5 Where Art Thou, My Residence?

The old ringmaster cleared his throat, "I'm happy that you all are happy Layne joined us, but I have to inform you that the circus will temporarily cease its operations as I'm still recovering from sickness and there are quite a lot of things I need to do. Thus, you're dismissed for the time being, although you may still collect your payments. Happy holiday, and don't forget to do your expected chores." He ended.

Dorian the strongman, slackjawed, asked, "Really, ringmaster? We could have a holiday and still collect our pay?"

"Does it look like I'm lying?" the ringmaster replied back slyly.

Robert, Dorian, Doe-Ritter, and all circus members jumped with joy. It seemed they will go home tonight with a bounce in their steps. I have to acknowledge their happiness though, I don't want to brag, but Rivellon is a very beautiful city and you might find unexpected things here, it's part of the charm.

After the old ringmaster dismissed everyone, I'm faced with a very surprising conundrum, one that I wouldn't have thought of before coming here.

Sighing, and murmuring to myself, I whispered, as I tried to get the bonfire starting again, "It looks like I don't have a place to sleep in huh?"

To be honest, I kinda forgot that I was disowned, and even though it looked like I would be welcomed if I went back, that would be kinda embarrassing, don't you think?

Unbeknownst to myself, a voice answered my murmurs, she asked, "You don't have a place to sleep in?" while squatting next to the wooden crate I sat on.

Surprised, I let out an embarrassing yelp, "Since when were you there?" I asked confusedly. It had to be known that after I exited the tent, I went towards a secluded spot near the extinguished bonfire, and I didn't feel nor see any presence there. But here she was, Ciel in her full glory, squatting next to the bonfire I finally started.

She answered me, enjoying the fire's warmth, "I was following you since I got something to ask, but you seem out of it."

Ah, it seems I'm the one not attentive enough. I really need to get my act together huh, with the way I am now, I would've been stabbed to death by a group of goblins at least thirty times over. But, I'd have to say it's not entirely my fault. The atmosphere in this place is really warm and welcoming, almost wavering my decision to travel out.

"If you don't have anywhere to sleep in, might as well come with me," She suddenly decided.

Shaking my confused head, I asked, "E-excuse me? Do you know what you're talking about?"

She smirked slyly, looking a little bit like the old ringmaster, "What? You won't attack me in my sleep, will you?"

Blushing a bit at how front the lady in front of me was, I attacked back, "Of course I won't, but you won't suddenly sneak in will you?"

Her eyes widened at my confrontation before she suddenly laughed, saying, "You have a lot of courage teasing a lady like that, of course, I won't sneak in anywhere, it's my home. You'll have to sleep on the couch though." Dearest Ciel, your ears are tomato-red when you're saying that, you know? I said in my heart.

Still, I bowed deeply at her, saying, "All things considered, I still have yet to thank you. Thank you very much for trusting me as a replacement for the ringmaster, even though I only give you my introductions. Thank you again for lending me a place to sleep tonight."

After hearing my thanks, she smiled, this time genuinely, looking as if the Goddess Maria has descended from the sky.

"Let's go then, it's already late," She beckons.

The nightingales sang in the darkness of the night, heralding the coming of moonlight.

=======

The sun greeted me face-first with its light, interrupting my sweet slumber. Looking toward the bedroom inside the apartment, I could see Ciel still sleeping with a messed-up sleeping posture.

"What the heck is that, a snail? I said quietly while chuckling.

We had a good conversation last night, well mostly me telling her stories of Laincelot the Bard. The expectant look in her eyes when I was deep into my storytelling, and her subsequent pout when I said it was time to sleep, was a little cute. Scratch that, it was very cute, I won't take any compromise on that.

Well, she lent me her couch for sleeping, I think it's perfectly normal if I make breakfast for the two of us, as thanks.

With that in mind, I quietly went towards the door, at least that's what I've been planning, if not for this squeaky floor. But that let me see something that I thought I would've never seen again in this life. Reflexes akin to that of Barbarians from the northern plains of Balenorht which only Laincelot had seen and lived to tell the tale.

There's a knife-hand pointing at my throat and the still not-yet-awoken Ciel behind it. She sniffed the air, before groggily asking, "Why are you sneaking around?"

I cleared my throat, and made a declaration, "I'm not sneaking around, I thought that since you've let me sleep on your couch, I might as well make breakfast for the both of us."

Hearing the word breakfast, her unfocused eyes gradually sharpened. She asked, "You can cook? I always ate in the restaurant across the street."

"As a matter of fact, I could, and it might be the most delectable food your tongue has ever tasted," I replied, as a matter of factly.

Adding in, I asked her, "Do you have anything you want to eat for breakfast?"

Her impish grin surfaced, "I dunno, what do you think?" She asked.

"Alright then, let's go for roast sausage drenched with cheese, with baked beans," I decided.

Her eyes brightened, imagining the food that will grace her table. She beckoned at me impatiently, saying, "Let's go to the market then, I can't wait."

=======

In front of the market stall, there was a couple bickering. The man insisted he will pay for the ingredients, while the lady won't relent on paying for it all since the man will cook the food.

What a pointless argument, the grocer, mused. Though, if he was forced to observe this bickering couple any longer, he would be sick of sweetness overdose, that's why he's thinking of a way to defuse the situation.

He finally said, siding with the lady, "Sir, you can let your wife pay for the food since you'll be cooking for her anyways."

The couple looked at him rigidly, loudly saying, "We only met yesterday!" Before starting to argue again. It was only after a while did the lady gives up and accepted the man paying for her.

After the couple left, the grocer could see them laughing and conversing happily together. He stated in his heart, "Just marry already".

=======

The guy I invited yesterday to temporarily take on the role of ringmaster and who I also invited into my home, was in front of me, busying himself in the kitchen. We did nothing bad of course, as both of us were of the same mind that purity until marriage was the right thing. I, for one, never think of doing anything bad with him. We only conversed, or rather, he's the one talking and telling me stories.

To be honest, I never had the intention of bringing him home with me, but that innocent expression of his, in contrast to his charming showmanship and confidence the night before, tugged at my heartstrings, and before I knew it, I invited him to sleep on my couch.

Indeed, he said he could cook, but I never would've thought his expertise was of such a degree. The perfectly roasted sausage, he char-roasted over the fire, coated with melted cheese, along with the baked beans, was really tasty. Although such food would never be served inside a restaurant, it was perfect for travelling, camping food so to say.

Truly, I can't get over the softly charred cheese, with the hearty sausage, in every bite. This is the best breakfast I've ever had.

"How is it?" He asked fidgetingly.

I mouthfully replied, "The greatest I've ever had," to which he smiled sheepishly.

After breakfast ended, he excused himself, saying he was going to find a residence. I thought to myself, since the circus won't have any show for the time being, might as well help him find a place to live.

"I'll join you," I said, as matter of factly.

He looked at me questioningly, before sighing, and said, "Thanks for your help."

Time for house-hunting.