#(Eber has the best pocker face though)

[numericalbridge]

i like how Raine didn't even try to smile in front of the Emperor (or cover their mouth like some other CHs):

and tbh i think this scene is meant to be taken more 'symbolically' as a hint to the audience that there is something different with the Bard Coven Head's reaction, rather than what was exactly happening in-universe. But if they were indeed just facing the Emperor frowning i feel like it would be something Belos would notice - and it could have been something to add to the developing conflict (in the narrative sense, not, like, a direct fight) between them if only there was ever an actual interaction between the two.

And it would definitely explain why Darius would consider them a bad actor if they did not even try to hide their lack of enthusiasm - although i do think their bickering over Raine's acting ability is taken way too seriously by the fandom when they were just bantering. And i can kinda see a possibility where Raine's acting in s2b had improved after they got some pointers from Darius. (Darius also worded it like he was the reason Raine wasn't locked up even though at the end Kikimora was the one who had captured them - and i wonder whether this was just an insignificant phrasing or Raine was meant to be locked down after the ER, and Darius suggested the plan with the memory loss spell, knowing Raine would be able to counter the spell). Edit: I also like to headcanon that both Darius' and Raine's acting was lacking in different directions - Darius' villainous role was limiting what he could do and who would trust him, while Raine was just way too obvious. So they needed to combine their braincells together and give each other some tips.

Conclusion: what Raine really needed was to grow/to put on a fake mustache or beard to hide the lower part of their face /j