Chapter 20
'...So that's how it is. The puzzle pieces are finally falling into place.'
A speculation close to certainty.
The result of this speculation could only be confirmed around the end of this story.
For now, it seemed satisfying enough to have discovered something even other veterans didn't know.
"Keke, I'm Zero. It seems you've mistaken me for someone else."
"Ah... Is, is that so. Ha, indeed, it couldn't be. Times have changed after all..."
The clown sank into thought for a moment. But his contemplation was indeed very brief.
He opened his mouth, a bright smile reaching his ears.
"Hello! I'm the clown! Did you come to get balloons?"
"Keke, despite appearances, I'm a student at the academy. Balloons are for children..."
A flinch.
It seemed like Luna shivered slightly... but it must be my imagination.
It has to be.
In this game, fifteen years old is considered adult. So, they wouldn't want a balloon.
Even someone child-like as Luna.
"Really? Then what brings you here?"
"Keke, I thought of playing with the children... Would that be alright?"
"Sure, go ahead! But, no wages for this part-time job~ Kihihi!"
The clown bent backwards with laughter.
It wasn't even a funny conversation, but such a reaction.
Indeed, he was worthy of being called 'The Mask of Madness'.
Rodelin, checking the surroundings for security, came into view.
She was quite a distance away, so our conversation must not have reached her.
"Senior, would it be alright to play with the children?"
"Hmm, it's different from our original plan, but it should be fine. Playing with children is as important as maintaining security."
"Keke, then I'll be counting on you for today."
Rodelin headed towards the clown. Then she took out a notebook and began to write something.
Did she see through the opponent's strength?
The clown switched to a bowing and scraping mode.
"Hmm... Are you operating with a permit?"
"Of, of course! Kihihi..."
Even the clown seemed intimidated by Rodelin's authority.
It was interesting to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Luna approached with a visibly annoyed expression.
"Hey, what are you trying to do now?"
"Keke, what do you mean?"
"I don't know how to play with kids. And why should I play with those brats?"
Well, it must be baffling for Luna.
She must have been tense thinking I was going to ask for something significant, only to find out it was about playing with children. But Luna had no choice but to agree to my request.
"This is exactly my request. Keke, there's a reason for everything I do."
"...This is?"
She nodded emphatically.
Living with the clown until sunset. That would grant the [Mimicry] skill.
This was the start of the hidden piece I was aiming for, a prerequisite.
"So, just by playing with the kids, you'll answer one of my questions?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Hmm... Can't help it then. Annoying, but no choice."
Luna scratched her head and headed towards where the clown was.
The moment our adventure (?) for the hidden piece began.
* * *
"Hmm! A very splendid drawing. I'd like to hang it in our academy."
"Look at my drawing! Look at mine too!"
"Wait a moment. You must learn to wait your turn to be a good child."
"Yes! Pretty sister!"
"Cough, cough..."
Although her manner of speaking was a bit stiff, Rodelin handled the children very skillfully.
Storytelling, teaching about proper conduct as a good child, and even drawing.
Her way of dealing with children was simply perfect.
A small fan club even formed around her.
And what about our Luna? Luna was...
"Hey! You guys! If you get caught, you're really dead!!"
"Kyaa! A monster is chasing us!"
"That's right, I am the monster! Kraaa!"
She was having a mock fight disguised as a game of tag with a group of children.
It means she was playing quite well with the kids.
'The problem is that she's become a child herself.'
Not only her mental age but even her way of speaking has regressed.
At this rate, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the kids were playing with Luna.
To an outsider, they might think they are friends playing together.
And what am I doing?
I am...
"Keke, now... here's a small ball. But if you squeeze it tightly in both hands..."
I spread my hands, which had been clenched, towards the front.
Surprisingly, there was nothing in my hands.
"Wow! The ball disappeared!"
"It's magic! He made the ball disappear with magic!"
"Wait, so my ball is gone?"
I didn't answer, just muttering 'keke' to myself.
The face of the child who had entrusted me with the ball turned gloomy.
"Just a moment... what's going on here?"
Something round popped in and out of my chest.
The children's attention was captured in an instant.
"Oh... the ball wants to return to its owner. You must have treated it very well."
I reached into my chest and pulled out the ball that the child had entrusted to me.
I handed it over along with one balloon.
"Keke, this is a gift. Please continue to cherish your friends."
"Yes! Thank you, magician!"
The child smiled so brightly.
A magic show utilizing the [Pocket Dimension] skill.
Even in a world where magic exists, magicians aren't that common, so it was enough to captivate the children's attention.
"Keke, I will perform again after a short break."
Then the children dispersed in all directions.
After a 5-minute performance, I took a 55-minute break.
A very excellent work-life balance, one might say.
It's only for today, but work-life balance is quite important.
If I don't consider break time...
"Huff... Huff... I'm dying. At this rate, they'll definitely pass the academy's entrance exam. Really, believe me, since I passed..."
Luna collapsed beside me, panting.
It was only natural since she had been running around non-stop since we started.
"I agree. How can they have such stamina and curiosity... I should suggest researching it. If it can be applied to the academy, we can expect significant progress."
These were Rodelin's words as she slumped down beside me.
Her usually neat ponytail was sticking out in several directions.
I wonder if she realizes her arm band's angle is drooping?
"Keke, just half a day more. Let's all keep our spirits up."
"Hey, aren't you going to give us something to eat? If you dragged us here, you should at least provide that."
"Keke..."
"What? Can't you hear me? I said I want food."
"Kekeke..."
"..."
Luna's eyes glared at me fiercely.
But there was nothing I could do.
Considering my position of having to buy stats from the [Shop Window], I couldn't afford to waste even a single penny.
I was already living on the meals provided by the academy.
Especially now, we were in a plaza with several ongoing events.
The price of snacks was at least twice as high as usual, not to mention the price of a meal.
But to buy food?
Absolutely not.
"I didn't even bring my wallet! Aren't you going to offer me food? What, shall I roast you and eat you?"
"Keke, Miss Luna. Cannibalism is prohibited in the empire. Isn't that right, senior?"
"It seems an exception might be applied right now. His Majesty the Emperor would probably agree."
"..."
Wait, is she really bringing the emperor into this?
Is this the same Rodelin I know, always so upright? My heart swells with awe.
I could feel fierce glares from both sides.
At this rate, they might really eat me.
What should I do? Should I go buy some cheap and filling potatoes?
Rodelin and Luna's faces were getting closer and closer.
Ah... I see. Potatoes won't fill them up, will they?
Then what about potatoes and sweet potatoes? Would that do?
Despite this, the two of them didn't stop.
It was when I was about to be completely squished between them.
"Hey, hey, everyone! Emergency! Big trouble! Kihihi!"
The clown, who had been away for a moment, reappeared.
His movements were somewhat exaggerated. However, it seemed like something really had happened.
"Keke, what's the matter? It doesn't seem like anything bigger than my current situation..."
"Guess what? The people who were supposed to perform in the play can't make it! Kihihi! Big trouble, big trouble!"
The play had fallen through.
This meant we had to fill in for that time.
There would be even less time for Rodelin and Luna to eat.
"..."
I didn't need to turn my head to know. I could tell their eyes were filled with rage.
They looked ready to tear me apart and get their meat if I didn't buy them something as expensive as meat.
"Kihihi! So, how about you guys step in and do the play?"
"Us, you say?"
"Yes, yes! It's a very simple play. You can improvise the lines. The props are all ready too. Kihihi!"
Yes, just prepare props for two, please.
I'm about to change species from human to meat, you see.
"Ah, really! Mr. Clown, isn't this too much? We're penniless but working hard, and now you want us to do a play...!"
"Kihihi... I'll give you food."
"Excuse me?"
"I said, I'll give you food. Kikik!"
Rodelin and Luna's gazes met in midair.
"Plays are known to enhance children's creativity and emotional development. It's an important task."
"Didn't I tell you? I've always dreamt of being a play actor."
Senior, is there really such a study in this era?
Luna, and wasn't your dream revenge?
"Kihihi! Great. Then we're all doing it?"
"Keke, I think I should be excused..."
"Kiki! No way. There's a perfect role for you."
A perfect role for me?
I didn't know what it was, but I became increasingly anxious.
* * *
"Princess! I have come!"
"Hero! Please save me!"
Rodelin, draped in a cape, was giving a passionate performance.
Luna, tied up with a rope, was doing the same.
It wasn't just their acting skills, but how well they fit together that surprised me.
In many ways, they were really amazing kids.
For reference, Rodelin was the hero, and Luna was the princess.
And me...
"Keke, have you finally arrived?"
Black wings spread out behind me.
Flimsy wings made of sturdy paper.
Yes. The role I was given was... the devil.
"Kuk... What tremendous magical energy!"
"Hero! Stay strong!"
The acting and lines were improvised. A typical third-rate story.
But since the acting was good, the children were thoroughly engrossed.
'Let's finish this quickly and eat.'
I wasn't sure anymore. Let's just get this over with.
"Keke, come at me!"
"Demon! Take my sword!"
"Keke, that won't do. With such crude swordsmanship, you can't defeat me."
Using the [Eye Opening] skill, the audience stirred.
The red glow hidden in my slit eyes.
Perfect for the climax.
The problem arose here. I made three mistakes.
The first was underestimating Rodelin's hunger, the second was my slip of the tongue.
And the third was...
Rodelin was too immersed in her role.
Her eyebrows twitched.
"Crude, you say... Insulting my family. Quite a bold devil."
Creak.
Rodelin pressed her wooden sword to the ground. Holding it at an angle.
Hmm? This motion seems familiar.
I soon remembered where I had seen it.
It was the same stance I had seen several times in the game.
"Wait, just a..."
But Rodelin's wooden sword had already moved.
That's right, it was.
The first secret technique of the Lucid family.
"Earth Flip!"
The stage floor began to turn over.
A word involuntarily escaped my mouth.
Fucking shit.
--TL Notes--
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