Death March of The Circus

Chapter 3: Aurora City of Stars (Part II)

“How about you boy? Can you do some magic?”

“I’m not so sure if I can. As a matter of fact, I don’t know what my affinity is, at least if I have one.”

“That’s strange... I mean I haven’t encountered anyone who doesn’t have an affinity for magic. I don’t even think such people even exist. Did you hit your head with something? That’s a real problem if you did.” Those are reeeeally assuring words from the old man. At least as long as I assume that I am normal in any case I can blend in. However I’ve been dreadfully and terribly warned by those two about it. I will certainly have some trouble along the way but the intensity might be different or far worse than what I think it is.

Before I knew it, the cart finally stopped in front of an armory. This place is big and I can see a lot of people going in and out to buy some equipment. I guess this old man sells his products to various stores, although I haven’t asked what’s inside these boxes. It’s unlawful for me to question the man that helped me get here after all.

“Come on sonny! Let’s bring this inside that place.”

“Yup, let’s go.” I got off the cart and started picking up the boxes by pairs. From the weight, I have to say there are bottles inside or even vials which means I have to be extremely careful in making sure that these won’t break. After a few minutes, I was able to transfer everything with ease. As soon as I and the old man were done, a lady with fox ears from behind the counter came near us carrying a small bag. I assume it might be the payment for today’s delivery.

The woman has a brown fox tail, bun-tied hair, and fox ears that pop up at a 45 degree angle from the center of the top head. Her eyes are crystal blue, with her Caucasian face as gentle as the cool breeze. In terms of body structure, I can very well address that she is vivacious no matter which side I lay my eyes on. I know I sound like a creep but I’m not exaggerating when I say she is darn pretty.

The fox lady used some sort of monocle eyeglass to look at the products, I can see a faint glow on the spectacles as she carefully scans each box. I caught her having a glimpse of me, several circles could be seen on the glass as if I’m being assessed. Afterwards, she gave me a soft smile and continued talking with the old man.

I started looking around the place while the two of them are having some sort of chat. I can see some armors but all of them are for display only. I guess you need to have it ordered and then it is forged afterwards. After the quick glance, I can see that they appear to be done with their conversation. I went back to them to see the status of the exchange.

“Looks like all of them are in one piece.” 

“It sure is thanks to my new recruit.”

“I see, quite the handy man I presume? You are not from here are you?” The same question really does apply to people who have different clothing. 

“Uhm yes, I don’t know how to put it actually.” 

“Well, I won’t press on that matter any longer. However if you would like, you can stay here and work for us, that is if it is okay with you. Some odd individuals gave me a heads up regarding your arrival. Can't tell who as of now though,” She said followed by a wink that almost made me fall to the floor.

“Oh no its fine Esmeralda. Besides, I just came across him when I was on my way so he should be the one to decide that.” Both of them looked at me waiting for my response.

“I guess I can, as long as I know what I’m supposed to do.” With both of their eyes looking at me like that how can I possibly say no? I'm also curious about the individuals she was referring to.

“What you will do is just a simple delivery task every day. You see, we deliver potions and other necessities to the magic school in this city. Compared to the other stores selling their products in this kingdom, we are still experimenting the market of it. It just so happens that I’ve been a longtime friend of Crane here which happens to be a specialist in making healing potions.” So crane is the name of this old guy.

“How bout you kid, I haven’t asked for your name yet?” Crane asked.

“Atroquine.” 

“Nice name, you certainly are a foreigner. It’s a pleasure meeting you sonny! Don’t worry, Esmeralda will take good care of you here, as long as you work hard for that!” There he goes again with the oversized comedy followed by a burst of laughter similar to Santa clause.

“When do I start then?” I asked Esmeralda

“You should probably change your clothes, you do stand out from it.”

“Oh, I see. I’m sorry to ask but do you have an extra pair?”

“Hmm I think I do. I’ll just have my daughter get it for you.” The old man said farewell and got back to his cart. I escorted him outside and got the payment for helping him with the delivery. He gave me 2 silver coins for my labor. I went back inside and as of now Esmeralda seems to be looking for her daughter.

“Lucille? Lucille?” She kept on repeating that name over and over. It is a good thing that we have less customers now compared to a while ago.

Suddenly a girl entered the store carrying a sack. She seems to be full of dust and her dress is nothing but a mess from where she’s been. Esmeralda came in front of her and started wiping some of the dirt on her face using her handkerchief.

“Where have you been I’ve been calling you everywhere?”

“I went to the weapon shop to get some scraps for our project in school.” I guess schools still exist here apart from the magic ones.

“Why were you looking for me?”

“We have a new employee and his name is Atroquine.” As soon as she introduced me I immediately greeted her. Apparently she just looked away and I suddenly felt struck by a hammer for no reason. She appears to have brown eyes and her face is so calm it can level up the sea. However her attitude is in contrast with her appearance. Just like the other human like creatures here, their ears are quite distinct to certain animals back at home. This one has her ears slightly higher than humans, and her hair is neatly placed with pins, immediately giving me a smooth analysis and comparison of features.

“Also, can you look for some spare clothes upstairs for him? He will be starting to work as soon as he gets changed that is.”

“I’ll see what I can find then.” She went to the door on the side of the counter.

“Is she anti-social?”

“Excuse me but what does anti-social mean?” I just remembered, the terms in this world are different from what I have back at home. I really need to adjust myself drastically if I want to survive this.

“Anti-social means, someone who doesn’t talk to people that much.”

“Hmm, you could say that. Well, she wasn’t always the person who likes to do things alone. You see her father died when she was still young. Ever since that day, she doesn’t talk to anyone except those very close to her. She is 16 years old now and I am still having trouble dealing with her.”

“I’m sure she will mature in due time.” 

“I guess you are right. Well aren’t you the mature one here Quinie.” Quinie? She gave me an odd nickname as soon as got into a conversation with her. This place surely is something.

After several minutes, she came out carrying some clothes with her.

“This is my father’s clothes, I hope it fits you.” 

“Thank you!” I said to her as I took my top off and she pushed me hard enough that I almost got pinned to the wall.

“Go do it when we are not around i***t!” She must be embarrassed. What can I say, I’ve been living with myself for several years now, and it literally doesn’t matter if I dress naked. I guess I’ll have to live with them for quite some time until I get a stable job apart from deliveries. I don’t want to be a burden if that’s the situation I’m in.

“I see, well is there a place where I can change?” I asked both of them.

“I guess I should escort you to your room upstairs. You can go change there.” I just nodded and went to the same door to the right of the counter, we took the stairs to a hallway having 4 rooms in total. Following her lead, my room is on the last part of it. Entering the room, I have to say the place is quite nice and there’s a fully functional bed that exceeds my expectations (I thought I was going to sleep using a rug). There is also a desk, a cabinet and a closet. The room isn’t that big but I can manage to do some drawing, that’s probably the most important thing that I can think of right now aside from food. 

“This is your room now. You can change here then go downstairs, we’re going to eat lunch before you start.” She said to me as she went out of the room downstairs.

“What a nice lady.” I guess employment does work well in this world. I better get changed in a hurry since I don’t want to keep them waiting. 

I wore the pair of clothes that they gave me except the pants. I wore some sort of socks along with the boots. Well, I don’t want to change my pants since this one looks like the type of cloth that can be easily ripped off by bare hands. As soon as I finished changing, I rushed downstairs just to find out that the store is temporarily closed for a short break. There both of them are looking at me, as if I’m some sort of display feature in the store.

“You look good in that Quinie!” Esmeralda sure is optimistic with this.

“You…” Lucille seems to be muttering something.

“Uhm did you say something?”

“I said you look good in that!” She replied in an upset tone. She just sad on the table while her mother is laying down the food chuckling with her sudden outburst. I sat down beside her, and she seems to be bothered by it. I don’t know I should move a couple of meters around the table just to be safe.

(TO BE CONTINUED)