Section 4: Rise Up, Only to Be Struck Down

I got some deets!

I've got some information.

I talked to the ghosts!

I tried to talk to them, but my direct current light was so bright they disappeared before I could say anything. Wahaha!

Sorry I couldn't be of more help...

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Hey, my emperor! Where'd you get that outfit!?

Heh. Pretty cool, right?

I'll say! Let me wear it!

Hell no!

Come on, Stolfo, cut it out. You have your Saber form, remember!?

I know, but still!

Okay, I've compiled all the testimonies we gathered from the ghosts and the staff into this notebook.

As of now, "Cyrano de Bergerac" has been performed thirty-one times.

The first ten consisted of Sir Cyrano reciting the entire script by himself. Starting with the eleventh performance, he was joined by additional cast and crew.

The play was performed nine more times adhering very closely to the original script, but from the twentieth performance on, Sir Cyrano began making changes to it.

These changes included switching out main characters, expanding supporting characters' roles, and changing various characters' endings.

These changes continued even after Lady Yang Guifei joined the production.

Here. I've drawn up a list of all the changes that have been implemented since the play began.

I've already sent a copy over to Chaldea as well.

Great job, Sancho! As always!

You're too kind, sir.

Hmm. Seeing them written out like this...there sure seem to have been a lot.

...Uh-oh. I'm starting to get pretty mixed up. Did you all know that Count de Guiche is actually a good guy!?

No, he's still very much a villain.

Thanks, Sancho! But you know, the Count still has his good sides!

Hmm...

What is it, Emperor Charlemagne? Is something on your mind?

Oh, I was just thinking. This list you made is really great, Sancho, but...

...I don't know. I still get the feeling that these little script changes aren't what we really need to know.

Then, do you mean we should be looking at the art direction and casting decisions?

No, that's not it either. Hm...

Don't look at me! I suck at thinking! You take this one, Bradamante!

Me!? Ugh, Stolfo...

Okay, um... Well, looking at it like this, there are definitely all kinds of differences.

But the fact that we're here now means none of them worked, so... Can we really figure out something even better than these attempts?

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Hm? Who's that on the line?

Ahh, how that world calls to me... And yet, our love can never be...

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The theater is my home, which is why I can never set foot in that one.

I see...

Are you saying there's a reason this Singularity rejected Servants such as Sir Shakespeare and yourself, who would normally seem to be a perfect fit...

...in favor of us, who would not normally be considered for such a place?

Indeed, indeed.

Hey guys! Sorry I'm late. I was off talking to the authors, seeing what they had to say.

Oh, hi, Phantom.

Did you have some thoughts on the documents I gave you earlier, too?

Hey guys! Sorry I'm late. I was off talking to the authors, seeing what they had to say.

Oh, hi, Phantom.

Did you have some thoughts on the documents I gave you earlier, too?

Ah, what meaning is to be found in differences alone? That is not where one finds the beating heart of artistic expression.

Hmm. I thought that might be the case...

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Well, after talking to the authors, they were pretty much unanimous about two things.

They said you need to experience the play itself, or at the very least, read the script for yourselves.

Hmm. I thought that might be the case...

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Well, after talking to the authors, they were pretty much unanimous about two things.

They said you need to experience the play itself, or at the very least, read the script for yourselves.

Why's that?

Good question.

Let's say there's a work of art here, like...a statue.

Now let's say there are ten counterfeit versions of that statue.

In a situation like that, you just need to compare the differences among the statues to find the original.

Even if you miss some, as long as you observe carefully, you'll find things that don't match.

But that's not the kind of situation we're in right now.

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That's right.

If there was an original work of art you had to find, all you'd have to do is find the differences between it and its counterparts.

But that's not what you need to do to make the Holy Grail manifest in this case.

According to the testimony you gathered, Cyrano and his crew already tried putting on a play that was faithful to the original script many times.

So then, what's been missing in every performance so far? What is it you need to do to make the Holy Grail appear?

To answer those questions, you'll need to either experience the play yourselves, or at least read the original script.

That's what it all boils down to.

Good question.

Let's say there's a work of art here, like...a statue.

Now let's say there are ten counterfeit versions of that statue.

In a situation like that, you just need to compare the differences among the statues to find the original.

Even if you miss some, as long as you observe carefully, you'll find things that don't match.

But that's not the kind of situation we're in right now.

？！

That's right.

If there was an original work of art you had to find, all you'd have to do is find the differences between it and its counterparts.

But that's not what you need to do to make the Holy Grail manifest in this case.

According to the testimony you gathered, Cyrano and his crew already tried putting on a play that was faithful to the original script many times.

So then, what's been missing in every performance so far? What is it you need to do to make the Holy Grail appear?

To answer those questions, you'll need to either experience the play yourselves, or at least read the original script.

That's what it all boils down to.

I see... That's some good advice.

Authors are amazing, huh? Okay, let's all look for the script then!

I'm gonna go get started right now!

...On that note, maybe we should start by discussing how we're going to get our hands on the script.

It's at least possible that Cyrano has disposed of the original scripts...

...but the actors in past performances should have been given their own copies.

Maybe some still have theirs.

I guess we could start by asking Cyrano if he has the script.

True. That question is innocent enough to avoid arousing any suspicion.

We could just say we want to study it as a reference for our future performances.

And we wouldn't even be lying, since we really would be studying it closely!

Hmm... I knew it. This is the only way that might work...

Hi, Cyrano!

Oh, hello, Chuck! Why are you dressed like that?

Oh, I just like the way it looks. Anyway, I was wondering if you have any scripts from your previous shows?

I do. They should all be in the storeroom.

But why do you ask?

I wanted to read them over. Some of the lines and scenes are different, right? So I thought it could be good reference for my performance.

Oho, such enthusiasm! By all means, take as many as you like!

Will do!

Well, mine went pretty easily. How'd you guys do?

I acquired extra copies of the scripts from the other crew members as well, just to be safe.

I got some from Yang Guifei, too! ...Oh wow, she made so many notes...

And I got some from the actors under the guise of collecting old scripts, while bringing them souvenirs to sweeten the deal.

It all worked out fine, since they no longer needed these scripts anyway.

All right, everyone, could you give me the scripts you collected so I can compile a summary of each performance?

Okay, let's start with the first performance. Please make sure to put the scripts back where you got them when you're done, okay?

All right, let's see what we've got...

(The plot should be pretty much the same, but something's got to be missing.)

(It's not like everything was completely wrong, either.)

(If it was, we'd need a whole other play, or another way to make the Holy Grail manifest.)

(Hmm... That aside, I can tell this script's been changed, but...it still kind of feels like the same story.)

(Not to say it's a bad thing. I mean, why would it be?)

You know, reading through all these, there's plenty of changes, but also...it hasn't really changed at all.

How do you mean?

Um... Well...it always feels like the same story.

So you're a feelings guy, huh? Can't say I'm surprised.

Well sure. This is Stolfo we're talking about.

Indeed.

For as long as stories have been told, it's generally been the ending that determines what kind of story it is.

And "Cyrano de Bergerac" ends with Sir Cyrano's tragic yet heroic death.

I don't see how we could change that.

And yet, the end remains almost identical.

Sir Cyrano is the main character of "Cyrano de Bergerac," and we certainly can't change that.

That goes for the story's ending as well.

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...That's it.

What's it?

I think...we need to change the ending.

I don't see any other option.

You want to change the ending?

Then, you want to have Sir Cyrano living happily ever after with Lady Roxane?

Yes! Exactly!

You're kidding!

No, that must be it. We've read every change to the script, and the ending's the only part that's stayed the same.

Sometimes, Cyrano's died before the final scene, but that doesn't change how it feels...

...since it still ends with De Guiche monologuing as he's the last one alive.

Hey, yeah. That must be why every script we read left me with the same aftertaste...

Because the part where Cyrano dies at the end always stayed the same.

That does seem obvious now that you've pointed it out, but I hadn't realized it at all until you did.

I feel so bad, I want to strip...but I won't, since there are ladies present.

Yes, please don't.

What do you think of my theory, Da Vinci?

Change the ending, huh. Personally, that sounds like a decent idea to me.

How about you, Shakespeare? You're the author in the room. What's your take?

I hate it!!!

Aw man...

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...Well, that is my honest initial reaction.

But I must confess, I cannot think of another idea myself!

The ending is always crucial.

No matter what story one is telling, a similar ending will result in a similar flavor.

But change the ending, and you are walking into a wasteland both treacherous and uncharted!

And of course, to put a spin on my own words, "All's bad that ends bad!"

Even should you put your plan into motion, I have my doubts as to whether Sir Cyrano will go along with it.

Oh... Right.

I could definitely see Cyrano not being on board with a change to the ending.

Huh? Why not? He'd get a great happy ending where he lives AND he and Roxane end up together!

How could he have a problem with that?

I get where you're coming from, Stolfo, but... Hmm...

She is correct. The tragic ending of "Cyrano de Bergerac" is core to its entire story.

Audiences have been applauding that final image of Sir Cyrano tragically, yet proudly shouting, "Mon panache!" at the end for decades.

So I can see how Sir Cyrano may be loathe to change it.

Hmm... We'll just have to find some way to convince him.

All right, I'm gonna go talk to him right now!

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Hm? What is it, young crew member and Chuck?

What do you think about giving the next show a happy ending!?

...A happy ending?

Yeah. Here's what we had in mind...

So I would survive, and marry Roxane, huh...

... ...Do you think the audience would go for it?

Honestly, I don't know. But doesn't this seem like the only thing you haven't tried?

...Well, you're right about that. I certainly haven't tried it.

Still... Me, getting a happy ending... I don't feel like I have a right to that.

But that choice is for the audience to make, not us. Don't you think?

Well... Yes, you do have a point there.

So I think it's worth trying at least once!

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Hahaha, of course I do, young man. I'd go so far as to say I love them.

... ...

...Okay, let's give it a shot!

Sweet!

Oh, and while we're at it...if it's possible, do you think we could keep Christian alive, too?

Why not? We shall make this the happiest ending the cast of "Cyrano de Bergerac" has ever seen!

All right!

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Not at all. Frankly, I never would have thought of this on my own!

...Is that true? You really haven't even thought of this before?

I'm sorry, I was lying. I have indeed.

In fact, it was the very first thing I thought of.

Then, why didn't you try changing the ending before?

Well, the answer is simple:

I couldn't.

...

But there's no harm in trying now! Who knows? Maybe they'll be able to pull this off!