Thursday, July 7, 1066 SE
Today is the day of the dress rehearsal. Sir Sergeii joins the Second Crew for breakfast, an unusual occurrence. He informs them that the entire crew has been invited to a benefit gala hosted by House Volkov tonight, following the dress rehearsal. All of Konstantina’s elites are expected to attend, and Sir Sergeii believes this is a ripe opportunity to further promote Masha and the Bear. House Volkov is an ancient and rich family, whose most prominent historical member was Grand Duke Andriy Volkov. He served as the Regent of Sezja in 989 SE after overthrowing Queen Lyuba, a period remembered for military stability and the cautious rebuilding of the realm following foreign conflicts.
Absorbing the news, Mon questions if the crew will be expected to perform in costumes at the gala. Sir Sergeii replies that costumes should be kept under wraps until tomorrow’s opening-night performance. Instead, he suggests that the actors who perform a song or two wear conservative outfits that do not display wealth but rather the severity of their craft. Mon then suggests they contact Branna’s parents, who own a tailor shop, and request new clothes, at least for the performers. According to Mon, this would be a good advertisement for her parents, and would clothe the most important people. A message requesting outfits for 12 people, along with measurements, is sent via the South Gate Hotel’s pageboy.
Mon thinks about the King’s upcoming return to Konstantina and wonders how his trip will be seen in light of the Legendary’s crew taking over the Grand Royal Opera and the frictions with local artisans and workers, along with the newspaper reports of "stealing livelihoods" and acting with unearned arrogance.
Branna steals Herald’s copy of the most recent edition of the Shredded Truth, and peruses the news. There are multiple reports of additional military deployments around town, on both sides of the Lavra River. Speculation is rife that these border troops have been brought to Konstantina to crack down on the nascent protests in St. Boris, but so far, no proof has been presented, and troops have remained in their temporary camps. Branna then ponders what events might have triggered the protests in St. Boris. Hennadii, who overhears the conversation, explains that the radicalization of the people in the St. Boris neighborhood is primarily driven by economic hardship, a perceived betrayal by the government, and the influence of a charismatic firebrand preacher at the St. Boris Basilica.
According to Hennadii, the key factors contributing to this situation include a new excise tax, the military buildup, which is perceived as being against the people, and Father Kostiantyn’s call for direct action. The most significant source of anger is a new excise tax that is reportedly "crippling local merchants" and "starving the poor". The working-class congregation, which includes dockworkers and small business owners, feels directly targeted by these financial burdens.
The preacher at the St. Boris Basilica, Father Kostiantyn, acts as a primary catalyst for radicalization. He delivers populist, "firebrand" sermons that serve as a "dramatic confrontation with the city's corrupt powers." He openly rails against the "decadence and indifference" of the Royal court and the wealthy elite. The energy within St. Boris has become highly charged, with the preacher encouraging political resistance and a "devastating boycott" against the city. Observers have noted that the atmosphere during these gatherings feels like the "beginning of a riot," as the community is galvanized to oppose the government.
There is also a widespread feeling among traditionalists and disenfranchised veterans that they have been betrayed by the current established order. This resentment is exacerbated by an "increased military presence" in Konstantina, which many perceive as a sign of looming conflict.
Finally, the St. Boris Basilica itself serves as the physical and ideological center of this movement, its imposing and dark Gothic structure providing a "rallying point" for those who feel marginalized by the crown’s policies.
Looking at a map, Branna and Marigold sketch possible scenarios as to what conspiracy is occurring. The potential for mischief is high, and the city is a powder keg. St. Boris is close enough to the Grand Royal Opera that a riot or a protest could reach them rather quickly, before the guard has a chance to intervene. Branna mentions to Sir Sergeii her concerns about the people in St. Boris and the members of the resident crew who most likely live there. Marigold is brought into the conversation to provide her input. Hearing their concerns, Sir Sergeii agrees to ask his contacts to assemble a small security force to monitor the production, and he will also speak with the city guard to see if a detail is available to protect the building.
Meanwhile, Mon considers a plan to embed Herald in a production at the Dirty Duchess, a small theater in St. Boris, which would mean the cad would be left behind when the Legendary crew returns to Katarina.
Having pondered his options, Mon puts his project aside, and he heads to the Royal Archives. He is greeted by a different archivist, who invites him in Katiana’s office. He hands over a document about the Cardinal’s exile, but the archivist makes a big show of looking for the remaining paperwork. The office is soon joined by two city guards, who are here to escort Mon to the Palace. The actor follows the guards to the Palace and is taken into the basement, where he meets Viktor, head of the King’s secret police. Viktor quickly gets to the point. Mon’s investigations are to stop immediately. Consequences for violating this directive would be … drastic. Mon agrees to end his investigation.
Returning to the South Gate Hotel, Mon reports his encounter to Branna and Marigold. Hennadii notifies Mon he received a fat envelope. Opening the envelope, Mon realizes that Katiana had sent him copies of the documents he requested before she was arrested. The edict against the Cardinal shows that he has been stripped of his office and should no longer hold power or conduct his campaign of moral terror against Katarina. They speculate. Did the Cardinal arrive on Katarina before or after his exile was pronounced? To seek answers, Mon will commune with the Raven Queen and see if he can identify what the Cardinal might have been doing to undermine her authority.
Mon turns the documents over to Marigold. She considers building a small wooden box to safely hide them, and she draws a design.
Mon sends a message to Katiana, thanking her for the documents and inviting her to the premiere tomorrow. She replies that she is in a jail cell in the Palace and will not be able to attend the premiere tomorrow because of her current imprisonment for violating state secrets. Mon sends a message to Pavel asking him to check Katarina’s records to see the exact date of the Cardinal’s arrival on the island, and he also lets him know they found a few antique saws for him. Pavel agrees to look into it, and he thanks the actor for the saws.
Meanwhile, Branna receives a message from her father that he has enough outfits for the performers, but they will require small alterations. Dhuka comes bouncing downstairs, proclaiming to be bored. Branna decides to head to St. Gleb with the child after lunch to help with the alterations to the clothes.
Once across the Lavra River, the two of them have lunch at the Singing Frog Inn. Dhuka buys a strawberry tart. She then spends the afternoon working with Branna and her father. When it comes time to head back across the river, Dhuka asks if she can stay with Branna’s parents. They agree, and Dhuka spends the night in St. Gleb.
Herald is on time for once.
Back at the Grand Royal Opera, there are lots of people in attendance for the dress rehearsal. Even Herald is on time for once. Mon uses unfailing barding inspiration on the leads, so they do not fail their performance when they start the show. Sir Sergeii advises Branna, Marigold, and Mon that he has secured a four-person security detail, along with ten city guards up front. He also confirmed with the Captain of the Guard that the guards will staff the Upper City gates. If a large party comes from St. Boris to disturb the dress rehearsal or tomorrow’s opening night performance, the gates will be closed.
The dress rehearsal is about to start ...
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