[player]...*Sighs* I guess I won't be getting a good spot today...
I can't help but sigh when I see the long line outside the tent.
The performing troupe Soul puts on public performances every Saturday and Sunday without exceptions. Unlike other troupes, Soul doesn't charge different fares based on the seating, so whether you manage to grab a good spot depends entirely on how early you get your seat.
But why are there so many people still outside even though the show should be starting soon? The queue is also a mess, and no one has come out to maintain order.
With these doubts in my mind, I play with my phone as I queue up and move slowly to the ticket inspector.
[Ticket Inspector]Oh... It's you. I was just wondering why I haven't seen you today.
As I haven't missed a single performance, I've become quite familiar with the ticket inspectors and other employees who greet the audience.
[player]I got held up on my way here, so I'll guess I'll take whatever seat you got. By the way, you aren't looking so good. Are you feeling unwell?
[Ticket Inspector]It's been getting hotter recently... I'm getting old, and the constant alternation between hot and cold makes me uncomfortable. It's only a small problem though. I'm okay, so don't worry. You better go inside first...
[Ticket Inspector]Everyone in the line, please line up properly, and no pushing.
The weak voice of the ticket inspector, who is speaking into a loudspeaker held with trembling hands to maintain order, doesn't really seem "okay" to me.
[player]Where's the lady who usually maintains order?
[Ticket Inspector]She is suffering from a heat stroke and has been feeling unwell since the morning... Most of the employees of the troupe are old like us, and everyone has been feeling unwell in one way or another recently. Come in—next...
So the ticket inspector is responsible for two people's duties today. No wonder it's taking longer than usual to get everyone inside and seated today.
[player]...Can I use this employee's hat and your loudspeaker? I'll maintain the order while you focus on checking tickets here.
[Ticket Inspector]Eh? I can't make you do that.
[player]The show is about to start. Let's not waste any time.
Since I can't sit in the front row tonight, it doesn't really matter whether I enter earlier or later. Without waiting for the ticket inspector to reject my offer, I walk along the line to appease the impatient audience.
A little while later
[player]Phew, we just made it.
Thanks to our joint efforts, we manage to get everyone inside just before the show starts.
[Ticket Inspector]Thank you so much. I have no idea how late the show would've started if you didn't help me.
[player]You're welcome. You guys help me get Soul's merch all the time. This little favor is nothing.
[Ticket Inspector]You should go inside too. I need to help out backstage, so I probably shouldn't be chatting here...
[player]Hasn't everyone gone inside already?
[Ticket Inspector]A lot of people are on leave today, so we're short on hands. I'm still okay, so I should help out more.
That's what the ticket inspector is saying, but I can't stop worrying about his ashen complexion.
[player]...Why don't I help out backstage for you? You shouldn't force yourself. Just get some rest.
[Ticket Inspector]No, that won't do! How can I let you help me—Urgh...
[player]Um, calm down first.
The ticket inspector's flushed face makes me worry about his health, so I quickly help him sit down slowly in a cool place.
[Ticket Inspector]No, no, no... That won't be appropriate.
[player]You should see how bad you look. I won't feel good about myself if I leave now to watch the show.
[player]What if you collapse while working and cause a commotion? That would affect the performance, right?
[Ticket Inspector]Well...
[player]Since I can't get a good spot tonight, maybe I'll see things better from the backstage. It'll be a win-win situation.
[Ticket Inspector]...Well, I'll thank you in advance then. I'll rest here first and find you once I feel better.
The ticket inspector shows me the direction to the backstage. After I put on his hat, he makes a phone call to explain something to the other person on the phone, then he lies down on the table. It isn't long before I hear his snoring...
The first thing I hear after stepping into the backstage is the familiar dance music. As a loyal fan, just hearing the melody makes me think of Sara's dancing figure on the stage.
[player]Oh, come to think of it, who was the ticket inspector going to help again?
[player]...He's sleeping so soundly that it'll be bad to disturb him now. I wonder who I can ask.
[???]Who are you?
Someone speaks to me just as I am in a bit of a pickle. I turn my head and see a familiar figure.
It's Ciri, one of the performers of Soul. Her animal-taming show is a must-watch performance here.
[Ciri]Who are you? What are you doing here in the backstage?
[player]Hi, the ticket inspector isn't feeling well, so I've come to help out in the backstage.
[Ciri]You're here to help out in the backstage... Oh, I know what you are.
It seems that the ticket inspector's call was to tell others that I would be helping out.
[Ciri]You're quite suspicious.
[player]Yes, yes... WAIT! No, no, no! I... Didn't I just tell you that I'm here to help out?
[player]Look, I even have one of the hats worn by the staff here.
[Ciri]...You definitely stole it.
[player]I see you're determined that I'm a suspicious person... Then what do I need to do to make you trust me?
[Elderly Man]Ciri, what's happening over here? Is this person... a customer who has gotten lost?
[Ciri]It's a suspicious person.
[player]I already told you I'm not...
[Elderly Man]Oh, that hat... Are you the youngster the ticket inspector said will come to help out?
[player]Thank goodness! Finally, someone who knows what's going on.
[Ciri]You... You're really here to help?
[player]Why do you look so disappointed...?
[Elderly Man]Haha! I'm sorry, Ciri doesn't mean any harm. She's just very vigilant because thieves have come in and stolen things a few times while we were busy.
[Elderly Man]She said she would catch the thief and teach them a good lesson, so she's probably disappointed that she won't get her chance for now.
[player]I see.
[Ciri]I'm sorry for wrongfully accusing you.
Ciri bows her head solemnly as she apologizes. How can I not forgive her given her sincere attitude?
[player]It's okay. I mean, we sorted out the misunderstanding, right? Let's go back to business then, what can I help you with right now?
[Elderly Man]The ticket inspector said he would help me today. However, Ciri, didn't the person who should tidy the dressing room in the morning today also ask for leave?
[Ciri]Yeah, but you can take this person if you need help. We can tidy the dressing room by ourselves later.
[Elderly Man]Why don't you choose what you want to do? Would you like to handle some chores in the dressing room or follow me and help me with the stage?
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