Chapter 136: Black and Gold – 7
Some of the acrobats wore confident smiles, while others wore sour expressions.
The former would likely be members strategically sent out, while the latter would be members sent out due to their lack of skill.
Still, both had to do their best in the audition; the former to secure the circuss priority in selection, and the latter to be selected again somewhere else.
Silk Circus!
From the group in the corner of the auditorium, a young woman in a hooded robe emerged.
Although their philosophy was that extraversion was fake, she was an exception. While she wore the hood, it only barely covered her shoulders.
Underneath the cloak, she revealed a slim waist as she rolled a fist-sized crystal bead in her hand, walking towards the group of candidates.
Hehehe, so the Silk Circus is here too. I remember seeing that lady once.
As Sven chuckled, Yurakne recalled something she had read in a magazine.
I heard shes a newcomer. I remember seeing her in an interview featured in a magazine Shes the one who came up with that subliminal thing, right?
Hahaha, I remember. Wasnt she from a fortune teller background?
Thanks to the circus magazine featuring updates from various preliminary rounds, participants could easily gather information about their competitors.
They had also heard through the magazine that the Silk Circus had once failed in Lekacheps audition.
Ella had mentioned that Silk would be retaking the audition with them in October.
The announcer called out the names of the circus troupes one by one.
While he tried not to show favoritism in his proceedings, his voice unintentionally rose as he prepared to announce the next name.
Golden Carnival!
All eyes in the room shifted to one place.
There stood a group of people who remained unruffled despite the thousands of eyes upon them.
Their calmness emanated from their acclaimed skills, often referred to as the best dream team.
Lord Fantastic, the leader, turned to his daughter and said, Reyna, I believe in you.
For the first time, a warm smile adorned Simon Maguires lips.
To an outsider, it might have seemed like a father cheering on his child with pure sincerity.
However, Reyna knew better.
That smile was as fake as it could be.
His words of I believe in you were no different from a gunmans words to his gun.
Reyna despised herself for being swayed by his warm words.
But she hated herself even more for craving it.
She tightened her grip on the whip in her hand.
Yes, Father. I will do my best.
With the whip swinging at her waist, she stepped forward, unfazed by the thousands of eyes upon her.
Her turbulent emotions remained concealed, her outward demeanor exuding flawless confidence.
Her shimmering long blonde hair.
A towering height and well-built figure reminiscent of a model.
Add to that, fair skin and a beautiful face.
It was evident to everyone that what was once called Lord Fantastics masterpiece wasnt merely a result of his enthusiasm.
The chorus of admiration from the crowd made Reyna sneer inwardly.
A well-made product indeed.
Everything she had cultivated and achieved was all orchestrated by her father for profit.
From her smile and speech to even the clothes she wore, everything was manufactured through his discipline and verbal abuse.
Last night, she had to endure correction at his hands once again.
Her father hadnt been this severe before.
Of course, when she was younger, he had verged on abuse, but once she had gained some proficiency, he would only chastise her lightly a couple of times a week.
However, as he leaped into the grand arena of the Circus Grand Prix, his nerves sharpened progressively.
Since coming to this city, where he tasted defeat, his edginess peaked, pouring out icy daggers whenever she made even a small mistake.
Sge had long discarded hope that things would improve if she did well.
She was destined to live like this forever.
All she wanted was not something big.
She just wanted a normal father who would praise her for her efforts, comfort her when she was tired.
Suddenly, she remembered the two people she had seen from the terrace a few days ago.
Although they were passing strangers, they strangely kept coming to mind.
She recalled the warm laughter of the man.
She remembered the girls overflowing affectionate chatter.
She was envious.
Get rid of it! Such childish antics. You are the daughter of Lord Fantastic. Not even a slight gap is allowed.
She reassured herself by murmuring the words her father had almost indoctrinated into her mind.
Wonderstein smiled as he watched her come out onto the stage.
Reyna Maguire.
It had been a long time indeed.
She was one of the supporting characters in TTT.
And she was the only supporter to appear consistently throughout the trilogy.
In TT1, she appeared as a nuisance, screaming in confusion amidst the monster attacks.
In TT2, she progressed a bit, acting a bit more sassy but still serving as a reliable ally.
In TT3, she filled in Mayas shortcomings and came out as a friend, sharing her friendship.
Her first impression was of an irritable and unstable baggage, but as the series progressed, she showed an increasingly mature side.
Those who initially disliked her for being annoying ended up becoming her fans after finishing the trilogy.
Reyna of the Golden Carnival.
Maya of the Silver Veil Circus.
The two were beloved by fans, referred to as Gold and Silver.
Wonderstein felt both gladness and apprehension.
She was even younger than the Reyna who had completely collapsed mentally in TT1.
The past descriptions of her unfolded one by one as the subsequent series progressed.
How unstable could her ego be behind that seemingly perfect expression?
Reyna Maguire? Is she famous? She seems very popular.
Except for Ella, the other members were ignorant of the circus industry.
In response to Yuraknes question, Wonderstein smiled pleasantly and said, Shes 17 this year. A prodigy with no rivals among her peers. A promising acrobat for the future.
Everyone nodded in agreement with his words, except for one who objected.
What did you say? No rivals among her peers?
Ella widened her eyes and glared at him.
She was not so arrogant as to claim there was no one better than her in the world.
However, it was hard for her to tolerate Wonderstein praising another acrobat of the same age in front of her.
He realized she was starting to look fierce and added hastily, Its not my opinion, its just the setting I mean, thats how the world sees it.
I dont care about what the world thinks. What matters is how you see it. Youve never said such things to me! Damn it hurting my pride
Ella remembered another incident from her childhood.
The protagonist, who had been pushed aside and stood in the corner looking pathetic after losing her partner actress to a wealthy sponsor, was her.
The shocking scene she witnessed when she was young still lingered vividly in her mind.
This man was her partner.
He was the one she chose as her partner.
She couldnt give up her seat to anyone else.
As Wonderstein pondered how to calm the situation, the voice calling out to them from the stage interrupted.
Wonderstein Circus!
The emcee called out to them from the stage.
According to the original plan, Ella was supposed to leave here.
However, she seemed to have no intention of moving until she heard a definite answer from Wonderstein, staring at him as if challenging him.
As he hurried to reassure her, Sven shouted loudly from behind.
Ella is fired!
Ella, momentarily taken aback by his sudden action, soon glared at him.
What on earth are you doing, you skeleton-inspired troublemaker!
Hehe, why not prove whos better, right, Assistant Director?
What?
Ellas eyebrows furrowed.
Whats with the Golden Libra? We think youre the best. Go out there and show them what youve got. And then come back and tell the Director that Ella Yang is the best!
She then jumped up and dashed forward.
Sven chuckled amusedly, and Wonderstein nodded as if he couldnt stop her.
Is Reyna that amazing? Maya, who had never shown any interest in the circus industry, asked.
She was the one who knew how exceptional the Assistant Director was from watching her closely.
It was unimaginable for her to lose to someone in acrobatics.
And to someone of the same age.
Of course. Im looking forward to her future. Shell mature even more in about seven years Hoho.
Wonderstein said so, smiling as he glanced at Reyna.
Maya turned her head in disappointment.
Her mentor was someone to be admired, but not when it came to women.
That was clear from what she had witnessed.
But now he was giggling while looking at a girl from another circus troupe.
Why dont you show any interest in me?
Mayas mind stopped for a moment.
Wonderstein looked at her blankly, not knowing what to think.
Maya Rendekub, what are you thinking?
The entrance exam is about to start soon, you know?
Wonderstein suddenly laughed as if she was angry, puzzled by her sudden departure.
Gascon, standing behind him, tried hard to suppress his laughter.
The members adored the Director as if worshipping him.
There was no interference of any authority.
It was just pure gratitude and respect being expressed.
He thought his disciple was overflowing with talent.
A wandering acrobats career couldnt last forever.
Once you meet someone you love and start a family, you naturally find a place to settle down.
Those who cultivate plants need to settle somewhere.
Otherwise, the act of cultivating plants itself doesnt hold.
The problem was Ella, who never left his side for a moment.
The goal was to rid him of that thorn in his side.
Strategically speaking, it would be best to push forward a rival for her.
Anais was difficult. She was too far away.
Maya was also difficult. She lacked initiative.
The most viable contender was Yurakne.
Thanks to thirty years in the political hub, Gascon was sharp.
He noticed that Wonderstein was gradually leaning on her emotionally.
She knew how to care for people.
Men tend to get tired of those who get jealous for no reason.
But she knew how to wisely care for a man.
Gascon looked at the two sitting side by side.
Indeed, it would be best to leave them alone.
Ahem, look here. Mister Skeleton. Would you mind stepping outside with me for a moment?
Gascon tried to clear the space for the two of them.
But the skeleton clown he called looked at him with a smirk.
There was a strange suspicion mixed in with his always cheerful voice.
Excuse me, but how old are you, Mr. Gascon?
His question made Gascon feel uneasy.
His words made Gascon swallow hard.
There was no need to suddenly raise his voice like this.
But there was a subtle sense of respect in Svens tone that made him keep his manners.
The skeleton clown burst into laughter at his hesitation.
When he said it seriously, Gascon found himself responding in kind without realizing it.