"I can't necessarily speak for your singing voice-but acting, at least, is a talent that I promise can be entirely learned. With the right tutelage, you would surely belong by my side." Manuela's singing had been a gift from the Goddess herself, and while that had been her key to joining Mittlefrank, the rest of her craft needed learned.

Having successfully resisted the temptation to peek-despite what a grand temptation it was-Manuela had seated herself on whatever furniture was available by the time Ferdinand re-emerged. "It's decided, then. So long as I'm here, away from a continent about to be torn apart by war, I'll make it my goal to teach the people-and even the strange creations-to perform."