### Chapter 21: The Dedicated Makeup Artist
The tavern boss’s decision was no big surprise. Offending the Holy Church was always serious business, leading to all sorts of social exclusion. Any self-respecting shopkeeper would refuse such customers to avoid their businesses being destroyed by Holy Knights or fanatic believers—a very real possibility. Given that the Rising Sun Theater Group had already offended the Holy Church, their future was as dim as a snuffed candle.
Nestled beside the theater group leader, Night Sakura Mirror felt her spirits plummet. “Was it my fault? Should I have gone with that Holy Knight instead?”
The theater group leader shook his head slightly. “It wasn’t your mistake. Don’t overthink it; this is just one hard turn in life. It will be sorted out eventually.”
Other troupe members also stepped in, comforting this soft-hearted girl who had always applied their makeup. They stuck together like glue.
However, people around them continued to glare at them with exclusionary eyes. The warm atmosphere seemed terribly misplaced.
At the tavern entrance, Night Star Lan saw this and her worry escalated. Things were looking bleak now.
What a rotten Holy Church! Always picking on smaller factions. If she hadn’t decided not to meddle in history, she’d have crushed them to pieces ages ago. Whether she could or not was beside the point—it would at least teach them a lesson.
Night Star Lan intended to keep an eye on the Rising Sun Theater Group, but it was already late, and she needed rest. The troupe still could stay in the tavern for the night; no need to worry about losing track of them.
She turned around, ready to come back early next morning. Time slipped by swiftly.
Night faded to day. Star took a lazy snooze in a cozy little cabin, while Star Lan was up bright and early near the tavern.
Dawn broke, and the sky blurred. Lan yawned while hiding nearby, obviously not fully awake.
Star’s extra sleep would give her more pep.
Then, Lan spotted some people exiting the tavern. They seemed to be from the Rising Sun Troupe.
“Finally out!”
Lan perked up, staring intently at the exit.
“Leaving?”
All troupe members appeared packed and ready to move on.
Lan watched them leave, then followed right behind.
“Where are they headed?”
As they boarded the carriage, Lan prepared to B-race mode and catch up.
After a bit of running.
Lan checked the map, spotting a theater nearby. Probably where they were going.
Upon arriving, the leader seemed to do something.
A figure walked out of the theater, chatting with the leader.
Lan could only see the figure shaking her head vigorously, refusing something.
“Sounds like things aren’t going well…”
Lan made a guess.
No theater meant no formal show, especially in this era. Only theaters maintained consistent audiences.
From how the leader acted, he likely planned multiple performances across theaters.
But the Holy Church rumors led to a flat-out denial by the theater manager.
What a rough deal.
Lan empathized, feeling sympathetic.
Life was tough for the leader and troupe members.
The leader and troupe wandered every theater in the area.
Lan watched them get rejected again and again. An entire morning wasted.
She followed them a whole morning, sprinting back and forth, getting worn out.
“Grrr! This rotten Holy Church! Now I’ve been forced into exercise for months. Foul!”
Luckily, resting came with each new stop as they paused for a while. Otherwise, Lan would be done for.
If only she could zip around instantly. Her quick pace was insufficient and too short-lived.
If her spiritual power was just a little higher…
Even after so long, Lan’s spiritual power was still C-class, barely hanging on.
She wished she had shared her spiritual power with the Wish Machine for a boost to B-class.
Back on topic.
Lan focused on the Rising Sun’s plight. Rejected by all theaters, what now?
The troupe shifted yet again, moving to another distant site.
Lan hopped into their cab again, racing after them.
The cab stopped finally.
She surveyed the surroundings, noting they were in a dire location.
Sparse population. Just a handful of houses nearby gave it an eerily abandoned vibe.
Looking around more, they were rather far from downtown. Is there a theater here?
Lan shadowed them, eventually reaching their destination.
Peering through, she squinted in disbelief.
“A theater?”
Yeah, this desolate spot had one. But unlike others, it was abandoned and neglected.
Lan edged closer while maintaining her stealth. Only ten meters away from the troupe.
The leader spoke, “This old theater might work. We can fix it up.”
Enthusiastic Singer asked, “Really? Seems no one’s gonna show up.”
Thousand Faces chuckled, “Hope is everything, isn’t it? Following the group leader means no worries. He’ll take us to the top! Just a small bump on the road to success. Once overcome, brighter days await.”
Hearing this, Dance Fairy leaped from behind, hugging Thousand Faces.
“Oh! Sister really likes you positive guys! You interested in sleeping with me tonight?”
“No thanks, I save that for someone special.”
Laughter erupted among them.
Their mood lifted now. Despite the setbacks, they refused to give up, rising stronger than ever.
The leader addressed the gloomy Mirror, “Your makeup skills are amazing. You’ll fit in anywhere. Or even become a noble lady’s personal makeup artist if you want. If you prefer elsewhere, you’re welcome.”
Mirror seemed anxious, “Leader, planning to kick me out?”
“Not at all. It’s an offer.”
“If I have to choose, staying with the troupe. No one else protects me like you do. Love applying makeup, hate other stuff. All of you here are great. So, here’s home.”
Leader noticed her resolve, nodding. “Alright then, would you join as our official makeup artist?”
“Yes!”
“Great, you’re ours now!”
And thus, the group moved forward, united once more.
