The zoo housed over three hundred beasts, twenty-three of which were perfect beasts capable of performing on stage,
Among those twenty-three was one especially extraordinary existence. It had even completed its Path in a beastified state, becoming the beast creation Zoke was most proud of,
In the end, after giving a brilliant performance, it received Boss's special approval and became a Sub-Beast Tamer.
"Calopes."
Throughout their tour of the zoo, the three of them constantly felt the cold gaze of some kind of snake. William also caught glimpses of a jade-green snake's body occasionally appearing on the rafters, in the shadows, and around the corners of the zoo, silently following them closely.
It was only after she received a meaningful glance from Zoke that she finally left.
As they walked through the latter half of the zoo, they entered an area reserved in advance for the Acrobatic Troupe. No beasts had been arranged to live there yet, so there was naturally nothing to see and nothing to talk about.
Caught between the two, William could clearly sense the awkward atmosphere and the tension that might erupt into conflict at any moment,
To ease the atmosphere, William brought up a topic that he himself was also very interested in.
"Senior Zoke, speaking of which, the main members of the circus like you must often do things besides performing, right?"
"Yes, we often hold various gatherings. Boss even personally participates in or initiates some of them, such as the Demon Feast.
"It's my favorite activity. Boss requires every main member to prepare the dish they're best at and serve it to the others during the Demon Feast.
"The person who receives the most votes gets a chance to speak with Boss in private.
"My Exquisitely Roasted Fresh Brain Flower has never won