The Devil's Friend - Sirius Version (Part 1)

Noa
Hmm...
...To arrive at this emotion, perhaps I should have intervened sooner...?

Shamo
Oh, you're up so late. Are you checking the script?

Noa
I'm currently reviewing the parts that were changed from the original script.
Since I was the one who suggested making the changes, I've been left to make the final decision.

Shamo
Hehe, that's a big responsibility.
The next performance is... "The Devil's Friend." That's Eden's new play that was running until recently, right?

Noa
Yes. The main storyline is the same, but I've changed the character of the main character, Asmodeus, to make him more like Sirius.
I tried changing the ending accordingly, but... it ended up requiring me to rewrite more parts.
I obtained permission from the original author, Renjakuno, to make the changes. In fact, I even got her to say that it was exactly what she wanted...

Shamo
They took it as a challenge. Fufu.

Noa
...A modern play is unusual for Sirius, which primarily focuses on classical works. That's precisely why the challenge lies in how to express the essence of Sirius.
We cannot afford to be careless about the significance of performing contemporary plays in particular.

Shamo
Kokona and the others are growing into really good actors.

Noa
Yes. That's precisely why I want to give them an experience unlike anything they've had before. A play that can't be expressed in classical literature... A play that's uniquely modern and feminine.
My job is to expand the acting possibilities for Sirius as a whole, but...
What defines the essence of Sirius? How do we guide these unique and talented children toward their chosen paths?
"The Devil's Friend," that is so typical of Sirius... That is a tricky matter.

Shamo
That's a lovely problem to have.
Is it fun to train actors, Noa?

Noa
...If it weren't, I wouldn't be doing it.

Panda
Oh, Hiiragi-san. Were you having a drink?

Chisa
Just because it's a holiday doesn't mean you should drink too much. Shall we make some clam noodle soup?

Noa
How rude! This is tea, okay?

Panda
Huh? Really?

Noa
You're so suspicious... I'm holding back today because I have a script I need to check.

Chisa
Oh, what script is it?

Panda
Huh? Is that perhaps... Eden's "The Devil's Friend"?

Noa
Yes. I'm thinking of doing this for the next performance.

Panda
What?! Are you serious?!
I had mentioned that I wanted to act in an Eden script, but I never imagined it would happen so soon...

Chisa
Is it really okay to talk about something like that so casually? Boss, are you drunk after all?

Noa
I'm not drunk. I was planning to tell everyone tomorrow anyway.

Panda
But a contemporary play, all of a sudden?
Lately, Sirius had been sticking to nothing but classic works from way back.

Noa
I wanted to broaden the range of performances we could do in contemporary theater so that Sirius could take the next step in their career.
Kokona and Kathrina have grown as actresses, and I think now is the perfect time for them to take on new challenges.

Panda
That's incredibly well-prepared. Eden just finished their performance, too, didn't they?

Chisa
The boss is amazing. She's a capable adult.

Noa
As for that... well, there were a number of things involved.

==========

Hatsumi
achoo

Iruru
Oh, what's wrong? Did you get cold after practice?

Daikoku
No, that won't do, my Lord! I'll bring you some warm tea right away!

Shigure
Wouldn't it be quicker to wipe off the sweat and change her clothes before doing that?

Nikako
I have some towels that I'm not using!

Hatsumi
Calm down. I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine.

Daikoku
But...

Hatsumi
There must have been someone talking about me. Most likely, someone from Sirius.

Iruru
How do you know that?

Hatsumi
I even gave them the script and performance permit for "The Devil's Friend." I bet Noa or someone like that has been using my name to discuss things with them.

Nikako
The Sirius cast are really going to play "The Devil's Friend"! Wow! I can't wait!

Shigure
Heh. I wonder if that Niizuma will be able to play the role well? Maybe she'll end up making a huge blunder ♪

Hatsumi
Well, we'll see. The actors from Sirius are all very talented. They probably won't make a fool of themselves.
Besides, she said she would adapt the script for Sirius.

Daikoku
Are you saying they're going to tamper with my Lord's script?! That's an unforgivable act of blasphemy...!

Hatsumi
Don't worry about it too much. I gave my own permission.

Daikoku
Is that so?! Why on earth...?

Hatsumi
Yeah. Since Hiiragi Noa of Sirius has offered to do the work herself, I suppose I can't refuse her permission.
I can't wait to see how Noa interprets and adapts my script... Ah... I'm so excited!
We're all going to see the show on opening night, so keep your schedules open!

Everyone
Yes!

Iruru
...I answered impulsively, but the performance date hasn't even been announced yet, right?