Funeral Lilies Conjured With a Sleight of Hand - Track 9

I think the circus was called… Asahi Circus?

It was a traveling circus that came to HAMA real long ago. It seemed to have had a long history back then, but I dunno if it’s still around.

……

It’s empty.

…Oh, really? Guess that’s all for one drink.

(There I go again… I kept going on and on about myself and paid no attention to Kuguri-san’s pace…)

(That kinda selfishness won’t get us talking…)

……

…Are you saying you’re done?

What?

I’ll walk to the dorm to sober up. We can do an overtime round only during that.

Huh… Ah! Okay. I’ll drink this ASAP!

Ha. You’ve got a long way to go.

(Uhhh, we’re almost at the dorm. What should I talk about…)

(I even got Chihiro to help me, but none of that is gonna mean anything if I keep talking about myself and can’t convince Kuguri-san to come back…)

Maci.

…Ah, yes!

Why did you tell me that story?

Uhhh…

I just, y’know… I want to know more about you, Kuguri-san, even if it’s just a little.

…So that’s the kind of person you are?

…….

I figured you were the type that wasn’t interested in others.

Ummm…

You don’t try to pry into other people’s business. I like that about you.

Ah… Well, that’s true. I don’t want people prying into what I just told you about my past, so I don’t pry into theirs. That’s just how I am.

Ufufu. How honest.

But… I tried to pry into your past the other day.

So you brought up your past because you had to?

Ah, well, I just thought I should open up myself first before trying to ask personal things about you…

So that’s how it is. You dragged me into that conversation for the sake of your aesthetics.¹

Uh… When you put it that way, it makes the whole thing seem kinda pointless…

But the most important thing is I wanted to have a proper talk with you, Kuguri-san.

Oh? And is that because you saw me back when I was performing?

Urgh.

I… did. Only a picture, though.

Good grief… You’re a terrible liar, maci.

Um… I’m sorry for looking into things behind your back.

…I found a book that looked like it was written by your parents at the library. There was a picture of you that looked like you were performing at a recital.

And?

…I’m not sure if I can explain this well.

I probably just felt like the Kuguri-san I saw in that picture and my past self were pretty similar.

……

Like, we were both wearing a mask and refusing to show our true selves to others…

So I thought if you’ve got a true face hidden somewhere, I’d find a clue in your past…

A mask, huh…

Since your theme for “Monochrome Memories” was a circus, I thought you might’ve had some special memories at one–

Maci.

I’ve already had my fill for tonight. I can’t take any more.

Ah. Did I… talk too much…? I’m sorry.

You’re just a little selfish… but at least you’re honest about it.

…I’ll share a bit, just for you. I’ve seen the Asahi Circus as well.

Huh…?

(Does that mean it still exists in this era…?)

Although, the circus’s internal operations were quite corrupt. They disbanded after having to deal with so many scandals.

Is that so… That’s a little sad.

Oh? Strange how you sound like you miss the circus that started your tragedy.

I mean, yeah, but… I can’t deny that I had fun.

…Is that so?

I wouldn’t call it “colorful”, but… It’s not like my memory of it is a terrible, monochrome thing.

I guess it’s like having a little light slipping through the darkness…

…Though that might just be my wishful thinking.

……

Maci. When you and I first met in prison, do you remember what I told you… and how you answered?²

Huh…!?

U-Umm… What was it, again? Something about a waltz? You came off so strong back then the memory’s kinda flown right out of my brain.

……

I told you there was despair in your eyes, and you told me despair was something anyone could have.

Huh? What did you say? Could you speak a little louder…

Forget it. It’s not that important. All of it is meaningless. Everything fades away with time.

O-Okay…

(Perhaps what nyuszi said wasn’t completely wrong.)

(But… he wasn’t entirely right either.)

Kuguri-san?

You may be drowning in despair, but there’s still a star that shines inside you.

(A long time ago, I had one too… until God shattered it.)

What?

Keeping that faint light from dying out might not be a bad idea…

Huh…?

Alright then. We can start the circus photoshoot again tomorrow.

Wh– Really!?

That’s what you came to me to talk about, isn’t it? Why are you surprised?

I-It’s nothing. I just don’t have anything witty to say…

Ah, but you coming back is a real lifesaver! Thank you so much!

Yeah, yeah. Stay thankful.

Oh, the theme needs a few adjustments. That dedicated lány from before will make all my wishes come true.

(Just what is Kuguri-san thinking about…? What’s got him so motivated all of a sudden?)

(…Ah, well. It doesn’t look like he’s doing it ‘cause he’s being forced to. Though I dunno if my trying to persuade him meant anything.)

(At least he seems to be in a better mood for now?)

When we get back, we’ll have to practice our magic, maci. Things are going to get rather busy.

Urgh. Are we doing the skewering show after all…?

Please don’t go too crazy with the gore…

Well, no promises.