Charlie: ...
The cavalry left the town, dejected and broken.
As the gates closed, the bells chimed once more.
But this time, its toll was slow and drawn out.
Charlie: They're...
Charlie: They're gone...?
Charlie staggered back as if drained of all her strength.
She gasped violently, filling her lungs with air.
Charlie: T-they...really left?!
As she tried to compose herself, the people around her and the burning buildings lining the streets began to sway.
Finally, the whole scene shattered like a popped bubble, revealing the true appearance of the street.
The festive bonfire continued to blaze in the square, its flames turning the surroundings as bright as day.
But only a small portion of the crowd had vanished; more people remained behind her.
Yes, it wasn't an illusion, but rather they had been all, or almost all, too real.
After a few moments of silence, a cheer erupted from the crowd.
Old Man: We did it! I can't believe it, we actually drove them away!
Vendor: Hurrah!
The Fool: A flawless performance, Troupe Master Charlie! A flawless performance!
The Fool: A haunting performance of unprecedented magnitude!
Charlie: L—Let's not talk about it anymore!
Charlie: Oh... I... I was so scared. Just thinking about what happened... I can't stop shaking!
Jeffrey: You... You did it! You really scared off the Duke's men!
Charlie: No... I didn't do anything at all! I might have put everyone at risk!
Charlie: If it weren't for all of you ... my poor tricks would've been exposed ...
Old Man: There's no need to be modest. You gave us the courage to resist. We came together because of your call.
Jeffrey: This is an outright victory, Troupe Master Charlie.
Jeffrey: You gave them a taste of their own medicine and taught them a lesson for all of us.
Charlie: R-Really...?
The Fool: Mr. Jeffrey was right. These knights will never reveal what happened today.
The Fool: The tyrant's lackeys rely on lies and fear to maintain power, fearing people might discover how weak he truly is...
Jeffrey: Their actions are driven by self-interest. They won't speak of this; it would never serve their purpose.
Charlie: That's amazing! We really did it!
The Fool: But, Troupe Master Charlie, I must remind you of something.
The Fool: Though emotions will run high for now, please don't forget there's another act still to come.
Charlie: Something greater still...
Charlie: Oh!
The Fool: Our earlier performance was but a dress rehearsal. What's comes next is the real show, the most crucial of our performances.
The Fool: The eager crowd has already gathered; step onto the stage and answer their call.
With the bells tolling, their audience converged on the square from all directions.
The Fool: Their faces filled with anticipation for a performance befitting the festival.
Charlie: ...Yes, yes! You're right, Mr. Fool! Now begins the most important part of the show!
She took a deep breath, her expression turning serious.
It was the same look she always wore when she stepped onto the stage.
Charlie: Let's get started, Mr. Fool.
Charlie: May we echo the promise we made to our audience and let them know that the theater we cherish won't end here.
Charlie: Because the joy of theater can have a lasting impact.
Charlie: It can overcome hardship, defeat fear, and even conquer the greed of Minos.
Charlie: Yes, even if it's an illusion, what people experience is far from some meaningless bubble.
The Fool: That is where our little story ends. I wonder, Miss Vertin, was the story to your satisfaction?
The Fool: You see, that is the true meaning of theater.
The Fool: Whether real or illusory, people will find in the performance an inspiration to resonate with.
The Fool: Were you wondering about which play the troupe is performing?
The Fool: If you ask me, it's still a little too early for Christmas.
The Fool: But for a story like this, ending it with a little comedy seemed quite fitting.
The Fool: I'm curious... What do you think?
The Fool: Oh, there's no need to answer. I believe deep down inside, you already know.
The Fool: —But all this remaining the same, I hope you enjoyed the story.
