[Outside the Silver Swan Theatre Company—Later—Leif's POV]
I dragged my feet across the cobblestones, Alina's small hand wrapped tightly around mine, Zephyy perched on my shoulder, his tiny claws digging in just enough to remind me he was there.
"I never knew… Selecting good-looking people could be this exhausting," I muttered, voice rough from mental fatigue.
'But you finally selected them, Master,' Zephyy said, his voice tinged with smug satisfaction.
I nodded, letting out a long, exaggerated sigh. "Thank the stars Mother sent them the message in advance. The theater company owner picked the best faces already… all I had to do was finalize them."
I rubbed my temples. "It's just training… I may not be a perfect ramp-walker myself, but I can at least guide them to shine in my fashion show without falling flat on their faces."
Alina tugged at my coat, her eyes wide with puppy-like insistence. "Brother… I want cotton candy!!"
I ruffled her hair, muttering, "Sure, let's go."
