The Freak Show Foreman

Ella had a rough idea of what he might demand.

Perhaps he was aiming for a forfeit.

There were regulations regarding forfeits in the detailed rules, and everything seemed fine on that front.

The situation was much better than the worst-case scenario she had anticipated.

No one had died or been injured.

In fact, things had turned out well.

Ruelle’s illness would be cured, and they would easily obtain the first star.

It was a good deal for both sides.

But…

Why did a corner of her heart feel empty?

Ella remembered the day Wonderstein first showed her the script.

She had dismissed the idea that a devil who knew nothing about the human heart could create a proper script.

Her dismissive attitude vanished the moment she read the script.

His script was on par with the works of masters, if not surpassing them in terms of dialogue and scene execution.

When she closed the last page of the script, she couldn’t deny that she was captivated by his work.

She thought that with him, they could aim for the Grand Circus Prix main event.

However, she couldn’t easily admit those feelings.

He was an enemy who had murdered her neighbors and friends.

She couldn’t forgive herself for wanting to be with him.

That’s why she spent several days agonizing and suppressing her emotions alone.

But now, she felt foolish for having such doubts.

He may have devilish talent for the circus, but he lacked affection.

To him, the circus was merely a means to an end.

He didn’t even consider testing the results of their month-long practice.

No, he had already sensed their efforts and results when he asked about progress after just a month.

"You believe in Miss Ella, right?"

Nonsense.

From the beginning, it didn’t matter how hard they worked or what results they achieved.

To him, they were just scarecrows set up to deceive the world, like playing the role of an ordinary and kind young man.

Did he secretly mock the efforts she made, staying up late for nights to achieve results?

And there was a much simpler way.

"Whatever it takes, you say? Haha, sure."

Wonderstein accepted Minova’s proposal.

Ella sneered inwardly.

But it was hard to hold back the tears in her eyes.

He approached the girl in chick pajamas who was crouched on the corner bed.

His hand touched her neck.

The muscles in her neck spasmed.

Her complexion first paled, then turned dark with a groan-like sound.

After a few seconds passed.

Wonderstein removed his hand from her neck.

"It’s done."

"Ah, it’s done?"

Minova’s expression changed desperately.

As if he couldn’t believe that the disease could be cured in such a short time.

Wonderstein looked at his face, smiling slyly, then shook his head.

"The treatment is complete."

"Treat…ment? Really…?"

"Come and see for yourself."

Minova approached her daughter with an expression of disbelief.

His daughter, who was constantly sweating and emitting a rough breath due to the pain of the tumor inside her, now had a serene complexion as she breathed lightly.

"Really, really… cured?"

"Yes."

Minova managed to swallow back his tears, his expression somewhat confused.

"That… Is there any side effect, perhaps?"

"Haha, how can I deceive someone who would curse and kill me if I made a mistake?"

Minova looked a bit puzzled at his joke.

"That… well… yes… anyway, thank you… really, thank you."

He said so and looked back at his daughter’s peaceful sleeping figure.

It was still hard to believe.

The figure of his daughter peacefully sleeping.

With that potent potion, even extending one’s life is said to be within limits.

Minova swallowed the saliva after drinking the potion and then spoke.

"Well, as promised, I’m ready to do anything."

"Is that so?"

Wonderstein smiled as he looked at him quietly.

"We will win the duel that will take place in three weeks."

"Th-that’s… well…."

Minova sighed at the thought.

"Are we surrendering…?"

He couldn’t call it quitting after saying that. In fact, considering the life of his daughter, it wasn’t such a significant price to pay. If he were to lose, he could go to the back of the line and wait for the next turn. Teams eliminated in the second or fourth week or those who completed tests in other cities would be the next opponents.

It was just a waste of about three more months. He was willing to accept that.

Wonderstein seemed satisfied with his declaration.

"Oh, surrendering? Are you giving up?"

He asked as if he couldn’t understand the situation at all.

’Alright. He wants to make it clear that this is not a backdoor deal or coercion.’

Minova nodded in humiliation.

"W-Well, yes…"

"What reason would you like to announce for that?"

"Because of my health…"

As Minova offered a vague excuse, Wonderstein lowered his head.

"No, let’s go with this. Our assistant ringmaster is much cuter."

At his words, Minova’s mouth opened wide in surprise.

"What… did you say?"

Ella was equally surprised. Inside, she screamed as if in shock.

Is this guy crazy?

Suddenly talking nonsense like this?

Minova couldn’t understand what he was getting at.

"Hey, do you really think your assistant ringmaster is cuter?"

Wonderstein smiled and nodded as if he was satisfied with his statement.

"It’s the truth, isn’t it? Honestly, she’s a thousand times more adorable than that little kid."

Minova’s face twisted in disbelief.

He could endure anything else, but he couldn’t stand this guy messing with his daughter.

"This guy! Stop joking around! Our Ruelle is cuter!"

"But what can she do other than sit on your shoulders? Our assistant ringmaster is competent. She handles everything she’s tasked with."

"Our Ruelle can do that too!"

"Ella even sings well."

"My daughter sings well too! Ruelle, get up! Quickly sing the song we practiced last time!"

At his angry shout, Ruelle woke up with a bewildered expression.

"Dad, what’s happening… I’m tired…"

"It’s better not to push yourself right now. Your stamina must have been greatly depleted from the treatment."

Minova gasped at his words.

"Why didn’t you say so earlier, you fool! Ruelle, don’t sing! Go back to sleep!"

"Dad, it’s noisy…"

Ruelle, with a whining sound, fell asleep again.

Wonderstein looked at her and shook his head.

"Even her stamina is good."

"Ugh! Are you going to keep provoking me?"

"Well, since you don’t seem to accept defeat, shall we make a bet? If you win in the match three weeks from now, I’ll withdraw my statement."

"Fine! I swear on my name, Kirku, I’ll fight you with all my might."

"Good."

And so, the conversation between the two leaders came to an end.

***

I left the hotel.

Minova barely managed to avoid having my butt kicked thanks to the other members restraining him.

*Sub Quest – The Test of the Rose Windmill Cabaret

: Pass the test and obtain the star.

Conditions for success

: Pass the preliminary round in Luz on the first attempt.

Reward upon success

: Grant the [Devil’s BGM] trait to all circus members. The power is proportional to the fame earned during the performance.

No penalty upon failure

: None.

This quest was similar to the ’First Performance’ quest achieved in Aksville. The similarity lay in the reward being proportional to the fame earned during the performance.

The essence of the performance was taken for granted when Minova announced his withdrawal; it sent a shiver down my spine.

Winning in such a manner would undoubtedly result in a clear quest, but the rewards were expected to be meager. Engaging in a fierce competition with the opponent, creating a spectacle, and gaining fame made it easier to elevate one’s reputation.

Above all, for the members, this was a very valuable experience.

It was as if a novice who had just started the game was trying to clear the first boss battle without much effort. So, I provoked him to arouse his enthusiasm.

Thanks to that, the confrontation proceeded smoothly.

It was unexpected that he would even pledge to Kirku.

It would have sufficed to gracefully acknowledge and concede if he felt indebted.

But he went beyond that, rushing in with excitement, declaring his armistice.

It took only about a minute.

A loud voice echoed from the hotel entrance.

"Hey, Director Wonderstein!"

When I turned my head, Minova was running towards us, breathing heavily.

What’s this, is he still trying to provoke?

However, I was a little surprised by his subsequent actions.

"Thank you!"

He said that and then bowed to the ground.

Behind him, the members showed expressions of surprise.

I would have made a similar expression if I could.

I nodded towards him and turned to walk towards the hotel.

The promise to heal Ruelle was made before the quest was even assigned.

At that time, the details of the test and the opponent were unknown.

There was no particular reason to step forward; I just wanted to give a small gift.

"I can do anything for my child! Please, please fix my child’s body!"

I was five or six years old; I can’t quite remember.

It happened to be the same age as Ruelle.

I didn’t want to leave a debt of the heart to the opponent I had to face.

So, I stepped forward.

As I was walking towards the point where I got off the carriage, I saw a familiar figure in the distance.

"Hey, why is Ella here?"

To my question, she blushed a little and avoided my gaze.

"Just. I was worried that you might do something strange again… Why did you go to the Satbyeol Circus?"

"Nothing special. Just did a bit of boasting."

"…Really?"

She seemed to stutter for some reason.

I wondered if I said something strange.

I nodded at her to reassure her.

"Just… we have something better than what they guys have."

"…Is that so?"

Ella seemed to accept it reluctantly.

After provoking her, I continued the conversation.

"Now, just trust the assistant ringmaster."

"Insane."

Her face turned red as she walked ahead quickly.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t help it.

There was no one else in this circus except her.

So, we arrived at the hotel on foot.

I wonder if Maya’s sign was completed.

I lost words when I saw it.

It’s a good title.

Typography was also excellent.

The drawing was flawless.

If there was something a bit annoying, it seemed like the personal feelings of the artist who drew the sign were excessively reflected.

"Maya, who is this woman…!"

Ella sharpened her voice.

"Just over there."

"Huh? Where?"

I pointed to a corner of the sign, smiling.

I quietly followed her gaze.

I saw Ella blushing as she turned away from my gaze.