Charlie: Hmmm... Mr. Fool, how much further do we have to go?
The Fool: My dear Troupe Master Charlie, to which path are you referring?
The Fool: For the road to paradise has long been closed, no sign of it reopening any time soon.
The Fool: But if it's the path to hell you're after, that remains wide open, ready for our carriage to speed down and down!
Charlie: Um... N-No, that's not what I meant...
The Fool: Hah! A jest, my dear, to lighten the mood on this long journey.
The Fool: We've an hour left till we reach our destination.
Charlie: One... a whole hour?
The Fool: You seem rather surprised.
Charlie: Well... yes.
Charlie: It’s only that we’ve already met quite a few people on our journey. I-I thought perhaps we were closer to town.
Charlie: Also there’s something else... something off about this letter...
"Dear Troupe Master Charlie: we have heard of your troupe’s reputation. The folks in our city wish to see you perform at our upcoming festival in five day’s time."
Charlie: It’s all-together strange, isn’t it? Who invites a theater troupe to perform at a time like this?!
The Fool: More surprising is that you received the invitation at all.
The Fool: Only a few years back, we'd have enough of these letters to fill a wall.
Charlie: But that's... that’s long since past...
Charlie: With all theater prohibited... Sending a letter like this is b-brave...
The Fool: Brave indeed. Openly defying the ban.
The Fool: But my dear Troupe Master, new laws do not restrain desires, they only make new lawbreakers.
The Fool: It is only right that we respond to the people's desires, whether there be a law or not.
Charlie: But...
The Fool: Did we not all agree on this decision, the whole troupe, including you?
Charlie: Still, I feel like we shouldn't go... What if it’s a trap?!
Soldier: ...
Soldier: Pardon me, would you be the actors from the People's Troupe?
Charlie: S-soldiers!
Charlie: It is a trap! These soldiers m-must be here to arrest us!
Charlie: Run away! Run away!
The Fool: Wait, Troupe Master, no need to panic. These fine chaps don't seem interested in starting a fight.
A middle-aged man steps forward from among the soldiers.
Jeffrey: Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jeffrey, we’re here to welcome you on behalf of Autonoma.
Jeffrey: Mr. Fool and I are acquainted; I believe he can attest to my identity.
Charlie: Huh? S-so you're not here to arrest us?
Jeffrey: Of course not! Why I’m as big a fan of your troupe as anyone else! Why would we do that?
Jeffrey: You must have seen all the people heading this way. They're local farmers and craftsmen on the way to Autonama for the festival.
Charlie: Oh, yes... of course, like it said in the letter- still having a festival at this time feels a bit...
Jeffrey: Dangerous?
Jeffrey: We're well aware, but this decision was made by the Mayor after weighing all the risks.
Jeffrey: The Mayor thinks people need something to celebrate in these troubled times.
Jeffrey: To avoid clashing with the Duke's ban, we're calling this a "market fair!" At least, until the show begins.
Jeffrey: We'd appreciate it if the troupe could likewise be discreet.
The Fool: Why even the foolish groundhog knows to keep his head low when a hawk's on the hunt.
Jeffrey: ...That's a sharp analogy, my friend.
Jeffrey: But either way, I want to thank you for coming and for responding to our plea despite the dangers involved.
Charlie: Y-you're too kind. We're just grateful for the chance to perform...
Jeffrey: The festival and your show will be held tomorrow. Until then, rest up and stay low.
Jeffrey: I've arranged a place to stay and some provisions for you. Follow me.
