The Freak Show Foreman

Bouvalle, in a strong tone, conveyed that the performance had ended to some stubborn guests who were still holding on to the dancers and throwing tips.

Among them, there were even some well-known dignitaries who were known for their quiet demeanor. The impression left by the welcoming extravaganza of the Rose Windmill was powerful enough to make even such individuals feel excited.

It took quite some time for the guests to find their seats and even more time to sit quietly in their seats.

On the other hand, there were places where people still suspected that the memorial service had not yet ended.

The far end of the step seat overlooking the stage in Hall 1.

The two girls sitting there had displayed excellent manners as spectators throughout the performance.

They sat quietly, not disturbing the enjoyment of others, which was appropriate for viewing.

However, according to cabaret etiquette, they had become the most impolite spectators.

Ella was ready to prove at any moment that she was the most polite person here. If it weren’t for her current situation, she would have jumped out of the window and run to the front of the stage immediately.

That’s how much power this stage had to make people’s hearts race.

Today, she had learned why people often called Yug Maroine "the director." He wasn’t just a stubborn and obstinate old man. He complained about the industry’s obsession with the commercial and profitability of performances, but his eyes for watching performances were keen.

Otherwise, at his age, he wouldn’t be able to direct a stage like this.

The last stage of his youngest days, dedicated to his final years.

She, too, wanted to enjoy the excitement of that place firsthand.

But she couldn’t.

The reason they were allowed to enter here today was because the theatrepeople they had become friends with had accommodated them. If they were noticed by people outside the theatre, it could have caused controversy. They might accuse him of showing favouritism to a specific circus troupe before the competition even started.

That was something she couldn’t do, not only for the circus troupe but also for the people in the theatre who had shown them kindness.

They could still enjoy the performance here.

The space on the step seat didn’t necessarily have to be quiet.

They could dance and sing as much as they wanted.

The problem was that there was no one to enjoy it with.

The people on the Rose Windmill side left their seats and went out to do their own work once the opening ceremony began.

The only ones left here were Ella and Maya.

And Maya was definitely not the type to get carried away.

Despite Ella’s repeated attempts to persuade her, she coldly refused.

After all, enjoying dancing and singing was more fun when done with others.

Creating a ruckus alone in a quiet space was nothing more than a rural farce.

Even Ella, who had lost her energy, eventually gave up and stared out of the window in a daze.

The clanging of the Rose Windmill was enjoyable just to see and hear.

But the intention of the planner was to have people sing along and dance together with the performance. That’s how the enjoyment was designed to be truly experienced.

"If this is the case, why did she even come to the opening ceremony?"

Maya’s disappointment at not being able to attend the opening ceremony was much greater than expected.

But now that she was at the opening ceremony, she didn’t even try to enjoy the performance.

Just sitting quietly…

This was similar to the reason why Ella disliked magic so much.

She believed that real performances were about interacting with the stage and feeling the atmosphere on the spot.

Watching a video prepared by a magician was not fun at all.

"I guess we’re just not a good match."

Ella didn’t think that even if they spent not just two but twenty years together, she could become friends with Maya.

However, as the performance neared its end,

At first, Ella was sulking because she couldn’t enjoy the stage and was ignoring Maya. However, she later noticed sadness and anger in Maya’s expression.

Until she entered here, she had been filled with anticipation.

Suddenly, sadness and anger, she thought.

Ella could only think of one reason.

"Was it that shocking?"

No matter how you look at it, there was something going on between Wonderstein and Anais behind closed doors.

If Maya’s observations were accurate, there had definitely been some intimate physical contact.

Ella could imagine Wonderstein holding Anais with tears in her eyes, and his characteristic confident smile as he pressed himself against her.

Both of them would have been undressed.

Anais’s slender body and Wonderstein’s toned and well-built body overlapping…

Ella suddenly felt her face getting hot.

She shook her head.

The little Chick on her shoulder looked at his owner and giggled.

"What do you know? They’re both adults."

Sponsors and artists getting along with each other in this industry are not uncommon.

Actually, that’s right.

People with a lot of money are thirsty for entertainment, and artists are in need of money, so they often pair up.

It’s a common thing.

But when did those two reach that stage?

They used to hang out together quite often, but…

Did they really go that far even in a hotel?

If that’s the case, the dating rumors are not lies but the truth.

I hope they don’t make it official.

Fortunately, her blushing will be hidden.

That aside, this guy acts all indifferent, but he does everything!

Hmph. Some people assign tasks and then fool around with women.

He said he’d give his all for the Circus Grand Prix, but all he does is talk.

Wait a minute.

If that devil really enjoyed physical intimacy with someone, did he hire Maya for that purpose?

Because she’s pretty, I guess.

No, he hasn’t touched the members so far.

And there’s no way he’d touch a girl with a more than 10-year age difference.

Just looking at how he hasn’t bothered her…

Hey, I’m pretty too.

In fact, isn’t that true?

Ahem.

Or…

Is it just that my face doesn’t catch his eye?

If I think about it that way, it makes me mad.

She thought of Wonderstein, who was playfully smiling at her.

Certainly, he had a ridiculously handsome face.

"With looks like that, he should have no trouble finding a date…"

"…"

"…"

"Eek!"

Ella shouted as she suddenly jumped up from her seat.

The mouse that had been sitting on her shoulder was startled and slipped off.

Luckily, Chick managed to cling to Ella’s shoulder with his tiny paws and didn’t fall to the ground, but he voiced his protest with an angry squeak.

Maya, with a slightly furrowed brow, looked at her and asked, "What’s wrong?"

"No! Nothing! Don’t ask! Don’t ask!" Ella whimpered, clutching her head and repeating her distress.

Then, Ella suddenly lifted her head and pulled five daggers from her pouch.

She began throwing them towards the wooden wall in a swift motion.

The daggers easily embedded themselves into the wall, one after the other, almost like solving a puzzle.

Throwing all five daggers in quick succession, Ella let out a sigh of relief.

She then spread her arms wide towards the only audience member in the room and flashed a smile.

"Ta-da! The art of dagger throwing! What do you think?"

Seeing her perform like this, Maya couldn’t help but think to herself.

She’s not just a regular performer in the circus.

She must be really passionate about it.

"I’m sorry I couldn’t enjoy it with you," Maya replied.

Maya had her own way of living her life when it came to magic and performance, and she didn’t intend to follow someone else’s style. But she understood that in the performance arena, it was customary to join in the fun, laugh, and enjoy together. She knew how much the assistant ringmaster loved the performances.

For some reason, she felt sorry for interfering and dampening the mood by following her own path.

Ella was taken aback by Maya’s unexpected apology. "Uh, well, it’s fine. You don’t have to apologize. Not everyone likes to take the spotlight. Besides, even if you didn’t came along, I couldn’t enjoy it alone…"

Ella quickly changed the subject, searching for a new topic. She didn’t want to dwell on the reason for her impulsive actions.

"Anyway, why are you feeling upset?"

"Did I really look like that?"

"Yeah. It’s only been a few days, but I’ve gotten pretty good at reading your expressions."

Maya was slightly surprised. Even among her academy friends, there were very few who had reached this level.

"Was it because of what happened earlier?"

"Yeah."

Ella’s sharp observation skills surprised Maya once again.

Was she someone who could express her feelings so openly?

Admitting openly that she liked Wonderstein was quite unexpected.

"The Black Magician."

However, the name that came out of Maya’s mouth was completely different.

Only then did Ella realize her momentary confusion.

"My mother was also an illusionist. Did you know about the Veiled Circus?"

"I do."

"The place where the Ringmaster of Illusion Magic, Veil Arno, is in charge.

It’s not Ella’s favorite circus troupe, but she had heard their skills are top-notch.

"That’s impressive…."

Ella was about to exclaim in admiration, but she soon closed her mouth.

The Black Magician.

The fact that she mentioned it means there’s a backstory to it.

Tragedy that occurred during the 2nd Circus Grand Prix.

"My mother gave birth to me and shortly afterward had to rush to the Hippodrome for some urgent business. And… she had an accident there."

"I see…."

Maya took a small metal disc in the shape of a donut, no bigger than a baby’s palm, from her pocket.

Ella knew what it was.

It was a memory disk that Illusion Magicians used to store their memories.

"They found my mother’s body at the accident scene, and she was clutching this."

Maya flipped over the memory disk and showed the writing on it.

"To my beloved daughter."

"I want to see what message my mother left. Using my Illusion Magic, directly. But I struggled to learn ordinary Illusion Magic. That’s when the Grand Master helped me."

"I see."

Ella reflected on herself for the past few days.

She had treated this girl, who had come chasing after her just because of Wonderstein, with such indifference.

"So, I wanted to participate in the Grand Prix. I wanted to come to the opening ceremony and enjoy the performance together. I’m sorry we couldn’t."

"No, it’s okay…."

Ella gave a sheepish smile and scratched her head.

"And the dagger throw, that was because of that, right? You couldn’t bear it because you were feeling uncomfortable."

"Don’t turn people into circus perverts."

Maya shook her head playfully.

"But why did you scream?"

"Please don’t ask me that…."

Ella sighed again while covering her head.

Maya, as if she couldn’t understand, tilted her head slightly and looked out the window.

Just then, the person she had been waiting for downstairs was coming down the stairs.

"It’s the Ringmaster."

"It looks like they’re going to have the swearing-in ceremony and introduce the sponsors."

Ella didn’t raise her head.

She didn’t want to see his face, as she thought it might bring back the memories from earlier.

But Maya’s voice changed.

It was a bit more serious.

"No."

"Huh?"

"Police."

Ella raised her head.

Wonderstein and Anais Vergsong, coming down the stairs.

They were surrounded by police officers in blue uniforms.

Wonderstein and Lady Vergsong were followed by Porsche Grape.

The police officers were surrounding them.