Circus Lightitia (1)
I left the inn and headed toward the circular theater where the circus was said to be held.
“Honey! We’re going to be late at this rate! Can’t we just take a carriage?”
“Ugh. Sorry for being slow and making us late. But by the time we reach the station, there won’t be any carriages left anyway. Let’s just run instead of wasting time talking!”
As I passed the young couple, I couldn’t help overhearing their conversation. Seeing so many people heading in the same direction as us, it seemed pointless to look for transportation now.
“Lumia, should we run a little faster? …No, actually, it’d be better if you just let me carry you.”
“Instead of a piggyback, can’t I be carried in front?”
[Chaos clicks its tongue, calling it cute.]
“Uh, well… if you’re fine with that.”
Lumia spread her arms without hesitation, so I scooped her up in a princess carry and sprinted forward. Thud-thud-thud!!
‘C-rank agility really shines in moments like this.’
Fortunately, the circular theater wasn’t far from the inn where we’d eaten, so running at full speed was enough to arrive on time.
The circular theater. Just as I’d thought, a massive arena resembling a scaled-down version of the Roman Colosseum unfolded before my eyes.
“…It’s huge.”
Hearing Lumia’s quiet murmur of awe, I recalled what little I knew: the Colosseum could supposedly hold tens of thousands. This theater hosting the circus wasn’t quite that large, but it could easily accommodate at least a thousand people.
The crowd buzzed with noise.
“Damn it! We came early and there’s already this many people?”
“Daddy, does that mean we won’t get front-row seats? Hans was bragging so much about sitting in the very front yesterday…”
“My apologies, miss. This is my fault.”
‘Whoa. From what I overheard earlier, the show starts around sunset, yet the circus is this popular?’
It wasn’t quite a chaotic marketplace, but humans, beastmen, elves, dwarves, and halflings alike had gathered, creating quite the commotion. Just as I was marveling at the scene, a voice rang out.
“Everyone! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for coming to today’s Lightitia circus performance!”
A muscular giant who had stepped out from inside, shirtless, bellowed in a voice that echoed throughout the arena.
“There are still two hours until the show begins. If you could all maintain a bit of order so everyone can enjoy the viewing, we’d greatly appreciate it!”
Oh. Did they immediately kick out anyone who didn’t listen? I was impressed by how quickly the venue fell silent. We quietly joined the long line and waited. Just as our turn to buy tickets approached, I heard someone whispering behind us.
“Isn’t that an Arar? What nerve, coming to a crowded place like this. Planning to cause another massacre or something?”
Those insect-like bastards who popped up whenever you least expected them. Maybe it was because I’d been looking forward to this so much, but the thought that Lumia might be rejected again because of her curse stirred something in me. I felt her body tremble slightly.
“Cover your ears for a moment. Ignore people like that. Even if the circus troupe refuses entry, I’ll convince them somehow. I’ll make sure we get in together, even if I have to reveal my partial traits, so don’t worry.”
After squeezing her hand and meeting her eyes, I was about to turn around when the giant who had been shouting for order and selling tickets pointed at the man who’d shown disgust toward Lumia and roared.
“Hey, you good-for-nothing over there! You don’t deserve to watch our circus. If you don’t want to get beaten and thrown out, you’d better disappear right now!”
“Wh-what? What the hell is this? Why are you getting mad at an innocent person? Don’t you want to sell tickets or something?!”
The giant kept glaring at the thug until the man couldn’t withstand the attention and fled.
“Tch! Move it!”
Thud-thud. ‘What an eyesore.’
By then the line had shortened, and it was finally our turn. I bowed my head to the giant before purchasing the tickets.
“Ah, no need. I don’t know much about Arars either, but being near one for less than half a day doesn’t cause any harm, does it?”
“Haha. Exactly. We already resolved the issue, so she’s just traveling without causing trouble for others. But every now and then, some idiots who can’t think that far pick a fight for no reason.”
I shook my head.
“If she hadn’t resolved it and was still harming people, she’d have stayed holed up instead of coming out.”
After I finished speaking, the giant scratched his cheek and asked, “Still, just to be sure, you’re certain there won’t be any problems if she enters, right? Sorry, but this is important to us. We can only sell tickets if we get a definite answer about safety.”
I firmly replied that there would absolutely be no issues and that I’d even stake my backpack if necessary.
…
“Alright then, here are two admission tickets. That’ll be twenty copper coins each, for a total of forty coppers!”
Fortunately, nothing like having to stake my backpack or provide proof occurred. Though it was a bit expensive, it was a small amount compared to our gold coin reserves, so I paid for Lumia’s share as well and received the tickets.
“Haha! Welcome to the joy-filled Lightitia Circus. I’m confident this will be a decision you won’t regret. Please head inside.”
***
The tickets only had the performance start time and the circus troupe’s emblem printed on them. So as soon as we entered, we looked for seats. Glancing around, I saw that the front rows were already taken, so we picked what seemed like the best spot around the middle.
“Whew, at least getting in wasn’t a problem. Now we just have to wait.”
‘Still feels a bit empty though. How many days has it been since I met Eira, and she’s already wormed her way into my heart like this? Guess cuteness really is powerful.’
Lumia had strongly insisted on going out just the two of us this time. We’d asked Yeriel to look after Eira for a few days so we could grow closer, but I wondered how they were getting along right now.
While I was lost in thought, staring blankly ahead, Lumia quietly gazed at my face before cupping my cheeks and turning my head toward her.
“Right now… look only at me. Think only about me. …Is that not allowed?”
Faced with Lumia’s wavering eyes and fidgeting fingers, I could only nod quietly.
We sat like that, watching the setting sun and the already packed seats, until finally the time for the performance arrived.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the magnificent and beautiful Labyrinth City—! Thank you sincerely for coming to enjoy another Lightitia performance today!”
The ringmaster? ‘No, the presence and atmosphere he exudes is no joke for a mere ringmaster. He must be the troupe leader.’
The middle-aged gentleman who had appeared in the center of the arena without anyone noticing spread his arms wide in welcome and instantly commanded the entire venue.
“Hahaha! I know what you’re all waiting for isn’t me chattering away! I understand completely!”
Whoosh—
“Whoa! Daddy! That man is flying!!”
“To cast Float that quickly without chanting… just like the rumors say, he’s no ordinary person.”
The troupe leader, floating while wrapped in wind, stroked his mustache and spoke.
“Our performance may bring joy and happiness to some. For others, it might become an opportunity to achieve greater accomplishments!”
Though he wasn’t shouting, his voice carried all the way to the people seated at the very back. Magic again, I suppose? The same kind the mage on the fourth floor used?
“To everyone who has spared their precious time tonight! I promise to show you the greatest circus you’ve never seen anywhere else—one you absolutely won’t regret!”
He slowly raised his arms.
“We’ve thoroughly prepared barrier magic and protective items, so there’s no need to worry about safety…”
The leader tossed aside the silk hat on his head and slammed his raised arm downward as he declared, “Then, starting now, Lightitia’s circus—begiiins!!!”
Flash! Pop— Bang! Bang! Boooom!!!
“Medeia! Medeia!! I came from District 7 just to see you!!”
“Kyaaah!! Asan oppa!! Come out quickly!!”
“Damn it, you bald twins! I love you guys!!!”
Whoaaa—!
A dazzling display of magical fireworks exploded with thunderous noise. Everyone in the stands responded to the leader’s intense opening performance with thunderous applause and cheers.
Amid the lively atmosphere, I turned to look at Lumia. Instead of her usual subdued eyes and expressionless lips, clear anticipation filled her face.
Night had fallen. The circular theater—essentially a Colosseum—had orbs of light appearing throughout the sky above, beginning to push back the encroaching darkness.
Thud. Thud.
“I-it’s scary!!”
A child nearby burst into tears and clung to their parent after seeing something emerge from one side.
‘That’s… a lion, isn’t it?’
What raised the curtain alongside the performance’s start declaration was a lion wreathed in flames, bursting out from one of the Colosseum’s gates. Yes, a lion whose entire body was literally blazing with fire.
—Kuhhhroooar!!!
As the flame lion let out a mighty roar, animals that seemed to have fire attached to their bodies or were entirely composed of flames emerged one by one and moved toward the center of the stage.
“Kyahaha! Take a good look at who’s opening the show!”
A beautiful woman in a leather jacket and crimson leotard appeared alongside the animals, drawing everyone’s attention. Crack!!
The red-haired woman with a bob cut swung her crimson whip with force.
—Meow!
—Ook ook!!
—Hee-hee-hee!!!
In response, the flame-wreathed animals began prancing around various parts of the stage, showing off their tricks.
“Whoaaa!”
Led by the lion, all the animals spun in circles, chasing each other’s tails in a dance, or leaped powerfully into the air to spin and scatter sparks.
‘She’s a spirit master! Those aren’t ordinary animals—they’re all fire-attribute spirits. To command this many spirits alone… impressive!’
“Everyone, get ready!”
Bang!!
The spirit master’s whip cracked through the air. Had they been waiting for that sound? Smaller animals like cats, dogs, and monkeys climbed onto the backs of larger ones like horses, lions, and elephants, swaying their bodies lightly.
“C-cute.”
Seeing Lumia’s eyes sparkle as she took in the animals’ antics, my own excitement rose as well.
“Yeah. Those little guys sure know how to dance cutely.”
Cheers erupted from the stands. The spirit master smiled in delight, pointed forward with her index finger, and shouted, “Blazing rings!”
Whoosh! Rings of flame appeared throughout the stage, floating and fixing at various heights.
“Whistle—! Go!!”
At the spirit master’s sharp whistle as she swept back her bob, the spirits each let out cries and began running.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
“Jump!!”
At her cry, the spirits leaped high and passed through the rings.
“Whoaaa!!!”
“The cat is so cute!!”
“How can an elephant that big jump so high? Is it because they’re spirits?!”
Excited spectators shouted their cheers. But the first show wasn’t over yet.
“Alright, now for the finale! You know what to do, right? Spirit fusion!!”
Fusion, she says? The moment she finished speaking, all the spirits gathered at the center of the stage. The largest elephant stood at the bottom, and the others climbed on in order of size.
Hummm. Flash!!!
—Kuaaaaar!!!
“Holy crap, they actually fused!”
I couldn’t help but gasp at the sight of the spirits merging into a single form after the flash of light.
‘Dragonkin? A dragon? It just looks like one, right?’
[Chaos shouts that while it’s an amusing sight, I shouldn’t just call anything dragonkin.]
“Holy shit! It’s a dragon!! It’s ridiculously huge!!!”
“Uh, Mommy. Waaah!”
“No matter how many times I see it, the level of spirit arts is no joke!”
It wasn’t just me who was shocked. Whether it was someone’s first time or their second, everyone murmured and cheered.
“Now, let’s make sure it’s burned into everyone’s eyes as the finale! A powerful breath straight upward!!”
—Kuoohhh!!!
The dragon-shaped spirit fusion turned its head at a right angle and opened its mouth, unleashing a fierce breath as if mimicking a real dragonkin’s breath.
Kwaaaah—!!
The breath shot upward like a pillar of fire, dyeing the sky crimson before vanishing within seconds. When the breath ceased, light flashed from the fused spirits’ body, and they split back into multiple spirits.
Amusingly, it seemed they’d exhausted all their power in that short time, as the spirits were all sprawled out on the ground. It could be seen as a somewhat weak ending, but… perhaps because the impact of what she and the spirits had shown until the very end was so strong?
Clap clap clap clap!!!
“Whoaaa!!!”
“Shurika!! Take me!! Please!!”
“Unni, you’re so sexy!! I’m going crazy!!!”
Everyone in the audience, regardless of age or gender, clapped and shouted so loudly that the Colosseum seemed ready to collapse. After encouraging the spirits for their hard work and dismissing them all, she waved her arms energetically with a bright smile.
“That was flame spirit master Shurika! The circus has only just begun, so I hope you all enjoy the rest of the performance!”
Boooom!!
Shurika bowed in greeting before vanishing amid a burst of flames.
“Wow. It’s beyond imagination. Starting off with spirit arts like that… Next up there’ll probably be high-level magic and martial arts too. I never expected the level to be this high.”
“Yeah. I’m really glad we came to see it. …It’s sudden, but thank you for bringing me here and staying by my side.”
Unable to think of anything to say, I simply smiled awkwardly.
Thud! The sound of drums echoed. Two figures slowly walked onto the stage.
‘Alright. Who’s coming out next?’
The performance had only just begun.