The Fool: Come now, if we don't tell them, there will be no escaping.
Charlie: I just don't get it.
Charlie: These things bring joy to everyone. So why does he want to take them away?
Charlie: I—I can't wrap my head around it.
The laughter around them subsided, and worried expressions began to replace smiles on the faces of the troupe.
All turned up to Charlie as if realizing something.
Troupe Member I: Charlie... What's happened?
But as Charlie opened her mouth, not a squeak emerged.
Troupe Member II: ...
Troupe Member II: We're ready, Troupe Master.
But before she could speak, Jeffrey rushed in, panting heavily.
Jeffrey: Troupe Master Charlie! Why aren't you ready to go? The cavalry... they're almost upon us!
The Fool: So, my dear, what's holding you back?
The Fool: Anxiety? Anger? Or just plain terror?
The clown stepped onto the stage—earlier than any of the others.
Behind that comical mask lay a heart stronger than any other.
He had made his decision already.
Jeffrey: We have to go now, Troupe Master!
Charlie: Why... why does he want to take it all away?
The Fool: —Have you heard the tale of Minos?
Charlie: The tale of Minos?
The Fool: Yes, the tale of that famous king.
The Fool: When the Greek prince Minos vied for the throne, he sought divine favor to prove himself the rightful king.
The Fool: "Oh, gods," he prayed, "if you support me, grant me a white bull."
The Fool: "Then, I will sacrifice it in your honor—this shall be our pact."
The Fool: The gods answered, granting him a white bull.
The Fool: But greed led Minos to deceive them.
The Fool: He sacrificed a different bull, claiming the white one for himself.
Charlie: ...
The Fool: But though Minos had kept the white bull, he soon lost what he sought most, no longer was he a king recognized by all.
The Fool: The term "tyrant" suited him better.
Charlie: Tyrant...
The Fool: Those who play the role of a tyrant. should understand better than anyone—the nature of "him".
The Fool: A tyrant is a monster, a towering creature.
Charlie: ...Unbound to his duty, unstoppable in his wrath.
The Fool: A tyrant scorns all, seeking only power.
Charlie: ...He is greedy, hungry to devour everything in sight.
The Fool: But his arrogance will bring him crashing down. For fear cannot withstand mockery.
The Fool: Then, the once-terrified populace will rise, and a new king will lead them.
The Fool: So, have you made your choice—run or stand? Live in fear or laugh in the face of death?
Charlie: Run or stand...
Jeffrey: Hold on, Mr. Fool, do you mean...
Jeffrey: No! That's too risky!
Charlie: ...
The Fool: It seems you've made up your mind, Troupe Master Charlie.
Charlie: You're right, Mr. Fool; I have.
Charlie: I do not know what day the tyrant will fall, but until then, it's our duty to resist.
Charlie: Is our show ready?
The Fool: All the players wait for your cue, Troupe Master.
The Fool bowed his head, acknowledging her command.
Charlie closed her eyes. Reopening them with a phoenix heart, ready to begin.
Charlie: Let the show go on!
Jeffrey: Troupe Master Charlie! Don't be reckless!
Jeffrey: The rest of the citizens at the festival are under the Mayor's protection, and the cavalry have no right to harm them.
Jeffrey: But your troupe are outlaws! They are authorized to kill you on sight!
The Fool: This is far from recklessness.
The Fool: Troupe Master Charlie made her decision long ago. She only needed a gentle nudging from The Fool.
Charlie: There's no need to fear.
Charlie: Even if the tyrant brings death, we'll not stay idle in our graves!
Charlie: Should death kiss us lightly on the cheek, our struggle will be our epitaph.
Charlie: But before that—
The Fool: We'll mock the tyrant as he deserves.
Troupe Member I: We're ready, Troupe Master. the stage is set and the players have their mark!
Troupe Member II: We've been running for so long, but that doesn't mean we'll keep running forever.
Charlie: Looking upon this grand finale, where would the excitement be to flee?
Charlie: Marvelous.
Charlie: Give your best performance, and let the audience witness our struggle with their raucous applause.
The Fool: We've fled from battlefields, gallows, palaces, dungeons, and we could keep fleeing.
The Fool: But we performers owe our audience a masterful performance, no matter the circumstances...
The Fool: —That is our promise to them.
Charlie: We shall be Theseus, not Minos who tramples on his promise.
Jeffrey: ...!
Charlie: Mr. Fool, ring the bells to announce the start of our show to the audience!
Charlie: —And, of course, don't forget to invite our "special guests."
