Yarra’s Adventure Notes
Chapter 244 - 10 - Communication from the President_1

Chapter 244: Chapter 10 - Communication from the President_1

"I didn’t realize this performance would be so boring." Not even an hour in, Lina had already begun to feel drowsy and couldn’t help but complain, "I’ve been looking forward to this for years, but it turns out to be nothing special."

"Turns out you have also never been here before. I, on the other hand, think it’s pretty interesting." Unbiasedly speaking, what Pannis said was accurate— the performance did possess a great deal of artistic and aesthetic appeal. With various artists pouring their hearts into their individual acts, dramas, operas, cantatas took turns on the stage; arias and recitatives alternated, with an occasional oratorio. Narrative songs, touch songs, rondeaus, waltzes, scherzos, each musical piece was relayed through the Illusionary Sound Array, allowing the entire venue to hear each note perfectly. On the stage, skirts fluttering, minuets, tip-toed dances, tap dances, elves’ hunt dances, beastmen’s war dances, were performed with such grace that it was hard to keep up. Interspersed between the segments were comedic mini performances wherein clowns, dressed in eye-catching and bizarre outfits, performed complex maneuvers that even the professionals found difficult to replicate, making one wonder how these ordinary people managed to do it.

Such a performance could make even the pickiest spectator nod in admiration, so much so that even the official representatives of the Elves couldn’t help but incessantly applaud, paying tribute to the artists’ creativity and engaging performances.

However, every single person in the adventure team had overlooked a significant issue. For Catherine and Pannis, who had received refined, systematic education as nobles and had deep understanding of music, there was no issue in appreciating these performances. And it goes without saying that anyone can enjoy genuinely pleasing music and dance, even if their knowledge about music is rudimentary. But Lina was an exception. For a person who has confined herself in a dark library for ten long years, and continued to spend most of her time with books even afterwards, her ability to understand music and dance was practically non-existent. This turned the supposed feast of the arts into a tormenting experience for her—a torment that was psychological and left her very distressed. It was a pity that Lina herself didn’t have any prior experience with such performances, and Catherine and Vivian, who had prior experience, didn’t think this would be an issue. Thus, Lina found herself agonizingly playing with her long hair, mournfully reminiscing about her long-awaited expectations.

"Actually, this is indeed pretty interesting." Catherine nodded in agreement, "Especially Skatila’s aria just now, the embellishments were heartbreakingly beautiful."

"I personally prefer Rossini’s baritone part." Pannis responded, "His voice is so unique, the moment he started singing, I noticed it. With its robust and mellow quality, it imparts a substantial impact, giving a powerful, face-smashing sensation."

"Enough already." Lina glared at the two engrossed in the performance, furiously scolding, "I don’t understand any of this, but you still discuss it in front of me, are you provoking me?!"

"Alright, alright." Catherine reached out and took Lina in her arms, whispering, "I am sorry, it’s just that we got too engrossed in such a high-level performance. Don’t be mad, I care for you."

"Harrumph, I don’t need it." Lina turned her head away, but subtly snuggled into Catherine’s embrace.

Watching the two young girls leverage their trivial disputes to strengthen their bond, Pannis couldn’t help but smile. However, after the smile, she sighed softly, muttering, "Such rare moments always seem to get interrupted."

"Interrupted?" Catherine frowns, not understanding Pannis’s meaning. Due to Lina’s intimidation, there were multiple vacant seats in every direction around the group of four. This could be interpreted as an extreme waste considering how sought-after the tickets to the New Year’s performance were, and it also reinforced the terrifying image Lina had in the eyes of young priests from other temples. Precisely because of this, theoretically, they should not be disturbed by anyone right now. Therefore, Catherine felt free to horse around with Lina without any inhibitions.

Pannis does not respond, she simply directs Catherine to look to her other side. Catherine gasps when she follows her gaze—Vivian was still sleeping beside her but an elderly man sat next to Vivian, which she hadn’t noticed.

"Huh? Guild leader?" Catherine is surprised to recognize the half-closed eyes of the elderly man: "What brings you here?"

"Miss Catherine, do you think you can spare me a moment of your time?" The elderly man, Odin, opens his eyes—the light in them nearly searing Catherine’s skin—"I have something to discuss, in a quiet place."

"Err, does it need to be now?" Catherine hesitantly asks, "We promised two young performers that we would cheer for them at eleven o’clock tonight, after the performance ends."

"Michelle and Ansha?" Odin cracks a smile, "Both girls show great potential. They will undoubtedly become two of the biggest stars in the arts industry in the future. But no worries—it will take only a brief moment. I assure you it won’t interfere with your plans."

"Okay, there’s no problem." Catherine accepts Odin’s request, "Where are we going? Considering the situation, our departure is bound to cause a commotion."

"No, I’ll escort you." Odin is still speaking when Pannis rudely interrupts, "It’s fine. It’s just a performance by the interlude clowns, it won’t disturb anyone too much."

Startled, Odin nods in comprehension, "Alright, let’s get moving then."

"I also want to go, Mr. President." Lina looked at Odin expectantly: "Can I?"

"Of course you can." Odin said with a smile: "This is something that involves all of you."

The advantage of the sparsely packed front row became evident immediately. After waking Vivian, the five people effortlessly squeezed out of the grandstand and entered a reserved staff break room constructed alongside the stand.

"I’ve gone through your report, Miss Catherine." As soon as everyone sat down, Odin began speaking: "The situation you’ve discovered has been discussed by Antuin and me a few times. However, despite Antuin’s extensive knowledge of magic, we are unable to ascertain exactly what magic Sandy used. Neither can we fully understand his motivations behind his actions. But one thing we can be sure about, is that his intent in turning people into old folks is definitely aimed at stealing something from them. Initially, I suspected he could be siphoning off their life forces. But Antuin argued that vitality drain spells are fairly common, the Upper Rank spell of Blood Touch for instance. However, this can be ruled out because, firstly, life siphoning spells cannot completely drain a person’s vitality to the point of death, and secondly, a loss of vitality wouldn’t make people physically age — it just makes them weak."

"We’ve considered all these points, too, but we haven’t been able to find any answers." Catherine said: "However, I believe if we could locate Sandy, we should be able to figure out what he’s up to."

"Don’t act rashly." Odin advised: "Battles against Mages claim the lives of those who are most impulsive the fastest, so maintaining calm is crucial. I’m aware you’re a knight and hate evil intensely, but I ask that you control your disdain. Even if you do track down some traces of them, return to the Guild and make a report before acting. Unexpected combat situations, of course, are not included in this stipulation."

"Why?" Catherine asked in surprise: "Many times, seizing the opportunity is crucial."

"A while back, Antuin and I returned from Spindle Village." Odin explained: "The operation in Spindle Village involved at least five Legendaries — three Mages and two of physical classes. This suggests they’re a huge organization and I even suspect there are Demigods backing them. I understand as a knight, you neither fear death nor danger. However, should my suspicions prove true, directly confronting them would not only amount to suicide but would also increase their vigilance, thus hindering our investigation."

"Alright, I understand." Catherine contemplated with her eyes closed for a moment, then answered somewhat somberly: "You’re correct in your considerations. I accept your request and promise to report all discovered leads to the Guild first."

"Very well, the progress of this matter within the Guild will likewise be communicated to you." Odin said: "You know this is the Guild’s practice - we will never make unreasonable unilateral demands."

"Yes, as always." Catherine smiled: "That is the very image of fairness I seek."

Odin leaned forward, surveying each member of the Adventure team. When his gaze came to Pannis, the look he gave him was deeply odd. Only when Pannis lowered his gaze in a barely perceptible nod, did Odin lean back in his chair in satisfaction: "Additionally, the matter of the evil god’s sacrifice that you ran into a few months ago. I arrived a step too late then, and wasn’t able to apprehend the perpetrator. However, the Shadow Hand has made an official application for a secret mission within the Guild regarding this commission, so I have received a report. The Guild and the Shadow Hand rarely intersect, so I hope you can cast aside your hatred for evil in completing this mission."

"Chairperson, although I detest the Shadow Hand, I don’t feel abhorrence for the two people I’ll be collaborating with." Catherine explained: "They are not like other thieves."

"I’m not referring to them." Odin paused before shaking his head: "Never mind, you will understand once you reach the City of Innocence. Ha ha, City of Innocence, it really is a fitting name."

"I can only say that I will attempt to fulfill your request." Catherine stated: "But I cannot assure it."

"No problem, trying is enough. After all, when it comes to tasks, no one can pledge absolute completion, such promises are always hollow." After Odin’s words, silence fell over him again. Seeming to wrestle with something internally for a while, he finally said in a somewhat troubled lower voice: "Actually, there’s one more thing. I personally want to entrust a task to you. It wouldn’t take too long, just a few days."

"Go ahead and say it." Catherine said: "What task?"

"A father’s request." (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to qidian.com to vote for recommendation, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m.qidian.com to read.)