NOVEL NEXT Chapter 73
Stepping out of the inn, we headed towards the amphitheater where the circus was supposed to be held.
“Darling! At this rate, we’ll be late! Can’t we just take a carriage?”
“Ugh. I’m sorry for the delay, but there won’t be any carriages left if we go to the station now! Instead of talking, let’s run!”
I overheard a conversation between a young couple as we passed by. With so many people heading in the same direction as us, it seemed pointless to look for transportation now.
“Lumia, should we run a bit faster? …No! It’s better if you just hop on my back.”
“Can’t I just cuddle you instead of hopping on?”
Chaos clicks its tongue at your boldness.
“Well, um, if you’re okay with that.”
With no hesitation, I threw my arms open and carried Lumia in a princess style as I dashed ahead.
Ta-da!
‘Ah, my agility shines through here in the C-class!’
Fortunately, the amphitheater was not far from the inn where we had our meal, so we could arrive without being too late just by running quickly.
The amphitheater.
Yup, it was a massive structure that looked like a mini version of Rome’s Coliseum.
“…It’s huge.”
Hearing Lumia mumble in awe, I thought back to my limited knowledge. The Coliseum in Rome could hold tens of thousands of spectators, and while this amphitheater wasn’t quite that large, it certainly looked like it could easily accommodate a thousand.
Buzz, buzz.
“Good grief! I arrived early, and there are already so many people gathered?”
“Daddy─ are we not going to see it from the front row? Hans boasted about sitting at the front yesterday…”
“My lady, it’s my fault. I’m sorry.”
‘Wow, I heard it was supposed to start around sunset, but I didn’t expect the circus to be this popular?’
It felt like a marketplace, with humans, beastmen, elves, dwarves, and halflings all gathered together causing a ruckus.
In that moment of inward lament, someone shouted.
“Alright, thank you all for coming to the Laititia circus performance today!”
A muscular giant who had walked out shouted in a booming voice.
“There are two hours left until the show starts, so we would be grateful if everyone could maintain some order for a pleasant viewing experience!”
Oh. Is he gonna kick out anyone who doesn’t listen?
Impressed, I saw the place quiet down in an instant. We stood in the long line, waiting quietly, until someone behind us began to whisper.
“Isn’t that Arar? What kind of face does he have showing up here with so many people? Is he planning a massacre or something?”
Those bug-like pests show up like clockwork.
We came all this way, but there’s a chance I might get hated again because of that curse, and my emotions were getting rattled.
I could feel Lumia trembling slightly.
“Cover your ears for a bit. Just ignore them, and even if the circus refuses to let us in, I’ll somehow persuade them. I’ll make sure we get in, even if I have to show off my characteristics, so don’t worry.”
As I held her hand and locked eyes with her, I turned to see the giant who had been shouting to maintain order pointing at the guy showing disdain towards Lumia, yelling.
“Hey, you trash! You don’t deserve to watch our circus, so you better disappear before you get kicked out!”
“Wh-what? What’s this? Why’s he getting mad at an innocent person? Is he refusing to sell tickets?!”
When the giant continued to glare at the punk, the punk broke under the gaze and bolted away.
“Ugh! Move!”
Ta-da!
‘Such a pathetic guy.’
In the meantime, the line had moved closer to our turn.
Bowing slightly.
Before buying the ticket, I thanked the giant.
“Oh, no problem at all. I don’t know much about Arar, but just being nearby for less than half a day shouldn’t cause any harm, right?”
“Ha ha. Exactly. We’ve dealt with any issues, so we’re just wandering around without causing harm, but sometimes idiots who can’t think just pick fights.”
I shook my head.
“If I can’t solve it and end up causing trouble for others, I’d just hide away instead.”
As soon as I finished speaking, the giant scratched his cheek and said.
“Still, just to be sure, you’re certain nothing will happen if you go in, right? My apologies, but this is a serious issue for us, and we need assurance about safety before we can sell tickets.”
I assured him there would definitely be no problem and said I’d put my backpack at stake if needed.
…
“Alright, here are two entrance tickets. It will be a total of 40 Laititia coins at 20 each!”
Fortunately, there was no need to give my backpack or prove anything extra. Though it was a bit expensive, it was a small amount compared to gold coins, so I paid up without hesitation and got the tickets.
“Ha ha! Welcome to the delightful Laititia circus. I can assure you, it will be a decision you won’t regret. Please head inside.”
*
The tickets had only the showtime and the circus logo stamped on them.
As soon as we went in and started searching for seats, glancing around showed all the front-row seats were already taken, so we settled for a spot in the middle that seemed okay.
“Phew, at least we managed to get in. Now we just have to wait.”
‘But it feels a bit empty. How has Eira gotten under my skin so much in just a few days? Is it because she’s so cute?’
Lumia had strongly expressed her desire for this outing to be just the two of us. To help the two get closer, I had asked Yeriell to watch over Eira for a few days, but I wondered if they were getting along by now.
Lost in thought staring toward the front, Lumia suddenly cupped my face with her hands and made me look at her.
“Right now, I want you to only look at me and think about me. …Is that okay?”
Her sparkling eyes and wiggling fingers made it impossible for me to do anything but nod quietly.
As we sat down, watching the setting sun and the empty seats, time passed…
Finally, it was time for the show to start.
“Beautiful ladies and gentlemen of the magnificent Labyrinth City─! Thank you so much for coming to our Laititia performance today!”
The host?
‘No, he’s definitely more than just a host; the way he commands the room has to be the ringmaster!’
Without me realizing, a middle-aged gentleman had appeared at the center of the amphitheater, welcoming everyone with open arms and captivating the audience.
“Ha ha ha! I know you’re not here just to watch me talk! I get it!”
Whoosh!
“Wow! Daddy! That guy is flying around!!”
“Casting anti-gravity magic that fast, and without a wand? Just as I heard, this is incredible!”
The ringmaster, wrapped in the wind, adjusted his mustache and said.
“Our show might bring joy and delight to some while offering an opportunity for achievement to others!”
Despite not screaming loudly, his voice resonated across the space, reaching even the people at the far edges.
Must be magic too, just like the one used by the magician I saw from the 4th floor, huh?
“To everyone who has graciously given us their time tonight! I promise to present you with the greatest circus that you won’t regret witnessing!”
He began to raise his arms.
“Worry not about safety; the barrier magic and defensive items are thoroughly set up…”
As he threw his silk hat into the air, he brought it down decisively.
“Then, let the Laititia circus begin─ Sijaaak──!!!”
Whoosh!
Bang! Bang!
Kaboom!!!
“MEDEIA! MEDEIAAA!! I came from Zone 7 just to see you!!”
“Eeeek!! Big Brother Asan! Please come out quickly!”
“Damn it, bald twin! I like you guys!!!”
Wowww~!
A dazzling display of light bursting like fireworks, created by magic, erupted with intense sounds as the show began.
Amidst the raucous atmosphere, I turned to look at Lumia.
Her expression, usually calm and stoic, was lit up with clear anticipation.
As night fell, the bright lights glowing above the amphitheater dispelled the encroaching darkness.
Plop, plop.
“Scaryyy!!!”
A little child near me cried, embracing his parent when he saw something stepping out from one side.
‘Is that… a lion?’
With the announcement that the performance was beginning, what burst forth from one of the Coliseum gates was a lion engulfed in flames.
Yes, a literal lion with its eyes sparkling and its whole body ablaze.
─ROARRR!!!
As the fire lion roared mightily, various animals made of flames joined in one by one, moving toward the center stage.
“Ha ha ha! Behold who’s gracing the stage first!”
Among the animals that came out was a beautiful woman dressed in a leather jacket with a scarlet leotard, effortlessly commanding attention.
Crack!
With a flick of her fiery whip, the crimson-haired woman made a sound.
─Meow!
─Ooh ooh!
─Hiiing!!
As the fire-wrapped animals started to frolic about the stage, I heard cheers erupt.
“Wowwww!”
With the lion leading, all the animals swirled together, circling while dancing, and some leaped into the air, spinning and shedding sparks.
‘They’re spirits! Not just animals; they’re all fire-type spirits! To control that many spirits, how amazing!’
“Everyone, get ready!”
ZAP!!
The sound of the spirit master’s whip echoed through the air.
Were they just waiting for the sound to begin?
Small cats, dogs, and monkeys hopped onto the backs of large animals like horses, lions, and elephants, and rode them rhythmically.
“So cute.”
Watching Lumi’s sparkling eyes lit up with the spirits’ antics raised my spirits as well.
“Indeed. Those little ones are dancing so adorably!”
Cheerful sounds rang from the audience.
The spirit master gleefully pointed and shouted.
“Fiery hoops!”
Whoosh!
Circular hoops made of flames appeared throughout the stage, fixed at various heights.
“Swoosh─! Go!”
As the spirit master tossed her hair, the spirits cried out and started racing.
Bam, bam, bam!
“Jump!!”
With her shout, the spirits leaped high, soaring through the hoops.
“Woooow!!!”
“So cute, the cat!!”
“How can that gigantic elephant jump so high? Is it because they’re spirits?!”
The excited audience shouted cheers left and right. But that was not the end of the show.
“Now, for the finale! You all know what’s coming, right? Spirit fusion!!”
Fusion, you say?
As soon as her words ended, all the spirits swarmed to the center stage, with the biggest elephant standing below, and the others climbing on top by size.
Rumble, rumbles.
Boom!!!
─ROAAARRR!!!
“Damn, they really fused?!”
I couldn’t help but exclaim at the sight of spirits merging together, forming a single entity.
‘Dragon species? A dragon? That’s just its appearance, right?’
Chaos shouts that while it is a fun spectacle, don’t just go tying the dragon species to anything!
“What the heck! That’s a DRAGON!! It’s huge as hell!!!”
“Oh, mommyyyy. Waaaah!”
“Every time I see it, the level of spirit magic is no joke!”
Everyone around me seemed as amazed as I was, regardless of whether it was their first or second time at a performance, they couldn’t help but buzz in excitement.
“Now, let’s make sure everyone remembers this part! Strong breaths upwards!!”
ROAR!!!
The combined spirits in the shape of a dragon tilted their heads and opened their mouths, mimicking the fierce breath of a true dragon.
WHOOSH!!!
A powerful stream of fire shot into the sky.
The fierce flames painted the air a bright red before disappearing within seconds.
As the breath ceased, the fused spirits erupted in light and separated back into many different spirits.
The humorous thing was that during that brief time, the spirits were all left splayed out on the ground, seemingly exhausted.
It could be seen as a weak finale, but perhaps it was the impact of what they had shown all the way until the end that made it resonate so strongly?
Clap, clap, clap!!!
“Woooooowww!!!”
“Shurikaaa!!! Take me, please!!!”
“You’re so sexy, sister! I’m going crazy!!!”
The entire audience, regardless of age or gender, was clapping fiercely, almost shaking the Coliseum with their cheers and applause.
With a bright smile, the spirit master summoned her spirits back and waved happily.
“I am the Fire Spirit Master, Shurika! The circus has only just begun, so I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the performances to the fullest!!”
Boom!!!
After greeting with a bow, Shurika disappeared in a burst of flames.
“Wow, that exceeded my expectations! Starting with such powerful spirit magic like that? I wouldn’t have expected this level of skill! What else could be next? High-tier magic? Martial arts?”
“Yeah. I really think we made a great decision to come. …But seriously, thank you for bringing me here and staying by my side.”
At a loss for words, I could only manage a sheepish smile.
Boom!
Drum beats echoed.
Two figures slowly walked onto the stage.
‘Alright, who’s up next?’
The show had only just begun.