Lady Pearl

The subject's special power lures the target through choices into a specific, tangible illusion, allowing the target to fulfill their inner desires by playing a role. According to experiment evaluations, the illusion can generally last for two to three hours, during which it constantly erodes the target's mental state until they surrender completely to the illusion.

The subject's exact time of awakening is not verifiable. As her power is closely tied to theater performances, it is speculated that her awakening probably occurred at the initial stage of Fortuna's operation.

No obvious signs of corruption are visible on her body, and her mental state is relatively stable. She only experiences illusions that can even affect her surroundings and others when she overuses her special power.

The manager of the mysterious Fortuna theater and a high-end entertainment business owner. The subject rarely appears on stage, but has been a benefactor to many actors in Eastside. Investigations reveal that the subject often uses her special power to manipulate performances in the theater. Every year, numerous spectators are affected by Mania, overwhelmed by the performance and disappearing after it ends.

During her monitoring period, the subject did not partake in any creative activities related to theater and maintained good relations with the Sinners and staff in the Bureau, with no suspicious activities. The subject occasionally appeared overly interested in Chief's activities, but showed no further disruptive tendency. Her threat level is deemed controllable, and she is allowed to go out on conditions.

The Fortuna theater the subject operates attracts audience with its annual immersive performance, causing them to lose themselves in the illusion and leading to multiple missing person cases. After negotiating with the MBCC's Chief, the subject agreed to be detained by the Bureau.

Investigations reveal that the subject comes from a wealthy family in Eastside, had a good financial education, and was once rather well-known in certain social circles. One day, the subject suddenly severed ties with her family, came to the gutters of Eastside with a fake identity, then took over the Fortuna theater which would later win its fame.

Fortuna used to be a little-known troupe in Eastside surviving mainly on the subject's investments. Its core members repeatedly demanded money from her under the pretext of gathering operational funds, eventually putting up the entire troupe as collateral to her. These members disappeared one by one after leaving the troupe, and their current whereabouts are unknown.

The subject has reached a secret agreement with the MBCC's Chief and transferred the management rights of the theater. Some members of the troupe chose to stay and continue operating Fortuna.

The subject often encourages younger Sinners to act for her. Once, the staff arrived and found a game of house with puppets as actors. The incident caused no adverse consequences.

The subject is versed in finance, and years of theater operation have made her an excellent equity trader. She occasionally shares stock-holding insights with the staff of the Supply Office and generates profits with leverage. The subject once suggested that the Supply Office should get publicly listed and that she could run the company, but Chief promptly turned her down.

The subject knows the locations and programs of all the theater troupes in Eastside well and is good at scouting niche shows performed in street-side tents. She has invited Chief to go to these shows with her several times, but these plans have been temporarily put on hold due to time and security concerns.

The subject once suggested that Chief take the lead role in the musical at the annual gala, but the offer was sternly rejected. After thorough negotiation, it was eventually changed to an invitation to the first dance at the annual gala.

[Lady Pearl looks over the Bureau's spring concert program list.]

Lady Pearl: "Lion Dance," "Rock Solo," "Acrobatics"... Oh my, they all look so interesting! Chief, how about you sign up for something too? Don't you worry about anything. With me around, you'll be the most dazzling star at the concert!

Chief: ......

• Prompt: I'm sorry, I sing out of tune.
• Lady Pearl: I can teach you if you want, but a raw, unpolished performance has its own unique flavor too. Who's to say an uncontrolled melody isn't another captivating performance?
• Lady Pearl: 😘😘😘

• Prompt: I'm sorry, I step on my own feet when I dance.
• Lady Pearl: Social dancing isn't as hard as you think. It's more like a physical communication, a natural rhythm, like inhaling and exhaling, advancing and retreating... See, you're doing very well.
• Lady Pearl: 😏😏😏

[Lady Pearl puts her collection of eyeshadows over the entire table.]

Lady Pearl: Ah, I've collected so many eyeshadows without realizing it. Which one should I use today? Chief, do you want to help me choose?

Chief: ......

• Prompt: Go for this glittery dark green one. Only you can pull off such a unique color.
• Lady Pearl: My dear, your daring choices always appeal to me. Since I have some time now, why don't you try it too? Your fair skin will make the color pop. Close your eyes.
• Lady Pearl: 😘😘😘

• Prompt: How about this matte carmine red? The classic flamboyance fits you perfectly.
• Lady Pearl: Heh, you say "classic" instead of "common," very much your style. Your suggestion is really good. For those of us who are always immersed in drama, doing minimal makeup occasionally should be quite nice.
• Lady Pearl: 😏😏😏

⚠ Diamond cut Diamond

The black market merchants harbor both love and resentment towards Lady Pearl.

System Notifications: After visiting the black market a few times, Lady Pearl quickly established good relations with the merchants who were accustomed to sky-high prices. She easily negotiated several deals that hit their bottom line during wine and dine sessions, leaving the merchants who came to their senses lamenting.

• Prompt: Like Rock to a Scissor.

⚠ Power Player

Lady Pearl places a great deal of pressure on Etti and her fellow players.

System Notifications: Lady Pearl noticed that Etti and her group would organize game sessions from time to time, and she eagerly joined in. With her knowledge and experience in business, Lady Pearl's quick thinking and practical approach often made her the winner of the games, leaving Etti at a bit of a loss.

• Prompt: Just be yourself, don't get caught up in the rat race.

⚠⚠ Budget Control

Lady Pearl might just be the guidance we need to navigate through the Bureau's tight budget.

Lady Pearl: Honey, mind tell me what this "Dragon Soothing Expenditure" is for? It costs five thousand DisCoins.

• Prompt: Headache
Chief: This... It's a new limited edition GM item I promised to buy for Etti and the others when I was mediating their argument last time.

Chief: Although this expense is like pouring fuel on the fire in terms of the Bureau's quarterly budget, but a promise is a promise...

System Notifications: Lady Pearl remains calm, still smiling at you, willing to help you out.

Lady Pearl: Why don't you come and ask me for help... Let me think, a jade inlaid gold dice, Etti would like that. I can make time to make one for her, so you don't have to buy one, how does that sound?

• Prompt: Touched
Chief: That's great. Thank you, Lady Pearl. You've saved me and this teetering Bureau quarterly budget sheet.

Lady Pearl: Oh, no need to thank me. Budget planning is a piece of cake for me who's used to managing finances. I'd be happy to help you sort it out.

Lady Pearl: After all, dream-making also requires money. We should spend where we need to and save where we can, so that the money is well spent.

Lady Pearl: So let's continue. Hmm... I've cut this snack money that exceeds fifty thousand every quarter, material costs exceeding five hundred thousand, and this and this... Okay, that's about it.

Chief: You're amazing, that was so quick... Hmm? Everything else is fine, but Lady Pearl, why has the budget for cultural performances within the Bureau doubled?

Lady Pearl: Ah, sorry, I may be used to budgeting for performances and subconsciously allocated a sum of money there. I'll correct it.

Chief: I hope it was really subconscious...

⚠⚠ Phantom of the Opera

New eerie tales are beginning to circulate within the Bureau.

System Notifications: Today, there are three Sinners who claim to have seen the "Phantom of the Opera," the figure described in scary stories. Relevant surveillance has been retrieved according to the reported locations and times, please check.

• Prompt: Check surveillance

Chief: This new scary story character is said to be dressed in Broadway-style long gowns, with glamorous makeup, and she asks everyone she meets if they want to be an actor... Wait, this sounds just like...

Lady Pearl: While it's amusing, it's not me. Besides, there's more than one good actor in your Bureau.

Chief: Indeed, the person in the surveillance is clearly shorter than you... Wait, good actor?

Lady Pearl: A good actor not only needs talent but also needs to diligently hone their acting skills, not wasting any opportunity to portray and create characters.

Chief: I know who it is.

• Prompt: Wait and see

Chief: On second thought, the places where the "Phantom of the Opera" often appears are indeed close to Luvia Ray's room... Maybe we should have suspected it earlier.

Luvia Ray: Wel-welcome to the Fortuna Theatre... You're very talented, let's talk?

Lady Pearl: Such a performance with a strong personal style is interesting. Hehe, you've improved a lot from before, just as I expected.

Luvia Ray: Lady Pearl?! Have I... have I improved? It's an honor to be praised by you!

Chief: So "Phantom of the Opera" is Luvia Ray, who is imitating Lady Pearl... She's even trying to imitate the clothes and makeup.

Luvia Ray: Hehe, I've carefully observed the reactions of others when they were invited by Lady Pearl, and compared them with the people I invited. Recently, I've been getting closer, practice is helpful!

Lady Pearl: What a response! Practicing more is good, I have high hopes for you.

Chief: For daily occasions, you might be more suitable for lighter eyeshadow colors and lighter clothes...

⚠⚠⚠ Dream Stage

The addition of Lady Pearl to the Bureau has given a much-needed boost to the props department.

System Notifications: After Lady Pearl came to the Bureau, the stages of the Bureau's performances, which were mostly assembled from finished parts purchased by Faye, are finally getting an upgrade.

OwO: Right! I want a lion this big and this high! Right here!

OwO: And then, after OwO finishes the lion dance, the big lion will strike an equally handsome pose and freeze here! The lion's eyes should be able to emit golden light!

Lady Pearl: Hmm... it's a fantastic idea, but...

• Prompt: Interrupt

Chief: OwO, Lady Pearl, what are you doing? Are you having a meeting to design the stage for OwO's lion dance performance?

Lady Pearl: Dear, you came just in time. This child is very cute and has a lot of ideas, but as you know, we have a budget limit.

Lady Pearl: Although this is a "Dream Stage" project, unfortunately, dreams have to compromise with reality to some extent...

OwO: OwO doesn't understand what you are saying! I only know that my dream stage must have a big lion. You promised me!

System Notifications: This is indeed a difficult situation. OwO has been looking forward to the big lion for a long time, but we can't ignore the budget.

• Prompt: Cut costs
• Chief: Cough, OwO, don't worry, I won't go back on my word. Maybe we can find a way to cut costs...
• Lady Pearl: Ah. I can never resist your crazy and bold side. Dear, since you promised this kid, you must have a plan in mind, right? Never an easy fight with money.
• Chief: We can ask Eureka if there are any materials that won't deform easily... then reduce the number of movable joints to the minimum, install two bulbs in the eyes, and let Eve help activate them during the performance?
• Lady Pearl: Hmm... the operating mechanism and built-in program indeed take up a large part of the cost. If we can rehearse in advance to minimize accidents, your plan is quite feasible.
• Lady Pearl: Fantastic! Dear, your wit is truly eye-opening. Are you really unwilling to leave the backstage and go on stage?
• Chief: This is just the quality necessary to handle matters in the Bureau... Being on stage is of course dazzling and tempting, but the backstage offers another special view.

• Prompt: Find another way
• Chief: What Lady Pearl said is true. The Bureau doesn't have enough budget to make a big lion...
• OwO: Does that mean OwO can't have a lion?
• Lady Pearl: Oh poor child, don't make such a face. Although bitterness is an indispensable part of a wonderful story, a good actor shouldn't be down before going on stage.
• Lady Pearl: In addition to the actual stage props, sound and light and shadow are also resources we can use to set off the story.
• Chief: You mean... use the changes in lighting to indirectly achieve OwO's requirements?
• Lady Pearl: That's right. As long as it's done cleverly, the lighting effect at the freeze-frame will be very sensational. Most importantly, the cost is not high at all.
• Chief: True to the person who took over a rundown theater troupe and brought it back to life...

⚠⚠⚠ Stereotype

You're torn about whether or not to tell Lady Pearl about the Bureau's smoke-free policy.

Lady Pearl: Alright then, thank you for your trouble, my little adjutant friend.

System Notifications: Passing by Nightingale's office, you see Lady Pearl coming out, probably just finished discussing performance-related matters. She seems to take this very seriously, not only dressed formally but also carrying a pipe.

• Prompt: Pausing

Chief: It doesn't seem to be smoking, so she probably isn't... But smoking is prohibited in the Bureau, carrying it around could still be a bad influence, should I remind her...

Lady Pearl: Dear, why are you standing here? Are you here for the little adjutant? You're working hard. You should take a break.

System Notifications: She twirls the long stem in her hand, using the end that usually touches her lips to tap your chin lightly.

Lady Pearl: If you want to let everything go and empty yourself, you know who to go to, my dear.

Chief: Thank you for your kindness... But, you wouldn't recommend this "relaxing activity" to other Sinners, would you?

Lady Pearl: "This"? Ah, you mean this. If you're interested in it, just say so. I can let you experience its charm firsthand.

• Prompt: Decline hastily
• Chief: No, no, I don't have any experience, it would be bad if I choked.
• Lady Pearl: Hehe, don't be so nervous. Even a lifelong smoker doesn't have experience controlling it. After all, it's just a stage prop.
• Chief: Stage prop? You mean, you don't actually smoke?
• Lady Pearl: Oh dear, you've seen through me!
• Chief: But if you don't smoke, why do you carry it around...
• Lady Pearl: It's part of my "character image." In the world of fame and fortune, if you want to navigate with ease, without anyone catching your weakness, you have to be able to smoke, drink, be cultured, martial, arrogant and humble.
• Lady Pearl: "Lady Pearl the Socialite" of course knows best, this is also a stereotype. In order to maintain such an image, it's an indispensable helper for me when socializing.
• Chief: So you brought it with you today just because you see the negotiation with Nightingale as a serious social event to be taken seriously...
• Lady Pearl: Dear, you understand me best! If you also want to "put on a show" next time, I can help you make a similar prop. A symbol can be very useful in building an image.

• Prompt: Accept calmly
• Chief: I could, but I don't have a lighter.
• Lady Pearl: Hehe, you don't need fire to make it smoke.
• System Notifications: Before you can react, Lady Pearl gently taps a spot on the pipe, and soon smoke rises from the other end.
• Chief: Huh? There's clearly no tobacco inside... Where did this smoke come from?
• Lady Pearl: This is the same principle as those smoke-emitting stage props, just miniaturized. Or rather, my dear, what you see is just a stage prop.
• Chief: So... you don't actually smoke? This is just for show?
• Lady Pearl: Bingo! Since "Lady Pearl the Socialite" always has to deal with those who revel in unhealthy habits, I need to know how to take a puff.
• Lady Pearl: Maintaining a stereotype different from your true self can be difficult, but it can also be simple. If you ever need it, dear, you can come to me anytime.

The attire Lady Pearl, the owner of a mysterious theater in Eastside, usually dons in public.

Will you surrender yourself to this spectacle? Will you keep facing the reality you despise?