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]
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Wow! (SUN)
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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.