Into the World of Twisted Wonderland Pt 2

👑 The Beautiful Tyrant: Chapter 58 👑

Once the rehearsal was finished, the group joined the two, the staff members cleaning the stage for the next group to do their rehearsals. "Angel! Grim!" Kalim happily call out to them. "What'd you think of our performance?"

"You were on fire up there!" Angel happily says as she recalls their performance. Though performing on a stage was different than in the confines of the Pomefiore ballroom, they adapted quickly to the change, after a few beats, they noticed that they had more freedom to express themselves. In fact, maybe having a bigger space enhanced their individuality more, as they expressed themselves more often than they did in practice. Plus, she noticed that their skills seemed to come out on stage. Maybe it might be the fact that they had the moves down pact that it just came naturally on stage, or maybe it was because they wanted to impress the people hanging around the stage for any camera shots. She even noticed how the staff members quietly watched the group in awe, not sure if it was because of everyone's performance or mainly just because of Vil's presence on stage, and how they were impressed with the performance. If nothing happens between now and the performance and they perform the same as they rehearsed, then they were sure to win!

"The stage was way bigger than our practice room..." Epel says. "But it felt kind of nice to dance without worrying about being cramped," he smiled.

"Heh. Even you're coming around," Jamil chuckles.

"I'd like to review our footage right now," Vil says. "And not just the front; I want to know how it looks from both sides."

A group of people with cameras start to approach the group, specifically Vil, as they almost pushed the group away. Luckily, Jamil warned them, and they stepped aside, letting them pass as they rush to Vil. Angel was happy to let them pass, seeing how they had cameras at the ready, shrinking a bit to try not to be noticed. "Great work, Vil!" One of the people happily says. "That was the best performance I've ever seen! I got goosebumps just watching! We're with a Shaftlands news program. Could you spare some time for an interview to be shown on our evening news?"

"Certainly," Vil says with a smile.

"Thanks!" The reporter happily says. "Night Raven College got selected as this year's SDC host school...So I'm sure there was a lot of pressure on you. But I'd never guessed it from the flawless performance you put on! Your powerful singing, your sharp dance moves...It wasn't just good for students – it was professional to a tee! It's hard to find groups as good as yours the world over. And I'd expect nothing less from a team led by Vil Schoenheit!"

The group listened in on the comment, with Angel feeling a bit sad at the reporter's words. From the way they've said it, they basically said that Vil was the main reason it was flawless. What about everyone else? They worked hard as well. Is this the power of being famous? The fact that they only focus on one person aside from the entire group? "Thank you kindly," Vil calmy says. "We went through some very rigorous rehearsals to get here, so I'm delighted you enjoyed it. We'll have an even better performance at showtime- no, we'll have the fairest in the land," he announces. "Don't miss it."

"After a first act this strong, I think I'll end up watching the following acts with a much more critical eye," the reporter says with a chuckle.

"Oooh! That's a promisin' start right there!" Grim says as he watches how Vil casually answers the questions despite the cameras.

"Actually, we're planning on posting ten-second promo videos to Magicam," the reporter says. "They're going to include footage of the representative teams in their rehearsals, as a preview of what the SDC will be like live. The headmage has granted his permission already. I believe his words were, 'Whatever generates more hype for the SDC'. Would you be willing to review our footage?"

"I'd be happy to," he answers.

"Ah, I see now," Jamil says in thought. "On the surface, the SDC is purely a school musical recital. They don't reveal song titles or lineup order until showtime. But it gets a lot of commercial attention, which necessitates advertising to build excitement."

"Sounds like a lot's going on under the cowl," Ace says. "But it makes sense to the last minute," he understands. "That way nobody can come up with counter-plays after watching another school's performance, or change their song."

"Thanks for your help!" The reporter says to Vil as they look up from the camera. "We'll be posting this video right now."

"No, thank YOU," Vil says. "Now, if you'll excuse me." He walks off to check the camera footage.

"Oh, hey! The video just went up on the TV station's Magicam account!" Ace announces.

Everyone quickly checks, seeing that what Ace said was true. "Whoa, you're right!" Deuce says as he watches it. "Gah, I saw myself for a second there...and I think my dancing is kind of stilted."

"Let me see!" He watches the video. "Wow...The likes on the video just keep going up. It's getting shared all over," he says in awe.

"Ooh! I'm seeing lots of comments from Vil fans saying they've been waiting for this!" Kalim says as he reads the comments.

"In fact, most of the video centers on Vil," Jamil says with slight disappointment.

"Let's seen what viewers are saying..." Rook checks the comments. "'Cool!' 'Awesome!' And more than anything else: 'Beautiful!' It's clear how eager everyone is for the SDC."

The group happily chat about the video, while Vil hangs back, focusing on his phone. "Mira, Mira," he says. "Tell me something."

The phone chimes. "What would you like me to look up?"

"Who, at this moment, is the most beautiful of all?"

"Displaying results for 'account with the most comments using the word 'beautiful':" The phone becomes silent for a moment. "Vil Schoenheit."

The revelation shocks him for a moment. "Heh heh...Heh heh heh..." he chuckles. "Finally. At long last!"

"Next up is the Royal Sword Academy group," one of the staff members says, getting everyone's attention. "Please stand by!"

"Got it!" Neigh happily shouts. "We're on our way!"

The group listen to the news in shock, seeing that Neige was heading towards the stage. "Royal Sword Academy's going right after us?!" Ace exclaims.

"That's perfect," Deuce says with a smirk. "Let's see what kind of performance they're got."

"Good idea!" Kalim agrees. "Let's take a break in the audience seating and enjoy the show."

"Not so fast," Vil says to the group. "I told you that reviewing the footage and ironing out flaws comes first."

"Now, now, Roi du Poison," Rook puts a hand on his shoulder. "It's important to observe one's rival and get a full grasp of their capabilities."

Vil thinks about his words and sighs. "...I suppose you have a point," he says. "Let's see what Royal Sword Academy's representatives have to show us. Now that it will hold a candle to our beauty, of course." He scoffs.

Angel watches the boys, rolling their eyes at their smug attitudes. "I wish they would at least wish them luck instead of being smug about it," she mumbles, glad that they didn't catch what she said, since their attention was to the stage. I get they're rivals and all but is it really necessary?

"Lighting and audio are all set!" A staff member says. "Royal Sword Academy, you're up!" They say to Neige.