What can Freddy be doing all this time? He's been gone twenty minutes!"

"Ryu! Less expressiveness, please. Louder doesn't mean more expressive."

"I remember! But I'm supposed to be outraged, Louis-san…"

"Not that much. Your character is more of a complainer."

"Understood."

Goro said disapprovingly, "Not so long. But he ought to have got us a cab by this."

"Don't count on it, sir, everyone's coming out of theaters right now. He won't get a cab before half past eleven," Kobayashi chuckled from the crowd.

Louis nodded contentedly. It looked much better now than before — no glitches, hitches, and Ryu's slight overacting gradually disappeared. Freddie — or Tao — had adjusted his lines to match his already excellent facial expressions. Juno… Louis wasn't sure if he should evaluate Juno now. The element of impartiality seemed to have disappeared. He now watched the stage with a stony expression cultivated over many years of life with Oguma and running a conglomerate, but it seemed like his eyes were glowing from within. And this pleasant feeling in his chest… Louis shook his head slightly and sighed.

"Do you know where I come from?" Philippe asked. Pina looked him in the eye and replied, "Hoxton."

The actors obediently portrayed a few chuckles in the crowd — the eccentric professor, who was initially mistaken for a plainclothes policeman, performed tricks during the play, unerringly determining the origin of each of them by their speech, accent.

"Rex bite me, that's right! Listen, you really do know everything, don't you?"

Juno said tearfully, "Ain't no call to meddle with me, he ain't."

"See here: what call have you to know about people what never offered to meddle with you? Where's your warrant?"

"Yes, yes, do you have a warrant?"

"Let him say what he likes. I don't want to have no truck with him," Juno turned away, clutching her basket of flowers. Kobayashi, with feigned anger, said, "You take us for dirt under your feet, don't you? Catch you taking liberties with a gentleman!"

Philip nodded. "Yes, if you wanna go fortune-telling, tell me — where did HE come from?"

Pina frowned, scanning invisible lines. "Cheltenham, Harrow, Cambridge, and later — India."

"Absolutely right," Bryson said, slightly surprised.

The opening scene served as a sort of introduction to their characters. In just a minute, it turned out that Colonel Piggering knew Professor Hedgehogins and was fascinated by his works, and then they made a bet on whether the professor could educate a flower girl of common origin so that she successfully passes herself off as a lady of high standing at the upcoming nobility ball.

Louis was extremely pleased with today's scene. As were a few subsequent ones. Just like Sisu, who enthusiastically applauded, standing on her hind legs. It seemed Juno's return breathed new life into the actors, and Sisu's unexpected popularity made almost half the school flock to the theater club, significantly increasing attendance not only of the building itself but also its surroundings. But the "order" watched with increasing concern. Events were spiraling out of control, and the most nervous of all, the one who managed to show it almost imperceptibly, was Louis. He almost certainly knew that soon everyone would be interested in this unusual phenomenon, including those who would be extremely undesirable to inquire about Sisu, dragons, and everything related to them. And official authorities weren't even on the leading trio list. All that was left was to prepare and wait.