The Blue Rose Blooms Again

The show at Monatium Theater is about to begin!

It's not just your everyday play! Rising star Blanchet takes the lead role!

Fans can't get enough of her performance! Check out these interviews—we only fiddled with them a bit.

The up-and-coming actress Blanchet is incredible on stage!

She's a carbon copy of Miss Elena, down to her cool, collected vibe!

And yet, the sorrow I feel... It's like...

I understand this is for promotion, but isn't it quite embellished?

No, let's not worry about it.

I imagine they cast me for my performance abilities.

Sorry, I'm late. I just instinctively went to the understudy dressing room.

...Yes.

Er, you're on for the opening in about 10 minutes!

Yes, understood.

It'll be fine. I've rehearsed thoroughly and know the script by heart.

I hope to hear good things about my acting after this performance.

Yes, because I'm an actress...

Once, I had a dream...

A wish yet to fulfill...!

Should reality turn its back on me...

We're almost at the climax of the performance...

I need to deliver this with more confidence...

I will give it up gladly... give it up...

Ugh! Just give it up already!

I really just tried to sit through this as much as I could...

But, I mean, COME ON! You're an actress! What's with that deadpan look?! What are you... a statue?!

I'm seriously getting nothing from you! Nada!

Stick to being an extra or something! Why're you the lead?!

Clearly, they only wanted you for your pretty face, not your talent!

.........

Patron—correction: non-compliant individual. Breach of theater protocol confirmed. You will be removed.

We apologize to our audience. The play will resume after a brief intermission.

What? Let go! What did I say that was wrong?!

Perhaps that audience member had a point...

No, I shouldn't think negatively.

If I start thinking that way about myself, it would be disrespectful to the fans who enjoy my acting.

Er... Blanchet?

Ah, are we ready to continue now?

No, it's just that several guests asked for refunds after that commotion earlier.

We're leaning toward ending the performance here...

As long as even one guest remains, I wish to continue.

Er, about that... the guests sort of got swept up in the moment, and then they all left, saying it was false advertising...

Hello? Blanchet, is this a good time?

Hello, Theater Company Owner. Yes, it is.

Yeah, about the lead role... it looks like you'll have to withdraw from the show.

You want me to withdraw midseason? I don't understand...

Well, there's not much left to explain. That's just how things turned out.

I mean, there was that messy situation recently, too...

It became a hot topic, and then it shifted to questioning your abilities as an actress, Blanchet.

So, let's just wrap it up here. We never expected backlash like this either.

You don't want to be kicked out. It's a bad look and feels awful. Believe it or not, I'm surprisingly sympathetic... for an elf.

...I see. I understand.

Yes, that's the sensible choice. You can go back to your hometown and take it easy, right?

I suppose I won't be returning here once I leave...

Let us pretend it was all a fleeting dream... a dream far beyond what I deserved.

Though I probably won't be able to have a dream like this again once I return to Elemental Mountain...

Attention, one and all! The show will begin shortly!

Pause your busy steps for a moment and hear my tale!

'Tis a performance that will soothe all sorrows, and make happy hearts even brighter!

I've never encountered an impromptu show unfolding in the streets before...

How ironic that it should happen today.

I know I've resolved to stay away from the acting world...

...But maybe I'll watch this performance before I go...

...And that's when it happened!

In this shabby back alley, the bard was completely surprised to discover...

None other than the masterminds behind the plot against Master!

An obsessive sprite with a mechanical speech...

And a mischievous phantom, the most ancient soul of its kind!

She's good.

I find myself watching absentmindedly, my concerns momentarily forgotten.

Her voice is truly magnificent as well. Her projection radiates confidence.

She is not merely recounting a story. THIS is acting.

Every gesture, every movement... all of it is genuine, heartfelt acting.

Fundamentally, she has a certain je ne sais quois that I lack.

This performance has something I could never possess.

Emotion, appeal... Things I do not have...

Whoa, talk about old-fashioned. Why the heck are you watching this?

There are proper cinemas and larger theaters downtown.

Is there something special about that werebeast?

Oh, lay off! I'm telling you, she's the real deal!

Nobody really paid much attention to that performer before...

But that werebeast would always perform here.

For two hours straight, she'd just go all out, boldly telling her tale!

It really started growing on me after a while. She managed to draw a fan base purely through that unrelenting spirit!

To persist even without an audience...

That must have been agonizing. I know that better than anyone.

The disappointment, frustration, wavering resolve...

What strength of heart must she have had to overcome such suffering?

Compared to someone like her... I may never have had what it takes for this craft.

Ah, what fate awaits the cunning bard who made a daring escape?

Will she become part of the sprite's collection?

Or be claimed by the phantom to be made part of a nightmare?

To those eager for answers, do not miss the next performance!

...She's done.

I suppose I shall never see Monatium or the stage again.

Should I say something to that werebeast? Perhaps I might learn a thing or two about acting...

No. I have decided to abandon it.

Even if she offered guidance, I could never emulate her.

It's time to wake up, Blanchet.

Woah! Hey, hold on a sec! Don't go yet!

Huh?

Yes, I'm calling you, the one who carries such poise and refinement!

Hmm? Are you perhaps... speaking to me?

I am. Suddenly running like this is no easy feat!

How can I help you...?

Er, this could be a bit rude, but I hope you understand...

Why is it that you look so sad?

Excuse me?

During my performances, I observe each and every guest in the crowd.

Among so many spectators, you alone had an expression frozen as ice!

If even a single audience member is not pleased, it's a serious matter for me.

Could you tell me honestly what parts failed to entertain you?

Yes, I'll tell you. But on one condition...

...May I ask you a question first?

Absolutely! Please ask anything you'd like!

I heard that when you first performed in Monatium, there were hardly any spectators.

How were you able to continue under such circumstances?

Ah, now that I think about it, I do remember. Truly, there were almost no spectators.

But I don't quite understand what you mean by how I was able to continue.

Why did you continue performing if no one would watch?

Ah... simply performing itself made me happy.

Certainly, it's important that the audience enjoys it...

But what's the point if I'm not enjoying it myself?

Ah...

I am ashamed of myself.

To let a single failure make me decide to forsake everything...

When there are performers like her who perform with such joy.

I'm so pathetic...

Hm? What's wrong? Your expression has darkened.

Umm...

Would you, if you don't mind, instruct me in acting?

Huh? Acting? Me?

The key to delivering lines is projection! You can't convey emotion with a prim and proper performance!

Permit me to see your face.

Louder, shout it with more emotion!

Permit me to see your faaace!

Hmm, maybe she's fairly new to this...

She'll improve somewhat with practice, but...

Use those facial muscles and let your facial expressions flow more freely!

.........

Um... Let's try expressing anger this time!

.........

Could you... make it a little more exaggerated?

Like this?

Um... Are you lacking confidence? Your expression hasn't changed at all.

It seems it is of no use, after all.

How strange.

...I wonder why you're unable to tap into that vulnerable part of yourself...

Blanchet, what drove you to start acting?

Well...

I'd rather not say.

Come now, no need to be embarrassed!

I, too, have my own fair share of embarrassing memories!

You've requested my help, so please let me know!

True. Epica is genuinely trying to help me here.

It would be rude to only respond when things are easy or convenient for me.

I've... been acting since I was young.

Oh? A child actress?

No, not quite...

I used to always act sad around my friends.

I liked the attention it brought me when I was young.

Whenever I pretended to be miserable, someone would always rush to comfort me.

But once they began to realize it was all just an act...

They started to turn away.

Oh no! You were young. They really took it too far!

The real problem is that after that, I forgot what my own feelings even were.

What do you mean by that?

I kept lying, convincing myself I truly was sad...

Until I couldn't tell what real sadness felt like anymore.

Then happiness, surprise, anger... everything just blurred together.

In the end, I couldn't make any expression at all.

Hmm... None at all?

That was when I began to think... maybe this blank canvas of emotion could be useful in its own way.

I first thought that after watching a wandering troupe perform when I was a child.

So that's where it all started for you...

Yes.

But how did that lead to a starring role at the elven theater?

I sent them a demo tape of the only thing I could perform emotionless... a sad monologue.

That must've somehow convinced the Theater Company Owner that I was talented enough to star as the lead.

I tried to clear up the misunderstanding... but she just said everything would work out once I got up on stage...

That my pretty face would be enough to carry me...

That I could handle it... Hollow support, I suppose...

Still, I fooled myself and took it to heart anyway.

Just as I once believed my sadness was real. I had come full circle.

I am so pathetic.

Will this emotionless face be all I have, forever?

All I ever wanted... was to act.

Blanchet...! You're crying!

Excuse me?

Those are tears, are they not?!

Me? I'm... crying?

You haven't mistaken sadness, nor have you lost your emotions!

You've simply been trapped inside your sadness!

It became your world, so you stopped attempting to feel anything else.

From now on, I'll help you get familiar with those other emotions!

You think... I can do that?

All you need to do is stir the emotions slumbering deep within your heart!

No being exists without feelings!

If there's sorrow, then joy must be there too.

Come! I, Epica the Bard, shall help you every step of the way!

.........

I am grateful to you, Epica.

Ah...! That's it! That's how you do it!

Sorry?

You're smiling right now! Try to make that smile bigger!

Laugh as though you've embraced every bit of happiness in this world!

L-Like this?

...Apologies.

I might have been a bit hasty.

Let's work on awakening your emotions at a slower pace.

Yes.

Then, we'll give those who looked down on you a lesson they won't soon forget!

Sorry?

Ah, 'tis such a beautiful tale!

A rose, cast to the ground...

Rises again to greet the shining sun!

Behold, the blue rose—Blanchet!

Wh-What exactly are you planning, Epica?

Welcome to Monatium Theater, location of the Monatium's Got Talent auditions.

The energy levels are already high. This is... not surprising.

The audition is being broadcast live across all of Monatium.

The victor shall receive a lead role casting in an upcoming TV show.

Before we proceed, let's initiate judge introductions.

She comes to us from Sprite Kingdom, an ally of Monatium.

Please welcome Sprite Queen Er—Error! Error! Personnel mismatch.

Hello. I am Ner, the Queen's caretak—I mean, representative.

Detection filter error. Where is the original?

Just proceed. If I continue to permit Her Majesty to involve herself in everything, it becomes impossible to properly discipline her.

Are you aware of how overdue her picture diaries are? Which is more important? Those diaries, or this broadcast?

This broadcast is impor—

Ah, let's just drop it...

This one's the real authority anyway. Who cares about the Queen? Get on with it!

Proceeding... Now presenting Elena, representative of the citizens of Monatium.

Hehe, I just love evaluating others. The thrill never fades.

Finally, we have Meluna, representative of the theater investors!

It would be great to discover an actress who really stands out!

Epica said that I could do it...

But I'm still not sure.

It is quite disconcerting to participate in such a public audition all of a sudden...

What if someone recognizes me...? Oh, what's this...? I can put this on...!

Ha-ha-ha, judging by how nervous you are, you are clearly a noob!

Excuse me? I am not entirely inexperienced...

Relying on a mask, are you? At an audition, no less! Heh...

You must really lack confidence!

Oh, this...?

Yes, I suppose you are right. It seems I still lack confidence...

Listen, noob! Watch and learn!

I, the Black Flash of Elias, will even resort to acting if it is for money!

...You there, the one with only one colored contact?

Heh, heh, heh, are you calling for me? What is it you seek?

Does that happen to be a gun?

Indeed! This gun is like an extension of myself...

A gun in the theater where the Mayor is in attendance?! Argh, my head... Code 1865! Code 1865!

Assassination attempt on our leader detected! Neutralize at once!

Wh-What? Who are you? Ow, let me goooo!

Silence. You are now under investigation for violation of Monatium's security protocols.

I just brought it as a prop, can't you please cut me some slack?!

That's irrelevant. We do not negotiate with terrorists. You are under arrest!

Why is it always me... *Sniff*... Waaah!

Um... You there! With the mask!

Ah... yes?

There are no dangerous features on your mask, are there? No flamethrower shooting from the mouth or anything...?

Excuse me? It's j-just a normal mask.

Very well. Each of you will receive a cue card.

For your first assignment, follow the prompts on it to introduce yourselves.

Here you go.

Ah, thank you.

It seems this cue card will decide whether I pass the preliminaries.

This is my second chance at acting...

I may not win first place, but I cannot let Epica down.

Let's see... the cue card reads...

B-Bright and cheerfully...?! That is completely contrary to me.

At this rate, my inability to express emotions will be laid bare...

Once you've checked your cards, please line up by your assigned numbers!

I mustn't panic. If I perform calmly, I'll pass.

There are two or three contestants ahead of me, so I'll just ease my nerves before going in.

Maybe some deep breaths will help...?

Contestant with the mask, you're up!

A-Already? That felt so fast...

Yes, I understand!

Am I going the right way? Wearing this mask makes it hard to see...

Eek!

Thank goodness... At least my cheeks cushioned the fall.

...Pfft, wahaha! What an entrance!

That strange mask makes it even funnier!

That's a 10! That was top-tier slapstick! Such clever physical comedy!

A classic move, yet full of ambition!

How can you give her a score without even witnessing her performance?

You don't get it, do you? Expertise is irrelevant in these audition programs!

Just get one cranky judge, one hopeless optimist, and one weirdo together, and that's all you need!

Save the lecturing for the contestants, not me!

Argh...

Oof... that hurts...

The audience is laughing. They're saying I'm funny...

Wait... they think I'm... funny?

They're all looking at me and laughing.

Perhaps... I can use this to my advantage...

Yikes, she took quite a tumble. I hope she is alright.

With all this ridicule, it must be quite intimidating for her... Maybe I rushed things a bit too much, after all?

Hello, dear guests and judges!

Shall we forget what just happened? All's well since we can laugh about it like this!

Anyway, I've come here to prove myself through this audition! I'm the... "Smiling Mask!"

I'm wearing this mask for a reason, and I'll tell you all about it once we get to know each other some more!

Thank you!

This is the first time I've been able to put on a performance without concern for how the audience perceives me.

I enjoyed myself without caring about what everyone thinks.

Woooo!

What a great way to break the ice!

Did she mess up on purpose to loosen things up? She's impressive!

You don't think she's some famous actress in a mask, do you?

From my perspective, it does seem like a mistake.

Still, she handled it reasonably well.

Five points from me.

Did you see that? My insight at work? I'll stick to my score from earlier.

Smiling Mask, your performance reminded me of a delicious melon's sweetness!

By the way, Elias melons are absolutely bursting with sweetness this season!

I'll help you pass the preliminaries with a five from me!

Twenty points! Quite respectable! If these are your skills for your first comeback performance...

You might be an actress of greater talent than I realized, Blanchet!

...Let's push forward a bit more, Blanchet!

Smiling Mask, any commentary regarding your opponent, Speaki?

Me? Hmm... I confess I have rarely given thought to phantoms...

Yet, if I am to comment, I think I must focus on Speaki as an individual.

I have heard you are called "Identity Thief,"

but one cannot deny that imitation is central to the craft of acting.

Let us both try harder. Any awkwardness aside, I believe there is much we can learn from one another.

It seems you have finished? How did the interview go?

They were just your average questions. I answered them without difficulty.

You've left a lasting impression with the first task. Everyone's eyes are on you now.

Ah, look. They're broadcasting your interview.

Please give your commentary for Speaki.

Hmm... phantoms... rarely... have... thoughts.

Speaki... focus.

I have heard you...

Cannot... act. You... cannot deny... it.

Try harder. You... can learn from... me.

...I did not expect you to be this full of confidence, Blanchet. I am quite taken aback!

N-No, that was not what I said...

Hmm... So this is what they mean by malicious editing?! How sneaky!

I did not mean it that way, but I worry it might be misunderstood.

I'm sure you'll have a chance to explain yourself at some point. For now, you must focus on doing your best against her.

Yes, I know.

Will the next contestant please stand by backstage?

Go on. I shall be here cheering you on!

Hmm... Smiling Mask?

Yes, I'm here.

And Speaki?

Heeere!

Good, you're both here. Please go out on stage when you get the signal.

Er... Excuse me, Speaki?

Hmph! I don't wanna talk to a rude competitor!

The interview was a bit—no, quite heavily distorted. I hope you don't take it the wrong way.

I don't wanna hear the excuses of a meanie!

Watch closely and see how great I am at acting!

It appears I have thoroughly fallen out of favor...

Please go out on stage now, you two.

Both contestants have taken the stage!

Smiling Mask versus Speaki, the Identity Thief!

The next round is a head-to-head open acting battle! Each must deliver the performance they are most confident in.

Scores will be determined by combining votes from our live viewers and our panel of judges.

Elena, whose performance would you care to see first?

Naturally, we should kick things off with the masked oddball.

One dull moment, and there go the viewers! Ratings are merciless!

Then, we'll commence with the contestant, Smiling Mask.

Ah, yes. I will be performing the role of a leader taken captive by the enemy.

I've heard this piece was even performed at Monatium Theater.

Let's go with something I've rehearsed before.

A tragic protagonist...! I can definitely pull this off!

Ah, so this is how our history of triumphs ends!

We have fallen, undone by their vile deceit and merciless assault!

The disk of honeyed words was a mirror of lies!

Our carelessness has led to our downfall!

Do they even know how to love elves? Do they know compassion at all?

Even if my life ends here amidst this tragedy, I shall defend my own!

Brava! Brava! Remarkable piece choice!

The wistfulness that breaks through that mask, that sad beauty! It's a perfect reflection of me!

Um... A story about elves? Seems a bit biased, does it not?

Biased? Not at all! It's just unmistakable conviction!

Anything you wish to add, Meluna? You have not said anything for a while now.

Ah, I have to watch what I say.

Sorry? Why, is there a problem?

The charts are fluctuating... I'll leave it there.

Well... shall we see Speaki's performance next?

I have a bad feeling about this already...

I'm gonna be acting as Ner now!

*Sigh*

I'm gonna play the part where I scold the Sprite Queen!

Your Majesty! Did you eat all the baked goods in the bakery agaaaaain?

I told you the Order's budget is low! I'm a cheeeapskaaate!

This is unacceptable! Your Majesty, you will eat bean logs for three daaaaays!

...Nonsense. I have never placed Her Majesty on a three-day bean log diet!

And I do not speak with that whine at the end of my sentences either!

Managing the Order's budget carefully is part of my job as the Head Priestess.

I am doing the best I can, okaaaaay?!

Hehehe, calm down. You're being far too partial.

That's right, this is fiction, so let's just accept it as such.

I suppose it cannot be helped. Let us continue quickly.

The performances of both contestants have concluded.

Calculating citizen votes and judge scores...

The results are in...

Smiling Mask, 152 points!

Speaki, 146 points!

Smiling Mask wins by a slim margin!

Urgh... I can't believe it! It doesn't make sense that the meanie can beat me!

Er, one moment, Speaki!

Whaddya want?! You wanna make fun of me, don't you?!

That is not the case. The interview was misrepresented by how it was edited.

Still, if it came across as rude, I wish to offer my apologies.

Words alone? Do you think I'd fall for that? I'm not a fool!

I truly mean it! Ah... naturally, it is only proper to remove this when offering an apology.

You took off your mask?! Espi said that's really hard to do...!

I feel we performed well against each other, Speaki. The difference in our scores was minimal.

Hmmm... m'kay! I'll forgive you just this once!

But... why do you wear that mask?

Sorry?

You're a pretty elemental! That could totally get you more points!

And you perform well... So, why do you wear that thing?

Ah, that's...

You beat me, so lose the mask and show your real self!

If you lose to some other dumdum, you'll make me look like a complete moron!

*Gasp*

Got it? Give it everything you've got! Actresses gotta use their expressions, you know!

Ahead of the finals, let's have an interview. Please share a few words.

So here's the deal, my win will be a kind of revolution.

I'll get that leading role and tear Monatium's societal irregularities to the ground!

She may be somewhat intense, but her advancement to this stage speaks of genuine talent.

Discontent toward leader identified. Adjustment of risky statement severity level requested.

Yeah, yeah. That's right. Monatium's pretty much ruined, if you ask me.

She must have genuine talent... right...?

Ugh, what's that headache doing here?

I'm sure I had her flagged as a Citizen of Interest for special monitoring!

Hey! You no-talent vagrant hack!

You're a singer, aren't you? You're at the wrong place!

Hah, are you incapable of thinking outside the box, judge?

I'm a total package! Haven't you heard of a multi-talented entertainer?

I made it to the finals fair and square!

Are you gonna cut me now? Hahaha!

Ah, what a headache! Whatever. Just get on with it already.

The final battle to decide the ultimate champion begins. Who will emerge victorious?

The mysterious Smiling Mask?

Or the flagged, high-alert vagrant entertainer, Festa?

They will compete by drawing random missions.

Random missions...?

Oho, random missions? That's pretty wild!

First, Smiling Mask will be performing...

I hope it's something I can do well...

"The End of Ideals."

What? "The End of Ideals"... That's the name of the last play I performed.

The one I completely ruined...

Why did it have to be this piece? What should I do...?

Festa will be performing a musical.

Alright! Luck's finally on my side!

Time to write history my way! I'm going with a Festa original!

Input Error. Please state the name of the song you will be performing.

Let's go with... Declaration of War!

Confirmed. The tasks for both participants are now locked in, so let's begin.

First, Smiling Mask will perform "The End of Ideals."

Records indicate the plot addresses disputes among elves, sprites, werebeasts, and a human.

It includes a focus on sacrifice.

That sounds familiar... It reminds me of events I once experienced.

Some parts seem misrepresented, though.

Are all performances in Monatium conducted this way?

Misrepresented? No, no, this is what you call creative license!

Nothing is left to chance in our city. Everything is planned.

Mayor Elena's Bread and Circuses Policy!

Monatium's pop culture must follow this policy.

Oh? I've never heard of there being such a policy in place...

I take it that music and melons are not included in that policy?

Er... I-It's just a figure of speech, okay?

I'm a 41% shareholder in Monatium's Theater Company...

For some reason, I'm thinking I should buy an additional 10% share...

Come to think of it, you own quite a share, don't you, Mayor?

Er, let's discuss this after the evaluations, okay?

It seems I must perform now...

This is the final round. If I succeed here, I'll be the winner... To think I must perform a scene in which I have no confidence.

Once, I had a dream...

I do not wish to fail anymore...!

A wish yet to fulfill...!

I wish to live up to the expectations of Epica, who placed her trust in me.

Should reality turn its back on me...

I wish to act. I wish to have my dream come true...!

Ah, such tragedy! The protagonist chases her ideals only to give up. I just love it.

How surprising. You do not seem the type to enjoy theater performances.

Ouch. Ah, but the real treat comes next.

The protagonist, ready to give up, delivers the most gut-wrenching moment. It's pure gold.

I will give it up gladly... give it up...

No. I don't want to do that anymore! I refuse to give up anymore!

I won't... give up, I'll face things head on!

Wait, that's not how it's supposed to go...

Did she make a mistake?

Oh no! My emotions got the best of me and I misspoke...!

Wait... Maybe this is for the best...

I don't want to hide behind a mask anymore.

Just as Speaki said, I no longer need to hide behind this mask!

Smiling Mask threw off her mask!

I know it will be difficult...!

But I cannot lie to myself!

Though none may believe in me, I shall believe in myself!

Wait... Is she improvising?

That resolve in her voice makes it sad, but also magnificent...!

Hold on, that actress... I feel like I've seen her somewhere.

I steel my fragile resolve, and now I take my stand!

Huff... huff...

...Thank you.

I have communicated my emotions to everyone for the first time...

I was nervous, but I believe I did it. This applause... are they acknowledging me?

That concludes Smiling Mask's spirited performance.

And now, the second contestant, Festa... What will she show us?

Hmph, she's good.

I'd better take this seriously, too.

Oh, right, I forgot we had a second contestant.

Well, I suppose we should watch her perform, too.

Hey, I got a name, and it's not "second contestant," okay?!

Okay, let's begin. This is "Declaration of War" by our second contestant.

In this tiny town of restraint and oppression!

An artist sings songs of freedom! Waaaaahhhooo!!!

Argh! My ears are going to burst! I really can't understand what Festa's singing about!

How is this any different from what she's always singing in the park?

A straight-up declaration of war on all absurdity!

It's over. You can clap now!

Wh-What the...

Well, fine. If you don't wanna clap, I don't care.

I've handled situations like this a million times!

That was great! What a refreshing performance!

Huh? Who the heck is clapping for that performance?

Look. Up on stage...

Wasn't that enjoyable? Sometimes a change of pace like that is nice.

Truly, the blend of rock and musical theater brings something entirely new...!

Hey, you...

Yes? Ah...

I'm sorry if I offended you!

But I genuinely enjoyed your performance.

You're epic! No wonder everyone's crazy about you!

Thank you. You're amazing too, Festa.

Contestants, please move to center stage.

Judging is complete. We will now announce the winner.

No need!

Festa, where do you think you are going? Exiting the stage will result in disqualification.

Yeah, I know! You think I'm a fool?!

I'm bailing! I refuse to be judged by you system cogs!

Not to mention... this is a totally badass exit!

Festa...

Processing the judging... Due to Festa's forfeit from the finals...

The championship goes to... Smiling Mask!

You did it, Blanchet! I knew it would come to this!

I really won.

Perhaps Epica was correct... I truly had potential within me!

Smiling Mask, as the champion, you will—

Blanchet...

Please clarify.

My name is Blanchet!

Blanchet... Re-registering contestant's name. Registration successful.

Blanchet, you will receive a trophy along with a contract for the lead role in the Monatium TV show, "Savior Elena."

Let's now turn to the judges for their comments, along with a word from the champion.

I somehow ended up on the judging panel, and your performance made it an enjoyable experience, Blanchet.

Fantastic! I never imagined you'd be an elemental! Honestly, it's refreshing! Ratings are going to skyrocket!

As it happens, I'm looking to start a talent agency. Would you be interested in joining?

Blanchet, please share how you feel about winning.

Ah, first I'd like to express my gratitude...

Blanchet? Where have I heard that name before...

Oh, right! I remember now! She's that actress from that theater company with the false advertising!

I totally wondered why she'd wear a mask... She must've wanted to wipe the slate clean!

I-I'm sorry! I...

I wasn't trying to deceive anyone...!

Boo! Excuses, excuses! What nerve!

She must've swapped someone else in!

I felt as if I had earned my place through this audition...

But maybe it was Smiling Mask who truly earned everyone's respect, not me...

I swore I wouldn't give up, but perhaps nothing could be changed after all.

Blanchet... Maybe it's truly time to wake from this dream.

You're so rude, everyone! Just 'cause you've got a mouth flap doesn't mean you can let it go wild!

I think Blanchet did perfectly well!

She already beat ME, so of course she did well!

Wh-What?

Ha! Look at this clueless crowd! Even this little phantom knows what's up!

Elves brag about meritocracy, but it's all a lie, huh?

She proved herself with her skills, so just zip it and start clapping!

P-Please, allow me to speak as well!

It's true that Blanchet once did poorly in that play!

But I have seen with my own eyes how she's fought to overcome it!

You all witnessed it, too, didn't you? Her passion and skills!

To cast such a devoted actress for just one mistake... that would be far too cruel!

Speaki... Festa... Epica...!

I do not know the entire situation, but I am sure of this...

Blanchet, your performance was exceptional!

You are truly qualified to win!

I agree with Ner. This does not necessarily reflect the official stance of Melo Corporation, however.

Uh... Y-Yeah, she was good this time...

I... I just meant... that something like that happened before! That's all! I wasn't saying anything bad about her performance today!

Silence, everyone!

As a judge and representative of the elves, let me say this.

The Citizen of Interest's comment about meritocracy was insolent, but she makes a good point.

In Monatium, results reign supreme!

I'm giving this Blanchet elemental the lead role in my TV show!

Her looks, her acting... she's practically my twin! What I say, goes!

Thank you, everyone...! But... um...

What's wrong? Everything turned out well!

What kind of face am I meant to make in a situation like this...?

I believe you should smile!

Okay!

Hey, that's an amazing sight! Take a photo! We can use it as an ElfTube thumbnail! Heeheehee!

I'm glad I never gave up.

Have you regained your confidence? That's truly marvelous, Blanchet!

Of course! She's an elemental who beat me!

Now this is what I'm talking about! I'll give you props for today, Mayor.

Thank you, everyone! This is all thanks to you!