Chapter 20

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."Cheêck out latest novels at novelhall.com

"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.

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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