2 The Magnificent Circus

Walking out of my father's office, I somewhat felt free, both from responsibilities and duties. Although I won't have the joys of being a noble, that's a sacrifice I'm very willing to make.

"Boy oh boy, the price of freedom sure is steep." I murmured.

"Where are you going?" A stern voice called me back from my musing.

Following that voice, I met my gaze with my 3rd elder sister's. Her short curly hair with the colour of a deep red sunset caught my eye. Her green eyes made me remember our father's and her hair came from her mother, the 2nd concubine of our father, Ristina Carter.

Answering her question, I said, "Outside, beyond the Manor. I'm trying to live freely. Although I still don't know whether I should travel to other cities or not."

"Oh." She said curtly.

She then pulls out a pouch from her hem and throws it at me, saying, "Here. Spending money. When it's used up, remember to ask for more."

Feeling a bit baffled, I took a look inside the pouch. Inside was enough money for a commoner to live lavishly for at least five years. I think something strange is afoot. From what I've seen, it appears that I'm not really hated. More like they're somewhat anxious about me going outside of the Manor. Starting with Alfred who asked me questions about the future, father who seemed happy with my answers, and finally, elder sister Sarah who gave me spending money.

If I'm truly unwanted, they won't really care that much about me. Where I am, and what I'll do, are not of their concern. But I feel and would like to think, that their concern was very real. Which made it somewhat strange and mysterious. Still, I will go outside, to where my dream lies, and I hoped to find the answer to all mysteries plaguing me.

Feeling the sharp gaze of my elder sister, I quickly said my thanks, before she finally went towards the training grounds, with a stern face, and a little bit of bounce in her steps.

After that, there wasn't any interruption to my stride, as I finally came face to face with the great gate of the Carter's and its two guards.

"You're finally here Young Master. We've been instructed to let you through." the left guard said warmly.

"Have a great day, and may the Goddess Maria light your path to glory!" the right guard greeted, as the gate slowly closed behind me.

The fresh air of Rivellon greeted me with its gentle breeze.

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Making my way from the Eight Path district where the Carter Manor stood, I went eastward, towards the Six Ridges, the market district of the city. The paved cobblestone roads helped my footing, unlike the time when I was a wandering bard. The buildings outside the manor seem quite gothic and reminiscent of the "Victorian" style, although I do not know where I got that word. Perhaps it was part of my past self's memories.

Pedestrians are everywhere while horse carriages littered the roads. There was also some nobility in cars, the new invention, an autonomous carriage which I can't really see getting popular since there are horses everywhere.

Arriving at Six Ridges, I was immediately greeted by the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. There were vendors everywhere selling their goods, and customers who haggled the prices. It was vibrant and colourful, full of life and hope. A good city, I thought.

Past the crowds of vendors and customers, was the town plaza. It was clean and there were many artists who busked or perform their acts there. Near the centrepiece of the plaza, the Fountain of Rivellon was a gigantic tent coloured with stripes of red and white. A circus.

As I was gazing at the sheer size of it, I heard snippets of arguments, about how the circus can't perform because the ringmaster was sick. A good opportunity to sell my skills. Although I was not lacking in money whatsoever, I desperately needed connections that could help me travel around to collect tales and myths of old. Not only the Circus could help me for that matter, but it would also give me a place to train and express my talents and inspirations.

Scooting over to where the argument is, I locked eyes, albeit for a moment, with the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Her complexion was ruddy, and her flame-coloured eyes shined brightly even under the light of the sun. Beyond that, her body was lean and fit, and if you look closely, you could see the soft contour of her muscles that increases her feminine charm. Her honey-coloured skin matches well with her casual wear, which allured passersby to do a triple take.

It was unbecoming of me to drool over a beauty. I shall immediately go towards her. Mayhaps my expertise will help her this one time, while I could gain a connection with the Circus.

"Hello, and good morning." I greeted the lady and the tall strongman beside her.

They looked at me warily before returning my greetings.

"I by chance overheard the argument the two of you were having. And I am here to sell my skills." I started my performance.

"Voilà! Behold, a humble Lord, cast vicariously as a layman, fell from grace, living freely from lecture to lecture. This look, no mere layer of swagger, is a legacy of the legendary legend, now forsaken, squandered. However, this valourous visitation, laced and laden with machinations, shall be liberated with solicitude for the lovely Lorelei. This labyrinthe of locution indeed appears most loquacious, so let me simply add that it's my very good honour to meet both you and you may call me Layne."

Both the beauty and the strongman were dazed at my dazzling and verbose introduction. After a while passed, I added, "How is it? I believe I could help you out at least this one time if I were to know the acts and timeline of the show."

The beauty's eyes were shining brightly, she excitedly replied after taking my hand and leading me towards the giant tent, "You do might come in handy, let's go to the Circus and I will tell you about all of our acts after asking the ringmaster for permission. Oh, and you can call me Ciel. Welcome to Cirque du Ciel, my grandfather is the ringmaster."