The smaller budget became visible when sunset arrived and two decorative towers remained dark. Guests noticed for thirty seconds before extended vendors opened beneath warm practical lights. What disappeared from our original design looked increasingly less important after everything necessary continued working correctly.
Center Stage began its evening schedule with the cultural showcase running exactly forty minutes. The zone lead cleared every prop before kendo barriers entered, proving rehearsal documents survived public pressure.
Yuna stood backstage in formal demonstration clothing while her marshals completed the second-person barrier check. Her eyes found me once, then returned toward the signed safety sheet.
"Center Stage ready upon your confirmation, Captain," I said through the professional channel.
"Kendo ready, safety green, thirty-five minutes beginning now," she replied.
