26th Dawn - A Colorful Parade

A bit further from the central plaza, there's a swarm of people flocking around a lively exhibition of a group of entertainers.

They're holding some kind of performance with the street as their stage. What stands out to me the most is their intriguing and bright apparel. From garish garments to gaudy ribbons and bows, they bring life to this dull and somber road. They're definitely ostentatious and a bit outrageous, but even then, they're still able to paint a smile on their audience.

"Looking closely, these people were actually the same group who dined in the restaurant back then," I mused as their unique appearance suddenly rang a bell in me.

Applause and laughter fill the place as the skit continues. I'm also watching from the side and eventually find myself having fun as well. As I continue poring over their motley ensemble, I then catch sight of something that really piques my attention.

It's a beauteous ballerina in flats.

Though I understand that this kind of footwear is but a necessity of her role, I still find it interestingly conspicous. That look actually has its charm, after all. Though I admit that I usually wear flats for the comfort it brings, they're still fashionable even in women.

Rolling my eyeballs from the ballerina to the other side, I'm surprised upon seeing a bicycle. It's not that it's my first time seeing one, but for a second, I thought that the ballerina will be the one to ride on it even in that very short skirt, which doesn't really make sense. But then, a jester appears and hops on it instead.

"Yet, now that I think about it, how do women in Ellicht exactly ride a bicycle? They never wear pants, though they do wear bloomers underneath, but even then, that's probably uncomfortable..."

After a moment of mulling over, the urge to laugh suddenly wells up in me as I find myself still thinking about fashion even in this situation. It's as if I'm easily diverted by how people dress themselves, what they wear, and the reason behind their clothing.

"Lewis really rubbed on me..." I thought out loud with a giggle, but then, I failed to realize that this way of thinking has always been with me even way back then.

The show finally ended a few minutes later. Everyone the performers a round of applause while they give a bow. As I'm about to swerve around and leave, a man in a black suit approaches me out of nowhere.

"Fancy seeing you here. You're a waitress at Ruben's, right?" he voiced out, much to my suprise.

"Yes, Sir. Then, could you be...?"

"Oh, right. I'm the ringmaster of this group, Cesar. We're a circus."

I gape at this, flabbergasted. I thought they're only a group of street performers, but then again, they look too adept and exquisite to be one.

"I just heard this morning. That diner's gone now," Cesar continues with a disappointed look, which I only mirrored.

"Yes, Sir... But if you don't mind me asking, how come you're able to recognize me?" I asked, tilting my head quizzically.

"As the leader of such a diverse troop, I have a keen eye for everything. You're easy to remember, young lady, especially with that white hair and red eyes."

I just nod at this in understanding since I already somewhat expected it. With that, Cesar and I converse for a while longer. He expressed his dismay at what happened to the inn and restaurant. It turned out that he knows Ruben for a long time now, and he also used to be a patron there when the circus wasn't travelling yet.

"What about you, young lady? Aren't you at the age when you're supposed to be an apprentice?" Cesar questioned, making me flinch a little.

"W-Well, yes, but I'm still working on it. I won't go back to being a waitress anymore, though."

"That's good to hear. To be honest, I discern that you hold a lot of potential, so you really shouldn't waste them. People in Ellicht are quite predictable, you see. Just flash them a smile with those vibrant colors and bam!"

I then laugh at Cesar's humor. He somewhat resembles Ruben in this aspect.

"But that's only how a showman like me sees it... It's actually not that simple," he added before patting my shoulder.

He's probably encouraging me. As he does so, however, I find myself pondering his words. I then remember a realization I once shared with Ruben before. It's back when I sold a lot of scrunchies that I was able to earn a week worth of salary.

"Rather than flashing them a smile, I believe that it would feel better to make people smile instead, like your circus does, Sir. Of course, it won't be simple either, but I think it'll be worth it in the end," I commented with an earnest smile.

Cesar scrutinizes my frame for a moment before resting his hand on my head. I then look up to him, only to find an amused grin splattered on his face.

"If that's what you believe, I think there's no need to worry about the future anymore. Just hold onto that and be a principled woman who puts others before herself," he blurted out, which made me look at him in wonder.

Cesar is such a nice guy.

Before our conversation ends, he gives me his phone number and tells me to contact him if I need help. I kindly refuse at first since it's too much of a favour, but he insists. He says that if Ruben trusts me enough to take me in, he also considers me as a good and reliable person. He also mentions how my statement seems to brighten up his day and change his opinion on youth nowadays.

"Teenagers these days are all about money and fame, probably because of the influence of our generation. It's good to know that young people like you still exist," is what he told me.

I'm not certain about what exactly he means by that since I don't usually interact with a lot of people, nor am I involved in any circle. I appreciate his words of praise and encouragement, though. Bumping into him and his troop is probably fate since I get to see something amazing. Their exhibition cheers me up an so is Mr. Cesar's message.

After accepting his offer, I finally bid farewell and take my leave.