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Ch. 2: The Goal of the Journey

 

Clown: "3 more…just 3 more people."

 

3 people…?

 

At his words, my eyes clouded and…

 

Clown: "In my country, everyone in the royal family goes on a training journey. We just make 100 working people smile. Once I finish, I’ll be recognized as a royal."

 

OO: "100 people…!?"

 

My eyes rounded in surprise, and with a wink, Clown flashed me a smile as bright as the sun.

 

Clown: "Haha, but there’s no need to fret! I only had three more people to get before I was attacked by the yumekui. And now thanks to you, I’m awake!"

 

OO: "…!!"

 

He gently kissed the back of my hand.

 

His lips were soft, and I felt my heart speed up.

 

Clown: "Would you like to come with me…on my journey to deliver smiles?"

 

It was as if his eyes were casting a spell on me, and I nodded.

 

Clown: "Then let’s be off!"

 

OO: "…!"

 

He suddenly lifted me up off the ground and into his arms.

 

Clown: "Ah yes, you are a lady as light as silk, Cute, and beautiful, and with a lovely fragrance."

 

OO: "C-Clown…"

 

His nose twitched as he moved closer, and I could smell the sweet scent of cosmetics on him.

 

What an odd smell…

 

From my slightly elevated position, I could see him up close.

 

My whole body filled with excitement and curiosity.

 

We went down the main road and arrived at a small village. Once there, I heard a baby crying.

 

Clown: "It seems there is a client here for me to deliver a smile to."

 

OO: "Eh…?"

 

Clown was looking at a flustered mother with a baby clinging to her chest.

 

Mother: "Aah, oh dear, she just won’t stop crying."

 

Clown: "Dear lady, please leave this to me, Clown."

 

Mother: "You’re a clown?"

 

The mother gaped at Clown’s ridiculous get-up

 

Clown: "Now, it’s showtime!"

 

OO: "…wow!"

 

Clown looked at the baby and pulled a stuffed animal out of thin air.

 

Then the plush toy began to move on its own, and a variety of colorful flowers sprung forth in front of the baby.

 

Baby: "Fue…? Kyakya!"

 

Mother: "Oh my! Just a moment ago I couldn’t get her to stop crying."

 

As I watched, the baby’s face lit up with a huge smile, even though it had just been drenched in tears.

 

The mother also smiled in thanks, and as I watched her happily walk away, I…

 

[CHOICE]

  • Wow! (SUN)

  • How did you do that? (MOON)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clown: "Of course, how I did it is a secret."

 

His roguish smile made my heart leap in my chest.

OO: "Wow!"

 

I clapped and looked at Clown, who seemed a little embarrassed as he took off his silk hat and hid his mouth.

Clown: "Haha, I’m just getting started."

OO: "How did you do that just now?" 

 

Clown: "A simple illusion."

 

I peered interestedly at his hands, then in a flash, the stuffed animal disappeared. 

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