Chapter 3

The performance unfolded with a dramatic flourish, each scene resplendent with both triumph and tragedy in dazzling displays. Meanwhile, Estelle's heartfelt cheers and tears punctuated during the appropriate moments, while Lexei maintained an inscrutable, stoic expression to avoid another embarrassing instance of premature applause. Upon the completion of the final act, all of the thespians, along with Furina, slowly strutted to center stage and bowed with effortless grace. As if on cue, the audience erupted into a thunderous applause, their cheers echoing throughout the opera house, while Lexei remained statuesque. Despite the sea of faces in the crowded auditorium, Furina easily spotted Lexei, smiled warmly, and gave him a discreet wink in an attempt to provoke a reaction, though her efforts were in vain.

As the curtains gracefully descended, the stagehands began the cleanup process with remarkable speed and meticulous precision. The remaining thespians retreated to the wings, while a few stayed behind to converse and congratulate each other on their performances. Gradually, the seats began to empty as the audience dispersed, with some lingering to savor the atmosphere before returning to their busy lives. Among them were Estelle and Lexei, who whispered about the fantastical performance they had just witnessed.

"Well, Lexei what did you think? It was brilliant wasn't it?!"
"More than brilliant! It was astounding!"
"Fanciful!"

"Astonishing, even! It was perhaps one the best – no! Greatest play I have ever witnessed!"

"I'm so glad you think so! I knew you were a sharp one the moment we met!"

As the two continued to bask in their shared joy of the theater, a stagehand approached and gently cleared her throat to announce her presence. Instantly they ceased their conversation and turned to face her. The stagehand bowed courteously and then discreetly placed her hand behind her back.

"My apologizes for the interruption, but the director wishes to speak with you in private sir."

"The director?! Oh, Lexei the director never asks for a private audience!"
"But, why? Why me?"
"The director has instructed that she wishes to speak to you alone. I'm afraid I can't divulge any more here. So if you would be so kind so as to follow me."
"Go on Lexei! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Go!"
"Alright, alright! No need to tell a man twice. I'll see you at the workshop my next shift! Take care, boss!"

"See you then!"

Lexei bid farewell one last time before following the stagehand towards the stage. As they passed by the remaining stagehands and thespians ceased their current conversations. Muttering among themselves of curiosity about Lexei's identity as they weaved through the crowd.

"Wait, is that him?"
"Appear so."
"Isn't that the man who…"
"No doubt about it. He's the one who stood up during the opening."
"What does she see in him, honestly?"

Lexei tried his upmost to ignore the gossip that surrounded him as he made his way towards the left wing of the stage. Observing his discomfort, the stagehand offered him a reassuring smile.

"Don't mind them. It's not often that the director asks for a private audience. They're merely surprised that is all. Of course that premature applause may have also ruffled a few feathers, but I wouldn't worry too much about that."
"Ahh...you saw that did you?"
"Heh, everyone say that. You were the only one standing. A brilliant display of hubris if I may say."
"Yes...sorry about that."
"No need! It's always a pleasure to see the appreciation of outlanders. I hear you've been making quiet the scene as of late, Monsieur Lexei."

Lexei came to a sudden halt upon hearing his name. Shook by the stagehand's familiarity. The stagehand stopped and turned to face him with a curious expression on her face. Placing her left hand upon her chin, she tilted her head slightly and began tapping her chin thoughtfully.
"Is there anything wrong, monsieur?"

"How do you know my name?!"
"Oh! Everyone in the Opera Epiclese knows who you are, monsieur. You've been quite the talk of the town. Lady Furina has even mentioned you from time to time."
"Furina?!"

The stagehand smiled slyly at Lexei's shocked reaction. Without missing a beat, she turned back to her initial target and began to walk.

"Step lively, please. The director doesn't tolerate tardiness."

Steeling himself, Lexei shook his head and readjusted his attire to a more presentable state. 'It's the director, after all. I should look my best.' He thought to himself as he hastened his pace. Finally they arrived at the entrance to a lavish dressing with a single golden star affixed upon the door. Lexei turned to the stagehand and pointed towards the star.
"I'm sorry, but I thought I was to meet the director."
"This is the director's dressing room, monsieur Lexei. It just so happens the director loves to star in her own work."
"Wait...you mean…"

The stagehand slowly opened the door and entered, addressing the director of their arrival. Lexei stood outside, gathering his thoughts on what to say and how to apologize for his abrupt behavior during the opening act. 'Please, don't be angry.' He thought to himself. Preparing to hear a reprimand from the director.

"Director, monsieur Lexei has arrived as you requested."
"Ahh, please send him in!"

"The director will see you now."

Lexei cleared his throat with one single, decisive cough, held his head high and strutted past the stagehand. Entering the dressing room with great fervor. As soon as he entered the stagehand walked out and closed the door behind her. The interior was as opulent as the stage, with brass wall lamps casting a warm glow on the azure wallpaper adorned with golden designs of Fontaine's symbols and iconography. Against the left sided wall was a large white desk with a single grand, circular mirror resting on its handles mounted to the desk. Various other furniture from drawers and tables were artfully displayed with leaving ample space to appreciate its craftsmanship. Some even had flowers within tall, slender vases that added flagrance to the room. Towards the right was a single quad-fold private screen decorated with a delicate depiction of several aquatic animals swimming and jumping out of a lake. As a warm beach rested in the distance with two blubber beasts bathing in the warm sunlight.
"Ahh, must be one of the director's more subtle dressing rooms, no doubt."

"Why thank you, good sir. It's always a pleasure to know one's true opinions of her arts."

"What? Director? Is that you?"

A robust laughter resonated from behind the private screen. Lexei turns towards it but remained rooted. His hands open to grab the door knob should his instinct to flee take hold over him. He called out for the director once more and was met with silence.

"Director? I don't know what game you're playing but I assure you. It's not as humorous as you think. I'll have you know I have skills!"
"Oh, please, monsieur. There's no need for that. I merely wish to speak with you. So please do relax. I will be right with you momentarily. Make yourself at home."

Lexei slowly lowered his hands and straightened his back as he peered across the room for an available seat intended for a guest. Finally he spotted a solitary three legged chair a fair distance from the private screen. Taking his seat he kept his eyes away from the private screen, not wishing to invade on the director's privacy. 'What is she playing at? Is the director even, lady Furina?' he pondered.

"So, tell me monsieur Lexei. What brings you to Fontaine? Surely, a man of you stature must have come with reason. Or have you come out of pure curiosity?"
"I've come to seek my fortune and to leave my mark upon this great nation, director! Though I am a noble, I'm also an adventurer at heart! I seek danger and wonders from all over Teyvat! And now my journey has brought me here."
"And what sort of dangers do you expect to see here?"
"Winning the heart of a fair maiden, perhaps. One of a similar stature as mine. Perhaps even...higher."

A silence then enveloped within the room. Nary a peep emerged from anyone for what felt like an eternity. Until it was shattered by a soft giggle from behind the private screen as foot steps echoed from behind its azure walls. As the foot steps grew louder Lexei turned his attention to the source. His eyes widened as he saw the director emerge from behind the screen walls.

"...Lady Furina..."