Hatsumi
That concludes the role announcements. We'll begin rehearsals a bit later. Until then, please practice independently.

Iruru
Huh? Really? I thought we'd be starting rehearsals right away.

Tetra
The script isn't finished yet. That's often the case when someone is too particular.

Hatsumi
I have no intention of compromising on the stage. I need you all to adjust to my schedule.

Shigure
We're used to that by now...but it's a problem if we can't rehearse for long enough.

Hatsumi
The first half will be finished soon. We'll start rehearsing what we can when it's ready.

Hatsumi
Any other questions?

Shigure
Then, one more thing. Are these roles absolutely fixed?

Hatsumi
What do you mean?

Shigure
I was wondering if roles might be replaced partway through.

Tetra
Are you talking about what I said earlier?

Tetra
That was just a joke. I don't intend to take anyone's role.

Hatsumi
Unless there's a major problem, I don't plan to change the casting. This current arrangement is my ideal "Oedipus Rex."

Shigure
...I thought so. I was just asking.

Hatsumi
Dissatisfied with your role?

Shigure
...I'll leave that to your imagination.

Shigure
(Of course...it's what Hatsumi-san decided.)

Shigure
(But... I wanted a stronger role.)

Shigure
(Especially after "The Demon's Friend," there might have been various opportunities...)

Daikoku
......

Nikako
Da-chan, is something bothering you too?

Daikoku
Eh!? W-why...?

Nikako
You had a wrinkle between your eyebrows. I wondered if you were thinking about something.

Daikoku
...It's nothing. Nikkachi, you're overthinking.

Nikako
I see. If you say so...

Daikoku
(That's right...it's my Lord's command... There's no way I could have any complaints...)

Daikoku
(It's just that, just a little...I thought about it. I wanted to try playing Jocasta...the role of my Lord's wife...)

Daikoku
(My Lord...please forgive my selfishness...)

Iruru
...This happens every time, but this atmosphere when roles are decided...I'm still not used to it.

Tetra
Even for a veteran like you, Iruru?

Iruru
In a way, it's more nerve wracking than the moment of stepping on stage.

Tetra
Haha, that's true. When I was young, I used to get really tense too.

Hatsumi
Is that how it is...

Tetra
It's probably a worry that Hatsumi, who does the selecting, doesn't understand.

Iruru
...Hm? But Hatsumi, didn't you used to audition in the past? If so, wouldn't you understand our feelings a little?

Hatsumi
I've never been anxious about auditions. I won every role I wanted.

Iruru
Seriously...?

Hatsumi
I often clashed with directors about my acting plans. That made me angry, but never nervous.

Iruru
So Hatsumi has always been Hatsumi~...

Tetra
You can't use her as a point of comparison. It's not helpful.

Hatsumi
I apologise for that.

Iruru
...Oh, right. I have a question too, is that okay?

Hatsumi
What is it? Are you dissatisfied with your role too?

Iruru
No, that's not it... I was wondering if we're adding any arrangements to the content this time.

Iruru
"Oedipus Rex" is a tragic masterpiece, right? I'm curious whether we're going with the original or doing it Hatsumi style.

Hatsumi
...The appeal of "Oedipus Rex" lies precisely in its tragic elements. That's why I want to express those parts vividly.

Iruru
Which means?

Hatsumi
I want to depict the tragic parts in an incisive way. I want to elevate this masterpiece to even greater heights.

Tetra
Aren't you aiming too high...?

Hatsumi
To accomplish this, I'll pour my entire soul into it.

Hatsumi
I want to portray the true nature of humans as they're cornered and break down. That's how much I need to commit.

Iruru
Whoa~... Hatsumi is more fired up than usual...

Tetra
Sounds like something extraordinary is about to happen... Whether it's for good or bad, I can't tell.

Iruru
Please don't say such ominous things~...