Lorien said uneasily, "Take off your mask before we talk, will you? Seeing you like this makes me uncomfortable..."
"Who told you to try possessing my body the moment we met?"
"I was only joking. Mainly, I wanted to see what level William is at now. The fact that you weren't affected by my illusion proves that you've grown quite a lot.
"Just as expected of an internal member of the circus, and of a human I hold in high regard."
Since William needed his help, he stopped dwelling on the matter, removed his mask, and returned to his normal state.
Lorien also waved over a bandage-covered nurse and had her brew William a cup of special tea—Cup of Moon. It helped clear the mind and refresh the spirit, and could even enhance the effects of Moonification for a short time.
Lorien did not talk about the performance. Instead, he brought up events from the Old World.
"William, last time I sensed the moon you released and came to the circus looking for you, I was stopped outside by a fellow called That Guy, who challenged me to a duel.
"That guy was quite formidable. He nearly killed me.
"That clown's strength should rank among the highest in the circus, right?"
"Let me think. If Boss isn't included, he should rank third, I suppose."
"Oh? Among the members alone, he's only third? What kind of monsters are the first two... I considered myself to have mastered the reborn power of the moon, and I considered myself to have obtained a weapon from the Duke whose fate perfectly overlapped with mine. I was certain I would rank near the top among the silver-circle powerhouses, yet I nearly got killed by that clown.
"Also, William, you need to be careful.
"When I