Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Hot
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Elizabeth Stormwalker.
I was already well aware of her name.
She had starred in all sorts of major blockbusters, and especially gained massive popularity for her role as Athena in Dble's Revenge series.
Though right now, she had only filmed one movie as the Athena character, in the future, she would dominate the film industry for about the next decade through the Revenge series, achieving fame so immense that virtually no one in the world would be unaware of Elizabeth as Athena.
However, the last I heard of her in my past life was quite ambiguous.
Because the Athena image was so overpowering, after the series ended, Elizabeth's career came to a complete halt.
In fact, since I hadn't heard any news about her right up until my death, I couldn't be certain, but there was a good chance she had retired from acting altogether.
Anyway, that was all far in the future.
At this point in time, she was like a rising star in Hollywood, just beginning to build her fame in earnest.
The Revenge series itself had only taken its first steps.
She wasn't yet that famous to people outside the industry or non-Dble fans.
But even so, the gap in fame between her and me—a rookie Korean actress just starting to make a name for herself—was like the difference between a neighborhood diner owner and a Michelin one-star chef.
And right at this moment.
There, standing before my eyes, was the very Elizabeth Stormwalker in question.
The blonde, blue-eyed beauty I had only ever seen on screens.
Perhaps because of the setting, she was dressed in a sparkly swimsuit, but for some reason, she looked a bit more disheveled than I'd imagined.
"You... Chae Soo-jeong?"
"Yes, that's ri... No. Yes. I am."
"It's fine, speak comfortably. I'll translate in the middle."
"Huh? You, senior? You speak English?"
"...Hey. I'm an American citizen, you know. I lived in the States until I was eight."
Yeo Hyo-min responded to Yu-ra's question with a look of exasperation.
Honestly, judging by Hyo-min's outward appearance alone—like some brute force character—I couldn't help but find her words a bit surprising myself.
Anyway, with Hyo-min's help, the conversation began.
I learned that Elizabeth had seen my performance in Mask Hero, which we'd filmed in Japan not long ago, and she made her request in a fairly serious tone.
"Your performance as Queen Kaguya was quite impressive. So much so that I'd love to see it in person, if possible."
"Thank you for the kind words about my acting, but... isn't Hollywood overflowing with people who can deliver that level of performance?"
The highest goal that every actor harbors in their heart at least once.
Hollywood.
At that place, which truly was a world of stars where she was already shining as one, her words left me feeling quite flustered.
Watching me like this, Elizabeth continued in an even more earnest voice.
"Of course. If we're talking purely about skill, there are plenty there who are on your level or even better."
Without any polite euphemisms, she surprisingly agreed firmly.
But regardless, she kept staring straight at my face as she went on.
"But Mrs. Chae, as an actress yourself, you know that casting isn't just about acting talent. A role is like clothing. No matter how great the body, there's only a handful of outfits that truly fit that person—just like the one you're wearing right now."
"!... Hmm..."
With those words, Elizabeth glanced briefly at the swimsuit I was wearing.
For a split second, her gaze felt oddly sticky, sending a slight chill down my spine,
but she quickly withdrew it and met my eyes again with a serious voice.
"In that regard, the role you played as Queen Kaguya seems to fit quite well with one of the characters we're envisioning. If you can portray even that dingy, filthy aura of ugly evil with such elegance."
"..."
It was a statement that left an ambiguous feeling of whether it was praise or an insult,
but I could roughly grasp what she was getting at.
"So... you came here to cast me. Is that it?"
"Well, something like that, but more precisely, it's like a test. I don't have final say, but if you can't even satisfy me here, this whole thing never happened."
"Hmm..."
In other words, if you want Hollywood, first knock me down... no, convince me, Elizabeth was saying.
On that note, I cautiously voiced my doubt.
"If you say 'satisfy,' what exactly should I do?"
"There are many ways, but here, showing some acting on the spot would be best. Yes... Ideally, that performance that impressed me so much. I'd like to see Queen Kaguya. That's why I came all this way."
"Hm..."
It was more or less what I'd expected.
Putting aside the final decision for now, I decided to go along with this woman's request.
"Understood. I'll show you."
Not for any other reason,
just because this situation pissed me off.
I'm trying to relax and enjoy myself, and suddenly this unwelcome guest shows up...
Of course, since it was a huge opportunity, there were unavoidable aspects, but still, having my personal time invaded like this was deeply unpleasant.
Especially that woman's arrogant attitude, like "Go ahead, show me if you can." It rubbed me the wrong way.
No matter how great a Hollywood actress she was, that brazen arrogance was grating.
I could just flat-out refuse, but that would naturally lead to
Scared?
Since showing a bit of acting wasn't hard anyway.
I immediately seized my emotions, filled with raw hostility toward crushing this bitch's annoying nose.
*
Hehehe. I wonder what kind of performance she'll show?
Chae Soo-jeong closed her eyes briefly to gather her emotions.
An intrigued smile formed on Elizabeth's lips as she watched.
Actors speak through their work, but a work is ultimately a product of various elements combined.
Only by stripping away those surrounding factors and seeing raw, live acting can you truly grasp the opponent's true face.
From her position, she'd made a request laced with a bit of provocation, and the other had accepted.
Elizabeth watched the situation with interest.
Then...
...Oh.
As Chae Soo-jeong opened her eyes, a vivid sensation suddenly washed over her.
The moment she recognized it, the relaxed expression on Elizabeth's face began to stiffen.
Nothing had changed.
The sky was blue,
and clear water flowed abundantly around them.
Yet in that instant, the existence of this peaceful backdrop vanished completely.
All that was visible was one thing.
The woman standing before her.
Only the immense presence emanating from Chae Soo-jeong.
And with that presence came a crystal-clear emotion.
Elizabeth knew all too well what that chilling emotion was.
Killing intent.
The raw hostility to snap someone's neck.
Yet paradoxically, there was no accompanying malice or anger.
It was like the casual intent to crush a bug.
The problem was that this naturalness evoked a sense of utter overwhelm in the opponent.
In her eyes...
In Queen Kaguya's eyes... Elizabeth was nothing more than a bug.
No need for anger or hatred; just a twitch of a finger could pulverize her frail body completely.
"Gulp..."
Elizabeth swallowed dryly without realizing it.
At that moment.
Queen Kaguya began slowly approaching her.
Merely light footsteps.
But with each step, the intensifying killing intent made it feel like Elizabeth couldn't breathe.
Then, her hand slowly extended toward her.
No weapon in hand,
yet an indescribable terror began to emanate from the queen's fingers.
Am I... going to die?
Her mind knew it was impossible, but the instinctive fear naturally brought that thought.
Elizabeth unwittingly stepped back one pace.
Then.
"!"
Her finger stopped right before Elizabeth's forehead.
Immediately after, Chae Soo-jeong stood there with a calm smile.
"I think that's about it for now."
"..."
Like a card flipped over, she exuded a completely different atmosphere from moments ago.
Elizabeth, wearing a dazed expression, forced a smile and stammered,
"W-... N-Not... bad... Yeah. Pretty... good."
*
A sudden invitation to America.
No doubt, the moment I took it, my life would veer in a whole new direction from what it had been,
so I decided to take some time and think seriously about this potentially life-changing situation.
"Well, take your time. For reference, filming starts early next year, so if you can give me an answer before then, I'd appreciate it."
With that, Elizabeth turned and headed toward the pool.
Ignoring the focused gazes of everyone present,
she leisurely slipped into the water.
"Hoo~ Bubble bubble bubble."
With a pleased expression, she slowly submerged her entire body.
The slight flinch from before was gone entirely;
watching the blonde beauty act as if her business was done, we got a glimpse of that Western my-way-or-the-highway attitude.
I really poured my emotions into it, but barely any reaction. Hollywood actors really are on another level...
It was a situation that made me freshly realize the industry wasn't to be trifled with.
Feeling a bit fatigued, I headed toward my friends, who were looking at me with sparkling eyes.
While harboring some doubts about that blonde woman's odd behavior of staying submerged without coming up.
...Hot... The heat won't cool down...