51. Old

"Alright, everyone, we've arrived. Carlos, get the crew and set up the venue quickly. It's getting late and we have our first show tonight."

The Ship docked, and a magical chain flew from the dock wrapping around the ship's bolts.

Slowly, a door appeared on the side of the ship, and a passage extended to the road.

Carlos and a few squibs started unloading various juggling props from the ship.

"Aurelius, keep an eye on the animal enclosure. Here's the performance list. Make sure your team is back backstage on time," Skender said, feeling a little worried. "This is your first performance, so familiarize yourself with the backstage and don't make any mistakes."

Aurelius took the parchment, glanced at it, made a gesture, and headed to the cabin with his subordinate, Igor.

The circus ship was filled with magic. It served as both the circus's vehicle and their mobile hotel and theater.

However, the ship's performance venue was smaller. Skender had a newer magic tent now, so they rarely used the ship for performances.

But since there was no square available in Siren City, they had to use the ship's theater again.

The ship had five floors. The top floor was Skender's residence and also housed the control room for the entire ship.

The second level was where the three wizards lived, and it had direct access to the outside deck.

The third floor was for the rest of the crew's accommodations.

The fifth floor was the warehouse and animal pen.

The fourth floor, which few people visited, was the theater used for performances.

"Boss, the theater is up ahead, and this is the backstage," Igor flattered.

Igor had become submissive lately. The more indifferent Aurelius seemed the more fearful and flattering Igor became. He tried his best to avoid making Aurelius angry and meticulously completed his work.

Aurelius was pleased to see this change in Igor.

Aurelius walked around the theater, noting the entry and exit points, dressing rooms, and the important animal waiting area.

His only responsibility was bringing the animals to perform here. It was an easy job.

After reviewing the performance list Skender had given him, he realized today was a preview show. There were only nine performances in total: three juggling acts, three alien performances, and three magical animal performances.

Today, they would showcase Kappa, Fire Lizard, and Marten - not-too-challenging magical animals. The kappa was just a fool. He would do whatever he was asked. If he wasn't a little ugly, this magical animal would be the favorite of the circus.

Fire Lizard have the same violent temper as fire dragons. However, they don't possess the power of fire dragons and can be easily managed in a cage.

The real troublemaker is a marten named Leila, who looks exactly like a ferret, only much larger. What's truly remarkable is that this marten can talk. 

While most martens can only say a few unintelligent words, Leila is different. 

I don't know where Skender found this magical little creature. Is Leila going to perform a talk show next?

"Leila, your performance is tonight. Are you ready?" Aurelius called out to Leila from outside her cage.

Her cage is nearly identical to Nagini's. It contains a bed, a dressing table, and even a large wardrobe filled with custom-made performance clothes.

A marten over 1.5 meters long lay lazily on the bed, sound asleep. It was Laila.

Upon hearing Aurelius' words, Leila impatiently covered her ears with her paws.

"Leila!"

"Don't make any noise!" Laila's voice was high-pitched, resembling that of a young girl.

Aurelius found it amusing and made a sarcastic remark. "I hope you can still say that when the whip hits you."

"What? A whip?!" Leila trembled, jumped up from the bed, and stood up straight. She put her little paws to her mouth, imitating a human, and coughed softly. "Leila is the best actor! Nothing can go wrong."

"That's good." Aurelius nodded, then turned and left.

Normally, Leila doesn't belong to Aurelius. Igor takes care of her. Aurelius only came for a routine check-up.

The evening's performance was a great success.

Unlike the barren and rundown lower city, the upper city is filled with respectable people, mostly businessmen. These wizard businessmen from all over the world are generous and won't hesitate to pay a few Kraken coins to watch a show.

By the time the show ended, it was nearly midnight.

The performers were very tired and decided to take an early break. They had several more days of performances here.

Aurelius felt relieved. After reading for a while, he planned to take a walk outside.

Carlos had the same idea.

"This isn't my first time visiting Siren. About ten years ago? I was just like you now. I had recently joined the group. I never imagined there could be a city like this in the world. This is what my old man told me. I'll never forget seeing my dad go to work for the Ministry of Magic, which solidified my desire."

The sirens at night are even more enchanting.

The lower city embodies all the sin, decay, and twilight of Siren, creating a dreamlike atmosphere in the upper city.

The sky is filled with stars while flowing clouds and mist cascade beneath your feet. Sea fish swim in bubbles, resembling graceful flying birds. They are incredibly agile. Colorful magic candles, flames, and fish-man statues softly singing in the ears adorn this dreamy city.

"The Fishman Pier, we were here last time. It's one of the largest piers in the upper city, and most importantly, it's closest to the commercial center," Aurelius said as he looked at a signboard introducing the Fishman Pier.

"I heard that a couple founded this place," Aurelius continued.

"Yes, a Norse wizard and his siren wife," replied Tina, a hot girl wearing a fishtail skirt as she approached, holding a red wine glass.

Her attire didn't seem like that of a wizard or someone living in a wizard city.

"I'm Tina Sebastian," she introduced herself.

"Tina?" Aurelius asked, showing surprise.

"Is that an unusual name?" Tina inquired.

"Oh, I just remembered that I also know a girl named Tina," Aurelius said.

"She must be beautiful too," Tina replied with a sweet smile.

Aurelius changed the topic, asking, "So, you said this place was built by your grandparents?"

"Well, of course, something is wrong with that," Tina responded.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Carlos interrupted, asking, "How old are you?"

"How old do you think I am?" Tina replied coquettishly.

"..." Carlos was at a loss for words.

"Old!" Tina exclaimed, breaking the silence.