Chapter 30: Analysis and Theories

Chapter 30: Analysis and Theories (Vivienne Westwood's POV) It's been a few days since "The Demonfather" premiered, and I still can't wrap my head around the buzz it's creating. A film made by that exiled prince, of all people, has the entire capital of the Morningstar Kingdom talking. As the actress who played Apollonia, I'm suddenly finding myself recognized everywhere I go. It's... strange, to say the least. Just this morning, my neighbors in the Center District apartment complex were practically falling over themselves to talk to me. And don't even get me started on my trip to the market. "Apollonia! You're alive!" a group of teenagers shouted, their eyes wide with excitement. Some idiot even yelled, "Please go see Michael!" I appreciate the attention, really. It's gratifying to see my work recognized, to be part of something so well-received. But dealing with these people? It's exhausting. Who would have thought a film by an exiled prince could generate this much admiration? It's almost unbelievable. As I think about the film's success, I can't help but remember that scene... the kiss with Arthur. I quickly shake my head, trying to dislodge the memory. I've found myself buying newspapers every day lately, something I never used to do. But "The Demonfather" is always featured, and I can't resist reading what they're saying about the film... and, if I'm honest, about my performance. Though I've been a bit disappointed to find little mention of myself in the articles. Not that I mind too much. It's enough to be part of such a successful film. Back in my apartment, I settle on my bed with my stack of newspapers. As I read through the articles, I can't help but chuckle at the praise for the baptism scene. I wonder how the Solarus church is reacting to that. It's funny, really. When I first took this role, I never imagined it would lead to all this. Fame, controversy, endless newspaper articles... it's a whole new world. Of course, not all the reviews are glowing. I can't help but smirk as I read some of the more critical pieces, especially those from newspapers clearly aligned with the Solarus faith. Most of these are from human countries, their outrage practically leaping off the page: "A barbaric film. Uncivilized, and so violent. We must condemn this kind of cinema that disrespects faith so blatantly." I lean back, my mind reeling. I knew we were making something special, but this... this is beyond anything I could have imagined. A part of me wants to laugh. If only Donald knew how many of those 'brilliant details' were happy accidents or last-minute improvisations. But another part of me is in awe. Did Arthur really plan all of this? Was there more to our exiled prince director than any of us realized? I find myself itching to watch the film again, to see if I can spot some of these details Donald's talking about. It's strange, being both insider and outsider - I was there when we filmed these scenes, but now I'm discovering them anew through the eyes of our audience. I shake my head, setting aside Donald's analysis, and reach for another newspaper. This one's from a human publisher, featuring a theory article by Jordan Lamb. As I start reading, I can feel my eyebrows climbing higher and higher: "The Demonfather Theory today: I believe Arthur named Apollonia in the film after his sister, Princess Apollonia. From what I've uncovered, Arthur has a good relationship with his sister. Could the Corleone family be a mirror of the Morningstar family?" I lean in closer, my interest piqued. This is getting into some dangerous territory. "It seems Arthur specifically named Michael's love interest Apollonia... Michael is the youngest of the Corleones, just as Arthur is the youngest Morningstar. What could this mean? Is it possible that Arthur is secretly the king's chosen heir, but this is being kept under wraps to protect Arthur from political conflict? And could Apollonia, his sister, be in danger? Is the film Arthur's way of warning her about a threat to her life?" I pause, a chill running down my spine. Of course, I'm curious - Apollonia was my role, after all. But this theory... it's treading into murky waters. "Hellfire," I mutter. "What have we gotten myself into?" I'd always assumed Arthur chose the name Apollonia simply because it sounded exotic, mysterious. But if there's any truth to this theory... My mind races back to our time on set. Did Arthur ever give any hints about this? Was there anything in his direction that might support this wild theory? I shake my head, trying to clear it. This is crazy. It's just a film, right? I'm not actually caught up in some royal intrigue... am I? But a nagging voice in the back of my mind won't let it go. The intensity Arthur brought to certain scenes, the way he insisted on specific details that seemed arbitrary at the time... "Damn it, Arthur," I mutter. "What kind of mess have you dragged me into?" I let out a frustrated sigh and flop back onto my bed. This is not what I signed up for when I took this role. I wanted to be an actress, not a pawn in some elaborate political chess game.