56 Wicked Mother Queen
The first step in preparing for the theater performance was casting roles and assigning tasks.
“Noia-chan will be the director for this play, and I’m the scriptwriter. Neither of us has fixed roles, but we’ll sprinkle in some minor parts to solve the manpower issue.”
Helena held the script in her hands. The first page wasn’t filled with lines and scenes, but rather her little memos. “Mom will guide me on any shortcomings in the script during rehearsals. If Uncle Leon and Aunt Roswiser have any comments on the storyline, feel free to chime in! Little Moon and Little Light can as well~”
After all, it was a production organized by the Academy’s Young Dragon Department, so it was normal for kids to take on directing and writing roles.
You certainly couldn’t hand everything over to adults; that would strip this competition of its original significance.
Besides, their personnel assignments were quite sensible.
Noia had previous experience directing a “documentary.”
She remembered that a few years ago, to help her finish a school assignment, Leon and Roswiser went on their first date to Sky City.
Noia had been their “camerawoman,” striving to capture the most genuine moments of her parents’ date—thankfully, it was her version of “genuine,” not the bits they were trying to hide!
Otherwise, her heartwarming essay on family harmony might have turned into a dramatic saga titled “The Silver Dragon Young Lady Wants to Drive Me Crazy: A History of Human-Dragon Warfare.”
In the end, Noia produced a heartfelt, high-scoring essay, and the couple’s relationship had warmed up just a smidge during the date (fingers crossed for the universe).
And Helena taking on the role of scriptwriter was no problem since her mom worked in a related field. She’d been influenced since childhood, and everyone trusted her skills.
“Alright, we’ve got our director and scriptwriter; now let’s decide who will play the main roles.”
Director Noia said seriously, “Since our play revolves around the love-hate entanglements of the main characters, it’s best to choose a couple who are actually in a relationship to portray them.”
With that, the whole group turned to the only couple present.
Both of them had guessed they’d have to bear this weight.
But before anything was firmly decided, Leon wanted to wrestle a bit.
“Noia, Helena, what if we cast actors whose roles sharply contrast with their characters? Wouldn’t that surprise the judges and audience, leading to unexpected outcomes?”
Noia maintained a serious expression, “That’s not possible, Dad. Actually, Helena said these two roles were specifically tailored for you and Mom.”
“……”
If they’ve gone through all that effort to tailor roles, are we really sure this play is meant for an Academy competition and not for you two to flaunt your love?
“No worries, Noia; I’ll go along with whatever you and Dad decide.” Roswiser smiled.
Leon looked at Roswiser, noticing her subtly nodding.
Seeing this, Leon decided not to dodge any further.
Since he had already agreed to participate in this play, he might as well try to meet Noia’s requirements.
“Moon’s role is the princess’s little maid, responsible for taking care of the princess and bravely helping her pursue love when necessary,” Noia announced, directing her gaze at her sister.
Moon happily bobbed her cute little hair, looking at Roswiser, “Yay! Moon gets to take care of Mom now~”
Roswiser smiled, ruffling her hair. “Thanks in advance, Moon.”
Little Moon proudly posed with her hands on her hips, puffing out her chest and waving her tail. “Taking care of Mom the Princess, it’s my duty!”
Great!
She was full of spirit!
You’re sure to be a dedicated actress and a good daughter in the future.
“Little Light’s role is that of a small fairy, guiding the male lead step-by-step out of trouble and back to the female lead.”
“I know this one!” Little Light raised her hand, “Inspiration must come from Cupid! I’ve seen it in books—it’s the little fairy that helps adults fall in love!”
“Um… actually, your role is a bit different from Cupid,” Noia said.
Little Light tilted her head, “Huh? How is it different?”
“Cupid is n*ked, but you won’t be.”
Little Light: ……
“Haha, big sister, you’re so funny!”
Leon stifled a laugh behind Little Light.
Not just anyone could make Little Pink Hair facepalm. Her big sister certainly could.
“So, what about Miss Claudia?” Roswiser asked, taking the initiative.
Actually, Noia was about to mention Claudia without her prompting, but Roswiser wanted to leave a deep impression on her with their first encounter, occasionally bringing Claudia into the conversation.
Roswiser kept the tone friendly, ensuring Claudia wouldn’t feel offended.
“Aunt Claudia will play the male protagonist’s~~ mom!”
Leon: ?
“Isn’t this a love story? Why does it have a subplot about the previous generation?” Leon asked.
“Love stories aren’t all smooth sailing, you know; someone has to throw a wrench in the works,” Noia replied. “This raises the stakes and highlights the difficulty of reaching the happy ending.”
Roswiser’s thoughts were stirred, “Obstruction? So, does that mean Miss Claudia will play a not-so-good character?”
“Well… not completely a villain,” Helena explained. “Because after thinking it over, my mom can really pull off that oppressive vibe but also show care for the male lead.”
Got it.
It’s a challenging role for an antagonist. The little dragon daughters couldn’t handle it, so it had to be left to the adults.
“Helena.”
Suddenly, the previously silent Claudia spoke up.
“Yes, Mom?” Helena looked up, meeting Claudia’s serious gaze.
Leon silently sighed for the little sea dragon daughter.
You’re the scriptwriter, so it’s normal to design a multi-dimensional villain, and that’ll be a highlight of the play.
But honey, just saying out loud, “My mom is fit for a villain role with serious oppression vibes”…
If Noia said Aunt Roswiser was fit for the villain, just think about how that mother dragon would unleash her fury on you!
Now all they could do was hope that Miss Claudia understood the innocence of children’s words.
The beautiful lady lowered her gaze, asking in an extremely serious tone, “Does Mom look like the type for a wicked queen role?”
“Um…”
Little Helena began to contemplate.
Please, dear child, your mother is giving you a chance—be sure to think before you speak!
In the end, with utmost seriousness, Helena nodded, “Yeah, she does.”
This time, not only Leon but even Roswiser felt their backs take a hit from the bombshell this little girl had dropped.
In hopes that Claudia would grasp the innocence of children’s words, Roswiser rather hoped she wasn’t one to take her anger out on others.
Or else, after rehearsals, they might not have the chance to chat about anything besides the play again.
What a strange feeling—
Sure, the conversation was between the sea dragon mother and daughter, but the sweating couple was the silver dragons.
“Mom is pleased, Helena. You’ve learned the most important lesson in ‘creation.'”
Claudia patted her daughter’s little head, her face breaking into a smile for the first time. “Never let anyone’s doubts change your original intention.”
“But…”
“Mom still needs to clarify.”
“Mom only looks a bit fierce, but she’s actually a really nice person.”
“Got it?”
Helena nodded vigorously, “Got it, Mom.”
Claudia smiled with satisfaction, then lifted her head to look at Leon and his wife.
She didn’t say anything, but it felt like she was silently repeating an important message to the couple—
“But Mom is actually a really nice person.”
Leon squinted slightly, puzzled. Why was Claudia emphasizing this so clearly?
