The Cursed Blind Woman (1)
At that sound, even the people working in the fields straightened up and turned toward the south. A group was approaching from the southern road, playing lively instruments as they walked.
"It's a traveling troupe. Looks like they timed it for the autumn festival."
"Festival?! What festival?!"
"Oh, you wouldn't know. Cities always hold festivals around harvest time. A way to celebrate after a year of hard work."
Marim jumped up and down in genuine surprise and delight.
"So they do circus acts and stuff ourselves silly with food?!"
"Who knows. With a group that size, probably clowns too."
"Yay!"
Marim blinked away like lightning toward the troupe, then danced alongside them as if she were one of their own. That little thing looks just like a kid doing that.
While waiting, I realized this wasn't just any troupe. Massive wagons pulled by several horses carried circus tent parts, and there were cages with exotic animals. The performers numbered in the fifties at least. This isn't a traveling show—it's a full-blown circus.
Musicians playing upbeat tunes and acrobatic clowns led the way as the circus entered the city. People poured out to gawk at the rare sight, maybe once a year if that. Guards directed traffic to clear the road. Hildeva must have booked them specially for the festival. No way a big outfit like this just wanders into random towns.
I tried calling Marim, but she'd already scampered off, so I headed back to the inn alone. She'll come when she's ready. What can you do?
Word of the circus and festival spread like wildfire through the city. With no real entertainment like in the capital, the whole place buzzed at the news. The staff chattered about nothing else all shift. Even Francois, the noblewoman, seemed thrilled.
"Hiring a circus that big is for the townsfolk, and not many nobles care that much."
Francois must not have seen a real circus before either.
Marim burst through the door, waving a flyer wildly after her delivery run.
"Got the festival poster!"
The girls crowded around. I peeked over their shoulders.
"Three days of festivities, big top in the square. Look—tons of food and shows!"
"Hehe... Never seen a circus... Wonder what it's like...?"
"Bet they tightrope high up and jump through flaming hoops!"
The employees buzzed excitedly among themselves.
"Let's go to the circus, Idi sis!"
"Maybe...? Starts tonight, so we could go right away... Hehe..."
Pelle, arms crossed in the back, cut in coldly.
"So we close the inn while you're out?"
The chatter died; they glanced at me. Marim piped up cautiously.
"Two at a time... Rotate shifts, Pelle sis...?"
"Why you deciding? You the boss?"
"No..."
Marim wilted under Pelle's glare, ears drooping. She looked to me, green emerald eyes flickering with hope and disappointment. I couldn't bear it.
"I'll think about it. Festival's a festival—you can't just work."
"Yesss!"
Marim screeched and leaped into my arms. I caught her on reflex.
"Thank you, boss!"
"Said I'd think."
Light as she was, she clung like a cicada, wriggling wildly.
"Still thanks!"
"Get off!"
"Marim...! Boss looks uncomfortable!"
Della pried her off. I straightened my stretched shirt, musing. The girls were so hyped—locking them in would be cruel. The inn ran like clockwork now, top-tier services no one could touch. A day or two slacking wouldn't hurt. Send 'em all and man it with me and Ukun.
"Where's that dwarf anyway?"
"Ukun's probably at the bathhouse or nursing a beer. Haven't seen him since morning..."
The inn door flew open with a weird trumpet blast. Ukun stomped in, dwarf-horn headband on, blowing a colorful toy horn.
"What're you lot doing? Circus outside."
"What's that, shorty?"
"Saw it at the square, bought it. Hungry. Food."
Marim's eyes lit up as he plopped on a table.
"Gimme the headband. Doesn't suit you, dwarf uncle."
"This halfwit bitch yapping? Bought it myself! Scram!"
"It doesn't match!"
She snatched it in a blink. Ex-thief for a reason...
"You cunt! Give it back! Last one they had!"
"Dwarves don't wear headbands!"
She bolted outside as he jumped down.
"Told ya... Redhead strays ain't worth it!"
Ukun stomped, fuming. Francois smartly brought beer; his face brightened.
"Heh. Chef knows her stuff."
He flicked a silver tip from his pocket.
I headed downtown that afternoon to check the vibe. Dozens of crew raised a huge round tent in the square. Wagons lined up behind. Prowling, caged lions and tigers glared dully. Stalls popped up everywhere—foods to make Idi dizzy, trinkets, souvenirs, tarot readers, crystal balls. Lines snaked from buildings as workers hung oil lanterns. Come night, they'd glow prettily. Hildeva went all out. Rare even for bigger cities.
Right on cue, Hildeva arrived with officials.
"Bertrand!"
She flashed a seductive smile.
"Checking the festival prep?"
"Hello, Administrator. Quite the scale."
"Of course. First autumn fest in years."
She watched a tent pole rise.
"City died and rose—gotta make it flashy."
"True. My staff's dying to go."
She sent officials to check details, pulled me aside.
"Inn doing well? Bathhouse was packed last time."
"Busy as hell, thanks to you."
"Me? Hardly."
She grinned, then remembered something.
"After fest, moving to old city hall. You offered help, right?"
"Call anytime."
"Thanks, Bertrand. Always."
She smiled coyly. I stared, mesmerized: smart glasses, lip mole, upswept brown hair, stray locks by her ears. All perfect.
"More officials at city hall means real admin work—more free time."
"What's a real administrator do?"
"Obvious: order, check, sign, scold. No more paperwork or fieldwork."
"Drinks then. Been ages."
She stuck out her tongue playfully.
"Was gonna suggest that. Drinks... and more."
"Haha..."
Her hand brushed my shoulder. Haha... Just that and I'm stirring down there...
Heading back, I ran into Captain Lambert. As guard chief, he was patrolling for safety issues amid prep.
"Captain. Promotion review soon?"
"Next month—reports to capital. Why?"
"Curious. Heard NCO long-term exam too."
"Same time."
I glanced at trailing guards, lowered my voice.
"Illian Sergeant's eligible... chances?"
"3rd Squad, 1st Platoon...?"
He looked puzzled.
"Dunno... Up to her effort."
Not high odds, then...
"You promoting?"
"Me? Haha! Doubt it."
"Ah, yeah..."
Strangers might call him arrogant, but I admired his principled confidence.
"Bathhouse again sometime."
"Will do. Farewell."
Back at the inn, noisy racket from the bathhouse. What the hell? Listening closer, something felt off. I bolted that way.