### Chapter 1: Joyous Matters
Within the Rising Sun Theater Group.
After a good cry in the makeup artist’s arms, Night Star finally calmed down.
She never imagined the makeup artist could appear in this era; she thought they would remain forever in history.
Come to think of it, why did the makeup artist come back to life?
“Mmm… I’m curious.”
Night Star wiped away her tears and wanted to know why the makeup artist was revived.
The makeup artist slowly began to recount.
“In fact, it’s thanks to the Group Leader and the Audience Performer.”
“Huh? Really?”
Night Star didn’t think she had done anything that could bring the makeup artist back to life, let alone make a wish for it.
With a gentle smile, the makeup artist aimed to stir up Night Star’s memories.
“Do you remember when I was killed by the Holy Knight?”
“Mm-hm, I do. That moment will never leave my mind.”
“At that time, I fell into the Group Leader’s arms and was about to vanish completely. But the Group Leader used some peculiar power to preserve my soul and obsession, turning them into dark feathers that have stayed with the Group Leader ever since. It felt like a dream as I vaguely remembered stepping on stage after stage with them. Everything was hazy yet real until last night when I truly woke up.”
Upon hearing this, Night Star pondered for a moment, recalling seeing ten feathers near the Group Leader back then.
But she blinked in confusion.
“But from what you say, it seems it’s all because of the Group Leader, right? What does this have to do with me?”
“Look here, it’s your miracle.”
The makeup artist pointed to a portrait on the wall—a vivid image of herself.
“If it were just the Group Leader, I might never return in this form. But your portrait brought about a miracle. The Group Leader placed me as feathers inside your portrait. Drawing energy from the miracle, I was reborn.”
Night Star’s eyes shone.
“So it’s a resurrection!?”
The makeup artist gently shook her head.
“Not exactly. Since the moment of my d*ath, I am no longer Night Sakura Mirror, but instead, a [Mirror Image].”
Night Star pondered again.
She knew what the [Mirror Image] meant, likely referring to Star Eclipses.
Star Eclipses are born posthumously, inheriting everything and relying on pre-d*ath obsessions.
That’s typically how it goes.
But Night Star had a feeling the makeup artist was different.
Seeing Night Star’s confusion, the makeup artist explained: “I am Night Sakura Mirror and also a [Mirror Image]. Simply put, the Group Leader fused soul and power into one. This changed many things—though I retain those memories, my personality has altered, as has my strength. Because it’s not pure enough, I can only stay alive to assist with makeup.”
“Ah… So that’s how it is. Good enough as long as I still exist.”
Just then, Night Star suddenly remembered something else and blurted out excitedly, “Since you can be revived, what about the other theater members?”
Night Star remembered there being ten feathers around the Group Leader, with the makeup artist being only one of them.
However, the makeup artist shook her head.
“They can’t come back like me. Ordinary people d*e for good when they pass.”
“Oh…”
Night Star’s face quickly dropped.
Hope and despair seemed to play tag with one another. Whenever hope arose, disappointment followed swiftly.
Understandable though it was.
Night Sakura Mirror, being a Star Holder, could transform into a Star Eclipse and influence matters greatly in d*ath.
Ordinary theater members, however, were doomed upon fatal wounds, beyond saving like Night Sakura Mirror.
Such was the cruel truth.
Seeing Night Star’s disheartened demeanor, the makeup artist shifted gears.
“But, the other members can see you.”
“Hmm? What does that mean?”
The makeup artist pointed to the paintings on the wall, softly saying, “They are watching you through these portraits. While they lack my abilities, these paintings have been imbued with consciousness, partly made up of those theater members’ souls.”
“Please don’t lose heart; they’re always there, supporting the group’s progress.”
Night Star’s mouth formed a slightly surprised ‘o.’
“Really?”
The makeup artist smiled lightly.
“Yes, indeed. They say you look adorable when sleeping, and they love your portraits. They asked me to thank you for it. So, no need to be sad—everyone is still present, just in a different form.”
Night Star felt her heart touched.
Whether true or fabricated, it was comforting.
A pang hit her nose, and tears welled up once more.
“Waaah… That’s so great… Sniff sniff…”
The makeup artist gently hugged Night Star, stroking her cheek and wiping away her tears with a soft voice, “Let’s not mess up that cute face of yours. If you ruin it, no amount of makeup can fix it, or maybe I should give you a tear makeup look?”
“Mmm… Not that strange makeup…”
As the makeup artist comforted Night Star, a few pairs of eyes peeked from behind the curtain. Among them were Book Yao, Kong Yu Bai, and Lianhua.
Kong Yu Bai, a bit surprised, observed the figures in the dim backdrop.
“Who would’ve guessed unexpected things happen even when I’m not around—did the initial makeup artist actually revive?”
Lianhua looked equally curious.
“So that’s our makeup artist, looking so gorgeous. With her assistance, maybe we won’t need the Fraudster to fool audiences anymore?”
Book Yao sighed, seemingly familiar with the Fraudster’s understanding of makeup—a mere mediocre effort at best.
“Well, Fraudster’s comprehension is… let’s leave it at that.”
All three girls exhaled in unison.
With the makeup artist back, things might improve.
Going on stage would surely be better with a professional.
At this stage, Night Star finally stopped crying.
It was a mix of joy and relief, hence she stopped quickly.
“Since the makeup artist is awake, let’s check in on the rest of the group. They’re excellent performers too.”
“Mm, looking forward to it.”
Hearing this, Book Yao and friends quickly dashed off, returning to their original spots, pretending to do their work.
Night Star and the makeup artist stepped into the stage area.
Arriving on stage, Night Star gleefully announced,
“Everyone come out and take a look! There’s something really exciting to announce!”
As soon as Night Star spoke, the rest of the hidden theater members emerged, including the elusive Announcer.
All eyes turned to the stage, awaiting the Audience Performer’s words.
