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[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3EdPgr4.png[/img][/center]
[Color=salmon][b]Time:[/b][/color] 11 a.m.
[Color=salmon][b]Location:[/b][/color] Edin Theater
[Color=salmon][b]Interaction:[/b][/color] Anastasia, Wulfric, Morrigan, Edin, Alibeth, Auguste
[Color=salmon][b]Mention:[/b][/color] Kazumin, Drake, Farim


After briefly conversing with Princess Anastasia and the others, Lorenzo quickly isolated himself to a small wooden stool in a corner backstage. He kept oddly silent and to himself. Alone with only Kier constantly shifting on his shoulder. It was in this isolation that Lorenzo listened to the explosive applause from the audience with each passing performance. Every cheer, clap, and whistle reverberated through his very soul, igniting a flame of competitiveness in him. Ever since he signed up to perform this day, Lorenzo knew this stage and audience was his to claim. Princess Anastasia be damned. She would assuredly cap this midday event but he would be the climax. [I][color=salmon]Farim, Drake, Kazumin… what are their performances besides the rising action leading up to my own. Only, I,  the Duke Vermillion could come up with such a strategy. Only the Duke of Vermillion can wow the audience while the sun is at its highest! The gods will bear witness to Duke Lorenzo Vikena of Vermillion![/color][/i] 

Lorenzo mentally motivated himself, fueling his confidence to dangerous levels that had always preceded disaster. The fool had every ingredient for catastrophe. A grand public audience to include the Royal family, his delusional confidence, a dose of “medicine”, and of course, his ferret. Everything was set, and it was too late to stop Lorenzo. 

[Color=salmon]“I guess it's my turn now.”[/color] Lorenzo's voice held such a deeper pitch to it than usual that people might have mistaken who spoke. Even his gait was different as he walked with a relaxed yet confident swagger passed a group of the staff working the stage with only a brief glance in their direction. He gave them his acknowledgement but not his attention. Despite Lorenzo's odd aloofness, Kier stared directly at the others with his beady eyes, possibly being watchful of where Farim’s feathered friend was for his own safety.

Stepping around the curtains, Lorenzo walked quietly to the center stage and into the spotlight. Lorenzo only found it fitting for him to flex his aura first, looking across those in attendance before his eyes met the viewing box holding the royal family. It was at this moment, his lips formed into a smug smirk. One that could alarm the recipients of this slight but distinct expression. He wanted a reaction. He wanted to know they could feel his powerful aura leaking out from his emblazoned soul.

Lorenzo then performed a bow, still silent. Kier moved onto the nape of his master's neck to avoid falling, his nails momentarily digging into Lorenzo but the man did not budge. He couldn't! Not now! 

As Lorenzo waved his left hand to the side, several members of the audience stood, unveiling brass instruments. Most notably… trumpets. The abrupt act caused many in the crowd to exchange whispers amongst themselves. The band marched onto the stage while the duke maintained his postured bow as they took their positions on either side of him while keeping their distance for the ferret’s sake.
 Next, three women left the audience stepping onto the stage. Two stood on either side of the trumpet adorned in pink dresses with red ribbon wands. The third woman, also wearing a pink dress positioned herself behind Lorenzo holding only a hand woven basket filled with something red in color. 

Standing up straight and proud, Lorenzo looked to his right. [Color=salmon][I]This stage…[/I][/color] Lorenzo looked to his left. [Color=salmon][I]...is mine.[/I][/color] Once he returned his gaze to the  center, the band [URL=https://youtu.be/HtKsV-HO82U?si=ssv9qCpM_Xf1fRfk]began[/URL].

As the musicians played, the ribbon wand bearers performed their graceful dance, twirling their bands of red, like impassioned painters striking red through the air. Finally from behind Lorenzo, red poppy petals were tossed, raining down upon him and Kier at the center.

Once complete, the band and the women exited to the backstage. 

[Color=salmon]“King Danrose, Queen Danrose, Sorian, [b]Caesonia[/b] and honored guests! The Duke of Vermillion is here! I am here to display the greatness of the most splendid region in the greatest kingdom in the world! Who better than Duke Lorenzo Vikena!”[/color] Lorenzo glared across the crowd.

[Color=salmon]“Do I hear Varians?! Alidasht?! Anyone to challenge my claims?! Of course not! One nation showed us how he plays with his pigeon, while the other dared not to expose the lack of artistry and talent!”[/color] Lorenzo shook his head with disapproval. [Color=salmon]“They could not even share the stage with a young man who was likely raised on a farm! And don't even allow me mention the young lord, Drake Edwards…”[/color] He chuckled. [Color=salmon]“Let a proud Caesonian show you what raw talent is! Poetry at its pinnacle! Prepare yourselves!!!”[/color] 

Lorenzo stomped his foot down with strength, creating a loud thud.

[Color=salmon]“Princess Danrose! Your cello is needed! Please, it would be my honor to have none other than the jewel of Caesonia set the somber mood for my piece!”[/color]




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