A Gut-Wrenching Performance (8)

So, we meet again.

I gave a low bow, hat in hand covering the opening of my suit jacket, as I greeted the queen. I thought she would be surprised, or at least a bit confused, but there was none of that. Instead, once I raised my head, her eyebrow arched up with intrigue, as though she both expected and not expected me to be here.

“How curious,” she began, figuratively stoking a metaphorical beard, “The Jester, was it? I do not remember you attending any events hosted by the palace, nor do I recognize your name among the upper or middle castes.” Her eyes narrowed, trying to find out my intentions, but they weren’t focused on the me in front of her. Instead, she glanced off to the right.

I can’t believe she’s already seen through me. No one else has noticed, but she’s done so twice now. It’s astounding.

“Well fortunately, I was coerced here by your gracious, self-appointed host such that I may provide my meager abilities for a spot of indulgence.”

“Quite intriguing. Does this mean, as a Jester, you are a fool?” Although those words were both commonly used to describe my name, I understood the hidden implication. She was the one who told me not to involve myself in this world, yet here I was, standing before her, doing exactly that. Though, in my defense, I’ve already done what she said. I’m only here to repay the favor.

“I prefer to call it entertainment,” I quipped back.

“Entertainment, you say? Would you care to elaborate on such a brief demonstration?” Yep, she definitely knows that my illusory self is just that: an illusion. And, most likely…

“I think my spells have already spoken for themselves.” I took a step to the side, letting the queen take in the stained glass portrait on the far wall.

“Oh, that was your doing, then?”

“I cannot take all the credit. One of your more violent guests, Viscount… What is the name again?” I looked towards one of the knights.

“Viscount Triboulet?”

“Yes! Viscount Triboulet decided he wanted a more open-air environment. I have only made it more presentable for your lovely guests.

“A perfect finale to your supposed entertainment, I presume?”

“You see right through me, Your Majesty.” She’s already guessed my entire plan, or maybe she already knew. There are only a few who’re aware, but it’s not a problem. This just makes things simpler.

“The place where you come from must be full of wise and powerful people then.”

“I would not say that. It is more average than you think.” Although the humans in my world were much stronger than those in this world, that was only because of the technological gap. Our world had become so advanced that it became commonplace to use words like ‘spellpower’ or ‘magic’ to cover up its fantastical, black box nature. If you stripped those away, we were much weaker than the people here, who were born with vessels of mana integrated into their bodies.

“Is that so? I will take your word for it.” She then put one leg over another, switching gears to our main topic of discussion. “So, are you here to provide a bit of entertainment for me?” The way she spoke made me think of my university professor. While her aura hadn’t changed, she was giving me her full attention. Not my illusory self mind you, but me.

“If Your Majesty pleases. I have only come to return the kindness for inviting me to such a wondrous banquet.” It was contradictory to what I said previously, but that didn’t matter. I used the opportunity to slip something out of my ticket pocket. Her smile visibly twitched as she caught a glimpse of it.

“You do realize there is not much time left for the banquet.”

“That is fine. I can guarantee you will be entertained either way.”

“And what if I do not wish for you to leave?”

“Then, that is your choice to make.” It was something I struggled with as well. Remaining trapped in my monotonous life, repeating the same actions over and over – while I would be content, some would definitely think of it as hell, unable to claw yourself out. Even when I was kidnapped into this world, it was hard to say whether I changed at all. The actions might be different, but the feeling remained the same.

So, I wondered, who was I supposed to be in this world? What sort of persona should I wear? Even as I experimented throughout my shows, what made the audience resonate the most? While my acts were entertaining, they weren’t the main reason everyone stuck around.

Therefore, I decided to become the me I wanted to be, to take that tiniest step forward.

“I am simply here to put on a show, one more amazing than I have ever done before.”

The queen closed her eyes, likely contemplating what she should… no, wanted to do. If, after all this, she decided to decline my invitation, then that was that. But if she accepted…

“How lovely. I am quite curious as to what you will show me. Of course, it had better not be a disappointment,” she let out a soft smile, breaking from the rigidity that once lingered.

“Do not worry, Your Majesty. I can guarantee it will be a gut wrencher.”

“Ah, and before I forget, Duke Engres.”

“Yes, Your Highness?” he responded, providing the minimum courtesy, not that the queen minded.

“I assume you are already aware?”

“...”

“Then, I will leave it to you to take charge.”

“...of course.” His voice sounded sad for some reason, yet resolved to see things through.

“Now, I shall give you my full attention, though you would be wise to listen when I speak next time.”

“I have already taken your words to heart,” I grinned.

“Ah, is that what it is? I see,” she chuckled softly.

“May I have your trust, Your Majesty?”

“Is that all? Take it. I am curious to see how you will make use of it.”

“I shall begin then.” Now, it’s just like I practiced.

With a deep breath, I took a step forward.

And I thrusted my dagger straight into her stomach.