CHAPTER 119: UNTIL...

Meanwhile, Rin and Sasha reached the theatre district, the streets buzzing with life. Bright banners fluttered above the buildings, their bold colours announcing the big show. Crowds bustled toward the theatre, their chatter filling the air with excitement, the scent of roasted nuts and sweet pastries mingling with the crisp breeze.

Rin’s crimson eyes darted around, curious and alert. He hadn’t been in such a crowded, lively place before... not like this, not without his veil or the weight of being the Golden Goose. Couples strolled hand in hand, families laughed, and children ran past with glowing sticks, their faces bright with joy. The normalcy of it all felt strange, almost like a dream.

Sasha leaned close, pointing toward a stall across the street.

"We need something called tickets to get in. Stay here by the fountain. I’ll go buy them."

Rin nodded, hands in his pockets, and stayed put near the fountain, watching the crowd pass. The water sparkled under the sunlight, its gentle splash a calming backdrop to the chaos of the street.

Suddenly, a group of girls skipped by, laughing and handing out small sticks with painted faces of the dancers. One of them shoved one into Rin’s hand before darting off, giggling with her friends.

Rin glanced down at the stick... and froze. The painted face had bright blue hair.

His lips twitched, and he let out a long, tired sigh. "Of course. Who else would it be?"

Mina... no, Lilienne... his sister.

Even in this world, she couldn’t live quietly. She had to shine, chasing her dream of being a celebrity, just like she’d always wanted back in their real world. Their mother had stopped her from entering the entertainment industry back then, but here? Here, she was unstoppable.

Rin rubbed his temple, muttering, "She really just... does whatever she wants."

Sasha returned, holding two tickets in hand, his grin wide. "Got them! Anything wrong?"

Rin quickly shoved the stick behind his back, his voice casual. "Nothing. Let’s go."

They lined up, entered the theatre, and Rin nearly choked when the usher guided them away from the crowd. "VIP this way, please."

"VIP?" Rin blinked, staring at Sasha. "You bought VIP?"

Sasha smiled sheepishly, scratching his cheek. "Well... nothing’s too expensive for you."

Rin groaned but didn’t argue further, though his chest warmed slightly at the thought. This guy... he thought, shaking his head.

The VIP seats gave them the best view, high above the crowd, with plush cushions and a clear line to the stage. The lights dimmed, and the crowd roared as the stage lit up with glowing mana lamps. Everyone raised their glowing sticks, waving them in rhythm, their voices rising in a chant.

"Charming Divas! Charming Divas!"

Rin’s head dropped into his hands, his voice a low mutter. "Diva? Really? I’m sure she made that up herself."

The music blasted, and three dancers ran onto the stage, their movements sharp and synchronised. And there she was—Lilienne, her blue hair shining under the lights, her skirt too short, her smile too bright. Despite his annoyance, Rin couldn’t help but smile faintly. At least she looks happy.

The performance lasted nearly an hour, song after song, dance after dance. The crowd was wild, clapping and cheering, their energy infectious. Rin sat stiffly, his face blank, though his crimson eyes followed Lilienne’s every move, a mix of pride and exasperation swirling in his chest.

When it ended, Sasha leaned close, his voice low over the crowd’s applause. "Would you wish to go meet them? VIPs get that privilege."

Rin’s lips curved, his eyes glinting. "Of course I do."

They were led backstage, shown into a small dressing room where the dancers were winding down. The other two had already changed into casual clothes, but Lilienne still wore her stage outfit, her blue hair slightly mussed but vibrant.

The girls gasped when they saw Rin and Sasha. "Is he a fan?" one whispered, her eyes sparkling. "He’s so cute!" the other added, giggling.

Rin ignored them, his gaze fixed on Lilienne. "Excuse me, ladies. I would love to talk to her alone."

"Don’t worry, girls," Lilienne said quickly, waving off her friends with a grin. "He’s my brother."

The girls blinked, whispered to each other, then left, dragging Sasha with them. Sasha gave Rin a concerned look before stepping out, his hand lingering on the doorframe.

The door shut, and silence filled the room.

Rin didn’t waste time. Using his demonic speed, he teleported right in front of Lilienne, grabbed her blue hair, and yanked it. "Ow! You bastard! Let go of my hair!" Lilienne screeched, grabbing his hair in return.

"You came to another world just to dance in short skirts?!" Rin shouted, yanking harder.

"It’s my dream, you jealous freak!" she yelled, sticking a finger up his nose. "You leave me alone!"

They wrestled, grunted, pulled hair, and shoved each other, fighting like they always did as siblings. Ten long minutes later, they collapsed opposite each other, breathing hard, hair a mess, clothes wrinkled.

Rin’s wounds healed instantly, his demonic powers kicking in, but Lilienne groaned at her scratches. "Heal me too!" she demanded, glaring at him.

Rin shoved her face away, his voice flat.

"Heal yourself, you imp."

Silence stretched between them, heavy but familiar. Finally, Rin muttered, "Listen to me, Mina, we should find a way back. Mother and father would be worried sick!"

Lilienne clicked her tongue, her expression turning serious. "Leave? Not yet. We can’t leave."

Rin’s brows furrowed, his voice sharp. "What are you talking about?"

Her lips curled into a knowing smile, her blue eyes glinting. "The story isn’t over. It’ll end when the female lead falls in love with one of the male leads. Only then can we leave."

Rin groaned loudly, covering his face with both hands. "Why does it always come down to that crap?"

Lilienne shrugged smugly, leaning back in her chair. "That’s just how it works here."

He stood, brushing himself off, his voice firm.

"Forget it. I’m leaving. It’s already getting late."

But before walking out, he pulled something from his system’s inventory and tossed it at her. She caught it, groaning at its weight, and when she looked down, her eyes widened. It was a carton of cup noodles.

"M-myung..." she whispered, hugging it tightly to her chest, her voice softening. "I know you love me so much!"

"Shut it! Don’t get the wrong idea," Rin said flatly, turning away. "I just had extras."

"How did you even bring this into this world?!" she demanded, clutching the carton like a treasure.

Rin smirked, his crimson eyes glinting. "I have a system."

"A system? Why didn’t I get one?" she asked, her voice rising with indignation.

Rin shrugged, his tone teasing. "Who knows? Maybe because I’m the female lead and you’re not."

Her fist clenched, but the noodles stopped her from punching him. "Anyway! Thank you! I’ll eat it well!" she called as he headed for the door.

Rin waved lazily, stepping out. "Whatever."

Lilienne hugged the noodles to her chest, her eyes narrowing, a dangerous smile forming. "Hmm... He doesn’t realise it yet," she whispered, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "We won’t be able to leave this world until..."

Her voice trailed off into silence, her smile growing sharper, as if she knew something Rin didn’t.