Supreme Magus novel Chapter 4158

Chapter 4158: A Better Life (Part 1)

The wait turned out to be more pleasant than Kamila and Solus expected. Plenty of street food vendors had set shop near the queue for nobles, and the quality of their products matched Vexal’s.

Elfiam introduced the various sweets and dishes to the ladies, explaining the history behind each one of them and offering to procure their recipes.

Kamila conjured a hard-light chair whenever she needed, and had breakfast four times before their turn came. Solus stopped at five breakfasts, and only because unable to stand Menadion’s glare.

"That’s it?" Solus said once they stepped inside the Great Theatre. "All that line for an empty building? I’m surprised that the tourists don’t riot multiple times a day."

As the name implied, the Great Theatre was just a very big elliptical amphitheater. Aside from the many rows of chairs on multiple levels and the vast center stage in the middle, there was nothing to see.

With its 400 meters (1312) of length, 300 meters (984’) of width, and 100 meters (328’) of height, the Great Theatre was still a sight to behold.

"Without a performance, a theatre is bound to be an empty building, Lady Verhen." Elfiam chuckled. "Otherwise, the tickets would be much more expensive and only a few people would manage to visit it every day.

"Theatrical plays and operas are performed in the evening, when the Great Theater is closed to tourists. I can book you the best seats for anything of your liking, if you want."

"Over my dead body." Lith shook his head. "I’m already enduring this during the day. I won’t let-"

A firing squad of glares cut him short.

"Okay, fine. We can watch one." He grunted. "Just one."

"We’ll discuss the details later to spare Magus Verhen’s nerves unnecessary suffering." Elfiam nodded. "Now, the Great Theater is empty, but I wouldn’t take your money just to walk you around the stage.

"Our visit starts from the front rows and proceeds towards the upper levels to give you an overall view and allow you to decide where you want to sit. Before you ask, yes, the manager is that cunning. Consider all this as paid advertising."

The youth pointed out the architectural fine details before moving on to what Lith considered the juicy part.

"Before King Valeron conquered Amrok, the Grand Theatre was less about art and more about savage entertainment. This place was a dignified gladiator pit where slaves, warriors, and desperate people put their lives on the line to earn money or their freedom.

"After every military victory, the senate had key battles replayed here for everyone for free. It was a way to repay the people of Amrok for their sacrifices in time of war, letting them see with their eyes how their loved ones had died and how the tax money had been spent.

"Also, it was a way to honor the fallen warriors and praise the victorious generals. With one hand, the nobles shared their glory with the common folk, while with the other, they secured the public’s support.

"Access to the Great Theatre was free in times of peace as well, but the shows were of a different nature. One of the most beloved required to empty the center stage with earth magic and fill it with water.

"Then, scaled-down nautical warfare among the empire’s best captains would take place, allowing the citizens to bet and the marines to earn extra money while also gaining practical experience.

"King Valeron’s arrival abolished slavery and fights to the death, while the spreading of Silverwing’s legacy changed the nature of the shows. Mages took the center stage more and more often, displaying their skills and dominating the scene.

"King Valeron used the Grand Theatre to advertise his six great academies among the commoners and show them the path to a better life. He also added free theatrical plays in the afternoon to entertain the youths and spread the values of the Kingdom."

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