Goddess Kaleidoscope

"Yes, I'll help you out of your current predicament, and you can also do something for me during this performance."

"Then please give your orders, Master. I will do my best to fulfill them!"

Servis felt grateful to Rudd. Without the script and funding he provided, the Rainbow Dance Company would not have achieved what it has today, and Servis would not have had the opportunity to take revenge on her enemies. Therefore, upon hearing that she now had the chance to repay her benefactor, Servis agreed without hesitation, even though she did not know what Rudd wanted her to do.

Seeing this, Lu De couldn't help but nod. He knew he hadn't misjudged her. This girl was loyal and had a strong sense of right and wrong. Working with someone like her was the most reassuring thing.

"Miss Servis, don't worry, I don't intend for you to do anything dangerous. You'll continue with your duties. I heard that for the past year, you've been performing 'Romeo and Juliet' all over the kingdom, while the other scripts I gave you haven't been used. I guess you wanted to wait until you got to Flamewood City to use them and make a splash, right?"

"Yes, the scripts you gave me are all excellent. I'm worried that if I release them too early, other writers will copy them. Besides, I came to Yanmu City to seek revenge, so I need to prepare some trump cards."

"Revenge? Against that Fei Xia Dance Troupe?"

Servis nodded and began to recount her complicated relationship with Katie to Ludd.

More than 20 years ago, when Servis's parents were passing through a poor mountain village, they took in a three-year-old girl who had been cruelly abandoned by her own family in the wilderness. This little girl was Katie.

That year, Servis was only six years old. Because she had always wanted a younger sister, she adored Katie, who was three years younger than her. Katie's parents were kind-hearted people, and although their small cabaret troupe wasn't wealthy, the members were like family. Katie was accepted into this large family, and everyone took great care of this lonely little girl, trying their best to give her the warmth of family. But this ungrateful little brat chose to repay her family's kindness with enmity more than ten years later.

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. Thirteen-year-old Katie has grown into a graceful young lady and has shown a talent in acting that is in no way inferior to her older sister Servis.

At the time, everyone in the troupe was very optimistic about the future, thinking that these two girls would definitely become the Rainbow Dance Troupe's most proud and iconic twin sisters, leading everyone to make a name for themselves in the big city. Little did they know that poisonous thorns had already been quietly growing in what seemed like delicate little buds.

At the time, Servis was sixteen years old and already had experience performing on stage. She was also the biological daughter of the troupe leader and his wife, so the members of the troupe all regarded her as the future troupe leader. Servis also had mutual feelings for a handsome actor in the troupe and secretly met with him under the moonlight.

But Servis never imagined that Katie, whom she had watched grow up and treated like a younger sister, would develop such intense jealousy towards her, which in turn gave rise to a twisted hatred.

So, in order to get revenge on Servis, whom she was jealous of, Katie first seduced Servis's lover, and then conspired with him to steal the script that Servis's father had carefully prepared for the performance. She went to the rival company and then turned the tables on them, going to the local lord to frame the Rainbow Dance Troupe for stealing the script. This caused Servis's parents to have to pay a large sum of money to the rival company, and the dance troupe almost collapsed. It was only by converting into a circus that it barely managed to survive, but some members still left due to financial difficulties.

Less than two years later, Servis's parents died one after another due to depression and overwork. Servis took over the declining Rainbow Dance Troupe, struggling to survive while searching for an opportunity for revenge.

Katie, with her looks and figure, moved among various important figures and eventually settled down in Yanmu City, becoming a glamorous "Opera Queen" in the eyes of many.

Regarding her account of her past, Servis swore to her god of medicine, Evelina, that not a single word was a lie or exaggeration. Ludwig also expressed his willingness to believe Servis, because he had learned a great deal about this Kitty from Hume; this woman was indeed a ruthless character with a heart of stone, and would stop at nothing to achieve her goals.

In contrast, Servis's revenge was merely to defeat him in the entertainment industry. Lude felt that if he didn't help, Servis would probably have a hard time leaving Flamewood City alive.

End of this chapter

After listening to Servis's account, Lud gave her a brief explanation of his own situation, though it wasn't entirely the truth.

Lude told Servis that he had come to Flamewood City to help a god. Some evil spirits were using the god's name to deceive the ignorant mortals in Flamewood City, attempting to take his place and become an evil god who would bring calamity to the world. Lude could not stand idly by and watch such evil deeds happen.

However, since Yanmu City was the lair of this evil spirit, most of the local righteous sects had been corrupted by it and were colluding with the evil people who followed the spirit. Therefore, Lude did not launch a large-scale attack, but instead used his current youthful appearance, bestowed by the goddess, to secretly infiltrate Yanmu City to investigate.

What Lude wanted Servis's help with was to modify a part of the plot of the new play she was preparing to perform in, so as to bring the bewildered people of Yanmu City to their senses.

Servis immediately realized it was just a matter of changing the plot, and since the script originally belonged to Ludd, it certainly wasn't difficult. However, she couldn't help but wonder if her acting could really have the kind of impact Ludd claimed.

“Child, you don’t understand. There is boundless power in people’s hearts, but this power can change depending on people’s thoughts. If it turns to darkness, it will be used by evil. Therefore, we must guide people so that they can always keep their hearts toward light and hope, so that the devil will not succeed.”

"I see, I understand now!"

The two chatted for a while longer, and Lu De casually took out a new script he had prepared.

When Servis saw that the master had a new work, she was overjoyed. She quickly rubbed her hands together and then respectfully accepted it with both hands.

"'King of the Cave'?"

“This is a story about revenge, and I think it would be very fitting for your Rainbow Dance Troupe to perform it.”

"The Count of Monte Cristo" is the localized translation of The Count of Monte Cristo that Ludwig recently completed. Initially, out of a playful spirit, he wanted to name the play "The Count of Monte Cristo," but after thinking about it, he changed it to "The Count of Monte Cristo," which sounded more sophisticated.

The original work is a long novel of 950,000 words. Lu De could not make a complete copy based on his memory alone, but he had read the original work. Therefore, based on the general plot outline, he wrote a script that was slightly abridged and localized.

After flipping through the pages for a short while, Servis was captivated by the dramatic revenge story and became completely immersed in it.

Compared to the original work, Ludwig's localization mainly involves the period before and after the protagonist Edmund is framed and imprisoned. Several villains who collude with each other make oaths to the god of thieves, Hume, but then break their promises for their own selfish interests. Hume then sends down an oracle, guiding a scholar who is also imprisoned to meet Edmund, teaching him a lot of knowledge, and telling him the secret of the treasure on the deserted island.

The subsequent plot follows the original story: Edmund escapes from prison and uses the knowledge and treasure taught by the scholars to first repay a debt of gratitude and then seek revenge. Hume, on the other hand, is portrayed as an evil lawful being who highly values ​​oaths; the three villains are cursed by her for their betrayal.

In the plot arrangement, Lude made Hume try to be as close as possible to the role of Guan Yu. The various people from all walks of life in the plot worship Hume and choose to swear oaths and become sworn brothers in front of Hume's statue. In the end, all the curses that the villains made in front of the statue came true for them.

Servis quickly skimmed through the script and was extremely satisfied with the fast-paced, vengeful plot. She thought to herself that a master is a master; the pacing and execution of this script were simply unmatched.

"Fantastic! This script is superb! I can already imagine the sensation it will cause in Yanmu City."

"As for the script, I can't give it to you yet. This is the first draft, and there are still some parts that need to be polished. But you can go back and select actors first and make preparations in advance. I will come to your place in a couple of days. Please remember not to reveal my identity."

"How should I introduce you to the group members?"

“Just say… I’m a disciple of Shakespeare. As for the pseudonym, call me Hugo.”

They arranged a time to meet again, and Ludwig didn't let Servais take the script away. And it turned out to be a very wise decision.

Back at the Sky Opera House, Servis couldn't hide her excitement. Although Lude hadn't given her a script, he had provided her with a list of roles and descriptions, allowing her to find suitable actors in advance. While the Rainbow Choir had more than doubled in size compared to a year ago, it was still only a moderately sized company. For some roles, she couldn't find suitable actors and had to recruit new ones.

Servis plans to consult with Granny Marilyn, who has good connections in Yanmu City and might be able to introduce some suitable independent actors.

On her way back to her room, Servis was preoccupied with thoughts of the new script. As a result, she nearly bumped into someone while turning a corner, and both of them were startled.

Servis looked closer and realized that the person who almost bumped into her was a backstage stagehand from her troupe named Marvin. The young man was just over twenty years old, quite clever, and hardworking.

It's worth mentioning that this young man hadn't been with the troupe for long; Servis met him on their way to Yanmu City. He claimed to be from a small village called Sheoli and was on his way to Yanmu City to find work. Upon learning that the Rainbow Circus was also going to perform in Yanmu City, he volunteered to join the troupe.

Seeing that he had almost bumped into his own captain, Marvin couldn't help but show a fleeting hint of panic in his eyes, and quickly apologized to Servis.

"Excuse me, Captain Servis."

Why are you in such a hurry?

"I...I have an upset stomach and need to go to the toilet. Commander, could you let me go first? I really...can't hold it in any longer."

"Go ahead, but be careful in the hallway and don't bump into anyone."

"I know!"

Clutching his stomach, Marvin scurried away and disappeared down the corridor. Servis, still excited about receiving the new script, didn't think much of it and continued to ponder the casting process.

On the other hand, Marvin did not go to the toilet as he had said. Instead, he sneaked out of the theater through the back door and ran wildly towards the Tianlai Opera House, as if someone was chasing him.

Marvin ran all the way to the Heavenly Opera House, slipped into the alley behind the theater, and finally breathed a sigh of relief. Then he carefully took out a square cloth bag from his pocket, which contained the important item he had just stolen from Servis's safe.

End of this chapter

Entering the Tianlai Opera House through the back door, Marvin found his fellow villager Kyle, who worked at the Feixia Song and Dance Troupe, and told him that he had done what Kyle had asked of him.

Kyle was overjoyed upon hearing this and hurriedly asked Marvin to take the item out so he could see it. However, Marvin was very wary and tightly clutched the item in his arms, refusing to take it out now and insisting on waiting until he saw Captain Katie. So Kyle took him to find the captain.

Upon learning that her planted spy had succeeded, Katie was overjoyed and hurriedly sent someone over. Marvin was then led to the captain's room. As soon as he entered, he saw the alluring and beautiful Captain Katie sitting on a soft chair wearing only a thin nightgown, her white thighs and breasts mostly exposed. Marvin stared in disbelief, unable to help but swallow hard.

Katie, who had deliberately dressed like this to receive him, couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Sure enough, men, regardless of status, were all the same. Having spent years navigating the treacherous waters of the underworld, Katie was already accustomed to using her "advantages" to maximize her gains.

"You're Marvin, Kyle's fellow countryman?"

"Yes, yes, Captain Katie."

"Thank you so much, Marvin. I don't know how to repay you. Where's the stuff? Let me see your treasures that you hid there!"

"well!"

Slightly charmed by Katie's sweet voice and alluring eyes, Marvin, completely captivated by her beauty, hastily pulled a cloth bag from his pocket and offered it to Katie. Katie smiled and reached out to take it, her slender hands seemingly unintentionally brushing against Marvin's rough arm; the light, airy touch made Marvin feel as if his soul had been stolen.

Katie took the cloth bag and opened it. Inside were three thick stacks of scripts. She couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. Just as the intelligence had said, Servis had a hidden trump card. She really knew this "sister" too well. She figured that the quality of these three scripts should be no worse than Romeo and Juliet.

Katie was about to look through the document when she noticed Marvin still standing there dumbfounded, maintaining his bent-over posture as if handing something over, but his small eyes were staring straight at her, his gaze clearly looking down at the view inside her collar.

Seeing this, Katie felt a surge of murderous intent. Although she was willing to use her body to the fullest extent to gain benefits, her status and position were no longer what they used to be. This Marvin was nothing but a dog, daring to take advantage of her; he was simply courting death.

However, considering that this thing was still useful for the time being, Katie could only suppress her disgust and smiled slightly at Marvin, pointing to the chair next to her.

"Marvin, please have a seat!"

"Thank you, Commander. It's fine, it's fine for me to stand here for a while..."

"..."

Katie couldn't help but roll her eyes at the trash in her mind. She thought to herself, "Go ahead and look if you want. Anyway, once it's all over, I'll definitely ask Juan to help me 'get rid of' this guy. I'll just consider it a bargain."

Katie spent several hours browsing through the three scripts Marvin had brought, becoming increasingly engrossed in them.

Putting aside her methods and character, Katie's abilities as an actress and manager of a musical troupe are absolutely unquestionable. Otherwise, she wouldn't have become "Number One in Yanmu" just by sleeping with various big shots. Therefore, someone as discerning as her could clearly recognize the high value of these three scripts after only a cursory glance.

Now that these three scripts are in Katie's hands, she is both delighted and worried. She must poach Shakespeare, who can write so many good scripts, from Servis!

"Marvin, how long have you been staying with Servis?"

"About a month."

"Have you ever seen or heard any other members of the group mention anything about Shakespeare?"

"There hasn't been any information about this. I tried to inquire before, but Servis clearly reminded her older members that everyone is very tight-lipped."

"I see."

"but……"

"But what? Don't leave things unsaid!"

"However, a couple of nights ago, a strange woman suddenly came to the opera house looking for Servis. Servis and the old members of the opera seemed to know her."

What kind of woman?

"She had black hair, was very beautiful, and had a great figure. I wasn't very close at the time, but I vaguely heard something about a master arriving in Yanmu City."

"master?"

Katie astutely sifted through the words, identifying key phrases. Someone addressed as "Master" by Servis must be someone she deeply respects; this was a common honorific in the industry for outstanding screenwriters. If this Master was Shakespeare, then... he was in Flamewood City now!?

In an instant, Katie's breathing quickened. She knew that the success of the Flying Clouds Dance Troupe was largely due to their almost exclusive contract with Sans, the best playwright in the entire Flamewood City. However, compared to Shakespeare, Sans's plays were clearly inferior.

Katie felt that even if she couldn't have such a talented creator, she couldn't let that idiot woman Servis have him all to herself.

Thinking of this, Katie couldn't help but look at Marvin.

"Marvin, thank you for bringing me these three scripts. I will definitely repay you for the revenge I promised you. However, I need you to do me another favor. Find a way to find this Shakespeare master. I want to meet him."

"Um... Captain Katie, I've already stolen this script. Servis could find out at any time. If I go back, wouldn't I be walking into a trap?"

"No, I'll think of a good way for you. There are three scripts here. Take one back, find a guy you don't like, hide the script with him, and then go to Servis and report this guy, saying that you saw him secretly contacting strangers and stealing Servis's script to sell. Wouldn't that clear you of suspicion?"