The Greatest Showman #953 - Sword and Shadow

It was only two o'clock in the afternoon, but the entrance of the Almeida Theatre was already a scene of fiery anticipation. The lively crowd and their chatter set the tone for London's West End, creating a unique atmosphere. Yet, in the eyes of the upper class, it was nothing to be admired.

Business and art are often seen as conflicting forces; yet in reality, every artist strives to bridge these two worlds. For the aristocracy, preserving their taste and dignity is paramount, so they are quick to disdain such scenes.

After Princess Diana's passing, Queen Elizabeth had steadfastly refused to meet the public or show vulnerability. In the Queen's eyes, it was both a personal family matter and a public scandal. However, this decision sparked protests and even calls for the abolition of the monarchy, eventually forcing the Queen to compromise.

This real-life event was later adapted into the film The Queen. Although the movie script strongly defends the royal family's position, glossing over the tension between the Queen and Princess Diana, it still offers insight into the British aristocracy's attitude.

The situation at the Almeida Theatre was different, but the underlying principles remained the same.

With a serene smile, Elf remarked, "Fortunately, father and mother didn't attend."

Arthur understood immediately, and the unspoken sentiment hung in the air. For the younger generation, like Elf and Arthur, change had become inevitable, much like how the Queen had eventually shown her vulnerability to the public. But for older generations, like George and Elizabeth, compromise was out of the question.

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "I'm looking forward to their presence even more. The scene will definitely be exciting." He could stand by and watch a spectacle unfold. But as Elf shot him a glance, he closed his mouth and pretended nothing had happened. He extended his left arm, which Elf took, and they walked toward the theater with the poised grace of royalty.

As they walked through the crowd and entered the theater, the first-floor waiting hall was bustling with flowers and lively chatter. The guests, dressed in costumes and holding champagne glasses, pretended to be high society elites attending a grand event, much like a festive Christmas party. Yet, Arthur and Elf continued without pause, heading straight for the second floor.

The scarlet carpet, dark yellow oak walls, and soft, warm light gave the space an air of history. The wooden boards creaked beneath their feet, whispering stories of the theater's past. When they reached the second floor, they bypassed the crowded audience hall to head toward a thick wooden door on the right. After showing the invitation to the attendant, they were granted entry.

Inside the VIP room, a warm, noble gathering was in full swing. The noise and clamor from downstairs faded into the background, replaced by a more refined atmosphere. The guests mingled, exchanging polite pleasantries, while the early summer heat seemed to dissipate in this elegant space.

As they settled into the gathering, Andre appeared with a charming smile, his dark blue suit accentuating his tall, striking figure. "Finally, you two are here. I was just thinking of calling Arthur to make sure you didn't run off."

Elf remained unfazed by his teasing. Her smile barely changed as she effortlessly shifted the conversation. "I didn't know you were the doorman today?"

Her words were lightly mocking, but they remained courteous. However, Andre wasn't deterred.

"If I weren't here to manage things, who knows if tonight's show would even go on," Andre said, his expression showing no restraint.

Arthur couldn't help but wince at Andre's bluntness, but Elf kept her composure, her calm smile suggesting she saw through the antics.

"Always so serious, Elf. God, how did the Hall family come up with someone like Renly?" Andre continued, sneering. He glanced briefly at Arthur, who was left puzzled by the remark.

Elf didn't flinch, her cool demeanor unaffected. "Well, I suppose you can call me a 'freak,' too."

Arthur raised his shoulders in a gesture of resignation, as if to say, I can't help it either.

Andre's gaze shifted toward the rest of the room, then back to Elf. "If it weren't for me, there wouldn't even be a show tonight. You think you're the only one who has a stake in this?"

Elf's voice remained steady. "So you're aware of the production tonight?"

Andre grinned, not missing a beat. "Of course. But don't tell me you didn't already know about tonight's play. You've always been obsessed with the theater, after all."

His tone was provocative, and the challenge was clear. "From what I gather, the show tonight consists of a bunch of actors no one has ever heard of, performing in a production everyone already knows. That's it."

Elf chuckled softly. "So you're in the know, I see." A hint of sarcasm laced her words, but it was barely perceptible. "But experimental theater is all about bold moves and daring attempts. Regardless of the outcome, it's always something worth recognizing."

Her underlying message was clear: Tonight's show was destined for failure.

To Elf's surprise, Andre broke into a loud laugh. It was a strange and unexpected reaction, one that left Elf momentarily speechless.

But she didn't panic—she'd dealt with Andre's unpredictable nature before. Arthur, meanwhile, struggled to hold back a laugh as Andre explained, "Renly knew exactly what you were thinking. Your words and actions are just too predictable."

Elf's smile didn't falter. "Daisy Ridley, Joe Alwyn, Tom Holland, Charlotte Kennedy, Karis Jack, Ezra Miller," she named, each name slipping off her tongue in a flawless London accent. Then, after a slight pause, she added, "None of them are names I've heard before, and they're all barely twenty years old. Are we going to see a high school version of Les Miserables tonight?"

Andre shrugged, a knowing smirk on his face. "At least you remembered their names. That's a start."

Elf's mockery fell flat, but she didn't show any sign of being affected.

"I've got other things to do," Andre said casually, his tone now completely indifferent. "I don't think I need to introduce you to anyone here. You won't be bored, I promise." With that, he turned and left, leaving Elf and Arthur standing alone.

As they stood together, it became evident that all eyes were on them—subtle glances, unspoken looks, and quiet murmurs surrounded them. There was no overt hostility, but the air was thick with underlying judgment. It was a silent tension, a palpable feeling that almost suffocated them.

The Almeida Theater had become a battleground, where the bustling first floor collided with the reserved silence of the second. The contrast between the two was like a whirlpool, pulling Elf and Arthur into its center.

As Andre had predicted, Elf and Arthur were indeed the focal point of the evening. And compared to the drama unfolding around them, the political tensions seemed almost harmless.

Was this the spectacle Renly had anticipated? Was this his counterattack against George and Elizabeth's scheming?

With a subtle lift of her chin, Elf's face radiated determination. For a moment, it was as if Renly's charisma had manifested in her.

"Let's go," Elf said, taking Arthur's arm.

And so, with the tension mounting in the air around them, they made their move. It wasn't just the first floor that was thick with anticipation. Backstage, the nerves were palpable. The show was about to begin, and the atmosphere was ripe for ignition.