Chapter 137: Black and Gold – 8
Yurakne quickly moved to the seat next to Wonderstein.
Before the two old men left, they clenched their fists towards her.
It was a clear show of support.
She suppressed the laughter trying to come out with both arms covering her mouth.
Uhuhu, I didnt expect it at all Thank you, thank you.
Her arms attached to her back and waist tried to flutter with joy.
She barely suppressed it and said,
But did you know Sven was over 90? Ive heard hes old Have I been abusing the elderly by hitting him so much?
Wonderstein looked at her like a child and burst into laughter.
Hahaha, well, dont believe the clowns words too much. It could just be a joke.
Name: Sven
Age: 59
Favorability: 20 (Next reward: Favorability 30)
Title: Skull Clown
Occupation: Clown
Trait: Inspira-Clowns Falsehood
Target: Svens Audience
Effect: The target exerts a weak hypnotic effect on people other than the members. The effect is nullified if used while laughing.
Requirements: Svens Favourability x15
Three weeks ago, thanks to the promise to help the members, their favourability all exceeded 15.
Sven received Inspira at that time.
Clowns were different from acrobats.
While acrobats were admired for their success, clowns received applause for their failures.
Perhaps thats why the blessings they received were somewhat twisted.
Just looking at Svens Inspira was enough to tell.
He had never deceived the audience with lies.
Instead, he seemed to enjoy telling obviously false lies to elicit reactions like Does that make any sense?.
Perhaps because of that.
By lying, he ended up receiving the blessings that people believe his lies.
Even Gascon, who didnt lose in verbal sparring with Ella, was completely drawn into his lies; whenever he spoke without a hint of laughter, Gascon nodded absentmindedly.
It seemed very effective for light jokes.
That aside, its been a while. Being alone with the leader.
Yurakne naturally pulled his arm and linked arms.
If it was Ella, Wonderstein might have felt discomfort and awkwardness.
It wouldnt have been different with Anais.
And might have pushed Maya away.
But Yurakne pulled off this approach as if it was a natural rhythm.
Her smile and gaze, though somewhat hesitant, seemed to make it impossible for the other party to push her away, but rather to embrace her more.
This was why Gascon rated her so highly.
The tactics of a woman who once got hold of a man and even led him to marriage.
It was something the other three didnt have.
Ive been busy too, you know. I shouldve given Gascon a break now and then. In Luz, I made sure to have tea with you once a day
Wonderstein said regretfully.
Yurakne, expecting this, took out something from her bag.
Ta-da! I knew it so I brought tea! Surprised?
What she held out was a red thermos.
What Anais had given her was split in two by the Grim Reapers scythe.
So he hadnt been able to drink tea for a while.
Even after arriving at the villa, he had barely managed to have a cup when it coincided with her time.
He was such a tea lover
Yurakne heard that he hadnt asked Anais for a new thermos.
It seemed a bit shameless to demand a thermos for tea while a healer was requested because Ella was ill.
She had been saddened by the sight of him carrying around the thermos that Yasaku had given him every day.
Whats inside is my tea!
Should I shout that out loud, to the point of impulse?
Yurakne heard that he didnt ask Anais for a new thermos.
It seemed a bit shameless to demand a thermos when requesting a healer for Ella.
She had been saddened to see him carrying the thermos he had been given by Lady Vergsong every day.
Whats inside is my tea!
Should she shout like that, it was almost an impulsive urge.
But here was the opportunity.
Wanderstein accepted the thermos she handed over with a welcoming smile.
He missed having tea these days because he got used to it when completing the quest.
Drinking it made him feel relaxed.
She didnt know that he could overcome the crisis thanks to the tea she brewed.
I know youve been holding back for my sake all this time. But I do have time to make a cup of tea for the Director. Please feel free to ask anytime.
The villa they were staying at belonged to a nobleman with ties to Anais.
The villa had caretakers, security guards, and servants, but they had all been given vacations and sent away.
They were employees of the nobility.
They were different from the staff of a first-class hotel.
They couldnt hide their contempt and hatred for the members of the Monster Circus.
So Yurakne personally prepared meals for the members and cleaned the mansion.
The ratmen helped, but it was not easy to train for exams and do physical training at the same time.
Im fine. The Director is also busy with Ellas affairs And making such a promise to us.
Promise.
Wandersteins hand, which was carrying the cup to his mouth, stopped at the word.
Can we really get out of this body?
Well have to try.
As a habit, Wanderstein checked the quest notification window again.
The member quest still didnt appear.
Kirku still judged the members wish as impossible.
Oh, its not that I dont believe in your abilities! But I just think its okay to stay like this.
Wanderstein recalled that she had only passively responded when he had said he would heal their bodies. Was it because of her calmness or simply because she didnt want it?
Miss Yurakne, are you feeling better now?
Oh, no. I want to be as normal as possible But if there are side effects to the treatment
Side effects?
Her tone in her last words was different from before.
There was a sharp yet somewhat poignant emotion in it.
She bit her lip and clenched it.
Her story could be helpful information for the treatment research he was conducting.
But he couldnt bring up that story.
It contained memories that were too painful for her, ones she didnt want to reveal to anyone.
That was when it happened.
The timing was good, the sound of a horn was heard.
Get out, get out!
No, really, were teenagers!
Yes! Really! Were 17 years old!
At the entrance to the hall, two men were grappling with the guards.
Yurakne looked at the two and made a puzzled sound.
Hey, those two
Its been a while.
The two men arguing with the guards were the comedy duo Allen and Jo that he had met in Luz.
They were urging to be allowed to take the entrance exam by bringing fake IDs claiming they were 17 years old.
Then at least show some sincerity by shaving off that tiny mustache!
No way! Dont you dare shave it off!
Im serious!
With a swift grab of their backs, Professor Yakovlev caught them and escorted them out.
Behind them, their companion, snake handler Suab, covered her face in embarrassment with her hands.
Thats unacceptable, you idiots.
During the brief commotion, all preparations for the exam were completed.
A man with a pale complexion, dressed in a black suit with a black cloak, stepped onto the stage.
Well then, lets begin the freshman selection exam! I am Professor Legault, in charge of supervising the exam.
Although similar to Wondersteins attire, he differed with a red-lined cloak and a red bow tie, and his coat was raised high.
With his appearance, the students also entered.
They each took their places in pairs in front of 100 equipment of 25 different kinds.
They were the assistant invigilators for todays exam.
The examinees, dressed in gym clothes and sneakers provided by the school, stood at the starting line.
Those who came purely for the exam wore turquoise gym clothes, while those from the circus wore pink gym clothes.
Regardless of the type of examinee, no one approached Reyna Maguires vicinity.
An aura that was untouchable emanated from her.
Then, a black-haired girl in pink gym clothes stood right next to her.
Reyna remained unfazed.
She had anticipated that someone would come to challenge her to some extent.
It didnt matter who it was.
She would just reveal her skills.
Reyna calmly glanced at the girl who stood before her with an imposing attitude.
Could you move aside?
Despite the intimidating demeanour, she didnt seem to falter, which indicated that she wasnt just any ordinary girl.
Why? Are you scared of being compared?
Reyna chuckled lightly and then averted her gaze from her.
Verbal sparring would only tarnish the dignity of a Golden Libra.
Showing her skills was enough.
Bang.
With the starting signal, the students poured into the auditorium.
Some dashed towards the equipment right in front of them.
Some strategically sought out equipment that suited them.
And some hesitated in the middle, observing the situation.
They came in all shapes and forms.
Reyna headed towards the equipment on the innermost side.
There was no other reason.
She was simply drawn to the side with fewer people at the moment.
Shes quite fast.
Reyna briefly glanced at Ella, who was sticking close to her.
Although Ella seemed smaller than her and was about 20 cm shorter, her leg muscles were unusually elastic. Her running posture and movements were perfect.
Reyna admired inwardly but was not surprised.
It was a competition among the worlds top circus troupes.
Having such talent was only natural.
Even so, no one could defeat her.
Surely there wouldnt be another newcomer like Charlie who deviated from the norm.
Reyna chose one of the equipment on the inside.
It had a mark indicating ground skills.
Ground skills required patience, perseverance, endurance, and stamina.
Such quick types might excel in tightrope walking, but they often showed weakness in ground skills.
Reyna intended to demonstrate the difference in skill to the girl who confronted her.
Measurement apparatus number 19. Self-Goal Keeper! Let me explain the rules.
The rules were simple.
It involved catching balls shot from a giant slingshot.
Zero points for failing to catch the ball or if any part of the body except the soles touched the ground.
Even if the ball was not blocked before the line drawn on the ground, it still resulted in zero points.
The score depended on how close to the line in front the ball was blocked.
Get out of the way! This isnt a sport for girls like you!
A rough-looking guy in pink gym clothes stepped forward.
He arrived panting almost at the end of the explanation and squeezed in front of Reyna and Ella.
Given his nervous gaze and hasty actions, he was clearly a member expelled due to skill.
There was no reason to refuse to show a demonstration.
Perhaps Ella thought the same as she allowed him to go first like Reyna did.
Hmph. Im fortunate its this kind of test. I lack a bit of finesse, thats all. Strength doesnt easily disappear.
The man put on gloves and stood on the X mark.
Twang.
The slingshot made of rubber and rubber stretched as if it might break.
The students turning the crank cast glances at the man, and he nodded in return.
The latch of the crank snapped open with a bang.
Simultaneously, the ball shot out like a bullet.
Even though he was expelled, he still had the skill to compete in the Circus Grand Prix.
He caught the ball with both hands without falling or missing.
He looked around.
People were staring at him in astonishment.
He chuckled and tossed the ball to the ground.
His palm was slightly grazed, and his thigh felt sore, but it was bearable.
Its nothing, Lekachep! If only my family was wealthy, I wouldve passed here when I was young.
However, his confident smile quickly faded.
Beep! Self-goal! 0 points! You crossed the line!
What?
Perplexed, the man looked at the ground.
From the X mark where he stood, a trail of rubber sole marks stretched out, clearly indicating that he had crossed the line despite being told not to.
Support TranslatorWrite ReviewJoin Discord
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦