Charlie

A performance prop in the theater troupe. The towering hat and the intricate patterns are much better suited to the stage and shows, rather than to daily life. The hat itself has a plain design and does not have much value, but the feather at the brim is rather expensive.

A new costume handmade by the interviewee for her part in King Lear. It used to be a military dress before it was modified to fit the interviewee. Its design style is a good example of the trend where people perform Shakespeare plays in costumes of their times, as well as a proof of the troupe's efforts in adapting to the changing environment.

This feather comes from a Boobrie, a rare arcane creature with a ferocious nature. This waterbird can mimic not only the voices of other animals but also their appearances through shapeshifting. It is born an actor, so to speak.

But the interviewee knows nothing about its value. "It's just a dyed pheasant feather, isn't it?" she asked wonderingly.

A crystal ball with snowflakes drifting inside. It was made by the interviewee after she watched the modern video art. Its symbolic significance should make it more valuable to some extent.

A small notebook that Charlie carries around. The contents include not only the troupe's schedule, daily expenses, records of issues in rehearsals and her reflections, but also highly offensive text written by her in specific situations.

A prop used by the troupe, modified from a worn top hat. The maker collected the fluffy feathers during a trip to the country, which is quite a resourceful act given the budget of the troupe.

"They ... They are a generous gift from Mr. Pheasant!"

The troupe - The People's Men used to be the famous King's Men.

It was the most well-known troupe in Britain and even all of Europe at the time. Its first owner, Charlie's grandfather, was the eminent William Shakespeare. Sponsored by the king, it was naturally named The King's Men.

Things changed, however, all of a sudden.

The king was beheaded, plays were banned by law and the actors was forced to be dismissed.

But that was not the end.

The story of plants looking up to heaven started from a long night, while that of the prince who imitated the sun originated from the unruly past.

The memories brought by these phantoms are not illusions.

Now the troupe has retrieved its king, actors, audience and stage. The show of the fight between the new king and the tyrant shall continue.

Before she was forced to join the troupe, Charlie knew nothing about it or its plays. She had no idea who her grandfather was, nor was she interested in becoming the owner. She even made 13 attempts to run away from the troupe after learning of its plan to fight Cromwell.

Her attitude didn't change until a rehearsal.

The actor who was supposed to play King Lear fell ill and couldn't play the part. When he was asked to recommend a substitute, he made an unexpected choice: a girl who had never acted in any plays.

The girl walked onto the stage helplessly and started her first performance, looking nervous.

Silence filled the hall when the performance was over.

A moment later, it was followed by thunderous applause and cheers. That was when the girl finally realized—there was an unexpected smile on her face.

She has had something she didn't have before.

That would be her key to the gate of arcanum.

Pandora Wilson: I collected the comments the troupe made about you. They all agree that you show an outstanding kind of tension when you play a tyrant.

Pandora Wilson: I am very interested in your performance. Could you extemporize for me here?

Charlie: ... May I say no?

Pandora Wilson: Please cooperate with me. It's part of the interview.

Charlie: ... Al-Alright *takes a deep breath*.

Charlie: I'll just be honest. I spit on you, flies sucking blood from the bodies of those in your so-called news.

Charlie: Your minds are as empty as a ship eroded by shipworms, but still ye try to fool yourselves by decorating it with garlands. Beyond that, ye call such scavenger's taste fashion to cheat your way to more carrion ...

Pandora Wilson: (Applauds slowly)

Pandora Wilson: Would you like to know my comments? It was marvelous.