Fantasia of the Dream-Protecting Acrobats ~Western Country & Central Country~

Akira: Whoa! This place is huge!

The colorful tent was overflowing with a playful energy, like an upended toybox. Huge stars sparkled around the center stage, and the performers ran to and fro, balls and batons moving around on their own by magic.

Rustica: My, what a lovely audience. It seems many of them had the same idea as us to dress up for the occasion.

Chloe: Yeah! And there's so much nervous energy, everyone must really be looking forward to today's show.

Chloe: Oh, today's program is posted next to the stage! ... huh?

Shylock: Is something the matter?

Chloe: It's just weird... Comus' specialty is supposed to be the trapeze show, right? But it doesn't look like it's on the schedule at all.

Rustica: So it seems to be. Perhaps they're off today?

Arthur: That man seems to me a member of the circus; let's see if he can tell us anything. Excuse me, do you have a moment?

Arthur called out to a rather large man that was passing by close to him.

Man: Oh, busy, busy, busy...

Akira: (Did he not hear Arthur?)

The man passed right by us, mumbling and muttering to himself.

Arthur: Maybe I just need to raise my voice. Excuse–

When Arthur started to call out to him again, the man suddenly stopped and turned to look at us.

Man: Are you the ones who tried to stop me just now?

Arthur: That's correct. Forgive my rudeness, I know you're very busy, but–

Man: Oh, that's right. Forgive my belated introduction; I'm the ringleader of the Comus troupe.

Abrubtly cutting off Arthur's words midway, the man replied in a tight voice with a stiff bow.

Arthur: Well, that's very convenient. I have a question about the tra–

Ringleader: Yes, yes, the trapeze show has been canceled today.

Akira: (Arthur can't even get a full sentence out... is this guy just really impatient or something?)

Confirming my impression, he immediately launched into speaking again without giving anyone a chance to interject.

Ringleader: Our lead trapeze artist has been reluctant to perform as of late, so we're not able to put on the show any longer. It's completely unprecedented. We have no choice but to place the show on hiatus, but at this rate, we may have to ax it all together. Nonetheless, it's our signature act, and so many people look forward to it, if only I could find a way to resume it...

Rustica: I see. Do you have any idea what–

Ringleader: But of course, her reason changes with the tides. Yesterday's reason was that she didn't like the costumes we use–

Rustica: – might be causing your trapeze artist to–

Ringleader: – but if she wanted to change the costumes, she at least could have given us a little more advance notice–

Rustica: – be reluctant to perform?

Akira: (This conversation is happening at two different speeds...)

Chloe: So the show's been called off... that's a shame, I really wanted to see the trapeze show that I'd heard so much about.

Rustica: Don't be discouraged, Chloe. I'm sure the rest of the show will still be wonder–.

Ringleader: Chloe? Did you just say “Chloe”?

Chloe: Huh!?

With a loud patter of leather shoes on the ground, the ringleader suddenly rushed over to us. He stared at us, and in particular at Chloe, at close range.

Akira: Is– is something the matter?

Ringleader: Could you be the sage's wizards?

Riquet: Yes, we–

Ringleader: Then if that's the case, you must be the sage's wizard Chloe, yes?

Chloe: I, ah, uh–

Ringleader: Oh, I'm saved! I heard all about you at the last town we stopped in! They say you're the one who made those flashy, one-of-a-kind outfits from the parade after the Great Calamity was driven back!

Chloe: Eh–? I don't know if I'd call them that fl–

Ringleader: So please! Name your price! Make us a costume that our trapeze artist will be satisfied with!

Shylock: Well, well.

Murr: Hoo!

Chloe: Wh– me!?

Ringleader: Thank you for accepting! Well, I'll leave it to you, then! And with that, I must go, I'm so very busy, busy, busy...

Cain: ... aaand he's off.

Shylock: Truly, a person who holds every second of his life in highest esteem.

Chloe: He wasn't listening to a word I said...

Akira: That was a lot to take in... but Chloe, what do you want to do?

Chloe: ...

Chloe furrowed his brow and thought hard. He looked a little puzzled, but he didn't seem to be too upset with the idea.

Chloe: I admit it's a bit sudden, but they really do seem like they need help... and if I can make a costume that the trapeze artist likes, then maybe we'll be able to see the trapeze show... ... I'll take it on!

The affairs of the trapeze artist girl were left to Chloe and company, while Rustica, Oz, Shylock, Murr, and myself returned to the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shylock: If all of us went, we might intimidate the poor girl. Those kids will be able to get her to open up, don't you think?

Akira: Right! They're all so amicable. In the meantime, I think I'll try to find some souvenirs for Chloe and the others as thanks for their hard work, and also everyone back at the manor.

Rustica: What a lovely idea. Please let me have the honor of helping.

Murr: Lemme show you guys around! We'll pick out some super heart-pounding mega-thrilling Town of Circuses souvenirs!